bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complement Evasion Mediated by Enhancement of Captured Factor H: Implications for Protection of Self-Surfaces from Complement
Authors: Herbert Andrew P. , Makou Elisavet , Chen Zhuo A. , Kerr Heather , Richards Anna , Rappsilber Juri , Barlow Paul N.
Published: October 2015

In an attempt to evade annihilation by the vertebrate complement system, many microbes capture factor H (FH), the key soluble complement-regulating protein in human plasma. However, FH is normally an active complement suppressor exclusively on self-surfaces and this selective action of FH is pivotal to self versus non-self discrimination by the complement system. We investigated whether the bacterially captured FH becomes functionally enhanced and, if so, how this is achieved at a structural level. We found, using site-directed and truncation mutagenesis, surface plasmon resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and cross-linking and mass spectrometry, that the N-terminal domain of Streptococcus pneumoniae protein PspC (PspCN) not only binds FH extraordinarily tightly but also holds it in a previously uncharacterized conformation. Functional enhancement arises from exposure of a C-terminal cryptic second binding site in FH for C3b, the activation-specific fragment of the pivotal complement component, C3. This conformational change of FH doubles its affinity for C3b and increases 5-fold its ability to accelerate decay of the binary enzyme (C3bBb) responsible for converting C3 to C3b in an amplification loop. Despite not sharing critical FH-binding residues, PspCNs from D39 and Tigr4 S. pneumoniae exhibit similar FH-anchoring and enhancing properties. We propose that these bacterial proteins mimic molecular markers of self-surfaces, providing a compelling hypothesis for how FH prevents complement-mediated injury to host tissue while lacking efficacy on virtually all other surfaces. In hemolysis assays with 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide–treated erythrocytes that recapitulate paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, PspCN enhanced protection of cells by FH, suggesting a new paradigm for therapeutic complement suppression.
The use of roflumilast in COPD: a review
Authors: Zanini Andrea , Cherubino Francesca , Pignatti Patrizia
Published: October 2015

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chronic inflammation and exacerbations play a central role in the progression of the disease. Currently, treatment options for COPD have been shown to improve the progressive decline in lung-function and/or decrease mortality rates. Roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase- 4 inhibitor, is an anti-inflammatory drug which has been licensed as an add-on therapy for COPD patients with forced expiratory volume in the first second <50% and frequent exacerbations. Clinical trials have demonstrated that roflumilast improves lung function and reduces exacerbation frequency. Roflumilast has a mechanism of action which allows it to obtain a significant additive effect to current therapeutic options for COPD patients. It is generally well tolerated, although the most common adverse effects include diarrhea, nausea, weight loss, and headache. This review article provides an overview of the positive effects of roflumilast on lung function, exacerbation frequency and glucose metabolism, and its interaction with concomitant inhaled treatments.
Androgens and cardiac diseases
Authors: Bianchi Vittorio , Mezzani Alessandro
Published: October 2015

Although androgens have been considered deleterious for the cardiovascular system, recent data have demonstrated favourable testosterone effects on cardiac and vascular remodeling and clinical outcome. However, the cardiovascular risk-benefit profile of testosterone therapy remains largely elusive due to lack of well-designed and adequately powered randomized clinical trials. In any case, a large body of clinical evidence underlines that low plasma testosterone levels should be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and that the evaluation of sex steroids should be included in the routine clinical evaluation of cardiac patients. A better understanding of the mechanism regulating the effects of testosterone on cardiovascular system could lead to novel therapeutic strategies in several cardiac patient populations, such as chronic heart failure patients and those who recently underwent cardiac surgery.
Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis: an example of the value of skin biopsy in joint disease
Authors: Smith Ruth , Stonard Chris , Mathew Rengi
Published: October 2015

We describe a case of multicentric reticulo-histiocytosis. It is a rare condition but one which causes significant morbidity to skin and joints. There is no consensus on treatment, but here we report a good response to infliximab. We also use the case to emphasise the value of skin biopsy in diagnosing rheumatological conditions.
Dengue in China: Comprehensive Phylogenetic Evaluation Reveals Evidence of Endemicity and Complex Genetic Diversity
Authors: Chen Rubing , Han Guan-Zhu
Published: October 2015

Despite the increasing threat of dengue outbreaks in China, it is still considered as an imported disease and its introduction and/or circulation patterns remain obscure. On the basis of the most extensive phylogenetic analysis to date, we showed highly complex genetic diversity of dengue viruses (DENVs) in south China with up to 20 different clades/lineages from multiple serotypes co-circulating in the same year. Despite that most of these clades/lineages were resulted from imported cases, evidence of local persistence of DENV serotype 1 (DENV-1) was observed, indicating its potential endemicity in Guangdong province. This study, therefore, provided an overview of DENV genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics in China, which will be useful for developing policies to prevent and control future dengue outbreaks in China.
The Next Paradigm Shift in Occupational Therapy Education: The Move to the Entry-Level Clinical Doctorate
Authors: Brown Ted , Crabtree Jeffrey L. , Mu Keli , Wells Joe
Published: October 2015

The occupational therapy profession in the United States is considering another shift in the level of entry-to-practice education. Currently, all accredited U.S. occupational therapy education programs offer graduate-entry master’s degrees or clinical doctorates. In 2014, the American Occupational Therapy Association Board of Directors published a position statement supporting the idea of moving all entry-level occupational therapy education programs to the clinical doctorate level by 2025. This article provides an overview of the proposed reasons for doing so and the potential impact of this move on future students, education providers, clients and families, employers, and third-party payers and funding bodies along with the implications for the occupational therapy profession internationally. An open, informed, transparent, multiperspective, comprehensive debate about this education paradigm shift is recommended. In August 2015 the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education decided that the entry-level qualification will remain at both the master’s and the doctoral degree; it is anticipated, however, that the move toward the entry-level clinical doctorate will continue.
Effect of heat stress on the pituitary and testicular development of Wenchang chicks
Authors: Chen Z. , Zhang J. R. , Zhou Y. W. , Liang C. , Jiang Y. Y.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. To study the effects of heat stress (HS) on the growth and reproductive performance of chicks, 1-day-old male Wenchang chicks were randomly selected and divided into control (CK) and HS groups. The two groups of birds were fed according to a routine. The chicks in the HS group were placed under HS for 2 h day−1 (temperature, 40 ± 0.5°; humidity, 63.0–80.0 %) until the sixth week. At the end of each week, six chicks were randomly selected from each group and dissected for pituitary and testicular tissues, which were then weighed and sectioned onto slides to observe the histological changes in pituitary and testis under a microscope. Our results indicated that compared with the CK group, with the increase in age, HS significantly reduced the feed conversion rate (FCR) and weight gain per week, and these changes were positively correlated. The pituitary and testicular weights and volumes of chicks in the HS group were significantly lower than those in the CK group (P < 0.05). For 3-week old chicks, the cross-sectional area of seminiferous tubule in chicks of the HS group was extremely significantly lower than that of the CK group (P < 0.01). Compared with the CK group, the seminiferous epithelium was thinner in the HS group, the arrangement of spermatogenic cells became loose and irregular, and the integrity of the histological structure of testicular tissues was also damaged. Therefore, the above results indicated that HS significantly impeded the growth and development of pituitary and testis in chicks.
Organic aerosol evolution and transport observed at Mt. Cimone (2165 m a.s.l.), Italy, during the PEGASOS campaign
Authors: Rinaldi M. , Gilardoni S. , Paglione M. , Sandrini S. , Fuzzi S. , Massoli P. , Bonasoni P. , Cristofanelli P. , Marinoni A. , Poluzzi V. , Decesari S.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. High-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer measurements were performed, for the first time, at the Mt. Cimone Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) station between June and July 2012, within the EU project PEGASOS and the ARPA–Emilia-Romagna project SUPERSITO. Submicron aerosol was dominated by organics (63 %), with sulfate, ammonium and nitrate contributing the remaining 20, 9 and 7 %, respectively. Organic aerosol (OA) was in general highly oxygenated, consistent with the remote character of the site; our observations suggest that oxidation and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation processes occurred during aerosol transport to high altitudes. All of the aerosol component concentrations as well as the OA elemental ratios showed a clear daily trend, driven by the evolution of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and by the mountain wind regime. Higher loadings and lower OA oxidation levels were observed during the day, when the site was within the PBL, and therefore affected by relatively fresh aerosol transported from lower altitudes. Conversely, lower loadings and higher OA oxidation levels were observed at night, when the top of Mt. Cimone resided in the free troposphere although affected by the transport of residual layers on several days of the campaign. Analysis of the elemental ratios in a Van Krevelen space shows that OA oxidation follows a slope comprised between −0.5 and −1, consistent with addition of carboxylic groups, with or without fragmentation of the parent molecules. The increase of carboxylic groups during OA ageing is confirmed by the increased contribution of organic fragments containing more than one oxygen atom in the free troposphere night-time mass spectra. Finally, positive matrix factorization was able to deconvolve the contributions of relatively fresh OA (OOAa) originating from the PBL, more aged OA (OOAb) present at high altitudes during periods of atmospheric stagnation, and very aged aerosols (OOAc) transported over long distances in the free troposphere.
Sources and chemical characterization of organic aerosol during the summer in the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Kostenidou E. , Florou K. , Kaltsonoudis C. , Tsiflikiotou M. , Vratolis S. , Eleftheriadis K. , Pandis S. N.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. The concentration and chemical composition of non-refractory fine particulate matter (NR-PM1) and black carbon (BC) levels were measured during the summer of 2012 in the suburbs of two Greek cities, Patras and Athens, in an effort to better understand the chemical processing of particles in the high photochemical activity environment of the eastern Mediterranean. The composition of PM1 was surprisingly similar in both areas, demonstrating the importance of regional sources for the corresponding pollution levels. The PM1 average mass concentration was 9–14 μg m−3. The contribution of sulfate was around 38 %, while organic aerosol (OA) contributed approximately 45 % in both cases. PM1 nitrate levels were low (2 %). The oxygen to carbon (O : C) atomic ratio was 0.50 ± 0.08 in Patras and 0.47 ± 0.11 in Athens. In both cases PM1 was acidic. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied to the high-resolution organic aerosol mass spectra obtained by an Aerodyne High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS). For Patras, five OA sources could be identified: 19 % very oxygenated OA (V-OOA), 38 % moderately oxygenated OA (M-OOA), 21 % biogenic oxygenated OA (b-OOA), 7 % hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA-1) associated with traffic sources and 15 % hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA-2) related to other primary emissions (including cooking OA). For Athens, the corresponding source contributions were: V-OOA (35 %), M-OOA (30 %), HOA-1 (18 %) and HOA-2 (17 %). In both cities the major component was OOA, suggesting that under high photochemical conditions most of the OA in the eastern Mediterranean is quite aged. The contribution of the primary sources (HOA-1 and HOA-2) was important (22 % in Patras and 35 % in Athens) but not dominant.
Eddy-covariance data with low signal-to-noise ratio: time-lag determination, uncertainties and limit of detection
Authors: Langford B. , Acton W. , Ammann C. , Valach A. , Nemitz E.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. All eddy-covariance flux measurements are associated with random uncertainties which are a combination of sampling error due to natural variability in turbulence and sensor noise. The former is the principal error for systems where the signal-to-noise ratio of the analyser is high, as is usually the case when measuring fluxes of heat, CO2 or H2O. Where signal is limited, which is often the case for measurements of other trace gases and aerosols, instrument uncertainties dominate. Here, we are applying a consistent approach based on auto- and cross-covariance functions to quantify the total random flux error and the random error due to instrument noise separately. As with previous approaches, the random error quantification assumes that the time lag between wind and concentration measurement is known. However, if combined with commonly used automated methods that identify the individual time lag by looking for the maximum in the cross-covariance function of the two entities, analyser noise additionally leads to a systematic bias in the fluxes. Combining data sets from several analysers and using simulations, we show that the method of time-lag determination becomes increasingly important as the magnitude of the instrument error approaches that of the sampling error. The flux bias can be particularly significant for disjunct data, whereas using a prescribed time lag eliminates these effects (provided the time lag does not fluctuate unduly over time). We also demonstrate that when sampling at higher elevations, where low frequency turbulence dominates and covariance peaks are broader, both the probability and magnitude of bias are magnified. We show that the statistical significance of noisy flux data can be increased (limit of detection can be decreased) by appropriate averaging of individual fluxes, but only if systematic biases are avoided by using a prescribed time lag. Finally, we make recommendations for the analysis and reporting of data with low signal-to-noise and their associated errors.
Air-sea CO2 fluxes and the controls on ocean surface pCO2 seasonal variability in the coastal and open-ocean southwestern Atlantic Ocean: a modeling study
Authors: Arruda R. , Calil P. H. R. , Bianchi A. A. , Doney S. C. , Gruber N. , Lima I. , Turi G.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. We use an eddy-resolving, regional ocean biogeochemical model to investigate the main variables and processes responsible for the climatological spatio-temporal variability of pCO2 and the air-sea CO2 fluxes in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Overall, the region acts as a sink of atmospheric CO2 south of 30° S, and is close to equilibrium with the atmospheric CO2 to the north. On the shelves, the ocean acts as a weak source of CO2, except for the mid/outer shelves of Patagonia, which act as sinks. In contrast, the inner shelves and the low latitude open ocean of the southwestern Atlantic represent source regions. Observed nearshore-to-offshore and meridional pCO2 gradients are well represented by our simulation. A sensitivity analysis shows the importance of the counteracting effects of temperature and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in controlling the seasonal variability of pCO2. Biological production and solubility are the main processes regulating pCO2, with biological production being particularly important on the shelves. The role of mixing/stratification in modulating DIC, and therefore surface pCO2, is shown in a vertical profile at the location of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) site in the Argentine Basin (42° S, 42° W).
The role of snow cover affecting boreal-arctic soil freeze–thaw and carbon dynamics
Authors: Yi Y. , Kimball J. S. , Rawlins M. A. , Moghaddam M. , Euskirchen E. S.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Northern Hemisphere permafrost affected land areas contain about twice as much carbon as the global atmosphere. This vast carbon pool is vulnerable to accelerated losses through mobilization and decomposition under projected global warming. Satellite data records spanning the past 3 decades indicate widespread reductions (~ 0.8–1.3 days decade−1) in the mean annual snow cover extent and frozen-season duration across the pan-Arctic domain, coincident with regional climate warming trends. How the soil carbon pool responds to these changes will have a large impact on regional and global climate. Here, we developed a coupled terrestrial carbon and hydrology model framework with a detailed 1-D soil heat transfer representation to investigate the sensitivity of soil organic carbon stocks and soil decomposition to climate warming and changes in snow cover conditions in the pan-Arctic region over the past 3 decades (1982–2010). Our results indicate widespread soil active layer deepening across the pan-Arctic, with a mean decadal trend of 6.6 ± 12.0 (SD) cm, corresponding to widespread warming. Warming promotes vegetation growth and soil heterotrophic respiration particularly within surface soil layers (≤ 0.2 m). The model simulations also show that seasonal snow cover has a large impact on soil temperatures, whereby increases in snow cover promote deeper (≥ 0.5 m) soil layer warming and soil respiration, while inhibiting soil decomposition from surface (≤ 0.2 m) soil layers, especially in colder climate zones (mean annual T ≤ −10 °C). Our results demonstrate the important control of snow cover on northern soil freeze–thaw and soil carbon decomposition processes and the necessity of considering both warming and a change in precipitation and snow cover regimes in characterizing permafrost soil carbon dynamics.
Delaying future sea-level rise by storing water on Antarctica
Authors: Frieler K. , Mengel M. , Levermann A.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Even if greenhouse gas emissions were stopped today sea level would continue to rise for centuries with the long-term sea-level commitment of a two-degree-warmer world significantly exceeding 2 m. In view of the potential implications for coastal populations and ecosystems worldwide we investigate, from an ice-dynamic perspective, the possibility to delay sea-level rise by pumping ocean water onto the surface of the Antarctic Ice Sheet. We find that due to wave propagation ice is discharged much faster back into the ocean than would be expected from a pure advection with surface velocities. The delay time depends strongly on the distance from the coastline at which the additional mass is placed and less strongly on the rate of sea-level rise that is mitigated. A millennium-scale storage of at least 80 % of the additional ice requires placing it at a distance of at least 700 km from the coast line. The pumping energy required to elevate the potential energy of ocean water to mitigate the currently observed 3 mm yr-1 will exceed 7 % of the current global primary energy supply. At the same time the approach may be the only way to protect entire coastlines or specific regions that cannot be protected by dikes.
Global trend analysis of the MODIS drought severity index
Authors: Orvos P. I. , Homonnai V. , Várai A. , Bozóki Z. , Jánosi I. M.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Recently, Mu et al. (2013) compiled an open access database of a remotely sensed global drought severity index (DSI) based on MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) satellite measurements covering a continuous period of 12 years. The highest spatial resolution is 0.05° × 0.05° in the geographic band between 60° S and 80° N latitudes (more than 4.9 million locations over land). Here we present a global trend analysis of these satellite-based DSI time series in order to identify geographic locations where either positive or negative trends are statistically significant. Our main result is that 17.34 % of land areas exhibit significant trends of drying or wetting, and these sites constitute geographically connected regions. Since a DSI value conveys local characterization at a given site, we argue that usual field significance tests cannot provide more information about the observations than the presented analysis. The relatively short period of 12 years hinders linking the trends to global climate change; however, we think that the observations might be related to slow (decadal) modes of natural climate variability or anthropogenic impacts.
Effects of hydrologic conditions on SWAT model performance and parameter sensitivity for a small, mixed land use catchment in New Zealand
Authors: Me W. , Abell J. M. , Hamilton D. P.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. The Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was configured for the Puarenga Stream catchment (77 km2), Rotorua, New Zealand. The catchment land use is mostly plantation forest, some of which is spray-irrigated with treated wastewater. A Sequential Uncertainty Fitting (SUFI-2) procedure was used to auto-calibrate unknown parameter values in the SWAT model. Model validation was performed using two data sets: (1) monthly instantaneous measurements of suspended sediment (SS), total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations; and (2) high-frequency (1–2 h) data measured during rainfall events. Monthly instantaneous TP and TN concentrations were generally not reproduced well (24 % bias for TP, 27 % bias for TN, and R2 < 0.1, NSE < 0 for both TP and TN), in contrast to SS concentrations (< 1 % bias; R2 and NSE both > 0.75) during model validation. Comparison of simulated daily mean SS, TP and TN concentrations with daily mean discharge-weighted high-frequency measurements during storm events indicated that model predictions during the high rainfall period considerably underestimated concentrations of SS (44 % bias) and TP (70 % bias), while TN concentrations were comparable (< 1 % bias; R2 and NSE both ~ 0.5). This comparison highlighted the potential for model error associated with quick flow fluxes in flashy lower-order streams to be underestimated compared with low-frequency (e.g. monthly) measurements derived predominantly from base flow measurements. To address this, we recommend that high-frequency, event-based monitoring data are used to support calibration and validation. Simulated discharge, SS, TP and TN loads were partitioned into two components (base flow and quick flow) based on hydrograph separation. A manual procedure (one-at-a-time sensitivity analysis) was used to quantify parameter sensitivity for the two hydrologically separated regimes. Several SWAT parameters were found to have different sensitivities between base flow and quick flow. Parameters relating to main channel processes were more sensitive for the base flow estimates, while those relating to overland processes were more sensitive for the quick flow estimates. This study has important implications for identifying uncertainties in parameter sensitivity and performance of hydrological models applied to catchments with large fluctuations in stream flow and in cases where models are used to examine scenarios that involve substantial changes to the existing flow regime.
Assessment of the influence of bias correction on meteorological drought projections for Poland
Authors: Osuch M. , Romanowicz R. J. , Lawrence D. , Wong W. K.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Possible future climate change effects on drought severity in Poland are estimated for six ENSEMBLE climate projections using the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI). The time series of precipitation represent six different RCM/GCM run under the A1B SRES scenario for the period 1971–2099. Monthly precipitation values were used to estimate the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) for multiple time scales (1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months) for a spatial resolution of 25 km × 25 km for the whole country. Trends in SPI were analysed using a Mann–Kendall test with Sen's slope estimator for each 25 km × 25 km grid cell for each RCM/GCM projection and timescale, and results obtained for uncorrected precipitation and bias corrected precipitation were compared. Bias correction was achieved using a distribution-based quantile mapping (QM) method in which the climate model precipitation series were adjusted relative to gridded E-OBS precipitation data for Poland. The results show that the spatial pattern of the trend depends on the climate model, the time scale considered and on the bias correction. The effect of change on the projected trend due to bias correction is small compared to the variability among climate models. We also summarise the mechanisms underlying the influence of bias correction on trends using a simple example of a linear bias correction procedure. In the case of precipitation the bias correction by QM does not change the direction of changes but can change the slope of trend. We also have noticed that the results for the same GCM, with differing RCMs, are characterized by similar pattern of changes, although this behaviour is not seen at all time scales and seasons.
Comment on "Using groundwater age and hydrochemistry to understand sources and dynamics of nutrient contamination through the catchment into Lake Rotorua, New Zealand" by Morgenstern et al. (2015)
Authors: Abell J. M. , Hamilton D. P. , McBride C. G.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. This Comment addresses a key conclusion in the paper entitled "Using groundwater age and hydrochemistry to understand sources and dynamics of nutrient contamination through the catchment into Lake Rotorua, New Zealand" by Morgenstern et al. (2015). The authors analyse hydrochemistry data and conclude that "the only effective way to limit algae blooms and improve lake water quality in such environments is by limiting the nitrate load". We undertook the crucial task of examining this conclusion because it contradicts the current strategy of limiting both phosphorus and nitrogen loads to the lake, supported by a multi-million dollar programme of action. Following careful consideration, we believe that the conclusion is invalid and outline four reasons to support our assessment. Our comments do not relate to the methodology or results that are presented by Morgenstern et al. (2015), and we recognise that their paper makes an otherwise highly valuable contribution to understanding hydro-chemical processes in the catchment.
Assessment of small-scale variability of rainfall and multisatellite precipitation estimates using a meso-rain gauge network measurements from southern peninsular India
Authors: Sunilkumar K. , Narayana Rao T. , Satheeshkumar S.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. This paper describes the establishment of a dense rain gauge network and small-scale variability in rain storms (both in space and time) over a complex hilly terrain in southeast peninsular India. Three years of high-resolution gauge measurements are used to evaluate 3 hourly rainfall and sub-daily variations of four widely used multisatellite precipitation estimates (MPEs). The network consists of 36 rain gauges arranged in a near-square grid area of 50 km × 50 km with an intergauge distance of ~ 10 km. Morphological features of rainfall in two principal monsoon seasons (southwest monsoon: SWM and northeast monsoon: NEM) show marked seasonal differences. The NEM rainfall exhibits significant spatial variability and most of the rainfall is associated with large-scale systems (in wet spells), whereas the contribution from small-scale systems is considerable in SWM. Rain storms with longer duration and copious rainfall are seen mostly in the western quadrants in SWM and northern quadrants in NEM, indicating complex spatial variability within the study region. The diurnal cycle also exhibits marked spatiotemporal variability with strong diurnal cycle at all the stations (except for 1) during the SWM and insignificant diurnal cycle at many stations during the NEM. On average, the diurnal amplitudes are a factor 2 larger in SWM than in NEM. The 24 h harmonic explains about 70 % of total variance in SWM and only ~ 30 % in NEM. The late night-mid night peak (20:00–02:00 LT) observed during the SWM is attributed to the propagating systems from the west coast during active monsoon spells. Correlograms with different temporal integrations of rainfall data (1, 3, 12, 24 h) show an increase in the spatial correlation with temporal integration, but the correlation remains nearly the same after 12 h of integration in both the monsoons. The 1 h resolution data shows the steepest reduction in correlation with intergauge distance and the correlation becomes insignificant after ~30 km in both monsoons. Evaluation of high-resolution rainfall estimates from various MPEs against the gauge rainfall indicates that all MPEs underestimate the weak and heavy rain. The MPEs exhibit good detection skills of rain at both 3 and 24 h resolutions, however, considerable improvement is observed at 24 h resolution. Among different MPEs, Climate Prediction Centre morphing technique (CMORPH) performs better at 3 hourly resolution in both monsoons. The performance of TRMM multisatellite precipitation analysis (TMPA) is much better at daily resolution than at 3 hourly, as evidenced by better statistical metrics than the other MPEs. All MPEs captured the basic shape of diurnal cycle and the amplitude quite well, but failed to reproduce the weak/insignificant diurnal cycle in NEM.
Changes in the occurrence of rainfall-induced landslides in Calabria, southern Italy, in the 20th century
Authors: Gariano S. L. , Petrucci O. , Guzzetti F.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Only a few studies have investigated the geographical and temporal variations in the frequency and distribution of rainfall-induced landslides, and the consequences of the variations on landslide risk. Lack of information limits the possibility to evaluate the impact of environmental and climate changes on landslide frequency and risk. Here, we exploit detailed historical information on landslides and rainfall in Calabria, southern Italy, between 1921 and 2010 to study the temporal and the geographical variation in the occurrence of rainfall-induced landslides and in their impact on the population. We exploit a catalogue with information on historical landslides from June 1920 to December 2010, and daily rainfall records obtained by a network of 318 rain gauges in the same period, to reconstruct 448 493 rainfall events (RE). Combining the rainfall and the landslide information, we obtain a catalogue of 1466 rainfall events with landslides (REL), where an REL is the occurrence of one or more landslide during or immediately after a rainfall event. We find that (i) the geographical and the temporal distributions of the rainfall-induced landslides have changed in the observation period, (ii) the monthly distribution of the REL has changed in the observation period, and (iii) the average and maximum cumulated event rainfall that have resulted in landslides in the recent 30-year period 1981–2010 are lower than the rainfall necessary to trigger landslides in previous periods, whereas the duration of the RE that triggered landslides has remained the same. We attribute the changes to variations in the rainfall conditions and to an increased vulnerability of the territory. To investigate the variations in the impact of REL on the population, we compared the number of REL in each of the 409 municipalities in Calabria with the size of the population in the municipalities measured by national Censuses conducted in 1951, 1981, and 2011. We adopted two strategies; the first strategy considered impact as IREL = #REL / P, and the second strategy measured impact as RREL = #REL × P, where #REL is the total number of REL in a period, and P is the size of the population in the same period and geographical area. The analysis has revealed a complex pattern of changes in the impact of rainfall-induced landslides in Calabria in the recent past, with areas where IREL and RREL have increased, and other areas where they have decreased. Municipalities where IREL has increased are mainly in the mountains, and municipalities where RREL has increased are mainly along the coasts. The complexity of the changes in the frequency and impact of rainfall-induced landslides observed in Calabria suggests that it remains difficult and uncertain to predict the possible variations in the frequency and impact of landslide in response to future climatic and environmental changes.
Predicting climate extremes – a complex network approach
Authors: Weimer M. , Mieruch S. , Schädler G. , Kottmeier C.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Regional decadal predictions have emerged in the past few years as a research field with high application potential, especially for extremes like heat and drought periods. However, up to now the prediction skill of decadal hindcasts, as evaluated with standard methods is moderate, and for extreme values even rarely investigated. In this study, we use hindcast data from a regional climate model (CCLM) for 8 regions in Europe to construct time evolving climate networks and use the network correlation threshold (link strength) as a predictor for heat periods. We show that the skill of the network measure to predict the low frequency dynamics of heat periods is similar to the one of the standard approach, with the potential of being even better in some regions.
Frontier efficiency of hospitals in United Arab Emirates: An application of data envelopment analysis
Authors: Mahate Ashraf , Hamidi Samer
Published: October 2015

Background: Over the past four decades the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has undertaken a series of initiatives to improve the efficiency of hospitals. This study aims to examine the efficiency of private and public hospitals in the UAE. A clearer understanding of the technical efficiency of private and public hospitals will be important in shaping future policy reforms as well as assisting private investors that play an important role in the provision of healthcare within the UAE.Methods: This study employs the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique to measure the efficiency of both private and public hospitals in the UAE. Efficiency scores are calculated using both Banker, Charnes, and Cooper (BCC) and Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes (CCR) models. The inputs into the models are number of beds, numbers of doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and allied health staff, and administrative staff, while the outputs are the number of treated inpatients, outpatients, and average length of stay.Results: We find that public hospitals represent about a third of the total number of facilities but treat about 60% of the total number of patients. On the positive side we find that a third of the hospitals in the UAE to be efficient. On the other extreme we find that half the hospitals are less than half as efficient as the top hospital. The average technical efficiency of 96 hospitals is 59% using BCC model and 48% using CCR model. The results show no difference in the average efficiency scores between public and private hospitals, nor between foreign and domestically managed hospitals. We find that there is an almost equal probability to be an efficient or inefficient hospital in any of the emirates.Conclusions: The study contributes to the existing body of literature by establishing baseline technical efficiency scores that could be used in monitoring the efficiency effects of future policy changes. About 41% to 52% of the production factors are wasted during the service delivery process in the hospitals. Using the existing amount of resources, the amount of delivered outputs can be doubled, which can significantly impact patient outcomes. This leads us to believe that the ownership itself and foreign management is not sufficient to bring about improvements in efficiency. Interventions to improve the quality of management in hospitals could help to improve efficiency. National and international benchmarking of hospital performance help to provide more insights on sources of hospital inefficiency.
HvJ 13 mei 2015, zaak C-536/13, Gazprom/Litouwen
Authors: van Zelst B.
Published: October 2015

HvJ 13 mei 2015, zaak C-536/13, Gazprom/Litouwen: Over de moeizame relatie tussen het Unierecht en arbitrage

Het Hof van Justitie oordeelt dat de EEX-Verordening niet van toepassing is op de erkenning en tenuitvoerlegging van arbitrale anti-suit injunctions. Die vraag wordt beheerst door het nationale en het internationale recht dat van toepassing is in de lidstaat waar de erkenning en tenuitvoerlegging van de anti-suit injunction wordt gezocht.

HvJ 13 mei 2015, zaak C-536/13, Gazprom/Litouwen, ECLI:EU:C:2015:316
De rechtspraak van het Hof van Justitie op het gebied van het mededingingsrecht: ontwikkelingen in de jaren 2013 en 2014
Authors: Oude Elferink E. , Mattioli E.L.G.
Published: October 2015

De rechtspraak van het Hof van Justitie op het gebied van het mededingingsrecht: ontwikkelingen in de jaren 2013 en 2014

In het onderhavige artikel staan centraal de belangrijkste ontwikkelingen in de rechtspraak van het Hof van Justitie die zich in de jaren 2013 en 2014 hebben voorgedaan op het gebied van het mededingingsrecht. In verband met de enorme productie van arresten en beschikkingen door het Hof van Justitie op dit terrein komen uitsluitend de meest in het oog springende zaken aan bod
Handhaving van Europees Milieurecht: resultaatsverplichtingen op het terrein van lucht en water
Authors: Fleurke F.M.
Published: October 2015

Handhaving van Europees Milieurecht: resultaatsverplichtingen op het terrein van lucht en water

In de besproken prejudiciële procedures is het Hof van Justitie verzocht uitspraak te doen over de aard van de in de milieukaderrichtlijnen opgenomen programmatische verplichtingen. In beide arresten heeft het Hof van Justitie de doelstellingen van deze richtlijnen centraal gesteld, hetgeen een einde heeft gemaakt aan de discussie of het in deze richtlijnen wel gaat om resultaatsverplichtingen. De rechtspraak heeft gevolgen voor het Nederlandse beleid dat de programmatische aanpak centraal stelt. Geconcludeerd wordt dat per sector en per richtlijn bekeken moet worden of dit verenigbaar is met het Europese recht. Een generalistische verbreding en uniforme toepassing van de programmatische aanpak staat hiermee op gespannen voet.

HvJ 1 juli 2015, zaak C-461/13, Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland eV/Bundesrepublik Deutschland, ECLI:EU:C:2015:433.

HvJ 19 november 2014, zaak C-404/13, The Queen, op verzoek van ClientEarth/The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, ECLI:EU:C:2014:2382 (ClientEarth).
DATING THE MYANMAR BRONZE AGE: PRELIMINARY 14C DATES FROM THE OAKAIE 1 CEMETERY NEAR NYAUNG’GAN
Authors: Pryce Thomas Oliver , Kyaw Aung Aung , Andia Lucy , Champion Louis , Colonna Camille , Favereau Aude , Myat Myat Htwe Kalayar , Peixoto Xavier , Pradier Baptiste , Willis Anna , Valentin Fréderique , Zazzo Antoine
Published: October 2015

Since 2014 the Mission Archéologique Française au Myanmar has been excavating a prehistoric cemetery, Oakaie 1, adjacent to the famous Nyaung’gan Bronze Age cemetery in Sagaing Division. Oakaie 1 (OAI1) was selected as a Nyaung’gan proxy in order to better understand the Neolithic-Bronze Age-Iron Age chronological transitions in upper-central Myanmar, for eventual regional-scale synthesis. An initial attempt to AMS 14C date 13 human femurs failed due to a lack of collagen but a subsequent effort using an apatite dating methodology on 5 femurs was successful. These preliminary data bracket part of the cemetery from the 9th to 6th c. BC with a 4th-3rd c. BC outlier. Typological and technological analogies between OAI1 and Nyaung’gan pottery grave goods likewise suggest an early 1st millennium BC date for the local Bronze Age.
In vivo dynamics of skeletal muscle Dystrophin in zebrafish embryos revealed by improved FRAP analysis
Authors: Bajanca Fernanda , Gonzalez-Perez Vinicio , Gillespie Sean J , Beley Cyriaque , Garcia Luis , Theveneau Eric , Sear Richard P , Hughes Simon M
Published: October 2015

Dystrophin forms an essential link between sarcolemma and cytoskeleton, perturbation of which causes muscular dystrophy. We analysed Dystrophin binding dynamics in vivo for the first time. Within maturing fibres of host zebrafish embryos, our analysis reveals a pool of diffusible Dystrophin and complexes bound at the fibre membrane. Combining modelling, an improved FRAP methodology and direct semi-quantitative analysis of bleaching suggests the existence of two membrane-bound Dystrophin populations with widely differing bound lifetimes: a stable, tightly bound pool, and a dynamic bound pool with high turnover rate that exchanges with the cytoplasmic pool. The three populations were found consistently in human and zebrafish Dystrophins overexpressed in wild-type or dmdta222a/ta222a zebrafish embryos, which lack Dystrophin, and in Gt(dmd-Citrine)ct90a that express endogenously-driven tagged zebrafish Dystrophin. These results lead to a new model for Dystrophin membrane association in developing muscle, and highlight our methodology as a valuable strategy for in vivo analysis of complex protein dynamics.
Loss of neurofibromin Ras-GAP activity enhances the formation of cardiac blood islands in murine embryos
Authors: Yzaguirre Amanda D , Padmanabhan Arun , de Groh Eric D , Engleka Kurt A , Li Jun , Speck Nancy A , Epstein Jonathan A
Published: October 2015

Type I neurofibromatosis (NF1) is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene encoding neurofibromin. Neurofibromin exhibits Ras GTPase activating protein (Ras-GAP) activity that is thought to mediate cellular functions relevant to disease phenotypes. Loss of murine Nf1 results in embryonic lethality due to heart defects, while mice with monoallelic loss of function mutations or with tissue-specific inactivation have been used to model NF1. Here, we characterize previously unappreciated phenotypes in Nf1-/- embryos, which are inhibition of hemogenic endothelial specification in the dorsal aorta, enhanced yolk sac hematopoiesis, and exuberant cardiac blood island formation. We show that a missense mutation engineered into the active site of the Ras-GAP domain is sufficient to reproduce ectopic blood island formation, cardiac defects, and overgrowth of neural crest-derived structures seen in Nf1-/-embryos. These findings demonstrate a role for Ras-GAP activity in suppressing the hemogenic potential of the heart and restricting growth of neural crest-derived tissues.
Thalamic reticular nucleus induces fast and local modulation of arousal state
Authors: Lewis Laura D , Voigts Jakob , Flores Francisco J , Schmitt L Ian , Wilson Matthew A , Halassa Michael M , Brown Emery N
Published: October 2015

During low arousal states such as drowsiness and sleep, cortical neurons exhibit rhythmic slow wave activity associated with periods of neuronal silence. Slow waves are locally regulated, and local slow wave dynamics are important for memory, cognition, and behaviour. While several brainstem structures for controlling global sleep states have now been well characterized, a mechanism underlying fast and local modulation of cortical slow waves has not been identified. Here, using optogenetics and whole cortex electrophysiology, we show that local tonic activation of thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) rapidly induces slow wave activity in a spatially restricted region of cortex. These slow waves resemble those seen in sleep, as cortical units undergo periods of silence phase-locked to the slow wave. Furthermore, animals exhibit behavioural changes consistent with a decrease in arousal state during TRN stimulation. We conclude that TRN can induce rapid modulation of local cortical state.
Auxin-regulated chromatin switch directs acquisition of flower primordium founder fate
Authors: Wu Miin-Feng , Yamaguchi Nobutoshi , Xiao Jun , Bargmann Bastiaan , Estelle Mark , Sang Yi , Wagner Doris
Published: October 2015

Reprogramming of cell identities during development frequently requires changes in the chromatin state that need to be restricted to the correct cell populations. Here we identify an auxin hormone-regulated chromatin state switch that directs reprogramming from transit amplifying to primordium founder cell fate in Arabidopsis inflorescences. Upon auxin sensing, the MONOPTEROS transcription factor recruits SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling ATPases to increase accessibility of the DNA for induction of key regulators of flower primordium initiation. In the absence of the hormonal cue, auxin sensitive Aux/IAA proteins bound to MONOPTEROS block recruitment of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling ATPases in addition to recruiting a co-repressor/histone deacetylase complex. This simple and elegant hormone-mediated chromatin state switch is ideally suited for iterative flower primordium initiation and orchestrates additional auxin-regulated cell fate transitions. Our findings establish a new paradigm for nuclear response to auxin. They also provide an explanation for how this small molecule can direct diverse plant responses.
Complementary control of sensory adaptation by two types of cortical interneurons
Authors: Natan Ryan G , Briguglio John J , Mwilambwe-Tshilobo Laetitia , Jones Sara I , Aizenberg Mark , Goldberg Ethan M , Geffen Maria Neimark
Published: October 2015

Reliably detecting unexpected sounds is important for environmental awareness and survival. By selectively reducing responses to frequently, but not rarely, occurring sounds, auditory cortical neurons are thought to enhance the brain's ability to detect unexpected events through stimulus-specific adaptation (SSA). The majority of neurons in the primary auditory cortex exhibit SSA, yet little is known about the underlying cortical circuits. We found that two types of cortical interneurons differentially amplify SSA in putative excitatory neurons. Parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PVs) amplify SSA by providing non-specific inhibition: optogenetic suppression of PVs led to an equal increase in responses to frequent and rare tones. In contrast, somatostatin-positive interneurons (SOMs) selectively reduce excitatory responses to frequent tones: suppression of SOMs led to an increase in responses to frequent, but not to rare tones. A mutually coupled excitatory-inhibitory network model accounts for distinct mechanisms by which cortical inhibitory neurons enhance the brain's sensitivity to unexpected sounds.