bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Web-Based Tool to Estimate Pollutant Loading Using LOADEST
Authors: Park Youn , Engel Bernie , Frankenberger Jane , Hwang Hasun
Published: September 2015

Collecting and analyzing water quality samples is costly and typically requires significant effort compared to streamflow data, thus water quality data are typically collected at a low frequency. Regression models, identifying a relationship between streamflow and water quality data, are often used to estimate pollutant loads. A web-based tool using LOAD ESTimator (LOADEST) as a core engine with four modules was developed to provide user-friendly interfaces and input data collection via web access. The first module requests and receives streamflow and water quality data from the U.S. Geological Survey. The second module retrieves watershed area for computation of pollutant loads per unit area. The third module examines potential error of input datasets for LOADEST runs, and the last module computes estimated and allowable annual average pollutant loads and provides tabular and graphical LOADEST outputs. The web-based tool was applied to two watersheds in this study, one agriculturally-dominated and one urban-dominated. It was found that annual sediment load at the urban-dominant watershed exceeded the target load; therefore, the web-based tool identified correctly the watershed requiring best management practices to reduce pollutant loads.
Doxorubicin Inhibits Proliferation of Osteosarcoma Cells Through Upregulation of the Notch Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ji Peng , Yu Ling , Guo Wei-Chun , Mei Hong-Jun , Wang Xiao-Ju , Chen Hu , Fang Shuo , Yang Jian
Published: September 2015

Doxorubicin plays a major role in the treatment of osteosarcoma disorders. The Notch signaling pathway exerts various biological functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated the effects of different doses of doxorubicin
on proliferation and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells with or without Notch signaling. Results found that cellular viability was downregulated while caspase 3 activity and expression were promoted in osteosarcoma cells following treatment with various doses of doxorubicin for 24, 48, and 72
h, and the effects showed a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, it was found that various doses of doxorubicin activated the Notch signaling pathway, shown by the elevated expression of Notch target genes NOTCH1, HEY1, HES1, AND HES5. It was further proved that, after small interfering
RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of Notch, the effects of doxorubicin on the viability and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells were significantly reduced. It was indicated that doxorubicin treatment reduced the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells, and this effect was mediated
by the Notch signaling pathway.
Cholangiocarcinoma: Present Status and Molecular Aspects of Diagnosis
Authors: Liu Xiao-Fang , Tang Kun , Sui Lu-Lu , Xu Gang
Published: September 2015

Cholangiocarcinomas are neoplasms that involve the epithelial cells of the bile duct, also known as cholangiocytes. This disease is difficult to diagnose early, as most symptoms present late in the disease. In addition, the specific anatomic position can cause periductal extension and
result in a very low radical excision rate and a very poor prognosis. Improved understanding of the features underlying the onset of cholangiocarcinoma and its carcinogenic mechanism may lead to early diagnosis and better prognosis. With the development of molecular biology, much has been
learned about oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes, DNA methylation, microRNAs, and the molecular mechanisms of tumor invasion and metastasis. Based on our research and others, this review article will discuss the current status and prospects of early diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma.
Piceatannol Enhances the Antitumor Efficacy of Gemcitabine in Human A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Xu Bin , Tao Ze-Zhang
Published: September 2015

To enhance the anticancer efficacy of gemcitabine in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the potential synergistic effect of piceatannol on gemcitabine cytotoxicity was investigated in the human NSCLC A459 cell line. The MTT cell viability assay showed that piceatannol
significantly enhanced the cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine by lowering the gemcitabine IC50 value. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that piceatannol exerted its pharmacological effect mainly by increasing the late apoptotic population. Western blot analysis showed that gemcitabine
induced the expression of the proapoptotic proteins Bad and Bak, and pretreatment with piceatannol further increased Bak expression, leading to an increased number of cells undergoing late apoptosis. The findings from this study show that piceatannol can enhance the cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine
by enhancing expression of the proapoptotic protein Bak, thereby providing the rational basis for a novel combination strategy for the treatment of NSCLC.
siRNA Suppression of NEDD9 Inhibits Proliferation and Enhances Apoptosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jue , Yang Wen-juan , Sun Chao , Luan Yun , Cheng Guang-hui , Li Kai-lin , Kong Feng
Published: September 2015

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most lethal of all genitourinary malignancies. NEDD9/HEF1/Cas-L is a member of the Cas protein family and is known as a biomarker in multiple cancer types. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that NEDD9 was upregulated in RCC tissue and
cell lines. Immunohistochemical analysis and quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed low expression of NEDD9 in normal renal tissues and high expression in RCC tissues. In addition, in vitro experiments show that expression of NEDD9 was upregulated in RCC cell lines. Through MTT assay, we observed
that NEDD9 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis showed that NEDD9 downregulation induced apoptosis. Together, our data suggest that abnormal NEDD9 protein expression may be a marker for RCC, and NEDD9 knockdown suppresses cell growth.
Knockdown of Wip1 Enhances Sensitivity to Radiation in HeLa Cells Through Activation of p38 MAPK
Authors: Wang Hong-yong , Liu Zhong-shan , Qiu Ling , Guo Jie , Li Yun-feng , Zhang Jun , Wang Tie-jun , Liu Xiao-dong
Published: September 2015

The objectives of the study were to investigate the functional role and potential mechanism of wild-type p53-induced phosphatase (Wip1) in cervical cancer cell line HeLa cells, along with the effect of knockdown of Wip1 in combination with γ-irradiation on the HeLa cells. Expression
of Wip1 was silenced or overexpressed. After transfection, cell viability was determined. Moreover, γ-irradiation and SB203580 were performed to explore the effect of colony formation and cell apoptosis. Likewise, protein expression levels of p38, p-p38, p53, and p-p53 were assessed
in the presence or not of SB203580 and overexpression of Wip1. Both the mRNA and protein levels of Wip1 were significantly decreased by transfection with Wip1-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) but were significantly increased by transfection with pcDNA3.1-Wip1. Knockdown of Wip1 significantly
decreased cell growth and colony formation ability and increased apoptotic rate. Additionally, better results were obtained by knockdown of Wip1 in combination with γ-irradiation. The protein expression levels of p-p38 (p < 0.05), p53 (p < 0.01),
and p-p53 (p < 0.05) were all significantly increased by knockdown of Wip1. However, application of SB203580 reversed the effects. Our study confirms the important roles of Wip1 in cervical cancer. Knockdown of Wip1 enhances sensitivity to radiation in HeLa cells by
inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis through activation of p38 MAPK.
The FOUR LIPS and MYB88 transcription factor genes are widely expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana during development
Authors: Lei Qin , Lee EunKyoung , Keerthisinghe Sandra , Lai Lien , Li Meng , Lucas Jessica R. , Wen Xiaohong , Ren Xiaolin , Sack Fred D.
Published: September 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

The FOUR LIPS (FLP) and MYB88 transcription factors, which are closely related in structure and function, control the development of stomata, as well as entry into megasporogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, other locations where these transcription factors are expressed are poorly described. Documenting additional locations where these genes are expressed might define new functions for these genes.

METHODS:

Expression patterns were examined throughout vegetative and reproductive development. The expression from two transcriptional‐reporter fusions were visualized with either β‐glucuronidase (GUS) or green fluorescence protein (GFP).

KEY RESULTS:

Both flp and myb88 genes were expressed in many, previously unreported locations, consistent with the possibility of additional functions for FLP and MYB88. Moreover, expression domains especially of FLP display sharp cutoffs or boundaries.

CONCLUSIONS:

In addition to stomatal and reproductive development, FLP and MYB88, which are R2R3 MYB transcription factor genes, are expressed in many locations in cells, tissues, and organs.
Phylogeography of cliff‐dwelling relicts with a highly narrow and disjunct distribution in the western Mediterranean
Authors: Silva Jose L. , Lim So‐Yeon , Kim Seung‐Chul , Mejías José A.
Published: September 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

The high biodiversity in the Baetic‐Rifan hotspot of Mediterranean region is shaped by complex geological and climatic histories and has been a subject of recent intensive studies. However, very little is known about phylogenetic and biogeographic history of three rare and critically endangered cliff‐dwelling species of Sonchus in section Pustulati in this region.

METHODS:

We investigated the genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships of populations based on nuclear (ITS/ETS) and plastid (3′trnL–ndhJ/psaI–accD) DNA sequences, and amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). We performed a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock analysis with ITS data to estimate divergence times for major lineages.

KEY RESULTS:

ITS/ETS and AFLP phylogenies showed high concordance and contrasted with cpDNA data. The divergence between S. masguindalii and S. fragilis was dated at 5.48 Ma, between S. fragilis and S. pustulatus at 3.89 Ma, and between the Baetic and Rifan S. pustulatus at 1.18 Ma. Within each distribution area, AFLP data showed a relatively high genetic structuring and moderate genetic diversity, the latter being impoverished in the Baetic populations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results further confirm the hybrid origin of S. pustulatus, a critically endangered species. The origin and diversification of lineages appear to have occurred on the temporary land bridge that joined Iberian and North Africa during the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.96–5.33 Ma) and the subsequent Zanclean flood that progressively refilled the Mediterranean Basin (5.33–3.60 Ma). The only Baetic populations of S. pustulatus most likely originated from the Rifan ones.
Barrancaceae: A new green algal lineage with structural and behavioral adaptations to a fluctuating environment
Authors: Caisová Lenka , Reyes Carolina Pérez , Álamo Virginia Cruz , Quintana Antera Martel , Surek Barbara , Melkonian Michael
Published: September 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

To enhance our knowledge of the diversity of microalgae, a phycological survey of the Canary Islands (Spain) was undertaken. Here we report the discovery of a (semi)terrestrial green filamentous alga isolated from a steep volcanic canyon on La Palma. This alga is continually exposed to changing weather conditions (floods vs. droughts) and thus provides a good opportunity to investigate possible adaptations to a semiterrestrial habitat with large fluctuations of environmental parameters.

METHODS:

We used axenic cultures, simulated flood and drought stresses and studied their effect on the life history of the alga using light, confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy including fluorescent staining. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses using rDNA sequence comparisons were performed.

KEY RESULTS:

Three specific life‐history traits that likely represent adaptations to the fluctuating environment of the canyon were observed: (1) fragmentation through “filament splitting”, a unique branching mechanism not reported before in algae and initiated by formation of oblique cross walls, (2) aplanospore formation, and (3) reproduction by multiflagellate zoospores with 4–24 flagella arranged in groups of four. Phylogenetic analyses identified the alga as Barranca multiflagellata gen. et sp. nov. (Barrancaceae fam. nov., Chaetophorales, Chlorophyceae). Moreover, the Chaetophoraceae Greville, 1824 was emended and a new family, Uronemataceae (fam. nov.) erected.

CONCLUSIONS:

The discovery of Barrancaceae fam. nov. highlights the importance of investigating nonconventional habitats to explore microalgal diversity. The reproductive versatility demonstrated by Barranca suggests adaptation to a semiterrestrial habitat with large fluctuations in water availability.
Two alleles of the AtCesA3 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana display intragenic complementation
Authors: Pysh Leonard D.
Published: September 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Cellulose is the most abundant biomolecule on the planet, yet the mechanism by which it is synthesized by higher plants remains largely unknown. In Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh, synthesis of cellulose in the primary cell wall requires three different cellulose synthase genes (AtCesA1, AtCesA3, and AtCesA6‐related genes [AtCesA2, AtCesA5, and AtCesA6]). The multiple response expansion1 (mre1) mutant contains a hypomorphic AtCesA3 allele that results in significantly shorter, expanded roots. Crosses between mre1 and another allele of AtCesA3 (constitutive expression of VSP1, cev1) yielded an F1 with roots considerably longer and thinner than either parent, suggesting intragenic complementation. The F2 generation resulting from self‐crossing these F1 showed three different root phenotypes: roots like mre1, roots like cev1, and roots like the F1.

METHODS:

The segregation patterns of the three root phenotypes in multiple F2 and F3 generations were determined. Multiple characteristics of the roots and shoots were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively at different developmental stages, both on plates and on soil.

KEY RESULTS:

The trans‐heterozygous plants differed significantly from the parental mre1 and cev1 lines.

CONCLUSIONS:

The two alleles display intragenic complementation. A classic genetic interpretation of these results would suggest that cellulose synthesis requires homo‐multimerization of cellulose synthase monomers.
Synthesis of racemic and chiral BEDT-TTF derivatives possessing hydroxy groups and their achiral and chiral charge transfer complexes
Authors: Krivickas Sara Jane , Hashimoto Chiho , Yoshida Junya , Ueda Akira , Takahashi Kazuyuki , Wallis John D , Mori Hatsumi
Published: September 2015

Chiral molecular crystals built up by chiral molecules without inversion centers have attracted much interest owing to their versatile functionalities related to optical, magnetic, and electrical properties. However, there is a difficulty in chiral crystal growth due to the lack of symmetry. Therefore, we made the molecular design to introduce intermolecular hydrogen bonds in chiral crystals. Racemic and enantiopure bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF) derivatives possessing hydroxymethyl groups as the source of hydrogen bonds were designed. The novel racemictrans-vic-(hydroxymethyl)(methyl)-BEDT-TTF1, and racemic and enantiopuretrans-vic-bis(hydroxymethyl)-BEDT-TTF2were synthesized. Moreover, the preparations, crystal structure analyses, and electrical resistivity measurements of the novel achiral charge transfer salt θ21-[(S,S)-2]3[(R,R)-2]3(ClO4)2and the chiral salt α’-[(R,R)-2]ClO4(H2O) were carried out. In the former θ21-[(S,S)-2]3[(R,R)-2]3(ClO4)2, there are two sets of three crystallographically independent donor molecules [(S,S)-2]2[(R,R)-2] in a unit cell, where the two sets are related by an inversion center. The latter α’-[(R,R)-2]ClO4(H2O) is the chiral salt with included solvent H2O, which is not isostructural with the reported chiral salt α’-[(S,S)-2]ClO4without H2O, but has a similar donor arrangement. According to the molecular design by introduction of hydroxy groups and a ClO4−anion, many intermediate-strength intermolecular hydrogen bonds (2.6–3.0 Å) were observed in these crystals between electron donor molecules, anions, and included H2O solvent, which improve the crystallinity and facilitate the extraction of physical properties. Both salts are semiconductors with relatively low resistivities at room temperature and activation energies of 1.2 ohm cm withEa= 86 meV for θ21-[(S,S)-2]3[(R,R)-2]3(ClO4)2and 0.6 ohm cm withEa= 140 meV for α'-[(R,R)-2]2ClO4(H2O), respectively. The variety of donor arrangements, θ21and two kinds of α’-types, and their electrical conductivities of charge transfer complexes based upon the racemic and enantiopure (S,S)-2, and (R,R)-2donors originates not only from the chirality, but also the introduced intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving the hydroxymethyl groups, perchlorate anion, and the included solvent H2O.
Mobiliser, défendre les intérimaires. Les difficultés de l’action syndicale
Authors: Belkacem Rachid , Kornig Cathel , Nosbonne Christophe , Michon François
Published: September 2015

Cet article s’interroge sur les obstacles à l’engagement syndical des intérimaires et les difficultés que rencontrent les syndicats pour défendre ces travailleurs. Il mobilise les quelques travaux disponibles sur le sujet et s’appuie sur les résultats d’une enquête exploratoire auprès d’intérimaires (syndiqués et non syndiqués) et de responsables syndicaux. Dans le contexte actuel d’un appareil productif en pleine transformation et de crise de l’emploi, les intérimaires tentés par la syndicalisation sont confrontés à des risques non négligeables et l’action syndicale peine à s’adapter aux modes de fonctionnement spécifiques de l’intérim.
Les statistiques « ethniques » outillent des politiques de quotas plutôt que la connaissance des discriminations : l’exemple canadien
Authors: Jugnot Stéphane
Published: September 2015

Plusieurs controverses sur la mise en place de statistiques « ethniques » se sont succédé en France au cours des 25 dernières années. Aujourd’hui, les demandeurs de telles statistiques s’appuient principalement sur l’argument de la connaissance. C’est une façon de contourner le débat des politiques publiques car les statistiques « ethniques » sont davantage un outil nécessaire à la mise en place de certaines formes de politiques de discriminations positives qu’un outil scientifique. L’exemple canadien permet de l’illustrer. Le recensement y collecte une information sur l’origine ancestrale depuis plus d’un siècle. Avec l’émergence du fait « canadien », cette question a progressivement perdu de son intérêt tandis que les questions liées aux origines se sont multipliées pour répondre aux besoins spécifiques de différentes politiques publiques : question linguistique, repérage des autochtones, promotion des « minorités visibles ». D’un recensement à l’autre, les variations de questionnement perturbent les analyses en évolution.
Une estimation du coût indirect des enfants en termes de pertes de carrière, de salaires et de droits à retraite pour les femmes
Authors: Math Antoine
Published: September 2015

Cet article revient sur l’ampleur des inégalités entre les hommes et les femmes en France en matière de revenus du travail et de pensions de retraites. Il discute et défend l’argument selon lequel au fondement de ces inégalités se trouve la maternité, c’est-à-dire le fait que les enfants sont enfantés, portés et mis au monde par les seules femmes. Sur cette base est proposée une estimation macro-comptable possible des coûts indirects des enfants pour les femmes, ou coûts d’opportunité en termes de pertes de carrière, de revenus du travail et de retraites. L’article discute en conclusion le dilemme qui se pose aux politiques publiques entre chercher à compenser ces coûts indirects, au risque de conforter les inégalités qui sont à l’origine de ces coûts, ou plutôt chercher à diminuer ces coûts indirects en s’attaquant aux causes des inégalités entre femmes et hommes.
Compete vs. Protect, Idealism vs. Pragmatism
Authors: San-Julián-Arrupe Javier
Published: September 2015

La crise agraire des décennies 1870 et 1880 ont frappé un secteur primaire espagnol incapable de soutenir la concurrence internationale sur les marchés agricoles. La récession, vite devenue générale, a déclenché plusieurs controverses parmi les économistes et d’autres intellectuels espagnols quant à ses causes et effets potentiels, quant aux mesures qu’il fallait adopter afin d’y faire face, mais aussi quant à la validité des principes libéraux radicaux qui avaient jusqu’alors inspiré la politique économique et dominé le panorama de la pensée économique espagnole. La crise est devenue un sujet de discussion majeur, préoccupant fortement l’opinion publique. Des discussions se sont tenues dans une grande diversité d’institutions : journaux, associations économiques et intellectuelles, conférences publiques, Parlement, etc. À travers l’analyse de plusieurs de ces débats, cet article cherche à montrer comment le déclin économique de la fin du xix e siècle n’a pas seulement été un objet de préoccupation pour les économistes contemporains, mais a aussi été un vecteur fondamental de changement des politiques et des idées économiques en Espagne. Il a été un facteur déterminant dans l’apparition d’un nouveau positionnement de la politique économique, ayant contribué à remplacer les politiques de libre-échange en vigueur depuis 1868 par des politiques protectionnistes ; il a aussi permis d’expliquer la décadence du libéralisme doctrinaire et le surgissement d’un libéralisme pragmatique alternatif, qui acceptait une certaine intervention gouvernementale au nom de la protection des intérêts nationaux. Classification jel  : A14, B10, F13
Péril chinois et déclin de l’Europe
Authors: Gaspard Marion
Published: September 2015

L’article étudie la façon dont est envisagée, au tournant du xx e siècle français, la question des conséquences économiques du traité de Shimonoseki (1895). Dans le contexte d’incertitude sur l’issue de la Grande Dépression, d’interrogations sur un supposé « déclin des races blanches » et de tentations impérialistes, les économistes sont interpellés sur la question de savoir s’il peut exister un « péril chinois » pour l’Europe. Le débat, exigeant des protagonistes à la fois une réflexion d’économie appliquée et un exercice périlleux de prospective, mêle raison nements théoriques a priori, innovations conceptuelles et méthodologiques, et usage racialiste des indicateurs économiques clés.
Joseph A. Schumpeter et la conjoncture économique des années 1930-1940
Authors: Potier Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2015

La Grande Récession, enclenchée par la crise américaine des subprimes et ses conséquences, suscite de nouveaux questionnements dont certains nous conduisent à la problématique de la stagnation et du déclin économique. Il est donc utile de revenir sur l’analyse proposée par Joseph Schumpeter de la conjoncture des années 1930-1940. S’agit-il d’une dépression Kondratiev analogue à celle de la période 1873-1897 ? Ou bien a-t-on affaire à l’arrivée d’une stagnation séculaire, comme le croit Alvin H. Hansen ? Cette étude analyse les différentes critiques de Schumpeter adressées aux arguments défendus par Hansen. C’est aussi l’occasion de rappeler la thèse schumpetérienne du déclin, fondée sur la dégénérescence de l’« ordre capitaliste »
An Investigation of the Role of Using IS/IT in the Delivery of Treatments for ADHD in University Students
Authors: Binhadyan Bader , Wickramasinghe Nilmini
Published: September 2015

Over the last decade, the popularity of incorporating advances in information systems and information technology (IS/IT) has been steadily growing. IS/IT can improve the delivery for better intervention and treatment with many different mental illnesses; however, there appears to be great potential for IS/IT in the context of young adults with mental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD affects approximately 11% of the university population; negatively impacting students' academic performance, study skills, and social life. The study design outlined in this paper suggests a possibility for the role of IS/IT in the delivery of treatments and management of ADHD in university students to be examined with the view to introduce IS/IT into the traditional treatment context. This research involves collecting data from psychologists in the form of semi-structured interviews and a grounded theory methodology using multiple cases is adopted.
Radio Frequency Identification Technology in an Australian Regional Hospital
Authors: Unnithan Chandana , Tatnall Arthur
Published: September 2015

Australian hospitals had begun exploring Radio Frequency Identification, a wireless automatic identification and data capture technology for improving the quality of their services towards the end of 2000s. After many an unsuccessful pilots, a breakthrough for large hospitals came in 2010, with a key learning rendered by a large regional hospital that not only experimented with the technology, but also have made it all pervasive in their operations. In this chapter, we present the case study, through an innovation translation perspective, focusing on the socio-technical factors captured through elements of Actor-Network Theory.
On Piloting Web-Based Rabies Surveillance System for Humans and Animals
Authors: Kipanyula Maulilio J. , Sanga Camilius Aloyce , Geofrey Anna M. , Fue Kadeghe G.
Published: September 2015

Rabies is a neurodegerative viral zoonotic disease that affects all warm blooded animals. It is estimated that about 99% of human rabies cases are caused by dog bites. High prevalence of rabies has been reported in different parts of Tanzania. The disease has continued to cause public health threat to the communities due to weak passive and active surveillance systems. The data piloted in this study was based on the information gathered from Kilosa district. The geo information collected was used to develop a geospatial based system that can easily show the hotspots of rabies. The use of WEB GIS is likely to strengthen disease surveillance in Kilosa and other Districts of Tanzania. This approach offers a model for sharing both human and animal diseases surveillance information. Adoption of this approach is likely to increase awareness and timely response to rabies incidences.
Carbon monoxide residues in vacuum-packed yellowfin tuna loins (Thunnus Albacares)
Authors: Marrone Raffaele , Mascolo Celestina , Palma Giuseppe , Smaldone Giorgio , Girasole Mariagrazia , Anastasio Aniello
Published: September 2015

The use of carbon monoxide (CO) in fresh fish has generated considerable debate. Carbon monoxide is used to treat fresh fish in order to retain its fresh red appearance for a longer period. It reacts with the oxy-myoglobin to form a fairly stable cherry red carboxy-myoglobin complex that may mask spoilage, because the CO-complex can be stable beyond the microbiological shelf life of the meat. The presence of CO in tuna fish (Thunnus Albacares) has been investigated by means of optical spectroscopy. Formation of the CO adduct can be easily detected by the combined analysis of electronic absorption spectra in their normal and second derivative modes, monitoring the intense Soret band at 420 nm. Samples were judged as CO treated when their levels were higher than 200 ng/g. Only two positive samples out of 29 analyzed were detected. The high level of uncertainty (0.30) of the method requires the use of more specific and sensitive methods for confirmatory analysis.
Understanding the relationship between depression and diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Steel Andrew , Reece John , Daw Anne-Marie
Published: September 2015

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing, as is the cost of managing its comorbidities. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and their complications place a considerable cost burden on the health system, and lead to a significant level of disability. The relationship between depression and diabetes is well-established. The relationship between depression and foot ulcers in diabetic patients is less well-established. The purpose of this article is to provide a current concept review of the literature from 1988 to 2013, linking DFUs and depressive symptoms, with an emphasis on the impact depressive symptoms have on healing rates of DFUs. Articles specifically focusing on the biological relationship, depression′s impact on self-care, screening for depressive symptoms, causes and cost of treating DFUs, and measuring depression were reviewed. A deeper understanding of this relationship is needed to identify causal relationships, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce healing times of DFUs.
High prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy: A social health problem in India
Authors: Kumar K. , Kumar Sandeep , Dhillon A. , Mansingh Sudhir , Sood Sandeep
Published: September 2015

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is an important public health problem and is implicated as a risk factor for glucose intolerance during pregnancy. We studied the prevalence of VDD in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: All GDM and T2DM patients evaluated between October and December 2014 were included in this cross-sectional, observational study. Patients with the use of vitamin D, glucocorticoids, and secondary diabetes were excluded. We diagnosed VDD as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) less than 30 ng/ml and GDM based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The data were compared with 10 gestational, age-matched controls with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Appropriate statistical methods were used for comparison between the three groups. Results: The study participants (37 GDM, 13 T2DM, and 10 NGT) had a median (25th-75th interquartile) age of 26 (24.3, 30) years, gestational age of 24.5 (21, 27) weeks, and 25OHD of 10.5 (8.1, 14.8) ng/ml. VDD was seen in 35 GDM, 12 T2DM, and eight patients with NGT (P = 0. 9637). The median 25OHD levels were comparable between the three groups (10, 10.6, and 13.95; P = 0. 1192). Univariate analysis did not show higher odds of GDM or T2DM in patients with VDD (P = 0. 1903). Conclusion: Our data showed that the prevalence of VDD is high during pregnancy, irrespective of the glucose intolerance. Large scale population studies are required to determine the association between the VDD and GDM.
Polyhydroxybutyrate Production from Municipal Wastewater Activated Sludge with Different Carbon Sources
Authors: Yuan Qiuyan , Sparling Richard , Oleszkiewicz Jan
Published: September 2015

In this study, a sequencing batch reactor was set up and operated for over three months to cultivate polyphosphate-accumulating organisms polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) in the enriched activated sludge. Batch studies were then carried out to study the effect of different carbon sources on phosphorus removal as well as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production. The carbon sources investigated were acetate, glucose, wastewater, and beef extract. It was found that enhanced biological phosphorus removal could not be achieved using glucose as substrate. This suggested that glucose was not a good candidate for biological phosphorus removal. In terms of PHB production, using acetate and glucose as substrate resulted in PHB production of 42% and 40%, respectively, of the dry cell weight (DCW). Lower PHB production was obtained from using municipal wastewater and beef extract as a carbon source. This resulted in ∼15% and 13% of DCW. It was concluded that municipal wastewater activated sludge can be an economic alternative for PHB production if municipal wastewater is mixed with certain kinds of carbon-enriched industrial wastewater.
Resilience in Daily Occupations of Indonesian Mothers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Santoso Tri Budi , Ito Yuko , Ohshima Nobuo , Hidaka Mikiyo , Bontje Peter
Published: September 2015

This qualitative study investigated how resilience functions in the context of daily occupations for mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Fourteen mothers of children with ASD participated in two focus groups that were used to elicit stories of the mothers’ resilience in daily occupations. A constant comparative method was used for data analysis. A model of resilience in daily occupations of mothers of children with ASD was developed consisting of four categories: (1) creating and re-creating accepting conditions, (2) finding solutions, (3) striving for balance among daily occupations, and (4) thinking about the child’s future. Sources of resilience were found to reside in both the mothers themselves and their social environments. Occupational therapy practitioners can use these findings in developing supportive approaches aimed at mothers, family members, and other people in the lives of children with ASD.
Field Experimental Evidence on Gender Discrimination in Hiring: Biased as Heckman and Siegelman Predicted?
Authors: Baert Stijn
Published: September 2015

Correspondence studies are nowadays viewed as the most compelling avenue to test for hiring discrimination. However, these studies suffer from one fundamental methodological problem, as formulated by Heckman and Siegelman (The Urban Institute audit studies: Their methods and findings. In M. Fix, and R. Struyk (Eds.), Clear and convincing evidence: Measurement of discrimination in America, 1993), namely the bias in their results in case of group differences in the variance of unobserved determinants of hiring outcomes. In this study, the authors empirically investigate this bias in the context of gender discrimination. The authors do not find significant evidence for the feared bias.
Mixing state, composition, and sources of fine aerosol particles in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the influence of agricultural biomass burning
Authors: Li W. J. , Chen S. R. , Xu Y. S. , Guo X. C. , Sun Y. L. , Yang X. Y. , Wang Z. F. , Zhao X. D. , Chen J. M. , Wang W. X.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to obtain morphology, size, composition, and mixing state of background fine particles with diameter less than 1 μm in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) during 15 September to 15 October 2013. Individual aerosol particles mainly contained secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA-sulfate and nitrate) and organics during clean periods (PM2.5: particles less than 2.5 μg m−3). The presence of KCl-NaCl associated with organics and an increase of soot particles suggest that an intense biomass burning event caused the highest PM2.5 concentrations (> 30 μg m−3) during the study. A large number fraction of the fly ash-containing particles (21.73 %) suggests that coal combustion emissions in the QTP significantly contributed to air pollutants at the median pollution level (PM2.5: 10–30 μg m−3). We concluded that emissions from biomass burning and from coal combustion both constantly contribute to anthropogenic particles in the QTP atmosphere. Based on size distributions of individual particles in different pollution levels, we found that gas condensation on existing particles is an important chemical process for the formation of SIA with organic coating. TEM observations show that refractory aerosols (e.g., soot, fly ash, and visible organic particles) likely adhere to the surface of SIA particles larger than 200 nm due to coagulation. Organic coating and soot on surface of the aged particles likely influence their hygroscopic and optical properties in the QTP, respectively. To our knowledge, this study reports the first microscopic analysis of fine particles in the background QTP air.
Mapping spectroscopic uncertainties into prospective methane retrieval errors from Sentinel-5 and its precursor
Authors: Checa-Garcia R. , Landgraf J. , Galli A. , Hase F. , Velazco V. A. , Tran H. , Boudon V. , Alkemade F. , Butz A.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Sentinel-5 (S5) and its precursor (S5P) are future European satellite missions aiming at global monitoring of methane (CH4) column-average dry air mole fractions (XCH4). The spectrometers to be deployed onboard the satellites record spectra of sunlight backscattered from the Earth's surface and atmosphere. In particular, they exploit CH4 absorption in the shortwave infrared spectral range around 1.65 μm (S5 only) and 2.35 μm (both S5 and S5P) wavelength. Given an accuracy goal of better than 2 % for XCH4 to be delivered on regional scales, assessment and reduction of potential sources of systematic error such as spectroscopic uncertainties is crucial. Here, we investigate how spectroscopic errors propagate into retrieval errors on the global scale. To this end, absorption spectra of a ground-based Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) operating at very high spectral resolution serve as estimate for the quality of the spectroscopic parameters. Feeding the FTS fitting residuals as a perturbation into a global ensemble of simulated S5- and S5P-like spectra at relatively low spectral resolution, XCH4 retrieval errors exceed 0.6 % in large parts of the world and show systematic correlations on regional scales, calling for improved spectroscopic parameters.
The feasibility of water vapor sounding of the cloudy boundary layer using a differential absorption radar technique
Authors: Lebsock M. D. , Suzuki K. , Millán L. F. , Kalmus P. M.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The feasibility of differential absorption radar (DAR) for the spaceborne remote profiling of water vapor within the cloudy boundary layer is assessed by applying a radar instrument simulator to large eddy simulations (LES). Frequencies near the 183 GHz water vapor absorption line attenuate too strongly to penetrate the large vapor concentrations that are ubiquitous in the boundary layer. However it is shown that lower frequencies between 140 and 170 GHz in the water vapor absorption continuum and on the wings of the absorption line, which are attenuated less efficiently than those near the line center, still have sufficient spectral variation of gaseous attenuation to perform sounding. The high resolution LES allow for assessment of the potential uncertainty in the method due to natural variability in thermodynamic and dynamic variables on scales smaller than the instrument field of view. The (160, 170) GHz frequency pair is suggested to best maximize signal for vapor profiling while minimizing noise due to undesired spectral variation in the target extinction properties. Precision in the derived water vapor is quantified as a function of the range resolution and the instrument precision. Assuming an observational spatial scale of 500 m vertical and 750 m full width at half maximum (FWHM) horizontal, measurement precision better that 1 g m−3 is achievable for stratocumulus scenes and 3 g m−3 for cumulus scenes given precision in radar reflectivity of 0.16 dBZ. Expected precision in the column water vapor (CWV) is achievable between 0.5 and 2 kg m−2 on these same spatial scales. Sampling efficiency is quantified as a function of radar sensitivity. Mean biases in CWV due to natural variability in the target extinction properties do not exceed 0.25 kg m−2. Potential biases due to uncertainty in the temperature and pressure profile are negligible relative to those resulting from natural variability. Assuming a −35 dBZ minimum detectable signal, 40 %(21.9 %) of stratocumulus(cumulus) atmospheric boundary layer range bins would be sampled. Simulated surface reflectivities are always greater than −5 dBZ, which implies the DAR technique could provide near spatially continuous observation of the CWV in subtropical boundary layers at a spatial resolution better than 1 km.
A Consistent Scenario for the IBEX Ribbon, Anisotropies in TeV Cosmic Rays, and the Local Interstellar Medium
Authors: Schwadron N. A. , Frisch P. , Adams F. C. , Christian E. R. , Desiati P. , Funsten H. O. , Jokipii J. R. , McComas D. J. , Moebius E. , Zank G.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) observes enhanced ~ keV energy Energetic Neutral Atoms (ENAs) from a narrow "ribbon" that stretches across the sky and appears to be centered on the direction of the local interstellar magnetic field. The Milagro collaboration, the Asγ collaboration and the IceCube observatory have made global maps of TeV cosmic rays. This paper provides links between these disparate observations. We develop a simple diffusive model of the propagation of cosmic rays and the associated cosmic ray anisotropy due to cosmic ray streaming against the local interstellar flow. We show that the local plasma and field conditions sampled by IBEX provide characteristics that consistently explain TeV cosmic ray anisotropies. These results support models that place the interstellar magnetic field direction near the center of the IBEX ribbon.
Stride Search: a general algorithm for storm detection in high resolution climate data
Authors: Bosler P. A. , Roesler E. L. , Taylor M. A. , Mundt M.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. This article discusses the problem of identifying extreme climate events such as intense storms within large climate data sets. The basic storm detection algorithm is reviewed, which splits the problem into two parts: a spatial search followed by a temporal correlation problem. Two specific implementations of the spatial search algorithm are compared. The commonly used grid point search algorithm is reviewed, and a new algorithm called Stride Search is introduced. Stride Search is designed to work at all latitudes, while grid point searches may fail in polar regions. Results from the two algorithms are compared for the application of tropical cyclone detection, and shown to produce similar results for the same set of storm identification criteria. The time required for both algorithms to search the same data set is compared. Stride Search's ability to search extreme latitudes is demonstrated for the case of polar low detection.
Transit times from rainfall to baseflow in headwater catchments estimated using tritium: the Ovens River, Australia
Authors: Cartwright I. , Morgenstern U.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Headwater streams contribute a significant proportion of the total flow to many river systems, especially during summer low-flow periods. However, despite their importance, the time taken for water to travel through headwater catchments and into the streams (the transit time) is poorly understood. Here, 3H activities of stream water are used to define transit times of water contributing to streams from the upper reaches of the Ovens River in south-east Australia at varying flow conditions. 3H activities of the stream water varied from 1.63 to 2.45 TU, which are below the average 3H activity of modern local rainfall (2.85 to 2.99 TU). The highest 3H activities were recorded following higher winter flows and the lowest 3H activities were recorded at summer low-flow conditions. Variations of major ion concentrations and 3H activities with streamflow imply that different stores of water from within the catchment (e.g. from the soil or regolith) are mobilised during rainfall events rather than there being simple dilution of an older groundwater component by event water. Mean transit times calculated using an exponential-piston flow model range from 4 to 30 years and are higher at summer low-flow conditions. Mean transit times calculated using other flow models (e.g. exponential flow or dispersion) are similar. There are broad correlations between 3H activities and the percentage of rainfall exported from each catchment and between 3H activities and Na and Cl concentrations that allow first-order estimates of mean transit times in adjacent catchments or at different times in these catchments to be made. Water from the upper Ovens River has similar mean transit times to the headwater streams implying there is no significant input of old water from the alluvial gravels. The observation that the water contributing to the headwater streams in the Ovens catchment has a mean transit time of years to decades implies that these streams are buffered against rainfall variations on timescales of a few years. However, impacts of any changes to land use in these catchments may take years to decades to manifest themselves in changes to streamflow or water quality.
Quantifying energy and water fluxes in dry dune ecosystems of the Netherlands
Authors: Voortman B. R. , Bartholomeus R. P. , van der Zee S. E. A. T. M. , Bierkens M. F. P. , Witte J. P. M.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Coastal and inland dunes provide various ecosystem services that are related to groundwater, such as drinking water production and biodiversity. To manage groundwater in a sustainable manner, knowledge of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) for the various land covers in dunes is essential. Aiming at improving the parameterization of dune vegetation in hydrometeorological models, this study explores the magnitude of energy and water fluxes in an inland dune ecosystem in the Netherlands. Hydrometeorological measurements were used to parameterize the Penman–Monteith evapotranspiration model for four different surfaces: bare sand, moss, grass and heather. We found that the net longwave radiation (Rnl) was the largest energy flux for most surfaces during daytime. However, modeling this flux by a calibrated FAO-56 Rnl model for each surface and for hourly time steps was unsuccessful. Our Rnl model, with a novel submodel using solar elevation angle and air temperature to describe the diurnal pattern in radiative surface temperature, improved Rnl simulations considerably. Model simulations of evaporation from moss surfaces showed that the modulating effect of mosses on the water balance is species-dependent. We demonstrate that dense moss carpets (Campylopus introflexus) evaporate more (5 %, +14 mm) than bare sand (total of 258 mm in 2013), while more open-structured mosses (Hypnum cupressiforme) evaporate less (−30 %, −76 mm) than bare sand. Additionally, we found that a drought event in the summer of 2013 showed a pronounced delayed signal on lysimeter measurements of ETa for the grass and heather surfaces, respectively. Due to the desiccation of leaves after the drought event, and their feedback on the surface resistance, the potential evapotranspiration in the year 2013 dropped by 9 % (−37 mm) and 10 % (−61 mm) for the grass and heather surfaces, respectively, which subsequently led to lowered ETa of 8 % (−29 mm) and 7 % (−29 mm). These feedbacks are of importance for water resources, especially during a changing climate with an increasing number of drought days. Therefore, such feedbacks need to be integrated into a coupled plant physiological and hydrometeorological model to accurately simulate ETa. In addition, our study showed that groundwater recharge in dunes can be increased considerably by promoting moss vegetation, especially of open-structured moss species.