bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Coordinated SOFC and SMES Robust Control for Stabilizing Tie-Line Power
Authors: Zhang Ning , Gu Wei , Yu Haojun , Liu Wei
Published: April 2013

Wind power causes fluctuations in power systems and introduces issues concerning system stability and power quality because of the lack of controllability of its discontinuous and intermittent resources. This paper presents a coordinated control strategy for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) to match the intermittent wind power generation and compensate for the rapid load changes. An optimal H∞ control method, where the weighting function selection is expressed as an optimization problem, is proposed to mitigate tie-line power fluctuations and the mixed-sensitivity approach is used to deal with the interference suppression. Simulation results show that the proposed method significantly improves the smoothing effect of wind power fluctuations. Compared with the conventional control method, the proposed method has better anti-interference performance in various operating situations.
Mineral Analysis of Pine Nuts (Pinus spp.) Grown in New Zealand
Authors: Vanhanen Leo , Savage Geoffrey
Published: April 2013

Mineral analysis of seven Pinus species grown in different regions of New Zealand; Armand pine (Pinus armandii Franch), Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.), Mexican pinyon (Pinus cembroides Zucc. var. bicolor Little), Coulter pine (Pinus coulteri D. Don), Johann’s pine (Pinus johannis M.F. Robert), Italian stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) and Torrey pine (Pinus torreyana Parry ex Carrière), was carried out using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) analysis. Fourteen different minerals (Al, B, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, S and Zn) were identified in all seven varieties, except that no Al or Na was found in Pinus coulteri D. Don. New Zealand grown pine nuts are a good source of Cu, Mg, Mn, P and Zn, meeting or exceeding the recommended RDI for these minerals (based on an intake of 50 g nuts/day) while they supplied between 39%–89% of the New Zealand RDI for Fe. Compared to other commonly eaten tree-nuts New Zealand grown pine nuts are an excellent source of essential minerals.
The Use of Chitosan to Enhance Photodynamic Inactivation against Candida albicans and Its Drug-Resistant Clinical Isolates
Authors: Chien Hsiung-Fei , Chen Chueh-Pin , Chen Yee-Chun , Chang Po-Han , Tsai Tsuimin , Chen Chin-Tin
Published: April 2013

Drug-resistant Candida infection is a major health concern among immunocompromised patients. Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (PDI) was introduced as an alternative treatment for local infections. Although Candida (C.) has demonstrated susceptibility to PDI, high doses of photosensitizer (PS) and light energy are required, which may be harmful to eukaryotic human cells. This study explores the capacity of chitosan, a polycationic biopolymer, to increase the efficacy of PDI against C. albicans, as well as fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates in planktonic or biofilm states. Chitosan was shown to effectively augment the effect of PDI mediated by toluidine blue O (TBO) against C. albicans that were incubated with chitosan for 30 min following PDI. Chitosan at concentrations as low as 0.25% eradicated C. albicans; however, without PDI treatment, chitosan alone did not demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity within the 30 min of incubation. These results suggest that chitosan only augmented the fungicidal effect after the cells had been damaged by PDI. Increasing the dosage of chitosan or prolonging the incubation time allowed a reduction in the PDI condition required to completely eradicate C. albicans. These results clearly indicate that combining chitosan with PDI is a promising antimicrobial approach to treat infectious diseases.
Characterization and Expression of the Gene Encoding En-MAPK1, an Intestinal Cell Kinase (ICK)-like Kinase Activated by the Autocrine Pheromone-Signaling Loop in the Polar Ciliate, Euplotes nobilii
Authors: Candelori Annalisa , Luporini Pierangelo , Alimenti Claudio , Vallesi Adriana
Published: April 2013

In the protozoan ciliate Euplotes, a transduction pathway resulting in a mitogenic cell growth response is activated by autocrine receptor binding of cell type-specific, water-borne signaling protein pheromones. In Euplotes raikovi, a marine species of temperate waters, this transduction pathway was previously shown to involve the phosphorylation of a nuclear protein kinase structurally similar to the intestinal-cell and male germ cell-associated kinases described in mammals. In E. nobilii, which is phylogenetically closely related to E. raikovi but inhabits Antarctic and Arctic waters, we have now characterized a gene encoding a structurally homologous kinase. The expression of this gene requires +1 translational frameshifting and a process of intron splicing for the production of the active protein, designated En-MAPK1, which contains amino acid substitutions of potential significance for cold-adaptation.
Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Product (sRAGE)/Pentosidine Ratio: A Potential Risk Factor Determinant for Type 2 Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Ng Zhi , Chua Kek , Iqbal Tajunisah , Kuppusamy Umah
Published: April 2013

This study aims to investigate potential diabetic retinopathy (DR) risk factors by evaluating the circulating levels of pentosidine, soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-product (sRAGE), advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in DR patients. A total of 235 healthy controls, 171 type 2 diabetic without retinopathy (DNR) and 200 diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients were recruited. Plasma was extracted for the estimation of pentosidine, sRAGE, AOPP levels and GPx activity whereas peripheral blood mononuclear cells were disrupted for SOD activity measurement. DNR and DR patients showed significantly higher levels of plasma pentosidine, sRAGE and AOPP but lower GPx and SOD activities when compared to healthy controls. The sRAGE/pentosidine ratio in DR patients was significantly lower than the ratio detected in DNR patients. Proliferative DR patients had significantly higher levels of plasma pentosidine, sRAGE, AOPP and sRAGE/pentosidine ratio than non-proliferative DR patients. High HbA1c level, long duration of diabetes and low sRAGE/pentosidine ratio were determined as the risk factors for DR. This study suggests that sRAGE/pentosidine ratio could serve as a risk factor determinant for type 2 DR as it has a positive correlation with the severity of DR.
Potential Chemopreventive Activity of a New Macrolide Antibiotic from a Marine-Derived Micromonospora sp.
Authors: Carlson Skylar , Marler Laura , Nam Sang-Jip , Santarsiero Bernard , Pezzuto John , Murphy Brian
Published: April 2013

Agents capable of inducing phase II enzymes such as quinone reductase 1 (QR1) are known to have the potential of mediating cancer chemopreventive activity. As part of a program to discover novel phase II enzyme-inducing molecules, we identified a marine-derived actinomycete strain (CNJ-878) that exhibited activity with cultured Hepa 1c1c7 cells. Based on this activity, a new macrolide, juvenimicin C (1), as well as 5-O-α-l-rhamnosyltylactone (2), were isolated from the culture broth of a Micromonospora sp. Compound 1 enhanced QR1 enzyme activity and glutathione levels by two-fold with CD values of 10.1 and 27.7 μM, respectively. In addition, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities were elevated. This is the first reported member of the macrolide class of antibiotics found to mediate these responses.
NMDA Receptor Antagonists for Treatment of Depression
Authors: Ates-Alagoz Zeynep , Adejare Adeboye
Published: April 2013

Depression is a psychiatric disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Individuals battling this disorder commonly experience high rates of relapse, persistent residual symptoms, functional impairment, and diminished well-being. Medications have important utility in stabilizing moods and daily functions of many individuals. However, only one third of patients had considerable improvement with a standard antidepressant after 2 months and all patients had to deal with numerous side effects. The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor family has received special attention because of its critical role in psychiatric disorders. Direct targeting of the NMDA receptor could result in more rapid antidepressant effects. Antidepressant-like effects of NMDA receptor antagonists have been demonstrated in different animal models. MK-801 (a use-dependent channel blocker), and CGP 37849 (an NMDA receptor antagonist) have shown antidepressant properties in preclinical studies, either alone or combined with traditional antidepressants. A recent development is use of ketamine clinically for refractory depression. The purpose of this review is to examine and analyze current literature on the role of NMDA receptor antagonists for treatment of depression and whether this is a feasible route in drug discovery.
Driver Assistance System for Passive Multi-Trailer Vehicles with Haptic Steering Limitations on the Leading Unit
Authors: Morales Jesús , Mandow Anthony , Martínez Jorge , Reina Antonio , García-Cerezo Alfonso
Published: April 2013

Driving vehicles with one or more passive trailers has difficulties in both forward and backward motion due to inter-unit collisions, jackknife, and lack of visibility. Consequently, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for multi-trailer combinations can be beneficial to accident avoidance as well as to driver comfort. The ADAS proposed in this paper aims to prevent unsafe steering commands by means of a haptic handwheel. Furthermore, when driving in reverse, the steering-wheel and pedals can be used as if the vehicle was driven from the back of the last trailer with visual aid from a rear-view camera. This solution, which can be implemented in drive-by-wire vehicles with hitch angle sensors, profits from two methods previously developed by the authors: safe steering by applying a curvature limitation to the leading unit, and a virtual tractor concept for backward motion that includes the complex case of set-point propagation through on-axle hitches. The paper addresses system requirements and provides implementation details to tele-operate two different off- and on-axle combinations of a tracked mobile robot pulling and pushing two dissimilar trailers.
Estimating Zenith Tropospheric Delays from BeiDou Navigation Satellite System Observations
Authors: Xu Aigong , Xu Zongqiu , Ge Maorong , Xu Xinchao , Zhu Huizhong , Sui Xin
Published: April 2013

The GNSS derived Zenith Tropospheric Delay (ZTD) plays today a very critical role in meteorological study and weather forecasts, as ZTDs of thousands of GNSS stations are operationally assimilated into numerical weather prediction models. Recently, the Chinese BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) was officially announced to provide operational services around China and its neighborhood and it was demonstrated to be very promising for precise navigation and positioning. In this contribution, we concentrate on estimating ZTD using BDS observations to assess its capacity for troposphere remote sensing. A local network which is about 250 km from Beijing and comprised of six stations equipped with GPS- and BDS-capable receivers is utilized. Data from 5 to 8 November 2012 collected on the network is processed in network mode using precise orbits and in Precise Point Positioning mode using precise orbits and clocks. The precise orbits and clocks are generated from a tracking network with most of the stations in China and several stations around the world. The derived ZTDs are compared with that estimated from GPS data using the final products of the International GNSS Service (IGS). The comparison shows that the bias and the standard deviation of the ZTD differences are about 2 mm and 5 mm, respectively, which are very close to the differences of GPS ZTD estimated using different software packages.
Impacts of Climatic Hazards on the Small Wetland Ecosystems (ponds): Evidence from Some Selected Areas of Coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Rabbani Golam , Rahman Syed , Faulkner Lucy
Published: April 2013

Most climate related hazards in Bangladesh are linked to water. The climate vulnerable poor—the poorest and most marginalized communities living in remote villages along Bangladesh’s coastal zone that are vulnerable to climate change impacts and who possess low adaptive capacity are most affected by lack of access to safe water sources. Many climate vulnerable poor households depend on small isolated wetlands (ponds) for daily drinking water needs and other domestic requirements, including cooking, bathing and washing. Similarly, the livelihoods of many of these households also depend on access to ponds due to activities of small-scale irrigation for rice farming, vegetable farming and home gardening. This is particularly true for those poorest and most marginalized communities living in Satkhira, one of the most vulnerable coastal districts in south-west Bangladesh. These households rely on pond water for vegetable farming and home gardening, especially during winter months. However, these pond water sources are highly vulnerable to climate change induced hazards, including flooding, drought, salinity intrusion, cyclone and storm surges, erratic rainfall patterns and variations in temperature. Cyclone Sidr and Cyclone Aila, which hit Bangladesh in 2007 and 2009 respectively, led to a significant number of such ponds being inundated with saline water. This impacted upon and resulted in wide scale implications for climate vulnerable poor households, including reduced availability of safe drinking water, and safe water for health and hygiene practices and livelihood activities. Those households living in remote areas and who are most affected by these climate impacts are dependent on water being supplied through aid, as well as travelling long distances to collect safe water for drinking purposes.
Transport and Retention of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Carbon in North America’s Largest River Swamp Basin, the Atchafalaya River Basin
Authors: Xu Y.
Published: April 2013

Floodplains and river corridor wetlands may be effectively managed for reducing nutrients and carbon. However, our understanding is limited to the reduction potential of these natural riverine systems. This study utilized the long-term (1978–2004) river discharge and water quality records from an upriver and a downriver location of the Atchafalaya River to quantify the inflow, outflow, and inflow–outflow mass balance of total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN = organic nitrogen + ammonia nitrogen), nitrate + nitrite nitrogen (NO3 + NO2), total phosphorous (TP), and total organic carbon (TOC) through the largest river swamp basin in North America. The study found that, over the past 27 years, the Atchafalaya River Basin (ARB) acted as a significant sink for TKN (annual retention: 24%), TP (41%), and TOC (12%), but a source for NO3 + NO2 nitrogen (6%). On an annual basis, ARB retained 48,500 t TKN, 16,900 t TP, and 167,100 t TOC from the river water. The retention rates were closely and positively related to the river discharge with highs during the winter and spring and lows in the late summer. The higher NO3 + NO2 mass outflow occurred throughout spring and summer, indicating an active role of biological processes on nitrogen as water and air temperatures in the basin rise.
1-n-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium-2-carboxylate: a versatile precatalyst for the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and rac-lactide under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Hoppe Astrid , Sadaka Faten , Brachais Claire-Hélène , Boni Gilles , Couvercelle Jean-Pierre , Plasseraud Laurent
Published: April 2013

The ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and rac-lactide (rac-LA) under solvent-free conditions and using 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-2-carboxylate (BMIM-2-CO2) as precatalyst is described. Linear and star-branched polyesters were synthesized by successive use of benzyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, glycerol and pentaerythritol as initiator alcohols, and the products were fully characterized by 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). BMIM-2-CO2 acts as an N-heterocyclic carbene precursor, resulting from in situ decarboxylation, either by heating under vacuo (method A) or by addition of NaBPh4 (method B). Possible catalytic and deactivation mechanisms are proposed.
EVALUATION OF CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS – AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Gudienė Neringa , Banaitis Audrius , Banaitienė Nerija
Published: April 2013

This paper aims to identify a comprehensive list of critical success factors for construction projects in Lithuania. Based on the available literature review, this paper identified 71 success factors under 7 broad groups. Based on the survey results, ten factors including project manager competence, project management team members' competence, project manager coordinating skills, client clear and precise goals/objectives, project value, project management team members' relevant past experience, project manager organising skills, project manager effective and timely conflict resolution, client ability to make timely decision, and project manager experience were determined as the most important success factors for construction projects. These critical success factors are of great significance both to researchers and industry practitioners.
Relationships between Meaningful Activity, Basic Psychological Needs, and Meaning in Life: Test of the Meaningful Activity and Life Meaning Model
Authors: Eakman Aaron M.
Published: April 2013

The author of this study proposed and examined a theoretical model in which meaningful activity fulfills basic psychological needs and contributes to meaning in life. Hypotheses derived from the Meaningful Activity and Life Meaning model and tested within this study included: (1) meaningful activity will be associated with meaning in life, (2) meaningful activity will be associated with basic psychological needs, and (3) basic psychological needs will partially mediate the relationship between meaningful activity and meaning in life. Structural equation modeling with latent variables was used to test the study hypotheses. A total of 591 undergraduate and graduate students completed the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey, the Basic Psychological Needs Scales (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness), and the Presence subscale of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. Results from the study were in full support of each hypothesis and indicate the important role meaningful activity may serve in fostering meaning in life.
Measurement of Aggressive Behaviors in Dementia: Comparison of the Physical Aggression Subscales of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory and the Ryden Aggression Scale
Authors: Whall Ann L. , Kim Hyojeong , Colling Kathleen Byrne , Hong Gwi-Ryung , DeCicco Barry , Antonakos Cathy
Published: April 2013

One of the central issues in the development of research-based interventions for aggressive behavior (AB) in late-stage dementia is the provision of precise measurement of the major dependent variable, in this case, AB levels. To advance the nursing goal of evidence-based practice, this article presents the characteristics of two research instruments: the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) aggressive behavior subscale (CMAI-ABS) and the Ryden Aggression Scale (RAS) physically aggressive behavior subscale (RAS-PABS). A total of 282 shower bath events (which are most associated with AB) were observed for 107 nursing home residents with dementia in nine randomly selected nursing homes. Then, we compared the psychometric properties of the CMAI-ABS and the RAS-PABS. Moderate to substantial agreements between the two instruments were identified using Cohen’s Kappa. A similar percentage of AB was found on both subscales. Similar items on both subscales, such as hitting and pushing, were moderately correlated. Overall, the study results support that the CMAI-ABS and RAS-PABS measure a single but multifaceted construct—physically aggressive behavior in dementia.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2013; 6(3):171–177.]
Marañón y la identidad sexual: biología, sexualidad y género en la España de la década de 1920
Authors: Castejón Bolea Ramón
Published: April 2013

En este artículo se examinan tres trabajos de Gregorio Marañón, publicados por primera vez en 1926 y agrupados bajo el epígrafe de Tres ensayos sobre la vida sexual. Estos ensayos tuvieron una gran resonancia y fueron objeto de numerosas ediciones. El objetivo de este trabajo es contribuir a situar las posiciones científicas y médicas, expresadas por Marañón en estos ensayos, en el contexto socio-cultural, científico y político de la España de la década de 1920. Se discute la teoría de la diferenciación sexual de Marañón y su defensa de la misión maternal de las mujeres en una época en la que muchas feministas asumieron una visión sexualizada del mundo y en la que la identidad femenina se articulaba en torno a la maternidad. El análisis de estos ensayos es enmarcado en la historiografía contemporánea sobre la historia de la sexualidad y la historia de las mujeres.
Nutritional yield and economic responses of sunflower (Helianthus annuus l.) to integrated levels of nitrogen, sulphur and farmyard manure
Authors: Rasool Faisul-ur , Hasan Badrul , Jahangir IA , Ali Tahir , Mubarak T
Published: April 2013

The field experiments were conducted at Agronomy Farm of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir during 2009 and 2010, to study the Nutritional yield and economics response of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grown under varying levels of nitrogen, sulphur and farmyard manure. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three nitrogen levels (40, 80 and 120 kg/ha), two sulphur levels (30 and 60 kg/ ha) and three FYM levels (0, 10 and 20 t/ha) having 18 treatment combinations with three replications. The plots were given uniform recommended dose of phosphorus and potassium through diammonium phosphate and muriate of potash at the rate of 60 and 40 kg P2O5 and K2O /ha, respectively. The soil of the experimental field was silty clay loam in texture, low in available nitrogen and sulphur, high in organic carbon, medium in available phosphorus and potassium with neutral pH. The plant height, leaf area index and dry matter production recorded significant and consistent increase with increase in nitrogen rates from 40 to 120 kg/ ha. Nitrogen rates of 80 and 120 kg/ha at par with one another, significantly increased the total number of achenes/capitulum, number of filled achenes/capitulum and 1000-seed weight over 40 kg N/ha. The luxurious seed yield (2.5 tonnes/ha) was recorded with 120 kg N/ha which remained at par with 80 kg N/ha (2.4 t/ha) and net returns (Rs. 53793), B:C (2.1) ratio was higher with 120 kg N/ha. Application of 60 kg S/ha recorded maximum seed yield (2.42 tonnes/ ha) and net returns (Rs. 49115). Same dose of treatment also recorded higher oil content and oil yield. Application of FYM @ 10 and 20 t/ha improved seed yield up to the tune of 9 and 15% over no application, respectively. With net returns of Rs. 49093 FYM @ 10 t/ha proved more profitable. Available nitrogen recorded was highest with treatment combination 120 kg N+60 kg S+20 t FYM/ha and lowest with 40 kg N+30 kg S+0 t FYM/ha. Similar trend was observed for available sulphur.DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v8i1.5373The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2013, vol.8, no 1 p.17-27
Editorial Vol.8(1)
Authors: Mahaliyanaarachchi Rohana P
Published: April 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jas.v8i1.5379The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2013, vol.8, no1
Large differences in the diabatic heat budget of the tropical UTLS in reanalyses
Authors: Wright J. S. , Fueglistaler S.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We present the time mean heat budgets of the tropical upper troposphere (UT) and lower stratosphere (LS) as simulated by five reanalysis models: MERRA, ERA-Interim, CFSR, JRA-25/JCDAS, and NCEP/NCAR. The simulated diabatic heat budget in the tropical UTLS differs significantly from model to model, with substantial implications for representations of transport and mixing. Large differences are apparent both in the net heat budget and in all comparable individual components, including latent heating, heating due to radiative transfer, and heating due to parameterised vertical mixing. We describe and discuss the most pronounced differences. Although they may be expected given difficulties in representing moist convection in models, the discrepancies in latent heating are still disturbing. We pay particular attention to discrepancies in radiative heating (which may be surprising given the strength of observational constraints on temperature and tropospheric water vapour) and discrepancies in heating due to turbulent mixing (which have received comparatively little attention).
Broadband measurements of aerosol extinction in the ultraviolet spectral region
Authors: Washenfelder R. A. , Flores J. M. , Brock C. A. , Brown S. S. , Rudich Y.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Aerosols influence the Earth's radiative budget by scattering and absorbing incoming solar radiation. The optical properties of aerosols vary as a function of wavelength, but few measurements have reported the wavelength dependence of aerosol extinction cross sections and complex refractive indices. We describe a new laboratory instrument to measure aerosol optical extinction as a function of wavelength, using cavity enhanced spectroscopy with a broadband light source. The instrument consists of two broadband channels which span the 360–390 and 385–420 nm spectral regions using two light emitting diodes (LED) and a grating spectrometer with charge-coupled device (CCD) detector. We determined aerosol extinction cross sections and directly observed Mie scattering resonances for aerosols that are purely scattering (polystyrene latex spheres and ammonium sulfate), slightly absorbing (Suwannee River fulvic acid), and strongly absorbing (nigrosin dye). We describe an approach for retrieving refractive indices as a function of wavelength from the measured extinction cross sections over the 360–420 nm wavelength region. The retrieved refractive indices for PSL and ammonium sulfate agree within uncertainty with the literature values for this spectral region. The refractive index determined for nigrosin is 1.78 (± 0.03) + 0.19 (± 0.08)i at 360 nm and 1.63 (± 0.03) + 0.21 (± 0.05)i at 420 nm. The refractive index determined for Suwannee River fulvic acid is 1.71 (± 0.02) + 0.07 (± 0.06)i at 360 nm and 1.66 (± 0.02) + 0.06 (± 0.04)i at 420 nm. These laboratory results support the potential for a field instrument capable of determining ambient aerosol optical extinction, average aerosol extinction cross section, and complex refractive index as a function of wavelength.
European wind variability over 140 yr
Authors: Bett P. E. , Thornton H. E. , Clark R. T.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We present initial results of a study on the variability of wind speeds across Europe over the past 140 yr, making use of the recent Twentieth Century Reanalysis data set, which includes uncertainty estimates from an ensemble method of reanalysis. Maps of the means and standard deviations of daily wind speeds, and the Weibull-distribution parameters, show the expected features, such as the strong, highly-variable wind in the north-east Atlantic. We do not find any clear, strong long-term trends in wind speeds across Europe, and the variability between decades is large. We examine how different years and decades are related in the long-term context, by looking at the ranking of annual mean wind speeds. Picking a region covering eastern England as an example, our analyses show that the wind speeds there over the past ~ 20 yr are within the range expected from natural variability, but do not span the full range of variability of the 140-yr data set. The calendar-year 2010 is however found to have the lowest mean wind speed on record for this region.
Interannual variation in summer N2O concentration in the hypoxic region of the northern Gulf of Mexico, 1985–2007
Authors: Kim I.-N. , Lee K. , Bange H. W. , Macdonald A. M.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We present evidence of temporal variation in nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations in the bottom waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM) hypoxic zone. The analysis is based on a conceptual model simulating N2O biogeochemical processes in conjunction with water-column O2 levels, derived from summer Texas–Louisiana shelf-wide hydrographic data for twenty Julys between 1985 and 2007. The mean modeled nGOM N2O concentration was 7.7 ± 6.7 nmol L−1, and was significantly correlated with the areal extent of hypoxia. Our modeling analysis indicates that the nGOM is a persistent summer source of N2O, and nitrification is a primary factor leading to its production in this region. Based on the ongoing increase in the areal extent of hypoxia in the nGOM, we conclude that N2O emission from this environmentally stressed region will continue to increase into the future contributing to the global increase in greenhouse gases.
Evaluating a lightning parameterization based on cloud-top height for mesoscale numerical model simulations
Authors: Wong J. , Barth M. C. , Noone D.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The Price and Rind lightning parameterization based on cloud-top height is a commonly used method for predicting flash rate in global chemistry models. As mesoscale simulations begin to implement flash rate predictions at resolutions that partially resolve convection, it is necessary to validate and understand the behavior of this method within such a regime. In this study, we tested the flash rate parameterization, intra-cloud/cloud-to-ground (IC:CG) partitioning parameterization, and the associated resolution dependency "calibration factor" by Price and Rind using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model running at 36 km, 12 km, and 4 km grid spacings within the continental United States. Our results show that while the integrated flash count is consistent with observations when model biases in convection are taken into account, an erroneous frequency distribution is simulated. When the spectral characteristics of lightning flash rate are a concern, we recommend the use of prescribed IC:CG values. In addition, using cloud-top from convective parameterization, the "calibration factor" is also shown to be insufficient in reconciling the resolution dependency at the tested grid spacing used in this study. We recommend scaling by areal ratio relative to a base-case grid spacing determined by convective core density.
Seasonality of intermediate waters hydrography west of the Iberian Peninsula from an 8 yr semiannual time series of an oceanographic section
Authors: Prieto E. , González-Pola C. , Lavín A. , Sánchez R. F. , Ruiz-Villarreal M.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Seasonality of hydrographical properties at depth in the western Iberian margin (eastern North Atlantic) is analysed from a 2003–2010 time series of a semiannual oceanographic section extending ∼200 nm off Cape Finisterre (43° N). All water masses down to the permanent thermocline (2000 dbar) show a consistent seasonal signature in their thermohaline properties and there is a notable asymmetry between the slope region and the outer ocean (in the surroundings of the Galicia Bank). There is overall cooling and freshening of eastern North Atlantic central waters in summertime, which is larger and deeper-reaching on the slope. In summertime, Mediterranean Water (MW) gets tightly attached against the slope and is uplifted, reinforcing its thermohaline signature and diminishing its presence at the outer ocean. In wintertime the situation reverses, MW seems to detach from the slope and spreads out to the open ocean, even being observed a secondary branch around the Galicia Bank. Thermohaline seasonality at depth shows values up to 0.4 °C and 0.08 in salinity at the lower MW, of the order of 20% of the overall interannual variability observed during the whole period. Decomposition of thermohaline changes at isobaric levels to changes along isoneutral surfaces and changes due to vertical displacements help analyse the physical processes behind the observed seasonality in terms of (1) the large-scale seasonality of the subtropical gyre in response to the seasonal migration of the subtropical high pressure system and subsequent anomalies in Ekman transport and wind stress curl, (2) the continental slope dynamics, characterized by summer upwelling, winter development of the Iberian Poleward Current and Mediterranean water spreading, and (3) the possible influence of seasonal changes of water mass properties at their formation sources.
Surface mass balance model intercomparison for the Greenland ice sheet
Authors: Vernon C. L. , Bamber J. L. , Box J. E. , van den Broeke M. R. , Fettweis X. , Hanna E. , Huybrechts P.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. A number of high resolution reconstructions of the surface mass balance (SMB) of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) have been produced using global re-analyses data extending back to 1958. These reconstructions have been used in a variety of applications but little is known about their consistency with each other and the impact of the downscaling method on the result. Here, we compare four reconstructions for the period 1960–2008 to assess the consistency in regional, seasonal and integrated SMB components. Total SMB estimates for the GrIS are in agreement within 34% of the four model average when a common ice sheet mask is used. When models' native land/ice/sea masks are used this spread increases to 57%. Variation in the spread of components of SMB from their mean: runoff 42% (29% native masks), precipitation 20% (24% native masks), melt 38% (74% native masks), refreeze 83% (142% native masks) show, with the exception of refreeze, a similar level of agreement once a common mask is used. Previously noted differences in the models' estimates are partially explained by ice sheet mask differences. Regionally there is less agreement, suggesting spatially compensating errors improve the integrated estimates. Modelled SMB estimates are compared with in situ observations from the accumulation and ablation areas. Agreement is higher in the accumulation area than the ablation area suggesting relatively high uncertainty in the estimation of ablation processes. Since the mid-1990s each model estimates a decreasing annual SMB. A similar period of decreasing SMB is also estimated for the period 1960–1972. The earlier decrease is due to reduced precipitation with runoff remaining unchanged, however, the recent decrease is associated with increased precipitation, now more than compensated for by increased melt driven runoff. Additionally, in three of the four models the equilibrium line altitude has risen since the mid-1990s, reducing the accumulation area at a rate of approximately 60 000 km2 per decade due to increased melting. Improving process representation requires further study but the use of a single accurate ice sheet mask is a logical way to reduce uncertainty among models.
The Management of the Displaced Medial Wall in Complex Acetabular Fractures Using Plates and Additional Cerclage
Authors: Park Myung-sik , Yoon Sun Jung , Park Jong-hyuk , Choi Seung-min
Published: April 2013

Reduction for displaced quadrilateral plates in complicated acetabular fractures is difficult and requires wide exposure. The purpose of this study is to assess the usefulness of the additional cable in this complicated fracture and to evaluate the potential danger of compressing the superior gluteal artery and nerve with cable application. We evaluated 31 hips (these included 25 hips with fractures of both columns, two posterior wall and column fractures, three anterior column and posterior hemitransverse fractures, and one high T-shaped fracture) with an average six-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a modification of the Matta grading system and radiographic arthritic grades. We assessed the postoperative clinical outcomes in relation with other variables such as anatomical reduction, delayed operation, seagull sign, and femoral head injuries. We determined whether the superior gluteal artery and nerve were compressed by cerclage with the help of femoral angiography and EMG. Clinical outcomes were graded as very good to excellent for 18 patients, good for five, fair for three and poor for five. Pre-Operative femoral head injury (P = 0.011), a seagull sign (P = 0.001), poor reduction (P = 0.015), and delayed reduction (P = 0.05) were found to statistically influence clinical results. We found that there were no injuries to the superior gluteal artery and nerve in spite of using a cable. Cerclage methods can be useful for initial reduction of displaced medial plates in acetabular fractures. These methods reduce operation time and blood loss as compared with other methods.
How Important to a City are Tourists and Day-Trippers? The Economic Impact of Tourism on the City of Barcelona
Authors: Murillo Joaquín , Vayà Esther , Romaní Javier , Suriñach Jordi
Published: April 2013

The authors devise a multidimensional methodology that quantifies the impact of tourism on urban economies. Tourism is a ‘cross-sectional’ activity that affects many sectors, both directly and indirectly. Therefore, it is important to consider the impact of urban tourism on sectors traditionally defined as ‘tourism-related’, but also its impact on other sectors through its inter-sectoral relationships. The authors calculate the percentage of the turnover of each sector that is attributable to the tourism industry. They also establish the geographical distribution of this impact: how is the effect shared between the city and its neighbouring areas? Finally, they stress that the effect of urban tourism should be quantified not only in terms of turnover, but also in terms of its contribution to GDP and employment.
Research Note: The Importance of Online Tourism Demand
Authors: Ramos Célia M.Q. , Rodrigues Paulo M.M.
Published: April 2013

Over the last two decades the combination of tourism and information and communication technologies (ICT) has led to considerable changes in tourists' behaviour. As can be inferred from the increasing number of online reservations observed in recent years, the growing number of tourism companies online has positively contributed to tourism demand growth. In this paper, using panel data models, the authors investigate the importance of ICT as a potential determinant of tourism demand. Overall, the results show that the technological developments observed over the last two decades, in particular the Internet, have had a positive impact on tourism.
Impacts of Seasonality on Environmental Sustainability in the Tourism Sector Based on Destination Type: An Application to Spain'S Andalusia Region
Authors: Martín José María Martín , Aguilera Juan De Dios Jiménez , Moreno Valentín Molina
Published: April 2013

Numerous studies have shown the negative effects of seasonality on sustainable tourist destinations. The region of Andalusia in Spain receives more than 16 million tourists annually. The purpose of this study is to analyse levels of seasonality in this region during 2005–2010 according to type of destination (coastal capitals, coastal areas, inland capitals and inland areas) to highlight the differences in patterns of seasonality in these destinations. The authors focus on tourism seasonality based on type of destination as regional aggregate data provide very little information about the situation, thus making it difficult to determine the expected effects of seasonality on the sustainability of each environment. Due to its wide acceptance, the authors use the Gini index in the analysis and apply it to monthly arrivals of passengers and their overnight stays. Their analysis reveals that coastal areas suffer from the greatest seasonality, and that these destinations also receive the greatest influx of tourists. Furthermore, coastal areas have experienced higher growth in terms of seasonal trends, which may threaten sustainability. The analysis also shows that the seasonality of foreign tourism intensifies because its monthly distribution pattern is very similar to that of domestic tourism.
Research Note: Efficiency in Attracting Tourists via the Web — An Application to the Mediterranean Countries
Authors: Pastor Jesús T. , Del Campo Francisco J. , Vidal Fernando , Pastor Diego
Published: April 2013

A key element of competitiveness in the tourism industry is the use of new information and communications technology (ICT). To analyse the efficiency in attracting tourists via the Web for a set of 16 Mediterranean countries, the authors use non-parametric bounded adjusted measure (BAM) models. Two models are proposed: the first analyses the influence of each country's basic characteristics on the number of tourists who visit it, while the second relates these characteristics to the number of websites dedicated to tourism. The ordering provided by the two BAM models enables comparison of the efficiency in the real attraction of tourists with the effort of attracting them via the Web.
Technology-Based Music Classes in High Schools in the United States
Authors: Dammers Richard J.
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which comprehensive public high schools in the United States offer music classes that are technology-based, and to describe the nature of these classes. In the first phase of the study, principals from 10% of comprehensive public high schools in the United States (n = 1830) were surveyed regarding the technology-based music offerings of their high schools. Of the respondents (n = 528), 14% indicated that their schools offered technology-based music classes. Responses varied between geographic region and community type, with suburban high schools in the Northeast being most likely to offer these classes. Sixty-six percent of principals viewed technology-based music classes as a positive offering, and 56% of respondents from schools without these classes felt it would be possible to offer such a course. Music technology teachers (n = 58), identified by their principals, were sent a follow-up survey. Their responses (n = 29) indicated that these classes were generally designed for, and taken by, nontraditional music students, and that these classes had a broad range of curricular materials and objectives. Sixty-seven percent of these classes were initiated in the past ten years, and many were created by individual music teachers.
Conservação das florestas do projeto de assentamento Benfica, sudeste da Amazônia
Authors: Coelho Roberta de Fátima Rodrigues , Miranda Izildinha de Souza , Mitja Danielle
Published: April 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198050988435Este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever e analisar a composição florística e a estrutura de remanescentes florestais do Projeto de Assentamento Benfica, no município de Itupiranga, Pará. Foram selecionadas 11 áreas de florestas localizadas em diferentes propriedades e com diferentes níveis de perturbação. No interior de cada área foi inventariada a vegetação em um transecto de 500 m2, considerando três estratos: superior, médio e inferior. A vegetação foi classificada em cinco formas de vida: árvores, arbustos, lianas, palmeiras e herbáceas; e dois grupos funcionais: pioneiras e florestais. Foram encontradas 286 espécies, 173 gêneros e 68 famílias. A maioria das espécies lenhosas (51 %) ocorreu em apenas um estrato. A riqueza de espécies correspondeu a 70 % da riqueza estimada por Jack-nife de primeira ordem (J1 = 418,45). A porcentagem de espécies raras foi alta; 138 espécies ocorreram em apenas uma área. Em todos os estratos, as árvores apresentaram maior densidade, exceto no estrato inferior, onde as herbáceas foram mais densas, seguida das árvores. As espécies florestais predominaram em todos os estratos. Houve diferença significativa entre as florestais e pioneiras em todas as formas de vida, em todos os estratos. A análise de componentes principais mostrou heterogeneidade entre os transectos estudados, formando três grupos que parecem estar relacionados com os diferentes níveis de perturbações.
Florística e fitossociologia em áreas de campo sujo e cerrado sensu stricto na estação ecológica de Pirapitinga – MG
Authors: Giácomo Rômulo Guimarães , Carvalho Daniel Costa de , Pereira Marcos Gervasio , Souza André Batista de , Gaui Tatiana Dias
Published: April 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198050988437O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a florística e calcular os parâmetros fitossociológicos das espécies presentes nas áreas de campo sujo e cerrado sensu stricto na Estação Ecológica de Pirapitinga – MG (ESEC). O estudo foi realizado na ESEC de Pirapitinga no município de Morada Nova de Minas, Estado de Minas Gerais. Para o levantamento da florística e da fitossociologia, foi alocado um total de 190 subparcelas com 100 m2 cada, amostrando-se todos os indivíduos com circunferência à altura do solo (CAS) ≥ 16 cm, em áreas de campo sujo e cerrado sensu stricto. Foram calculados os parâmetros de frequência, densidade, dominância, os valores de importância e os índices de diversidade de Shannon e equabilidade de Pielou. A similaridade florística entre as áreas foi determinada por meio do índice de Sorensen. Nas duas áreas de estudo, foram amostrados um total de 3.224 indivíduos distribuídos em 81 espécies, 70 gêneros e 40 famílias. As famílias mais ricas foram Fabaceae e Vochysiaceae. O cerrado sensu stricto foi a formação vegetal com maior riqueza de espécies (81) e maior densidade (2.257 ind ha-1). Ambas as áreas estudadas apresentam-se com alta diversidade e baixa dominância ecológica e possuem distribuição diamétrica em forma de J-invertido, indicando o predomínio de indivíduos jovens.
Nutrição e crescimento da erva-mate submetida à calagem
Authors: Santin Delmar , Benedetti Eliziane Luiza , Kaseker Jéssica Fernandes , Bastos Marília Camotti , Reissmann Carlos Bruno , Wendling Ivar , Barros Nairam Félix de
Published: April 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198050988439A erva-mate ocorre naturalmente em solos ácidos, mas é comumente cultivada em consórcio com culturas anuais que requerem correção da acidez. Contudo, pouco se conhece sobre seu comportamento frente à calagem. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a influência do calcário no crescimento e estado nutricional de plantas jovens de erva-mate. Para isso, incubou-se o solo com 0,0, 0,7, 1,8, 2,5, 3,4, 4,3 e 5,2 g dm-3 de calcário. Após 21 dias de incubação, mudas de erva-mate foram transplantadas para vasos com 3 dm3 de solo. Após 210 dias determinou-se o crescimento em altura e diâmetro, posteriormente separou-se as plantas em folha, caule e raiz para determinação da área foliar, comprimento e volume de raízes, produção de matéria seca e teor de N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn e Al, além da eficiência de utilização de Ca e Mg pela planta. O solo foi analisado quimicamente. O calcário elevou os teores de Ca, Mg e K do solo e estimulou um pequeno aumento no crescimento da parte aérea das plantas, o que não ocorreu para o sistema radicular. O máximo crescimento e produção de matéria seca da parte aérea da erva-mate ocorreu em pequenas doses de calcário, quando o teor de Ca e Mg no solo se situava, respectivamente, na faixa de 3,3 a 3,4 e 1,1 a 1,4 cmolc dm-3. Nas maiores doses de calcário os teores foliares de Cu, Zn, Mn e Fe e o crescimento das plantas foram fortemente reduzidos. A eficiência de utilização de Ca e Mg pela planta reduziu com o aumento da disponibilidade dos mesmos no solo. A erva-mate mostrou ser pouco responsiva à calagem e muito tolerante ao Al. Desta forma, a aplicação de calcário deve visar o suprimento de Ca e Mg para as plantas e não a correção da acidez do solo no intuito de neutralizar o Al trocável.