bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a surface energy balance method based on optical and thermal satellite imagery to estimate root‐zone soil moisture
Authors: Alburn Nathan E. , Niemann Jeffrey D. , Elhaddad Aymn 
Published: June 2015

AbstractVarious remote‐sensing methods are available to estimate soil moisture, but few address the fine spatial resolutions (e.g. 30‐m grid cells) and root‐zone depth requirements of agricultural and other similar applications. One approach that has been previously proposed to estimate fine‐resolution soil moisture is to first estimate the evaporative fraction from an energy balance that is inferred from optical and thermal remote‐sensing images [e.g. using the Remote Sensing of Evapotranspiration (ReSET) algorithm] and then estimate soil moisture through an empirical relationship to evaporative fraction. A similar approach has also been proposed to estimate the degree of saturation. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate these methods for estimating soil moisture and degree of saturation, particularly for a semi‐arid grassland with relatively dry conditions. Soil moisture was monitored at 28 field locations in south‐eastern Colorado with herbaceous vegetation during the summer months of 3 years. In situ soil moisture and degree of saturation observations are compared with estimates calculated from Landsat imagery using the ReSET algorithm. The in situ observations suggest that the empirical relationships with evaporative fraction that have been proposed in previous studies typically provide overestimates of soil moisture and degree of saturation in this region. However, calibrated functions produce estimates with an accuracy that may be adequate for various applications. The estimates produced by this approach are more reliable for degree of saturation than for soil moisture, and the method is more successful at identifying temporal variability than spatial variability in degree of saturation for this region. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atomic force microscopy and cells: Indentation profiles around the AFM tip, cell shape changes, and other examples of experimental factors affecting modeling
Authors: Melzak Kathryn A. , Toca‐Herrera José L. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTWe use atomic force microscopy in conjunction with a fluorescence microscope capable of optical sectioning to acquire images of white blood cells while force is applied with the AFM tip. The indentation profile within the cell is compared to the profile of the AFM tip: examples are shown for indentations at the center of the cell which are reasonable matches to the tip profile, and an additional example is shown for an indentation that is on the tilted side of a highly rounded cell and that differs from the tip shape. We also demonstrate that the AFM tip can interact with internal cell structures, we show that the contact area between the cell and the substrate can increase under applied pressure, that the main body of the cell can fuse with the extended lamellipodium, and that the cell can be displaced laterally by the AFM tip. The features illustrated here are relevant to the interpretation of indentation experiments that measure cell elasticity properties, as is discussed briefly. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:626–632, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in extreme precipitation over Spain using statistical downscaling of CMIP5 projections
Authors: Monjo Robert , Gaitán Emma , Pórtoles Javier , Ribalaygua Jaime , Torres Luis 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTThe Mediterranean coast of Spain often experiences intense rainfall, sometimes reaching remarkable amounts of more than 400 mm in one day. The aim of this work is to study possible changes of extreme precipitation in Spain for this century, simulated from several Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) climate models. Eighteen climate projections (nine models under RCP4.5 and nine RCP8.5 scenarios) were downscaled using a two‐step analogue/regression statistical method. We have selected 144 rain gauges as the rainiest of a network by using a threshold of 250 mm in one day for a return period of 100 years. Observed time‐series have been extended using the ERA40 reanalysis and have subsequently been used to correct the climate projections according to a parametric quantile–quantile method. Five theoretical distributions (Gamma, Weibull, Classical Gumbel, Reversed Gumbel and Log‐logistic) have been used to fit the empirical cumulative functions (entire curves, not only the upper tail) and to estimate the expected precipitation according to several return periods: 10, 20, 50 and 100 years. Results in the projected changes for 2051–2100 compared to 1951–2000 are similar (in terms of sign and value) for the four return periods. The analysed climate projections show that changes in extreme rainfall patterns will be generally less than the natural variability. However, possible changes are detected in some regions: decreases are expected in a few kilometres inland, but with a possible increase in the coastline of southern Valencia and northern Alicante, where the most extreme rainfall was recorded. These results should be interpreted with caution because of the limited number of climate projections; anyway, this work shows that the developed methodology is useful for studying extreme rainfall under several climate scenarios.
An analysis of teleconnections in the Mediterranean region using RegCM4
Authors: Ciarlo` James M. , Aquilina Noel J. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTAtmospheric teleconnections have an important influence on the variability of the Mediterranean climate. This region has a unique and sensitive climate due to its complex topography and atmospheric circulation, thus making it challenging in climate simulations. This article focuses on the representation of five teleconnections in and around the Mediterranean region and how they affect one another and the region.The Regional Climate Model, RegCM4, has been used to simulate the climate from 1969 to 1999 for a domain covering the Mediterranean and the surrounding region. A generalized method for calculating the indices for these patterns was identified and the corresponding indices were constructed from the modelled data and compared with reanalysis data. The modelled data was found to be highly correlated with the 20th Century Reanalysis data and the probability density functions (PDFs) were very similar to the reanalysis data, showing that the teleconnections were successfully represented within the model.Maps of the influence of these teleconnections on temperature, precipitation and wind were also comparable to the reanalysis data, thereby suggesting that model data can be used for future projections of teleconnections and their effects on these parameters. With the use of this high‐resolution data, inter‐pattern relationships suggested in previous studies (such as that between the Mediterranean Oscillation and North sea‐Caspian Pattern) became more evident. This article also shows how the influence of teleconnections on winds affects the circulation and hence the temperature and precipitation of the region.
Optimised extraction ofβ‐carotene fromSpirulina platensisand hypoglycaemic effect in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice
Authors: Ma Qiu‐Yue , Fang Ming , Zheng Jia‐Hui , Ren Di‐Feng , Lu Jun 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDSpirulina platensisis rich inβ‐carotene, which possesses many important biological activities. This study investigated the ultrasound‐assisted extraction and purification ofβ‐carotene fromSpirulina platensisby using response surface methodology (RSM), determined its antioxidant capacityin vitroand explored its hypoglycaemic effect in diabetic mice.RESULTSThe rawβ‐carotene extract with a concentration of 1942.14 ± 10.03 µgmL−1was obtained at the optimised condition byRSM(0.40 of the solid–liquid ratio, 51% of the extraction power, and 17 min of the extraction time), and the purity of evaporatedβ‐carotene extract reached 816.32 ± 10.57 mg g−1after purified by aNKA‐9 resin with a sampling and elution rate of 1mLmin−1. Theβ‐carotene extract scavenged 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl free radicals with the highest ratios of 44 ± 0.26% and 35 ± 0.45% respectively, and exhibited strong inhibiting capacity on anti‐lipid peroxidation. The blood glucose level of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice was significantly reduced from 15.81 ± 1.71 mmol L−1to 8.10 ± 0.88 mmol L−1after 10 d administration of theβ‐carotene extract [100 mg kg−1body weight (BW)], and the increased food and water intakes in the diabetic mice were also significantly relieved afterβ‐carotene treatment.CONCLUSIONOur results suggested that extraction ofβ‐carotene fromSpirulina platensishad potential prospects in scaled‐up industrialisation and healthcare applications. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Acrylic Diblock Copolymers/Clay Nanocomposites Via In Situ Nitroxide Mediated Polymerization
Authors: Cherifi Nabila , BenAboura Ahmed , Save Maud , Billon Laurent 
Published: June 2015

The first nitroxide‐mediated polymerization of butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate and/or styrene diblock copolymers‐based nanoclay composites is reported. Polybutyl acrylate (PBA) macroinitiators synthesized in the presence of raw and modified clays are used for chain extension. All materials are characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, size exclusion chromatography, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. The obtained proton nuclear magnetic resonance and size exclusion chromatography results show that all syntheses are carried out in controlled manner. X‐ray diffraction analysis of hybrid materials reveals the formation of different structures varying between exfoliated and disordered ones. These structures depend on nanoclay distribution in different (co)polymer matrix and probable polymer/nanoclay interactions. All PBA composites and hybrid diblock materials register the enhanced thermal stability and show two glass transition temperature Tg values corresponding to the two diblock acrylic macromolecular features.
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A Polymeric Bowl for Multi‐Agent Delivery
Authors: Hyun Dong Choon 
Published: June 2015

This paper describes a simple system for multi‐agent delivery. The system consists of a biodegradable polymer particle with a hollow interior, together with a hole on its surface that can be completely or partially sealed via thermal annealing. A hydrophobic dye, Nile‐red, entrapped within the shell of hollow particles presents a sustained release behavior while methylene blue, a hydrophilic model agent, encapsulated in the hollow interior shows a fast release manner. The release profiles of the probes can be further independently controlled by encapsulating methylene blue‐loaded polymer nanoparticles, instead of free dye, in the hollow particle with a small hole on its surface.
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Deficiency of monoclonal non‐specific suppressor factor beta (MNSFB) promotes pregnancy loss in mice
Authors: Gu Yan , He Yaping , Zhang Xuan , Shi Yan , Yang Qian , Yu Lin , Sun Zhaogui , Zhang Huiqing , Wang Jianmei , Gao Xiang , Wang Jian 
Published: June 2015

SUMMARYMaternal immune tolerance to the semi‐allogenic fetus is required for successful pregnancy in mammals. Monoclonal nonspecific suppressor factor beta (MNSFB) is an immunosuppressive factor present in uterine epithelial and stromal cells, as well as in macrophages and T cells. Although the functional neutralization of MNSFB using specific antibodies against it lead to failed embryo implantation in mice, the exact role of MNSFB at the fetal–maternal interface remains unclear. The present study generated conditional heterozygous Mnsfb‐deficient (Mnsfb+/−) mice using the LoxP/Cre system. Western‐blot analyses showed that uterine MNSFB protein in Mnsfb+/− mice was remarkably down‐regulated compared to that in the wild‐type (Mnsfb+/+) mice. The litter size of female Mnsfb+/− mice was significantly reduced, which corresponded to developmental failure of embryos beyond Day 11 of pregnancy. The expression level of MNSFB protein was also lower in the failing compared to the normal embryos. An aberrant interaction between the embryos of Day‐4 pregnant wild‐type mice and endometrial stromal cells of female Mnsfb+/− mice was observed in vitro. The uterine Day‐5 abundance of P53, BAX, and BCL‐G in pregnant Mnsfb+/− mice was significantly decreased compared to that of wild‐type mice, whereas the expression of P27 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFA) was elevated. By comparison, the levels of MNSFB and BAX proteins in human decidual tissues obtained from recurrent spontaneous miscarriage patients were significantly reduced compared to those obtained from legal medial abortion, highlighting the involvement of MNSFB in the pathogenesis of recurrent spontaneous miscarriage. Together, these results demonstrated that a deficiency in MNSFb is associated with pregnancy loss, probably through reduced P53 and/or increased TNFA production at the fetal–maternal interface. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 475–488, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Model predictive control of blood sugar in patients with type‐1 diabetes
Authors: Abedini Najafabadi Hamed , Shahrokhi Mohammad 
Published: June 2015

SummaryIn this article, two adaptive model predictive controllers (AMPC) are applied to regulate the blood glucose in type 1 diabetic patients. The first controller is constructed based on a linear model, while the second one is designed by using a nonlinear Hammerstein model. The adaptive version of these control schemes is considered to make them more robust against model mismatches and external disturbances. The least squares method with forgetting factor is used to update the model parameters. For simulation study, two well‐known mathematical models namely, Puckett and Hovorka which describe the dynamical behavior of patient's body have been selected. The performances and robustness of the proposed controllers are tested for regulating the blood glucose of diabetic patients in presences of model mismatches and measurement noises. Simulation results indicate that the non‐linear model predictive controller (NMPC) outperforms the linear one. To improve the performance of the NMPC in rejecting the meal disturbances, two different feedforward control strategies have been considered. Simulation results indicate that the combined adaptive NMPC with feedforward controller has a better performance over the other considered control schemes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“In rape cases we can use this pill”: A multimethods assessment of emergency contraception knowledge, access, and needs on the Thailand − Burma border
Authors: Hobstetter Margaret , Sietstra Cari , Walsh Meredith , Leigh Jennifer , Foster Angel M. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate availability, service delivery, and barriers to access to emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) along the Thailand–Burma border.MethodsFrom June 2010 to May 2011 we undertook a multimethods qualitative assessment among cross‐border populations, migrants, and refugees. We conducted 46 key informant interviews with representatives from 25 organizations, 18 focus group discussions with migrant adults, migrant adolescents, and healthcare workers, and a service mapping exercise with 22 stakeholders.ResultsWe found low use of ECPs among the target populations. Structural barriers and lack of evidence‐based reproductive health protocols, education, and information restrict access to the limited family planning resources available in this region. Misinformation about ECPs was widespread among health workers and organizational policies were often non‐evidence based.ConclusionPotential policy and program interventions to improve access to ECPs along the Thailand–Burma border include integrating evidence‐based practices into community efforts, expanding training opportunities for health workers, and improving communication and coordination among organizations serving populations on both sides of the border.
Soil thermal regime after fuel spill cleanup response in a continuous permafrost zone
Authors: Barnes David L. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTReleases of diesel fuel in the Arctic tundra are a common occurrence. Response to such releases in this region typically involves excavating the contaminated soil and backfilling the excavation with clean material. Owing to the lack of clean stockpiled native soils, coarse-grained soil (aggregate) used for the construction of roads and foundation pads may be the only backfill material available. Backfilling the excavated zone with soil that has different characteristics than the surrounding native soil, combined with the removal of natural vegetation, may drastically change the maximum thaw depth reached during the thawing season, altering the underlying permafrost condition. At the extreme, such measures in areas of ground ice can result in the creation of thermokarsting. We measured maximum thaw depths in aggregate backfill at a diesel spill site located in northwestern Alaska. Using an analytic solution, we investigated the reduction in maximum thaw depth by placing a relatively thin layer (0.5 m) of fine-grained native soil over the aggregate backfill. Such a practice reduces the maximum thaw depth by as much as 1.4 m over backfilling with aggregate only.
Communities of practice in the management of an Arctic environment: monitoring knowledge as complementary to scientific knowledge and the precautionary principle?
Authors: Nyseth Torill , Viken Arvid 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTThis article addresses knowledge management in governing vulnerable polar areas and tourism. Since the 1870s, Svalbard has been a cruise tourism destination. Due to less ice during the summer period, the number of tourists visiting the remote northeast corner of the archipelago has increased significantly, and the potential negative impact on this vulnerable natural environment has become an issue. The standard modes of managing these areas have either been to apply the precautionary principle or measures based on scientific evidence. As management models, however, both principles are contested for a number of reasons. This paper argues for a third model that is partly based on a form of monitoring knowledge that has circulated in ‘communities of practice’ and that has been developed over time. This form of knowledge constitutes viable expertise for the governing and management of the environment-tourism nexus in the area, but it needs to be acknowledged as a complementary management platform. This article demonstrates how such monitoring can be done, and it suggests some principles for the development of monitoring knowledge for administrative and management purposes.
Site complementarity between biodiversity and ecosystem services in conservation planning of sparsely-populated regions
Authors: CIMON-MORIN JÉRÔME , DARVEAU MARCEL , POULIN MONIQUE 
Published: June 2015

SUMMARYThe consequences of considering ecosystem services (ES) in conservation assessment are still widely debated. The degree of success depends on the extent to which biodiversity and ES can be secured under joint conservation actions. Unlike biodiversity, ES conservation is inseparably linked to human beneficiaries. Reconciling biodiversity with ES and conservation can be particularly challenging in sparsely populated areas. This study, in a sparsely-populated region of eastern Canada, focused on freshwater wetland biodiversity and ten ES provided by wetlands. Within a given maximal total area, the results showed that planning for biodiversity underrepresented local flow ES supply by 57% and demand by 61% in conservation networks. Planning for ES alone underrepresented wetland biodiversity surrogates by an average of 34%. Considering both biodiversity and ES simultaneously, all of the biodiversity and ES targets were achieved with only a 6% mean increase in area. Achieving all conservation targets starting from a network that was primarily built for either ES or biodiversity features alone was two to five times less efficient than considering both ES and biodiversity simultaneously in conservation assessment. A better framework is required to translate these spatial synergies into effective joint conservation actions.
Introduction: urban crises, policing crises: mirror images? (c. 1700–1900): cities in flux and changes to policing
Authors: DENIS VINCENT , MILLIOT VINCENT , LUCREZIO MONTICELLI CHIARA 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT:The articles gathered here aim at outlining a complex view of the relationship between cities in a state of ‘crisis’ and changes to policing systems, in a period marked by rapid urbanization and industrialization. They explore the connections between the rhythms of urban change and the changes in the institutions responsible for policing the city. This introduction defines ‘urban crisis’ as a brief paroxysm and a way of describing rapid urban change that is considered problematic especially in terms of social control. It examines three sets of issues to highlight the relationships between policing powers and urban dynamics: first, how the police managed to handle unforeseen, traumatic events in emergency situations; second, how the police forces tried to legitimize their status through their understanding and control of urban dynamics; and third, how the police used the discourse of urban crisis they helped to produce, as a tool for their own ends.
City, housing and welfare in Spain, from the Civil War to present times
Authors: CARDESÍN JOSÉ MARÍA 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT:This article presents some trends in the urban history of contemporary Spain. We analyse the forging of land, housing and urban planning policies set in the broader context of economic and welfare policy, and political development. We place an emphasis on endogenous causes, especially those associated with Franco's dictatorship and the transition towards democracy. However, we also evaluate the influence of exogenous factors, such as those implying the end of the Bretton Woods system and the reorientation towards neoliberalism. This should finally provide us with a deeper understanding of the historical roots underlying the recent real estate bubble.
Does Mexico benefit from the Clean Development Mechanism? A model-based scenario general equilibrium analysis
Authors: Montaud Jean-Marc , Pecastaing Nicolas 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSince 2000, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol has included southern countries in the fight against climate change by encouraging northern countries to make environmentally friendly direct investments at the lowest cost in these developing nations. Although CDM investments have enjoyed great success, the question of the contribution of these investments to the development of the host countries remains insufficiently explored. This paper offers a computable general equilibrium model-based scenario, describing the potential economic and environmental impacts of CDM investments for Mexico. As modelled in this study, these investments should generate both additional demand for activities that produce the fixed capital goods required for their implementation and environmentally friendly technological changes in the production process for the electricity sector. The numerical simulations reveal the growth potential and important fund of development represented by the CDM for Mexico; however, they show that the environmental impact also appears broadly mixed and dependent on both the nature of the sectors it affects and the intensity of the technological change it generates.