The effects of springtime mid-latitude storms on trace gas composition determined from the MACC reanalysis

The relationship between springtime air pollution transport of ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO) and mid-latitude cyclones is explored for the first time using the Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate (MACC) reanalysis for the period 2003–2012. In this study, the most intense spring storms (95th percentile) are selected for two regions, the North Pacific (NP) and the North Atlantic (NA). These storms (∼60 storms over each region) often track over the major emission sources of East Asia and eastern North America. By compositing the storms, the distributions of O3 and CO within a "typical" intense storm are examined. We compare the storm-centered composite to background composites of "average conditions" created by sampling the reanalysis data of the previous year to the storm locations. Mid-latitude storms are found to redistribute concentrations of O3 and CO horizontally and vertically throughout the storm. This is clearly shown to occur through two main mechanisms: (1) vertical lifting of CO-rich and O3-poor air isentropically, from near the surface to the mid- to upper-troposphere in the region of the warm conveyor belt; and (2) descent of O3-rich and CO-poor air isentropically in the vicinity of the dry intrusion, from the stratosphere toward the mid-troposphere. This can be seen in the composite storm's life cycle as the storm intensifies, with area-averaged O3 (CO) increasing (decreasing) between 200 and 500 hPa. The influence of the storm dynamics compared to the background environment on the composition within an area around the storm center at the time of maximum intensity is as follows. Area-averaged O3 at 300 hPa is enhanced by 50 and 36% and by 11 and 7.6% at 500 hPa for the NP and NA regions, respectively. In contrast, area-averaged CO at 300 hPa decreases by 12% for NP and 5.5% for NA, and area-averaged CO at 500 hPa decreases by 2.4% for NP while there is little change over the NA region. From the mid-troposphere, O3-rich air is clearly seen to be transported toward the surface, but the downward transport of CO-poor air is not discernible due to the high levels of CO in the lower troposphere. Area-averaged O3 is slightly higher at 1000 hPa (3.5 and 1.8% for the NP and NA regions, respectively). There is an increase of CO at 1000 hPa for the NP region (3.3%) relative to the background composite and a~slight decrease in area-averaged CO for the NA region at 1000 hPa (-2.7%).

The co-development of technology and new buildings: incorporating building integrated photovoltaics

Current approaches for the reduction of carbon emissions in buildings are often predicated on the integration of renewable technologies into building projects. Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is one of these technologies and brings its own set of challenges and problems with a resulting mutual articulation of this technology and the building. A Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) approach explores how negotiations between informal groups of project actors with shared interests shape the ongoing specification of both BIPV and the building. Six main groups with different interests were found to be involved in the introduction of BIPV (Cost Watchers, Design Aesthetes, Green Guardians, Design Optimizers, Generation Maximizers and Users). Their involvement around three sets of issues (design changes from lack of familiarity with the technology, misunderstandings from unfamiliar interdependencies of trades and the effects of standard firm procedure) is followed. Findings underline how BIPV requires a level of integration that typically spans different work packages and how standard contractual structures inhibit the smooth incorporation of BIPV. Successful implementation is marked by ongoing (re-)design of both the building and the technology as informal fluid groups of project actors with shared interests address the succession of problems which arise in the process of implementation.

Effects of dense code-switching on executive control

Bilingualism is reported to re-structure executive control networks, but it remains unknown which aspects of the bilingual experience cause this modulation. This study explores the impact of three code-switching types on executive functions: (1) alternation of languages, (2) insertion of lexicon of one language into grammar of another, (3) dense code-switching with co-activation of lexicon and grammar. Current models hypothesise that they challenge different aspects of the executive system because they vary in the extent and scope of language separation. Two groups of German-English bilinguals differing in dense code-switching frequency participated in a flanker task under conditions varying in degree of trial-mixing and resulting demands to conflict-monitoring. Bilinguals engaging in more dense code-switching showed inhibitory advantages in the condition requiring most conflict-monitoring. Moreover, dense code-switching frequency correlated positively with monitoring skills. This suggests that the management of co-activated languages during dense code-switching engages conflict-monitoring and that the consolidation processes taking place within co-activated linguistic systems involve local inhibition. Code-switching types requiring greater degrees of language separation may involve more global forms of inhibition. This study shows that dense code-switching is a key experience shaping bilinguals’ executive functioning and highlights the importance of controlling for participants’ code-switching habits in bilingualism research.

The Effects of Different Loading Times on the Bone Response Around Dental Implants: A Histomorphometric Study in Dogs

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate, through histomorphometric analysis, the effect that different loading times would have on the bone response around implants. Materials and Methods: Three Replace Select implants were placed on each side of the mandible in eight dogs (n = 48 implants). One pair of implants was selected for an immediate loading protocol (IL). After 7 days, the second pair of implants received prostheses for an early loading protocol (EL). Fourteen days after implant placement, the third pair of implants received prostheses for advanced early loading (AEL). Following 12 weeks of prosthetics, counted following the positioning of the metallic crowns for the AEL group, the animals were sacrificed and the specimens were prepared for histomorphometric analysis. The differences between loading time in the following parameters were evaluated through analysis of variance: bone-to-implant contact, bone density, and crestal bone loss. Results: The mean percentage of bone-to-implant contact for IL was 77.9% +/- 1.71%, for EL it was 79.25% +/- 2.11%, and for AEL it was 79.42% +/- 1.49%. The mean percentage of bone density for IL was 69.97% +/- 3.81%, for EL it was 69.23% +/- 5.68%, and for AEL it was 69.19% +/- 2.90%. Mean crestal bone loss was 1.57 +/- 0.22 mm for IL, 1.23 +/- 0.19 mm for EL, and 1.17 +/- 0.32 mm for AEL. There was no statistical difference for any of the parameters evaluated (P > .05). Conclusion: Different early loading times did not seem to significantly affect the bone response around dental implants. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2010;25:473-481

Effects of Early Functional Loading on Maintenance of Free Autogenous Bone Graft and Implant Osseointegration: An Experimental Study in Dogs

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the healing, integration, and maintenance of autogenous onlay bone grafts and implant osseointegration either loaded in the early or the delayed stages. Materials and Methods: A total of 5 male clogs received bilateral blocks of onlay bone grafts harvested from the contralateral alveolar ridge of the mandible. On one side, the bone block was secured by 3 dental implants (3.5 mm x 13.0 mm, Osseospeed; Astra Tech AB, Molndal, Sweden). Two implants at the extremities of the graft were loaded 2 clays after installation by abutment connection and prosthesis (simultaneous implant placement group); the implant in the middle remained unloaded and served as the control. On the other side, the block was fixed with 2 fixation screws inserted in the extremities of the graft. Four weeks later, the fixation screws were replaced with 3 dental implants. The loading procedure (delayed implant placement group) was performed 2 clays later, as described for the simultaneous implant placement sites. The animals were sacrificed 12 weeks after the grafting procedure. Implant stability was measured through resonance frequency analysis. The bone volume and density were assessed on computed tomography. The bone to implant contact and bone area in a region of interest were evaluated on histologic slides. Results: The implant stability quotient showed statistical significance in favor of the delayed loaded grafts (P=.001). The bone-to-implant contact (P=.008) and bone area in a region of interest (P=0.005) were significantly greater in the delayed group. Nevertheless, no difference was found in terms of graft volume and density between the early loaded and delayed-loaded approaches. Conclusions: The protocol in which the implant and bone graft were given delayed loading allows for effective quality of implant osseointegration and stabilization, with healing and remodeling occurring in areas near the implant resulting in denser bone architecture. (C) 2010 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Sing 68:825-832, 2010

MAGNETIC FIELD EFFECTS NEAR THE LAUNCHING REGION OF ASTROPHYSICAL JETS

One of the fundamental properties of astrophysical magnetic fields is their ability to change topology through reconnection and in doing so, to release magnetic energy, sometimes violently. In this work, we review recent results on the role of magnetic reconnection and associated heating and particle acceleration in jet/accretion disk systems, namely young stellar objects (YSOs), microquasars, and active galactic nuclei (AGNs).

Elevated CO(2) increases photosynthesis, biomass and productivity, and modifies gene expression in sugarcane

Because of the economical relevance of sugarcane and its high potential as a source of biofuel, it is important to understand how this crop will respond to the foreseen increase in atmospheric [CO(2)]. The effects of increased [CO(2)] on photosynthesis, development and carbohydrate metabolism were studied in sugarcane (Saccharum ssp.). Plants were grown at ambient (similar to 370 ppm) and elevated (similar to 720 ppm) [CO(2)] during 50 weeks in open-top chambers. The plants grown under elevated CO(2) showed, at the end of such period, an increase of about 30% in photosynthesis and 17% in height, and accumulated 40% more biomass in comparison with the plants grown at ambient [CO(2)]. These plants also had lower stomatal conductance and transpiration rates (-37 and -32%, respectively), and higher water-use efficiency (c.a. 62%). cDNA microarray analyses revealed a differential expression of 35 genes on the leaves (14 repressed and 22 induced) by elevated CO(2). The latter are mainly related to photosynthesis and development. Industrial productivity analysis showed an increase of about 29% in sucrose content. These data suggest that sugarcane crops increase productivity in higher [CO(2)], and that this might be related, as previously observed for maize and sorghum, to transient drought stress.

Can physical exercise during gestation attenuate the effects of a maternal perinatal low-protein diet on oxygen consumption in rats?

A protocol of physical exercise, based on maximal oxygen uptake ((V) over dot(O2max)), for female rats before and during pregnancy was developed to evaluate the impact of a low-protein diet on oxygen consumption during gestation and growth rate of the offspring. Virgin female Wistar rats were divided into four groups as follows: untrained (NT, n = 5); trained (T, n = 5); untrained with low-protein diet (NT+LP, n = 5); and trained with low-protein diet (T+LP, n = 5). Trained rats were submitted to a protocol of moderate physical training on a treadmill over a period of 4 weeks (5 days week(-1) and 60 min day(-1), at 65% of (V) over dot(O2max)). At confirmation of pregnancy, the intensity and duration of the exercise was reduced. Low-protein groups received an 8% casein diet, and their peers received a 17% casein diet. The birthweight and growth rate of the pups up to the 90th day were recorded. Oxygen consumption ((V) over dot(O2)), CO(2) production and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were determined using an indirect open-circuit calorimeter. Exercise training increased. (V) over dot(O2max) by about 20% when compared with the initial values (45.6 +/- 1.0 ml kg(-1) min(-1)). During gestation, all groups showed a progressive reduction in the resting (V) over dot(O2) values. Dams in the NT+LP group showed lower values of resting (V) over dot(O2) than those in the NT group. The growth rate of pups from low-protein-fed mothers was around 50% lower than that of their respective controls. The T group showed an increase in body weight from the 60th day onwards, while the NT+LP group presented a reduced body weight from weaning onwards. In conclusion, physical training attenuated the impact of the low- protein

Disruption of the 2-methylcitric acid cycle and evaluation of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate biosynthesis suggest alternate catabolic pathways of propionate in Burkholderia sacchari

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the relevance of the 2-methylcitric acid cycle (2MCC) to the catabolism of propionate in Burkholderia sacchari. Two B. sacchari mutants unable to grow on propionate were obtained: one disrupted in acnM, and the other in acnM and prpC deleted. An operative 2MCC significantly reduces the bacterial ability to incorporate 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) into a biodegradable copolyester accumulated from carbohydrates plus propionate. The efficiency of the mutants in converting propionate to 3HV units (Y(3HV/prp)) increased from 0.09 g.g(-1) to 0.81-0.96 g.g(-1), indicating that acnM and prpC are both essential for growth on propionate. None of the mutations resulted in achievement of the maximum theoretical Y(3HV/prp) (1.35 g.g(-1)). When increasing concentrations of propionate were supplied, decreasing values of Y(3HV/prp) were observed. The results obtained corroborate the hypothesis of the presence of other propionate catabolic pathways in B. sacchari. The 2MCC would be the more operative pathway, but a second pathway, which remains to be elucidated, would assume more importance under propionate concentrations of 1 g.L(-1) or higher. The efficiency in converting propionate to 3HV units can be improved by decreasing the propionate concentrations, owing to the role of the 2MCC.

VACUUM POLARIZATION EFFECTS ON QUASINORMAL MODES IN ELECTRICALLY CHARGED BLACK HOLE SPACE-TIMES

We investigate the influence of vacuum polarization of quantum massive fields on the scalar sector of quasinormal modes in spherically symmetric black holes. We consider the evolution of a massless scalar field on the space-time corresponding to a charged semiclassical black hole, consisting of the quantum-corrected geometry of a Reissner-Nordstrom black hole dressed by a quantum massive scalar field in the large mass limit. Using a sixth order WKB approach we find a shift in the quasinormal mode frequencies due to vacuum polarization.

CALCULATION OF MAGNETODONOR STATES IN InP AND POLARON EFFECTS

Far-infrared transitions in polar semiconductors are known to be affected by the presence of shallow donor impurities, external magnetic fields and the electron-LO-phonon interaction. We calculate the magnetodonor states in indium phosphide by a diagonalization procedure, and introduce the electron-phonon interaction by the Frohlich term. The main effects of this perturbation are calculated by a multi-level version of the Wigner-Brillouin theory. We determine the transition energies, from the ground state to excited states, and find good qualitative agreement with recently reported absorption-spectroscopy measurements in the 100-800 cm(-1) range, with applied magnetic fields up to 30 T. Our calculations suggest that experimental peak splittings in the 400-450 cm(-1) range are due to the electron-phonon interaction.

Photoassociative ionization of cold Na atoms: repulsive levels effects on the ion production rate

We have revisited photoassociative ionization (PAI) in a cold sample of Na atmos. A two-color experiment was performed ina magneto-optical trap through the addition of aprobe laser. The observation of a marked change in the PAI rate for a definite frequency range can be attributed to the influence of repuisive levels and a possible avoided crossing between long-range molecular levels. (c) 2009 by Astro Ltd. Published exclusively by WLLEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA

On the effects of geographical constraints on task execution in complex

In the present work, the effects of spatial constraints on the efficiency of task execution in systems underlain by geographical complex networks are investigated, where the probability of connection decreases with the distance between the nodes. The investigation considers several configurations of the parameters defining the network connectivity, and the Barabasi-Albert network model is also considered for comparisons. The results show that the effect of connectivity is significant only for shorter tasks, the locality of connection simplied by the spatial constraints reduces efficiency, and the addition of edges can improve the efficiency of the execution, although with increasing locality of the connections the improvement is small.

Co-stressors chilling and high light increase photooxidative stress in diuron-treated red alga Kappaphycus alvarezii but with lower involvement of H(2)O(2)

Diuron is one of the most commonly found N-phenylurea herbicides in marine/estuarine waters that promotes toxic effects by inhibiting photosynthesis and affecting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in autotrophs. Since photo- and thermoacclimation are also ROS-mediated processes, this work evaluates a hypothetical additive effect of high light (HL) and chilling (12 degrees C) on 50 nM diuron toxicity to the highly-photosynthetically active apices of the red alga Kappaphycus alvarezii. Additive inhibition of photosynthesis was mainly evidenced by significant decreases of quantum yield of photosystem II and electron transfer rates upon co-stressors exposure to diuron-treated algae. Under extreme 12 degrees C/HL/diuron conditions, unexpected lower correlations between H(2)O(2) concentrations in seawater and radical-sensitive protein thiols were concomitantly measured with the highest indexes of photoinhibition (parameter beta). Altogether, these data support the hypothesis that co-stressors chilling/HL additively inhibit photosynthesis in diuron-exposed K. alvarezii but with less involvement of H(2)O(2) in injury effects than with only chilling or HL. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tailored Media for Homogeneous Cellulose Chemistry: Ionic Liquid/Co-Solvent Mixtures

Co-solvents can minimize two of the major problems associated with the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as solvents for homogeneous derivatization of cellulose: high viscosity and limited miscibility with non-polar reagents or reaction products. Thus, the effects of 18 solvents and 3 binary solvent mixtures on cellulose solutions in three ILs were systematically studied with respect to the solution phase behavior. The applicable limits of these mixtures were evaluated and general guidelines for the use of co-solvents in cellulose chemistry could be advanced: Appropriate co-solvents should have EN T values (normalized empirical polarity) > 0.3, very low ``acidity`` (alpha < 0.5), and relatively high ""basicity`` (beta >= 0.4). Moreover, novel promising co-solvents and binary co-solvent mixtures were identified.