bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A MicroRNA-Mediated Positive Feedback Regulatory Loop of the NF-κB Pathway in Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Zuo Hongliang , Yuan Jia , Chen Yonggui , Li Sedong , Su Ziqi , Wei Erman , Li Chaozheng , Weng Shaoping , Xu Xiaopeng , He Jianguo
Published: March 2016

In the evolutionarily conserved canonical NF-κB pathway, degradation of the NF-κB inhibitor IκB in the cytoplasmic NF-κB/IκB complex allows the liberated NF-κB to translocate into the nucleus to activate various target genes. The regulatory mechanism governing this process needs further investigation. In this study, a novel microRNA, temporarily named miR-1959, was first identified from an invertebrate Litopenaeus vannamei. miR-1959 targets the 3′-untranslated region of the IκB homolog Cactus gene and reduces the protein level of Cactus in vivo, whereas the NF-κB homolog Dorsal directly binds the miR-1959 promoter to activate its transcription. Therefore, miR-1959 mediates a positive feedback regulatory loop, in that Dorsal activates miR-1959 expression, and in turn, miR-1959 inhibits the expression of Cactus, further leading to enhanced activation of Dorsal. Moreover, miR-1959 regulates the expression of many antimicrobial peptides in vivo and is involved in antibacterial immunity. To our knowledge, it is the first discovery of a microRNA-mediated feedback loop that directly regulates the NF-κB/IκB complex. This positive feedback loop could collaborate with the known NF-κB/IκB negative loop to generate a dynamic balance to regulate the activity of NF-κB, thus constituting an effective regulatory mechanism at the critical node of the NF-κB pathway.
Multispectral Imaging of T and B Cells in Murine Spleen and Tumor
Authors: Feng Zipei , Jensen Shawn M. , Messenheimer David J. , Farhad Mohammed , Neuberger Michael , Bifulco Carlo B. , Fox Bernard A.
Published: March 2016

Recent advances in multiplex immunohistochemistry techniques allow for quantitative, spatial identification of multiple immune parameters for enhanced diagnostic and prognostic insight. However, applying such techniques to murine fixed tissues, particularly sensitive epitopes, such as CD4, CD8α, and CD19, has been difficult. We compared different fixation protocols and Ag-retrieval techniques and validated the use of multiplex immunohistochemistry for detection of CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T cell subsets in murine spleen and tumor. This allows for enumeration of these T cell subsets within immune environments, as well as the study of their spatial distribution.
Self-reports of Cognitive Vulnerabilities for Anxiety Suggest Escalating Severity across Adult Age Ranges: A Cross-sectional Investigation
Authors: Fetzner Mathew G. , Horswill Samantha A. , Carleton R. Nicholas
Published: March 2016

Cognitive vulnerabilities have been posited as central to the development of anxiety disorders and have been given substantial research attention. Despite widespread empirical investigations into the relationships with symptoms of mental disorders, and use as markers of symptom severity among clinical adult populations, research is lacking information on the progression of cognitive vulnerabilities across adulthood. The investments associated with longitudinal research requires a priori evidence of age-related differences from cross-sectional data. The current research used 1477 community members (72% female, 18–64 years) to cross-sectionally assess trends in cognitive vulnerabilities and their dimensions throughout adulthood and between distinct age groups (i.e., 18–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, and 50+). Results suggest small, albeit statistically significant, associations with age which provide important insight into construct stability across adulthood and potentiate an avenue towards the understanding of progression across adulthood. Vulnerabilities encompassing somatic symptoms (i.e., fear of physiological sensations, injury, and illness) and uncertainty over future events (i.e., prospective-IU) exhibited positive linear relationships with age. Vulnerabilities encompassing fears of evaluation (i.e., fear of negative evaluation and socially observable anxiety), behavioral inhibition (i.e., inhibitory-IU), and loss of cognitive control (i.e., fear of cognitive dyscontrol) exhibited quadratic relationships with age. Participants over 50 years of age tended to report elevated cognitive vulnerabilities. Comprehensive results and directions for future research are discussed.
An Examination of Harm Beliefs in Dog Fearful Children
Authors: Byrne Simon P. , Rapee Ronald M. , Malhi Gin S. , Sweller Naomi , Hudson Jennifer
Published: March 2016

This study examined the harm beliefs of dog fearful children and the effect of exposure therapy on harm beliefs. The harm beliefs of 27 dog fearful children were examined before and after exposure therapy to a dog. Children were shown a live dog and asked to rate the extent to which they believed the dog would harm them (for example, the dog would bite or attack). The children were asked to complete Behaviour Approach Tests (BATs) to the dog before and after the exposure therapy. The children partially endorsed all harm beliefs regarding the dog prior to exposure. Harm beliefs predicted distress during a BAT before exposure therapy and avoidance after exposure. There was a significant reduction in all harm beliefs after exposure therapy with large effect sizes. Results also indicate the effectiveness of a single session of exposure in reducing a child's harm beliefs.
A Survey of the Relationship between the Psychological Capital Components and Staff’ Productivity: A Case of the Genaveh County Offices of Education
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Gholomreza , Farrokhnejad Amir
Published: March 2016

The main purpose of this paper was to investigate the relationship between the psychological capital components and employees productivity of the Genaveh County offices of education. This is an applied and descriptive-survey research. The research population is the 1324 staff of the offices of education of Genaveh County in 2015. The sample includes 297 people selected using Morgan’s table and the stratified random sampling method. The data were collected using Luthans’ psychological capital questionnaire (2007) and Hersey & Goldsmith human resources productivity questionnaire (1984). To analyze the data, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression were used simultaneously. All this was done using SPSS Software Version 21. Results revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the psychological capital components and staff productivity at the level of (P<0.001). Results of the regression analysis also indicated that psychological capital components have a significant effect on productivity (F292, 4) =14.1, P<0.001). Also, the R2 value showed that psychological capital can explain 15% of the variance in productivity.
Educating Nonlinearly and Visually in the Digital Knowledge Age: A Delphi Study
Authors: Safar Ammar H.
Published: March 2016

This longitudinal, qualitative and Delphi technique-designed research study sought a reasonable consensus for identifying and prioritizing the best and most appropriate Web 2.0/3.0 nonlinear visual tools that can revolutionize the educational processes of thinking, teaching, learning, and leading in the digital knowledge age. The study also sought reasonable agreement on the criteria to measure the educational success of these new breeds of information and communication technology (ICT) tools. The results were very promising. The Delphi ICT experts, 80 personnel in total, reached significant agreement on the issues that were carefully deliberated in this study. The Delphi participants prioritized a list of the most relevant, reliable, and appropriate Web 2.0/3.0 nonlinear visual tools that can enhance the educational processes of thinking, teaching, learning, and leading in the digital knowledge age. Additionally, the participants recognized and prioritized certain criteria (i.e., measurements, standards, factors, benchmarks, and principles) that can assess and measure the success of Web 2.0/3.0 nonlinear visual tools and any ICT platform from educational perspectives. No significant differences were found among the Delphi subgroups when inferential statistics were performed. The qualitative nature of the Delphi technique research design, the deployment period, and the capability of examining a large sample size of ICT experts all notably helped in strengthening the statistical significance, reliability, and confidence in the collected data. The findings of this study comply with the postulated assumptions. These results can assist academics, educators, instructional technology leaders, practitioners, administrators, and policy and decision makers in ascertaining and defining appropriate solutions to educational challenges.
Research on Status quo of Fine Motor Skill of Children Aged 3 to 6: Case Analysis of Kindergartens in Nanchong, Sichuan
Authors: Xia Wei
Published: March 2016

By combining methods of survey with questionnaire, the author investigated the situation of fine motor skill of 330 children aged 3 to 6 in the junior, middle and senior groups of 11 kindergartens in three districts of Nanchong City, and conducted questionnaire on the children’s parents’ educational attitude toward fine motor. The survey data analyzed by SPSS shows that children’s fine motor skill in Nanchong is improved as they are growing older; that their development of drawing, folding and cutting fine motor skill is relatively weaker; that there are some differences in skill level between genders, kindergarten categories and native places. The kindergartens should develop curriculum for development of children’s fine motor. In “Motor development” objectives of Learning and Development Guideline for Children Aged 3 to 6, gender factor of affecting fine motor skill should be added. The kindergarten shall conduct differentiated instruction on boy’s and girl’s fine motor skill. Teachers and parents shall jointly support children’s operation and exploration activities of fine motor, to contain training in life and to achieve family-kindergarten cooperation and to promote children’s fine motor skill hand in hand.
The Effect of Internet Usage on Relations between Members of the Omani Family in the Dhofar Region
Authors: Abuiyada Reem , Rauff Salithamby , Eteiwi Adnan
Published: March 2016

Oman has a society which is highly driven by religious and cultural values. Religion and culture have both been apparent sustenance to shape every area of Omanis’ daily life at individual, familial and societal levels. The instituting of modern technology, particularly the Internet, has a decisive impact on the traditional and structural nature of Omani’s family life. This study has examined such impact on families. This is an exploratory study employing quantitative data. Around 200 families from different parts of Dhofar, Oman (such as Salalah, Mirbath, Thamreet and Taqa) have been recruited by a purposive sampling, and their views and experiences on how their use of modern technology influences their life were collected. The findings suggested that the Internet use has produced a low husband-wife relationship in family life. Findings also suggest that there was a low relationship between siblings in a family. The Internet use had also effects on Omani families’ traditional culture and beliefs.
Carpets Design and Map Investigation of Baluch of Khorasan (Case Study of Areas Taibad and Khaf)
Authors: Nia Maryam Foroughi , Piri Ali , Erfanmanesh Raheleh , Kermani Lahya Hosseini
Published: March 2016

Application design and role in carpets from different regions of Iran, represents the effects of nature and each region according to the customs, different doctrines, attitudes, different ideas and perceptions that to the design and creation deals. Region of Khaf and Taibad of southern Khorasan are rural conception graph of nature and beliefs of people of the region that are appeared as geometric and semi-geometric. In the study the attempt is to present motifs and colors in the southern regions of Razavi Khorasan carpets that are less explored, examined, and derivate. According to the initial hypothesis carpet designs of carpet in the areas are influenced by neighboring nations. The research questions that will be addressed in the study include: what are the common motifs in South Khorasan carpets, especially in the regions Khaf and Taibad? To what extent the pattern has root in neighboring ethnic groups and immigrants' carpet weaving?

In this descriptive and analytical study based on fieldwork and librarian study, first a significant number of contemporary carpets were observed and photographed in the area index motifs has derived and then the motifs were named based on local weavers' information and accommodation of neighboring ethnic motifs and categorized by content.

The results indicate that geometric patterns affected by ethnic Baloch and Turkmen motifs and semi-geometric patterns by Arabs Afshar and central regions of Iran. Many of the acquired maps have no clear name and identity and require rooting in neighboring cultures, especially in Sistan and Turkmen carpet. 
The Effectiveness of Pilates in Resiliency and Psych-asthenia of the Housewives
Authors: Norouzi Lida , Makvandi Behnam
Published: March 2016

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Pilates on resiliency and psych-asthenia of the housewives in Tehran. The most common problems of the housewives included decreased resilience and uniform life that led to increased psych-asthenia. Using the knowledge of Contrology, measuring the effect of Pilates on resiliency and psych-asthenia of the housewives was considered. Quasi-experimental research design included the control groups (pre-test, post-test). The statistical population consisted of 40 housewives (20 in Pilates group and 20 in control group) that were selected using the available sampling by referring to a sports club in District 2, Tehran. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of covariance, and the adjusted comparison was conducted at the significance level of 5%.The results showed that the adjusted mean of the scores of resiliency and psych-asthenia for the intervention group are significantly different (p>5.0) and there is a significant difference between the mean scores of resiliency and psych-asthenia of the treatment and control groups. Pilates exercises increase resiliency and decrease psych-asthenia of the housewives. Thus, it is recommended that psychologists and psychiatrists consider Pilates as a supplementary treatment in their prescriptions.
Dimensions of Internal Audit Quality and Performance of Local Governments in Nigeria
Authors: Usang Obal Usang Edet , Salim Basariah
Published: March 2016

The study examined the influence of the dimensions of internal audit quality on the performance of local governments in Nigeria. A total of 301 heads of internal audit unit of Nigeria local governments responded to the survey. Robust regression analysis was conducted using the Stata software and the results show that internal audit competence, training and development, organizational independence, and management support for internal audit had significant positive relationship with local government performance while internal audit quality of work performed, though positive, had no significant relationship with local government performance in Nigeria. Furthermore, management support towards internal audit had more influence on local government performance. Therefore a commitment on the part of local government administrators towards strengthening the quality of internal audit will contribute more towards remedying some performance failures currently being faced.
Skepticism and the Basis of Morality
Authors: McClintock Thomas ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2016

Part I (Skepticism) contains analyses of the basic varieties of ethical skepticism and culminates in the idea that the refutation of ethical skepticism--or, what is the same thing, the discovery of the rational basis of morality--consists of a proof of the factual thesis that there exists in human beings a common underivative moral self that consists of an innate normative-practical source (or principle-spring) of human moral judgment and behavior. Part 2 (The Basis of Morality) develops the methodology for establishing this factual thesis and develops as well an argument employing this methodology that actually establishes it. This argument is to the effect that nature through the process of evolution-by-natural-selection built into us humans the following principle as the rational basis of morality: We ought to act only in those ways whose universal performance is both possible and consistent with the rational self-interest of every member of our species.
Temporal and spatial fluctuations of sea surface temperature and chlorophyll a levels due to atmospheric forcing in a tropical coastal lagoon
Authors: Salas-Pérez José de Jesús , González-Gándara Carlos
Published: March 2016

The temporal and spatial fluctuations of sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll a (Chla) levels due to atmospheric forcing in Mexico’s third largest tropical coastal lagoon (Tamiahua Lagoon), located in the western Gulf of Mexico, was examined from July 2002 to May 2012. The main hypothesis of this study is that SST and Chla levels are modulated by the exchange of heat fluxes from the atmosphere and by rainfall (river runoff). The atmosphere supplies heat (555.05 ± 42.31 W m–2) to Tamiahua Lagoon, which implies that the temperature of the lagoon over the period analyzed (~27 ºC) was higher than normal in the coastal zone. Precipitation regulates Chla levels during the rainy season because the cross-correlation values were high (r > 0.61) and the phase lag of the rainy season with the Chla time series was typically 0 to –1 month. El Niño/Southern Oscillation phases affected the rainfall patterns and, thus, Chla concentrations in the lagoon. As expected, the lagoon showed eutrophic conditions throughout the year (Chla concentrations >5 mg m–3), with maximum values in the summer, when warm and wet conditions prevail. The annual scale is responsible for most of the variability in the two data sets. Seasonally, both oceanographic data sets showed three different water types, which, in both cases, were more variable at the southern and northern inlets and more homogenous in the central part of the lagoon.
Arabidopsis lipoxygenase 2 is essential for formation of green leaf volatiles and five‐carbon volatiles
Authors: Mochizuki Satoshi , Sugimoto Koichi , Koeduka Takao , Matsui Kenji
Published: March 2016

Plants biosynthesize a variety of bioactive lipid derivatives, such as green leaf volatiles (GLVs) and jasmonates (JAs). Here we identify a lipoxygenase 2 (LOX2) involved in GLV biosynthesis in Arabidopsis using mutant lines for each of the six LOX isoforms present in Arabidopsis. We found that formation of five carbon volatiles was also dependent on LOX2. LOX2 is known to be involved in formation of JA; thus, LOX2 is apparently versatile in function. The results in this study suggested that LOX2 activity is suppressed in intact cells but activated upon tissue damage to support the rapid GLV‐burst observed in wounded leaves.
Kinesin‐1 inhibits the aggregation of amyloid‐β peptide as detected by fluorescence cross‐correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Zheng Yanpeng , Tian Shijun , Peng Xianglei , Yang Jingfa , Fu Yuanhui , Jiao Yueying , Zhao Jiang , He Jinsheng , Hong Tao
Published: March 2016

Although the exact etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still unclear, amyloid‐β (Aβ) generated by the proteolytic processing of amyloid‐β precursor protein (APP) aggregate to form toxic amyloid species. Kinesin‐1 is the first identified ATP‐dependent axonal transport motor protein that has been proven to affect Aβ generation and deposition. In this paper, we applied dual‐color fluorescence cross‐correlation spectroscopy (DC‐FCCS) to investigate the direct interaction of Aβ with kinesin‐1 at the single‐molecule fluorescence level in vitro. The results showed that two kinds of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐tagged kinesin light‐chain subunits of kinesin‐1(KLCs), KLC‐E and E‐KLC inhibited the aggregation of Aβ over a period of time, providing additional insight into the mechanism of axonal transport deficits in AD.
Structure‐activity relationship of the peptide binding‐motif mediating the BRCA2:RAD51 protein–protein interaction
Authors: Scott Duncan E. , Marsh May , Blundell Tom L. , Abell Chris , Hyvönen Marko
Published: March 2016

RAD51 is a recombinase involved in the homologous recombination of double‐strand breaks in DNA. RAD51 forms oligomers by binding to another molecule of RAD51 via an ‘FxxA’ motif, and the same recognition sequence is similarly utilised to bind BRCA2. We have tabulated the effects of mutation of this sequence, across a variety of experimental methods and from relevant mutations observed in the clinic. We use mutants of a tetrapeptide sequence to probe the binding interaction, using both isothermal titration calorimetry and X‐ray crystallography. Where possible, comparison between our tetrapeptide mutational study and the previously reported mutations is made, discrepancies are discussed and the importance of secondary structure in interpreting alanine scanning and mutational data of this nature is considered.
Nitrogen deposition to lakes in national parks of the western Great Lakes region: Isotopic signatures, watershed retention, and algal shifts
Authors: Hobbs William O. , Lafrancois Brenda Moraska , Stottlemyer Robert , Toczydlowski David , Engstrom Daniel R. , Edlund Mark B. , Almendinger James E. , Strock Kristin E. , VanderMeulen David , Elias Joan E. , Saros Jasmine E.
Published: March 2016

Atmospheric deposition is a primary source of reactive nitrogen (Nr) to undisturbed watersheds of the Great Lakes region of the U.S., raising concerns over whether enhanced delivery over recent decades has affected lake ecosystems. The National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) has been measuring Nr deposition in this region for over 35 years. Here we explore the relationships among NADP‐measured Nr deposition, nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) in lake sediments, and the response of algal communities in 28 lakes situated in national parks of the western Great Lakes region of the U.S. We find that 36% of the lakes preserve a sediment δ15N record that is statistically correlated with some form of Nr deposition (total dissolved inorganic N, nitrate, or ammonium). Furthermore, measured long‐term (since 1982) nitrogen biogeochemistry and inferred critical nitrogen loads suggest that watershed nitrogen retention and climate strongly affect whether sediment δ15N is related to Nr deposition in lake sediment records. Measurements of algal change over the last ~ 150 years suggest that Nr deposition, in‐lake nutrient cycling, and watershed inputs are important factors affecting diatom community composition, in addition to direct climatic effects on lake physical limnology. The findings suggest that bulk sediment δ15N does reflect Nr deposition in some instances. In addition, this study highlights the interactive effects of Nr deposition and climate variability.
Thermal structure and melting conditions in the mantle beneath the Basin and Range province from seismology and petrology
Authors: Plank T. , Forsyth D. W.
Published: March 2016

To better constrain the temperature structure in the upper mantle, we jointly invert seismic surface wave velocities and basalt thermobarometry. New measurements of the water concentration (1.0–3.5 wt %) and oxygen fugacity (FMQ + 0.5 to + 1.5) of basalts from seven recently active volcanic fields in the Basin and Range province (Cima, Pisgah, Amboy, Big Pine, Black Rock, Snow Canyon, W. Grand Canyon) enable more accurate equilibration pressure (P) and temperature (T) estimates of the mantle melts. We developed a revised thermobarometer that more precisely predicts the results of laboratory experiments on melts equilibrated with olivine and orthopyroxene and accounts for the effects of water and CO2. Applying these methods to basalts from the Basin and Range we find that most equilibrated near the dry solidus in P‐T space and at depths in the vicinity of the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary (LAB) inferred from receiver function analysis and Rayleigh surface wave tomography. The wet basalts should have begun melting well below the dry solidus, so the depths of equilibration probably reflect ponding of rising melts beneath the nominally dry lithosphere. A two‐parameter thermal model is sufficient to simultaneously satisfy both the seismological and petrological constraints. In the model, the depth to the dry solidus defines the bottom boundary of the conductive lid, while the potential temperature (Tp) controls the asthenosphere and LAB thermal structure. The optimum estimates of Tp range from <1300 to >1500°C, and depths to the LAB range from ∼55 to 75 km, with uncertainties on the order of ±50°C and ±10 km. In contrast to standard tomographic images or basalt thermobarometry, the output of the joint inversion is a geotherm that can be tested quantitatively against other observations.
Scaling of precipitation extremes with temperature in the French Mediterranean region: What explains the hook shape?
Authors: Drobinski P. , Alonzo B. , Bastin S. , Silva N. Da , Muller C.
Published: March 2016

Expected changes to future extreme precipitation remain a key uncertainty associated with anthropogenic climate change. Extreme precipitation has been proposed to scale with the precipitable water content in the atmosphere. Assuming constant relative humidity, this implies an increase of precipitation extremes at a rate of about 7% °C−1 globally as indicated by the Clausius‐Clapeyron relationship. Increases faster and slower than Clausius‐Clapeyron have also been reported. In this work, we examine the scaling between precipitation extremes and temperature in the present climate using simulations and measurements from surface weather stations collected in the frame of the HyMeX and MED‐CORDEX programs in Southern France. Of particular interest are departures from the Clausius‐Clapeyron thermodynamic expectation, their spatial and temporal distribution, and their origin. Looking at the scaling of precipitation extreme with temperature, two regimes emerge which form a hook shape: one at low temperatures (cooler than around 15°C) with rates of increase close to the Clausius‐Clapeyron rate and one at high temperatures (warmer than about 15°C) with sub‐Clausius‐Clapeyron rates and most often negative rates. On average, the region of focus does not seem to exhibit super Clausius‐Clapeyron behavior except at some stations, in contrast to earlier studies. Many factors can contribute to departure from Clausius‐Clapeyron scaling: time and spatial averaging, choice of scaling temperature (surface versus condensation level), and precipitation efficiency and vertical velocity in updrafts that are not necessarily constant with temperature. But most importantly, the dynamical contribution of orography to precipitation in the fall over this area during the so‐called “Cevenoles” events, explains the hook shape of the scaling of precipitation extremes.
Constraining the aerosol influence on cloud fraction
Authors: Gryspeerdt E. , Quaas J. , Bellouin N.
Published: March 2016

Aerosol‐cloud interactions have the potential to modify many different cloud properties. There is significant uncertainty in the strength of these aerosol‐cloud interactions in analyses of observational data, partly due to the difficulty in separating aerosol effects on clouds from correlations generated by local meteorology. The relationship between aerosol and cloud fraction (CF) is particularly important to determine, due to the strong correlation of CF to other cloud properties and its large impact on radiation. It has also been one of the hardest to quantify from satellites due to the strong meteorological covariations involved. This work presents a new method to analyze the relationship between aerosol optical depth (AOD) and CF. By including information about the cloud droplet number concentration (CDNC), the impact of the meteorological covariations is significantly reduced. This method shows that much of the AOD‐CF correlation is explained by relationships other than that mediated by CDNC. By accounting for these, the strength of the global mean AOD‐CF relationship is reduced by around 80%. This suggests that the majority of the AOD‐CF relationship is due to meteorological covariations, especially in the shallow cumulus regime. Requiring CDNC to mediate the AOD‐CF relationship implies an effective anthropogenic radiative forcing from an aerosol influence on liquid CF of −0.48 W m−2 (−0.1 to −0.64 W m−2), although some uncertainty remains due to possible biases in the CDNC retrievals in broken cloud scenes.
Particulate matter and black carbon optical properties and emission factors from prescribed fires in the southeastern United States
Authors: Holder Amara L. , Hagler Gayle S. W. , Aurell Johanna , Hays Michael D. , Gullett Brian K.
Published: March 2016

Aerosol optical properties of biomass burning emissions are critical parameters determining how these emissions impact the Earth's climate. Despite their importance, field measurements of aerosol optical properties from fires remain scarce. Aerosol emissions from prescribed fires of forested and grass plots in the southeastern United States were measured and compared to emissions from laboratory simulations. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and aerosol light scattering and absorption were characterized for all fires. Refractory BC emission factors (EFs) measured at ground level (~2 m) were 0.76 ± 0.15 g/kg, comparable to the 0.93 ± 0.32 g/kg measured aloft (~100–600 m). However, PM EFs measured by aircraft were only 18% (5.4 ± 2.0 g/kg) of those measured on the ground (28.8 ± 9.8 g/kg). Such large differences in PM EFs for the same fire have not been previously reported and may plausibly be due to the differing particle measurement methodologies being applied but also likely related to partitioning of organic compounds to the gas phase as the plume dilutes aloft. Higher PM EFs on the ground may also be related to a higher contribution from smoldering combustion. The absorption Ångström exponents (αa) for the high intensity South Carolina fires were 3.92 ± 0.6, which was larger than prescribed forest fire in Florida (2.84) and the grass fire in Florida (2.71), implying a larger absorption contribution from brown carbon from higher‐intensity fires. Aerosol optical properties from laboratory simulations did not represent field measurements.
The importance of contrail ice formation for mitigating the climate impact of aviation
Authors: Kärcher B.
Published: March 2016

Aircraft contrails and the cirrus clouds arising from them contribute substantially to aviation‐induced climate forcing. The share of aviation in anthropogenic climate change can be reduced by avoiding contrail cirrus formation. The mitigation potential of altering the contrail formation stage is explored using a microphysical model to show how reductions in soot particle number emissions from jet engines, reductions in mean soot particle size, and a decrease in the supersaturation of aircraft exhaust plumes substantially lowers the optical depth of young contrails thereby decreasing the occurrence, lifetime, and radiative impact of contrail cirrus. The improved scientific understanding of initial ice formation processes allows atmospheric effects of mitigation options related to contrail cirrus to be investigated in unprecedented detail, especially those associated with the use of alternative aviation fuels. This study will enable a leap forward toward more reliable simulations addressing global climatic effects of contrail‐induced cloudiness.
Representing leaf and root physiological traits in CLM improves global carbon and nitrogen cycling predictions
Authors: Ghimire Bardan , Riley William J. , Koven Charles D. , Mu Mingquan , Randerson James T.
Published: March 2016

In many ecosystems, nitrogen is the most limiting nutrient for plant growth and productivity. However, current Earth System Models (ESMs) do not mechanistically represent functional nitrogen allocation for photosynthesis or the linkage between nitrogen uptake and root traits. The current version of CLM (4.5) links nitrogen availability and plant productivity via (1) an instantaneous downregulation of potential photosynthesis rates based on soil mineral nitrogen availability, and (2) apportionment of soil nitrogen between plants and competing nitrogen consumers assumed to be proportional to their relative N demands. However, plants do not photosynthesize at potential rates and then downregulate; instead photosynthesis rates are governed by nitrogen that has been allocated to the physiological processes underpinning photosynthesis. Furthermore, the role of plant roots in nutrient acquisition has also been largely ignored in ESMs. We therefore present a new plant nitrogen model for CLM4.5 with (1) improved representations of linkages between leaf nitrogen and plant productivity based on observed relationships in a global plant trait database and (2) plant nitrogen uptake based on root‐scale Michaelis‐Menten uptake kinetics. Our model improvements led to a global bias reduction in GPP, LAI, and biomass of 70%, 11%, and 49%, respectively. Furthermore, water use efficiency predictions were improved conceptually, qualitatively, and in magnitude. The new model's GPP responses to nitrogen deposition, CO2 fertilization, and climate also differed from the baseline model. The mechanistic representation of leaf‐level nitrogen allocation and a theoretically consistent treatment of competition with belowground consumers led to overall improvements in global carbon cycling predictions.
Quantifying the signature of sediment composition on the topologic and dynamic complexity of river delta channel networks and inferences toward delta classification
Authors: Tejedor Alejandro , Longjas Anthony , Caldwell Rebecca , Edmonds Douglas A. , Zaliapin Ilya , Foufoula‐Georgiou Efi
Published: March 2016

Deltas contain complex self‐organizing channel networks that nourish the surface with sediment and nutrients. Developing a quantitative understanding of how controlling physical mechanisms of delta formation relate to the channel networks they imprint on the landscape remains an open problem, hindering further progress on quantitative delta classification and understanding process from form. Here we isolate the effect of sediment composition on network structure by analyzing Delft3D river‐dominated deltas within the recently introduced graph‐theoretic framework for quantifying complexity of delta channel networks. We demonstrate that deltas with coarser incoming sediment tend to be more complex topologically (increased number of pathways) but simpler dynamically (reduced flux exchange between subnetworks) and that once a morphodynamic steady state is reached, complexity also achieves a steady state. By positioning simulated deltas on the so‐called TopoDynamic complexity space and comparing with field deltas, we propose a quantitative framework for exploring complexity toward systematic inference and classification.
W phase source inversion using high‐rate regional GPS data for large earthquakes
Authors: Riquelme S. , Bravo F. , Melgar D. , Benavente R. , Geng J. , Barrientos S. , Campos J.
Published: March 2016

W phase moment tensor inversion has proven to be a reliable method for rapid characterization of large earthquakes. For global purposes it is used at the United States Geological Survey, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and Institut de Physique du Globe de Strasbourg. These implementations provide moment tensors within 30–60 min after the origin time of moderate and large worldwide earthquakes. Currently, the method relies on broadband seismometers, which clip in the near field. To ameliorate this, we extend the algorithm to regional records from high‐rate GPS data and retrospectively apply it to six large earthquakes that occurred in the past 5 years in areas with relatively dense station coverage. These events show that the solutions could potentially be available 4–5 min from origin time. Continuously improving GPS station availability and real‐time positioning solutions will provide significant enhancements to the algorithm.
Potential impacts of assimilating all‐sky infrared satellite radiances from GOES‐R on convection‐permitting analysis and prediction of tropical cyclones
Authors: Zhang Fuqing , Minamide Masashi , Clothiaux Eugene E.
Published: March 2016

The potential impacts of GOES‐R satellite radiances on tropical cyclone analysis and prediction were examined through ensemble correlations between simulated infrared brightness temperatures and various model state variables. The impacts of assimilating GOES‐R all‐sky infrared brightness temperatures on tropical cyclone analysis and prediction were further demonstrated through a series of convection‐permitting observing system simulation experiments using an ensemble Kalman filter under both perfect and imperfect model scenarios. Assimilation of the high temporal and spatial resolution infrared radiances not only constrained well the thermodynamic variables, including temperature, moisture, and hydrometeors, but also considerably reduced analysis and forecast errors in the wind fields. The potential of all‐sky radiances is further demonstrated through an additional proof‐of‐concept experiment assimilating real‐data infrared brightness temperatures from GOES 13 satellite which was operational in an enhanced scanning mode during Hurricane Karl (2010).
An EMHD soliton model for small‐scale magnetic holes in magnetospheric plasmas
Authors: Li Ze‐Yu , Sun Wei‐Jie , Wang Xiao‐Gang , Shi Quan‐Qi , Xiao Chi‐Jie , Pu Zu‐Yin , Ji Xiao‐Fei , Yao Shu‐Tao , Fu Sui‐Yan
Published: March 2016

Small‐scale magnetic holes (SSMHs) in the magnetosphere plasma sheet are investigated in this paper. A developed electron magnetohydrodynamics (EMHD) soliton model is proposed as a new approach to SSMHs formation. The Biermann battery effect is taken into account in resolving the magnetic evolution equation with a slow‐mode solution in the weak nonlinear regime. Statistical investigation of SSMH observation data in the plasma sheet by Cluster is carried out in comparison with the theory. We apply multispacecraft data for distinguishing sheet‐like or cylindrical SSMHs observed and clarified by the solitary wave in the EMHD model. Furthermore, the major parameters, such as amplitude, width, maximum magnetic field perturbation, and perpendicular temperature variation of the SSMHs, are found consistent with the theoretical analysis.
Innovations in plasma sensors
Authors: Zurbuchen Thomas H. , Gershman Daniel J.
Published: March 2016

During the history of space exploration, ever improving instruments have continued to enable new measurements and discoveries. Focusing on plasma sensors, we examine the processes by which such new instrument innovations have occurred over the past decades. Due to risk intolerance prevalent in many NASA space missions, innovations in plasma instrumentation occur primarily when heritage systems fail to meet science requirements, functional requirements as part of its space platform, or design constraints. We will review such innovation triggers in the context of the design literature and with the help of two case studies, the Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer on MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging and the Fast Plasma Investigation on Magnetosphere Multiscale. We will then discuss the anticipated needs for new plasma instrument innovations to enable the science program of the next decade.
Misperception of Chance, Conjunction, Framing Effects and Belief in the Paranormal: A Further Evaluation
Authors: Dagnall Neil , Drinkwater Kenneth , Denovan Andrew , Parker Andrew , Rowley Kevin
Published: March 2016

Studies exploring relationships between belief in the paranormal and vulnerability to cognitive bias suggest that believers are liable to misperception of chance and conjunction fallacy. Research investigating misperception of chance has produced consistent findings, whilst work on conjunction fallacy is less compelling. Evidence indicates also that framing biases within a paranormal context can increase believers' susceptibility. The present study, using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling, examined the contribution of each bias to belief in the paranormal and assessed the merits of previous research. Alongside, the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale, participants completed standard and paranormal framed perception of randomness and conjunction problems. Perception of randomness was more strongly associated with belief in the paranormal than conjunction fallacy. Inherent methodological issues limited the usefulness of framing manipulations; presenting problems within a paranormal context weakened their predictive power.Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictor‐based adaptive dynamic surface control for consensus of uncertain nonlinear systems in strict‐feedback form
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Dan , Peng Zhouhua
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the leader–follower consensus problem of uncertain nonlinear systems in strict‐feedback form. By parameterizations of unknown nonlinear dynamics of the agents, an adaptive dynamic surface control with the aid of predictors, tracking differentiators is proposed to realize output consensus of the multi‐agent systems. Unlike the existing adaptive consensus methods, the predictor errors are used to learn the unknown parameters, which can achieve fast learning without high‐frequency signals in control inputs. As a fast precise signal filter, the tracking differentiator is used in the control design instead of first‐order filters, which can further improve the control performance. Based on graph theory and Lyapunov stability theory, it is shown that the outputs of all followers ultimately synchronize to that of the leader with bounded tracking errors. Simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness and advantage of the proposed consensus algorithm. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable Encapsulation of Air in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Fluorocarbon‐Free Nanoscale Ultrasound Contrast Agents
Authors: Yildirim Adem , Chattaraj Rajarshi , Blum Nicholas T. , Goldscheitter Galen M. , Goodwin Andrew P.
Published: March 2016

While gas‐filled micrometer‐sized ultrasound contrast agents vastly improve signal‐to‐noise ratios, microbubbles have short circulation lifetimes and poor extravasation from the blood. Previously reported fluorocarbon‐based nanoscale contrast agents are more stable but their contrast is generally lower owing to their size and dispersity. The contrast agents reported here are composed of silica nanoparticles of ≈100 nm diameter that are filled with ≈3 nm columnar mesopores. Functionalization of the silica surface with octyl groups and resuspension with Pluronic F127 create particles with pores that remain filled with air but are stable in buffer and serum. Administration of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) allows sensitive imaging of the silica nanoparticles down to 1010 particles mL−1
, with continuous imaging for at least 20 min. Control experiments with different silica particles supported the hypothesis that entrapped air could be pulled into bubble nuclei, which can then in turn act as acoustic scatterers. This process results in very little hemolysis in whole blood, indicating potential for nontoxic blood pool imaging. Finally, the particles are lyophilized and reconstituted or stored in PBS (phosphate‐buffered saline, at least for four months) with no loss in contrast, indicating stability to storage and reformulation.
Novel Anti‐Adhesive Biomaterial Patches: Preventing Biofilm with Metal Complex Films (MCF) Derived from a Microalgal Polysaccharide
Authors: Golberg Karina , Emuna Noa , Vinod T. P. , van Moppes Dorit , Marks Robert S. , Arad Shoshana Malis , Kushmaro Ariel
Published: March 2016

Biofilm matrices formed by irreversibly surface‐anchored bacteria cause significant economic damage in the industrial and biomedical environments. The ubiquity of biofilms promotes increased investment in the development of technologies that will impede bacteria‐surface association. Certain surface topographical fabrications may aid in preventing colonization. Herein, algal‐secreted polysaccharide (Ps) biomaterial patches and metal complex films (MCF) are examined for their anti‐Acinetobacter baumannii and anti‐Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm properties. Ps moderately reduces biofilm formation; the Cu‐MCF coating has significant anti‐biofim activity while Zn‐MCF had no effect. A mechanistic examination of these effects shows a two‐fold greater coverage of the anti‐adhesive surface of Cu‐MCF than that of the control due to the induction of swarming motility, thus impeding bacterial transformation to the irreversibly attached state. Chemical compositions of the coatings and the interactions between coating components are examined using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. Cu‐MCF surface morphology comprises protruding needle‐like structures up to 100 nm in height that are lacking in both the Ps and the Zn‐MCF. Their presence in an aqueous solution is yet unproven and role in preventing their bacterial attachment open to speculation. The present study highlights the need to generate novel biomaterials that integrate naturally occurring anti‐adhesive polymers with specific metal ions to improve the chemical, physical and biological properties of these anti‐adhesive surfaces. Cu‐MCF complexes fabricated with thermal and pressure stability to prevent metal ion leakage hold promise for a broad spectrum of industrial and medical anti‐biofilm applications.
Solids volume fraction measurements on riser flow using a temporal‐histogram based DIA method
Authors: Carlos Varas A. E. , Peters E. A. J. F. , Deen N. G. , Kuipers J. A. M.
Published: March 2016

In this article we introduce a temporal histogram‐based method for digital image analysis (DIA) of pseudo‐2D fluidized bed risers. This method enables an accurate whole field measurement of the solids volume fraction in lab‐scale pseudo‐2D riser flows by successfully removing image imperfections and merely accounting for the particles’ intensity. Moreover, the new correlation between normalized intensity and solids volume fraction that is proposed in this work enables a quantitative approach for solids concentration measurements by DIA techniques. This technique can be easily adjusted with experimental settings and shows a great stability against adverse imaging conditions. The combination of this parameter‐free method with particle image velocimetry under riser flow conditions has been successfully applied, enabling the experimental acquisition of full field hydrodynamic data. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2681–2698, 2016