bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the IGF-I gene polymorphism on growth, body size, carcass and meat quality traits in Coloured Polish Merino sheep
Authors: Grochowska Ewa , Borys Bronisław , Janiszewski Piotr , Knapik Jan , Mroczkowski Sławomir
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Insulin-like growth factor I, encoded by the IGF-I gene, plays a role in cell growth and differentiation, embryogenesis, metabolism regulation, skeletal growth, and protein synthesis. The aims of this study were to investigate the polymorphism in the 5′ flanking region of the IGF-I gene and evaluate associations between the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in this gene and growth, body size, carcass and meat quality traits in Coloured Polish Merino sheep. In total 78 live and post mortem traits were investigated. Polymorphism in the IGF-I gene was identified with the use of the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in 305 Coloured Polish Merino sheep. In association studies, traits of interest were analysed with the use of the MIXED and GENMOD procedures of the SAS statistical package. Two alleles named A and B, and two IGF-I genotypes – AA and AB – were detected. The A allele and the AA genotype were predominant, with the frequencies of 91.6 and 83.3 %, respectively. The IGF-I genotype was found to have a highly significant effect on fore shank weight (P  =  0.006), kidney fat class (P  =  0.002) and EUROP fat class (P  =  0.005). Furthermore, the IGF-I genotype significantly affected external fatness of carcass class (P  =  0.038), drip loss (P  =  0.049), and subjective assessment of meat colour (P  =  0.043), and it tended to be associated with longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle width (P  =  0.063) and flavour (0.067). Concluding, the IGF-I gene could be considered as a candidate gene of selected carcass and meat quality traits in sheep.
New techniques for gap-filling and partitioning of H2O and CO2 eddy fluxes measured over forests in complex mountainous terrain
Authors: Kang Minseok , Kim Joon , Malla Thakuri Bindu , Chun Junghwa , Cho Chunho
Published: June 2017

Abstract. The continuous measurement of H2O and CO2 fluxes using the eddy covariance (EC) technique is still challenging for forests in complex terrain because of large amounts of wet canopy evaporation (EWC), which occur during and following rain events when the EC systems rarely work correctly, and the horizontal advection of CO2 generated at night. We propose new techniques for gap-filling and partitioning of the H2O and CO2 fluxes: (1) a model-stats hybrid method (MSH) and (2) a modified moving point test method (MPTm). The former enables the recovery of the missing EWC in the traditional gap-filling method and the partitioning of the evapotranspiration (ET) into transpiration and (wet canopy) evaporation. The latter determines the friction velocity (u*) threshold based on an iterative approach using moving windows for both time and u*, thereby allowing not only the nighttime CO2 flux correction and partitioning but also the assessment of the significance of the CO2 drainage. We tested and validated these new methods using the datasets from two flux towers, which are located at forests in hilly and complex terrains. The MSH reasonably recovered the missing EWC of 16 ~ 41 mm year−1 and separated it from the ET (14 ~ 23 % of the annual ET). The MPTm produced consistent carbon budgets using those from the previous research and diameter increment, while it has improved applicability. Additionally, we illustrated certain advantages of the proposed techniques, which enables us to understand better how ET responses to environmental changes and how the water cycle is connected to the carbon cycle in a forest ecosystem.
Hydroclimate of the Last Glacial Maximum and deglaciation in southern Australia's arid margin interpreted from speleothem records (23–15 ka)
Authors: Treble Pauline C. , Baker Andy , Ayliffe Linda K. , Cohen Timothy J. , Hellstrom John C. , Gagan Michael K. , Frisia Silvia , Drysdale Russell N. , Griffiths Alan D. , Borsato Andrea
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Terrestrial data spanning the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and deglaciation from the southern Australian region are sparse and limited to discontinuous sedimentological and geomorphological records with relatively large chronological uncertainties. This dearth of records has hindered a critical assessment of the role of the Southern Hemisphere mid-latitude westerly winds on the region's climate during this time period. In this study, two precisely dated speleothem records for Mairs Cave, Flinders Ranges, are presented, providing for the first time a detailed terrestrial hydroclimatic record for the southern Australian drylands during 23–15 ka. Recharge to Mairs Cave is interpreted from the speleothem record by the activation of growth, physical flood layering, and δ18O and δ13C minima. Periods of lowered recharge are indicated by 18O and 13C enrichment, primarily affecting δ18O, argued to be driven by evaporation of shallow soil/epikarst water in this water-limited environment. A hydrological driver is supported by calcite fabric changes. These include the presence of laminae, visible organic colloids, and occasional dissolution features, related to recharge, as well as the presence of sediment bands representing cave floor flooding. A shift to slower-growing, more compact calcite and an absence of lamination is interpreted to represent reduced recharge. The Mairs Cave record indicates that the Flinders Ranges were relatively wet during the LGM and early deglaciation, particularly over the interval 18.9–15.8 ka. This wetter phase ended abruptly with a shift to drier conditions at 15.8 ka. These findings are in agreement with the geomorphic archives for this region, as well as the timing of events in records from the broader Australasian region. The recharge phases identified in the Mairs Cave record are correlated with, but antiphase to, the position of the westerly winds interpreted from marine core MD03-2611, located 550 km south of Mairs Cave in the Murray Canyons region. The implication is that the mid-latitude westerlies are located further south during the period of enhanced recharge in the Mairs Cave record (18.9–16 ka) and conversely are located further north when greater aridity is interpreted in the speleothem record. A further comparison with speleothem records from the northern Australasian region reveals that the availability of tropical moisture is the most likely explanation driving enhanced recharge, with further amplification of recharge occurring during the early half of Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS1), possibly influenced by a more southerly displaced Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). A rapid transition to aridity at 15.8 ka is consistent with a retraction of this tropical moisture source.
Blowing snow detection from ground-based ceilometers: application to East Antarctica
Authors: Gossart Alexandra , Souverijns Niels , Gorodetskaya Irina Valerievna , Lhermitte Stef , Lenaerts Jan Thérèse Maria , Schween Jan Herbert , Mangold Alexander , Laffineur Quentin , van Lipzig Nicole Petra Marie
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Blowing snow impacts Antarctic ice sheet surface mass balance by snow redistribution and sublimation. Yet, numerical models poorly represent blowing snow processes, while direct observations are limited in space and time. Satellite retrieval of blowing snow are hindered by clouds and only consider the strongest events. Here, we develop a blowing snow detection algorithm for ground-based remote sensing ceilometers in polar regions. Results show that 79 % of the detected events are in agreement with visual observations. The algorithm is capable to detect both blowing snow lifted from the ground and occurring during precipitation, which is an added value since most of the blowing snow occurs during synoptic events, often combined with precipitation. Our analysis of atmospheric meteorological variables during blowing snow shows that blowing snow occurrence strongly depends on fresh snow availability in addition to wind speed, while the threshold for snow particles to be lifted is commonly parametrized as a function of wind speed only. These results suggest that the effect of katabatics and wind speed might have been overestimated, and that fresh snow availability should be considered in determining the blowing snow onset.
Etiology and familial inheritance of pleomorphic adenomas
Authors: Clark Krysten
Published: June 2017

Background: A pleomorphic adenoma is the most common salivary gland neoplasm in both children and adults. Pleomorphic adenomas are derived from ductal and myoepithelial cells and are most commonly found in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland. The purpose of this article is to discuss the genes involved in pleomorphic adenomas and the possible autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Case Description: The first patient was a white male who was diagnosed with carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, a highly aggressive tumor, at the age of 57. He had an undiagnosed pleomorphic adenoma for approximately 15 years prior. The tumor was excised and the patient underwent radiation in the location of his parotid gland for 4 years until he deceased. The second patient is a white female, his daughter, who was diagnosed with a benign pleomorphic adenoma at the age of 46. Her salivary gland tumor was excised and normal follow up appointments occurred. Practical Implications: Pleomorphic adenomas most commonly affect the parotid gland, the largest of the three major salivary gland tumors. Occurrence and excision of this salivary gland tumor will cause a decrease in the secretion of saliva, leading to a dry mouth and an increased risk of caries.
Late Detachment after DALK in a Patient with Descemet Membrane Microperforation
Authors: Passos Marilia Lordello , Coral Ghanem Vinicius , Piccinini André Luís , Coral Ghanem Ramon
Published: June 2017

We report a case of late detachment in a patient with Descemet membrane (DM) microperforation following a deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). Late detachment of the DM in this case occurred 5 months after DALK because of the flattening pressure during the retinal exam with scleral depression. In patients with a history of microperforation during DALK, we suggest that the retinologist and patient avoid rubbing or applying pressure over the eye to minimize the risk of late detachment of the DM.
Achieving an Ideal Position of the Tube in Anterior Chamber: A New Approach
Authors: Kumar Harsh , Gupta Avnindra , Gupta Viney
Published: June 2017

Aim

To describe a novel technique of tube placement in the anterior chamber.

Methods

In this technique, the extra cut piece of the tube is used to provide a hinge/fulcrum such that the main tube entering the anterior chamber would be angulated posteriorly away from the cornea.

Results

The tube entering the anterior chamber is angulated posteriorly.

Conclusions

Using a fulcrum beneath the tube would assist in posterior positioning of the tube and prevent long-term tube endothelial touch.
New Wars, Old Wars, and Medieval Wars: European Mercenaries as State Actors in Europe and North Africa, ca. 1100–1500
Authors: Lower Michael
Published: June 2017

Medieval European mercenaries are often seen as impediments to state formation because European monarchies found them expensive and difficult to control. By taking a broader comparative approach to their deployment that encompasses North Africa, I show that these soldiers could serve as effective agents of state power. Abandoning the mercenaries is sometimes represented as a positive break with the medieval past that accelerated European progress into the modern political order of states and standing armies. From a comparative point of view, however, this transition looks more like a gradual retreat from a system for organizing violence that continued to function well in other parts of the world.
Espionage and Theology in the Anglo-Venetian Renaissance
Authors: Pirillo Diego
Published: June 2017

While the establishment of permanent embassies during the Renaissance has traditionally been regarded as the first step toward the emergence of modern diplomacy, recent scholarship has questioned this grand narrative and suggested framing the history of premodern diplomacy as a much more nuanced and multifaceted process in which many intermediaries and go-betweens coexisted and competed with resident ambassadors. Taking up this thread, this article brings to light the role played in early modern diplomacy by religious refugees, who became influential through their capacity to facilitate cross-confessional exchanges between states that could not officially communicate. Focusing on sixteenth-century Anglo-Venetian diplomacy, the article demonstrates how, after the suspension of diplomatic contact between Venice and England in 1559, religious refugees replaced resident ambassadors and allowed exchanges and the information flow to continue.
A Sacred Bond Broken: The People versus the Land in The Grapes of Wrath
Authors: Heavilin Barbara A.
Published: June 2017

From beginning to end, “wrath” is the key word in John Steinbeck's monumental novel, The Grapes of Wrath—wrath not only over the dispossession of migrants, but wrath also over abuse of the earth, our home. For in this novel there is a strong sense that a sacred bond between people and the land—a living entity—has been broken. Fiercely, Steinbeck later proclaims in The Log from the Sea of Cortez that “the world is furrowed and cut, torn and blasted by man.” As Susan Shillinglaw has observed, The Grapes of Wrath “starts and ends with land misused by man: Oklahoma sharecroppers exhaust the soil and California owners waste the soil's bounty by dumping potatoes in a river and burning piles of oranges to keep the prices high”—both guilty of crimes in Steinbeck's view. And the human story is intricately tied to the land story. Without the land, there is only a nightmarish stasis for the Joads—although there is constant movement across a continent in search of work, they seem not to go anywhere, for they have left their hearts behind.
Filthy “Others” in 1990s Environmentalist Fiction: From Steinbeck to Boyle
Authors: Yosef-Paz Netta Bar
Published: June 2017

T. C. Boyle's The Tortilla Curtain (1995) begins by paying homage to John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath (1939): Boyle's epigraph, quoted from Steinbeck's novel, creates a direct analogy between the Okies and the Mexican immigrants, their (im)migration, and their subsequent fate. Indeed, both novels protest against the Californians' attitude toward the weakened “Other” who struggles to make a living in their home state. As critics have noted, the parallels between the two novels are visible in various features, structural as well as thematic. Similar themes include the Californian Edenic dream, the economic depression, and a critique of consumer culture. I argue that a deeper similarity between the novels is their common preoccupation with filth. This focus, overlooked by scholars, can be read as part of an entire subgenre which I call “filth-fiction.” Exploring the novels' shared interest in the racial and socioeconomic significations of filth and the latter's connection to the ecological aspects, my article demonstrates how Tortilla—like the entire corpus of novels within this subgenre—carefully follows Steinbeck's lead despite the fact that it depicts a different racial layout. As my analysis shows, the impact of The Grapes of Wrath on contemporary U.S. fiction is evident, both in the representations of filthy “Others” and in the environmental awareness.
Thoughts from Algeria on Islamic Echoes in The Grapes of Wrath
Authors: Mohamed Ben Ali Chaker , Aboubou Hachemi
Published: June 2017

This article sheds light on some echoes of Islamic principles in The Grapes of Wrath. Despite the fact that there exists extensive commentary on the religious orientation of some of Steinbeck's works (one thinks of the commentaries offered on Christian, and even Confucian and Judaic, elements of some works), up until now there has been no significant emphasis on Steinbeck's integration of Islamic elements into this text. This novel revolves around six main themes: minding one's own business, patience, the cave motif, dignity, usury, and the phalanx theory. Although there is no definitive proof of Steinbeck's purposeful incorporation of these Islamic themes, a careful reading of the novel illustrates that there are a number of echoes of Islam in The Grapes of Wrath.
Encoding seasonal patterns using the Kasai algorithm
Authors: M’Balé Kenneth M. , Josyula Darsana
Published: June 2017

Data series that contain patterns are the expression of a set of rules that specify the pattern. In cases where the data series is known but the rules are not known, the Kasai algorithm can analyze the data pattern and produce the complete set of rules that described the data pattern observed to date.
Mental Health and the Juvenile Justice System: Issues Related to Treatment and Rehabilitation
Authors: Hovey Katrina A. , Zolkoski Staci M. , Bullock Lyndal M.
Published: June 2017

Children and youth with mental health issues and learning difficulties are common in the juvenile justice system andfinding ways to effectively rehabilitate, treat, and educate them is complicated, yet imperative. In this article, weexamine the prevalence rates of mental health disorders in youth involved in the juvenile justice system, discuss themyriad challenges involved youth face, present differences related to gender and race/ethnicity as well as provideinformation associated with how best to assist these youths. Additionally, significant influences such as cultural,behavioral, and educational issues related to detained youth will be presented. Developing a better understanding ofthe challenges faced by detainees as well as recognizing barriers to treatment and rehabilitation are key. Further,identifying effective support systems for rehabilitation and transition are addressed.
A Study of Interactional Metadiscourse in English Abstracts of Chinese Economics Research Articles
Authors: Liu Ping , Huang Xu
Published: June 2017

This study adopts the revised interpersonal model of metadiscourse to discover whether and to what extent Chinese authors employ a varying amount of Interactional Metadiscourse (IM) in the past decade in English abstracts of economics Research Articles (RAs). The data was drawn from a prestigious economics journal in China to compose a corpus of 289 abstracts. The analysis indicates that Chinese authors harmonize with English counterparts by capitalizing on more hedges, while the amount of boosters unexpectedly maintains at a high level over time, both of which can be attributed to the interaction of Chinese deep-seated cultural leanings and Anglo-American cultural preferences. Consistent with our prediction, attitude markers exhibit no significant difference along the years given the initial parallel with English counterparts. However, there are significant differences of self-mentions in the past decade regardless of English rhetorical conventions, which may be attributed to economical influences in China. With regards to engagement features, they remain relatively underused with no marked difference within the period resulting from the genre-specific factor which confines their use.
Selection of Lactic Acid Bacteria for the Optimized Production of Sheep’s Milk Yogurt with a High Conjugated Linoleic Acid Content
Authors: Kuhl Gabriela Christina , Gusso Ana Paula , Simas Porto Brenda Lee , Olivera Müller Carmen Maria , Mazzon Ricardo Ruiz , Leal de Oliveira Marcone Augusto , Pereira dos Santos Richards Neila Silvia , De Dea Lindner Juliano
Published: June 2017

Thirty-five different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were screened for their conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers (C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 and C18:2 trans-10, cis-12) producing ability from linoleic acid (LA) in sheep’s milk. Preliminary experiments revealed that Lactobacillus delbrüeckii ssp. bulgaricus 2230 and Streptococcus thermophilus St 360 among the screened strains had the highest CLA-producing ability. This two strains were assayed in an 11-run fractional factorial design to investigate the effect of four variables included glucose, powdered sheep milk, LA and inoculum ratio on CLA production in a sheep’s milk yogurt. The optimum conditions for producing the highest levels of CLA (42.86%) were obtained by adding 10.00 mg/mL of glucose, 30.00 mg/mL of powdered sheep milk, 0.90 mg/mL of LA and a 1:2 (St:Lb) ratio of bacterial strains in the inoculum. This CLA-rich sheep’s milk yogurt could be an important supplementary food source for increasing the CLA in the human diet.
The Utilization of Quality Control Chart to Examine the Chemical Properties and Bacterial Water in Al-Dlail Area in the Zarqa Governorate
Authors: Rahamneh Adeeb Ahmed Ali AL
Published: June 2017

This study focuses on the amount of chemical properties and microbiology (T.D.S ,T.H,MPN) into the water provided by the environmental health from the private wells Al-Dlail laboratories in a Zarqa Governorate. The research problem focuses on the chemical properties and microbiology (T.D.S, T.H, MPN) of the amount of the water provided by the environmental health of the private wells of Al-Dlail laboratories in a Zarqa Governorate. The research object was to develop the necessary treatments for reducing the presence of unauthorized descent from T.D.S, T.H and MPN.The analytical research methodology was adopted for the case study analysis to achieve the purpose of this research which was to develop necessary treatments to reduce the presence of unauthorized descent from T.D.S, T.H and MPN. To achieve the study objectives, the study uses (Minitab). Based on the statistical analysis, the main results are:The Control Limits for the Total Dissolved Solid (T.D.S) and the Total Hardness (T.H) are within acceptable limits In the Control Limits for the Most Probable Number (MPN), some readings are beyond the extent of control. Also, there are two samples (15,16) that breach the specification and the bacterium Bacillus colon(MPN) limits, which means exceeding the allowed percentage of the limit.The researcher concluded that the Control Limits for the Total Dissolved Solid (T.D.S) are within acceptable limits and the Control Limits for the Total Hardness (T.H) are within acceptable limits. The researcher recommends that the international standard must be adopted in water treatment.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF BULLET IMPACT ONTO ARAMID LAYERS PLACED ON SUBSTRATA SIMULATING HUMAN BODY
Authors: Pacek Dawid , Wiśniewski Adam
Published: June 2017

Essential aspects of numerical analysis for bullet hitting elastic layers of aramid fabric placed on a plastic substratum imitating the human body are presented in the paper. A review of results for bullet-proof vests tested on various substrata is included in the paper with justification of their use. It is explained why the ballistic plasticine is used as a substructure imitating the human body in most standards binding in the world for testing individual protections. Methods for modelling the fabrics with results of own numerical analyses are presented. As mutual reaction of yarns creating the interweaving of the fabric has an essential impact on its deformation then it is represented in simulations by a model that directly describes its mezzo-structure. Simulations were carried out by using an explicit procedure for integration of motion equations in program ANSYS AUTODYN v.16. The results of hitting by 9 mm bullet Parabellum FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) into the layers of Twaron® T750 fabric placed on ballistic plasticine are presented. Results of simulation and bulletproof resistance tests are compared.
Molecular and Immune Biomarkers in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Perspective From Members of the Pulmonary Pathology Society
Authors: Capelozzi Vera Luiza , Allen Timothy Craig , Beasley Mary Beth , Cagle Philip T. , Guinee Don , Hariri Lida P. , Husain Aliya N. , Jain Deepali , Lantuejoul Sylvie , Larsen Brandon T. , Miller Ross , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Mehrad Mitra , Raparia Kirtee , Roden Anja , Schneider Frank , Sholl Lynette M. , Smith Maxwell Lawrence
Published: June 2017

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a multifactorial syndrome with high morbidity and mortality rates, characterized by deficiency in gas exchange and lung mechanics that lead to hypoxemia, dyspnea, and respiratory failure. Histologically, ARDS is characterized by an acute, exudative phase, combining diffuse alveolar damage and noncardiogenic edema, followed by a later fibroproliferative phase. Despite an enhanced understanding of ARDS pathogenesis, the capacity to predict the development of ARDS and to risk-stratify patients with the disease remains limited. Biomarkers may help to identify patients at the greatest risk of developing ARDS, to evaluate response to therapy, to predict outcome, and to improve clinical trials. The ARDS pathogenesis is presented in this article, as well as concepts and information on biomarkers that are currently used clinically or are available for laboratory use by academic and practicing pathologists and the developing and validating of new assays, focusing on the assays' major biologic roles in lung injury and/or repair and to ultimately suggest innovative, therapeutic approaches.
Cracking Ali Baba’s code
Authors: Billker Oliver
Published: June 2017

A protein called P36 holds the key to how different species of malaria parasite invade liver cells.
Suboccipital dermatomyotomic stimulation and digital blood flow
Authors: Purdy W. Randolph , Frank Jesse J. , Oliver, Brent
Published: June 2017

The effect of gentle, soft tissue manipulation in the suboccipital region on digital blood flow, as a measure of sympathetic nervous system activity, was studied. Digital strain gauge plethysmography was used to measure the changes in pulse contour during (1) a normative test period with the subject in the supine position, (2) after a control interval (placebo) during which the investigator placed his hands under the suboccipital region, and (3) after an interval during which the investigator's fingers applied slow, steady, circular kneading in the suboccipital triangle region. Twenty-five studies were performed in a crossover design with the patient as his or her own control. Total pulse amplitude (Y) and the height from the dicrotic notch to the peak (X) were measured. Examination of the total data of all subjects revealed the occurrence of a significant change in X and Y with simply touching the suboccipital region with the hands. An even more favorable response ensued when suboccipital manipulation was applied. Those subjects reporting comfort or neutral responses had larger significant changes with manipulation when compared with the group reporting the experience as uncomfortable. The response within each group suggests that favorable autonomic changes (sympathetic dampening) occur with specific suboccipital manipulation as well as, indeed, the simple touching of the suboccipital triangle.
Giant sigmoid diverticulum
Authors: D’Almeida Michael J. , McQuiston James H.
Published: June 2017

A 49-year-old man was seen with an unusual complication of diverticulitis-a giant sigmoid diverticulum. This patient had undergone an extensive workup during a 5year period, ranging from multiple extensive gastroenterology evaluations and procedures to an eventual psychiatric evaluation to rule out the possibility of a functional cause for his chronic, intermittent abdominal pain. Later, an accurate diagnosis of a giant sigmoid diverticulum resulted in an en bloc resection of the sigmoid colon and cyst. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery with no return of his previous symptoms. The authors review the many proposed causes of the giant sigmoid diverticulum and possible differential diagnoses. Initially, the diagnosis is usually missed as plain roentgenograms, upper and lower gastrointestinal x-ray studies, and computed tomography scans generally show no abnormality. Management methods are also discussed.
Identification of two CiGADs from Caragana intermedia and their transcriptional responses to abiotic stresses and exogenous abscisic acid
Authors: Ji Jing , Zheng Lingyu , Yue Jianyun , Yao Xiamei , Chang Ermei , Xie Tiantian , Deng Nan , Chen Lanzhen , Huang Yuwen , Jiang Zeping , Shi Shengqing
Published: June 2017

Background

Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), as a key enzyme in the γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt, catalyzes the decarboxylation of L-glutamate to form GABA. This pathway has attracted much interest because of its roles in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, stress responses, and signaling in higher plants. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize genes encoding GADs from Caragana intermedia, an important nitrogen-fixing leguminous shrub.

Methods

Two full-length cDNAs encoding GADs (designated as CiGAD1 and CiGAD2) were isolated and characterized. Multiple alignment and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to evaluate their structures and identities to each other and to homologs in other plants. Tissue expression analyses were conducted to evaluate their transcriptional responses to stress (NaCl, ZnSO4, CdCl2, high/low temperature, and dehydration) and exogenous abscisic acid.

Results

The CiGADs contained the conserved PLP domain and calmodulin (CaM)-binding domain in the C-terminal region. The phylogenetic analysis showed that they were more closely related to the GADs of soybean, another legume, than to GADs of other model plants. According to Southern blotting analysis, CiGAD1 had one copy and CiGAD2-related genes were present as two copies in C. intermedia. In the tissue expression analyses, there were much higher transcript levels of CiGAD2 than CiGAD1 in bark, suggesting that CiGAD2 might play a role in secondary growth of woody plants. Several stress treatments (NaCl, ZnSO4, CdCl2, high/low temperature, and dehydration) significantly increased the transcript levels of both CiGADs, except for CiGAD2 under Cd stress. The CiGAD1 transcript levels strongly increased in response to Zn stress (74.3-fold increase in roots) and heat stress (218.1-fold increase in leaves). The transcript levels of both CiGADs significantly increased as GABA accumulated during a 24-h salt treatment. Abscisic acid was involved in regulating the expression of these two CiGADs under salt stress.

Discussion

This study showed that two CiGADs cloned from C. intermedia are closely related to homologs in another legume, soybean. CiGAD2 expression was much higher than that of CiGAD1 in bark, indicating that CiGAD2 might participate in the process of secondary growth in woody plants. Multiple stresses, interestingly, showed that Zn and heat stresses had the strongest effects on CiGAD1 expression, suggesting that CiGAD1 plays important roles in the responses to Zn and heat stresses. Additionally, these two genes might be involved in ABA dependent pathway during stress. This result provides important information about the role of GADs in woody plants’ responses to environmental stresses.
Controls on the distribution of fluorescent dissolved organic matter during an under‐ice algal bloom in the western Arctic Ocean
Authors: Mendoza Wilson G. , Weiss Elliot L. , Schieber Brian , Greg Mitchell B.
Published: June 2017

In this study we used fluorescence excitation and emission matrix spectroscopy, hydrographic data, and a self‐organizing map (SOM) analysis to assess the spatial distribution of labile and refractory fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) for the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas at the time of a massive under‐ice phytoplankton bloom during early summer 2011. Biogeochemical properties were assessed through decomposition of water property classes and sample classification that employed a SOM neural network‐based analysis which classified 10 clusters from 269 samples and 17 variables. The terrestrial, humic‐like component FDOM (ArC1, 4.98 ± 1.54 Quinine Sulfate Units (QSU)) and protein‐like component FDOM (ArC3, 1.63 ± 0.88 QSU) were found to have elevated fluorescence in the Lower Polar Mixed Layer (LPML) (salinity ~29.56 ± 0.76). In the LPML water mass, the observed contribution of meteoric water fraction was 17%, relative to a 12% contribution from the sea ice melt fraction. The labile ArC3‐protein‐like component (2.01 ± 1.92 QSU) was also observed to be elevated in the Pacific Winter Waters mass, where the under‐ice algal bloom was observed (~40–50 m). We interpreted these relationships to indicate that the accumulation and variable distribution of the protein‐like component on the shelf could be influenced directly by sea ice melt, transport, and mixing processes and indirectly by the in situ algal bloom and microbial activity. ArC5, corresponding to what is commonly considered marine humic FDOM, indicated a bimodal distribution with high values in both the freshest and saltiest waters. The association of ArC5 with deep, dense salty water is consistent with this component as refractory humic‐like FDOM, whereas our evidence of a terrestrial origin challenges this classic paradigm for this component.
Ionospheric control of the dawn‐dusk asymmetry of the Mars magnetotail current sheet
Authors: Liemohn Michael W. , Xu Shaosui , Dong Chuanfei , Bougher Stephen W. , Johnson Blake C. , Ilie Raluca , De Zeeuw Darren L.
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the role of solar EUV intensity at controlling the location of the Mars magnetotail current sheet and the structure of the lobes. Four simulation results are examined from a multifluid magnetohydrodynamic model. The solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions are held constant, and the Mars crustal field sources are omitted from the simulation configuration. This isolates the influence of solar EUV. It is found that solar maximum conditions, regardless of season, result in a Venus‐like tail configuration with the current sheet shifted to the −Y (dawnside) direction. Solar minimum conditions result in a flipped tail configuration with the current sheet shifted to the +Y (duskside) direction. The lobes follow this pattern, with the current sheet shifting away from the larger lobe with the higher magnetic field magnitude. The physical process responsible for this solar EUV control of the magnetotail is the magnetization of the dayside ionosphere. During solar maximum, the ionosphere is relatively strong and the draped IMF field lines quickly slip past Mars. At solar minimum, the weaker ionosphere allows the draped IMF to move closer to the planet. These lower altitudes of the closest approach of the field line to Mars greatly hinder the day‐to‐night flow of magnetic flux. This results in a buildup of magnetic flux in the dawnside lobe as the S‐shaped topology on that side of the magnetosheath extends farther downtail. The study demonstrates that the Mars dayside ionosphere exerts significant control over the nightside induced magnetosphere of that planet.
Rapid rupture directivity determination of moderate dip‐slip earthquakes with teleseismic body waves assuming reduced finite source approximation
Authors: He X. , Ni S.
Published: June 2017

For an earthquake with along‐dip rupture, there is opposite directivity effects on downgoing direct P wave and upgoing depth phases (pP and sP), and this can be exploited for resolving fault plane and rupture direction. We propose a method to calculate the reduced finite source synthetics for teleseismic P wave and determine the rupture directivity via waveform fitting. We verified the effectiveness of this method with forward tests and investigated its robustness against station selection, uncertainties in point source parameters, and uncertainties in source finiteness parameters. We applied this method to the 2011 Mw5.8 Virginia earthquake, the 2008 Mw6.0 Nevada earthquake, and six other dip‐slip earthquakes. For most cases, we obtained rupture directivity results consistent with previous studies, but the method could fail for along‐strike ruptures and very shallow earthquakes. Our method may help mitigate earthquake hazard by improving shake map with rapid rupture directivity analysis.
Airborne measurements of western U.S. wildfire emissions: Comparison with prescribed burning and air quality implications
Authors: Liu Xiaoxi , Huey L. Gregory , Yokelson Robert J. , Selimovic Vanessa , Simpson Isobel J. , Müller Markus , Jimenez Jose L. , Campuzano‐Jost Pedro , Beyersdorf Andreas J. , Blake Donald R. , Butterfield Zachary , Choi Yonghoon , Crounse John D. , Day Douglas A. , Diskin Glenn S. , Dubey Manvendra K. , Fortner Edward , Hanisco Thomas F. , Hu Weiwei , King Laura E. , Kleinman Lawrence , Meinardi Simone , Mikoviny Tomas , Onasch Timothy B. , Palm Brett B. , Peischl Jeff , Pollack Ilana B. , Ryerson Thomas B. , Sachse Glen W. , Sedlacek Arthur J. , Shilling John E. , Springston Stephen , St. Clair Jason M. , Tanner David J. , Teng Alexander P. , Wennberg Paul O. , Wisthaler Armin , Wolfe Glenn M.
Published: June 2017

Wildfires emit significant amounts of pollutants that degrade air quality. Plumes from three wildfires in the western U.S. were measured from aircraft during the Studies of Emissions and Atmospheric Composition, Clouds and Climate Coupling by Regional Surveys (SEAC4RS) and the Biomass Burning Observation Project (BBOP), both in summer 2013. This study reports an extensive set of emission factors (EFs) for over 80 gases and 5 components of submicron particulate matter (PM1) from these temperate wildfires. These include rarely, or never before, measured oxygenated volatile organic compounds and multifunctional organic nitrates. The observed EFs are compared with previous measurements of temperate wildfires, boreal forest fires, and temperate prescribed fires. The wildfires emitted high amounts of PM1(with organic aerosol (OA) dominating the mass) with an average EF that is more than 2 times the EFs for prescribed fires. The measured EFs were used to estimate the annual wildfire emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, total nonmethane organic compounds, and PM1from 11 western U.S. states. The estimated gas emissions are generally comparable with the 2011 National Emissions Inventory (NEI). However, our PM1emission estimate (1530 ± 570 Gg yr−1) is over 3 times that of the NEI PM2.5estimate and is also higher than the PM2.5emitted from all other sources in these states in the NEI. This study indicates that the source of OA from biomass burning in the western states is significantly underestimated. In addition, our results indicate that prescribed burning may be an effective method to reduce fine particle emissions.
Water and growth: An econometric analysis of climate and policy impacts
Authors: Khan Hassaan Furqan , Morzuch Bernard J. , Brown Casey M.
Published: June 2017

Water‐related hazards such as floods, droughts, and disease cause damage to an economy through the destruction of physical capital including property and infrastructure, the loss of human capital, and the interruption of economic activities, like trade and education. The question for policy makers is whether the impacts of water‐related risk accrue to manifest as a drag on economic growth at a scale suggesting policy intervention. In this study, the average drag on economic growth from water‐related hazards faced by society at a global level is estimated. We use panel regressions with various specifications to investigate the relationship between economic growth and hydroclimatic variables at the country‐river basin level. In doing so, we make use of surface water runoff variables never used before. The analysis of the climate variables shows that water availability and water hazards have significant effects on economic growth, providing further evidence beyond earlier studies finding that precipitation extremes were at least as important or likely more important than temperature effects. We then incorporate a broad set of variables representing the areas of infrastructure, institutions, and information to identify the characteristics of a region that determine its vulnerability to water‐related risks. The results identify water scarcity, governance, and agricultural intensity as the most relevant measures affecting vulnerabilities to climate variability effects.
Earthworms and tree roots: A model study of the effect of preferential flow paths on runoff generation and groundwater recharge in steep, saprolitic, tropical lowland catchments
Authors: Cheng Yanyan , Ogden Fred L. , Zhu Jianting
Published: June 2017

Preferential flow paths (PFPs) affect the hydrological response of humid tropical catchments but have not received sufficient attention. We consider PFPs created by tree roots and earthworms in a near‐surface soil layer in steep, humid, tropical lowland catchments and hypothesize that observed hydrological behaviors can be better captured by reasonably considering PFPs in this layer. We test this hypothesis by evaluating the performance of four different physically based distributed model structures without and with PFPs in different configurations. Model structures are tested both quantitatively and qualitatively using hydrological, geophysical, and geochemical data both from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Agua Salud Project experimental catchment(s) in Central Panama and other sources in the literature. The performance of different model structures is evaluated using runoff Volume Error and three Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency measures against observed total runoff, stormflows, and base flows along with visual comparison of simulated and observed hydrographs. Two of the four proposed model structures which include both lateral and vertical PFPs are plausible, but the one with explicit simulation of PFPs performs the best. A small number of vertical PFPs that fully extend below the root zone allow the model to reasonably simulate deep groundwater recharge, which plays a crucial role in base flow generation. Results also show that the shallow lateral PFPs are the main contributor to the observed high flow characteristics. Their number and size distribution are found to be more important than the depth distribution. Our model results are corroborated by geochemical and geophysical observations.
How Jordan and Saudi Arabia are avoiding a tragedy of the commons over shared groundwater
Authors: Müller Marc F. , Müller‐Itten Michèle C. , Gorelick Steven M.
Published: June 2017

Transboundary aquifers are ubiquitous and strategically important to global food and water security. Yet these shared resources are being depleted at an alarming rate. Focusing on the Disi aquifer, a key nonrenewable source of groundwater shared by Jordan and Saudi Arabia, this study develops a two‐stage game that evaluates optimal transboundary strategies of common‐pool resource exploitation under various assumptions. The analysis relies on estimates of agricultural water use from satellite imagery, which were obtained using three independent remote sensing approaches. Drawdown response to pumping is simulated using a 2‐D regional aquifer model. Jordan and Saudi Arabia developed a buffer‐zone strategy with a prescribed minimum distance between each country's pumping centers. We show that by limiting the marginal impact of pumping decisions on the other country's pumping costs, this strategy will likely avoid an impeding tragedy of the commons for at least 60 years. Our analysis underscores the role played by distance between wells and disparities in groundwater exploitation costs on common‐pool overdraft. In effect, if pumping centers are distant enough, a shared aquifer no longer behaves as a common‐pool resource and a tragedy of the commons can be avoided. The 2015 Disi aquifer pumping agreement between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which in practice relies on a joint technical commission to enforce exclusion zones, is the first agreement of this type between sovereign countries and has a promising potential to avoid conflicts or resolve potential transboundary groundwater disputes over comparable aquifer systems elsewhere.
How uncertainty analysis of streamflow data can reduce costs and promote robust decisions in water management applications
Authors: McMillan Hilary , Seibert Jan , Petersen‐Overleir Asgeir , Lang Michel , White Paul , Snelder Ton , Rutherford Kit , Krueger Tobias , Mason Robert , Kiang Julie
Published: June 2017

Streamflow data are used for important environmental and economic decisions, such as specifying and regulating minimum flows, managing water supplies, and planning for flood hazards. Despite significant uncertainty in most flow data, the flow series for these applications are often communicated and used without uncertainty information. In this commentary, we argue that proper analysis of uncertainty in river flow data can reduce costs and promote robust conclusions in water management applications. We substantiate our argument by providing case studies from Norway and New Zealand where streamflow uncertainty analysis has uncovered economic costs in the hydropower industry, improved public acceptance of a controversial water management policy, and tested the accuracy of water quality trends. We discuss the need for practical uncertainty assessment tools that generate multiple flow series realizations rather than simple error bounds. Although examples of such tools are in development, considerable barriers for uncertainty analysis and communication still exist for practitioners, and future research must aim to provide easier access and usability of uncertainty estimates. We conclude that flow uncertainty analysis is critical for good water management decisions.
Joint inversion of satellite‐detected tidal and magnetospheric signals constrains electrical conductivity and water content of the upper mantle and transition zone
Authors: Grayver A. V. , Munch F. D. , Kuvshinov A. V. , Khan A. , Sabaka T. J. , Tøffner‐Clausen L.
Published: June 2017

We present a new global electrical conductivity model of Earth's mantle. The model was derived by using a novel methodology, which is based on inverting satellite magnetic field measurements from different sources simultaneously. Specifically, we estimated responses of magnetospheric origin and ocean tidal magnetic signals from the most recent Swarm and CHAMP data. The challenging task of properly accounting for the ocean effect in the data was addressed through full three‐dimensional solution of Maxwell's equations. We show that simultaneous inversion of magnetospheric and tidal magnetic signals results in a model with much improved resolution. Comparison with laboratory‐based conductivity profiles shows that obtained models are compatible with a pyrolytic composition and a water content of 0.01 wt % and 0.1 wt % in the upper mantle and transition zone, respectively.
Enhanced permeability due to apparent oil/brine slippage in limestone and its dependence on wettability
Authors: Christensen M. , Tanino Y.
Published: June 2017

End point relative permeabilities were measured in three limestones with permeabilities ranging from 0.6 to 220 mD under five wettability states established by adding different organic acids, of similar molecular structure but different alkyl chain length, to the oil phase. The altered wettability corresponding to each oil/brine pair is characterized by their dynamic contact angle on a polished calcite substrate, θw, which varied between 50° and 150°. Saturation‐normalized relative permeability to oil exceeds one at θw<140° in all rock considered. The equivalent slip length, defined by modeling the porous medium as a capillary tube with the defending phase distributed as an annular film on the tube wall, was below 200 nm in all experiments. The results indicate that commonly used models of relative permeability, which assume that the maximum permeability is the single‐phase permeability, underestimate oil displacement for a much wider range of contact angles than previously documented.