bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viable cold-tolerant iron-reducing microorganisms in geographically-isolated subglacial environments
Authors: Nixon Sophie L. , Telling Jon , Wadham Jemma L. , Cockell Charles S.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Subglacial environments are known to harbor metabolically-diverse microbial communities. These microbial communities drive chemical weathering of underlying bedrock and influence the geochemistry of glacial meltwaters. Despite its importance in weathering reactions, the microbial cycling of iron in subglacial environments, in particular the role of microbial iron reduction, is poorly understood. In this study we address the prevalence of viable iron-reducing microorganisms in subglacial sediments from five geographically isolated glaciers. Iron-reducing enrichment cultures were established with sediment from beneath Engabreen (Norway), Finsterwalderbreen (Svalbard), Leverett and Russell Glaciers (Greenland) and Lower Wright Glacier (Antarctica). Rates of iron reduction were higher at 4 °C compared with 15 °C in all but one duplicated second-generation enrichment culture, indicative of cold-tolerant and perhaps cold-adapted iron-reducers. Analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA genes indicate Desulfosporosinus were the dominant iron-reducing microorganisms in low-temperature Engabreen, Finsterwalderbreen and Lower Wright Glacier enrichments, and Geobacter dominated in Russell and Leverett enrichments. Results from this study suggest microbial iron reduction is widespread in subglacial environments, and may have important implications for global biogeochemical iron cycling and export to marine ecosystems.
Mid-to-late Holocene temperature evolution and atmospheric dynamics over Europe in regional model simulations
Authors: Russo Emmanuele , Cubasch Ulrich
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The improvement in resolution of climate models has always been mentioned as one of the most important factors when investigating past climatic conditions, especially in order to evaluate and compare the results against proxy data. Despite this, only a few studies have tried to directly estimate the possible advantages of highly resolved simulations for the study of past climate change. Motivated by such considerations, in this paper we present a set of high-resolution simulations for different time slices of the mid-to-late Holocene performed over Europe using the state-of-the-art regional climate model COSMO-CLM. After proposing and testing a model configuration suitable for paleoclimate applications, the aforementioned mid-to-late Holocene simulations are compared against a new pollen-based climate reconstruction data set, covering almost all of Europe, with two main objectives: testing the advantages of high-resolution simulations for paleoclimatic applications, and investigating the response of temperature to variations in the seasonal cycle of insolation during the mid-to-late Holocene. With the aim of giving physically plausible interpretations of the mismatches between model and reconstructions, possible uncertainties of the pollen-based reconstructions are taken into consideration. Focusing our analysis on near-surface temperature, we can demonstrate that concrete advantages arise in the use of highly resolved data for the comparison against proxy-reconstructions and the investigation of past climate change. Additionally, our results reinforce previous findings showing that summertime temperatures during the mid-to-late Holocene were driven mainly by changes in insolation and that the model is too sensitive to such changes over Southern Europe, resulting in drier and warmer conditions. However, in winter, the model does not correctly reproduce the same amplitude of changes evident in the reconstructions, even if it captures the main pattern of the pollen data set over most of the domain for the time periods under investigation. Through the analysis of variations in atmospheric circulation we suggest that, even though the wintertime discrepancies between the two data sets in some areas are most likely due to high pollen uncertainties, in general the model seems to underestimate the changes in the amplitude of the North Atlantic Oscillation, overestimating the contribution of secondary modes of variability.
On the forecast skills of a convection permitting ensemble
Authors: Schellander-Gorgas Theresa , Wang Yong , Meier Florian , Weidle Florian , Wittmann Christoph , Kann Alexander
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The 2.5 km convection-permitting (CP) ensemble AROME-EPS (Applications of Research to Operations at Mesoscale – Ensemble Prediction System) is evaluated by comparison with the regional 11 km ensemble ALADIN-LAEF (Aire Limitée Adaption dynamique Développement InterNational – Limited Area Ensemble Forecasting) to show whether a benefit is provided by a CP EPS. The evaluation focuses on the abilities of the ensembles to quantitatively predict precipitation during a 3-month convective summer period over areas consisting of mountains and lowlands. The statistical verification uses surface observations and 1 km × 1 km precipitation analyses, and the verification scores involve state-of-the-art statistical measures for deterministic and probabilistic forecasts as well as novel spatial verification methods. The results show that the convection-permitting ensemble with higher resolution AROME-EPS outperforms its mesoscale counterpart ALADIN-LAEF for precipitation forecasts. The positive impact is larger for the mountainous areas than for the lowlands. In particular, the diurnal precipitation cycle is improved in AROME-EPS, which leads to a significant improvement of scores at the concerned times of day (up to approximately one third of the scored verification measure). Moreover, there are advantages for higher precipitation thresholds at small spatial scales, which is due to the improved simulation of the spatial structure of precipitation.
Restoring Crested Wheatgrass Stands to Big Sagebrush for Improved Sage-grouse Habitat: A Literature Review
Authors: Wengreen Krystle A. , Frisina Michael , Hager Julie L. , Sowell Bok F.
Published: August 2016

Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a high priority species for federal and state land management agencies in the Western United States. Sage-grouse are sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) obligates requiring sagebrush for their survival throughout the year. Sagebrush has been removed and replaced with crested wheatgrass (Agropyroncristatum & A.desertorum) throughout the West. The objectives of this paper were to review the literature (100 papers), as well as consult experts, to determine which methods are most likely to eliminate crested wheatgrass and establish sagebrush. No technique eliminates crested wheatgrass in a single application but research suggests it should not comprise more than 14% cover for successful reseeding of other species. Grazing and fire have no long-term impacts on crested wheatgrass. Mechanical treatments, such as plowing, disking, and cultivating reduce and eradicate crested wheatgrass, but a flush of invasive annual grasses following mechanical disturbance can make establishment of seeded species difficult. If invasive plant establishment is a problem with mechanical treatments, crested wheatgrass stands should be treated with glyphosate in early spring for two consecutive years at a rate of 1.1 kg/ha of active ingredient. Then, sagebrush should be seeded in the late fall using a compact row seeder or Brillion cultipacker at a rate of 0.22 kg/ha pure live seed. 
Backlash Against International Courts in West, East and Southern Africa
Authors: Helfer Laurence R.
Published: August 2016

In a working paper based on extensive field research and interviews, Karen Alter, James Gathii, and I analyze three recent backlash attempts against sub-regional courts in East, West, and Southern Africa. Our paper analyzes credible proposals by African governments to restrict the jurisdiction of these courts in response to politically embarrassing rulings. These events are not widely known, and they are at odds with the prevailing view that it is difficult to sanction international judges.
Narrativas biográficas: o olhar testemunhal dos diários e sua relação com a prática da cidadania
Authors: Martinez Monica
Published: August 2016

A partir do levantamento dos trabalhos apresentados na Sociedade Brasileira de Estudos Interdisciplinares da Comunicação (Intercom) sobre o tema diários, esse estudo tem como objetivo articular uma possível relação entre a prática da cidadania comunicacional da pesquisa sobre os diários íntimos, seja em suas apresentações tradicionais, comumente em suportes impressos, ou em suas apresentações mais recentes, disponibilizadas em ambientes digitais. Propõe-se que esses registros, uma vez disseminados, tenham um poder de influência cidadã, logo abarcando do individual ao comunitário, bem como o humanitário, dependendo de uma miríade de possibilidades que contemplem desde a visão de mundo ampla do(a) autor(a) às necessidades de ação e reflexão de grupos sociais num dado momento sócio histórico.
A cultura da convergência e as práticas discursivas em publicações oficiais da Câmara dos Deputados do Brasil: um estudo multimodal diacrônico
Authors: Ferraz Janaína De Aquino , Galvão Rosane Queiroz
Published: August 2016

Esse estudo apresenta uma reflexão acerca do fenômeno chamado cultura da convergência e seus efeitos sobre a linguagem empregada em capas de jornais impressos da Câmara dos Deputados do Brasil, como marca de mudança na paisagem semiótica da comunicação social institucional. Buscamos, em primeiro lugar, a compreensão do conceito de cultura da convergência. Em seguida, apresentamos os efeitos concretos do fenômeno nas estruturas dos órgãos de comunicação social da Câmara dos Deputados do Brasil e em suas práticas discursivas. Num terceiro momento, ajustamos o foco à evolução da linguagem multimodal de um dos veículos de comunicação impressos da Câmara dos Deputados, o Jornal da Câmara. Por fim, esteados nos preceitos da Análise Crítica de Discurso e na Teoria Semiótica Social da Multimodalidade, intentamos revelar como as mudanças discursivas coadunam-se às novéis práticas sociais ligadas à chamada cultura da convergência.
Onde está o ciberespaço? A metáfora da “nuvem” aplicada aos estudos da cibercultura
Authors: Satuf Ivan
Published: August 2016

A noção seminal de ciberespaço presente na obra literária de William Gibson está centrada na dicotomia conexão/desconexão e o desenvolvimento subsequente dos estudos da cibercultura ajudou a reforçar a separação entre on-line (ou virtual) e off-line (ou real). Este artigo questiona a validade desta concepção binária diante do atual cenário social e tecnológico, marcado pela proliferação de dispositivos móveis conectados a redes digitais de alta velocidade. O objetivo é propor uma nova abordagem teórica da cibercultura a partir da metáfora da “nuvem”, mais adequada ao estudo de áreas emergentes como a “Internet das Coisas” e os processos de midiatização associados à comunicação móvel.
O ensino de jornalismo e as novas tecnologias na Escola de Comunicação de Normal, em Illinois, US: entrevista com os professores John Huxford e John Baldwin
Authors: Dalla Costa Rosa Maria Cardoso
Published: August 2016

O texto relata a entrevista com os professores John Huxford e John Baldwin, realizada em janeiro de 2016, na School of Communication, na cidade de Normal, estado de Illinois, nos Estados Unidos. Tendo como objeto a formação do jornalista no século XXI e as Novas Tecnologias da Informação e da Comunicação, procurou-se identificar as características da proposta de formação do profissional jornalista para atender às demandas de mercado da sociedade atual. Buscou-se identificar como o currículo da escola americana de jornalismo é estruturado e quais as principais mudanças que sofreu nos últimos anos. Constatou-se que na Escola de Comunicação da Illinois State University o modelo de jornalismo tradicional ainda divide espaço com a tendência de um jornalismo cada vez mais voltado para a convergência das mídias e suas novas linguagens.
Religious work environment – benefit or challenge? A qualitative study on motivation at work in a religiously affiliated hospital
Authors: Seemann Ann-Kathrin
Published: August 2016

Workplace spirituality and faith are important and emerging trends in business that should direct managers’ attention for various reasons. Therefore, this qualitative study asks whether a religious work environment provides a beneficial or challenging factor for an organization. It examines the particular work environment of a faith-based hospital and its effects on employees’ motivation and work ethics. The study adopts a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted with human resources (HR) staff and nurses of an Adventist Hospital in the USA. The interviewees were purposefully selected to learn about their individual perspectives. The findings indicate that religiously affiliated organizations attract a special type of employee with a certain work ethic. The respectful, friendly and helpful treatment of colleagues amongst each other is one of the biggest differences when compared to non-faith-based organizations. Additionally people are more altruistic, humble and dedicated. In addition, the community outreach and the chance to support patients, both medical and spiritual, gives the work a special meaning. However, the study also indicates some challenges due to the religious affiliation, especially in the case of tough business decisions. Thus understanding the special features of a religiously affiliated organization and its effects on employees might help secular organizations to provide a spiritual working environment for their employees to take advantage of the beneficial effects without having to deal with the identified weaknesses.
Language Anxiety: A Case Study of the Perceptions and Experiences of Students of English as a Foreign Language in a Higher Education Institution in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Lababidi Rola Ahmed
Published: August 2016

This case study explores and investigates the perceptions and experiences of foreign language anxiety (FLA) among students of English as a Foreign Language in a Higher Education Institution in the United Arab Emirates. The first phase explored the scope and severity of language anxiety among all Foundation level male students at a college in the UAE. In the second phase of the study, focus group (FG) interviews with students were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the possible sources of anxiety about language learning and its manifestations, as well as consideration of the strategies that may be used to alleviate its negative effects. The findings indicate that some of the student participants in this case study experienced moderate to high levels of anxiety in the second language classrooms. The findings from the FG indicate that foreign language anxiety could be attributed to a number of variables. The results highlight a number of implications and recommendations for future research.
The Water Audit Data Initiative: Five Years and Accounting
Authors: Sayers David , Jernigan Will , Kunkel George , Chastain‐Howley Andrew
Published: August 2016

AWWA has developed numerous resources to promote good practices in the area of water loss control. In 2011, the AWWA Water Loss Control Committee launched the Water Audit Data Initiative (WADI) to demonstrate implementation of these practices and to improve the understanding of water loss issues by providing reliable examples of water audit assessments to shed light on the existing state of water audits, audit data validity, and water loss performance in North America. The 2015 WADI marks the fifth year of the program and provides an opportunity for review. This study analyzes the most recent data collected through the program and provides insight into the water audit data validation process that is at the heart of the WADI and is integral to developing accurate water audit performance data. Many utilities are expected to find this information of value as they undertake their own water audit investigations and compare their results against the validated water audit data published as part of this initiative.
Full‐Scale Implementation of Second‐Stage Contactors for Manganese Removal
Authors: Bazilio Arianne A. , Kaminski Gary S. , Larsen Yesher , Mai Xuyen , Tobiason John E.
Published: August 2016

The use of post‐filtration contactors for the removal of manganese (Mn) in the dissolved, reduced form (Mn2+ or Mn(II)) by sorption to manganese oxide–coated granular media and catalytic oxidation by free chlorine was implemented at the Lantern Hill Water Treatment Plant in Stonington, Conn., in order to lower disinfection by‐product (DBP) formation while effectively controlling metals. The second‐stage contactors (SSCs) successfully removed Mn at hydraulic loading rates of up to 10 gpm/ft2 with little head loss accumulation and effluent Mn concentrations typically ⩽0.01 mg/L. A mass balance showed similar masses of Mn removed from the water by the SSCs and in the backwash waste (total difference of <10%) during the study period. DBP concentrations were lower than historical concentrations for the plant, with average plant effluent total trihalomethane and five haloacetic acid concentrations of 30 µg/L each. Other treatment goals (e.g., turbidity, iron removal, free chlorine residual) were also successfully achieved.
Dependence of image flicker on dielectric anisotropy of liquid crystal in a fringe field switching liquid crystal cell
Authors: Oh Seung-Won , Baek Jong-Min , Kim Jung-Wook , Yoon Tae-Hoon
Published: August 2016

Two types of image flicker, which are caused by the flexoelectric effect of liquid crystals (LCs), are observed when a fringe-field switching (FFS) LC cell is driven by a low frequency electric field. Static image flicker, observed because of the transmittance difference between neighboring frames, has been reported previously. On the other hand, research on dynamic image flicker has been minimal until now. Dynamic image flicker is noticeable because of the brief transmittance drop when the sign of the applied voltage is reversed. We investigated the dependence of the image flicker in an FFS LC cell on dielectric anisotropy of the LCs in terms of both the static and dynamic flicker. Experimental results show that small dielectric anisotropy of the LC can help suppress not only the static but also dynamic flicker for positive LCs. We found that both the static and dynamic flicker in negative LCs is less evident than in positive LCs.
MOST: a modified MLST typing tool based on short read sequencing
Authors: Tewolde Rediat , Dallman Timothy , Schaefer Ulf , Sheppard Carmen L. , Ashton Philip , Pichon Bruno , Ellington Matthew , Swift Craig , Green Jonathan , Underwood Anthony
Published: August 2016

Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) is an effective method to describe bacterial populations. Conventionally, MLST involves Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of housekeeping genes followed by Sanger DNA sequencing. Public Health England (PHE) is in the process of replacing the conventional MLST methodology with a method based on short read sequence data derived from Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). This paper reports the comparison of the reliability of MLST results derived from WGS data, comparing mapping and assembly-based approaches to conventional methods using 323 bacterial genomes of diverse species. The sensitivity of the two WGS based methods were further investigated with 26 mixed and 29 low coverage genomic data sets fromSalmonella enteridisandStreptococcus pneumoniae. Of the 323 samples, 92.9% (n= 300), 97.5% (n= 315) and 99.7% (n= 322) full MLST profiles were derived by the conventional method, assembly- and mapping-based approaches, respectively. The concordance between samples that were typed by conventional (92.9%) and both WGS methods was 100%. From the 55 mixed and low coverage genomes, 89.1% (n= 49) and 67.3% (n= 37) full MLST profiles were derived from the mapping and assembly based approaches, respectively. In conclusion, deriving MLST from WGS data is more sensitive than the conventional method. When comparing WGS based methods, the mapping based approach was the most sensitive. In addition, the mapping based approach described here derives quality metrics, which are difficult to determine quantitatively using conventional and WGS-assembly based approaches.
Proteomic profiling analysis reveals that glutathione system plays important roles responding to osmotic stress in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) roots
Authors: Ma Jianhui , Dong Wen , Zhang Daijing , Gao Xiaolong , Jiang Lina , Shao Yun , Tong Doudou , Li Chunxi
Published: August 2016

Wheat is one of the most important crops in the world, and osmotic stress has become one of the main factors affecting wheat production. Understanding the mechanism of the response of wheat to osmotic stress would be greatly significant. In the present study, isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) was used to analyze the changes of protein expression in the wheat roots exposed to different osmotic stresses. A total of 2,228 expressed proteins, including 81 differentially expressed proteins, between osmotic stress and control, were found. The comprehensive analysis of these differentially expressed proteins revealed that osmotic stress increased the variety of expressed proteins and suppressed the quantity of expressed proteins in wheat roots. Furthermore, the proteins for detoxifying and reactive oxygen species scavenging, especially the glutathione system, played important roles in maintaining organism balance in response to osmotic stress in wheat roots. Thus, the present study comprehensively describes the protein expression changes in wheat roots in response to osmotic stress, providing firmer foundation to further study the mechanism of osmotic resistance in wheat.
Selection of a marker gene to construct a reference library for wetland plants, and the application of metabarcoding to analyze the diet of wintering herbivorous waterbirds
Authors: Yang Yuzhan , Zhan Aibin , Cao Lei , Meng Fanjuan , Xu Wenbin
Published: August 2016

Food availability and diet selection are important factors influencing the abundance and distribution of wild waterbirds. In order to better understand changes in waterbird population, it is essential to figure out what they feed on. However, analyzing their diet could be difficult and inefficient using traditional methods such as microhistologic observation. Here, we addressed this gap of knowledge by investigating the diet of greater white-fronted gooseAnser albifronsand bean gooseAnser fabalis, which are obligate herbivores wintering in China, mostly in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River floodplain. First, we selected a suitable and high-resolution marker gene for wetland plants that these geese would consume during the wintering period. Eight candidate genes were included:rbcL,rpoC1,rpoB,matK,trnH-psbA,trnL (UAA),atpF-atpH, andpsbK-psbI. The selection was performed via analysis of representative sequences from NCBI and comparison of amplification efficiency and resolution power of plant samples collected from the wintering area. ThetrnL gene was chosen at last with c/h primers, and a local plant reference library was constructed with this gene. Then, utilizing DNA metabarcoding, we discovered 15 food items in total from the feces of these birds. Of the 15 unique dietary sequences, 10 could be identified at specie level. As for greater white-fronted goose, 73% of sequences belonged toPoaceaespp., and 26% belonged toCarexspp. In contrast, almost all sequences of bean goose belonged toCarexspp. (99%). Using the same samples, microhistology provided consistent food composition with metabarcoding results for greater white-fronted goose, while 13% ofPoaceaewas recovered for bean goose. In addition, two other taxa were discovered only through microhistologic analysis. Although most of the identified taxa matched relatively well between the two methods, DNA metabarcoding gave taxonomically more detailed information. Discrepancies were likely due to biased PCR amplification in metabarcoding, low discriminating power of current marker genes for monocots, and biases in microhistologic analysis. The diet differences between two geese species might indicate deeper ecological significance beyond the scope of this study. We concluded that DNA metabarcoding provides new perspectives for studies of herbivorous waterbird diets and inter-specific interactions, as well as new possibilities to investigate interactions between herbivores and plants. In addition, microhistologic analysis should be used together with metabarcoding methods to integrate this information.
CARP interacts with titin at a unique helical N2A sequence and at the domain Ig81 to form a structured complex
Authors: Zhou Tiankun , Fleming Jennifer R. , Franke Barbara , Bogomolovas Julius , Barsukov Igor , Rigden Daniel J. , Labeit Siegfried , Mayans Olga
Published: August 2016

The cardiac ankyrin repeat protein (CARP) is up‐regulated in the myocardium during cardiovascular disease and in response to mechanical or toxic stress. Stress‐induced CARP interacts with the N2A spring region of the titin filament to modulate muscle compliance. We characterize the interaction between CARP and titin‐N2A and show that the binding site in titin spans the dual domain UN2A‐Ig81. We find that the unique sequence UN2A is not structurally disordered, but that it has a stable, elongated α‐helical fold that possibly acts as a constant force spring. Our findings portray CARP/titin‐N2A as a structured node and help to rationalize the molecular basis of CARP mechanosensing in the sarcomeric I‐band.
The embryonic origins and genetic programming of emerging haematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Ciau‐Uitz Aldo , Patient Roger
Published: August 2016

Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) emerge from the haemogenic endothelium (HE) localised in the ventral wall of the embryonic dorsal aorta (DA). The HE generates HSCs through a process known as the endothelial to haematopoietic transition (EHT), which has been visualised in live embryos and is currently under intense study. However, EHT is the culmination of multiple programming events, which are as yet poorly understood, that take place before the specification of HE. A number of haematopoietic precursor cells have been described before the emergence of definitive HSCs, but only one haematovascular progenitor, the definitive haemangioblast (DH), gives rise to the DA, HE and HSCs. DHs emerge in the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) and have a distinct origin and genetic programme compared to other, previously described haematovascular progenitors. Although DHs have so far only been established in Xenopus embryos, evidence for their existence in the LPM of mouse and chicken embryos is discussed here. We also review the current knowledge of the origins, lineage relationships, genetic programming and differentiation of the DHs that leads to the generation of HSCs. Importantly, we discuss the significance of the gene regulatory network (GRN) that controls the programming of DHs, a better understanding of which may aid in the establishment of protocols for the de novo generation of HSCs in vitro.
Geomagnetic control of the midlatitude foF1 and foF2 long‐term variations: Recent observations in Europe
Authors: Perrone L. , Mikhailov A. V.
Published: August 2016

A new very simple method, allowing an easy control, has been applied to extract long‐term (11 year) δfoF2 11y and δfoF1 11y variations from June foF2 and foF1 monthly median observations at European Slough/Chilton and Juliusruh stations, including recent data until 2015. The aim of the analysis was to check the validity of the geomagnetic control of foF2 and foF1 long‐term variations in the 21st century with the main accent on the period including the last deep solar minimum in 2008–2009. The geomagnetic control was shown to be valid. Moreover, the dependence on geomagnetic activity has become more pronounced and explicit after 1990. A simultaneous analysis of foF2 and foF1 long‐term variations improves the reliability of the obtained conclusions and helps understand the physical mechanism of these variations. Due to common neutral composition and the similarity of photochemical processes noontime foF2 and foF1 demonstrate similar long‐term variations: the correlation coefficient between δfoF2 11y and δfoF1 11y is 0.834 at Slough/Chilton and 0.884 at Juliusruh with the 99% confidence level according to Fisher's F criterion. Midnight long‐term δfoF2 11y variations also manifest a pronounced dependence on Ap11y which may be interpreted in the framework of the geomagnetic control concept.
Stress drop estimates of potentially induced earthquakes in the Guy‐Greenbrier sequence
Authors: Huang Yihe , Beroza Gregory C. , Ellsworth William L.
Published: August 2016

We calculate corner frequencies and stress drops for 25 potentially induced earthquakes (Mw 2.17 − 2.57) in the Guy‐Greenbrier sequence in the central Arkansas. We use the spectral ratio method, employing highly similar earthquakes as empirical Green's functions (eGfs). We show that multiple eGfs give consistent corner frequency estimates for the same earthquake and find a range of stress drops of 1.02 MPa to 42.50 MPa with a median of 10.57 MPa by using the Brune spectral model and the source parameters given by Sato and Hirasawa []. We also analyze stress drop dependence on the assumed spectral models and source parameters and use a bootstrapping analysis to calculate the uncertainty in corner frequency and stress drop estimates. The Boatwright spectral model leads to lower stress drop estimates than the Brune spectral model due to the limited bandwidth and fixed fall‐off rates. We find that the uncertainty in the stress drop of each earthquake is generally much smaller than the range of stress drop estimates. The value and range of these stress drops of the potentially induced earthquakes are similar to tectonic earthquakes in California reported by other spectral ratio studies. Our results highlight the value of spectral ratio analyses of earthquakes in the central United States.
Estimation of melt pond fraction over high‐concentration Arctic sea ice using AMSR‐E passive microwave data
Authors: Tanaka Yasuhiro , Tateyama Kazutaka , Kameda Takao , Hutchings Jennifer K.
Published: August 2016

Melt pond fraction (MPF) on sea ice is an important factor for ice‐albedo feedback throughout the Arctic Ocean. We propose an algorithm to estimate MPF using satellite passive microwave data in this study. The brightness temperature (TB) data obtained from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer‐Earth observing system (AMSR‐E) were compared to the ship‐based MPF in the Beaufort Sea and Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The difference between the TB at horizontal and vertical polarizations of 6.9 and 89.0 GHz (MP06H–89V), respectively, depends on the MPF. The correlation between MP06H–89V and ship‐based MPF was higher than that between ship‐based MPF and two individual channels (6.9 and 89.0 GHz of horizontal and vertical polarizations, respectively). The MPF determined with the highest resolution channel, 89.0 GHz (5 km × 5 km), provides spatial information with more detail than the 6.9 GHz channel. The algorithm estimates the relative fraction of ice covered by water (1) over areas where sea ice concentration is higher than 95%, (2) during late summer, and (3) in areas with low atmospheric humidity. The MPF estimated from AMSR‐E data (AMSR‐E MPF) in early summer was underestimated at lower latitudes and overestimated at higher latitudes, compared to the MPF obtained from the Moderate Resolution Image Spectrometer (MODIS MPF). The differences between AMSR‐E MPF and MODIS MPF were less than 5% in most the regions and the periods. Our results suggest that the proposal algorithm serves as a basis for building time series of MPF in regions of consolidated ice pack.
Upper ocean response to typhoon Kalmaegi (2014)
Authors: Zhang Han , Chen Dake , Zhou Lei , Liu Xiaohui , Ding Tao , Zhou Beifeng
Published: August 2016

Typhoon Kalmaegi passed over an array of buoys and moorings in the northern South China Sea in September 2014, leaving a rare set of observations on typhoon‐induced dynamical and thermohaline responses in the upper ocean. The dynamical response was characterized by strong near‐inertial currents with opposite phases in the surface mixed layer and in the thermocline, indicating the dominance of the response by the excitation of the first baroclinic mode. The thermohaline response showed considerable changes in the mean fields in addition to a near‐inertial oscillation. In particular, temperature and salinity anomalies generally exhibited a three‐layer vertical structure, with the surface layer becoming cooler and saltier, the subsurface layer warmer and fresher, and the lower layer cooler and saltier again. The response in the surface and subsurface layers was much stronger to the right of the typhoon track, while that in the lower layer was stronger along the track and to the left. These features of the upper ocean response were grossly reproduced by a three‐dimensional numerical model. A model‐based heat budget analysis suggests that vertical mixing was mainly responsible for the surface cooling and subsurface warming, while upwelling was the cause of cooling from below. Both observations and model results indicate that the whole upper ocean experienced an overall cooling in the wake of typhoon Kalmaegi.
Bottom pressure variability in the Kuroshio Extension driven by the atmosphere and ocean instabilities
Authors: Na Hanna , Watts D. Randolph , Park Jae‐Hun , Jeon Chanhyung , Lee Ho Jin , Nonaka Masami , Greene Andrew D.
Published: August 2016

The relative importance of atmospheric forcing on oceanic intraseasonal (7–60 days) barotropic variability is investigated in the Kuroshio Extension region by comparing in situ measurements with two models: a wind‐forced barotropic model and an ocean general circulation model. Large‐scale wind stress curl forcing (an atmospheric mode) becomes successively more influential with decreasing periods (at 7–15 day band, compared to 15–30 day and 30–60 day bands). On the other hand, oceanic instabilities (an oceanic mode) become more important with increasing period (at 30–60 day band, compared to 15–30 day and 7–15 day bands). Comparison between the barotropic model and the ocean general circulation model results reveals differences on the broader gyre scale: the atmospheric mode exhibits basin‐mode‐like spatial patterns with faster phase propagation from east to west, whereas the oceanic mode shows eddy‐like spatial patterns with slower westward propagation. The atmospheric mode, which has received less attention on the intraseasonal time scale, contributes an important fraction to the barotropic variability in the Kuroshio Extension region.
Elevating Biomedical Performance of ZnO/SiO2@Amorphous Calcium Phosphate ‐ Bioinspiration Making Possible the Impossible
Authors: Nguyen Duc‐Viet , Jiang Shengwei , He Chengyong , Lin Zhongning , Lin Naibo , Nguyen Anh‐Tuan , Kang Lifeng , Han Ming‐Yong , Liu Xiang‐Yang
Published: August 2016

Here a biomimetic approach is presented to fabricate nanodragon fruits featured by a multitude of tiny quantum dot ZnO seeds embedded in mesosilica (SiO2) flesh then enclosed in amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) shell. The nanodragon fruits give rise to a new class of hybrid ZnO/SiO2@ACP nanocomplex with multimoidal capability: cellular delivering, intracellular targeting, and subcellular imaging. With this particular design, the unusual fluorescent stability of ZnO quantum dots (QDs) in aqueous solution, the specific color selection of the functional ZnO QD seeds, and the stability of transient ACP over a long period of time are made possible. In addition, the nanodragon fruits, capable of targeting mitochondria, have elevated biocompatibility, thus can be of enormous potential applications in treating mitochondrial diseases including inflammation, neurodegeneration, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. As numerous human disorders are often associated with cellular dysfunctions, this biocompatible carrying platform, capable of delivering, targeting, and imaging subcellular organelles, is therefore highly desirable for efficacious therapeutic and diagnostic treatment.
Enhancement of Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Solar Cells Using Europium Complex as Photon Downshifter
Authors: Gavriluta Anatolie , Fix Thomas , Nonat Aline , Paire Myriam , Slaoui Abdelilah , Charbonnière Loïc J. , Guillemoles Jean‐François
Published: August 2016

This work reports on the use of a ternary europium (III) complex as downshifting (DS) material for copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells, [Eu(tta)3(tppo)2] (tta = 2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetonate and tppo = triphenylphosphine oxide). It is synthesized by one‐pot reaction and embedded into poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(vinyl butyral‐co‐vinyl alcohol‐co‐vinyl acetate) (PVB) matrices. Their photophysical properties are investigated and compared with the complex alone. No significant variations in transmittance, emission, excitation spectra, and quantum yield are detected between [Eu(tta)3(tppo)2] alone and embedded into EVA, PMMA, and PVB. CIGS solar cells are encapsulated using these compounds, leading to an improvement of the external quantum efficiency (EQE) mostly in UV region. The EQE at 360 nm increases up to 56% compared to 14% without the encapsulant. The luminescent downshifting (LDS) material is responsible for an increase in the short‐circuit current (Jsc) calculated from the EQE in the 300–420 nm region, by 0.55 mA cm−2 compared to the value of 0.59 mA cm−2 obtained from theoretical prediction. In the best case, an increase of the CIGS solar cell conversion efficiency by 0.8% absolute is observed thanks to the LDS material.
Enhancing liquid micromixing using low‐frequency rotating nanoparticles
Authors: Boroun Shahab , Larachi Faïçal
Published: August 2016

Magnetic nanofluid actuation by rotating magnetic fields was proposed as a high‐performance tool for liquid mixing with enhanced micromixing features. A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the mixing index in T‐type mixers of magnetic and nonmagnetic fluids subject to static (SMF), oscillating (OMF), and rotating (RMF) magnetic fields. RMF excitation unveiled superior mixing indices with strong dependences to magnetic field frequency and content of magnetic nanoparticles. The impact of magnetic field types on micromixing was further examined at low and moderate Re numbers using the Villermaux–Dushman reaction and IEM micromixing model. The IEM‐inferred micromixing times were remarkably shorter by nearly four orders of magnitude in comparison with OMF and SMF excitations, and without magnetic field. The proposed mixing strategy is foreseen to complement innovative microfluidic devices with valuable mixing tools and methods for the diagnosis of the coupling between transport and intrinsic kinetics. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 337–346, 2017
Congenital limb deficiencies with vascular etiology: Possible association with maternal thrombophilia
Authors: Ordal Leslie , Keunen Johannes , Martin Nicole , Shehata Nadine , Borschel Gregory H. , Clarke Howard M. , Toi Ants , Shuman Cheryl , Chitayat David
Published: August 2016

Congenital limb deficiency defects (LDDs) are etiologically heterogeneous. Acquired causes include amniotic bands, teratogens exposure, and chorionic villus sampling before 10 weeks’ gestation and intrinsic causes include single‐gene disorders and chromosome abnormalities. However, a substantial number of cases, especially terminal transverse deficiency defects, occur without an obvious cause and are ascribed to vascular disruption events. Some studies have found an association between maternal thrombophilia and congenital LDDs. We investigated this association through a review of all prenatally identified LDDs at a major tertiary care center in Toronto, Canada over a 12‐year period. Our results showed a higher prevalence of thrombophilias among women with a pregnancy affected with an LDD when compared to the general population [χ2(3) = 54.63, P < 0.01]. Our research was strengthened by the inclusion of affected pregnancies regardless of outcome, and strict criteria to avoid including LDDs with a non‐vascular etiology. Most LDDs were identified during the routine 18–20 week anatomy ultrasound, but some were discovered as early as 13 weeks’ gestation. We found an excess of left‐sided defects among terminal transverse but not longitudinal deficiencies; additionally, all diagnoses of maternal thrombophilia occurred in the terminal transverse group. Our results support thrombophilia screening in all women with a prenatally diagnosed fetal LDD as well as careful evaluation of the fetal extremities during prenatal ultrasounds in women with a known thrombophilia. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Somatic mosaicism for a lethal TRPV4 mutation results in non‐lethal metatropic dysplasia
Authors: Weinstein Michael M. , Kang Taekyu , Lachman Ralph S. , Bamshad Michael , Nickerson Deborah A. , Krakow Deborah , Cohn Daniel H.
Published: August 2016

Dominant mutations in TRPV4, which encodes the Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 4 calcium channel, result in a series of musculoskeletal disorders that include a set of peripheral neuropathies and a broad phenotypic spectrum of skeletal dysplasias. The skeletal phenotypes range from brachyolmia, in which there is scoliosis with mild short stature, through perinatal lethal metatropic dysplasia. We describe a case with phenotypic findings consistent with metatropic dysplasia, but in whom no TRPV4 mutation was detected by Sanger sequence analysis. Exome sequence analysis identified a known lethal metatropic dysplasia mutation, TRPV4L618P, which was present at lower frequency than would be expected for a heterozygous change. The affected individual was shown to be a somatic mosaic for the mutation, providing an explanation for the milder than expected phenotype. The data illustrate that high‐throughput sequencing of genomic DNA can facilitate detection of mosaicism with higher sensitivity than Sanger sequence analysis and identify a new genetic mechanism for metatropic dysplasia. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebral white matter lesions and post‐thrombolytic remote parenchymal hemorrhage
Authors: Curtze Sami , Putaala Jukka , Sibolt Gerli , Melkas Susanna , Mustanoja Satu , Haapaniemi Elena , Sairanen Tiina , Tiainen Marjaana , Tatlisumak Turgut , Strbian Daniel
Published: August 2016

Objective

Parenchymal hematoma (PH) following intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in ischemic stroke can occur either within the ischemic area (iPH) or as a remote PH (rPH). The latter could be, at least partly, related to cerebral amyloid angiopathy, which belongs to the continuum of cerebral small vessel disease. We hypothesized that cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs)—an imaging surrogate of small vessel disease—are associated with a higher rate of rPH.

Methods

We analyzed 2,485 consecutive patients treated with IVT at the Helsinki University Hospital. Blennow rating scale of 5 to 6 points on baseline computed tomographic head scans was considered as severe WMLs. An rPH was defined as hemorrhage that—contrary to iPH—appears in brain regions without visible ischemic damage and is clinically not related to the symptomatic acute lesion site. The associations between severe WMLs and pure rPH versus no PH, pure iPH versus no PH, and pure rPH versus pure iPH were studied in multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

rPHs were mostly (74%) located in lobar regions. After adjustments, the presence of severe WMLs was associated with pure rPH (odds ratio [OR] = 6.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.57–17.94) but not with pure iPH (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 0.83–2.53) when compared to patients with no PH. In direct comparison of pure rPH with pure iPH, severe cerebral WMLs were further associated with higher iPH rates (OR = 3.60, 95% CI = 1.06–12.19).

Interpretation

Severe cerebral WMLs were associated with post‐thrombolytic rPH but not with iPH within the ischemic area. Ann Neurol 2016;80:593–599
Welche Katalysatormetalle sind harmlos, welche giftig? Vergleich der Toxizitäten von Ni‐, Cu‐, Fe‐, Pd‐, Pt‐, Rh‐ und Au‐Salzen
Authors: Egorova Ksenia S. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: August 2016

In diesem Kurzaufsatz haben wir die Umweltprofile häufig verwendeter Übergangsmetalle basierend auf verfügbaren Daten ihrer biologischen Aktivitäten zusammengestellt. Die Analyse dieser Profile deutet darauf hin, dass das Konzept der giftigen Schwermetalle und harmlosen, ungiftigen leichteren Metalle kritisch überdacht werden sollte. Ein Vergleich der toxikologischen Daten legt nahe, dass Palladium‐, Platin‐ und Goldverbindungen, die oft als toxisch angesehen werden, in Wirklichkeit harmloser sein könnten, während Komplexe von Nickel und Kupfer, die typischerweise als umweltschonende (“grüne”) und nachhaltige Alternativen gelten, signifikante Toxizitäten aufweisen können, was zu einem großen Ausmaß auch durch die Löslichkeit in Wasser und biologischen Flüssigkeiten bedingt ist. Die Entwicklung neuer Katalysatoren und neuartiger Anwendungen sollte sich daher nicht ausschließlich an etablierten Konzepten von Giftigkeit/Ungiftigkeit orientieren. Insgesamt scheinen die verfügbaren experimentellen Daten unzureichend, um eine genaue Evaluierung der biologischen Aktivität dieser Metalle und ihrer Modulierung durch die Liganden vornehmen zu können. Ohne gezielte experimentelle Messungen an einem spezifischen Metall/Ligand‐System sollte der Faktor Toxizität nicht als Kriterium für die Beschreibung eines neuen Katalysators herangezogen werden.
The Distribution of Ki‐67 and Doublecortin Immunopositive Cells in the Brains of Three Microchiropteran Species, Hipposideros fuliginosus, Triaenops persicus, and Asellia tridens
Authors: Chawana Richard , Patzke Nina , Alagaili Abdulaziz N. , Bennett Nigel C. , Mohammed Osama B. , Kaswera‐Kyamakya Consolate , Gilissen Emmanuel , Ihunwo Amadi O. , Pettigrew John D. , Manger Paul R.
Published: August 2016

This study uses Ki‐67 and doublecortin (DCX) immunohistochemistry to delineate potential neurogenic zones, migratory pathways, and terminal fields associated with adult neurogenesis in the brains of three microchiropterans. As with most mammals studied to date, the canonical subgranular and subventricular neurogenic zones were observed. Distinct labeling of newly born cells and immature neurons within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus was observed in all species. A distinct rostral migratory stream (RMS) that appears to split around the medial aspect of the caudate nucleus was observed. These two rostral stream divisions appear to merge at the rostroventral corner of the caudate nucleus to turn and enter the olfactory bulb, where a large terminal field of immature neurons was observed. DCX immunolabeled neurons were observed mostly in the rostral neocortex, but a potential migratory stream to the neocortex was not identified. A broad swathe of newly born cells and immature neurons was found between the caudoventral division of the RMS and the piriform cortex. In addition, occasional immature neurons were observed in the amygdala and DCX‐immunopositive axons were observed in the anterior commissure. While the majority of these features have been found in several mammal species, the large number of DCX immunolabeled cells found between the RMS and the piriform cortex and the presence of DCX immunostained axons in the anterior commissure are features only observed in microchiropterans and insectivores to date. In the diphyletic scenario of chiropteran evolution, these observations align the microchiropterans with the insectivores. Anat Rec, 299:1548–1560, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.