bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Urban Transport in the Developing World: Beyond Megacities
Authors: Pojani Dorina , Stead Dominic
Published: June 2015

Megacities have frequently received a disproportionate amount of attention over other sizes of cities in recent discourse on urban sustainability. In this article, the authors argue that a focus on smaller and medium-sized cities is crucial to achieving substantial progress towards more sustainable urban development, not only because they are home to at least a quarter of the world’s population but because they also offer great potential for sustainable transformations. In principle, their size allows for flexibility in terms of urban expansion, adoption of “green” travel modes, and environmental protection. At the same time, smaller and medium-sized cities often have fewer resources to implement new transport measures and can be more vulnerable to fluctuations in the world economy. This article critically reviews the potential role and impact of nine commonly considered options for sustainable urban transport in cities in developing countries: (1) road infrastructure; (2) rail-based public transport; (3) road-based public transport; (4) support for non-motorized travel modes; (5) technological solutions; (6) awareness-raising campaigns; (7) pricing mechanisms; (8) vehicle access restrictions; and (9) control of land-uses. Drawing on international research and examples of policies to reduce the environmental impacts of transport in urban areas, this article identifies some key lessons for sustainable urban transport in smaller and medium-sized cities in developing countries. These lessons are certainly not always identical to those for megacities in the global south.
Comments on Uncertainty in Groundwater Governance in the Volcanic Canary Islands, Spain
Authors: Custodio Emilio , Cabrera María , Poncela Roberto , Cruz-Fuentes Tatiana , Naranjo Gema , De Miguel Luis
Published: June 2015

The uncertainty associated with natural magnitudes and processes is conspicuous in water resources and groundwater evaluation. This uncertainty has an essential component and a part that can be reduced to some extent by increasing knowledge, improving monitoring coverage, continuous elaboration of data and accuracy and addressing the related economic and social aspects involved. Reducing uncertainty has a cost that may not be justified by the improvement that is obtainable, but that has to be known to make the right decisions. With this idea, this paper contributes general comments on the evaluation of groundwater resources in the semiarid Canary Islands and on some of the main sources of uncertainty, but a full treatment is not attempted, nor how to reduce it. Although the point of view is local, these comments may help to address similar situations on other islands where similar problems appear. A consequence of physical and hydrological uncertainty is that different hydrogeological and water resource studies and evaluations may yield different results. Understanding and coarsely evaluating uncertainty helps in reducing administrative instability, poor decisions that may harm groundwater property rights, the rise of complaints and the sub-optimal use of the scarce water resources available in semiarid areas. Transparency and honesty are needed, but especially a clear understanding of what numbers mean and the uncertainty around them, to act soundly and avoid conflicting and damaging rigid attitudes. However, the different situations could condition that what may be good in a place, may not always be the case in other places.
Assessing the evolutionary history of the class Synurophyceae (Heterokonta) using molecular, morphometric, and paleobiological approaches
Authors: Siver Peter A. , Jo Bok Yeon , Kim Jong Im , Shin Woongghi , Lott Anne Marie , Wolfe Alexander P.
Published: June 2015

• Premise of the study: Heterokont algae of the class Synurophyceae, characterized by distinctive siliceous scales that cover the surface of the cell, are ecologically important in inland waters, yet their evolutionary history remains enigmatic. We explore phylogenetic relationships within this group of algae relative to geologic time, with a focus on evolution of siliceous components.

• Methods: We combined an expansive five‐gene and time‐calibrated molecular phylogeny of synurophyte algae with an extensive array of fossil specimens from the middle Eocene to infer evolutionary trends within the group.

• Key results: The group originated in the Jurassic approximately 157 million years ago (Ma), with the keystone genera Mallomonas and Synura diverging during the Early Cretaceous at 130 Ma. Mallomonas further splits into two major subclades, signaling the evolution of the V‐rib believed to aid in the spacing and organization of scales on the cell covering. Synura also diverges into two primary subclades, separating taxa with forward‐projecting spines on the scale from those with a keel positioned on the scale proper. Approximately one third of the fossil species are extinct, whereas the remaining taxa are linked to modern congeners.

• Conclusions: The taxonomy of synurophytes, which relies extensively on the morphology of the siliceous components, is largely congruent with molecular analyses. Scales of extinct synurophytes were significantly larger than those of modern taxa and may have played a role in their demise. In contrast, many fossil species linked to modern lineages were smaller in the middle Eocene, possibly reflecting growth in the greenhouse climatic state that characterized this geologic interval.
« L’accompagnement » au long cours d’un professeur des écoles par une équipe de recherche
Authors: Bossard Louis-Marie , Blanchard-Laville Claudine
Published: June 2015

Dans cet article, les auteurs rendent compte de l’évolution de leurs modalités de lien à un enseignant, professeur des écoles, qui a participé à une recherche longitudinale concernant les processus sous-tendant sa pratique d’enseignement. Cet enseignant a été observé et filmé en classe à plusieurs reprises dans le cadre de cette recherche qui s’est étalée sur plusieurs années. Des rencontres entre lui et l’équipe constituée de plusieurs chercheurs se réclamant d’une démarche clinique d’orientation psychanalytique ont eu lieu à des moments clés de la recherche. L’article vise à présenter les modalités d’« accompagnement » de cet enseignant qui se sont progressivement précisées pour l’équipe de recherche jusqu’au moment où il a été question de lui faire partager certains éléments des analyses qui ont été écrites par des chercheurs de l’équipe à partir d’observations filmées. Le déroulé du dialogue établi lors de l’une de ces dernières rencontres est également restitué.
Hybrid Graft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Predictable Graft for Knee Stabilization
Authors: Alvarez-Pinzon Andres M. , Barksdale Leticia , Krill Michael K. , Leo Brian M.
Published: June 2015

Trauma to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a season-ending injury and involves months of activity modification and rehabilitation. The annual incidence of ACL tears in the United States is approximately 200,000, which allows for a broad range of individualized treatment options. Various surgical techniques, including transtibial and independent tunnel drilling, allograft and autograft tissue, and various implants, have been described in the literature. This article describes the indications and technique for a hybrid soft tissue graft for ACL reconstruction. Autologous grafts eliminate the risk of disease transmission and have recently been shown to have a lower rerupture rate, particularly in younger, active patients; however, the harvesting of autologous hamstring grafts carries a risk of donor-site morbidity, iatrogenic injury of the graft, and inadequate graft size. In contrast to a traditional autologous soft tissue graft, the hybrid graft allows for graft size customization for a desired reconstruction, especially in cases where autograft hamstrings may be iatrogenically damaged or of inadequate size when harvested. The goal of a hybrid graft ACL reconstruction is to provide a favorable-sized graft with clinical outcomes comparable with autologous soft tissue grafts. In contrast to a traditional autologous soft tissue graft, this technique provides another option in the event of unforeseen deficiencies or complications associated with harvesting and preparation of the autologous gracilis and semitendinosis soft tissue graft. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(6):e473–e476.]
Use of a Functional Antibiotic Spacer in Treating Infected Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Levy Jonathan C. , Triplet Jacob , Everding Nathan
Published: June 2015

Management of an infected shoulder arthroplasty remains challenging. Treatment goals include resolution of the infection, improvement in pain, and restoration of function. Two-stage revision with an antibiotic spacer and subsequent revision has shown variable success in achieving these goals. The practice of using a hemiarthroplasty and coating the stem with antibiotic cement without cementing the implant to the humerus (functional antibiotic spacer) during the first stage has the potential to achieve treatment goals without the need for a second revision. The goal of this study was to examine the outcomes of a maintained functional antibiotic spacer without a second revision for the management of infected shoulder arthroplasty. Fourteen patients with an infected shoulder arthroplasty underwent implantation of a functional antibiotic spacer, extensive surgical debridement, and a minimum of 6 weeks of treatment with postoperative intravenous antibiotics. The 9 patients who elected not to undergo revision surgery were included in this analysis. Pain scores, functional outcome scores, range of motion, strength, and patient satisfaction were measured for these patients at last follow-up and compared with preoperative scores. At an average follow-up of 25 months (range, 12–48 months), significant improvements were observed in functional outcome scores, shoulder abduction, and elevation, with a trend toward improvement in pain scores. One patient was unsatisfied with the result. No recurrent infection, progressive radiolucency, or change in position of the functional antibiotic spacer was observed. A functional antibiotic spacer effectively manages the infected shoulder arthroplasty while achieving significant improvements in function and motion. Patient satisfaction was high, with a relatively low rate of conversion to second-stage revision. [
Orthopedics.
2015; 38(6):e512–e519.]
The Globalisation of the Media
Authors: Virkar Shefali
Published: June 2015

In every sphere of human endeavour, human behaviour and interactions are becoming increasingly interrelated and mutually interdependent. The 1990s witnessed the emergence of a pan-global commercial- and mass-media market, and the rise of a handful of mammoth commercial media organisations; which today have established vast international media empires, particularly through the innovative use of technology and the cultivation of global distribution and production networks. As media conglomerates spread their tentacles, anxiety is rife that they will encourage a global convergence in popular tastes and trends, to the detriment of national and local cultures. This book chapter aims to explore the claim that the continuous globalisation of the media and entertainment industries is leading unrelentingly towards a hegemony of global cultural homogeneity. Through a discussion of the phenomenon that is globalisation, and the theoretical background against which the cultural effects of the global media might be studied, the chapter critically examines the role of pan-global commercial broadcasting in the creation of a so-called global culture and in the engendering of global cultural convergence.
Building a Community of the Students, by the Students, for the Students
Authors: Stark Megan , Meister Samuel , Walker Wendy , Hohman Asa , Williams Mariah
Published: June 2015

In recent years, the Mansfield Library has developed a strong interest in engaging its undergraduate student community. In addition to developing more events and programming specifically for undergraduates, librarians have pursued increased interaction with students via social media and through work with non-academic partners. And, like many academic libraries, the Mansfield Library has implemented an institutional repository for campus scholarship. This chapter will focus on the convergence of these endeavors and describe how librarians employed the institutional repository to more fully engage the undergraduate student body government.
Let Them Eat King Cake
Authors: Caminita Cristina , Frank Emily P. , Kelley Rebecca , Miller Marty
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the planning, promotion, implementation, and assessment of the first LSU Libraries open house event. A review of the literature suggests that academic libraries that promote their services through open houses reap positive benefits, such as increased student awareness of library services and resources. Even though the Libraries has had an operating outreach services program since 1997, an event that comprehensively provided opportunities for the University community to interact with various Libraries departments and staff had not been attempted. An ad hoc open house committee formed to plan, promote, and recruit Libraries departments, University units, and volunteers for the event. The positive response to the open house exceeded the committee and the administration's expectations. Issues during planning and implementation were identified that are now serving as goals and objectives for future open house events.
Library as Campus Main Street
Authors: Ruffin Ingrid J. , Brannen Michelle H. , Venable Megan
Published: June 2015

This chapter illustrates ways that academic libraries can engage with students to build and support campus communities. At the University of Tennessee Libraries, librarians seek opportunities for cultural enhancement of the campus community through creative outlets and activities that meet students in the spaces they frequent, both inside and outside the library. Librarians interact with students informally through contests and games, residence life programming, open houses, and street fairs that showcase the library as the campus main street.
Organisational Knowledge Management for Defect Reduction and Sustainable Development in Foundries
Authors: Giannetti Cinzia , Ransing Meghana R. , Ransing Rajesh S. , Bould David C. , Gethin David T. , Sienz Johann
Published: June 2015

Despite many advances in the field of casting technologies the foundry industry still incurs significant losses due to the cost of scrap and rework with adverse effects on profitability and the environment. Approaches such as Six Sigma, DoE, FMEA are used by foundries to address quality issues. However these approaches lack support to manage the heterogeneous knowledge created during process improvement activities. The proposed revision of ISO9001:2015 quality standard puts emphasis on retaining organisational knowledge and its continual use in process improvement (). In this paper a novel framework for creation, storage and reuse of product specific process knowledge is presented. The framework is reviewed taking into consideration theoretical perspectives of organisational knowledge management as well as addressing the challenges concerning its practical implementation. A knowledge repository concept is introduced to demonstrate how organisational knowledge can be effectively stored and reused for achieving continual process improvement and sustainable development.
NOTE SU SCIDMENIDI DEL SUDAFRICA CON DESCRIZIONE DI 16 NUOVE SPECIE (COLEOPTERA, SCYDMAENIDAE)
Authors: Castellini Giorgio
Published: June 2015

Esame degli Scydmaenidae raccolti da Stefano Zoia in Sudafrica. Sono descritte le seguenti nuove specie: Oneila zoiai, Euconnus boopis, E. busillis, E. comatus, E. cre­ber, E. curtus, E. globatus, E. gonitricus, E. inanis, E. palpator, E. porrectus, E. retinax, E. septemdecim, E. temporalis, E. trigonicus, E. zoiai.
A NEW SPECIES OF CHRYSODEMA FROM MINDORO, PHILIPPINES (COLEOPTERA, BUPRESTIDAE)
Authors: Gigli Maurizio
Published: June 2015

Chrysodema danterina n. sp. from Mindoro, Philippines, is described and illustrated. Comparative remarks are made with the widely distributed Chrysodema smaragdu­la (Olivier, 1790) that, despite a very different general look, shows several similar characters. The new species, whose female is unknown, is immediately recognizable from any other in the genus for the proportions of the body, the completely black colour and the shape and the exceptional size of male genitalia.
A NEW TRICHOTAENIA SPECIES FROM TANZANIA (COLEOPTERA, CICINDELIDAE)
Authors: Cassola Fabio
Published: June 2015

Trichotaenia kudrnai n. sp., is described from Mpanda, Rukwa, Tanzania. By having a partially hairy labrum, it is obviously a member of group 2 (species of group 1 have a glabrous labrum instead), and in particular it is apparently closely allied to T. rivalieri Basilewsky, 1958, however differing from it because of several important morphological characters, such as the different patterns of elytral and pronotal pubescence, the shorter pronotum with more apparent notopleural sutures and the even stronger elytral sculpture.
UN NUOVO DUVALIUS ENDOGEO DELLA SICILIA (COLEOPTERA, CARABIDAE)
Authors: Magrini Paolo , Petrioli Andrea , Degiovanni Augusto , Bastianini Marco
Published: June 2015

Nella presente nota viene descritto un nuovo Duvalius endogeo della Sicilia occidentale appartenente al gruppo silvestrii (sensu Magrini 1997). Il nuovo taxon, come la specie nominale del gruppo, presenta un edeago di grandi dimensioni, fornito di una lamella copulatrice anch’essa assai grande, conformata a doccia e con apice bifido di consistenza membranosa. L’habitus molto convesso, arrotondato e dilatato ed il colore giallo ambra lo rendono facilmente distinguibile dagli altri taxa siciliani.
THE SALTOPTERAN FAUNA OF PORTUGAL: NEW RECORDS AND BIOGEOGRAPHICAL ASPECTS (ORTHOPTEROIDEA)
Authors: Schmidt Gerhard H. , Martinho Ana Paula , Paiva Maria Rosa
Published: June 2015

The saltopteran fauna of Portugal was studied between 1992-2000. Sampling took place during field tlips, lasting yearly 5 to 14 days. Several southern, central and northern regions were visited at different times of the year. In total, 76 species (31 of Ensifera and 45 of Caelifera) were recorded, from which a C/E quotient of 1.45 was calculated. For some of the species caught, the song of the male was presented as additional taxonomic character. First records were made for nine species: Tylopsis lilifolia, Conocephalus conocephalus, Platycleis falx laticauda, two Ctenodecticus spp., Mogoplistes brunneus, Tetrix subulata, Paracimena t. bisignata. Uromenus anapaulae was found as new species and described. Using literature data, the species of Saltatoria previously mentioned for Portugal were listed, and some notes added for insufficiently known species. The biogeography of the saltatoria fauna of Portugal is discussed in relation to its origin with the result that 19 (25%) specis are endemic for the Iberian Peninsula.
Diplacodes lefebvrii in Sardinia, a new species for the Italian fauna (Odonata: Libellulidae)
Authors: Rattu Andrea , Leo Piero , Moratin Raynald , Hardersen Sönke
Published: June 2015

Diplacodes lefebvrii (Rambur, 1842) is a libellulid dragonfly, which is common and widespread in Africa and across the Indian Ocean. While this species is fairly common in the south and east of the Mediterranean, its European range is confined to Cyprus, the island of Rhodes and the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Here we report the first record of D. lefebvrii for Italy, which was captured near Cagliari (Sardinia) on 11.IX.2013. In October 2014, a population of the same species was observed at a small wetland on the island “Isola di San Pietro” (Sardinia). Here the observed sex ratio of D. lefebvrii was strongly biased in favour of females and only a single male was observed.
Reframing Paul’s sibling language in light of Jewish epistolary forms of address
Authors: Kim Kyu Seop
Published: June 2015

Recent scholars focus mainly on Paul’s use of ‘brothers (and sisters)’ or ‘brother (and sister)’ in Greco-Roman epistolary conventions and cultural backdrops. However, Jewish dimensions (particularly ethnic dimensions) of Paul’s sibling language still remain unexplored in current scholarship. Furthermore, scholars have not drawn much attention to how Jewish letter writers use sibling terms in their letters. This article offers a new interpretation on Paul’s sibling language in light of its Jewish usage. We should note that Jewish letter writers did not address their Gentile letter recipients as ‘brother(s)’. However, Paul did call his recipients ‘brothers’. It is unlikely that Paul employed sibling language without being aware of its common Jewish usage. The author proposes that Paul’s sibling language is used in the context of an ethnic insider designation (shared ethnicity), and that ascribing the title of brother to believers including Gentiles signals the re-definition of the family of Abraham.
Talk of time
Authors: Meylahn Johann-Albrecht
Published: June 2015

Maybe, before we speak of time, or maybe whilst we are speaking of time, or maybe after we have spoken of time, in the various modes of time’s insistence to exist, one should give time to the talk of time. There are various different modes of time’s insistence to exist, such as quantum physics in conversation with relativity theory where time is constructed as a fourth dimension of space. Or there are the modes of time in history, religion, psychology and philosophy, and each of these modes is composed, and composes its own specific object called time, and a particular subject who understands and interprets time in that particular mode. Yet, before, whilst or after these modes of time’s insistence to exist, one should maybe give time to time’s time. Give time for the various times to articulate themselves in the various modes of existence, thereby creating both a whole plurality of differing subjects, as well as plurality of differing objects, all called ‘time’. Once time has been given time to talk its talk, to articulate itself within the various modes, it will be interrupted by the articulations of time in various modes of time still to come. These disruptions of time by time always still to come opens the door for a theological narrative – a narrative on time, but created by the coming of messianic times, interpreted in the mode of hope but also in the mode of a promise from the past.
Agency and intermediate phase writing in a farm school
Authors: Hill Margaret A.
Published: June 2015

Against a background that raises problems associated with the classification of languages incurrent South African curriculum policy, this article describes a programme based on a visual approach to writing, implemented in a farm school. The medium of instruction was English. The home languages of the teachers and learners were Afrikaans and isiXhosa. Sociocultural perspectives congruent with those of New Literacy Studies influenced the design of the writing programme. The school management had identified a serious deficit in intermediate phase (Grades 4–6) learners’ ability to perform beyond typical responses to rote learning. The brief given to the literacy coach by the school management was to develop their ability to use English – the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) of the school – expressively, to help them to construct original texts and to improve their mastery of the conventions of text. The management’s main aim was to promote the learners’ agency in their use of English, as it had come to see this ability as crucial to academic progress in higher Grades and to success in tertiary education. The literacy coach implemented a visual approach to composing original texts. Key successes were evident in the variety, volume and literary quality of the learners’ texts, which exceeded expectations specified in the National Curriculum Statement applicable at the time.
Feasibility of a Semi-computerized Line Bisection Test for Unilateral Visual Neglect Assessment
Authors: Jee H. , Kim J. , Kim C. , Kim T. , Park J.
Published: June 2015

Background: Commonly used paper-and-pencil based test modalities for assessing the degree of unilateral visual neglect (ULN) in patients with hemispheric cerebral lesions consume human resources with a significant inter and intra-rater variability.

Objective: To explore the feasibility of a semi-computerized electronic-pen based ULN assessment system (e-system) to improve assessment quality without altering the conventional user interface.

Materials and Methods: Thirty cognitively healthy participants (HG) and 11 participants diagnosed with right-hemispheric lesion and unilateral visual neglect (NG) were recruited to evaluate the e-system. Line bisection tests (LBT) were repeatedly conducted twice for the inter-rater and intra-rater (reliability) comparisons. The LBT results were assessed by the e-system and the golden standard methods (manual rater assessment). The percent deviation (%), assessment duration (sec), and number of neglected line (each) were evaluated.

Results: The inter-rater comparisons of the assessed deviation (%) variable showed excellent inter-rater reliabilities (CCCs) ranging from .84 (.59 to .95 (p < .001)) to .99 (.90 to .99 (p < .001)) for HG and NG. The Bland Altman mean difference (B-A) plots with bias (95% LOA (limits of agreement)) showed similar agreements between the e-system and the raters ranging from -.04 % (-2.10 to 1.97) to 1.30 % (-2.23 to 4.84) for HG and NG. The effect sizes (ES), which show similarities between the assessment methods, yielded smaller ranges from .01 to .30 for HG and NG. The reliability (test-retest) comparisons showed similar assessment results between the e-system, rater 1, and rater 2. The manual rater assessment time ranging from 5.85 to 6.00 minutes and inter- and intra-assessment variations were virtually eliminated with the e-system.

Conclusion: The semi-computerized system with the conventional paper-and pencil user-interface showed valid and reliable assessment results. It may be a feasible replacement for the manual rater assessment modality even in a clinical setting.

Citation: Park J, Jee H, Kim C, Kim J, Kim T. Feasibility of a Semi-computerized Line Bisection Test for Unilateral Visual Neglect Assessment. Appl Clin Inform 2015; 6: 400–417

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2015-01-RA-0002
Formaldehyde (HCHO) in air, snow, and interstitial air at Concordia (East Antarctic Plateau) in summer
Authors: Preunkert S. , Legrand M. , Frey M. M. , Kukui A. , Savarino J. , Gallée H. , King M. , Jourdain B. , Vicars W. , Helmig D.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. During the 2011/12 and 2012/13 austral summers, HCHO was investigated for the first time in ambient air, snow, and interstitial air at the Concordia site, located near Dome C on the East Antarctic Plateau, by deploying an Aerolaser AL-4021 analyzer. Snow emission fluxes were estimated from vertical gradients of mixing ratios observed at 1 cm and 1 m above the snow surface as well as in interstitial air a few centimeters below the surface and in air just above the snowpack. Typical flux values range between 1 and 2 × 1012 molecules m−2 s−1 at night and 3 and 5 × 1012 molecules m−2 s−1 at noon. Shading experiments suggest that the photochemical HCHO production in the snowpack at Concordia remains negligible compared to temperature-driven air–snow exchanges. At 1 m above the snow surface, the observed mean mixing ratio of 130 pptv and its diurnal cycle characterized by a slight decrease around noon are quite well reproduced by 1-D simulations that include snow emissions and gas-phase methane oxidation chemistry. Simulations indicate that the gas-phase production from CH4 oxidation largely contributes (66%) to the observed HCHO mixing ratios. In addition, HCHO snow emissions account for ~ 30% at night and ~ 10% at noon to the observed HCHO levels.
Level 2 processing for the imaging Fourier transform spectrometer GLORIA: derivation and validation of temperature and trace gas volume mixing ratios from calibrated dynamics mode spectra
Authors: Ungermann J. , Blank J. , Dick M. , Ebersoldt A. , Friedl-Vallon F. , Giez A. , Guggenmoser T. , Höpfner M. , Jurkat T. , Kaufmann M. , Kaufmann S. , Kleinert A. , Krämer M. , Latzko T. , Oelhaf H. , Olchewski F. , Preusse P. , Rolf C. , Schillings J. , Suminska-Ebersoldt O. , Tan V. , Thomas N. , Voigt C. , Zahn A. , Zöger M. , Riese M.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The Gimballed Limb Observer for Radiance Imaging of the Atmosphere (GLORIA) is an airborne infrared limb imager combining a two-dimensional infrared detector with a Fourier transform spectrometer. It was operated aboard the new German Gulfstream G550 High Altitude LOng Range (HALO) research aircraft during the Transport And Composition in the upper Troposphere/lowermost Stratosphere (TACTS) and Earth System Model Validation (ESMVAL) campaigns in summer 2012. This paper describes the retrieval of temperature and trace gas (H2O, O3, HNO3) volume mixing ratios from GLORIA dynamics mode spectra that are spectrally sampled every 0.625 cm−1. A total of 26 integrated spectral windows are employed in a joint fit to retrieve seven targets using consecutively a fast and an accurate tabulated radiative transfer model. Typical diagnostic quantities are provided including effects of uncertainties in the calibration and horizontal resolution along the line of sight. Simultaneous in situ observations by the Basic Halo Measurement and Sensor System (BAHAMAS), the Fast In-situ Stratospheric Hygrometer (FISH), an ozone detector named Fairo, and the Atmospheric chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer (AIMS) allow a validation of retrieved values for three flights in the upper troposphere/lowermost stratosphere region spanning polar and sub-tropical latitudes. A high correlation is achieved between the remote sensing and the in situ trace gas data, and discrepancies can to a large extent be attributed to differences in the probed air masses caused by different sampling characteristics of the instruments. This 1-D processing of GLORIA dynamics mode spectra provides the basis for future tomographic inversions from circular and linear flight paths to better understand selected dynamical processes of the upper troposphere and lowermost stratosphere.
Hydroxyl layer: trend of number density and intra-annual variability
Authors: Sonnemann G. R. , Hartogh P. , Berger U. , Grygalashvyly M.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The layer of vibrationally excited hydroxyl (OH*) near the mesopause in Earth's atmosphere is widely used to derive the temperature at this height and to observe dynamical processes such as gravity waves. The concentration of OH* is controlled by the product of atomic hydrogen, with ozone creating a layer of enhanced concentration in the mesopause region. However, the basic influences on the OH* layer are atomic oxygen and temperature. The long-term monitoring of this layer provides information on a changing atmosphere. It is important to know which proportion of a trend results from anthropogenic impacts on the atmosphere and which proportion reflects natural variations. In a previous paper (Grygalashvyly et al., 2014), the trend of the height of the layer and the trend in temperature were investigated particularly in midlatitudes on the basis of our coupled dynamic and chemical transport model LIMA (Leibniz Institute Middle Atmosphere). In this paper we consider the trend for the number density between the years 1961 and 2009 and analyze the reason of the trends on a global scale. Further, we consider intra-annual variations. Temperature and wind have the strongest impacts on the trend. Surprisingly, the increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) has no clear influence on the chemistry of OH*. The main reason for this lies in the fact that, in the production term of OH*, if atomic hydrogen increases due to increasing humidity of the middle atmosphere by methane oxidation, ozone decreases. The maximum of the OH* layer is found in the mesopause region and is very variable. The mesopause region is a very intricate domain marked by changeable dynamics and strong gradients of all chemically active minor constituents determining the OH* chemistry. The OH* concentration responds, in part, very sensitively to small changes in these parameters. The cause for this behavior is given by nonlinear reactions of the photochemical system being a nonlinear enforced chemical oscillator driven by the diurnal-periodic solar insolation. At the height of the OH* layer the system operates in the vicinity of chemical resonance. The solar cycle is mirrored in the data, but the long-term behavior due to the trend in the Lyman-α radiation is very small. The number density shows distinct hemispheric differences. The calculated OH* values show sometimes a step around a certain year. We introduce a method to find out the date of this step and discuss a possible reason for such behavior.
Redox regime shifts in microbially mediated biogeochemical cycles
Authors: Bush T. , Butler I. B. , Free A. , Allen R. J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Understanding how the Earth's biogeochemical cycles respond to environmental change is a prerequisite for the prediction and mitigation of the effects of anthropogenic perturbations. Microbial populations mediate key steps in these cycles, yet they are often crudely represented in biogeochemical models. Here, we show that microbial population dynamics can qualitatively affect the response of biogeochemical cycles to environmental change. Using simple and generic mathematical models, we find that nutrient limitations on microbial population growth can lead to regime shifts, in which the redox state of a biogeochemical cycle changes dramatically as the availability of a redox-controlling species, such as oxygen or acetate, crosses a threshold (a "tipping point"). These redox regime shifts occur in parameter ranges that are relevant to the present-day sulfur cycle in the natural environment and the present-day nitrogen cycle in eutrophic terrestrial environments. These shifts may also have relevance to iron cycling in the iron-containing Proterozoic and Archean oceans. We show that redox regime shifts also occur in models with physically realistic modifications, such as additional terms, chemical states, or microbial populations. Our work reveals a possible new mechanism by which regime shifts can occur in nutrient-cycling ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles, and highlights the importance of considering microbial population dynamics in models of biogeochemical cycles.
Technical Note: How accurate can stalagmite formation temperatures be determined using vapour bubble radius measurements in fluid inclusions?
Authors: Spadin F. , Marti D. , Hidalgo-Staub R. , Rička J. , Fleitmann D. , Frenz M.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Stalagmites are natural archives containing detailed information on continental climate variability of the past. Microthermometric measurements of fluid inclusion homogenisation temperatures allow determination of stalagmite formation temperatures by measuring the radius of stable laser-induced vapour bubbles inside the inclusions. A reliable method for precisely measuring the radius of vapour bubbles is presented. The method is applied to stalagmite samples for which the formation temperature is known. An assessment of the bubble radius measurement accuracy and how this error influences the uncertainty in determining the formation temperature is provided. We demonstrate that the nominal homogenisation temperature of a single inclusion can be determined with an accuracy of ±0.25 °C, if the volume of the inclusion is larger than 105 μm3. With this method, we could measure in a proof-of-principle investigation that the formation temperature of 10–20 yr old inclusions in a stalagmite taken from the Milandre cave is 9.87 ± 0.80 °C, while the mean annual surface temperature, that in the case of the Milandre cave correlates well with the cave temperature, was 9.6 ± 0.15 °C, calculated from actual measurements at that time, showing a very good agreement. Formation temperatures of inclusions formed during the last 450 yr are found in a temperature range between 8.4 and 9.6 °C, which corresponds to the calculated average surface temperature. Paleotemperatures can thus be determined within ±1.0 °C.
Weak precipitation, warm winters and springs impact glaciers of south slopes of Mt. Everest (central Himalaya) in the last 2 decades (1994–2013)
Authors: Salerno F. , Guyennon N. , Thakuri S. , Viviano G. , Romano E. , Vuillermoz E. , Cristofanelli P. , Stocchi P. , Agrillo G. , Ma Y. , Tartari G.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Studies on recent climate trends from the Himalayan range are limited, and even completely absent at high elevation (> 5000 m a.s.l.). This study specifically explores the southern slopes of Mt. Everest, analyzing the time series of temperature and precipitation reconstructed from seven stations located between 2660 and 5600 m a.s.l. during 1994–2013, complemented with the data from all existing ground weather stations located on both sides of the mountain range (Koshi Basin) over the same period. Overall we find that the main and most significant increase in temperature is concentrated outside of the monsoon period. Above 5000 m a.s.l. the increasing trend in the time series of minimum temperature (+0.072 °C yr−1) is much stronger than of maximum temperature (+0.009 °C yr−1), while the mean temperature increased by +0.044 °C yr−1. Moreover, we note a substantial liquid precipitation weakening (−9.3 mm yr−1) during the monsoon season. The annual rate of decrease in precipitation at higher elevations is similar to the one at lower elevations on the southern side of the Koshi Basin, but the drier conditions of this remote environment make the fractional loss much more consistent (−47% during the monsoon period). Our results challenge the assumptions on whether temperature or precipitation is the main driver of recent glacier mass changes in the region. The main implications are the following: (1) the negative mass balances of glaciers observed in this region can be more ascribed to a decrease in accumulation (snowfall) than to an increase in surface melting; (2) the melting has only been favoured during winter and spring months and close to the glaciers terminus; (3) a decrease in the probability of snowfall (−10%) has made a significant impact only at glacier ablation zone, but the magnitude of this decrease is distinctly lower than the observed decrease in precipitation; (4) the decrease in accumulation could have caused the observed decrease in glacier flow velocity and the current stagnation of glacier termini, which in turn could have produced more melting under the debris glacier cover, leading to the formation of numerous supraglacial and proglacial lakes that have characterized the region in the last decades.
From Doktor Kurowski's Schneegrenze to our modern glacier equilibrium line altitude (ELA)
Authors: Braithwaite R. J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Translated into modern terminology, Kurowski suggested in 1891 that the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) of a glacier is equal to the mean altitude of the glacier when the whole glacier is in balance between accumulation and ablation. Kurowski's method has been widely misunderstood, partly due to inappropriate use of statistical terminology by later workers, and has been little tested except by Braithwaite and Müller in a 1980 paper (for 32 glaciers). I now compare Kurowski's mean altitude with balanced-budget ELA calculated for 103 modern glaciers with measured surface mass balance data. Kurowski's mean altitude is significantly higher (at 95% level) than balanced-budget ELA for 19 outlet and 42 valley glaciers, but not significantly higher for 34 mountain glaciers. The error in Kurowski mean altitude as a predictor of balanced-budget ELA might be due to generally lower balance gradients in accumulation area compared with ablation areas for many glaciers, as suggested by several workers, but some glaciers have higher gradients, presumably due to precipitation increase with altitude. The relatively close agreement between balanced-budget ELA and mean altitude for mountain glaciers (mean error −8 m with standard deviation 59 m) may reflect smaller altitude ranges for these glaciers such that there is less room for effects of different balance gradients to manifest themselves.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Evaluation of Calcinated Ag-Doped Nano-Hydroxyapatite with Dispersibility
Authors: Furuzono Tsutomu , Motaharul Mazumder , Kogai Yasumichi , Azuma Yoshinao , Sawa Yoshiki
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Dispersible hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles are very useful for applying a monolayer to implantable medical devices using the nano-coating technique. To improve tolerance to infection on implanted medical devices, silver-doped HAp (Ag-HAp) nanoparticles with dispersiblity and crystallinity were synthesized, avoiding calcination-induced sintering, and evaluated for antibacterial activity.

Methods

The Ca10-xAgx(PO4)6(OH)2 with x = 0 and 0.2 were prepared by wet chemical processing at 100°C. Before calcination at 700°C for 2 h, two kinds of anti-sintering agents, namely a Ca(NO3)2 (Ca salt) and a poly-acrylic acid/Ca salt mixture (PAA-Ca), were used. Escherichia coli was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the nanopowder.

Results

When PAA-Ca was used as an anti-sintering agent in calcination to prepare the dispersible nanoparticles, strong metallic Ag peaks were observed at 38.1° and 44.3° ( 20 ) in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile. However, the Ag peak was barely observed when Ca salt was used alone as the anti-sintering agent. Thus, using Ca salt alone was more effective for preparation of dispersible Ag-HAp than PAA-Ca. The particle average size of Ag-HAp with 0.5 mol% of Ag content was found to be 325 ± 70 nm when the formation of large particle-aggregations was prevented, as determined by dynamic light scattering instrument. The antibacterial activity of the Ag-HAp nanoparticles possessing 0.5 mol% against E. coli was greater than 90.0%.

Conclusions

Dispersible and crystalline nano Ag-HAp can be obtained by using Ca salt alone as an anti-sintering agent. The nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity.
Distribution, Complications, and Outcome of Footpad Injuries in Pet and Military Working Dogs*
Authors: Hansen Lane A. , Hazenfield Kurt M. , Olea-Popelka Francisco , Smeak Dan D.
Published: June 2015

This study reports the findings of 120 traumatic pad injuries in pet and military dogs. Most dogs (68%) presented with a laceration to a thoracic limb footpad, and one-third of dogs were middle-aged castrated males. Metacarpal pads were most commonly injured. Short-term complications were noted in 27% of dogs. No long-term complications were identified. No disability from pad injury was present at the completion of healing. Concurrent injuries to adjacent structures were uncommon and did not affect outcome. Dogs with full-thickness pad lacerations were at greater risk for major short-term complications compared to dogs with partial-thickness pad lacerations (odds ratio, 7.27; P = .001). Military working dogs with full-thickness pad lacerations were at greater risk for major short-term complications than pet dogs with a similar injury. When major complications developed in dogs with full-thickness pad injuries, time to final healing was significantly longer (by a median of 12 days). The partial-thickness pad lesions healed uneventfully regardless of whether they were bandaged, surgically repaired, or left to heal by second intention. Suture repair and bandaging of full-thickness lesions could not be shown to either decrease the risk for complications or improve healing. Future work should focus on establishing standards for footpad treatment to reduce complications.
Functional Biodiversity in Organic Systems: The Way Forward?
Authors: Barberi Paolo
Published: June 2015

Trends in EU agricultural policies recognize an increasingly important role to biodiversity conservation and use in agroecosystems, including organic ones. However, along with their economic success, organic systems are facing a risk of ‘conventionalization’, i.e. the prevalence of input substitution over agroecologically-based crop management. Understanding what is functional agrobiodiversity and when it can be successfully applied in organics may help strengthen the recognition of organic farming as the reference management system for agricultural sustainability. Here functional agrobiodiversity is defined as a subset of total biodiversity identified at the gene, species or habitat level able to deliver a given agroecosystem service, which extent increases with diversity in the functional group. Different functional agrobiodiversity categories are identified, compared to biofunctionality, and used to illustrate the mechanisms through which they can support agroecosystem services and consequently sustainability. Three case studies taken from the author’s own research are used as examples to illustrate functional agrobiodiversity’s potential in organic systems as well as open questions. Results show that (i) functional agrobiodiversity has potential to support agroecosystem services but it is not possible to generalize the effects; (ii) a given functional biodiversity element may create conflicts between different target agroecosystem services. In those cases, prioritization of services is required.
A Review of Long-Term Organic Comparison Trials in the U.S.
Authors: Delate Kathleen , Cambardella Cynthia , Chase Craig , Turnbull Robert
Published: June 2015

Long-term organic farming system trials were established across the U.S. to capture baseline agronomic, economic and environmental data related to organic conversion under varying climatic conditions. These sites have proven useful in providing supporting evidence for successful transition from conventional to organic practices. All experiments chosen for this review were transdisciplinary in nature; analyzed comprehensive system components (productivity, soil health, pest status, and economics); and contained all crops within each rotation and cropping system each year to ensure the most robust analysis. In addition to yield comparisons, necessary for determining the viability of organic operations, ecosystem services, such as soil carbon capture, nutrient cycling, pest suppression, and water quality enhancement, have been documented for organic systems in these trials. Outcomes from these long-term trials have been critical in elucidating factors underlying less than optimal yields in organic systems, which typically involved inadequate weed management and insufficient soil fertility at certain sites. Finally, these experiments serve as valuable demonstrations of the economic viability of organic systems for farmers and policymakers interested in viewing farm-scale organic operations and crop performance.