bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GRASPING THE NATURE OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ASTEROIDS
Authors: Perna D. , Dotto E. , Ieva S. , Barucci M. A. , Bernardi F. , Fornasier S. , Luise F. De , Perozzi E. , Rossi A. , Epifani E. Mazzotta , Micheli M. , Deshapriya J. D. P.
Published: December 2015

Through their delivery of water and organics, near-Earth objects (NEOs) played an important role in the emergence of life on our planet.  However, they also pose a hazard to the Earth, as asteroid impacts could significantly affect our civilization. Potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs) are those that, in principle, could possibly impact the Earth within the next century, producing major damage. About 1600 PHAs are currently known, from an estimated population of 4700 ± 1450. However, a comprehensive characterization of the PHA physical properties is still missing. Here we present spectroscopic observations of 14 PHAs, which we have used to derive their taxonomy, meteorite analogs, and mineralogy. Combining our results with the literature, we investigated how PHAs are distributed as a function of their dynamical and physical properties. In general, the “carbonaceous” PHAs seem to be particularly threatening, because of their high porosity (limiting the effectiveness of the main deflection techniques that could be used in space) and low inclination and minimum orbit intersection distance (MOID) with the Earth (favoring more frequent close approaches). V-type PHAs also present low MOID values, which can produce frequent close approaches (as confirmed by the recent discovery of a limited space weathering on their surfaces). We also identified those specific objects that deserve particular attention because of their extreme rotational properties, internal strength, or possible cometary nature. For PHAs and NEOs in general, we identified a possible anti-correlation between the elongation and the rotational period, in the range of P
rot ≈ 5–80 hr. This would be compatible with the behavior of gravity-dominated aggregates in rotational equilibrium. For periods ≳80–90 hr, such a trend stops, possibly under the influence of the YORP effect and collisions. However, the statistics is very low, and further observational and theoretical work is required to characterize such slow rotators.
DIRECT DETECTION OF THE L-DWARF DONOR IN WZ SAGITTAE
Authors: Harrison Thomas E.
Published: December 2015

Analysis of a large set of phase-resolved K-band spectra of the cataclysmic variable WZ Sge shows that the secondary star of this system appears to be an L-dwarf. Previous K-band spectra of WZ Sge found that the CO overtone bandheads were in emission. We show that absorption from the 12CO(2,0) bandhead of the donor star creates a dip in the 12CO(2,0) emission feature. Measuring the motion of this feature over the orbital period, we construct a radial velocity curve that gives a velocity amplitude of K
abs = 520 ± 35 km s−1, consistent with the previously published values for this parameter.
UPPER LIMIT OF THE VISCOSITY PARAMETER IN ACCRETION FLOWS AROUND A BLACK HOLE WITH SHOCK WAVES
Authors: Nagarkoti Shreeram , Chakrabarti Sandip K.
Published: December 2015

Black hole accretion is necessarily transonic; thus, flows must become supersonic and, therefore, sub-Keplerian before they enter into the black hole. The viscous timescale is much longer than the infall timescale close to a black hole. Hence, the angular momentum remains almost constant and the centrifugal force

becomes increasingly dominant over the gravitational force

The slowed down matter piles creating an accretion shock. The flow between shock and inner sonic point is puffed up and behaves like a boundary layer. This so-called Comptonizing cloud/corona produces hard X-rays and jets/outflows and, therefore, is an important component of black hole astrophysics. In this paper, we study steady state viscous, axisymmetric, transonic accretion flows around a Schwarzschild black hole. We adopt a viscosity parameter α and compute the highest possible value of α (namely,

) for each pair of two inner boundary parameters (namely, specific angular momentum carried to horizon, l
in and specific energy at inner sonic point,

) which is still capable of producing a standing or oscillating shock. We find that while such possibilities exist for α as high as

in very small regions of the flow parameter space, typical

appears to be about ∼0.05–0.1. Coincidentally, this also happens to be the typical viscosity parameter achieved by simulations of magnetorotational instabilities in accretion flows. We therefore believe that all realistic accretion flows are likely to have centrifugal pressure supported shocks unless the viscosity parameter everywhere is higher than
THE STAR CLUSTER MASS–GALACTOCENTRIC RADIUS RELATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR CLUSTER FORMATION
Authors: Sun Weijia , Grijs Richard de , Fan Zhou , Cameron Ewan
Published: December 2015

Whether or not the initial star cluster mass function is established through a universal, galactocentric-distance-independent stochastic process, on the scales of individual galaxies, remains an unsolved problem. This debate has recently gained new impetus through the publication of a study that concluded that the maximum cluster mass in a given population is not solely determined by size-of-sample effects. Here, we revisit the evidence in favor and against stochastic cluster formation by examining the young (

a few

year old) star cluster mass–galactocentric radius relation in M33, M51, M83, and the Large Magellanic Cloud. To eliminate size-of-sample effects, we first adopt radial bin sizes containing constant numbers of clusters, which we use to quantify the radial distribution of the first- to fifth-ranked most massive clusters using ordinary least-squares fitting. We supplement this analysis with an application of quantile regression, a binless approach to rank-based regression taking an absolute-value-distance penalty. Both methods yield, within the

to

uncertainties, near-zero slopes in the diagnostic plane, largely irrespective of the maximum age or minimum mass imposed on our sample selection, or of the radial bin size adopted. We conclude that, at least in our four well-studied sample galaxies, star cluster formation does not necessarily require an environment-dependent cluster formation scenario, which thus supports the notion of stochastic star cluster formation as the dominant star cluster-formation process within a given galaxy.
World Checklist of Opiliones species (Arachnida). Part 2: Laniatores – Samooidea, Zalmoxoidea and Grassatores incertae sedis
Authors: Kury Adriano , Souza Daniele , Pérez-González Abel
Published: December 2015

Including more than 6500 species, Opiliones is the third most diverse order of Arachnida, after the megadiverse Acari and Araneae. This database is part 2 of 12 of a project containing an intended worldwide checklist of species and subspecies of Opiliones, and it includes the members of the suborder Laniatores, infraorder Grassatores of the superfamilies Samooidea and Zalmoxoidea plus the genera currently not allocated to any family (i.e. Grassatores incertae sedis). In this Part 2, a total of 556 species and subspecies are listed.
In vitro evaluation of nutrients that selectively confer a competitive advantage to lactobacilli
Authors: Vongsa R.A. , Minerath R.A. , Busch M.A. , Tan J. , Koenig D.W.
Published: December 2015

An assay was developed that tested the ability of Lactobacillus acidophilus to outcompete a challenge of Escherichia coli in a mixed culture containing different test nutrients. Using this assay, addition of fructo-oligosaccharide to the media allowed L. acidophilus to outcompete a challenge of E. coli, whereas in a mixed culture without the prebiotic the trend was reversed. Growth curves generated for E. coli in a single culture showed that fructo-oligosaccharide did not affect growth, indicating that the carbohydrate was not toxic to E. coli. This indicates that fructo-oligosaccharides may increase the ability of beneficial microbes to outcompete a pathogenic challenge. These results were confirmed using a skin simulant model that incorporates growth of the organisms at an air-surface interface to mimic the vulvar environment. It is possible to use a co-culture assay as an in vitro screening tool to define nutrients that confer a competitive advantage to beneficial flora specific to the female urogenital tract.
Probiotics for allergy prevention
Authors: West C.E.
Published: December 2015

Probiotics, given either as a supplement or in infant foods, have been evaluated in randomised controlled trials for allergy prevention. Here, the aim is to give an overview of the results from these primary prevention studies and to discuss current strategies. In most studies, single strains or a mixture of strains of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria have been used – prenatally, postnatally or perinatally. Several meta-analyses have reported a moderate benefit of probiotics for eczema prevention, and the most consistent effect has been observed with a combined perinatal intervention in infants at high risk of allergic disease due to familial predisposition. In a recent meta-analysis, the use of multi-strain probiotics appeared to be most effective for eczema prevention. No preventive effect has been shown for other allergic manifestations. As long-term follow-up data on later onset allergic conditions (asthma and allergic rhinitis) are available only from a few of the initiated studies, reports from ongoing follow-up studies that are adequately powered to examine long-term outcomes are anticipated to provide more insight. Arguably, the differences in many aspects of study design and the use of different probiotic strains and combinations have made direct comparison difficult. To date, expert bodies do not generally recommend probiotics for allergy prevention, although the World Allergy Organization (WAO) in their recently developed guidelines suggests considering using probiotics in pregnant women, during breastfeeding and/or to the infant if at high risk of developing allergic disease (based on heredity). However, in concordance with other expert bodies, the WAO guideline panel stressed the low level of evidence and the need for adequately powered randomised controlled trials and a more standardised approach before clinical recommendations on specific strains, dosages and timing can be given.
Enterococcus mundtii ST4SA and Lactobacillus plantarum 423 excludes Listeria monocytogenes from the GIT, as shown by bioluminescent studies in mice
Authors: van Zyl W.F. , Deane S.M. , Dicks L.M.T.
Published: December 2015

Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic food-borne pathogen and is life-threatening to individuals with a weakened immune system. The aim of this study was to determine if Lactobacillus plantarum 423 and Enterococcus mundtii ST4SA could prevent colonisation of L. monocytogenes in the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT). Mice were gavaged with L. plantarum 423, E. mundtii ST4SA, and a combination of the two strains, for 6 consecutive days and orally infected with a bioluminescent strain of L. monocytogenes (strain EGDe) on the last day of treatment. 30 min after infection, high cell numbers of L. plantarum 423, E. mundtii ST4SA and L. monocytogenes EGDe were isolated from faeces. L. monocytogenes EGDe cells were absent from the small intestine of L. plantarum 423-treated mice 4 h after infection and from the large intestine 2 h later. No bioluminescent, and thus metabolically active, cells of L. monocytogenes EGDe were recorded in the GIT of mice treated with E. mundtii ST4SA, suggesting that their growth was repressed. L. plantarum 423 and E. mundtii ST4SA colonised the colon the strongest. These strains may be considered for the competitive exclusion of L. monocytogenes from the GIT.
The effects of the mycotoxin austdiol on cell cycle progression, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells
Authors: Franchi L.P. , De Souza T.A.J. , Andrioli W.J. , Lima I.M.S. , Bastos J.K. , Takahashi C.S.
Published: December 2015

Austdiol is a mycotoxin mainly produced byAspergillus ustus andMycoleptodiscus indicus. These fungi are found in rye, oats, barley, corn and feed grains; thus, as a potential contaminant of human food and animal feed, this mycotoxin is of great concern. As such, the elucidation of the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of austdiol is important. In this study, austdiol was purified from a rice-oat solid medium culture ofM. indicus using chromatographic separation techniques. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells were then used to study the effect of austdiol on mammalian cell cycle, clonogenicity and DNA damage. Austdiol induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, with a decreased S phase population and increased sub-G1 population. Austdiol also increased the polyploid population. These events resulted in cell death detected 7 days after treatment by clonogenic assay. DNA damage represents the main mechanism of action of austdiol, which induces DNA breaks and increases the frequency of micronuclei and nucleoplasmic bridges in binucleated cells in a CHO-K1 cell line. Moreover, cells exposed to austdiol and doxorubicin (DXR) combined treatments presented a reduced number of colonies and increased frequencies of micronuclei and nucleoplasmic bridges compared with negative control and cells treated with austdiol or DXR alone.
Variability and distribution among sample test results when sampling unprocessed wheat lots for ochratoxin A
Authors: Whitaker T.B. , Slate A.B. , Nowicki T.W. , Giesbrecht F.G.
Published: December 2015

In 2008, Health Canada announced it was considering the establishment of maximum levels for ochratoxin A (OTA) in unprocessed wheat, oats, and their products. The Canada Grains Council and Canadian National Millers Association initiated two studies to measure the variability and distribution among sample test results for unprocessed wheat and oats so that scientifically based OTA sampling plans could be designed to meet regulatory and industry requirements. Sampling statistics related to detecting OTA in oats has been published. 54 OTA contaminated wheat lots representing three wheat classes were identified for the sampling study. Each lot was sampled according to a nested experimental protocol where sixteen 2-kg laboratory samples were taken from each lot, multiple 5-g test portions were taken from each comminuted 2-kg laboratory sample, and multiple OTA measurements were made on each test portion using liquid chromatography. The sampling, sample preparation, and analytical variances associated with each step of the OTA test procedure were found to be a function of OTA concentration and regression equations were developed to predict the functional relationships between variance and OTA concentration. When sampling a wheat lot containing 5 µg/kg OTA with an OTA test procedure consisting of a sampling step employing a single 2-kg laboratory sample, sample preparation step employing a single 100-g test portion, and an analytical step that used liquid chromatography to quantify OTA, the sampling step accounted for 95.3% of the total variability. The observed OTA distribution among the 16 OTA sample results was found to be positively skewed and the negative binomial distribution was selected to model the OTA distribution among sample test results. The sampling statistics were incorporated into the FAO Mycotoxin Sampling Tool and the chances of rejecting good lots and accepting bad lots were calculated for various sampling plan designs.
Coexistence of P190 BCR/ABL transcript and CALR 52-bp deletion in chronic myeloid leukemia blast crisis: a case report
Authors: Saki Najmaldin , Seghatoleslami Mohammad , Ketabchi Neda , Ordo Alireza , Mohammadi-Asl Javad , Golchin Neda
Published: December 2015

We present a case of a 78-year-old woman presented with thrombocytosis and high blast count, who had a history of splenectomy. Her cytogenetic analysis revealed aberrant chromosomal rearrangements in different clonal populations harboring 46XX karyotype with t(9;22)(q34;q11). RT-PCR assay detected the e1a2 BCR-ABL translocation resulting from a rearrangement of the minor breakpoint cluster region (m-bcr) in the BCR gene. Subsequent evaluations of the disease showed calreticulin (CALR) 52-bp deletion as well as the absence of JAK2V617F heterozygous mutation in granulocyte population of peripheral blood using allele-specific PCR and bi-directional DNA sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a patient initially diagnosed as p190 BCR-ABL transcript positive CML in blastic crisis characterized with a 52-bp deletion in CALR gene.
Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Call for a Change in the Current Guidelines
Authors: Shimanovsky Alex , Patel Devbala , Wasser Jeffrey
Published: December 2015

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by a decreased platelet count caused by excess destruction of platelets and inadequate platelet production. In many cases the etiology is not known, but viral illness is thought to play a role in the development of some cases of ITP. The current (2011) American Society of Hematology ITP guidelines recommend initial diagnostic studies to include testing for HIV and Hepatitis C. The guidelines suggest that initial treatment consist of observation, therapy with corticosteroids, IVIG or anti D. While most cases respond to the standard therapy such that the steroids may be tapered and the platelet counts remain at a hemostatically safe level. Some patients with ITP are dependent on long term steroid maintenance and the thrombocytopenia persists with the tapering of the steroids. Recent case reports demonstrate that ITP related to cytomegalovirus (CMV) can persist in spite of standard therapy and that antiviral therapy maybe indicated. Herein we report a case of a 26-year-old female with persistent ITP that resolved after the delivery of a CMV infected infant and placenta. Furthermore we review the current literature on CMV-associated ITP and propose that the current ITP guidelines be amended to include assessment for CMV as part of the work-up for severe and refractory ITP prior to splenectomy.
An Inverse Source Problem with Sparsity Constraint for the Time-Fractional Diffusion Equation
Authors: Ruan Zhousheng , Yang Zhijian , Lu Xiliang
Published: December 2015

In this paper, an inverse source problem for the time-fractional diffusion equation is investigated. The observational data is on the final time and the source term is assumed to be temporally independent and with a sparse structure. Here the sparsity is understood with respect to the pixel basis, i.e., the source has a small support. By an elastic-net regularization method, this inverse source problem is formulated into an optimization problem and a semismooth Newton (SSN) algorithm is developed to solve it. A discretization strategy is applied in the numerical realization. Several one and two dimensional numerical examples illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Forms, function, and use of Early Eneolithic pottery and settlement structures from ZgornjeRadvanje, Slovenia
Authors: Kramberger Bine
Published: December 2015

This paper discusses the use of ceramic objects in daily life in the Early Eneolithic period, based on ceramic assemblages from the settlement at Zgornje Radvanje in Maribor. The possible function of individual pottery types was studied through typological analysis, pottery production methods, traces of secondary burning and carbonized residues, and ethnographic parallels. The function of different types of settlement structure is discussed on the basis of statistical comparisons of the composition of ceramic assemblages.
Archaeological culture, please meet yoghurt culture: towards a relational archaeology of milk
Authors: Mlekuž Dimitrij
Published: December 2015

Taking milk as a point of departure, we set out on a journey to explore the ‘mutual becomings’ of different bodies, species, and things. We argue that milk should be understood as a component in an assemblage that connects animals, humans, hormones, enzymes, bacteria, food, genes, technologies and material culture. These complex entanglements produced new, unexpected results and effects. Since they form part of this assemblage, all its components are profoundly changed. Focusing on this diversity of relations between humans, other creatures, things and substances is a key to an archaeology that does not radically separate humans and nonhumans.
Analysis of late mid-Neolithic pottery illuminates the presenceof a Corded Ware Culture on the Baltic Island of Gotland
Authors: Palmgren Erik , Martinsson Wallin Helene
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we discuss variations seen in the ornamentation and modes of manufacturing pottery from the end of the mid-Neolithic 4600–4300 BP on the Island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. The Pitted Ware cultural groups have been discussed as a western influence from the Swedish mainland, but the aDNA on skeletal remains point to eastern influences. We analyse and discuss pottery from the well-investigated Ajvide Pitted Ware site and what these variations mean in term of intra- and inter-island relationships, ethnicity and change, and we suggest the development of what could be described as a hybrid culture.
New Neolithic cult centres and domestic settlements in the light of Urfa Region Surveys
Authors: Celik Bahattin
Published: December 2015

The present study concerns Neolithic period cult centres and settlements discovered recently during surface surveys in the central district of Urfa (Sanlıurfa) region in south-eastern Turkey. The presence of T-shaped pillars was ascertained at Ayanlar Höyük and Kurt Tepesi cult sites. Other settlements are domestic settlements arranged around cult centre settlements. Some sites belong to Pre Pottery Neolithic, and the others to Pottery Neolithic. They are believed to be coeval with Göbekli Tepe and Nevali Çori cult sites.
The 8200 calBP climate event and the spread of the Neolithic in Eastern Europe
Authors: Kulkova Marianna Alexeevna , Mazurkevich Andrey N. , Dolbunova Ekaterina V. , Lozovsky Vladimir M.
Published: December 2015

At 8200 calBP, the beginning of the Atlantic period, there was a drastic change from warm and humid climatic conditions to cold conditions. The abrupt cooling at 8200 calBP has been documented in different parts of Europe. In western, and some parts of southern, Europe, this event was a trigger for new forms of economy and migrations of groups of Neolithic farmers. This paper considers the different ways in which ceramic traditions developed in eastern Europe in the steppe,steppe-forest and forest zones as a result of the rapid climate changes at about 8200 calBP.
Cultural and demic diffusion of first farmers, herders,and their innovations across Eurasia
Authors: Lemmen Carsten
Published: December 2015

Was the spread of agro-pastoralism from the Eurasian founder regions dominated by demic or by cultural diffusion? This study employs simulations that unfold a complex inter-regional and time varying pattern of demic and diffusive exchange processes during the Neolithisation, and thus supports from a modelling perspective the hypothesis that there is no simple or exclusive demic or cultural diffusion, but that in most regions of Eurasia a combination of demic and cultural processes were important.
In and out of sync: ritmos de tradução em performance e dança
Authors: Brandstetter Gabriele , Hilgert Tradução de: Mariana Cristine , Zea Evelyn Schuler
Published: December 2015

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7968.2015v35n2p388Este artigo focaliza questões relativas a sincronização de movimentos; coreografia e performance, bem como a técnicas corporais que abordam temáticas de  integração e perturbação (dessincronização, “Out of Sync”). Partindo de questões políticas e sociais da atualidade, levantadas pela transposição de fronteiras e por movimentos migratórios, o presente artigo relaciona o tema das “sincronizações” a reflexões sobre tradução e entrelaçamentos de culturas de movimento “a serem traduzidos”. Situações de dentro e fora de sincronia, “In and Out of Sync”, bem como dinâmicas e ritmos de movimento, expostos ao final como um “rite de passage” entre vida e morte, são apresentados a partir de exemplos de diferentes performances de dança, nas quais formas divergentes de conhecimento corporal se sincronizam com técnicas de movimento.  À luz da instalação “Orfeu” (2015), de Susanne Kennedy, coloca-se em discussão a relevância da zona liminar do “entre”, “In between” e da intrusão (com base na teoria de Jean Luc Nancy sobre o intruso, “L’Intrus”) no que diz respeito à dessincronização.
Impact of environmental moisture on tropical cyclone intensification
Authors: Wu L. , Su H. , Fovell R. G. , Dunkerton T. J. , Wang Z. , Kahn B. H.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The impacts of environmental moisture on the intensification of a tropical cyclone (TC) are investigated in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, with a focus on the azimuthal asymmetry of the moisture impacts relative to the storm path. A series of sensitivity experiments with varying moisture perturbations in the environment are conducted and the Marsupial Paradigm framework is employed to understand the different moisture impacts. We find that modification of environmental moisture has insignificant impacts on the storm in this case unless it leads to convective activity that deforms the quasi-Lagrangian boundary of the storm and changes the moisture transport into the storm. By facilitating convection and precipitation outside the storm, enhanced environmental moisture ahead of the northwestward-moving storm induces a dry air intrusion to the inner core and limits TC intensification. In contrast, increased moisture in the rear quadrants favors intensification by providing more moisture to the inner core and promoting storm symmetry, with primary contributions coming from moisture increase in the boundary layer. The different impacts of environmental moisture on TC intensification are governed by the relative locations of moisture perturbations and their interactions with the storm Lagrangian structure.
Hygroscopic properties and cloud condensation nuclei activation of limonene-derived organosulfates and their mixtures with ammonium sulfate
Authors: Hansen A. M. K. , Hong J. , Raatikainen T. , Kristensen K. , Ylisirniö A. , Virtanen A. , Petäjä T. , Glasius M. , Prisle N. L.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Organosulfates have been observed as constituents of atmospheric aerosols in a wide range of environments; however their hygroscopic properties remain uncharacterised. Here, limonene-derived organosulfates with a molecular weight of 250 Da (L-OS 250) were synthesised and used for simultaneous measurements with a hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyser (H-TDMA) and a cloud condensation nuclei counter (CCNC) to determine the hygroscopicity parameter, κ, for pure L-OS 250 and mixtures of L-OS 250 with ammonium sulfate (AS) over a wide range of humidity conditions. The κ values derived from measurements with H-TDMA decreased with increasing particle dry diameter for all chemical compositions investigated, indicating that κH-TDMA depends on particle diameter and/or surface effects; however, it is not clear if this trend is statistically significant. For pure L-OS 250, κ was found to increase with increasing relative humidity, indicating dilution/solubility effects to be significant. Discrepancies in κ between the sub- and supersaturated measurements were observed for L-OS 250, whereas κ of AS and mixed L-OS 250/AS were similar. This discrepancy was primarily ascribed to limited dissolution of L-OS 250 at subsaturated conditions. In general, hygroscopic growth factor, critical particle diameter and κ for the mixed L-OS 250/AS particles converged towards the values of pure AS for mixtures with ≥ 20 % w / w AS. Surface tension measurements of bulk aqueous L-OS 250/AS solutions showed that L-OS 250 was indeed surface active, as expected from its molecular structure, decreasing the surface tension of solutions with 24 % from the pure water value at a L-OS 250 concentration of 0.0025 mol L−1. Based on these surface tension measurements, we present the first concentration-dependent parametrisation of surface tension for aqueous L-OS 250, which was implemented to different process-level models of L-OS 250 hygroscopicity and CCN activation. The values of κ obtained from the measurements were compared with κ calculated applying the volume additive Zdanovskii–Stokes–Robinson mixing rule, as well as κ modelled from equilibrium Köhler theory with different assumptions regarding L-OS 250 bulk-to-surface partitioning and aqueous droplet surface tension. This study is to our knowledge the first to investigate the hygroscopic properties and surface activity of L-OS 250; hence it is an important first step towards understanding the atmospheric impact of organosulfates.
Exploring atmospheric blocking with GPS radio occultation observations
Authors: Brunner L. , Steiner A. K. , Scherllin-Pirscher B. , Jury M. W.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Atmospheric blocking has been closely investigated in recent years due to its impact on weather and climate, such as heat waves, droughts, and flooding. We use, for the first time, satellite-based observations from Global Positioning System (GPS) radio occultation (RO) and explore their ability to resolve blocking in order to potentially open up new avenues complementing models and re-analyses. RO delivers globally available and vertically high resolved profiles of atmospheric variables such as temperature and geopotential height (GPH). Applying a standard blocking detection algorithm we find that RO data robustly capture blocking as demonstrated for two well-known blocking events over Russia in summer 2010 and over Greenland in late winter 2013. During blocking episodes, vertically resolved GPH gradients show a distinct anomalous behavior compared to climatological conditions up to 300 hPa and sometimes even further up to the tropopause. The accompanied increase in GPH of up to 300 m in the upper troposphere yields a pronounced tropopause height increase. Corresponding temperatures rise up to 10 K in the middle and lower troposphere. These results demonstrate the feasibility and potential of RO to detect and resolve blocking and in particular to explore the vertical structure of the atmosphere during blocking episodes. This new observation-based view is available globally at the same quality so that also blocking in the Southern Hemisphere can be studied with the same reliability as in the Northern Hemisphere.
An analytical system for stable isotope analysis on carbon monoxide using continuous-flow isotope-ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Pathirana S. L. , van der Veen C. , Popa M. E. , Röckmann T.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. A fully automated system for the determination of δ13C and δ18O in atmospheric CO has been developed. CO is extracted from an air sample and converted into carbon dioxide (CO2) using the Schütze reagent. The isotopic composition is determined with an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) technique. The entire system is continuously flushed with high-purity helium (He), the carrier gas. The blank signal of the Schütze reagent is ~ 4 nmol mol−1, or 1–3 % of the typical sample size. The repeatability is 0.1 ‰ for δ13C and 0.2 ‰ for δ18O. The peak area allows for simultaneous determination of the mole fraction with an analytical repeatability of ~ 0.7 nmol mol−1 for 100 mL of ambient air (185.4 nmol mol−1 of CO). An automated single measurement is performed in only 18 min, and the achieved time efficiency (and small volume of sample air) allows for repetitive measurements practically.
Potential environmental impact of tidal energy extraction in the Pentland Firth at large spatial scales: results of a biogeochemical model
Authors: van der Molen J. , Ruardij P. , Greenwood N.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. A model study was carried out of the potential large-scale (> 100 km) effects of marine renewable tidal energy generation in the Pentland Firth, using the 3-D hydrodynamics-biogeochemistry model GETM-ERSEM-BFM. A realistic 800 MW scenario and an exaggerated academic 8 GW scenario were considered. The realistic 800 MW scenario suggested minor effects on the tides, and undetectable effects on the biogeochemistry. The academic 8 GW scenario suggested effects would be observed over hundreds of kilometres away with changes of up to 10 % in tidal and ecosystem variables, in particular in a broad area in the vicinity of The Wash. There, waters became less turbid, and primary production increased with associated increases in faunal ecosystem variables. Moreover, a one-off increase in carbon storage in the sea bed was detected. Although these first results suggest positive environmental effects, further investigation is recommended of: (i) the residual circulation in the vicinity of the Pentland Firth and effects on larval dispersal using a higher resolution model, (ii) ecosystem effects with (future) state-of-the-art models if energy extraction substantially beyond 1 GW is planned.
Determination of rainfall thresholds for shallow landslides by a probabilistic and empirical method
Authors: Huang J. , Ju N. P. , Liao Y. J. , Liu D. D.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Rainfall-induced landslides not only cause property loss, but also kill and injure large numbers of people every year in mountainous areas in China. These losses and casualties may be avoided to some extent with rainfall threshold values used in an early warning system at a regional scale for the occurrence of landslides. However, the limited availability of data always causes difficulties. In this paper we present a method to calculate rainfall threshold values with limited data sets for two rainfall parameters: hourly rainfall intensity and accumulated precipitation. The method has been applied to the Huangshan region, in the province of Anhui, China. Four early warning levels (zero, outlook, attention, and warning) have been adopted and the corresponding rainfall threshold values have been defined by probability lines. A validation procedure showed that this method can significantly enhance the effectiveness of a warning system, and finally reduce and mitigate the risk of shallow landslides in mountainous regions.
Tropical and mid-latitude forcing of continental Antarctic temperatures
Authors: Turney C. S. M. , Fogwill C. J. , Klekociuk A. R. , van Ommen T. D. , Curran M. A. J. , Moy A. D. , Palmer J. G.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Future changes in atmospheric circulation and associated modes of variability are a major source of uncertainty in climate projections. Nowhere is this issue more acute than across the mid-latitudes to high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere (SH), which over the last few decades have experienced extreme and regionally variable trends in precipitation, ocean circulation and temperature, with major implications for Antarctic ice melt and surface mass balance. Unfortunately there is a relative dearth of observational data, limiting our understanding of the driving mechanism(s). Here we report a new 130-year annually resolved record of δD – a proxy for temperature – from the geographic South Pole where we find a significant influence from extratropical pressure anomalies which act as "gatekeepers" to the meridional exchange of air masses. Reanalysis of global atmospheric circulation suggests these pressure anomalies play a significant influence on mid- to high-latitude SH climate, modulated by the tropical Pacific Ocean. This work adds to a growing body of literature confirming the important roles of tropical and mid-latitude atmospheric circulation variability on Antarctic temperatures. Our findings suggest that future increasing tropical warmth will strengthen meridional circulation, exaggerating current trends, with potentially significant impacts on Antarctic surface mass balance.
Sediment record from the Kamyshovoe Lake: history of vegetation during late Pleistocene – early Holocene (Kaliningrad District, Russia)
Authors: Druzhinina Olga , Subetto Dmitry , Stančikaitė Miglė , Vaikutienė Giedrė , Kublitsky Jury , Arslanov Khikmatulla
Published: December 2015

Newly obtained pollen and diatom data from the Kamyshovoe Lake (germ. Dobauen, Vishtynets Highland, Baltic Uplands) controlled by radiocarbon dating allowed to reconstruct the history of local vegetation during late Pleistocene – early Holocene. Pollen records show the formation of birch-predominating forest at ca. 13.4 ka cal. BP and the flourishing of pine towards the second half of the chronozone since about 13.2 ka cal. BP. The transition to the Younger Dryas around 12.7 ka cal. BP led to the development of sparse shrub tundra with Juniperus and communities of steppe herbs. Amelioration of the environmental regime enabled birch and pine woods to spread during the second part of GS-1 event and the Preboreal. The late Preboreal time is marked by the appearance of Populus and an increase in the role of grasses in the vegetation cover, which can be correlated to similar open vegetation phases deduced from other pollen records in Europe (11.3–11.1 ka cal. BP). During the Boreal (since ca. 10.0 ka cal. BP) Corylus had its maximum value, Alnus, Tilia and Quercus appeared and spread while the birch-pine forests retreated.
Towards sustainable use of marine resources in the south-eastern Baltic Sea (Lithuania): a review
Authors: Blažauskas Nerijus , Grigelis Algimantas , Gelumbauskaitė Leonora Živilė , Gulbinskas Saulius , Suzdalev Sergej , Ferrarin Christian
Published: December 2015

The article provides a consistent insight into the results and experience related to the implementation of activities fostering the development of marine economy in Lithuania. EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and the Blue Growth concept explicitly focuses on maintenance of the good status of the marine environment of the European seas. Recently developed Lithuanian integrated maritime spatial plan aims to create the favourable conditions for sustainable development of marine economy, and particularly the offshore wind energy. Proposed and tested innovative solutions for selection of new disposal sites as well as handling the dredged soil in ports, contributes to more environmentally sound and economically feasible operations of the south-eastern Baltic Sea ports.
Dynamics of sediments disposed in the marine coastal zone near the Vistula Lagoon inlet, south-eastern part of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Chechko Vladimir , Sokolov Andrei , Chubarenko Boris , Dikii Dmitrii , Topchaya Victoriya
Published: December 2015

The article discusses the possibility of protecting the shore by disposing of dredged material at shallow depths. An example of a permanently eroded open marine shore segment located south of the Vistula Lagoon inlet (south-eastern part of the Baltic Sea) is considered. This shore segment is permanently caused by downstream erosion due to the moles bordering the entrance to the Vistula Lagoon (Baltiysk Strait) and interrupting longshore sediment transport. Changes of sediment distribution resulting from a demonstration disposal of clean fine sand at depths of seven to nine metres opposite the eroded segment of the shore are examined. A supplementary numerical modelling analysis of sediment transport for different winds showed that the disposed material is transported northward or southward alongshore depending on the wind direction, and almost none of it is stored at the shore slope. The demonstration disposal and numerical modelling results demonstrate that the only way to use the dredged material to protect the eroded shore near the inlet of the Vistula Lagoon is to dispose it directly onto the beach and not into the shallow water nearby.
Risk Management Committee Attributes and Firm Performance
Authors: Kallamu Basiru Salisu
Published: December 2015

We investigate the impact of risk management committee attributes on firm performance for a sample of 37 finance companies listed on the Malaysian stock exchange covering period from 2007 financial year to 2011. The result indicates that a committee composed of majority independent directors positively enhances firm market valuation and negatively affects accounting returns. Independent committee chair was found to positively enhance accounting returns while prior executive experience of directors enhances both accounting returns and market valuation of the companies. Lastly, presence of executive on RMC shows a significant negative relationship with ROA. The result supports agency theory which suggests that independent directors are in a better position to monitor the executive and protect the interest of the various stakeholders. In addition, the result suggests that regulatory agencies should consider recommending finance companies to have directors with prior executive experience to serve on risk management committee.
Comparison of multivariate methods for studying the G×E interaction
Authors: Garbuglio Deoclécio Domingos , Ferreira Daniel Furtado , Araújo Pedro Mário de , Gerage Antonio Carlos , Shioga Pedro Sentaro
Published: December 2015

The objective of this work was to evaluate three statistical multivariate methods for analyzing adaptability and environmental stratification simultaneously, using data from maize cultivars indicated for planting in the State of Paraná-Brazil. Under the FGGE and GGE methods, the genotypic effect adjusts the G×E interactions across environments, resulting in a high percentage of explanation associated with a smaller number of axes. Environmental stratification via the FGGE and GGE methods showed similar responses, while the AMMI method did not ensure grouping of environments. The adaptability analysis revealed low divergence patterns of the responses obtained through the three methods. Genotypes P30F35, P30F53, P30R50, P30K64 and AS 1570 showed high yields associated with general adaptability. The FGGE method allowed differences in yield responses in specific regions and the impact in locations belonging to the same environmental group (through rE) to be associated with the level of the simple portion of the G×E interaction
Viability and susceptibility of propagation material from coffee plants to Colletotrichum sp.
Authors: Ogoshi Cláudio , Pinto Felipe Augusto Moretti Ferreira , Santos Neto Helon , Silva Bruno Marques da , Abreu Mário Sobral de , Resende Mario Lúcio Vilela de
Published: December 2015

This study aimed to verify the viability of propagation material from coffee plants descended from germplasm susceptible to blister spot disease as well as its susceptibility to Colletotrichum sp. relative to commercial coffee cultivars. In the first experiment, fruits were harvested from plants with and without symptoms of blister spot and sowed in trays containing a commercial sterilized substrate. The percentages of germinated seeds, viable plantlets and seedlings were evaluated. In diseased tissues, pathogens were isolated and identified though a pathogenicity test. In the second experiment, ten commercial cultivars and one cultivar originating from plants with blister spot were inoculated with the pathogens to assess the severity of anthracnose. Significant differences were not observed with respect to seed germination. However, the viability of plantlets and seedlings was reduced in the cultivar originating from plants with blister spot (Genotype Originated from Diseased Plants-GODP). These plants showed characteristic symptoms of blister spot, including necrosis in the leaves and hypocotyls, wilting and death. In the necrotic lesions, we observed characteristic sporulation of Colletotrichum sp. The cultivar most susceptible to anthracnose in cotyledonary leaves was Catuaí Vermelho (GODP), which presented the highest area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). In conclusion, the viability of propagation material from coffee plants that had descended from plants with symptoms of blister spot (GODP) was reduced compared with plants from other genotypes, although seed germination was not affected. Moreover, GODP species are more susceptible to Anthracnose on the cotyledonary leaves relative to the other analyzed commercial cultivars. This work is the first to report on different symptoms exhibited by seedlings originating from the seeds of plants with symptoms of blister spot.
Characterization and activity of entomopathogenic fungi isolates against “paraguay tea ampul” (Gyropsylla spegazziniana) (Lizer & Trelles) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)
Authors: Formentini Marina Andressa , Alves Luis Francisco Angeli , Schapovaloff Maria Elena , Mamprim Ana Paula , Bonini Andrea Kusumota , Pinto Fabiana Gisele da Silva
Published: December 2015

Paraguay tea is a native crop of southern Brazil and is also socioeconomically important in Paraguay and Argentina. One of the main pests of this crop is Gyropsylla spegazziniana (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). As there are no registered insecticides for this pest in Brazil, the use of entomopathogenic fungi is an alternative method for its control. This study aimed to evaluate and characterize isolates of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria spp., Metarhizium anisopliae, Isaria spp. and Lecanicillium spp. on G. spegazziniana. For this purpose, 5th instar nymphs were transferred to Paraguay tea seedlings, followed by spraying of conidial suspensions (1 × 109 conidia mL-1) and then placing the seedlings in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cages and maintaining them in a temperature-controlled room (26 ± 1°C, 12h00 photophase, 60 ± 10% R.H.). Insect mortality was evaluated daily for 10 days, and the selected isolates were characterized according to their vegetative growth, conidial production in synthetic culture medium and rice and insecticidal activity as well as through molecular analyses, including sequencing the rDNA-ITS region and RAPD analysis. The genus Beauveria spp. was the most efficient, particularly the Unioeste 44 isolate, which caused the greatest total mortality of G. spegazziniana (81.7%) and showed among the highest conidial production levels on rice, indicating a significant potential to be used in an integrated management program for this pest. Molecular analysis of the rDNA-ITS region allowed the isolates to be identified as B. bassiana and B. brongniartii, and RAPD markers were found to be associated with virulence.
Anticorpos anti-toxoplasma gondii em gatos domiciliados no Município de Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil
Authors: Souza Soraia Figueiredo de , Medeiros Luciana Dos Santos , Belfort Adriane De Souza , Cordeiro Andrey Luiz Lopes , Federle Michelle , Souza Antonio Pereira de , Moura Anderson Barbosa de
Published: December 2015

Blood samples were collected from 89 cats to assess the prevalence of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and the possible risk factors associated with feline Toxoplasma gondii infection. An epidemiological questionnaire was developed and implemented for owners of domestic cats domiciled in Rio Branco, Acre. The results were statistically evaluated with the odds ratio and chi-square tests, considering the significance level of 5%. Of 89 animals’ samples, 22 had antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. Among the 22 reactive animals, 15 (68.19%) were female, 15 (68.19%) were less than one year old and 20 (90%) were cross breed. Concerning risk factors, there was no difference (p > 0.05) between the variables evaluated by the chi-square test. Moreover, 16 (72%) cats were fed a mixed diet, 20 (90%) of the cats had hunting habits, 18 (81%) had contact with animals of another species, 11 (50%) had access to the street, and 22 (95%) lived in homes that had areas of grass or dirt. In conclusion, the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats was 22.7%, and there were no significant risk factors for feline toxoplasmosis in the municipality of Rio Branco, Acre.