bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviews and syntheses: Soil resources and climate jointly drive variations in microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen in China's forest ecosystems
Authors: Zhou Z. H. , Wang C. K.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Microbial metabolism plays a key role in regulating the biogeochemical cycle of forest ecosystems, but the mechanisms driving microbial growth are not well understood. Here, we synthesized 689 measurements on soil microbial biomass carbon (Cmic) and nitrogen (Nmic) and related parameters from 207 independent studies published up to November 2014 across China's forest ecosystems. Our objectives were to (1) examine patterns in Cmic, Nmic, and microbial quotient (i.e., Cmic / Csoil and Nmic / Nsoil rates) by climate zones and management regimes for these forests; and (2) identify the factors driving the variability in the Cmic, Nmic, and microbial quotient. There was a large variability in Cmic (390.2 mg kg−1), Nmic (60.1 mg kg−1, Cmic : Nmic ratio (8.25), Cmic / Csoil rate (1.92 %), and Nmic / Nsoil rate (3.43 %) across China's forests. The natural forests had significantly greater Cmic (514.1 mg kg−1 vs. 281.8 mg kg−1) and Nmic (82.6 mg kg−1 vs. 39.0 mg kg−1) than the planted forests, but had less Cmic : Nmic ratio (7.3 vs. 9.2) and Cmic / Csoil rate (1.7 % vs. 2.1 %). Soil resources and climate together explained 24.4–40.7 % of these variations. The Cmic : Nmic ratio declined slightly with Csoil : Nsoil ratio, and changed with latitude, mean annual temperature and precipitation, suggesting a plasticity of microbial carbon-nitrogen stoichiometry. The Cmic / Csoil rate decreased with Csoil : Nsoil ratio, whereas the Nmic / Nsoil rate increased with Csoil : Nsoil ratio; the former was influenced more by soil resources than by climate, whereas the latter was influenced more by climate. These results suggest that soil microbial assimilation of carbon and nitrogen are jointly driven by soil resources and climate, but may be regulated by different mechanisms.
Two decades of inorganic carbon dynamics along the West Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Hauri C. , Doney S. C. , Takahashi T. , Erickson M. , Jiang G. , Ducklow H. W.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. We present 20 years of seawater inorganic carbon measurements collected along the western shelf and slope of the Antarctic Peninsula. Water column observations from summertime cruises and seasonal surface underway pCO2 measurements provide unique insights into the spatial, seasonal, and interannual variability in this dynamic system. Discrete measurements from depths > 2000 m align well with World Ocean Circulation Experiment observations across the time series and underline the consistency of the data set. Surface total alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon data showed large spatial gradients, with a concomitant wide range of Ωarag (< 1 up to 3.9). This spatial variability was mainly driven by increasing influence of biological productivity towards the southern end of the sampling grid and meltwater input along the coast towards the northern end. Large inorganic carbon drawdown through biological production in summer caused high near-shore Ωarag despite glacial and sea-ice meltwater input. In support of previous studies, we observed Redfield behavior of regional C / N nutrient utilization, while the C / P (80.5 ± 2.5) and N / P (11.7 ± 0.3) molar ratios were significantly lower than the Redfield elemental stoichiometric values. Seasonal salinity-based predictions of Ωarag suggest that surface waters remained mostly supersaturated with regard to aragonite throughout the study. However, more than 20 % of the predictions for winters and springs between 1999 and 2013 resulted in Ωarag < 1.2. Such low levels of Ωarag may have implications for important organisms such as pteropods. Even though we did not detect any statistically significant long-term trends, the combination of on\\-going ocean acidification and freshwater input may soon induce more unfavorable conditions than the ecosystem experiences today.
Modelled glacier equilibrium line altitudes during the mid-Holocene in the southern mid-latitudes
Authors: Bravo C. , Rojas M. , Anderson B. M. , Mackintosh A. N. , Sagredo E. , Moreno P. I.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Glacier behaviour during the mid-Holocene (MH, 6000 years BP) in the Southern Hemisphere provides observational data to constrain our understanding of the origin and propagation of palaeoclimate signals. In this study we examine the climatic forcing of glacier response in the MH by evaluating modelled glacier equilibrium line altitudes (ELAs) and climatic conditions during the MH compared with pre-industrial time (PI, year 1750). We focus on the middle latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere, specifically Patagonia and the South Island of New Zealand. Climate conditions for the MH were obtained from PMIP2 model simulations, which in turn were used to force a simple glacier mass balance model to simulate changes in ELA. In Patagonia, the models simulate colder conditions during the MH in austral summer (−0.2 °C), autumn (−0.5 °C), and winter (−0.4), and warmer temperatures (0.2 °C) during spring. In the Southern Alps the models show colder MH conditions in autumn (−0.7 °C) and winter (−0.4 °C), warmer conditions in spring (0.3 °C), and no significant change in summer temperature. Precipitation does not show significant changes but exhibits a seasonal shift, with less precipitation from April to September and more precipitation from October to April during the MH in both regions. The mass balance model simulates a climatic ELA that is 15–33 m lower during the MH compared with PI conditions. We suggest that the main causes of this difference are driven mainly by colder temperatures associated with the MH simulation. Differences in temperature have a dual effect on glacier mass balance: (i) less energy is available for ablation during summer and early autumn and (ii) lower temperatures cause more precipitation to fall as snow rather than rain in late autumn and winter, resulting in more accumulation and higher surface albedo. For these reasons, we postulate that the modelled ELA changes, although small, may help to explain larger glacier extents observed by 6000 years BP in South America and New Zealand.
Differential climate impacts for policy-relevant limits to global warming: the case of 1.5 °C and 2 °C
Authors: Schleussner C.-F. , Lissner T. K. , Fischer E. M. , Wohland J. , Perrette M. , Golly A. , Rogelj J. , Childers K. , Schewe J. , Frieler K. , Mengel M. , Hare W. , Schaeffer M.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Robust appraisals of climate impacts at different levels of global-mean temperature increase are vital to guide assessments of dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Currently, two such levels are discussed in the context of the international climate negotiations as long-term global temperature goals: a below 2 °C and a 1.5 °C limit in global-mean temperature rise above pre-industrial levels. Despite the prominence of these two temperature limits, a comprehensive assessment of the differences in climate impacts at these levels is still missing. Here we provide an assessment of key impacts of climate change at warming levels of 1.5 °C and 2 °C, including extreme weather events, water availability, agricultural yields, sea-level rise and risk of coral reef loss. Our results reveal substantial differences in impacts between 1.5 °C and 2 °C. For heat-related extremes, the additional 0.5 °C increase in global-mean temperature marks the difference between events at the upper limit of present-day natural variability and a new climate regime, particularly in tropical regions. Similarly, this warming difference is likely to be decisive for the future of tropical coral reefs. In a scenario with an end-of-century warming of 2 °C, virtually all tropical coral reefs are projected to be at risk of severe degradation due to temperature induced bleaching from 2050 onwards. This fraction is reduced to about 90 % in 2050 and projected to decline to 70 % by 2100 for a 1.5 °C scenario. Analyses of precipitation-related impacts reveal distinct regional differences and several hot-spots of change emerge. Regional reduction in median water availability for the Mediterranean is found to nearly double from 9 to 17 % between 1.5 °C and 2 °C, and the projected lengthening of regional dry spells increases from 7 % longer to 11 %. Projections for agricultural yields differ between crop types as well as world regions. While some (in particular high-latitude) regions may benefit, tropical regions like West Africa, South-East Asia, as well as Central and Northern South America are projected to face local yield reductions, particularly for wheat and maize. Best estimate sea-level rise projections based on two illustrative scenarios indicate a 50 cm rise by 2100 relative to year 2000-levels under a 2 °C warming, which is about 10 cm lower for a 1.5 °C scenario. Our findings highlight the importance of regional differentiation to assess future climate risks as well as different vulnerabilities to incremental increases in global-mean temperature. The article provides a consistent and comprehensive assessment of existing projections and a solid foundation for future work on refining our understanding of warming-level dependent climate impacts.
A sub-canopy structure for simulating oil palm in the Community Land Model (CLM-Palm): phenology, allocation and yield
Authors: Fan Y. , Roupsard O. , Bernoux M. , Le Maire G. , Panferov O. , Kotowska M. M. , Knohl A.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. In order to quantify the effects of forests to oil palm conversion occurring in the tropics on land–atmosphere carbon, water and energy fluxes, we develop a new perennial crop sub-model CLM-Palm for simulating a palm plant functional type (PFT) within the framework of the Community Land Model (CLM4.5). CLM-Palm is tested here on oil palm only but is meant of generic interest for other palm crops (e.g., coconut). The oil palm has monopodial morphology and sequential phenology of around 40 stacked phytomers, each carrying a large leaf and a fruit bunch, forming a multilayer canopy. A sub-canopy phenological and physiological parameterization is thus introduced so that each phytomer has its own prognostic leaf growth and fruit yield capacity but with shared stem and root components. Phenology and carbon and nitrogen allocation operate on the different phytomers in parallel but at unsynchronized steps, separated by a thermal period. An important phenological phase is identified for the oil palm – the storage growth period of bud and "spear" leaves which are photosynthetically inactive before expansion. Agricultural practices such as transplanting, fertilization and leaf pruning are represented. Parameters introduced for the oil palm were calibrated and validated with field measurements of leaf area index (LAI), yield and net primary production (NPP) from Sumatra, Indonesia. In calibration with a mature oil palm plantation, the cumulative yields from 2005 to 2014 matched notably well between simulation and observation (mean percentage error = 3 %). Simulated inter-annual dynamics of PFT-level and phytomer-level LAI were both within the range of field measurements. Validation from eight independent oil palm sites shows the ability of the model to adequately predict the average leaf growth and fruit yield across sites and sufficiently represent the significant nitrogen- and age-related site-to-site variability in NPP and yield. Results also indicate that seasonal dynamics of yield and remaining small-scale site-to-site variability of NPP are driven by processes not yet implemented in the model or reflected in the input data. The new sub-canopy structure and phenology and allocation functions in CLM-Palm allow exploring the effects of tropical land-use change, from natural ecosystems to oil palm plantations, on carbon, water and energy cycles and regional climate.
Evaluating the surface circulation in the Ebro delta (northeastern Spain) with quality-controlled high-frequency radar measurements
Authors: Lorente P. , Piedracoba S. , Soto-Navarro J. , Alvarez-Fanjul E.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The Ebro River delta is a relevant marine protected area in the western Mediterranean. In order to promote the conservation of its ecosystem and support operational decision making in this sensitive area, a three-site standard-range (13.5 MHz) CODAR SeaSonde high-frequency (HF) radar was deployed in December 2013. The main goal of this work is to explore basic features of the sea surface circulation in the Ebro deltaic region as derived from reliable HF radar surface current measurements. For this aim, a combined quality control methodology was applied: firstly, 1-year long (2014) real-time web monitoring of nonvelocity-based diagnostic parameters was conducted to infer both radar site status and HF radar system performance. The signal-to-noise ratio at the monopole exhibited a consistent monthly evolution, although some abrupt decreases (below 10 dB), occasionally detected in June for one of the radar sites, impacted negatively on the spatiotemporal coverage of total current vectors. It seemed to be sporadic episodes since radar site overall performance was found to be robust during 2014. Secondly, a validation of HF radar data with independent in situ observations from a moored current meter was attempted for May–October 2014. The accuracy assessment of radial and total vectors revealed a consistently high agreement. The directional accuracy of the HF radar was rated at better than 8°. The correlation coefficient and root mean square error (RMSE) values emerged in the ranges [0.58–0.83] and [4.02–18.31] cm s−1, respectively. The analysis of the monthly averaged current maps for 2014 showed that the HF radar properly represented basic oceanographic features previously reported, namely, the predominant southwestward flow, the coastal clockwise eddy confined south of the Ebro delta mouth, or the Ebro River impulsive-type freshwater discharge. The EOF analysis related the flow response to local wind forcing and confirmed that the surface current field evolved in space and time according to three significantly dominant modes of variability.
Biodiversity impacts of climate change – the PRONAS software as educational tool
Authors: Ulbrich K. , Schweiger O. , Klotz S. , Settele J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Loss of biodiversity under climate change is on the top of European research agendas. However, there is a huge gap between the scientific and the educational communities: Only a small amount of current knowledge reaches the young generation. We faced the challenge of how to transfer results of biodiversity research to the reality of school classrooms – in a way that raises interest, awareness and motivation among students from the age of 12 to 19. We developed the educational software PRONAS (PROjections of NAture for Schools) to show how scientists handle questions about the impact of climate change on the habitats of many European species. About 50 European plant and animal species have been used to demonstrate habitat losses, habitat shifts, and mismatch of habitat dynamics of interacting species. The software was developed with a bottom-up approach, and a manual for applying the software in the classroom was written in close cooperation with teachers. We included specific elements of didactic approaches such as storylines describing future scenarios, projections and simulations of species' future climatic niches, as well as the combination of virtual and real excursions. PRONAS is freely accessible in German and English on http://www.ufz.de/pronas-lernsoftware. Feedback was given by about 100 teachers from German and other European schools at six teacher workshops and by 141 students from four German schools. While most teachers confirmed that the designed format of knowledge transfer is attractive and contributes to knowledge building and awareness raising, many students older than 16 felt under-challenged. Altogether, we found that "educational software" is a useful format for scientific outreach which is worth joint efforts of scientists and educators and which needs more support and incentives for scientists to go forward in this direction.
The third-noncommuting graph of a group
Authors: Zallaghi Maysam , Iranmanesh Ali
Published: November 2015

‎Let $ G $ be a group and let $T^{3}(G)$ be the proper subgroup $\lbrace h\in G \vert (gh)^{3}=(hg)^{3},~for~all‎~ ‎g\in G\rbrace $ of $ G $‎. ‎\textit{The third-noncommuting graph} of $ G $ is the graph with‎ vertex set $ G\setminus T^{3}(G) $‎, ‎where two vertices $ x $ and $ y $ are adjacent if $ (xy)^{3}\neq (yx)^{3} $‎. In this paper‎, ‎at first we obtain some results for this graph for any group $G$‎. ‎Then‎, ‎we investigate the structure of this graph for some groups‎.
Isometrias no espaço de Minkowski: grupo ortogonal generalizado e grupo de Poincaré
Authors: Marques Carlos H. , Mendes Leonardo O. , Bortotti Marcio F. A. , Montanhano Sidiney B. , Souza Josiney A.
Published: November 2015

O presente artigo estuda os conceitos de grupo ortogonal generalizado, grupo de Lorentz e grupo de Poincaré. Apresenta-se o cenário em que as transformações de Lorentz são empregadas na teoria da relatividade. O objetivo central é descrever em detalhes as principais propriedades matemáticas do grupo ortogonal generalizado, fornecendo um material acessível para estudantes de graduação e mestrado em matemática e física.
The 2D Zakharov-Kuznetsov-Burgers equation on a strip
Authors: Larkine Nikolai Andreevitch
Published: November 2015

An initial-boundary value problem for the 2D Zakharov-Kuznetsov-Burgers equation posed on a channel-type strip was considered. The existence and uniqueness results for regular and weak solutions in weighted spaces as well as exponential decay of small solutions without restrictions on the width of a strip were proven both for regular solutions in an elevated norm and for weak solutions in the $L^2$-norm.
Competency Management and Learning Organization in a New Clinical Fieldwork Course
Authors: Putthinoi Supawadee , Lersilp Suchitporn , Chakpitak Nopasit
Published: November 2015

As Thailand transitions into an ageing society, greater demands will be placed on healthcare systems. The concept of competency management and learning organization can be beneficial in continually expanding organizational capacity in order to create response. This study aimed to develop a new clinical fieldwork course in the community by utilizing competency-based development and assessment within the learning organization concept. Learning outcomes such as specification of programs, courses and field experience were designed under the competency standards of the Thai Qualifications Framework (TQF) for Higher Education and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT).The household environmental risk management course was developed to support elderly people living in the community. It aligns with the new requirements for clinical fieldwork, which are guided by research and development (teaching, research and service) concepts. Course must provide a proactive approach with the potential to extend the capacity for continual learning, innovation and adaptation. Thus, academics can utilize research findings to improve the process, continually developing the quality and maturity of the organization over time.
Toward Digital Citizenship: Examining Factors Affecting Participation and Involvement in the Internet Society among Higher Education Students
Authors: Al-Zahrani Abdulrahman
Published: November 2015

The current study aims to understand digital citizenship, based on the assumptions of Ribble (2014), by examining factors affecting participation and involvement in the Internet virtual societies among higher education students. A quantitative approach using a survey questionnaire was implemented. The participants were 174 students from the Faculty of Education at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia. The descriptive statistics show that the students generally have good levels of perceived Internet attitude, computer self-efficacy, and digital citizenship, especially in terms of respecting oneself and others online. The factors affecting digital citizenship are computer experience, daily average technology use, students’ attitudes toward the Internet, and computer self-efficacy. Students with higher levels of computer experience are more involved in activities related to educating oneself and connecting with others online compared with students with less experience. Further, students with higher levels of daily average technology use tend to protect themselves and others online more compared with students with lower levels of technology use. Moreover, higher levels of students’ Internet attitude and computer self-efficacy are associated with higher levels of respect for oneself and others, of educating oneself and others, and of total digital citizenship. Based on the current study findings, appropriate recommendations are proposed in terms of policy and practice.
Socio-Economic Factors on Indonesia Education Disparity
Authors: Azzizah Yuni
Published: November 2015

Since 1998, regional governments in Indonesia have had greater autonomy due to the commencement of a reformation movement across Indonesia. Large portions of education management were delegated to the regional governments. Because of this, the education level varies strongly across Indonesia’ provinces. Referring to the data provided by the Indonesian Bureau of Statistics, it is found that Eastern Indonesia generally has a higher rate of uneducated than Western Indonesia. We review the current condition of Indonesian education in terms of regional disparity among eastern and western provinces and study the correlation between inequality in education and other related aspects, such as social and economic conditions. We find that inequality issues on socio-economic conditions are reflected in the education disparity between Eastern and Western Indonesia. By employing panel data with provinces as units of observations, we find that the difference in regional development among Indonesian provinces influences education issues. By evaluating the standard deviation of the statistic we were able to identify socio-economic factors that influence the regional education disparity.
Conceptualizing Mathematics as Discourse in Different Educational Settings
Authors: Güçler Beste , Wang Sasha , Kim Dong-Joong
Published: November 2015

In this work, we focus on a relatively new theory in mathematics education research, which views thinking as communication and characterizes mathematics as a form of discourse. We discuss how this framework can be utilized in different educational settings by giving examples from our own research to highlight the insights it provides in the context of mathematics education. We conclude with the affordances and constraints of the theory for mathematics education research and practice.
The Effects of Attractiveness and Status on Personality Evaluation
Authors: Tartaglia Stefano , Rollero Chiara
Published: November 2015

Research on personality has shown that perceiving a person as attractive fosters positive expectations about his/her personal characteristics. Literature has also demonstrated a significant link between personality traits and occupational achievement. Present research examines the combined effects of attractiveness, occupational status, and gender on the evaluation of others’ personality, according to the Big Five model. The study consisted of a 2 (Attractiveness: High vs. Low) x 2 (occupational Status: High vs. Low) x 2 (Target gender: Male vs. Female) between-subjects experimental design (N = 476). Results showed that attractive targets were considered more positively than unattractive targets, and this effect was even stronger for male targets. Occupational status influenced perceived agreeableness (lower for high-status targets) and perceived conscientiousness (higher for high-status targets).
Human Periodontal Stem Cells Release Specialized Proresolving Mediators and Carry Immunomodulatory and Prohealing Properties Regulated by Lipoxins
Authors: Cianci Eleonora , Recchiuti Antonio , Trubiani Oriana , Diomede Francesca , Marchisio Marco , Miscia Sebastiano , Colas Romain A. , Dalli Jesmond , Serhan Charles N. , Romano Mario
Published: November 2015

Unresolved inflammation and tissue destruction are underlying mechanisms of periodontitis, which is linked to dysregulated polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) functions. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is a specialized proresolving lipid mediator (SPM) that dampens excessive inflammation, promotes resolution, and protects from leukocyte-mediated tissue damage. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) represent key players during tissue regeneration and may contribute to resolution of inflammation; thus, they may represent a promising tool in regenerative dentistry. In the present study, we investigated the actions of hPDLSCs on PMN apoptosis and antimicrobial functions, and determined the impact of LXA4 on hPDLSCs. hPDLSCs significantly reduced apoptosis and stimulated microbicidal activity of human PMNs, via both cell-cell interactions and paracrine mechanisms. Lipid mediator metabololipidomics analysis demonstrated that hPDLSCs biosynthesize SPMs, including resolvin D1, D2, D5, and D6; protectin D1; maresins; and LXB4; as well as prostaglandins D2, E2, and F2α. LXA4 significantly enhanced proliferation, migration, and wound healing capacity of hPDLSCs through the activation of its cognate receptor ALX/FPR2, expressed on hPDLSCs. Together, these results demonstrate that hPDLSCs modulate PMN functions, and provide the first evidence that stem cells generate SPM and that the LXA4-ALX/FPR2 axis regulates regenerative functions of hPDLSCs by a novel receptor-mediated mechanism.

Significance

These findings uncovered unappreciated features of stem cells from the periodontal ligament, supporting the notion that these cells may act as master regulators of pathophysiological events through the release of mediators that promote the resolution of inflammation and bacterial killing. The study also demonstrated that it is possible to modulate important functions of periodontal stem cells using lipoxin A4, a potent endogenous stop signal of inflammation. Thus, this study revealed an unappreciated anti-inflammatory proregenerative circuit that may be exploited to combat periodontal pathologies using resident stem cells. Moreover, the data may represent a more general template to explain the immunomodulatory functions of stem cells.
Challenging Regeneration to Transform Medicine
Authors: Tsukamoto Ann , Abbot Stewart E. , Kadyk Lisa C. , DeWitt Natalie D. , Schaffer David V. , Wertheim Jason A. , Whittlesey Kevin J. , Werner Michael J.
Published: November 2015

The aging population in the U.S. and other developed countries has led to a large increase in the number of patients suffering from degenerative diseases. Transplantation surgery has been a successful therapeutic option for certain patients; however, the availability of suitable donor organs and tissues significantly limits the number of patients who can benefit from this approach. Regenerative medicine has witnessed numerous recent and spectacular advances, making the repair or replacement of dysfunctional organs and tissues an achievable goal. Public-private partnerships and government policies and incentives would further catalyze the development of universally available donor tissues, resulting in broad medical and economic benefits. This article describes a Regenerative Medicine Grand Challenge that the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine recently shared with the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy in response to a White House call to action in scientific disciplines suggesting that the development of “universal donor tissues” should be designated as a Regenerative Medicine Grand Challenge. Such a designation would raise national awareness of the potential of regenerative medicine to address the unmet needs of many diseases and would stimulate the scientific partnerships and investments in technology needed to expedite this goal. Here we outline key policy changes and technological challenges that must be addressed to achieve the promise of a major breakthrough in the treatment of degenerative disease. A nationalized effort and commitment to develop universal donor tissues could realize this goal within 10 years and along the way result in significant innovation in manufacturing technologies.

Significance

Regenerative therapies, in which dysfunctional or degenerating cells, tissues, or organs are repaired or replaced, have the potential to cure chronic degenerative diseases. Such treatments are limited by a shortage of donor organs and tissues and the need for immune suppression to prevent rejection. This article proposes a 21st Century Grand Challenge that would address this significant medical need by coordinating a national effort to convene the multidisciplinary expertise needed to manufacture functional and engraftable cells, tissues, or organs that could be made available to any patient without significant risk of rejection—so-called universal donor tissues.
Bioconcentration Potential Studies of Heavy Metals in Fenneropenaeus penicillatus (Jaira or Red Tail Shrimp) along the Littoral States of Karachi City
Authors: Tuba Kamal  , Muhammad Asad Khan Tanoli  , Majid Mumtaz  , Nida Ali  , Sara Ayub
Published: November 2015

Fenneropenaeus penicillatus (commonly known as Jaira or Red tail shrimp) is one of the commercially important and abundant species in the coastal areas of Pakistan and export to more than 40 countries world wide. It is a good source of nutrients for human diet because of its highly rich composition of protein, calcium and vitamins. The littoral state of Pakistan is facing much environmental issues during the last many years because of increasing pollution and human induced environmental changes which have gradually declined the export of shrimps. Crustacean species are considered as the bio-indicators of toxic materials due to their high affinity to accumulate heavy metals than fishes. The study was undertaken to quantify the heavy metals like copper, zinc, cadmium and lead in the Red tail shrimp. For this purpose biosamples were collected in year 2011 to 2013 from the littoral states of Karachi city, Pakistan. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) technique was used to analyze the Cu and Zn while Graphite Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GAAS) technique was used to quantify the Cd and Pb. Results were compared with the WHO/FAO/FDA values. The concentrations of selected heavy metals were within the normal range in all analyzed samples except for cadmium. Bioconcentration of cadmium was found much higher than the recommended value which is an alarming condition. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to find out the concentration variation of heavy metals in three years research study at p < 0.05. The results suggested that there is no significant effect of year wise variation on accumulation level of heavy metals in F. penicillatus..
P53 Codon 72 and Endometrium Cancer
Authors: F. Gloria-Bottini  , M. Nicotra  , C. Spina  , P.L. Benedetti-Panici  , P. Saccucci  , A. Neri  , A. Magrini  , E. Bottini
Published: November 2015

Background: The possible role p53 codon 72 in endometrium cancer has been investigated in several human populations: a positive association with the Pro variant has been observed in Asiatic but not in Caucasian populations. We reasoned that polymorphisms associated with endometrium cancer may interact with p53 codon 72 influencing the degree of association between this polymorphism and cancer. Methods: Sixty nine women admitted to the hospital for endometrium cancer and 473 healthy subjects were studied in the White population of Rome. Verbal consent was obtained from these subjects to participate to the study that was approved by the Department. P53 codon 72, ADA1, ADA6 and PTPN22 genotypes were determined by DNA analysis Statistical analysis were performed by using commercial software (SPSS). Results: The joint genotype carrying the *Pro allele of p53 codon 72and the ADA1*2 allele, the joint genotype carrying the *Pro allele and ADA6 *1 allele and the joint genotype carrying the *Pro allele and *C/*C genotype of PTPN22 show a proportion greater in cancer than in controls. The proportion of *Pro allele carriers in endometrium cancer shows a positive correlation (p=0.019) with the number of genetic factors considered i.e. ADA1,ADA6, PTPN22. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the strength of association between the disease and p53 codon 72 depends on other genetic factors. Thus the different patterns of association between p53 codon 72 and endometrium cancer observed among human populations could be at least in part related to differences in allelic frequencies of these genetic factors.
Isoreserpine Reverses Multidrug Resistance Mediated by ABCB1
Authors: Yang-Hui Huang  , Sung-Han Hsiao  , Chung-Pu Wu
Published: November 2015

One of the major obstacles to successful cancer chemotherapy is the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) that is associated with the overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) drug transporter ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein/ MDR1). Currently, the most efficient way to overcome ABCB1-mediated MDR in cancer is by direct inhibition of ABCB1 function. Many drugs with known biological activities have been discovered to inhibit the function of ABCB1 and reverse ABCB1-mediated MDR in cancers. However, clinical trial results suggested that many of these clinically active drugs should not be used as ABCB1 modulators due to direct toxicity or undesirable side effects. In this study, we demonstrated that isoreserpine, an indole alkaloid with relatively low toxicity, can significantly inhibit ABCB1-mediated efflux of calcein-AM, a known substrate of ABCB1, in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, we showed that at non-toxic concentrations, isoreserpine potently reversed ABCB1-mediated resistance to doxorubicin and colchicine in ABCB1-overexpressing human KB-V-1 epidermal cancer cells. Collectively, our findings revealed thatby inhibiting the transport function of ABCB1, isoreserpine can restore drug sensitivity of ABCB1-overexpressing cells to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. In conclusion, isoreserpine should be further developed into a promising reversal agent for the treatment of MDR in ABCB1-overexpressing cancers.
EGF-dependent re-routing of vesicular recycling switches spontaneous phosphorylation suppression to EGFR signaling
Authors: Baumdick Martin , Brüggemann Yannick , Schmick Malte , Xouri Georgia , Sabet Ola , Davis Lloyd , Chin Jason W , Bastiaens Philippe IH
Published: November 2015

Autocatalytic activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) coupled to dephosphorylating activity of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) ensures robust yet diverse responses to extracellular stimuli. The inevitable tradeoff of this plasticity is spontaneous receptor activation and spurious signaling. We show that a ligand-mediated switch in EGFR trafficking enables suppression of spontaneous activation while maintaining EGFR’s capacity to transduce extracellular signals. Autocatalytic phosphorylation of tyrosine 845 on unliganded EGFR monomers is suppressed by vesicular recycling through perinuclear areas with high PTP1B activity. Ligand-binding results in phosphorylation of the c-Cbl docking tyrosine and ubiquitination of the receptor. This secondary signal relies on EGF-induced EGFR self-association and switches suppressive recycling to directional trafficking. The re-routing regulates EGFR signaling response by the transit-time to late endosomes where it is switched-off by high PTP1B activity. This ubiquitin-mediated switch in EGFR trafficking is a uniquely suited solution to suppress spontaneous activation while maintaining responsiveness to EGF.
Audio Music Monitoring: Analyzing Current Techniques for Song Recognition and Identification
Authors: Senevirathna E.D. Nishan W. , Jayaratne Lakshman
Published: November 2015

when people are attaching or interesting in something, usually they are trying to interact with it frequently. Music is attached to people since the day of they were born. When music repository grows, people faced lots of challenges such as finding a song quickly, categorizing, organizing and even listening again when they want etc. Because of this, people tend to find electronic solutions. To index music, most of the researchers use content based information retrieval mechanism since content based classification doesn’t need any additional information rather than audio features embedded to it. As well as it is the most suitable way to search music, when user don’t know the meta data attached to it, like author of the song. The most valuable application of this audio recognition is copyright infringement detection. Throughout this survey we will present approaches which were proposed by various researchers to detect, recognize music using content base mechanisms. And finally we will conclude this by analyzing the current status of this era.
TLR4 Asp299Gly (rs4986790) polymorphism and coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Rui , Gu Ning , Gao Ying , Cen Wei
Published: November 2015

Background.Previous studies have shown conflicting results on the association between toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) Asp299Gly (rs4986790) polymorphism and coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphism on CAD risk, CRP level and the number of stenotic coronary arteries, as well as to investigate whether G allele carriers would benefit more from statin treatment.

Methods.PubMed, EMBASE, and CNKI databases were searched until May 2015. All the statistical tests were performed using R version 3.1.2. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the association between TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphism and CAD risk, the number of stenotic vessels, and the incidence of cardiovascular events according to statin-treated patients. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated for the association between Asp299Gly and CRP level.

Results.Overall, 12 case-control studies with 10,258 cases and 5,891 controls were included, and no association of TLR4Asp299Gly polymorphism with CAD was found (G allele vs. A allele: OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.81–1.17],P= 0.75; AA vs. GG + AG: OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.80–1.18],P= 0.76; GG vs. AG + AA: OR = 1.08, 95% CI [0.57–2.02],P= 0.82; AG vs. AA + GG: OR = 1.03, 95% CI [0.85–1.25],P= 0.74). Also, no association was noted between Asp299Gly and CRP level (WMD = −0.10, 95% CI [−0.62, 0.41],P= 0.69). Furthermore, no synergistic effect of statin and 299Gly was reported (Statin_AA vs. Statin_AG/GG: OR = 1.12, 95% CI [0.41–3.09],P= 0.82).

Discussion.This meta-analysis suggests no association of TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphism with CAD and CRP level. It is further indicated that the G allele carriers may not benefit more from statin treatment. Further studies should include large sample size and high-quality literature to understand this issue in depth.
PROVOCAÇÕES GEOGRÁFICAS: A NATUREZA NO PROCESSO DE ALFABETIZAÇÃO
Authors: Souza Marquessuel Dantas de
Published: November 2015

O presente texto apresenta de maneira breve e introdutória uma interpretação filosófica e mitológica, assim entendida, sobre a ideia de Natureza nos estudos geográficos. Com efeito, delineando um olhar outro sobre o mundo, principalmente no processo de alfabetização. Para tanto, quase metafórica e poeticamente a Natureza aparecerá como aquilo indissociável ao homem. Não obstante, constituindo uma espécie de provocação geográfica uma vez que lida com pensamentos audaciosos quando voltado para a ideia de Educação na Geografia. Entrementes, tendo como fio condutor a obra O Círculo e a Espiral, do geógrafo Ruy Moreira.
Evidence for an increase in the ozone photochemical lifetime in the eastern United States using a regional air quality model
Authors: Goldberg Daniel L. , Vinciguerra Timothy P. , Hosley Kyle M. , Loughner Christopher P. , Canty Timothy P. , Salawitch Ross J. , Dickerson Russell R.
Published: November 2015

Measures to control surface ozone rely on quantifying production attributable to local versus regional (upwind) emissions. Here we simulate the relative contribution of local (i.e., within a particular state) and regional sources of surface ozone in the eastern United States (66–94°W longitude) for July 2002, 2011, and 2018 using the Comprehensive Air‐quality Model with Extensions (CAMx). To determine how emissions and chemistry within the domain affect the production, loss, lifetime, and transport of trace gases, we initialize our model with identical boundary conditions in each simulation. We find that the photochemical lifetime of ozone has increased as emissions have decreased. The contribution of ozone from outside the domain (boundary condition ozone, BCO3) to local surface mixing ratios increases in an absolute sense by 1–2 ppbv between 2002 and 2018 due to the longer lifetime of ozone. The photochemical lifetime of ozone lengthens because the two primary gas phase sinks for odd oxygen (Ox ≈ NO2 + O3)—attack by hydroperoxyl radicals (HO2) on ozone and formation of nitrate—weaken with decreasing pollutant emissions. The relative role of BCO3 will also increase. For example, BCO3 represents 34.5%, 38.8%, and 43.6% of surface ozone in the Baltimore, MD, region during July 2002, 2011, and 2018 means, respectively. This unintended consequence of air quality regulation impacts attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for surface ozone because the spatial and temporal scales of photochemical smog increase; the influence of pollutants transported between states and into the eastern U.S. will likely play a greater role in the future.
From nuclear power to coal power: Aerosol‐induced health and radiative effects
Authors: Mielonen Tero , Laakso Anton , Karhunen Anni , Kokkola Harri , Partanen Antti‐Ilari , Korhonen Hannele , Romakkaniemi Sami , Lehtinen Kari E. J.
Published: November 2015

We have investigated what would be the climate and PM‐induced air quality consequences if all nuclear reactors worldwide were closed down and replaced by coal combustion. In a way, this presents a “worst‐case scenario” since less polluting energy sources are available. We studied simultaneously the radiative and health effects of coal power emissions using a global 3‐D aerosol‐climate model (ECHAM‐HAMMOZ). This approach allowed us to estimate the effects of a major global energy production change from low carbon source to a high carbon one using detailed spatially resolved population density information. We included the radiative effects of both CO2 and PM2.5 but limited the study of health effects to PM2.5 only. Our results show that the replacement of nuclear power with coal power would have globally caused an average of 150,000 premature deaths per year during the period 2005–2009 with two thirds of them in Europe. For 37 years the aerosol emissions from the additional coal power plants would cool the climate but after that the accumulating CO2 emissions would accelerate the warming of the climate.
Self‐Assembly of Graphene Oxide on Silicon Substrate via Covalent Interaction: Low Friction and Remarkable Wear‐Resistivity
Authors: Mungse Harshal P. , Tu Yudi , Ichii Takashi , Utsunomiya Toru , Sugimura Hiroyuki , Khatri Om P.
Published: November 2015

Few‐layer graphene oxide (GO) is assembled on the silicon surface by a self‐assembly approach via covalent interaction using 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) as a bifunctional chemical linker. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results suggest chemical interactions between oxygen functionalities of GO and amino group of APTMS thin film. The oxygen functionalities of GO thin film are eliminated by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photon exposure. Topographic images reveal efficient grafting of GO on the silicon and suggest the presence of few layers in the GO thin film along with wrinkles and folds. Microtribological properties of VUV‐reduced GO (rGO) thin film are probed under the mean contact pressure of 0.3–0.6 GPa. The rGO thin film exhibits low and steady friction (0.12–0.15) compared to that of bare silicon (0.6). The rGO thin film could survive for ≈37 000 laps at 100 mN load, revealing its remarkable wear‐resistivity. Microscopic images and carbon mapping reveal the deposition of delaminated graphene lamellae on the counter steel ball surface. The low friction and excellent wear‐resistivity of rGO thin film are collectively attributed to low‐resistance to shear between the neighboring lamellae of rGO, full coverage and strong interaction of rGO thin film with silicon, and deposition of delaminated graphene lamellae on the counter steel surface.
Comparative analysis of mamushi (Gloydius blomhoffii) bite patients indicates that creatinine kinase levels/white blood cell count trends reflect severity
Authors: Okamoto Osamu , Sato Seiichi , Sakai Takashi , Uehara Miyuki , Takenaka Ryuichi , Ito Akiko , Shono Tomoko , Takeo Naoko , Ishikawa Kazushi , Shimizu Fumiaki , Shimada Hiromitsu , Hatano Yutaka , Fujiwara Sakuhei , Hashimoto Hiroyuki
Published: November 2015

Aim

There has been no indicator that allows an early quantitative evaluation of the severity of a mamushi snake (Gloydius blomhoffii) bite. Because the number of severe mamushi bite cases is much fewer than non‐severe cases, a formal case–control study is difficult. Therefore, we tried to generate a preliminary quantitative, real‐time index for its severity by referring to published reports of severe mamushi bite cases.

Methods

We enrolled patients who presented with a mamushi bite and visited our outpatient clinic. Severe cases were collected from published works. Creatinine kinase levels and white blood cell counts of non‐severe and severe cases were compared and analyzed.

Results

There was a lag time of 10 h before the creatinine kinase level began to rise. The speed of the increase was higher in severe cases than in non‐severe cases, and severe cases were recognized as those showing speeds of above 250 IU/L/h. White blood cell counts increased earlier than creatinine kinase levels without any lag time. Severe cases were recognized as those with the counts of over 1,000 × (h) + 6,000 [/μL] before 5 h and 300 × (h) + 10,000 [/μL] after 5 h.

Conclusion

We herein present the creatinine kinase level and white blood cell count trends and demonstrate preliminary cut‐off equations. The trends for both parameters serve as quantitative indicators of the severity of a mamushi bite until a large scale case–control study is achieved.
Activation of Electron‐Deficient Quinones through Hydrogen‐Bond‐Donor‐Coupled Electron Transfer
Authors: Turek Amanda K. , Hardee David J. , Ullman Andrew M. , Nocera Daniel G. , Jacobsen Eric N.
Published: November 2015

Quinones are important organic oxidants in a variety of synthetic and biological contexts, and they are susceptible to activation towards electron transfer through hydrogen bonding. Whereas this effect of hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) has been observed for Lewis basic, weakly oxidizing quinones, comparable activation is not readily achieved when more reactive and synthetically useful electron‐deficient quinones are used. We have successfully employed HBD‐coupled electron transfer as a strategy to activate electron‐deficient quinones. A systematic investigation of HBDs has led to the discovery that certain dicationic HBDs have an exceptionally large effect on the rate and thermodynamics of electron transfer. We further demonstrate that these HBDs can be used as catalysts in a quinone‐mediated model synthetic transformation.
Stabilization and Transfer of the Transient [Mes*P4]− Butterfly Anion Using BPh3
Authors: Borger Jaap E. , Ehlers Andreas W. , Lutz Martin , Slootweg J. Chris , Lammertsma Koop
Published: November 2015

The transient bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphabutane anion, generated from white phosphorus (P4) and Mes*Li (Mes*=2,4,6‐tBu3C6H2), can be trapped by BPh3 in THF. This Lewis acid stabilized anion can be used as an [RP4]− transfer agent, reacting cleanly with neutral Lewis acids (B(C6F5)3, BH3, and W(CO)5) to afford unique singly and doubly coordinated butterfly anions, and with the trityl cation to form a neutral, nonsymmetrical, all‐carbon‐substituted P4 derivative. This reaction path enables a simple, stepwise functionalization of white phosphorus.