bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of solar forcing, climate variability and atmospheric circulation patterns on summer floods in Switzerland
Authors: Peña J. C. , Schulte L. , Badoux A. , Barriendos M. , Barrera-Escoda A.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. The higher frequency of severe flood events in Switzerland in recent decades has given fresh impetus to the study of flood patterns and their possible forcing mechanisms, particularly in mountain environments. This paper presents an index of summer flood damage that considers severe and catastrophic summer floods in Switzerland between 1800 and 2009, and explores the influence of solar and climate forcings on flood frequencies. In addition, links between floods and low-frequency atmospheric circulation patterns are examined. The flood damage index provides evidence that the 1817–1851, 1881–1927, 1977–1990 and 2005–present flood clusters occur mostly in phase with palaeoclimate proxies. The cross-spectral analysis documents that the periodicities detected in the coherency and phase spectra of 11 (Schwabe cycle) and 104 years (Gleissberg cycle) are related to a high frequency of flooding and solar activity minima, whereas the 22 year cyclicity detected (Hale cycle) is associated with solar activity maxima and a decrease in flood frequency. The analysis of atmospheric circulation patterns shows that Switzerland lies close to the border of the summer principal mode: the Summer North Atlantic Oscillation. The Swiss river catchments situated on the centre and southern flank of the Alps are affected by atmospherically unstable areas defined by the positive phase of the Summer North Atlantic Oscillation pattern, while those basins located in the northern slope of the Alps are predominantly associated with the negative phase of the pattern. Furthermore, a change in the low-frequency atmospheric circulation pattern related to the major floods occurred over the period from 1800 to 2009: the Summer North Atlantic Oscillation persists in negative phase during the last cool pulses of the Little Ice Age (1817–1851 and 1881–1927 flood clusters), whereas the positive phases of SNAO prevail during warmer climate of the last four decades (flood clusters from 1977 to present).
The Niger Delta's vulnerability to river floods due to sea level rise
Authors: Musa Z. N. , Popescu I. , Mynett A.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. An evaluation of vulnerability to sea level rise is undertaken for the Niger Delta based on 17 physical, social and human influence indicators of exposure, susceptibility and resilience. The assessment used geographic information systems (GIS) techniques to evaluate and analyse the indicators and the index of coastal vulnerability to floods, if sea level rise conditions are occurring. Each indicator value is based on data extracted from various sources, including remote sensing, measured historical data series and a literature search. Further on, indicators are ranked on a scale from 1 to 5 representing "very low" to "very high" vulnerability, based on their values. These ranks are used to determine a similar rank for the defined coastal vulnerability index (CVSLRI). Results indicate that 42.6% of the Niger Delta is highly vulnerable to sea level rise, such areas being characterised by low slopes, low topography, high mean wave heights, and unconfined aquifers. Moreover, the analysis of social and human influences on the environment indicate high vulnerability to sea level rise due to its ranking for type of aquifer, aquifer hydraulic conductivity, population growth, sediment supply and groundwater consumption. Such results may help decision makers during planning to take proper adaptive measures for reducing the Niger Delta's vulnerability, as well as increasing the resilience to potential future floods.
Cr(VI) adsorption/desorption on untreated and mussel shell-treated soil materials: fractionation and effects of pH and chromium concentration
Authors: Otero M. , Cutillas-Barreiro L. , Nóvoa-Muñoz J. C. , Arias-Estévez M. , Fernández-Sanjurjo M. J. , Álvarez-Rodríguez E. , Núñez-Delgado A.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. We used batch-type experiments to study Cr(VI) adsorption/desorption on granitic material, forest soil, pyritic material, mussel shell, and on forest soil and granitic material amended with 12 t ha-1 shell, considering the effects of varying Cr(VI) concentration and pH. Sequential extractions were carried out to fractionate adsorbed Cr(VI) and to determine the stability of Cr(VI) retention. The pyritic material had the highest Cr(VI) retention capacity, whereas the granitic material showed the lowest retention potential. When high Cr concentrations were added, some saturation of the adsorbent surfaces became apparent, but Cr release remained low. The highest Cr retention was achieved at very acid pH value, with release progressively increasing as a function of increasing pH. The amendment with 12 t ha-1 mussel shell did not cause marked changes in Cr(VI) retention. Adsorption data were satisfactory adjusted to the Freundlich model. Regarding Cr(VI) fractionation, the soluble fraction (weakly bound) was the dominant in mussel shell and in the un-amended and amended granitic material, whereas more stable fractions dominated in the pyritic material (residual fraction) and in the forest soil (oxidizable fraction). In conclusion, the pyritic material presented the highest Cr(VI) retention capacity, while the retention was low and weak on the granitic material; mussel shell was characterized by not marked Cr(VI) retention potential, and it did not cause remarkable increase in Cr(VI) retention when used to amend the granitic material or the forest soil.
Exogenic Adenomyoma of the Cervix: Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Jing Baihua , Peng Ze , Chen Junya , Zhou Yingfang
Published: December 2014

Purpose

Exogenic adenomyoma of the cervix is very rare. To date, very few cases have been reported, and the presentation and diagnosis are not clear. The aim of this study was to present 2 cases of exogenic adenomyoma of the cervix and summarize what is known about this disease by conducting a literature review of reported findings.

Methods

The clinical data from 2 cases of women with exogenic adenomyoma of the cervix admitted to Peking University First Hospital were analyzed retrospectively, and a systematic literature review was carried out.

Results

In our cases, exogenic adenomyoma of the cervix presented as a mass with mixed solid and cystic lesions in the pelvis and could not be separated from the cervix. Postoperative examination of the surgical specimen using pathological tests confirmed the tumors were composed of a proliferation of endocervical glands and smooth muscle, based on which exogenic adenomyoma of the cervix was confirmed.

Conclusions

Exogenic adenomyoma of the cervix should be considered in the diagnosis, in cases of mixed solid and cystic pelvic masses found in close relationship with the cervix.
Development of a Symptom-Based, Screening Tool for Early-Stage Endometriosis in Patients with Chronic Pelvic Pain
Authors: Yeung Patrick , Bazinet Caroline , Gavard Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop a noninvasive screening tool for patients with chronic pelvic pain, for early-stage endometriosis, with a discriminatory ability of the area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve of over 0.8.

Methods

Participants were women aged 13-55 years, with chronic pelvic pain (for more than 6 months despite medical therapy), seen at the Saint Louis University Center for Endometriosis, from January 2012 to June 2013, who were found to have early-stage endometriosis or not, based on histology. All patients received the same surgical approach and goal of surgery, which was excision of all visible abnormal peritoneum. Potential variables used for generating the screening tool came from the pre-operative questionnaire with standard pain symptoms and quality-of-life questions. Individual categorical variables were tested. In addition, new binary variables were created to test specific combinations of answers to 2 individual questions. A backwards-stepping multiple logistic regression model was used to develop the screening tool.

Results

Ninety patients found to have early-stage disease completed pre-operative surveys. Of these, 70 (77.8%) had histologically confirmed endometriosis and 20 (22.2%) were confirmed not to be affected. Combinations of 2 variables made it possible to create a predictive model for early-stage endometriosis with excellent discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.822, p<0.001). This model was generated using a multi-staged, backwards stepping logistic regression analysis with all variables that were univariately significant included in the initial model (p<0.025). The final model had 80.5% sensitivity and 57.7% specificity. The model allows for an individual probability of disease to be calculated for each patient.

Conclusions

A clinically useful, symptom-based screening tool was developed for early-stage endometriosis in patients with chronic pelvic pain seen at a referral center. This approach to developing a screening tool for endometriosis should be tested further.
IMPACTO DO USO DE DROGAS NOS RELACIONAMENTOS FAMILIARES DE DEPENDENTES QUÍMICOS
Authors: Nimtz Miriam Aparecida , Tavares Anna Maria Fornalski , Maftum Mariluci Alves , Ferreira Aline Cristina Zerwes , Borba Letícia De Oliveira , Capistrano Fernanda Carolina
Published: December 2014

O objetivo desse trabalho foi identificar o impacto do uso de drogas nos relacionamentos familiaresde dependentes químicos. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa exploratória, desenvolvida em uma unidade dereabilitação para dependentes químicos no estado do Paraná. Foram respeitados os princípios éticos de acordocom a Resolução 196/96. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, no período deagosto a setembro de 2012, com 20 dependentes químicos. Os dados foram tratados com a análise categorialtemática. As categorias analisadas foram: Influência das relações familiares no uso de drogas e Quebra de vínculosfamiliares. Conclui-se que a dependência química é uma doença que afeta os relacionamentos, prejudicando aqualidade de vida das pessoas dependentes e de seus familiares. Assim, ressalta-se a importância de profissionaisde saúde capacitados, visando atenção a esta clientela.
PERFIL DOS UROSTOMIZADOS CADASTRADOS EM UMA ASSOCIAÇÃO DE OSTOMIZADOS
Authors: Sena Julliana Fernandes de , Costa Jéssika Wanessa Soares , Medeiros Lays Pinheiro de , Liberato Samilly Márjore Dantas , Queiroz Cintia Galvão , Fernandes Costa Isabelle Katherinne
Published: December 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o perfil dos urostomizados cadastrados na Associação dosOstomizados do Rio Grande do Norte. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, desenvolvido entreoutubro de 2013 a fevereiro de 2014, mediante informações colhidas nas fichas cadastrais de 53 pessoas comurostomia. A maior concentração de urostomizados cadastrados está localizada na zona litoral oriental do estado(60,4%), com idade superior a 59 anos (73,6%), pardos (50,9%), do sexo masculino (54,7%), casados (52,9%),com ensino fundamental (35,9%), com renda de um salário mínimo (56,6%) e com diagnóstico de neoplasiade bexiga (47,2%). Os resultados obtidos fornecem informações específicas sobre os urostomizados. Através daanálise de informações sociais e demográficas e das condições de vida, é possível listar e priorizar os problemasdesta população, colaborando, com a promoção da saúde, otimizando tempo e recursos financeiros.
PARTICIPAÇÃO MASCULINA NO PLANEJAMENTO FAMILIAR: O QUE PENSAM AS MULHERES?
Authors: Cruz Rachel , De Morais Ana Cláudia Brito , Pinto Sarah De Lima , Amorim Ludwig Tenório Cruz Gomes , Sampaio Karla Jimena De Araújo Jesus
Published: December 2014

Trata-se de pesquisa descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, cujo objetivo foi conhecer a percepçãofeminina sobre a participação dos homens no planejamento familiar. Entrevistou-se 20 mulheres no períodode fevereiro a julho de 2012, em uma unidade de referência em assistência reprodutiva, no Ceará. A partir dasalocuções emergiram duas categorias: Contribuição do companheiro na contracepção e O que as mulherespensam sobre a participação do homem no planejamento familiar? As mulheres percebem a participação dohomem como insuficiente e acreditam que uma contribuição mais efetiva incluiria a ida do companheiro àsconsultas. Reconhecem ser importante essa contribuição, mas algumas mostram aceitação diante da ausênciado homem, não cobrando esse envolvimento. Ao escolher sozinha e se responsabilizar pela contracepção amulher exime o parceiro de uma atribuição que é de ambos, reforçando a idéia socialmente construída, e aceita,consciente ou inconscientemente, de que são encarregadas dos assuntos reprodutivos.
The Host’s Dilemma: Game Theory and Homeric Hospitality
Authors: Tracy Catherine
Published: December 2014

The Homeric hospitality system depicts extraordinary risk and trust. Although ethnographic comparisons with similar systems in contemporary non-industrialized societies lend some credence to these exchanges, some aspects appear implausible. Recent advances in game theory, which mathematically represents systems of cooperation, suggest that self-interested strangers (as are many of the characters depicted in Homeric hospitality scenes) can plausibly build cooperative communities with long-term viability. Recognizing such patterns of human competitive strategies in Homer adds support for the historicity of the relational aspects of the Homeric epics.
Thinking anew about Lavinia
Authors: Behr Francesca D’alessandro
Published: December 2014

In this paper I consider Ursula Le Guin’s characterization of Lavinia in her novel Lavinia, a free rendition of Virgil’s last six books of the Aeneid. Virgil’s description of Lavinia’s blush (A. 12.54-80) and performance of religious duties (A. 7.71-72) will be presented as crucial passages which display the novelist’s reflection on the dynamics of the original scenes and on peculiar verbs, nouns, and adjectives, which in turn have been the focus of the attention of insightful interpreters of Virgil such as Lyne, Johnson, Dyson, and Putnam.
Tussen ‘gele kaart’ en omzettingswetgeving
Authors: Steunenberg B.
Published: December 2014

Tussen ‘gele kaart’ en omzettingswetgeving. De veranderde rol van het Nederlandse parlement in Europa

Wat is de invloed van de aanzwellende stroom van Europese wetgeving op het functioneren van het Nederlandse parlement? In deze bijdrage wordt ingegaan op die veranderingen aan de hand van verschillende rollen die ons nationale parlement kan hebben in het bredere Europese beleidsproces. Daarbij wordt onderscheid gemaakt tussen de rol van ‘lobbyist’ en ‘netwerker’, ‘waakhond’ en, ten slotte, ‘beleidsregisseur’. Die rollen worden verder verkend waarbij opvalt dat in de afgelopen jaren het parlement meer aandacht is gaan besteden aan ex-ante vormen van politieke controle. Dat is positief omdat daarmee Europese beleidsvoorstellen ook in het Nederlandse debat aandacht krijgen. Tegelijkertijd krijgen door de verschuiving vraagstukken rondom de uitvoering van Europees beleid minder aandacht. Dat zou kunnen worden versterkt omdat ontoereikend beleid een overtuigend argument oplevert om, met andere lidstaten, Europa tot verandering te verleiden.
De stelling
Authors: Helder E.
Published: December 2014

De stelling. De Aanwijzingen 6 en 7 van de Aanwijzingen voor de regelgeving, die verlangen dat niet tot nieuwe regelingen wordt besloten dan nadat de noodzaak daarvan is komen vast te staan en nadat alternatieven voor wetgeving gewogen en te licht bevonden zijn, zijn een dode letter gebleken.

Uit een oogpunt van kenbaarheid van de onderliggende afwegingen is het nodig dat Ar 6 en 7 in perfecte harmonie met Ar 211 en 212 worden nageleefd. Wat heeft het parlement als medewetgever en wat hebben justitiabelen aan een wel in het voortraject, ergens in de black box, gemaakte afweging van de nuloptie en van alternatieven, zonder dat deze kenbaar is verwoord? Gelet op de bevindingen van Actal dat het kabinet de regeldrukgevolgen niet goed en volledig in beeld brengt voor wetsvoorstellen waarvoor die gevolgen waarschijnlijk groot zijn, zijn Ar 6 en 7 in ieder geval in zoverre een dode letter. Maar gevreesd moet worden dat die niet-naleving ook in ruimere zin nogal problematisch is. Hoog tijd voor revitalisering van Ar 6 en 7!
Multitier Biometric Template Security Using Cryptographic Salts and Personal Image Identification
Authors: KHANDELWAL SARIKA S , Gupta Prakash C
Published: December 2014

Individual identification can be accurately done by measuring biological parameters termed as biometrics. These have been proved as an exceptional tool for identity verification. Security of biometric template is the most challenging aspect of biometric identification system. Storing the biometric template in the database increases the chance of compromising it which may lead to serious threat and misuse of the individual identity. This paper proposes a novel and computationally simpler approach to store a biometric sample in the form of template by using cryptographic salts. Use of Personal Image Identification (PII) makes the proposed algorithm more robust and adds another level of security. The saltcrypted templates are created and stored instead of storing the actual sample behaving as a fuzzy vault. The algorithm has been analytically proved computationally simple compared to the existing template security mechanisms. The fuzzy structure of saltcrypted template is entirely dependent on user interaction through PII. Actual template is not stored at any point of time which adds new dimension to the security and hence to individual identity.
Enhancing the Effectiveness of Problem-Solving Processes through Employee Motivation and Involvement
Authors: Chlpeková Andrea , Večeřa Pavel , Šurinová Yulia
Published: December 2014

The 8D method is a complex tool for solving problems of significant scale which are hard for individuals to solve and involve solutions which require extra resources. However, several problems have been detected in the method of 8D's usage in modern organizations. The main aim of this paper is to define critical factors which lead to the demotivation of problem-solving teams.

The primary aim of this research is to empirically investigate the current state of the usage of 8D in Slovak enterprises, including the context of employees' motivation and involvement; to identify opportunities for improvement of the implementation of 8D by increasing the involvement and motivation of problem-solving teams as well as the proper usage of the methodology. Questionnaires were issued to industrial enterprises operating in Slovakia. Data from the research were used to propose ways for industrial enterprises to increase their 8D effectiveness by setting the right performance indicators and the way to integrate these indicators into the motivation system. The question to be answered is how to effectively use the intellectual capital of problem-solving teams and increase employees' satisfaction in the broader context of the improvement of the effectiveness of problem-solving methodology.
Modified Seed Growth of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Benzyl Alcohol — Optimization for Heating and Broad Stability in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Gilliland Stanley E. , Carpenter Everett E. , Shultz Michael D.
Published: December 2014

Iron oxide nanoparticles have received sustained interest for biomedical applications as synthetic approaches are continually developed for control of nanoparticle properties. However, many approaches focus solely on the material, rather than the complete optimization of synthesis and functionalization together to enhance translation into biological systems. Presented herein is a modified seed growth method designed for obtaining optimal nanoparticle properties and ease of surface functionalization for long term stability. With a one or two addition process, iron oxide nanoparticles were produced in crystallite sizes ranging from 5–15 nm using only benzyl alcohol and an iron precursor. In the functionalization process, concentration variations were required for stabilizing different nanoparticle sizes. Radio frequency induction heating experiments of various crystallite and hydrodynamic sizes verified that the heating efficiency greatly increased while approaching the 15 nm crystallite, and suggested an important role of the overall particle size on heating efficiency. Initial in vitro experiments with the functionalized nanoparticles showed success in providing hyperthermia-induced tumour cell killing without an increase in the temperature of the cell suspension medium. This demonstrates the potential for nanoparticle-based hyperthermia to provide a therapeutic effect while limiting normal tissue damage.
Hexavalent Chromium Removal Through Conventional Filtration Treatment Processes
Authors: Liang Sun , MaCeiko Shannon M.
Published: December 2014

A pilot‐scale study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of reduction/coagulation/filtration (RCF) integration into conventional filtration treatment processes for hexavalent chromium (CrVI) and total chromium removal from surface water. RCF was effective for CrVI and total chromium removals of > 99 and > 93%, respectively, from surface water spiked with 25 μg/L CrVI. However, longer filter ripening and higher headloss accumulation rates were observed. Increased aluminum sulfate (alum) and filter aid dosages were assessed to improve filter performance; alum slightly improved performance, while filter aid reduced performance. Increased chlorine contact time with low chlorine dosages enhanced iron–chromium floc formation and reduced filter ripening and headloss accumulation rates resulting in longer filter run times. CrVI removals decreased from > 99 to > 98% while total chromium removals increased to > 98%. These results demonstrate that RCF integration effectively decreased CrVI and total chromium in surface water while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Role of Mass Media in Dissemination of Agricultural Technology among the Farmers of Jaffarabad District of Balochistan
Authors: Inayatullah Memon  , Khalid N. Panhwar  , Rafique A. Chandio  , Abdul Latif Bhutto  , Aijaz A. Khooharo
Published: December 2014

Agricultural extension is essentially a message delivery system organized to convey the latest findings ofagricultural research to farmers. Effective communication is therefore, the prime requirement in extension work. This study conducted during 2013 attempted to examine the role of mass media in dissemination of agricultural technology among the farmers of Jaffarabad district of Balochistan province of Pakistan. The results revealed majority of the respondents were male (80%), belonged to the age group of 31-40 years (45.35%), and with formal education of (31%). Information regarding agricultural farming revealed that three-fourth (75%) of the respondents owned personal land, medium size of farms (12.5-50.0 acres) were more common (52%). Majority (70.93%) of the respondents perceived that the sources of media used in the area are highly conventional. About two third (66.28%) of the respondents perceived that the sources of media for agricultural information was highly accessible. Relative majority of the respondents (40.70%) supposed to prefer listening to agricultural programs between 8 pm to 12.00 am; 33.72% respondents showed preference for listening to agricultural programs from 4.00 -8.00 pm. Majority (70.93%) of the respondents considered the information receiving through mass media is highly relevant in solving agriculture problems. Majority (41.86%) of the respondents reported infrastructural development due to agricultural information received through mass media and 22.09 percent found that agricultural information received through mass media was helpful in capacity building. Regarding major obstacles in receiving information, 31.40 percent respondents reported power failure, followed by high cost (24.42%), and poor signals (12.79%).
Techniques to Identify and Test PCB Faults with Proposed Solution
Authors: Ambreen Insaf  , Mirza Salman Baig  , Zeeshan Alam Nayyar  , Mirza Aman Baig
Published: December 2014

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are getting more complex day by day because of vast and modern technology. Analyzing PCB’s failure and their reason of failing is a challenging task but despite how faulty they may be, they can be diagnosed and repair. Modern PCBs consist of fine pitch components including unidentified, non-testable and customized parts, which make it difficult to troubleshoot and repair. Modern PCBs cannot test and repair using generic Automatic Test Equipments (ATEs), unlike simple ones. Successful repair of such types of PCBs is an art more than science. PCB troubleshooting and fault analysis needs a good theoretical knowledge and analytical thinking. It is not something, which can only study from books, but it can gain through constant troubleshooting and experiencing. Keeping in view above mentioned problems this research focused on exploring diagnosis skills and techniques used to identify faults in such Integrated Circuits (ICs) and components using VI instrument. As a result, reducing equipment downtime and high costs need in PCB repairs.
REPRESENTAÇÕES SOCIAIS DA VIOLÊNCIA SEXUAL NA PRODUÇÃO CIENTÍFICA NACIONAL
Authors: Sagrillo Scarpati Arielle , Maria Rosa Edinete , Martins Guerra Valeschka
Published: December 2014

Esse trabalho teve como objetivo identificar as representações sociais da violência sexual con¬tra a mulher adulta na produção científica nacional sobre o tema. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica, que revisou os artigos indexados na Scientific Electronic Library – Scielo dos últimos cinco anos, que continham pelo menos uma das seguintes palavras-chave: violên¬cia sexual, abuso sexual, estupro e violência contra a mulher. Primeiramente, foram mapeadas as datas de publicação, áreas de conhecimento e vinculação institucional do primeiro autor dos artigos. Em seguida, foi realizada a análise dos objetivos gerais dos artigos a partir da Análise de Conteúdo Temática. Os resultados indicam que as RS da violência sexual contra a mulher se organizam em torno do elemento Atendimento, sendo enfatizadas as publicações da área da saúde, centralizadas no Estado de São Paulo. Discute-se a ausência de publicações da Psicologia sobre o tema.
Remote Sensing of Earth's Limb by TIMED/GUVI: Retrieval of thermospheric composition and temperature
Authors: Meier R. R. , Picone J. M. , Drob D. , Bishop J. , Emmert J. T. , Lean J. L. , Stephan A. W. , Strickland D. J. , Christensen A. B. , Paxton L. J. , Morrison D. , Kil H. , Wolven B. , Woods Thomas N. , Crowley G. , Gibson S. T.
Published: December 2014

The Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI) onboard the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite senses far ultraviolet emissions from O and N2 in the thermosphere. Transformation of far ultraviolet radiances measured on the Earth limb into O, N2, and O2 number densities and temperature quantifies these responses and demonstrates the value of simultaneous altitude and geographic information. Composition and temperature variations are available from 2002 to 2007. This paper documents the extraction of these data products from the limb emission rates. We present the characteristics of the GUVI limb observations, retrievals of thermospheric neutral composition and temperature from the forward model, and the dramatic changes of the thermosphere with the solar cycle and geomagnetic activity. We examine the solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) irradiance magnitude and trends through comparison with simultaneous Solar Extreme EUV (SEE) measurements on TIMED and find the EUV irradiance inferred from GUVI averaged (2002–2007) 30% lower magnitude than SEE version 11 and varied less with solar activity. The smaller GUVI variability is not consistent with the view that lower solar EUV radiation during the past solar minimum is the cause of historically low thermospheric mass densities. Thermospheric O and N2 densities are lower than the NRLMSISE‐00 model, but O2 is consistent. We list some lessons learned from the GUVI program along with several unresolved issues.
Responses of global terrestrial evapotranspiration to climate change and increasing atmospheric CO2 in the 21st century
Authors: Pan Shufen , Tian Hanqin , Dangal Shree R.S. , Yang Qichun , Yang Jia , Lu Chaoqun , Tao Bo , Ren Wei , Ouyang Zhiyun
Published: December 2014

Quantifying the spatial and temporal patterns of the water lost to the atmosphere through land surface evapotranspiration (ET) is essential for understanding the global hydrological cycle, but remains much uncertain. In this study, we use the Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model to estimate the global terrestrial ET during 2000–2009 and project its changes in response to climate change and increasing atmospheric CO2 under two IPCC SRES scenarios (A2 and B1) during 2010–2099. Modeled results show a mean annual global terrestrial ET of about 549 (545–552) mm yr−1 during 2000–2009. Relative to the 2000s, global terrestrial ET for the 2090s would increase by 30.7 mm yr−1 (5.6%) and 13.2 mm yr−1 (2.4%) under the A2 and B1 scenarios, respectively. About 60% of global land area would experience increasing ET at rates of over 9.5 mm decade−1 over the study period under the A2 scenario. The Arctic region would have the largest ET increase (16% compared with the 2000s level) due to larger increase in temperature than other regions. Decreased ET would mainly take place in regions like central and western Asia, northern Africa, Australia, eastern South America, and Greenland due to declines in soil moisture and changing rainfall patterns. Our results indicate that warming temperature and increasing precipitation would result in large increase in ET by the end of the 21st century, while increasing atmospheric CO2 would be responsible for decrease in ET, given the reduction of stomatal conductance under elevated CO2.
From the extreme to the mean: Acceleration and tipping points of coastal inundation from sea level rise
Authors: Sweet William V. , Park Joseph
Published: December 2014

Relative sea level rise (RSLR) has driven large increases in annual water level exceedances (duration and frequency) above minor (nuisance level) coastal flooding elevation thresholds established by the National Weather Service (NWS) at U.S. tide gauges over the last half‐century. For threshold levels below 0.5 m above high tide, the rates of annual exceedances are accelerating along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, primarily from evolution of tidal water level distributions to higher elevations impinging on the flood threshold. These accelerations are quantified in terms of the local RSLR rate and tidal range through multiple regression analysis. Along the U.S. West Coast, annual exceedance rates are linearly increasing, complicated by sharp punctuations in RSLR anomalies during El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases, and we account for annual exceedance variability along the U.S. West and East Coasts from ENSO forcing. Projections of annual exceedances above local NWS nuisance levels at U.S. tide gauges are estimated by shifting probability estimates of daily maximum water levels over a contemporary 5‐year period following probabilistic RSLR projections of Kopp et al. (2014) for representative concentration pathways (RCP) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5. We suggest a tipping point for coastal inundation (30 days/per year with a threshold exceedance) based on the evolution of exceedance probabilities. Under forcing associated with the local‐median projections of RSLR, the majority of locations surpass the tipping point over the next several decades regardless of specific RCP.
Intraseasonal variability and tropical cyclogenesis in the western North Pacific simulated by a global nonhydrostatic atmospheric model
Authors: Nakano Masuo , Sawada Masahiro , Nasuno Tomoe , Satoh Masaki
Published: December 2014

Thirty‐one successive daily experiments for extended‐range (30 day) forecasts are conducted using a global nonhydrostatic atmospheric model without convective parameterization. The model successfully reproduces tropical cyclogenesis (TCG) in six out of eight cases in the western North Pacific in August 2004, up to 2 weeks prior to cyclone formation. Detailed analyses reveal that Typhoon Songda's genesis is related to the eastward extension of the monsoon trough associated with the intraseasonal variability (ISV). The successful simulation of the migration and extension of the monsoon trough leads to a 2 week forecast for Songda's genesis. These findings highlight the need for a model capable of predicting the modulation of large‐scale fields by ISV for TCG forecasts and that a global nonhydrostatic cloud‐system‐resolving model is a promising tool for TCG forecasts.
Development of anisotropic contiguity in deforming partially molten aggregates: 2. Implications for the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary
Authors: Hier‐Majumder Saswata , Drombosky Tyler
Published: December 2014

In this article, we calculate the seismic anisotropy resulting from melt redistribution during pure and simple shear deformation. Deformation strongly modifies the geometry of melts initially occupying three grain junctions. The initially isotropic fractional area of intergranular contact, contiguity, becomes anisotropic due to deformation. Consequently, the component of contiguity evaluated on the plane parallel to axis of maximum compressive stress decreases. During both modes of deformation, the trace of the contiguity tensor remains nearly unchanged. In the companion article [labeled DHM], we outline the numerical methods and present the synthetic micrographs from our numerical deformation experiments. In pure shear deformation, the principal contiguity directions remain stationary while they rotate during simple shear. The ratio between the principal components of the contiguity tensor decrease from 1 in an undeformed aggregate to 0.1 after 45% shortening in pure shear and to 0.3 after a shear strain of 0.75 in simple shear. In both pure and simple shear experiments, anisotropy in the shear wave velocity increases with the strain in a strongly nonlinear fashion. In pure shear deformation, the steady state microstructure produces nearly 3% anisotropy between shear waves vibrating perpendicular and parallel to the planes of melt films.
Monitoring the spreading of the Amazon freshwater plume by MODIS, SMOS, Aquarius, and TOPAZ
Authors: Korosov Anton , Counillon François , Johannessen Johnny A.
Published: December 2014

A synergistic tool for studying the Amazon River plume dynamics based on a novel algorithm for deriving sea surface salinity (SSS) from MODIS reflectance data together with SSS data from the SMOS and Aquarius satellites and the TOPAZ data assimilation system is proposed. The new algorithm is based on a neural network to relate spectral remote sensing reflectance measured by MODIS with SSS measured by SMOS in the Amazon River plume. The algorithm is validated against independent in situ data and is found to be valid in the range of SSS from 29 to 35 psu, for the period of highest rates of Amazon River discharge with RMSE = 0.79 psu and r2 = 0.84. Monthly SSS fields were reconstructed from the MODIS data for late summers from 2002 to 2012 at a 10 km resolution and compared to surface currents and SSS derived from the TOPAZ reanalysis system. The two data sets reveal striking agreement, suggesting that the TOPAZ system could be used for a detailed study of the Amazon River plume dynamics. Both the position and speed of the North Brazilian Current as well as the spreading of the Amazon River plume are monitored. In particular, a recurrent mechanism was observed for the spreading of the rivers plumes, notably that the fresh water is usually advected toward the Caribbean Sea by the North Brazilian Current but get diverted into the tropical Atlantic when North Brazilian Current Rings are shed.
Control of the Oxygen and Cobalt Atoms Diffusion through Co Nanoparticles Differing by Their Crystalline Structure and Size
Authors: Yang Zhijie , Yang Nailiang , Yang Jianhui , Bergström Johanna , Pileni Marie‐Paule
Published: December 2014

The size‐dependent Kirkendall effect is studied by using Co nanoparticles. The sizes of Co nanoparticles differing by their crystal structures called nanocrystallinity, namely amorphous, polycrystalline fcc, single crystalline hcp, and single crystalline ε phase, are modulated from 4 to 10 nm. The nanoparticles self‐assembled in 2D superlattices and differing by their nanocrystallinities are subjected to oxygen at 200 °C for 10 min. With single‐domain nanocrystals differing by their crystalline structure (ε and hcp phases), marked changes in the final structures are observed: upon increasing the nanocrystal size, the ε phase favors formation of a hollow structure whereas a transition from single‐domain hollow to multidomain core/shell structures takes place with the hcp phase. With polycrystalline fcc Co nanocrystals, a transition from a hollow to a yolk/shell structure is observed, whereas with amorphous cobalt, solid CoO nanoparticles are produced at the smaller size and are converted to the core/shell structure at the larger one. These differences in size effect are attributed to the change in the control of the inward flow of oxygen atoms and the outward flow of Co atoms with the crystalline structure of cobalt nanoparticles. Such a diffusion process described here on the Kirkendall effect can be studied for other metal nanocrystals.
Black Silicon Photovoltaics
Authors: Otto Martin , Algasinger Michael , Branz Howard , Gesemann Benjamin , Gimpel Thomas , Füchsel Kevin , Käsebier Thomas , Kontermann Stefan , Koynov Svetoslav , Li Xiaopeng , Naumann Volker , Oh Jihun , Sprafke Alexander N. , Ziegler Johannes , Zilk Matthias , Wehrspohn Ralf B.
Published: December 2014

This article presents an overview of the fabrication methods of black silicon, their resulting morphologies, and a quantitative comparison of their optoelectronic properties. To perform this quantitative comparison, different groups working on black silicon solar cells have cooperated for this study. The optical absorption and the minority carrier lifetime are used as benchmark parameters. The differences in the fabrication processes plasma etching, chemical etching, or laser processing are discussed and compared with numerical models. Guidelines to optimize the relevant physical parameters, such as the correlation length, optimal height of the nanostructures, and the surface defect densities for optoelectronic applications are given.
Effect of propylene carbonate on the ionic conductivity of polyacrylonitrile‐based solid polymer electrolytes
Authors: Nithya Srinivasan , Selvasekarapandian Subramaniyan , Karthikeyan Shunmugavel , Vinoth Pandi Dharmalingam
Published: December 2014

Solid polymer electrolyte membranes consisting of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as a host polymer, ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) as a complexing salt, and propylene carbonate (PC) as a plasticizer were prepared by a solution casting technique. An increase in the amorphous nature of the polymer electrolytes was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis. A shift in the glass‐transition temperature of the PAN/NH4NO3/PC electrolytes was observed in the differential scanning calorimetry thermograms; this indicated interactions between the polymer and the salt. The impedance spectroscopy technique was used to study the mode of ion conduction in the plasticized polymer electrolyte. The highest ionic conductivity was found to be 7.48 × 10−3 S/cm at 303 K for 80 mol % PAN, 20 mol % NH4NO3, and 0.02 mol % PC. The activation energy of the plasticized polymer electrolyte (80 mol % PAN/20 mol % NH4NO3/0.02 mol % PC) was found to be 0.08 eV; this was considerably lower than that of the film without the plasticizers. The dielectric behavior of the electrolyte is discussed in this article. A literature survey indicated that the synthesis and characterization of ammonium‐salt‐doped, proton‐conducting polymer electrolytes based on PAN has been rare. The use of the best composition membrane (80 mol % PAN/20 mol % NH4NO3/0.02 mol % PC) proton battery was constructed and evaluated. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41743.
Electroconductive performance of polypyrrole/graphene nanocomposites synthesized through in situ emulsion polymerization
Authors: Imran Syed Muhammad , Shao Godlisten N. , Haider M. Salman , Abbas Nadir , Hussain Manwar , Kim Hee Taik
Published: December 2014

The present study demonstrates a modified in situ emulsion polymerization (EP) approach convenient for the formation of polypyrrole/graphene (PPy/GN) nanocomposites with harnessed conductivities. A series of PPy/GN nanocomposites were prepared by loading different weight percent (wt %) of GN during in situ EP of pyrrole monomer. The polymerization was carried out in the presence of dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid, which acts as an emulsifier and protonating agent. The microstructures of the nanocomposites were studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses. The electrical conductivities of the nanocomposite pellets pressed at different applied pressures were determined using four probe analyzer. The electrical conductivities of the nanocomposites were considerably enhanced as compared to those of the individual PPy samples pressed at the same pressures. An enhanced conductivity of 717.06 S m−1 was observed in the sample with 5 wt % GN loading and applied pressure of 8 tons. The results of the present study signify that the addition of GN in the PPy polymer harnesses both electrical and thermal properties of the polymer. Thus, PPy/GN nanocomposites with superior properties for various semiconductor applications can be obtained through direct loading of GN during the polymerization process. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41800.
Solid‐state foaming of isotactic polypropylene and its composites with spherical or fibrous poly(butylenes terephthalate)
Authors: Luo Yiwei , Xin Chunling , Yang Zhaoping , Yan Baorui , Li Zhongpeng , Li Xiaohu , He Yadong
Published: December 2014

In this article, the foaming behavior of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and its composites with spherical or fibrous poly(butylenes terephthalate) (PBT) using supercritical CO2 as a blowing agent were investigated. Their foaming performances were also compared in relation to the crystal morphology and rheological behavior of PP. Results demonstrate that crystal structures significantly impacted the cell structures of foams. At relatively low temperature, microcells appeared at the centers of PP spherulites where the melting started. Particularly, bi‐modal cell structure formed in the foamed PP with increasing temperature. However, in the foamed PP composites with spherical or fibrous PBT, this structure almost disappeared due to the smaller PP spherulites. In foaming PP/PBT composites, the heterogeneous nucleation of spherical or fibrous PBT was effective at reducing cell size as well as improving cell density and cell uniformity. The fibrous PBT also acted as scaffolds for preserving cell shapes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41801.
Dealloying of Mesoporous PtCu Alloy Film for the Synthesis of Mesoporous Pt Films with High Electrocatalytic Activity
Authors: Li Cuiling , Malgras Victor , Aldalbahi Ali , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: December 2014

Mesoporous Pt film with highly electrocatalytic activity is successfully synthesized by dealloying of mesoporous PtCu alloy film prepared through electrochemical micelle assembly. The resulting mesoporous electrode exhibits high current density and superior stability toward the methanol oxidation reaction.
Comparisons of mixed systems with decreasing failure rate component lifetimes using dispersive order
Authors: Toomaj Abdolsaeed , Doostparast Mahdi
Published: December 2014

Because lifetimes of systems are not deterministic, partially, orders are used for comparison purposes which lead us to provide optimal system configurations. This paper deals with a signature‐based dispersive ordering of mixed systems. It is assumed that component lifetimes are independent and identically distributed, and the common distribution has a decreasing failure rate function. Some illustrative examples are also given.
RETRACTION: Inhibition of GPR137 suppresses proliferation of medulloblastoma cells in vitro
Authors: Wang Chengfeng , Liang Qinchuan , Chen Guangming , Jing Junjie , Wang Shousen
Published: December 2014

RETRACTION: Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor in children. GPR137 is a ubiquitously expressed gene in the central nervous system. It has been reported that GPR137 modulates malignant proliferation of glioma cells. However, the relationship between GPR137 and medulloblastoma is still unknown. In this study, we knocked down GPR137 in the medulloblastoma cell line Daoy via a lentivirus‐based RNA interference system to explore its role in medulloblastoma. Functional analyses showed that cell proliferation and colony formation were obviously restrained in Daoy cells after GPR137 knockdown. Furthermore, knockdown of GPR137 in Daoy cells led to a significant increase in cell percentage in the G0/G1 phase but a decrease in the S phase. Additionally, the cell population in the sub‐G1 phase, which represents apoptotic cells, was remarkably increased in GPR137 knockdown cells. GPR137 inhibition induced a strong proapoptotic effect in Daoy cells, as confirmed by annexin V‐APC/7‐AAD double staining. In conclusion, GPR137 knockdown inhibited growth of Daoy medulloblastoma cells via disturbing cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis. Our investigation suggested that GPR137 could be a potential oncogene in medulloblastoma cells and might serve as a target for the treatment of medulloblastoma.
Inactivation and identification of three genes encoding glycosyltransferase required for biosynthesis of nogalamycin
Authors: Shao Lei , Shi Xuanwen , Liu Wei , Gao Xiaorong , Pu Tian , Ma Bingji , Wang Siyuan
Published: December 2014

Nogalamycin is an anthracycline antitumor antibiotic, consisting of the aromatic aglycone attached with a nogalose and a nogalamine. At present, the biosynthesis pathway of nogalamycin, especially the glycosylation mechanism of the two deoxysugar moieties, had still not been extensively investigated in vivo. In this study, we inactivated the three glycotransferase genes in the nogalamycin‐produced strain, and investigated the function of these genes by analyzing the metabolites profiles in the fermentation broth. The in‐frame deletion of snogD and disruption of snogE abolished the production of nogalamycin completely, indicating that the gene products of snogD and snogE are essential to the biosynthesis of nogalamycin. On the other hand, in‐frame deletion of snogZ does not abolish the production of nogalamycin, but production yield was reduced to 28% of the wild type, implying that snogZ gene may involved in the activation of other glycotransferases in nogalamycin biosynthesis. This study laid the foundation of modification of nogalamycin biosynthesis/production by genetic engineering methods.