Dominant Growth Research Articles

Arginine metabolism and the role of arginine deiminase-producing microorganisms in kimchi fermentation

In this study, we evaluated the correlation between the arginine deiminase (ADI) pathway and nitrogen cycle during cabbage kimchi fermentation. Nitrite used as a food additive can be converted to carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds via reactions with secondary amines under specific conditions; thus, high nitrate- and nitrite-containing foods present a potential risk to human health. We monitored the bacterial community, levels of ADI metabolites, and nitrogen compounds present in kimchi that contained bacteria that showed low ADI activity during fermentation. The dominant growth of microorganisms with weak ADI activity reduced arginine degradation and ornithine production. Furthermore, nitrite production in kimchi samples was affected by ADI activity. The ornithine and nitrite contents in the control kimchi were 1.7- and 2.6-fold higher at week 2 than at week 1. These results suggest that ADI-associated metabolism is correlated with the nitrogen cycle in kimchi and that the addition of bacteria with weak ADI activity may reduce nitrite production in kimchi.

RF13 | PMON133 A novel variant in an intron consensus sequence associated with familial growth hormone deficiency

Abstract Splicing variants in the exon-intron boundaries of the GH1 gene have been reported to cause autosomal dominant growth hormone deficiency (GHD type 2). However, whether variants in the intron consensus sequence (XGGG repeats) have an important role in GH1 gene splicing has not been established. Two siblings (proband 1 and 2) were diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency due to poor linear growth at age 4 years (height SDS -2.2 and – 1.6, respectively). Peak serum GH levels with provocative testing were 4.39 ng/ml and 2.77 ng/ml, respectively. They had no other pituitary hormone deficiencies and their pituitary MRIs were normal. Both children are being treated with recombinant human GH (rhGH) with excellent responses in linear growth. Their mother also had a history of GHD in childhood and received rhGH from ages 4 to 13 years. After GH treatment, she reached a normal adult height. The remainder of her pituitary function was normal. Exome sequencing was performed on the probands, their affected mother, and unaffected maternal grandparents to identify the underlying genetic cause. Exome sequencing revealed that the affected mother carried a de novo variant in intron 3 of the GH1 gene (c.291+34G>A, NM_000515.5), and the intronic variant was passed on to the two probands. The variant is not found in the general population according to gnomAD. No other variants in GH1 or other genes were detected to cosegregate with GHD in this family. The intronic variant was located in one of the two intron consensus regions in intron 3 and was predicted by ESEfinder to create a new splicing enhancer (SF2/ASF) binding site. Because intron consensus sequence repeats are important for spliceosome assembly, the variant is predicted to cause aberrant pre-mRNA splicing but not affecting the donor or acceptor site. Previously, a variant in the intron consensus sequence, c.291+28G>A, was found to cause exon 3 skipping, presumably generating a small amount of 22 kDa GH but a large amount of 17 kDa GH. Small deletions in intron 3 (c.291+28_45del and c.291+56_77del) have also been reported to cause exon 3 skipping, categorized as GHD type 2. In vitro studies with the new variant will be required to confirm exon 3 skipping as the mechanism of GHD in this family. This novel intronic variant which creates a new splicing enhancer-binding site supports the previous finding that the intron consensus sequence plays a significant role in the splicing of GH1 pre-mRNA and results in autosomal dominant GHD. As other variants in intron consensus sequence sites may cause GHD type 2, we recommend genetic testing in patients with GHD include the intron consensus sequence regions. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:48 p.m. - 12:53 p.m., Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Variations in length-weight relationship, growth and body condition of the commercial mullet Ellochelon vaigiensis in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

The Squaretail mullet Ellochelon vaigiensis is widely found from marine to brackish and freshwater, including the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD). Data on the length-weight relationships (LWRs), growth pattern, and condition factor (CF) play an essential role in fisheries assessment but are limited to E. vaigiensis – a commercial fish in VMD. To better understand the growth pattern of this fish, the study collected samples at four sites, including Thanh Phu, Ben Tre (BT); Duyen Hai, Tra Vinh (TV); Tran De, Soc Trang (ST); and Dong Hai, Bac Lieu (BL). Each month, fish samples were collected using bottom nets at each sampling site during high tide in both the dry season (January to May 2021) and the wet season (November to December 2020 and June to October 2021). This study qualified whether LWRs, growth pattern, and CF of E. vaigiensis vary with sexual, intraspecific, and spatiotemporal variables. The analysis results of 942 specimens showed that fish total length (TL = 17.86 ± 0.13 cm) and weight (W = 54.29 ± 1.05 g) changed with sex, season, month and site. The W could be appraised from a given TL due to high coefficients (r2) of LWRs that were regulated by fish size and season but not sex. The species showed negative allometry as its slope value of LWRs (b = 2.34 ± 0.30) was <3. The growth pattern did not change with sex and site but varied fish size, season, and months ranging from negative allometry to isometry. The CF of females (1.08 ± 0.01) was higher than males (0.99 ± 0.01). Albeit this fish showed spatiotemporal variation in CF, ranging from 0.81 ± 0.01 to 1.25 ± 0.02, the CF (1.02 ± 0.01) was significantly higher than the one threshold, indicating that E. vaigiensis lived a favorable condition. Research results show that this fish species has a dominant growth pattern in terms of length (b < 3) and is well adapted to the environment (CF ≈ 1). These data have an important role in suggesting the future aquaculture of this fish.

Quantitative 3D Characterization for Kinetics of Corrosion Initiation and Propagation in Additively Manufactured Austenitic Stainless Steel.

In situ X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) is used to investigate the effects of characteristic microstructural features on the pitting initiation and propagation in austenitic stainless steel specimens prepared with laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing. In situ X-ray CT in probing the mechanism and kinetics of localized corrosion is demonstrated by immersing two LPBF specimens with different porosities in an aggressive ferric chloride solution for the evaluation of corrosion. X-ray CT images are acquired from the specimens after every 8hours of immersion over an extended period of time (216hours). Corrosion pit growth is then quantitatively analyzed with a data-constrained modeling method. The pitting growth mechanism of LPBF stainless steel is found to be different from that of conventional stainless steels. More specifically, the mechanism of corrosion pit initiation is closely correlated with the original lack of fusion porosity (LOF) distribution on the surface of the specimens and preferential pit propagation through the LOF pores inside the specimens. Pit growth kinetics are derived from pit volume changes determined through 3D data analysis. The pit growth kinetics in LPBF specimens are found to vary in the initial pit formation, competitive pit propagation, and the dominant pit growth stages.

Dynamic changes of quality and flavor characterization of Zhejiang rosy vinegar during fermentation and aging based on untargeted metabolomics

Zhejiang Rosy Vinegar (ZRV) is a traditional condiment in Southeast China. This study aimed to track the physicochemical, microbiological, sensory changes, and metabolomic profiles of ZRV during fermentation and aging. The increase of acidity and decrease of reducing sugar were associated with the dominant growth of Lactobacillus and Acetobacter. The total 35 volatile compounds were identified in ZRV, mainly containing alcohols, esters, acids, aldehydes, ketones acids, phenols and nitrogen-containing. Compared to phenethyl acetate with sweet aroma in fresh vinegar, the compound with high odor activity values was isoamyl acetate with fruity aromas in aged vinegar. Furthermore, 1309 types of non-volatile components were identified, and histidine metabolism and arginine biosynthesis were revealed as main pathways during fermenting and aging. Concurrently, various bioactive substances in ZRV were identified. This study enriched the knowledge on the components and flavor of ZRV, and assist to improve the production quality of vinegar.

Five-Year Effects of Introduced Mountain Goats and Recreation on Plant Communities and Species of Conservation Concern in an Alpine Sky Island

Alpine ecosystems in the arid southwestern United States are vulnerable to climate change. Many of these ecosystems are experiencing increased recreational use and introductions of nonindigenous ungulates. In the La Sal Mountains of southeastern Utah, alpine plant communities support an endemic plant species, Erigeron mancus, 11 plant and two animal species of conservation concern, and a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Research Natural Area. Nonindigenous mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) were introduced by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) in 2013 and 2014, and recreational use has increased in the intervening period. To evaluate potential effects of mountain goat and recreational use, vegetation monitoring was initiated by the USDA Forest Service in 2016. We used 5 y monitoring data (2016–2020) and generalized linear mixed models to analyze the separate and interacting effects of year, recreational use, and mountain goat use on: (1) populations of plant species of conservation concern; (2) vascular and nonvascular plant cover; and (3) ground cover. Our analyses revealed decreases in proportional frequency of E. mancus at the end of the monitoring. Proportional cover of dominant plant growth forms, especially forbs, declined, while proportional cover of litter and ineffective ground cover (bare soil and pavement) increased. Recreational or goat use were a factor in several of the observed changes, although weather and climate likely also influenced the results. Management complexity arises because of the different missions of USDA Forest Service and UDWR, but adjustments in mountain goat numbers and recreational use may be needed to maintain ecologically resilient ecosystems. Continued monitoring can provide the basis for adaptive management.

A coral hotspot from a hot past: The EECO and post-EECO rich reef coral fauna from Friuli (Eocene, NE Italy)

The early Paleogene “greenhouse” is the warmest geological period of the Cenozoic and a suitable source to unlock crucial information for better understanding how ecosystems such as coral reefs reacted to a climate much warmer than the present.Herein, we analyse in detail the rich museum coral collections from Friuli region (NE Italy) focusing only on the so-called reef corals, mostly colonial, and on those localities for which the age constraints are well-defined. We grouped the localities into four time-intervals within the Ypresian-Lutetian and thus within EECO (Early Eocene Climatic Optimum) and post-EECO phase, in order to assess the main changes in the following traits: 1) richness and relative abundance at the generic and species level; 2) relative abundance of growth forms; 3) colony size.By systematic revision we recognized a total of 37 genera and 103 species. During the EECO interval (late Ypresian or Cuisian), the diversity at both genus and species level was relatively low (21 genera, 37 species). An abrupt increase is then recorded in the post-EECO 1 interval (latest Ypresian), whereas a peak is reached in the earliest Lutetian (post-EECO 2) (35 genera, 90 species). These results undoubtedly show that a coral hotspot occurred in the region during the late Ypresian-early Lutetian time and highlight that corals of Friuli reacted positively immediately after the warming event of the EECO.This coral hotspot was the most diverse at global scale during the Ypresian and formed in a deltaic depositional setting, most probably in mesophotic conditions as suggested by the dominant growth forms, where rapid sediment accumulation, enhanced nutrient delivery and stressful climatic conditions reduced frame-building capacity.We finally document that corals were resilient to climate stressors and recovered before reefs which, in contrast, required much more time to achieve their buildup potential.

Numerical modeling of rolling contact fatigue cracks in the railhead

Rolling contact fatigue (RCF) crack is one of dominating damages on the rail surface due to repeated wheel and rail contact. RCF defects, including squats and head checks, can potentially cause rail fracture failure if not treated in time. It is critical to accurately predict the pertinent damage for different operational conditions. A two-stage simulation strategy was proposed to investigate the mechanisms of RCF-induced cracks on the rail, consisting of a dynamic FEM for wheel and rail interaction and a coupled static FEM/BEM for crack growth. It was found that there are two critical wheel positions for crack propagation during wheel approaching to and departing from the pre-existed crack. The different cracking mechanisms at these two critical wheel positions are correlated with the local physical phenomena, i.e., the traction at the wheel/rail interface, the relative distance between the contact patch and crack, and the sliding at crack faces. The twisting of the cracks from the transverse plane to the longitudinal plane at the railhead significantly reduces crack growth in mode I, enhances crack propagation in modes II and III, and shifts the dominant crack growth from the crack front center to the crack corners. The increased incline of the crack in the rolling direction promotes the crack to grow downward in opening mode I.

Factors Associated with Streptococcus mutans Pathogenicity in the Oral Cavity

Oral streptococci are the oral microbial flora that can cause biofilm formation. One of the most common isolated oral streptococci is Streptococcus mutans, which has a significant role in oral diseases, including periodontal. The most important factor of S. mutans pathogenesis includes biofilm formation that leads to emptying tooth enamel and caries. Various genes including atpF, gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, gtf, LuxS, comAB, comCDE, and comX regulate biofilm formation. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to investigate factors that influence S. mutans pathogenicity in the mouth. The main factors are related to the biofilm formation of this bacteria and metabolic products, which influence environmental changes by carbohydrate metabolism and help this pathogen to make dominant growth compared to other bacteria living in the oral cavity. Indeed, developing methods to inhibit biofilm formation and quorum sensing using antimicrobial agents with anti-biofilm and antibacterial properties should be considered based on our knowledge of the pathogenicity mechanisms of S.mutans.

Comparison of bulk and sequential sampling methodologies on mammoth tooth enamel and their implications in paleoenvironmental reconstructions

Abstract. Mammoth teeth have been widely investigated using stable-isotopic analysis for paleoenvironmental and paleoecological reconstructions due to their large size and frequent discoveries. Many past investigations sampled the tooth enamel with the “bulk” method, which involves drilling one sample from the occlusal surface to the root for each tooth. Some of the more recent studies applied the “sequential” method, with a sequence of samples drilled following the dominant enamel growth direction to produce a time series of isotopic oscillations that reflects high-resolution environmental changes, as well as changes in mammoth dietary behavior. Although both the bulk and mean sequential δ18O values are expected to represent the averaged signal over the time of tooth formation, it is uncertain whether their paleoenvironmental records were formed during similar periods of time. In this study, we applied both sampling methods (sequential drilling first followed by a thin layer of bulk drilling) on the same enamel ridges of multiple mammoth teeth and compared their respective δ18O values. The results indicated that, in most enamel ridges, the bulk samples have more negative δ18O values compared to the average sequential values, and some of the bulk values even fall outside the range of sequential values. The most likely explanation for the differences is the structure and formation stages of enamel that caused uneven distributions of different seasons recorded in the samples. This finding provides insights into current limitations of the two sampling methods and the applicability of cross-method data comparison from past studies.

Alternative Theories of Economic Growth

All new global economic crises, as well as those of national economies, are challenging the dominant growth paradigm. The antagonists of this concept draw attention to the multiple vulnerabilities of modern economic systems, the perverse nature of "consumption economics", and the rapidly increasing environmental damage that arises mainly from careless use of natural resources and the frenzied pursuit of increased production capacity. These and other problems raised questions about the relevance of the economic growth rate as the main measure of development of a country or civilisation as a whole, about the adequacy of the perception of GDP as a system-forming indicator, and the relationship between economic growth and an increase in the well-being of a nation. As a result, a number of alternative theories of economic development were developed by the global scientific community: a-growth, de-growth, zero-growth, green growth, and post-growth. Despite many individual differences, all of them have turned out to be very similar in their essence: abandon the fetishism of GDP growth rates, make every possible effort to minimize environmental damage, accumulate social capital and improve the well-being of the population. Although each of the alternative theories is, to varying degrees, utopian, as evidenced by the consistent criticism of the proponents of classical growth theory, their ideas are gradually being reflected in the public policies of predominantly developed countries and are gaining increasing support among citizens.

Modeling the Dominant Height of Larix principis-rupprechtii in Northern China—A Study for Guandi Mountain, Shanxi Province

An accurate estimate of the site index is essential for informing decision-making in forestry. In this study, we developed site index (SI) models using stem analysis data to estimate the site index and the dominant height growth for Larix gmelinii var. principis-rupprechtii in northern China. The data included 5122 height–age pairs from 75 dominant trees in 29 temporary sample plots (TSPs). Nine commonly used growth functions were parameterized using the modeling method, which accounts for heterogeneous variance and autocorrelation in the time-series data and introduces sample plot-level random effects in the model. The results show that the Duplat and Tran-Ha I model with random effects described the largest proportion of the dominant height variation. This model accurately evaluated the site quality and predicted the dominant tree height growth in natural Larix forests in the Guandi Mountain region. As an important supplement in improving methods for site quality evaluation, the model may serve as a fundamental tool in the scientific management of larch forests. The research results can inform an accurate evaluation of the site quality and predict the growth of the dominant height in a larch forest in the Guandi Mountain forest area as well as provide a theoretical basis for forest site quality evaluation at similar sites.

Bacteriology & bivalves: Assessing diagnostic tools for geographically remote bivalve populations

Two sampling approaches for the growth of common or dominant bacteria from bivalve haemolymph were compared: (1) samples processed in the field immediately after collection (field samples), and (2) samples processed in the laboratory at least 24 h after collection (laboratory samples).The sampling approaches were compared on 210 marine bivalve molluscs Paphies subtriangulata and P. australis from two shallow intertidal sites in North Island New Zealand. The approaches were evaluated for the amount of bacterial growth, type of growth, and diversity of growth. Differences in amount and type of growth between the two sampling approaches were observed. Samples processed in the field from P. subtriangulata had significantly more bacterial growth, and a higher diversity of bacteria, including more common or dominant bacterial species. Laboratory samples had a higher proportion of samples with no growth, however common or dominant bacteria were still isolated from these samples. For P. australis, field samples more often had no bacterial growth and laboratory samples had a significantly higher number of common or dominant growth present. Field samples did however contain a higher diversity of bacteria.By conducting bacteriology on bivalves in either the field or the laboratory only, there may be limitations to determining the significance of a bacterial agent isolated. Sampling of both field and laboratory samples should be carried out where possible to optimise detection of important bacteria.

Nueva ecuación dinámica de altura dominante e índice de sitio para Pinus chiapensis (Martínez) Andresen en Puebla y Veracruz, México

Introduction: Pinus chiapensis (Martínez) Andresen lacks in many areas of site index (SI) models to classify timber productivity. Objective: To develop a dynamic SI equation, using the generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA) to describe the dominant height growth pattern and classify the productivity of natural stands of P. chiapensis in Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico. Materials and methods: Four theoretical growth models were used to derive six equations in GADA, fitted to dominant height-age observations from stem analyses of 31 trees. Fitting was performed using the Dummy variable method, which is invariant to the base age; autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity were corrected. Results and discussion: Quantitative evaluation, graphical analysis of residuals and growth trends of equations allowed the selection of an equation derived from the Levakovic II model with higher predictive capacity. With this equation and a base age of 50 years, polymorphic SI curves with variable asymptotes were constructed to classify productivity into low, medium and high, corresponding to SI of 25, 32 and 39 m, respectively. The maximum mean annual increase for the SI of 32 m was 1.07 m∙yr-1 and occurred at 11.08 years. The equation exhibited better performance relative to a previously reported polymorphic equation. Conclusions: It is recommended to use the developed equation to predict dominant height growth and SI of P. chiapensis stands in Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico.

Comparing the effect of estradiol benzoate and 17β-estradiol plus progesterone on follicular turnover and development, and pregnancy outcomes in a timed artificial insemination protocol

The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency of estradiol benzoate (EB) and 17β-estradiol (E2) associated with progesterone (P4) in a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. We hypothesized that E2+P4 induces an earlier emergence of a new follicular wave (NFW), improving pre-ovulatory follicle diameter and pregnancy rates to FTAI (P/FTAI). In Exp.1, on Day 0 (D0), all Bos indicus cows (n = 12/group) received an intravaginal P4 device and a dose of PGF2α analogue. On D0, females were randomly assigned to receive EB or E2+P4. On D8.5, P4 intravaginal devices were removed and a dose of PGF2α and EB were administered in all females followed by fixed-timed AI on D10. Between D0 and D10, the dominant follicular growth was determined by ovary ultrasonography exams. On D8.5 and D10 the percentage of color power-Doppler signals in the dominant follicular wall was evaluated. In Exp. 2, 467 females (2-year-old nulliparous [n = 76], primiparous [n = 92] and pluriparous [n = 299]) were subjected to the similar FTAI and assigned to be treated with EB (n = 243) or E2+P4 (n = 224). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed 30 days after FTAI by ultrasonography. The day to emergence of NFW was similar between treatments (EB: 3.7 ± 0.37 vs. E2+P4: 3.3 ± 0.3, P = 0.76). Females treated with E2+P4 presented greater (P = 0.06) follicular growth between the emergence and D9 (1.18 ± 0.07) than those treated with EB (0.97 ± 0.08). There was also a positive effect (P < 0.05) of E2+P4 on diameter of the dominant follicle on D9 (13.0 ± 0.6 vs. 10.9 ± 0.55) and blood perfusion of the follicle wall on D8.5 (49 vs. 40%). There was a treatment by parity category interaction effect on P/FTAI (P < 0.05). Treatment with E2+P4 was advantageous to P/FTAI of primiparous cows (E2+P4: 58% and EB: 30%). However, for nulliparous and pluriparous cows, P/FTAI was similar between treatments (∼50%). In conclusion, in a E2/P4-based protocol for FTAI, E2+P4 is as efficient as EB in inducing new follicular emergence within a similar day range, but it results similar or greater P/FTAI.

Climatic and Topographic Variables Improve Estimation Accuracy of Patula Pine Forest Site Productivity in Southern Mexico

Sustainable forest management requires accurate biometric tools to estimate forest site quality. This is particularly relevant for prescribing adequate silvicultural treatments of forest management planning. The aim of this research was to incorporate topographic and climatic variables into dominant height growth models of patula pine stands to improve the estimation of forest stand productivity. Three generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA) models were fit to a dataset from 66 permanent sampling plots, with six re-measurements and 77 temporary inventory sampling plots established on forest stands of patula pine. The nested iterative approach was used to fit the GADA models, and goodness-of-fit statistics such as the root mean square error, Akaike’s Information Criterion, and Bias were used to assess their performance. A Hossfeld IV GADA equation type that includes altitude, slope percentage, mean annual precipitation, and mean annual minimum temperature produced the best fit and estimation. Forest site productivity was negatively affected by altitude, while increasing the mean annual minimum temperature suggested the fastest-growing rates for dominant tree height.

Review of Mergers &amp; Acquisition Cases in Sri Lanka

Mergers &amp; Acquisitions (M&amp;A) are strategic growth tools used by organizations aiming for market dominance and sustainable growth in shareholder wealth. While M&amp;A sound impressive they involve many complexities, conundrums and risks (Angwin, 2001; Algama, 2020) requiring a great deal of thinking, effort and resources to get right. Despite the commonality of M&amp;A in developed as well as emerging markets a good majority of them fail (Hitt, 2012) and there doesn’t seem to be a thorough understanding of why they fail (Cartwright and Schoenberg, 2006). This article is a brief review of several noteworthy M&amp;A executed in Sri Lanka in the recent history between Dialog Axiata &amp; Wow.lk, Dialog Axiata &amp; H-One, Mobitel &amp; E-Channeling, Hutch Lanka &amp; Etisalat Sri Lanka, ACL Cables &amp; Kelani Cables, Gamma Pizzakraft &amp; Keells Restaurants (Pizza Hut operation in Sri Lanka), Softlogic Holdings &amp; Odel/Cotton Collection, SS Equity Holdings &amp; RIL Property PLC (BreadTalk operation in Sri Lanka). The article attempts to understand the likely business objectives behind these strategic moves and if the expected results have materialized. Empirical evidence suggests that a vast majority of M&amp;A fail to deliver the expected results. It is important that business managers evaluate the pros and cons of the M&amp;A route carefully, formulate well defined goals &amp; strong integration plans should they wish to proceed. The analysis was carried out based on already published data using company press releases, information from their websites, other online press articles, existing literature on mergers &amp; acquisitions and authors experience/involvement in two of the cases being discussed and insights from industry insiders.

The Transition from Practical to Intrinsic Predictability of Midlatitude Weather

Abstract This study investigates the transition from current practical predictability of midlatitude weather to its intrinsic limit. For this purpose, estimates of the current initial condition uncertainty of 12 real cases are reduced in several steps from 100% to 0.1% and propagated in time with a global numerical weather prediction model (ICON at 40 km resolution) that is extended by a stochastic convection scheme to better represent error growth from unresolved motions. With the provision that the perfect model assumption is sufficiently valid, it is found that the potential forecast improvement that could be obtained by perfecting the initial conditions is 4–5 days. This improvement is essentially achieved with an initial condition uncertainty reduction by 90% relative to current conditions, at which point the dominant error growth mechanism changes: With respect to physical processes, a transition occurs from rotationally driven initial error growth to error growth dominated by latent heat release in convection and due to the divergent component of the flow. With respect to spatial scales, a transition from large-scale up-amplitude error growth to a very rapid initial error growth on small scales is found. Reference experiments with a deterministic convection scheme show a 5%–10% longer predictability, but only if the initial condition uncertainty is small. These results confirm that planetary-scale predictability is intrinsically limited by rapid error growth due to latent heat release in clouds through an upscale-interaction process, while this interaction process is unimportant on average for current levels of initial condition uncertainty. Significance Statement Weather predictions provide high socioeconomic value and have been greatly improved over the last decades. However, it is widely believed that there is an intrinsic limit to how far into the future the weather can be predicted. Using numerical simulations with an innovative representation of convection, we are able to confirm the existence of this limit and to demonstrate which physical processes are responsible. We further provide quantitative estimates for the limit and the remaining improvement potential. These results make clear that our current weather prediction capabilities are not yet maxed out and could still be significantly improved with advancements in atmospheric observation and simulation technology in the upcoming decades.

Community-specific patterns of nitrogen transformations along an elevational gradient in alpine and subalpine ecosystems

AimsThe aim of the study was to investigate N biogeochemistry of four neighboring, high mountain plant communities and to identify main factors which drive variability among them. We hypothesized that the vegetation types differ in terms of N transformations, and that spatial differentiation of the communities and dominant growth form can reflect an existence of several N-environments along an elevational gradient.MethodsPlant and soil N characteristics were studied in four vegetation types: heathland, scrub, sward and tall forb. Leaf nitrate reductase activity and total N were measured in the dominant species. Soil pH, total C, N, inorganic and dissolved organic N concentrations were measured. The soil net N mineralization rate was examined.ResultsThe DistLM and PERMANOVA analyses revealed that variability among the vegetation types was driven primarily by elevation, soil N–NH4+, soil pH and soil total C. We identified three distinct N-environments along an elevational gradient. The “N-poor alpine” located at the highest altitudes, strongly N-limited and dominated by dwarf-shrub. The "N-mixed subalpine" located in the middle of the gradient and covered by scrub and sward. It was characterized by moderate N turnover rate. The "N-rich subalpine" occurred at lowest locations and was covered by subalpine tall forb community. It exhibited the highest dynamics of N transformations and was rich in inorganic N.ConclusionThree main N-environments were identified: N-poor alpine, N-mixed subalpine, N-rich subalpine. Variability among the vegetation types was driven primarily by elevation, soil N–NH4+, soil pH and soil total C.

Identification of multi-temporal urban growth patterns with a modified urban growth index: Case study of three fast growing cities in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS)

Identification of urban growth patterns is essential to better understand urbanization and its eco-environmental consequences. Landscape indices, such as the simple urban growth index (S) and the landscape expansion index (LEI), are commonly used to identify urban growth patterns, but most of them are unable or not robust enough to recognize multi-temporal patterns. In this study, we proposed the modified urban growth index (Sm) with a 4-step approach and identified the urban growth patterns of three fast growing cities, namely, Xishuangbanna, Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. The results of Sm and S in identifying multi-temporal urban growth patterns were compared, and the multi-temporal outlying patches were always classified as edge-expansion patches or infilling patches in the results of S. Based on Sm, the spatial and temporal changes of urban growth patterns in the case cities were presented. Generally, Sm performed better in identifying multi-temporal urban growth patterns than S. However, like many other indices, it has limitations in certain situations. We further discussed the potential applications of urban growth pattern identification using Sm. First, the identified multi-temporal urban growth patterns validated the diffusion-coalescence theory. Outlying patches usually tended to decrease during the transition period from diffusion to coalescence, while edge-expansion growth and infilling growth always became dominant urban growth patterns at the end of the coalescence process. The dynamics of urban spatial structure could also be recognized by highlighting the multi-temporal growth of outlying clusters. In conclusion, with the identification of multi-temporal urban growth patterns, the modified urban growth index Sm is able to delineate the diffusion-coalescence process of urban growth and reveal the evolving characteristics of urban spatial structure.