bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large‐scale teleconnection patterns of Indian summer monsoon as revealed by CFSv2 retrospective seasonal forecast runs
Authors: Chattopadhyay Rajib , Rao Suryachandra A. , Sabeerali C. T. , George Gibies , Rao D. Nagarjuna , Dhakate Ashish , Salunke Kiran 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThe seasonal prediction skill [defined as the linear correlation (cc) between the observed and forecasted rainfall] of the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) is evaluated in the Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) model, at different lead times on the basis of its representation of large scale tropical teleconnection. Surprisingly, the model exhibits reasonable skill at a longer lead time (e.g. forecasts initialized with February initial conditions, Feb IC run, cc > 0.5) that is reasonably better when compared with that with forecast initialized at shorter lead time [April/May IC (Apr/May IC) runs, cc < 0.5]. Although the prediction skill of ISMR improves as lead time increases, the ENSO forecast skill improves as lead time decreases. Probable reasons for these counter‐intuitive findings are investigated in this study.The model shows unrealistic teleconnection of ISMR with Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and is unable to represent the large scale rainfall pattern over the Indian land region. The Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation (EQUINOO) shows unrealistic teleconnection with ISMR as well as equatorial Pacific from all the initial condition runs. Unrealistic EQUINOO and the IOD teleconnection suggest that the air–sea interaction in the Indian Ocean requires to be improved in the model. The relationship between El Nino‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and monsoon in CFSv2 is realistic in terms of spatial pattern though it is somewhat stronger than that in observations.The equatorial central Pacific sea surface temperature and rainfall show very strong cold and dry biases respectively, and these biases enhance from the Feb IC run to the May IC run. It is found that these biases are due to strong unrealistic coupled feedback in this region. As a result, the associated ENSO–monsoon teleconnection pattern shifts westward with decreasing lead time, resulting in unrealistic patterns as compared with observations, and causing a loss of prediction skill at shorter lead times.
Impact of cyclonic and anticyclonic activity on Greenland ice sheet surface mass balance variation during 1980–2013
Authors: Chen Linling , Fettweis Xavier , Knudsen Erlend M. , Johannessen Ola M. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThe Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) has experienced dramatic ice loss during recent decades, but the drivers of the surface mass balance (SMB) variation remain unclear. From a dynamical perspective, extratropical cyclones and anticyclones are the major systems influencing Greenland weather conditions. Seasonal cyclonic and anticyclonic activities have been quantified for the area of 50°–90°N, 80°W–10°E during 1980–2013. Based on a singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis, we investigated the role of synoptic scale cyclonic and anticyclonic activities in determining snow accumulation (SA) and surface air temperature (SAT). Thus, the SA‐driven and melt‐driven SMB variability has been determined. SA‐related synoptic patterns identified from the leading and the second SVD modes explain up to 80% of the inter‐annual SMB variance, especially in southern and northwestern Greenland, where we found the largest and second largest amount of annual SA. SAT‐related patterns account for up to 80% of the inter‐annual SMB variation along the west and northwest coast of Greenland, where significant surface mass loss has been observed over the last decades. It should be noted that the negative phase of the SA‐related pattern derived from the first SVD mode in June‐July‐August and the positive phase of the SAT‐related (anti)cyclonic patterns have occurred more frequently since 2005, meaning that the phase change of these patterns has made a major contribution to the accelerated GrIS surface ice loss during recent years.
Begehrter Neutronenfänger
Authors: Osterath Brigitte 
Published: December 2015

AbstractHelium ist selten und wertvoll — das gilt ganz besonders für das Isotop Helium‐3. In der Wissenschaft ist es zunehmend gefragt, und die Preise schießen in die Höhe. Ein Grund für seinen Mangel: Es gibt weniger Atomwaffen als noch vor ein paar Jahrzehnten.
Agency in Institutional Reform: Creating the Ethiopia Commodities Exchange
Authors: Brinkerhoff Jennifer M. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe role of agents and agency in institutional reform literature has largely been underplayed and decontextualized, even being described as a “black box.” Despite calls for linking individual agency with organizational and societal analysis, the specific contours of agency remain under‐theorized. This paper presents and illustrates a framework for institutional entrepreneurism, outlining the essential role and specific actions institutional entrepreneurs can contribute to introducing, promoting, and crystallizing institutional reforms. The framework identifies how institutional entrepreneurial actions shift in their targets and responses as the resource needs change in different stages of the reform process. Using the example of establishing the Ethiopia Commodities Exchange (ECX), I illustrate each stage of institutional entrepreneurial action. The ECX experience illustrates institutional entrepreneurs as networked, political actors, who announce institutional reforms through cultural efforts that make it as easy as possible for stakeholders to comply with proposed reforms. The who and the how of agency may shift through the stages of institutional reform. The ECX experience confirms that institutional reform is political and requires engaging with both macro‐level and micro‐level politics and power. The paper closes with implications for policy and practice. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Governance Reform: Getting the Fit Right
Authors: Levy Brian 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThis article builds on recent literature on political settlements and new institutional economics to suggest a “good‐fit” alternative to the “best practices” approaches that until recently have dominated efforts at governance reform. It introduces a typology for distinguishing systematically among different groups of countries and maps the typology to four alternative approaches to governance reform. The article then offers a set of “good‐fit” hypotheses as to the conditions under which each of the approaches is likely to be effective. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of Pressure Waves Generation in Gun Combustion Chambers During the Propellant Ignition Process
Authors: Jenaro Guillermo , Oton‐Martinez Ramon A. , Moratilla Domingo , Ramirez F. Javier 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAt certain conditions, propelling charges for artillery – either because of their low heat of combustion, a low vulnerability, or due to other reasons – require relatively high initiation thresholds. This phenomenon, combined with large gun chambers, high initial charge densities of materials with granular geometry and low porosity powder beds, give rise to delays and irregularities in the initiation times at various points of the propelling charges. These irregular behaviors or failures in the initiation cause pressure waves within the chambers of the weapons. This paper focuses on experimental studies and tests carried out on the processes taking place in the initiation of propelling charges, which can lead to pressure waves in the bore of howitzers and cannons. Pressure waves during initiation are considered to be particularly dangerous to the safety of users and weapons. The behavior of the initiator systems, the flame volume and its distribution throughout the length of the bore are analysed by means of pressure‐time diagrams, obtained from experimental shooting. The data are processed using the standard Fourier transform and the “discrete wavelet transform”, by means of the Daubechies functions. This allows to identify when these events occur during shooting and to determine some of the causes in order to achieve virtual elimination of the pressure waves.
Ignition Characteristics of Micro‐Energy Semiconductor Bridges with Different Ignition Compositions
Authors: Yan Nan , Bao Bingliang , Zheng Fei , Li Chaozhen 
Published: December 2015

AbstractExperimental research was carried out under the stimulation of 10 μF tantalum capacitor discharge, to obtain the ignition characteristics of micro‐energy semiconductor bridges (SCB) with different ignition compositions. Meanwhile, the critical ignition voltages of different pyrotechnics were tested by the Neyer‐D optimal sensitivity test method. The results reveal that SCBs with multiple ignition compositions are entirely different in ignition voltage and current signal. These five kinds of pyrotechnics in ascending order of firing sensitivity are: refined lead styphnate, neutral lead styphnate, basic lead styphnate, zirconium/potassium chlorate, and lastly lead azide, while lead ferrocyanide/potassium perchlorate and boron/potassium nitrate are relatively insensitive to SCB.
NMR characterization of a 72 kDa transcription factor using differential isotopic labeling
Authors: Mukherjee Sulakshana P. , Borin Brendan , Quintas Pedro O. , Dyson H. Jane 
Published: December 2015

AbstractNF‐κB is a major transcription factor that mediates a number of cellular signaling pathways. Crystal structure analysis gives an incomplete picture of the behavior of the protein, particularly in the free state; free monomers or dimers of NF‐κB have never been crystallized. NMR analysis gives insights into the structure and dynamics of the protein in solution, but a necessary first step is the assignment of resonances. The size of the heterodimer of the Rel homology regions of the NF‐κB monomers p65 and p50 (72 kDa) prohibits the straightforward use of triple‐resonance spectroscopy to obtain the assignments. However, the dynamic nature of the free heterodimer, in particular the independence of the DNA‐binding and dimerization domains of each monomer, allows the assignments made on differentially labeled smaller domains to be mapped successfully onto the spectrum of the larger full‐length RHR. Problematic areas such as the p65 nuclear localization sequence, which is disordered in the free protein, can be approached by residue‐specific labeling and comparison with previously‐published spectra of a short peptide with the same sequence. Overall, this NMR analysis of NF‐κB has given valuable insights into the highly dynamic nature of the free state, which is likely to play an important role in the functional cycle of NF‐κB in the cell.
Studying polyglutamine aggregation in Caenorhabditis elegans using an analytical ultracentrifuge equipped with fluorescence detection
Authors: Kokona Bashkim , May Carrie A. , Cunningham Nicole R. , Richmond Lynn , Jay Garcia F. , Durante Julia C. , Ulrich Kathleen M. , Roberts Christine M. , Link Christopher D. , Stafford Walter F. , Laue Thomas M. , Fairman Robert 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis work explores the heterogeneity of aggregation of polyglutamine fusion constructs in crude extracts of transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans animals. The work takes advantage of the recent technical advances in fluorescence detection for the analytical ultracentrifuge. Further, new sedimentation velocity methods, such as the multi‐speed method for data capture and wide distribution analysis for data analysis, are applied to improve the resolution of the measures of heterogeneity over a wide range of sizes. The focus here is to test the ability to measure sedimentation of polyglutamine aggregates in complex mixtures as a prelude to future studies that will explore the effects of genetic manipulation and environment on aggregation and toxicity. Using sedimentation velocity methods, we can detect a wide range of aggregates, ranging from robust analysis of the monomer species through an intermediate and quite heterogeneous population of oligomeric species, and all the way up to detecting species that likely represent intact inclusion bodies based on comparison to an analysis of fluorescent puncta in living worms by confocal microscopy. Our results support the hypothesis that misfolding of expanded polyglutamine tracts into insoluble aggregates involves transitions through a number of stable intermediate structures, a model that accounts for how an aggregation pathway can lead to intermediates that can have varying toxic or protective attributes. An understanding of the details of intermediate and large‐scale aggregation for polyglutamine sequences, as found in neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's Disease, will help to more precisely identify which aggregated species may be involved in toxicity and disease.
Analog sensitive chemical inhibition of the DEAD‐box protein DDX3
Authors: Floor Stephen N. , Barkovich Krister J. , Condon Kendall J. , Shokat Kevan M. , Doudna Jennifer A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractProper maintenance of RNA structure and dynamics is essential to maintain cellular health. Multiple families of RNA chaperones exist in cells to modulate RNA structure, RNA–protein complexes, and RNA granules. The largest of these families is the DEAD‐box proteins, named after their catalytic Asp‐Glu‐Ala‐Asp motif. The human DEAD‐box protein DDX3 is implicated in diverse biological processes including translation initiation and is mutated in numerous cancers. Like many DEAD‐box proteins, DDX3 is essential to cellular health and exhibits dosage sensitivity, such that both decreases and increases in protein levels can be lethal. Therefore, chemical inhibition would be an ideal tool to probe the function of DDX3. However, most DEAD‐box protein active sites are extremely similar, complicating the design of specific inhibitors. Here, we show that a chemical genetic approach best characterized in protein kinases, known as analog‐sensitive chemical inhibition, is viable for DDX3 and possibly other DEAD‐box proteins. We present an expanded active‐site mutant that is tolerated in vitro and in vivo, and is sensitive to chemical inhibition by a novel bulky inhibitor. Our results highlight a course towards analog sensitive chemical inhibition of DDX3 and potentially the entire DEAD‐box protein family.
Photoluminescence from exciton‐electron inelastic scattering in a GaAs/AlAs multiple‐quantum‐well structure
Authors: Nakanishi Saeka , Furukawa Yoshiaki , Nakayama Masaaki 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe have investigated the characteristics of photoluminescence (PL) from exciton‐electron inelastic scattering in a GaAs (5.1 nm)/AlAs (5.1 nm) multiple‐quantum‐well structure. The excitation power dependence of PL spectra was measured in a wide temperature region from 10 to 285 K. We detected a PL band which appears with a threshold‐like nature at each temperature. In a low temperature region below ∼80 K, the energy spacing between the threshold‐like appearance PL band and heavy‐hole exciton almost agrees with the exciton binding energy. This indicates that the PL band originates from well‐known exciton‐exciton inelastic scattering. In contrast, in a high temperature region above ∼90 K, the energy spacing continuously increases with an increase in temperature. The temperature dependence of the energy spacing is explained by a theoretical model for exciton‐electron inelastic scattering considering energy and momentum conservation in the scattering process. Thus, it is concluded that the mechanism of the threshold‐like appearance PL band related to exciton inelastic scattering changes with temperature. In addition, we confirmed that the exciton‐electron inelastic scattering produces an optical gain using a variable stripe length method for PL measurements. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Acute exacerbation of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema associated with Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome
Authors: Sugino Keishi , Gocho Kyoko , Kikuchi Naoshi , Shibuya Kazutoshi , Uekusa Toshimasa , Homma Sakae 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA 30‐year‐old male smoker with congenital amblyopia and oculocutaneous albinism was admitted to our hospital complaining of progressive dyspnea on exertion. Chest computed tomography images revealed diffuse reticular opacities and honeycombing in the bilateral lower lobes with sparing of the subpleural region along with emphysema predominantly in the upper lobes. Lung biopsy specimens showed a mixture of usual interstitial pneumonia and a non‐specific interstitial pneumonia pattern with emphysema. Of note, cuboidal epithelial cells with foamy cytoplasm on the alveolar walls and phagocytic macrophages with ceroid pigments in the fibrotic lesions were observed. The patient was diagnosed with Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS) associated with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE). Six years following the patient's initial admission to our hospital, he died from acute exacerbation (AE) of CPFE associated with HPS. This is one of only few reports available on the clinicopathological characteristics of AE in CPFE associated with HPS.
A shuttle vector series for precise genetic engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Gnügge Robert , Liphardt Thomas , Rudolf Fabian 
Published: December 2015

AbstractShuttle vectors allow for an efficient transfer of recombinant DNA into yeast cells and are widely used in fundamental research and biotechnology. While available shuttle vectors are applicable in many experimental settings, their use in quantitative biology is hampered by insufficient copy number control. Moreover, they often have practical constraints, such as limited modularity and few unique restriction sites. We constructed the pRG shuttle vector series, consisting of single‐ and multi‐copy integrative, centromeric and episomal plasmids with marker genes for the selection in all commonly used auxotrophic yeast strains. The vectors feature a modular design and a large number of unique restriction sites, enabling an efficient exchange of every vector part and expansion of the series. Integration into the host genome is achieved using a double‐crossover recombination mechanism, resulting in stable single‐ and multi‐copy modifications. As centromeric and episomal plasmids give rise to a heterogeneous cell population, an analysis of their copy number distribution and loss behaviour was performed. Overall, the shuttle vector series supports the efficient cloning of genes and their maintenance in yeast cells with improved copy number control. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cloning and evaluation of different constitutive promoters in the oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides
Authors: Wang Yanan , Lin Xinping , Zhang Sufang , Sun Wenyi , Ma Sijia , Zhao Zongbao Kent 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides is an unconventional yeast species that can accumulate a high content of lipids. Because it belongs to the basidiomycetous group of fungus, limited tools and functional elements are available for genetic engineering of R. toruloides and related red yeasts. Here we report the functional evaluation of five constitutive promoters from this yeast. We assembled a reporter gene expression cassette, consisting of a promoter, the hygromycin gene (HYG) and the nos terminator, and inserted it into the binary vector pZPK. Hygromycin‐resistant transformants were obtained when R. toruloides cells were co‐cultured with Agrobacterium tumefaciens AGL1 cells harbouring the engineered vector. Genomic integration of the reporter cassette was verified by successful amplification of target DNA fragments. Quantitative PCR analysis suggested that the transformant had only one copy of the reporter cassette. The strength of these promoters was demonstrated at the phenotypic level on the hygromycin‐gradient plate and at the transcriptional level by real‐time quantitative PCR. It was found that the strengths of these promoters varied no more than five‐fold and followed a decreasing sequence of PPGI, PPGK, PFBA, PTPI, and PGPD. This study established new genetic elements for the construction of superior R. toruloides strains to produce advanced biofuels and related chemicals. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nurses at Risk
Authors: Rogers Rosemary , Salvage Jane , Cowell Roger 
Published: December 2015

How safe are nurses while caring for others? What risks to their own health does the caring role impose?
This timely edition of the essential handbook on occupational health for nurses takes into account the changes in health service policy, in health and safety law and in employers' rights that have occurred over the last decade. It will be indispensable for NHS safety representatives and union stewards, indeed for all nurses, midwives and health visitors in practice, management or education.
Correlated responses in death-feigning behavior, activity, and brain biogenic amine expression in red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum strains selected for walking distance
Authors: Matsumura Kentarou , Sasaki Ken , Miyatake Takahisa 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Dispersal ability may influence antipredator and mating strategies. A previous study showed a trade-off between predation avoidance and mating success in strains of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum selected for walking distance
. Specifically, beetles derived from strains selected for longer walking distance suffered higher predation pressure and had higher male mating success than their counterparts derived from strains selected for shorter walking distance. In the study reported here, we compared the locomotor activity, biogenic amine expression in the brain, and death-feigning behavior of the red flour beetle strains selected for walking distance. The results indicated that individuals genetically predisposed to longer walking distance had higher locomotor activity and lower intensity of death-feigning behavior than those genetically predisposed to shorter walking distance. However, no significant differences were found in the expression of biogenic amines in the brain among strains selected for walking distance, although the level of dopamine in the brain differed from that of the strains divergently selected for duration of death-feigning behavior. The relationships between walking speed, activity, death-feigning behavior, and brain biogenic amines in T. castaneum are discussed.
On the 209Po half-life error and its confirmation: an answer to the critique
Authors: Pommé Stefaan , Benedik Ljudmila 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Pommé et al. published a paper claiming that the 209Po half-life is 20 % higher than the erroneous value of 102 (5) a used for 50 years. Collé and Collé published a critique saying that ‘this claim cannot withstand critical scrutiny’. In this work, counterarguments are presented to the critique. The experiment has been continued and a new intermediate half-life value of 122.7 (27) a was obtained. A brief review is made of the 209Po half-life value by Collé et al. and a recommended value of 122.9 (23) a is derived from both experiments.