bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Cultivar Distinctness in Alfalfa: A Comparison of Genotyping‐by‐Sequencing, Simple‐Sequence Repeat Marker, and Morphophysiological Observations
Authors: Annicchiarico Paolo , Nazzicari Nelson , Ananta Acharya , Carelli Maria , Wei Yanling , Brummer E. Charles
Published: March 2016

Cultivar registration agencies typically require morphophysiological trait‐based distinctness of candidate cultivars. This requirement is difficult to achieve for cultivars of major perennial forages because of their genetic structure and ever‐increasing number of registered material, leading to possible rejection of agronomically valuable cultivars. This study aimed to explore the value of molecular markers applied to replicated bulked plants (three bulks of 100 independent plants each per cultivar) to assess alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. subsp. sativa) cultivar distinctness. We compared genotyping‐by‐sequencing information based on 2902 polymorphic single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers (>30 reads per DNA sample) with morphophysiological information based on 11 traits and with simple‐sequence repeat (SSR) marker information from 41 polymorphic markers for their ability to distinguish 11 alfalfa landraces representative of the germplasm from northern Italy. Three molecular criteria, one based on cultivar differences for individual SSR bands and two based on overall SNP marker variation assessed either by statistically significant cultivar differences on principal component axes or discriminant analysis, distinctly outperformed the morphophysiological criterion. Combining the morphophysiological criterion with either molecular marker method increased discrimination among cultivars, since morphophysiological diversity was unrelated to SSR marker‐based diversity (r = 0.04) and poorly related to SNP marker‐based diversity (r = 0.23, P < 0.15). The criterion based on statistically significant SNP allele frequency differences was less discriminating than morphophysiological variation. Marker‐based distinctness, which can be assessed at low cost and without interactions with testing conditions, could validly substitute for (or complement) morphophysiological distinctness in alfalfa cultivar registration schemes. It also has interest in sui generis registration systems aimed at marketing alfalfa landraces.
GAMMA-RAY AND OPTICAL OSCILLATIONS IN PKS 0537–441
Authors: Sandrinelli A. , Covino S. , Treves A.
Published: March 2016

We have considered the Fermi γ-ray light curve of the blazar PKS 0537–441 during a high state extending from 2008 August 10 to 2011 August 27. The periodogram exhibits a peak at T ∼ 280 days, with a significance of ∼99.7%. A peak of similar relevance at

is found in the optical light curves. Considering the entire duration of the Fermi light curve 2008–2015, no significant peak is revealed, while the optical one remains meaningful. Comparing with recent observations of PKS 2155–304 and PG 1553+113 it seems that month–year oscillations can characterize some blazars. Month-scale oscillations can also show up only during phases of enhanced or bursting emission, such as in the case of PKS 0537–441.
ION ACCELERATION AT THE QUASI-PARALLEL BOW SHOCK: DECODING THE SIGNATURE OF INJECTION
Authors: Sundberg Torbjörn , Haynes Christopher T. , Burgess D. , Mazelle Christian X.
Published: March 2016

Collisionless shocks are efficient particle accelerators. At Earth, ions with energies exceeding 100 keV are seen upstream of the bow shock when the magnetic geometry is quasi-parallel, and large-scale supernova remnant shocks can accelerate ions into cosmic-ray energies. This energization is attributed to diffusive shock acceleration; however, for this process to become active, the ions must first be sufficiently energized. How and where this initial acceleration takes place has been one of the key unresolved issues in shock acceleration theory. Using Cluster spacecraft observations, we study the signatures of ion reflection events in the turbulent transition layer upstream of the terrestrial bow shock, and with the support of a hybrid simulation of the shock, we show that these reflection signatures are characteristic of the first step in the ion injection process. These reflection events develop in particular in the region where the trailing edge of large-amplitude upstream waves intercept the local shock ramp and the upstream magnetic field changes from quasi-perpendicular to quasi-parallel. The dispersed ion velocity signature observed can be attributed to a rapid succession of ion reflections at this wave boundary. After the ions’ initial interaction with the shock, they flow upstream along the quasi-parallel magnetic field. Each subsequent wavefront in the upstream region will sweep the ions back toward the shock, where they gain energy with each transition between the upstream and the shock wave frames. Within three to five gyroperiods, some ions have gained enough parallel velocity to escape upstream, thus completing the injection process.
Le community organizing en France : quel projet politique ?
Authors: Carrel Marion , de Lépinay Adeline
Published: March 2016

Alors que des campagnes inspirées du community organizing commencent à se développer en France, la curiosité et les attentes sont grandes. En quoi ces expériences constituent-elles des démarches de politisation, d’éducation populaire dans les quartiers populaires ? La question démocratique dans le mouvement social est-elle renouvelée ? Au-delà du pragmatisme clairement revendiqué, quel est le projet politique ? Quel est le levier utilisé pour mobiliser : injustices sociales, discriminations ? Nous avons souhaité donner la parole à trois pionniers du community organizing en France : Laëtitia Nonone, présidente de l’association Zonzon 93 à Villepinte, L. Real, consultant à Studio Praxis et l’un des organisateurs de la campagne nationale Stop le contrôle au faciès , et Adrien Roux, co-fondateur et organisateur au sein de l’Alliance citoyenne de l’agglomération grenobloise et du Réseau pour l’action collective transnationale (ReACT).
Joseph Wresinski : pionnier de l’ empowerment radical made in France
Authors: Roy Alex
Published: March 2016

L’engouement actuel pour les pratiques d’ empowerment et de community organizing pose la question de la filiation américaine des stratégies d’émancipation radicale. Pourtant, n’existe-t-il pas des initiatives d’ empowerment radical made in France ? La mise en parallèle du projet de société et des principes d’action développés par Joseph Wresinski avec ceux de Saul Alinsky et de Paulo Freire permet de répondre positivement à cette question. Le fondateur d’ATD Quart Monde (Aide à Toute Détresse, devenu Agir Tous pour la Dignité Quart Monde) défend en effet une révolution culturelle et démocratique à partir de l’émancipation politique des plus pauvres. À l’heure où beaucoup s’interrogent sur la transposition à large échelle des pratiques de community organizing en France, l’expérience des pionniers français de l’ empowerment radical mériterait ainsi plus d’attention.
Le rapport au politique des organisations communautaires américaines : entre clientélisme et mobilisations
Authors: Talpin Julien
Published: March 2016

Les organisations communautaires constituent un chaînon essentiel de la vie civique américaine. Nicole Marwell revient sur l’hétérogénéité de leurs pratiques, certaines étant prises dans des relations clientélistes avec les élu.es quand d’autres, au projet politique plus critique, adoptent une posture d’interpellation des pouvoirs publics. Elle souligne également, à partir d’une étude à New York, combien le rapport de force est aujourd’hui défavorable aux mouvements radicaux.
Améliorer le quartier ou changer la société ?
Authors: Talpin Julien
Published: March 2016

L’histoire du community organizing est pleine de récits héroïques et de victoires improbables. Pourtant, plus de soixante-dix ans après son émergence, les inégalités sont plus fortes que jamais aux États-Unis et la pauvreté n’a jamais été aussi importante. En se concentrant sur des campagnes gagnables, les organisations communautaires ne laissent-elles pas de côté les questions plus structurelles, à l’origine de la marginalisation sociale des habitants des quartiers populaires ? Ne sont-elles pas d’énièmes agents de la paix sociale, améliorant à la marge le sort des plus déshérités sans le transformer en profondeur ? Ces interrogations conduisent surtout à mettre en cause le localisme qui a parfois caractérisé le community organizing . Les deux campagnes présentées dans cet article indiquent de quelle façon de vastes coalitions se structurent au-delà de l’échelle locale pour s’attaquer à certains enjeux structurants. Un dilemme semble pourtant apparaître : la prise de distance avec le localisme s’accompagne également d’une plus faible prise des participants sur le devenir des revendications. Faudrait-il faire l’économie de la démocratie pour exercer un réel pouvoir ?
Painful Intramuscular Lipoma of the Infraspinatus: Unusual Location and Presentation
Authors: Park Hee-won , Jo Hannae , Moon Sung Hoon , Baek Sora
Published: March 2016

Intramuscular lipomas are considered a rare type of benign lipomas. They are usually located deeper and are less palpable than subcutaneous lipomas. A painful presentation with no palpable mass will make clinical diagnosis difficult; in these cases, further imaging should be considered. Only a small number of cases of intramuscular lipomas present with pain; these are located in the supraspinatus and deltoid muscles. To the authors' knowledge, there have been no previous reports of painful intramuscular lipomas involving the infraspinatus muscle. This article describes a case of intramuscular lipoma uniquely located in the infraspinatus muscle and presenting with shoulder pain. A 49-year-old woman presented with 2 months of left shoulder pain. There was no history of preceding trauma. Pain was aggravated by lying on the left shoulder and by the hand behind the back similar to Crass position. On the physical examination, her shoulder joint range of motion was slightly decreased. Simple radiography showed no significant abnormality, but ultrasonography revealed a hyperechogenic mass within the infraspinatus muscle. There was focal tenderness over the mass, but definite palpation of the mass was not possible. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-circumscribed, homogeneous lesion measuring 43 × 28 × 16 mm within the infraspinatus muscle, leading to a diagnosis of intramuscular lipoma. Her pain was not improved with medication, suprascapular nerve block, and steroid injections. Finally, surgical intervention was done and intramuscular lipoma was confirmed by specimen. After excision, her shoulder pain was improved and resolved. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(2):e370–e373.]
A New Perspective on Performance in Indian Microfinance Institutions
Authors: Barpanda Saswat , Mukhopadhyay Susmita
Published: March 2016

With the massive growth in microfinance sector, the importance of performance measurement in microfinance institutions (MFIs) has prominent during the last decade. With an objective of commitment to dual mission, the Indian MFIs witnessed a series of rise and fall and subjected to mission drift. Thus redefining the performance is the prime objective of this study. Data gathered from 252 MFIs irrespective of their legal status. Factors for performance were identified through literature and were validated empirically. This research considered both the financial and social dimensions of performance unlike the earlier studies. Financial performance is described by profit margin, return on assets and portfolio at risk whereas social performance consists four factors namely Information disclosure (INFDIS), Mission adequacy (MISADEQ) and Community participation (COMPART). This study can be a useful bench-marking tool for practitioners to monitor and improve the MFI performance. The study has unique value to microfinance literature, both from theoretical and managerial perspectives.
Saproxylic beetle (Coleoptera) diversity in subalpine whitebark pine and lodgepole pine (Pinaceae) trees killed by mountain pine beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Esch Evan D. , Spence John R. , Langor David W.
Published: March 2016

Whitebark pine,Pinus albicaulisEngelmann (Pinaceae), a foundational species of North American subalpine ecosystems, is endangered across its range and continued decline is inevitable. Little is known about the invertebrate fauna associated with this species which, if specific to whitebark pine, may also be threatened or endangered. We compared the composition of saproxylic beetle assemblages associated with whitebark pine and co-occurring lodgepole pine,Pinus contorta latifolia(Engelmann) Critchfield (Pinaceae), recently killed by mountain pine beetle (MPB),Dendroctonus ponderosaeHopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in subalpine forests in Alberta, Canada. Redundancy and rarefaction analyses revealed that beetle assemblage composition was influenced by snag class (i.e., time since death) but differed little among the two pine species within snag classes. However, a subset of the assemblage known to be associated with the MPB differed significantly in composition between the two pines. No common species were exclusively associated with whitebark pines; however, seven species were rarely collected only on whitebark pine. With the possible exception of these rare species, felling and burning infested whitebark pines to control the MPB will not likely endanger saproxylic beetles associated with this tree.
Complex ecological relationships among an assemblage of indigenous hymenopteran parasitoids, the exotic European woodwasp (Sirex noctilio; Hymenoptera: Siricidae), and a native congener
Authors: Foelker Christopher J. , Standley Christopher R. , Parry Dylan , Fierke Melissa K.
Published: March 2016

We collected naturally infested Pinus resinosa Aiton (Pinaceae) and P. sylvestris Linnaeus to investigate phenological patterns and quantify parasitism by a suite of native hymenopteran parasitoids on two woodwasps (Hymenoptera: Siricidae): the invading non-native European woodwasp, Sirex noctilio Fabricius, and a co-colonising native, S. nigricornis Fabricius. We sampled a total of 76 trees from two field sites in 2010 and seven sites in 2011. In raw abundance, S. noctilio outnumbered S. nigricornis by 2:1 in 2010 and by 7.5:1 in 2011. We collected the egg/early instar parasitoid, Ibalia leucospoides ensiger Norton (Hymenoptera: Ibaliidae); four species of Rhyssinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) late larval parasitoids; and Pseudorhyssa nigricornis (Ratzeburg) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a cleptoparasitoid of rhyssines. Variation in siricid and parasitoid species assemblage and abundance was explained primarily by site, with tree-level factors playing a secondary role. Parasitism was significantly lower in P. sylvestris (13.6%±4.1 SE), a naturalised pine from Europe, than in the native P. resinosa (28.5%±5.0). Total parasitism was 27.6%±5.0 in 2010 and 20.9%±4.7 in 2011. This study represents the most robust analysis of the diverse woodwasp and parasitoid assemblage infesting pines in North America.
La villa romana La Olmeda y la mitología de uno de sus mosaicos: Aquiles en la isla de Skyros
Authors: Gómez Merino José Luis
Published: March 2016

The roman villa La Olmeda (Palencia) is open for the visitors again. The works in order to protect the remains are finished. Balawat team made the virtual reconstruction of the mansion helped by the archaeologist managers of the villa. We made some animations for its museum. Amongst them there is a version of the mythological mosaic of Achilles in the main room of the house. It’s made following the ancient iconography of black figure pottery.
La Génesis de un Museo del Guadalquivir del siglo XXI. Anastylosis virtual del valle del Guadalquivir en el siglo II d. C: La Baetica de Adriano.
Authors: Grande León Alfredo
Published: March 2016

We present an ambitious design in order to a new space and a cultural center in the surrounding area of the city of Seville devoted to Guadalquivir River and its Memory. This project depicts a new framework for multifunctional cultural infrastructures aimed to perpetuate and strengthen the knowledge of our rich cultural heritage, adding new didactic value to it by means of XXI century museology and the latest 3D virtual technologies, thus creating valuable resources for cultural diffusion according to present-day possibilities. This initiative started in year 2005 and shall be concluded in year 2012, as result of the cooperation between several public and private institutions, all of them interested in the cultural, touristical, technological and economic revaluation of Guadalquivir River
Anastylosis virtual del Foro de la ciudad hispanorromana de Arucci/Turobriga (Aroche, Huelva).
Authors: Bermejo Meléndez Javier
Published: March 2016

In this paper we show a virtual restitution of the forum of city Arucci/Turobriga. This public and monumental space is been study for archaeology area of University of Huelva since a decade. The foro shelter different rooms in that we find the functions publics and administrative, judicial and religious, own of every roman civitas. In this work we show some this spaces or rooms, porticus duplex, the place, aedes and curia and so.
Herramienta software para optimizar la utilización de sistemas electromagnéticos de prospección geofísica en la Arqueología
Authors: Guzmán Navarro Fco. , Meco Gutiérrez M. , Heredia Larrubia J.R. , Pérez Hidalgo Fco.
Published: March 2016

This article shows the applicability of ground penetrating radar (GPR) to archaeological investigations, with the aid of a software that allows increasing the resolution of the measurements. This software has been applied for the first time in Baelo Claud in order to obtain information about city´s decumanus and the crossing with cardines minores Furthermore, the developed tools has also been used to locate in Málaga and Puerto Real (Cádiz) common graves where the remains of about 2,600 victims of the Spanish Civil War rest and the repression that came before and after the civil conflict.
A propósito de la anastylosis infográfica del Carambolo. Diálogo teórico y metodológico sobre la Arqueología Virtual
Authors: Hernández-Barahona Ángeles , Escacena Carrasco José Luis
Published: March 2016

The virtual reconstruction of the adobe building located in El Carambolo (Camas, Seville), a complex sanctuary devoted to the goddess Astaré, has meant a methodological and theoretical reflection about how to carry out the most suitable reconstruction proposal. This paper shows briefly this scientific experience, developed by experts on both infography and virtual reality, and Phoenician archaeology.
Reconstrucción fotorrealista tridimensional del castillo de Aguilar de la Frontera (Córdoba).
Authors: Madrid de la Fuente Carmen , Montes Tubío Francisco
Published: March 2016

The object of the present work is the obtaining photorrealistic images of Aguilar de la Frontera's castle (Cordoba) of which only some ruins remain in the hill on which it was settled. The study of the archaeological raisings of Aguilar's castle together with the review of the documents that describe it and the engravings that exist on it have constituted the documentary base for its virtual reconstruction. From this information we have made a three-dimensional model which has been used as base for the obtaining of the photorrealistic images of the castle. The virtual reconstruction obtained does not try to be the final resolution of the structures of Aguilar's castle but it’s the first milestone in the reconstruction work of one of the most beautiful castles in Spain..
Contribution of oil and natural gas production to renewed increase in atmospheric methane (2007–2014): top–down estimate from ethane and methane column observations
Authors: Hausmann Petra , Sussmann Ralf , Smale Dan
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Harmonized time series of column-averaged mole fractions of atmospheric methane and ethane over the period 1999–2014 are derived from solar Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements at the Zugspitze summit (47° N, 11° E; 2964 m a.s.l.) and at Lauder (45° S, 170° E; 370 m a.s.l.). Long-term trend analysis reveals a consistent renewed methane increase since 2007 of 6.2 [5.6, 6.9] ppb yr−1 (parts-per-billion per year) at the Zugspitze and 6.0 [5.3, 6.7] ppb yr−1 at Lauder (95 % confidence intervals). Several recent studies provide pieces of evidence that the renewed methane increase is most likely driven by two main factors: (i) increased methane emissions from tropical wetlands, followed by (ii) increased thermogenic methane emissions due to growing oil and natural gas production. Here, we quantify the magnitude of the second class of sources, using long-term measurements of atmospheric ethane as a tracer for thermogenic methane emissions. In 2007, after years of weak decline, the Zugspitze ethane time series shows the sudden onset of a significant positive trend (2.3 [1.8, 2.8]  ×  10−2 ppb yr−1 for 2007–2014), while a negative trend persists at Lauder after 2007 (−0.4 [−0.6, −0.1]  ×  10−2 ppb yr−1). Zugspitze methane and ethane time series are significantly correlated for the period 2007–2014 and can be assigned to thermogenic methane emissions with an ethane-to-methane ratio (EMR) of 12–19 %. We present optimized emission scenarios for 2007–2014 derived from an atmospheric two-box model. From our trend observations we infer a total ethane emission increase over the period 2007–2014 from oil and natural gas sources of 1–11 Tg yr−1 along with an overall methane emission increase of 24–45 Tg yr−1. Based on these results, the oil and natural gas emission contribution (C) to the renewed methane increase is deduced using three different emission scenarios with dedicated EMR ranges. Reference scenario 1 assumes an oil and gas emission combination with EMR  =  7.0–16.2 %, which results in a minimum contribution C  >  39 % (given as lower bound of 95 % confidence interval). Beside this most plausible scenario 1, we consider two less realistic limiting cases of pure oil-related emissions (scenario 2 with EMR  =  16.2–31.4 %) and pure natural gas sources (scenario 3 with EMR  =  4.4–7.0  %), which result in C  >  18 % and C  >  73 %, respectively. Our results suggest that long-term observations of column-averaged ethane provide a valuable constraint on the source attribution of methane emission changes and provide basic knowledge for developing effective climate change mitigation strategies.
Phase, composition, and growth mechanism for secondary organic aerosol from the ozonolysis of α-cedrene
Authors: Zhao Yue , Wingen Lisa M. , Perraud Véronique , Finlayson-Pitts Barbara J.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Sesquiterpenes are an important class of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and have a high secondary organic aerosol (SOA) forming potential. However, SOA formation from sesquiterpene oxidation has received less attention compared to other BVOCs such as monoterpenes, and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this work, we present a comprehensive experimental investigation of the ozonolysis of α-cedrene both in a glass flow reactor (27–44 s reaction times) and in static Teflon chambers (30–60 min reaction times). The SOA was collected by impaction or filters, followed by analysis using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), or measured online using direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) and aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS). The slow evaporation of 2-ethylhexyl nitrate that was incorporated into the SOA during its formation and growth gives an estimated diffusion coefficient of 3  ×  10−15 cm2 s−1 and shows that SOA is a highly viscous semisolid. Possible structures of four newly observed low molecular weight (MW  ≤  300 Da) reaction products with higher oxygen content than those previously reported were identified. High molecular weight (HMW) products formed in the early stages of the oxidation have structures consistent with aldol condensation products, peroxyhemiacetals, and esters. The size-dependent distributions of HMW products in the SOA, as well as the effects of stabilized Criegee intermediate (SCI) scavengers on HMW products and particle formation, confirm that HMW products and reactions of SCI play a crucial role in early stages of particle formation. Our studies provide new insights into mechanisms of SOA formation and growth in α-cedrene ozonolysis and the important role of sesquiterpenes in new particle formation as suggested by field measurements.
Upper tropospheric water vapour variability at high latitudes – Part 1: Influence of the annular modes
Authors: Sioris Christopher E. , Zou Jason , Plummer David A. , Boone Chris D. , McElroy C. Thomas , Sheese Patrick E. , Moeini Omid , Bernath Peter F.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Seasonal and monthly zonal medians of water vapour in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) are calculated for both Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) instruments for the northern and southern high-latitude regions (60–90° N and 60–90° S). Chosen for the purpose of observing high-latitude processes, the ACE orbit provides sampling of both regions in 8 of 12 months of the year, with coverage in all seasons. The ACE water vapour sensors, namely MAESTRO (Measurements of Aerosol Extinction in the Stratosphere and Troposphere Retrieved by Occultation) and the Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) are currently the only satellite instruments that can probe from the lower stratosphere down to the mid-troposphere to study the vertical profile of the response of UTLS water vapour to the annular modes. The Arctic oscillation (AO), also known as the northern annular mode (NAM), explains 64 % (r = −0.80) of the monthly variability in water vapour at northern high latitudes observed by ACE-MAESTRO between 5 and 7 km using only winter months (January to March, 2004–2013). Using a seasonal time step and all seasons, 45 % of the variability is explained by the AO at 6.5 ± 0.5 km, similar to the 46 % value obtained for southern high latitudes at 7.5 ± 0.5 km explained by the Antarctic oscillation or southern annular mode (SAM). A large negative AO event in March 2013 produced the largest relative water vapour anomaly at 5.5 km (+70 %) over the ACE record. A similarly large event in the 2010 boreal winter, which was the largest negative AO event in the record (1950–2015), led to > 50 % increases in water vapour observed by MAESTRO and ACE-FTS at 7.5 km.
Results from the validation campaign of the ozone radiometer GROMOS-C at the NDACC station of La Réunion Island
Authors: Fernandez Susana , Rüfenacht Rolf , Kämpfer Niklaus , Portafaix Thierry , Posny Françoise , Payen Guillaume
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Abstract. Ozone is a species of primary interest as it performs a key role in the middle atmosphere and its monitoring is thus necessary. At the Institute of Applied Physics of the University of Bern, Switzerland, we built a new ground based microwave radiometer, GROMOS-C (GRound based Ozone MOnitoring System for Campaigns). It has a compact design and can be operated at remote places with very little maintenance requirements, being therefore suitable for remote deployments. It has been conceived to measure the vertical distribution of ozone in the middle atmosphere, by observing pressure broadened emission spectra at a frequency of 110.836 GHz. In addition, meridional and zonal wind profiles can be retrieved, based on the Doppler shift of the ozone line measured in the 4 directions of observation (North-East-South-West). In June 2014 the radiometer was installed in the Maïdo observatory, on La Réunion Island (21.2° S, 55.5° E). High resolution ozone spectra were continuously recorded during 7 months. Vertical profiles of ozone have been retrieved through an optimal estimation inversion process, using the Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Simulator ARTS2 as the forward model. The best estimate of the vertical profile is done by means of the optimal estimation method. The validation is performed against ozone profiles from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on the Aura satellite, the ozone lidar located in the observatory and with ozone profiles from weekly radiosondes. Zonal and meridional winds retrieved from GROMOS-C data are validated against another wind radiometer located in situ, WIRA. In addition, we compare both ozone and winds with ECMWF model data. Results show that GROMOS-C provides reliable ozone profiles between 30 to 0.02 hPa. The comparison with lidar shows a very good agreement at all levels. The accordance with MLS is within less than 10 % for pressure levels between 25 and 0.2 hPa.
Global tropospheric hydroxyl distribution, budget and reactivity
Authors: Lelieveld J. , Gromov S. , Pozzer A. , Taraborrelli D.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The self-cleaning or oxidation capacity of the atmosphere is principally controlled by hydroxyl (OH) radicals in the troposphere. Hydroxyl has primary (P) and secondary (S) sources, the former through the photo-dissociation of ozone, the latter through OH recycling in radical reaction chains. We used the recent Mainz Organics Mechanism (MOM) to advance volatile organic carbon (VOC) chemistry in the general circulation model EMAC, and show that S is larger than previously assumed. MOM calculates substantially higher OH reactivity from VOC oxidation compared to predecessor models. Further, we find that nighttime OH formation may be significant in the polluted subtropical boundary layer in summer. Globally S exceeds P, most distinctively in the free troposphere. As a consequence, OH is buffered and not sensitive to perturbations by natural or anthropogenic emission changes. Complementary OH formation mechanisms in pristine and polluted environments of the continental and marine troposphere, connected through long-range transport of O3, maintain stable global OH levels.
Linking the distribution of microbial deposits from the Great Salt Lake (Utah, USA) to tectonic and climatic processes
Authors: Bouton Anthony , Vennin Emmanuelle , Boulle Julien , Pace Aurélie , Bourillot Raphaël , Thomazo Christophe , Brayard Arnaud , Désaubliaux Guy , Goslar Tomasz , Yokoyama Yusuke , Dupraz Christophe , Visscher Pieter T.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The Great Salt Lake is a modern hypersaline system in which an extended modern and ancient microbial sedimentary system has developed. Detailed mapping based on aerial images and field observations can be used to identify non-random distribution patterns of microbial deposits, such as paleoshorelines associated with extensive polygons or fault-parallel alignments. Although it has been inferred that climatic changes controlling the lake level fluctuations explain the distribution of paleoshorelines and polygons, straight microbial deposit alignments may underline a normal fault system parallel to the Wasatch Front. This study is based on observations over a dm to km spatial range, resulting in an integrated conceptual model for the controls on the distribution of the microbial deposits. The morphology, size and distribution of these deposits result mainly from environmental changes (i.e. seasonal to long-term water level fluctuations, particular geomorphological heritage, fault-induced processes, groundwater seepage) and have the potential to bring further insights into the reconstruction of paleoenvironments and paleoclimatic changes through time. New radiocarbon ages obtained on each microbial macrofabrics described in this study improve the chronological framework and question the lake level variations that are commonly assumed.
Consistent assimilation of multiple data streams in a carbon cycle data assimilation system
Authors: MacBean Natasha , Peylin Philippe , Chevallier Frédéric , Scholze Marko , Schürmann Gregor
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Data assimilation methods provide a rigorous statistical framework for constraining the parametric uncertainty of land surface models (LSMs), with the aim of improving our predictive capability as well as identifying areas in which the models need improvement. The increase in the number of available datasets in recent years allows us to address different aspects of the model at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. However, combining data streams in a DA system is not a trivial task. In this study we highlight some of the challenges surrounding multiple data stream assimilation, with a particular focus on the carbon cycle component of LSMs. We examine the impact of biases and inconsistencies between the observations and the model (resulting in non Gaussian error distributions) and the impact of non-linearity in model dynamics. In addition we explore the differences between performing a simultaneous assimilation (in which all data streams are included in one optimisation) and a step-wise approach (in which each data steam is assimilated sequentially), given the assumptions inherent to the inversion algorithm chosen for this study. We demonstrate some of these issues by assimilating synthetic observations into two simple models: the first a simplified version of the carbon cycle processes represented in many LSMs, and the second a non-linear toy model. We further discuss these experimental results in the context of recent studies in the carbon cycle data assimilation literature, and finally we provide some perspectives and advice to other land surface modellers wishing to use multiple data streams to constrain their models.
The western coast of Africa in Ptolemy's Geography and the location of his prime meridian
Authors: Marx Christian
Published: March 2016

Abstract. A controversial question concerning ancient geography is the location of the prime meridian which underlies the position data in Ptolemy's Geography and runs through the Fortunate Islands. An answer to this question is derived by means of a localisation of the places given by Ptolemy at the African western coast, i.e. in Mauritania Tingitana and Libya Interior, whose modern identifications are often uncertain or unknown. The origination of Ptolemy's positions from the distance data of seafarings is considered. A comparison of his data with distances reported by Pliny yields a satisfactory agreement. The localisation of Ptolemy's places is based on distances derived from Ptolemy's coordinates and partly on further information by ancient authors. Through it previous identifications are confirmed and new identifications are found. It shows that the Fortunate Islands correspond to several eastern islands of the Canary Islands. Explanations are given for the errors of Ptolemy's position data. A likely error by Ptolemy barely considered is his repetition of a part of Mauritania Tingitana in his description of Libya Interior. The existence of this repetition is confirmed by an adjustment of a transformation between the positions of the duplicated places and a statistical test of the arranged model. A comparison of longitudinal distances in different ancient sources reveals that the position of Ptolemy's prime meridian is based on distances given by Marinos and Eratosthenes.
Maximum wind radius estimated by the 50 kt radius: improvement of storm surge forecasting over the western North Pacific
Authors: Takagi Hiroshi , Wu Wenjie
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Even though the maximum wind radius (Rmax) is an important parameter in determining the intensity and size of tropical cyclones, it has been overlooked in previous storm surge studies. This study reviews the existing estimation methods for Rmax based on central pressure or maximum wind speed. These over- or underestimate Rmax because of substantial variations in the data, although an average radius can be estimated with moderate accuracy. As an alternative, we propose an Rmax estimation method based on the radius of the 50 kt wind (R50). Data obtained by a meteorological station network in the Japanese archipelago during the passage of strong typhoons, together with the JMA typhoon best track data for 1990–2013, enabled us to derive the following simple equation, Rmax  =  0.23 R50. Application to a recent strong typhoon, the 2015 Typhoon Goni, confirms that the equation provides a good estimation of Rmax, particularly when the central pressure became considerably low. Although this new method substantially improves the estimation of Rmax compared to the existing models, estimation errors are unavoidable because of fundamental uncertainties regarding the typhoon's structure or insufficient number of available typhoon data. In fact, a numerical simulation for the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan as well as 2015 Typhoon Goni demonstrates a substantial difference in the storm surge height for different Rmax. Therefore, the variability of Rmax should be taken into account in storm surge simulations (e.g., Rmax  =  0.15 R50–0.35 R50), independently of the model used, to minimize the risk of over- or underestimating storm surges. The proposed method is expected to increase the predictability of major storm surges and to contribute to disaster risk management, particularly in the western North Pacific, including countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Modelling wet snow avalanche runout to assess road safety at a high-altitude mine in the central Andes
Authors: Vera Valero Cesar , Wever Nander , Bühler Yves , Stoffel Lukas , Margreth Stefan , Bartelt Perry
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Mining activities in cold regions are vulnerable to snow avalanches. Unlike operational facilities, which can be constructed in secure locations outside the reach of avalanches, access roads are often susceptible to being cut, leading to mine closures and significant financial losses. In this paper we discuss the application of avalanche runout modelling to predict the operational risk to mining roads, a longstanding problem for mines in high-altitude, snowy regions. We study the 35 km long road located in the "Cajon del Rio Blanco" valley in the central Andes which is operated by the Codelco Andina copper mine. In winter and early spring this road is threatened by over 100 avalanche paths. If the release and snowcover conditions can be accurately specified, we find that avalanche dynamics modelling is able to represent runout and safe traffic zones can be identified. We apply a detailed, physics based snowcover model to predict snow temperature, density and moisture content in three-dimensional terrain. This information is used to determine the initial and boundary conditions of the avalanche dynamics model. Of particular importance is the assesment of the current snow conditions along the avalanche tracks which define the mass and thermal energy entrainment rates and therefore the possibility of avalanche growth and long runout distances.
Hybrid Levenberg–Marquardt and weak-constraint ensemble Kalman smoother method
Authors: Mandel J. , Bergou E. , Gürol S. , Gratton S. , Kasanický I.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The ensemble Kalman smoother (EnKS) is used as a linear least-squares solver in the Gauss–Newton method for the large nonlinear least-squares system in incremental 4DVAR. The ensemble approach is naturally parallel over the ensemble members and no tangent or adjoint operators are needed. Furthermore, adding a regularization term results in replacing the Gauss–Newton method, which may diverge, by the Levenberg–Marquardt method, which is known to be convergent. The regularization is implemented efficiently as an additional observation in the EnKS. The method is illustrated on the Lorenz 63 model and a two-level quasi-geostrophic model.
Turbulence observations in the Gulf of Trieste under moderate wind forcing and different water column stratification
Authors: Falcieri Francesco Marcello , Kantha Lakshmi , Benetazzo Alvise , Bergamasco Andrea , Bonaldo Davide , Barbariol Francesco , Malačič Vlado , Sclavo Mauro , Carniel Sandro
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The oceanographic campaign CARPET2014 (Characterizing Adriatic Region Preconditionig EvenTs), (30 January–4 February 2014) collected the very first turbulence data in the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea) under moderate wind (average wind speed 10 m s−1) and heat flux (net negative heat flux ranging from 150 to 400 W m−2). Observations consisted of 38 CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) casts and 478 microstructure profiles (grouped into 145 ensembles) with three sets of yoyo casts, each lasting for about 12 consecutive hours. Averaging closely repeated casts, such as the ensembles, can lead to a smearing effect when in the presence of a vertical density structure with strong interfaces that can move up or down between subsequent casts under the influence of tides and internal waves. In order to minimize the smearing effect of such displacements on mean quantities, we developed an algorithm to realign successive microstructure profiles to produce sharper and more meaningful mean profiles of measured turbulence parameters. During the campaign, the water column in the gulf evolved from well-mixed to stratified conditions due to Adriatic waters intruding at the bottom along the gulf's south-eastern coast. We show that during the warm and relatively dry winter, the water column in the Gulf of Trieste, even under moderate wind forcing, was not completely mixed due to the influence of bottom waters intruding from the open sea. Inside the gulf, two types of water intrusions were found during yoyo casts: one coming from the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea (i.e. cooler, fresher and more turbid) and one coming from the open sea in front of the Po Delta (i.e. warmer, saltier and less turbid). The two intrusions had different impacts on turbulence kinetic energy dissipation rate profiles. The former, with high turbidity, acted as a barrier to wind-driven turbulence, while the latter, with low sediment concentrations and a smaller vertical density gradient, was not able to suppress downward penetration of turbulence from the surface.
Monitoring ice break-up on the Mackenzie River using MODIS data
Authors: Muhammad P. , Duguay C. , Kang K.-K.
Published: March 2016

Abstract. The aim of this study was to develop an approach for estimating ice break-up dates on the Mackenzie River (MR) using more than a decade of MODIS Level 3 500 m snow products (MOD/MYD10A1), complemented with 250 m Level 1B radiance products (MOD/MYD02QKM) from the Terra and Aqua satellite platforms. The analysis showed break-up began on average between days of year (DOYs) 115 and 125 and ended between DOYs 145 and 155 over 13 ice seasons (2001–2013), resulting in an average melt duration of ca. 30–40 days. Thermal processes were more important in driving ice break-up south of the MR confluence with the Liard River, while dynamically driven break-up was more important north of the Liard. A comparison of the timing of ice disappearance with snow disappearance from surrounding land areas of the MR with MODIS Level 3 snow products showed varying relationships along the river. Ice-off and snow-off timing were in sync north of the MR–Liard River confluence and over sections of the MR before it enters the Mackenzie Delta, but ice disappeared much later than snow on land in regions where thermal ice break-up processes dominated. MODIS observations revealed that channel morphology is a more important control of ice break-up patterns than previously believed with ice runs on the MR strongly influenced by channel morphology (islands and bars, confluences and channel constriction). Ice velocity estimates from feature tracking were able to be made in 2008 and 2010 and yielded 3–4-day average ice velocities of 1.21 and 1.84 m s−1 respectively, which is in agreement with estimates from previous studies. These preliminary results confirm the utility of daily MODIS data for monitoring ice break-up processes along the Mackenzie River. The addition of optical and synthetic aperture radar data from recent and upcoming satellite missions (e.g. Sentinel-1/2/3 and RADARSAT Constellation) would improve the monitoring of ice break-up in narrower sections of the MR.
Evaluation of air-soil temperature relationships simulated by land surface models during winter across the permafrost region
Authors: Wang Wenli , Rinke Annette , Moore John C. , Ji Duoying , Cui Xuefeng , Peng Shushi , Lawrence David M. , McGuire A. David , Burke Eleanor J. , Chen Xiaodong , Delire Christine , Koven Charles , MacDougall Andrew , Saito Kazuyuki , Zhang Wenxin , Alkama Ramdane , Bohn Theodore J. , Ciais Philippe , Decharme Bertrand , Gouttevin Isabelle , Hajima Tomohiro , Krinner Gerhard , Lettenmaier Dennis P. , Miller Paul A. , Smith Benjamin , Sueyoshi Tetsuo
Published: March 2016

Abstract. A realistic simulation of snow cover and its thermal properties are important for accurate modelling of permafrost. We analyze simulated relationships between air and near-surface (20 cm) soil temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere permafrost region during winter, with a particular focus on snow insulation effects in nine land surface models and compare them with observations from 268 Russian stations. There are large across-model differences as expressed by simulated differences between near-surface soil and air temperatures, (ΔT), of 3 to 14 K, in the gradients between soil and air temperatures (0.13 to 0.96 °C/°C), and in the relationship between ΔT and snow depth. The observed relationship between ΔT and snow depth can be used as a metric to evaluate the effects of each model's representation of snow insulation, and hence guide improvements to the model’s conceptual structure and process parameterizations. Models with better performance apply multi-layer snow schemes and consider complex snow processes. Some models show poor performance in representing snow insulation due to underestimation of snow depth and/or overestimation of snow conductivity. Generally, models identified as most acceptable with respect to snow insulation simulate reasonable areas of near-surface permafrost (12–16 million km2). However, there is not a simple relationship between the quality of the snow insulation in the acceptable models and the simulated area of Northern Hemisphere near-surface permafrost, likely because several other factors such as differences in the treatment of soil organic matter, soil hydrology, surface energy calculations, and vegetation also provide important controls on simulated permafrost distribution.
GPNMB/Osteoactivin as a Malignancy Biomarker in an Experimental Model of Human Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bedussi Francesca , Bodei Serena , Fragni Martina , Zani Danilo , Simeone Claudio , Cunico Sergio Cosciani , Spano Pier Franco , Sigala Sandra
Published: March 2016

Background

The goal is to analyze the role of Osteactivin (OA) in human prostate adenocarcinoma (CaP) cell lines, DU145 and PC3. OA plays a role in proliferation, adhesion, differentiation and protein synthesis in normal and malignant cells. Further, the OA expression is specific of activated mature osteoblasts.

Methods

DU145 and PC3 were maintained under recommended conditions and treated, respectively, with 50 ng/mL for 8 days and with 100 ng/mL for 15 days of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). The NGF-induced reduction of invasive capacity was assessed by the BioCoat Matrigel Invasion Chambers technique. The gene expression was evaluated by Q-RT-PCR, while the protein expression by indirect immunofluorescence and by western blot.

Results

NGF treatment of DU145 and PC3 induced a reduction of 95% and 78% of the invasive capacity. NGF treatment decreased OA expression at both mRNA and protein levels. The OA was secreted into the culture medium.

Conclusions

DU145 and PC3 cells expressed OA, that is strongly reduced by NGF treatment. Since it is known that OA is involved in the acquisition of the cell invasive capability, it could thus be hypothesized that OA could be a factor that contributes to the acquisition of invasive properties of PCa and could be proposed as a biomarker of cell tendency to metastatization.