bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agro-hydrology and multi temporal high resolution remote sensing: toward an explicit spatial processes calibration
Authors: Ferrant S. , Gascoin S. , Veloso A. , Salmon-Monviola J. , Claverie M. , Rivalland V. , Dedieu G. , Demarez V. , Ceschia E. , Probst J.-L. , Durand P. , Bustillo V.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. The recent and forthcoming availability of high resolution satellite image series offers new opportunities in agro-hydrological research and modeling. We investigated the perspective offered by improving the crop growth dynamic simulation using the distributed agro-hydrological model, Topography based Nitrogen transfer and Transformation (TNT2), using LAI map series derived from 105 Formosat-2 (F2) images during the period 2006–2010. The TNT2 model (Beaujouan et al., 2002), calibrated with discharge and in-stream nitrate fluxes for the period 1985-2001, was tested on the 2006–2010 dataset (climate, land use, agricultural practices, discharge and nitrate fluxes at the outlet). A priori agricultural practices obtained from an extensive field survey such as seeding date, crop cultivar, and fertilizer amount were used as input variables. Continuous values of LAI as a function of cumulative daily temperature were obtained at the crop field level by fitting a double logistic equation against discrete satellite-derived LAI. Model predictions of LAI dynamics with a priori input parameters showed an temporal shift with observed LAI profiles irregularly distributed in space (between field crops) and time (between years). By re-setting seeding date at the crop field level, we proposed an optimization method to minimize efficiently this temporal shift and better fit the crop growth against the spatial observations as well as crop production. This optimization of simulated LAI has a negligible impact on water budget at the catchment scale (1 mm yr−1 in average) but a noticeable impact on in-stream nitrogen fluxes (around 12%) which is of interest considering nitrate stream contamination issues and TNT2 model objectives. This study demonstrates the contribution of forthcoming high spatial and temporal resolution products of Sentinel-2 satellite mission in improving agro-hydrological modeling by constraining the spatial representation of crop productivity.
Modelled present and future thaw lake area expansion/contraction trends throughout the continuous permafrost zone
Authors: Mi Y. , van Huissteden J. , Dolman A. J.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Thaw lakes and drained lake basins are a dominant feature of Arctic lowlands. Thaw lakes are a source of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4), which is produced under anaerobic conditions, while drained lake basins are carbon sinks due to sedimentation. Besides feedbacks on climate, the development of thaw lakes due to the melt-out of ground ice and subsequent ground subsidence, can have significant impacts on the regional morphology, hydrology, geophysics and biogehemistry. Permafrost degradation as a result of climate warming, which is proceeding considerably faster in high latitude regions than the global average, could lead to either an increases in lake area due to lake expansion, or decrease due to lake drainage. However, which process will dominate is elusive. Therefore understanding thaw lake dynamics and quantifying the feedbacks related to thaw lake expansion and contraction are urgent questions to solve. We apply a stochastic model, THAWLAKE, on four representative Arctic sites, to reproduce recent lake dynamics (1963–2012) and predict for the future changes under various anticipated climate scenarios. The model simulations of current thaw lake cycles and expansion rates are comparable with data. Future lake expansions are limited by lake drainage. We suggest further improvements in the area of enhancing the hydrology component, and operation on larger scales to gauge the impacts on lacustrine morphology and greenhouse gas emissions.
Tourisme affinitaire
Authors: Bachimon Philippe , Dérioz Pierre
Published: July 2014

Revenir plus ou moins régulièrement sur les lieux de ses origines familiales avérées, supposées ou imaginaires pour y faire des séjours de vacances et de loisirs, voilà une mobilité rétroactive — à la marge, certes, mais significative — aux migrations de travail orientées vers les grandes métropoles, fussent-elles régionales, nationales ou internationales.

Reste que le phénomène est diversifié, notamment en ce qui concerne l’implication du migrant temporaire (en général), qui va de la simple consultation généalogiste d’un registre paroissial à l’implantation plus durable d’actifs ou de retraités. Si le prétexte identitaire est en apparence le même, les déclinaisons qu’il prend sont multiples et complexes, particulièrement en termes de recomposition territoriale.

Cet article, après avoir traité de la complexité du phénomène, aborde à travers la question biaisée de sa légitimité le problème de sa représentation, avant d’évaluer enfin les retombées locales paradoxales en termes d’impact spatial, de présentiel (forme et intensité de la présence des touristes : répartition dans le temps, durée) voire d’identité territoriale.
Recherche-action participative et collaborative autochtone
Authors: Blangy Sylvie , McGinley Robin , Harvey Lemelin Raynald
Published: July 2014

Les initiatives de tourisme autochtone se multiplient sur tous les continents et rencontrent un intérêt grandissant sur les marchés d’Europe et d’Amérique du Nord. Dans les régions nordiques du Canada, les Premières Nations ont développé des offres de séjour qui sont extrêmement prometteuses, mais restent encore en nombre limité et ne répondent pas toujours aux aspirations des hôtes (valorisation des territoires, reconquête culturelle et identitaire) et au désir d’immersion culturelle des visiteurs. La région de la baie James habitée par les Premières Nations cries du Québec et de l’Ontario pourrait devenir une destination touristique phare pour le tourisme autochtone au Canada à condition que ses habitants développent une gamme de produits culturels à forte valeur ajoutée identifiée autour de la culture crie, des territoires traditionnels de Eeyou Istchee et de Wiinipekw et de la région naturelle de la baie James.

Cet article illustre comment les partenaires cris accompagnés par les chercheurs ont pu développer des routes à thème, des produits culturels, et créer une synergie autour d’un projet d’écologe (forme d’habitat destiné à l’accueil de touristes qui se veut à la fois un lieu d’accueil touristique économiquement viable, mais qui s’insère également dans le milieu naturel qui l’entoure, le but étant de limiter au maximum les impacts négatifs liés au tourisme (Echoway, 2010 )) qui réaffirme les valeurs locales et l’appartenance au territoire. Grâce à des techniques d’enquête collaborative et d’engagement communautaire adaptées au contexte autochtone mobilisant les connaissances et les expertises locales mises en commun dans le cadre d’ateliers de travail, les chercheurs ont pu documenter les processus, revisiter la recherche-action participative et développer une approche mieux adaptée aux Premières Nations qui s’appuie sur le coconstructivisme, la coproduction de connaissances et la valorisation des savoirs locaux. À travers ces ateliers et ces partenariats chercheurs/consultants/Premières Nations se développent des nouvelles méthodologies de recherche autochtone au service du développement économique et de l’autodétermination.
Le tourisme sportif d’eau vive. Développement de nouvelles territorialités
Authors: Marsac Antoine
Published: July 2014

Cet article étudie l’émergence de nouveaux territoires de développement touristique. À partir d’une comparaison entre la France et l’Afrique, amorcée en 2005, cette enquête analyse les organisations du canoë et du rafting. Le tourisme d’eau vive est une forme d’excursion destinée à découvrir la nature, depuis 1932. Même si les activités originelles sont pratiquées en rivières, ces sports se déplacent des torrents aux espaces sauvages africains. L’étude historique du tourisme sportif d’eau vive montre que les canoéistes préfèrent les sites naturels aux espaces artificiels. Les espaces touristiques d’eau vive sont situés près des grandes villes. Le canoë demeure un sport de plein air même s’il se développe en milieu urbain.
Conceptualisation du tourisme polaire
Authors: Grenier Alain A.
Published: July 2014

Le tourisme polaire connaît un début de massification. Compte tenu des grands espaces et des ressources naturelles et culturelles relativement fragiles auxquelles il fait appel, ce tourisme nécessite des modes de gestion particuliers. La création de codes de conduite pour sensibiliser les visiteurs à l’adoption de pratiques environnementales ne suffit pas à enrayer les comportements délinquants. En soutenant l’idée que la gestion des ressources dont dépend un phénomène social nécessite une compréhension de son concept, cet article se penche sur la conceptualisation de l’expérience du tourisme polaire. Celui-ci demeure non défini, sauf peut-être dans une perspective géographique. En s’appuyant uniquement sur une approche géographique, le tourisme polaire est ainsi réduit à une conquête souvent abusive des latitudes extrêmes. Sans rejeter l’approche géographique, cette étude propose d’aborder le tourisme polaire sous un angle sociologique. Cette discipline permet alors de concevoir le tourisme polaire comme une expérience de l’imaginaire (polaire) collectif. Ce faisant, elle ouvre la voie à des activités centrées davantage autour de ressources abstraites (l’imaginaire des pôles) que des ressources fragiles en milieux naturels et ainsi davantage écologiques et durables.
Tourisme et transitions dans les rapports de genre
Authors: Corbin Andrée-Ann
Published: July 2014

Ciudad Chemuyil, communauté-dortoir de la Riviera Maya, habitée principalement par des travailleurs et travailleuses migrants employés dans l’industrie touristique est un lieu tout indiqué pour l’étude des implications du tourisme dans le changement social. Cet article cherche plus particulièrement à comprendre celui-ci à travers les rapports de genre. Il se concentre sur trois principaux mécanismes qui découlent du tourisme et qui influencent les relations hommes-femmes à Ciudad Chemuyil, soit la migration, l’intégration des femmes au travail salarié et l’accessibilité accrue à des médias véhiculant des images et des idées du monde global. L’article veut expliquer la complexité des mécanismes initiés par cette activité et saisir leur portée dans les changements sociaux observés à Ciudad Chemuyil.
L’organisation de l’international par l’occidental : quelques réflexions sur la discrimination par le diplôme au sein des organisations internationales
Authors: Chapaux Vincent
Published: July 2014

Les travaux de Pierre Bourdieu ont montré, à l’échelle de la société française, que les groupes économiquement dominants conservaient leur domination en partie parce que leur capital culturel était présenté comme une condition d’accès objectivement nécessaire aux fonctions dirigeantes de l’espace social français. La présente étude apporte des éléments qui tendent à prouver que ces conclusions peuvent être transposées dans l’espace social international. Prenant pour objet principal les Nations Unies, l’étude fait ressortir que le capital culturel propre aux États économiquement dominants (le groupe occidental) est largement surreprésenté au sein de ses dirigeants. Elle montre que cette conclusion peut s’appliquer également à quelques grandes organisations non gouvernementales. L’étude termine en exposant dans quelle mesure le fait de choisir des dirigeants internationaux parmi les personnes qui possèdent du capital culturel occidental constitue une discrimination à l’égard des autres groupes sociaux de la planète.
The Hardangervidda wild reindeer herd: a problematic management history
Authors: Bjerketvedt Dag K. , Reimers Eigil , Parker Howard , Borgstrøm Reidar
Published: July 2014

The unique and internationally important wild reindeer Rangifer tarandus herd on the Hardangervidda plateau of southern Norway  has shown frequent and extreme fluctuations in harvest numbers for the past 60 years, despite considerable effort to stabilize the herd size at a winter carrying capacity of  9000 – 12 000 animals . In the absence of large mammalian predators, herd size is managed through hunting.  Here we attempt to unravel the causes of the management problems related to this population by examining the relative roles of historical, biological and management-related processes. From 1900 - 1950 the population remained mainly low due to a combination of generous harvest quotas, poaching and competition from domestic reindeer.  From 1950 - 2012 three extreme harvest peaks of between 4500 - 9500 animals occurred, followed by three equally extreme troughs including two shorter periods of total protection.  This extreme harvest fluctuation contrasts with the estimated annual harvest of 2300 - 3000 needed to stabilize the winter herd between 9000 - 12 000 animals.  We conclude that this population has been difficult to manage mainly because of 1) a management based on frequently unreliable population data on herd size (especially before 2001), 2) lack of  in depth analyses and evaluation of both recruitment and sex and age composition and 3) a low and highly variable harvest success (harvest/quota) due mainly to poor hunter mobility, a disadvantage when reindeer must be harvested from large flocks that constantly move upwind, seeking refuge on small areas with few hunters.  More reliable population data to create better harvest models plus increased hunter mobility are necessary to attain a more sustainable herd size, implying an improvement of the current herd survey methodology available to local reindeer boards.  Finally, a critical and independent evaluation of the scientific methodology employed to study and manage this herd is needed.
Multiple insights into the reproductive function of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena): An ongoing study
Authors: Desportes Geneviève , Kristensen Jakob H , Benham Deborah , Wilson Sandie , Jepsen Trine , Korsgaard Bodil , Siebert Ursula , Driver Jörg , Amundin Mats , Hansen Kirstin , Shephard Gwyneth
Published: July 2014

The harbour porpoises kept at the Fjord & Bælt since April 1997 offer a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of the reproductive function in harbour porpoises, especially in terms of physiological cycle and concomitant behavioural traits. A study was initiated in 1997 with the following aims: 1) characterising the annual reproductive cycle in terms of behaviour and endocrine activity; 2) finding the most suitable techniques for a longitudinal investigation of the reproductive function, in particular with respect of the small size of the species; 3) ensuring a precise monitoring of the reproductive state of the Fjord & Bælt porpoises; 4) evaluating the best techniques for a vertical assessment of the reproductive state in wild harbour porpoises; 5) providing comparative basis for toxicological studies.Three harbour porpoises have participated in the study: a male and a female estimated 1-2 years old at their arrival at the Centre in 1997, and a one-year old female. The different methods for investigating their reproductive function include techniques not previously used with harbour porpoises, such as behavioural observation, measurement of sexual hormones in blood and other matrices, vaginal cytology, body temperature, and ultrasound scanning of testes and ovaries. These methods are discussed in terms of practicality and invasiveness. Selected examples of the preliminary results obtained are reported.Projects have concentrated on the sexual behaviour of the adult male and female (frequency, initiative, courtship behaviours) and their hormonal correlates, as well as on the interaction of the juvenile with the 2 adult animals. Behavioural sexual activity is very seasonal (peaking at the end of July and August), as is the testosterone cycle (levels increasing from less than 1 ng/ml to 30 ng/ml in May) and the development of the testis (peaking in July-August). Progesterone and oestrogen levels vary between less than 1 to 17 ng/ml and less than 0.1 to 1.8 ng/ml respectively, but infrequent blood sampling precluded obtaining a detailed picture of the ovarian cycle. We are attempting to measure sexual hormones in saliva and eye secretion. Successful matings have been confirmed by the presence of sperm on vaginal smears in 4 consecutive summers, but no pregnancy has occurred yet.
Analysis of mitochondrial control region nucleotide sequences from Baffin Bay beluga, (Delphinapterus leucas): detecting pods or sub-populations?
Authors: Palsbøll Per Jakob , Heide-Jørgensen Mads Peter , Bérubé Martine
Published: July 2014

We report the results of an analysis of the variation in the nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial control region obtained in 218 samples collected from belugas, Delphinapterus leucas, around the Baffin Bay. We detected multiple instances of significant heterogeneity in the distribution of genetic variation among the analyzed mitochondrial control region sequences on a spatial as well as temporal scale indicating a high degree of maternal population structure. The detection of significant levels of heterogeneity between samples collected in different years but within the same area and season was unexpected. Re-examination of earlier results presented by Brown Gladden and coworkers also revealed temporal genetic heterogeneity within the one area where sufficient (n>15) samples were collected in multiple years. These findings suggest that non-random breeding and maternally directed site-fidelity are not the sole causes of genetic heterogeneity among belugas but that a matrilineal pod structure might cause significant levels of genetic heterogeneity as well, even within the same area. We propose that a maternal pod structure, which has been shown to be the cause of significant genetic heterogeneity in other odontocetes, may add to the overall level of heterogeneity in the maternally inherited DNA and hence that much of the spatial heterogeneity observed in this and previous studies might be attributed to pod rather than population structure. Our findings suggest that it is important to estimate the contribution of pod structure to overall heterogeneity before defining populations or management units in order to avoid interpreting heterogeneity due to sampling of different pods as different populations/management units.
Stock identity of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) in Eastern Canada and West Greenland based on organochlorine contaminants in their blubber
Authors: Innes Stuart , Muir Derek CG , Stewart Robert EA , Heide-Jørgensen Mads Peter , Dietz Rune
Published: July 2014

Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) caught by hunters from various hamlets in the Arctic differed in the concentrations of organochlorine contaminants in their blubber. By applying Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA) it was possible to separate all seven sampling locations from each other. Over 90% of the samples could be classified back to their landing location based on the data transformations developed by CDA. This analysis suggested that “stock” or management unit for belugas is best described by the culturally transmitted behaviour of their migration route. The analysis also provides evidence that most belugas caught by hunters from Grise Fiord are not the same as belugas caught while migrating along West Greenland; that some belugas caught in Sanikiluaq are not the same as beluga caught in the Nastapoka River estuary; and that the belugas caught in Kimmirut are not the same as belugas caught in Cumberland Sound. There is a need to redefine the stock descriptions of some belugas in Canada and Greenland.
Catch statistics for belugas in West Greenland 1862 to 1999
Authors: Heide-Jørgensen MP , Rosing-Asvid A
Published: July 2014

Information and statistics including trade statistics on catches of white whales or belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) in West Greenland since 1862 are presented. The period before 1952 was dominated by large catches south of 66o N that peaked with 1,380 reported kills in 1922. Catch levels in the past five decades are evaluated on the basis of official catch statistics, trade in mattak (whale skin), sampling of jaws and reports from local residents and other observers. Options are given for corrections of catch statistics based upon auxiliary statistics on trade of mattak, catches in previous decades for areas without reporting and on likely levels of loss rates in different hunting operations. The fractions of the reported catches that are caused by ice entrapments of whales are estimated. During 1954-1999 total reported catches ranged from 216 to 1,874 and they peaked around 1970. Correcting for underreporting and killed-but-lost whales increases the catch reports by 42% on average for 1954-1998. If the whales killed in ice entrapments are removed then the corrected catch estimate is on average 28% larger than the reported catches.
Size and trends of the bowhead whale, beluga and narwhal stocks wintering off West Greenland
Authors: Heide-Jørgensen MP , Acquarone Mario
Published: July 2014

To assess the size and trends of the abundance of the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), the beluga, or white whale (Delphinapterus leucas), and the narwhal (Monodon monoceros) visual aerial surveys were conducted in West Greenland in March 1998 and 1999. An estimated 49 bowhead whales (95% CI: 13 to 188) were present at the surface in 1998. Data from land-based observations enabled correction for bowhead whales that were not available at the surface to be seen during the survey. By applying a rounded average of 80% (SE=3) for submergence an estimate of 246 bowhead whales (95% CI: 62 to 978) in 1998 was obtained. The 76 and 47 sightings of beluga pods in 1998 and 1999, respectively, had distributions similar to those of previous surveys with the highest concentration at the northern edge of the northern part of Store Hellefiskebanke. No belugas were seen in the southernmost area between Maniitsoq and Paamiut. The index estimate of the abundance of belugas comparable with previous surveys was 929 (95% CI: 563 to 1,533) in 1998 and 735 (95% CI: 436 to 1,239) in 1999. When analysing the sightings as a line-transect survey and correcting for whales that were either submerged or at the surface but missed by the observers an estimated 7,941 (95% CI: 3,650 to 17,278) belugas wintered in West Greenland in 1998-1999. The uncorrected estimate of narwhal abundance was 524 (95% CI: 214 to 1,284) and correcting for the same biases as for the belugas gives a total abundance of 2,861 (95% CI: 954 to 8,578) narwhals in 1998-1999.
Population size and yield of Baffin Bay beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) stocks
Authors: Innes Stuart , Stewart Robert EA
Published: July 2014

A surplus production model within a Sampling, Importance Resampling (SIR) Bayesian analysis was used to estimate stock sizes and yields of Baffin Bay belugas. The catch of belugas in West Greenland increased in 1968 and has remained well above sustainable rates. SIR analysis indicated a decline of about 50% between 1981 and 1994, with a credibility interval that included a previous estimate of 62%. The estimated stock sizes of belugas wintering off West Greenland in 1998 and 1999 were approximately 5,100 and 4,100 respectively and were not significantly different than an estimate based on aerial surveys combined for both years. Projected to 1999 this stock can sustain median landings of 109 whales with a total kill of about 155, based on posterior estimates of struck and lost plus under-reporting. The declining stock size index series did not provide sufficient information to estimate the potential maximum rate of population growth, the number of whales struck and lost, or the shape of the production curve with precision. Estimating these parameters requires an index time series with a marked step change in catch or a series with increasing stock sizes. The stock size estimate for the belugas wintering in the North Water in 1999 was approximately 14,800 but there is no information about the population biology of these whales. The estimated maximum sustainable yield (landed) for the North Water stock was 317 belugas.
Review of the ecology of sealworm, Pseudoterranova sp (p) (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea) in Icelandic waters
Authors: Ólafsdóttir Droplaug
Published: July 2014

The early life cycle of sealworm in Icelandic waters is not known. Various fish serve as transport hosts but benthic coastal fish, especially bull rout (Myoxocephalus scorpius), probably have a major role in transmission of larvae to the final hosts, seals. Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are more heavily infected with sealworm than common seals (Phoca vitulina) and the grey seal population, estimated at 6,000, probably plays a larger role in the dynamics of the worm than the estimated 15,000 common seals. Other seals seem to play a small or insignificant role in sealworm dynamics in the area. Sealworm abundances in fish and final hosts are higher off the west coast than in other areas in Iceland. A combination of shallow, temperate waters, large numbers of small islands inhabited by numerous seals and grey seals’ consumption of heavily infected bull rout during the breeding season in autumn are important factors responsible for maintaining an abundance of sealworm in this area. Future research on sealworm in Iceland should focus on long term monitoring of worm abundance in all potential hosts in order to observe, interpret and predict possible changes, the dynamics of infections in fish frequently consumed by seals and on seasonal and spatial variations in worm fecundity.
The diet of the minke whale in Greenland - A short review
Authors: Neve Pia Barner
Published: July 2014

Information on the diet of minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Greenland waters is reviewed. The knowledge is based on reports by whale catchers in Greenland, supplemented by limited scientific studies of stomach contents. The available material indicates that capelin (Mallotus villosus) is the predominant prey item in Greenland waters, particularly in coastal areas. In offshore areas, sand eel (Ammodytes spp) is consumed rather frequently, and krill (euphausids) appears to play a certain role in some areas or periods.
Status and biology of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) in Svalbard
Authors: Lydersen Christian
Published: July 2014

The ringed seal is the most abundant mammal in the Svalbard area. Annual pup production in this area is estimated to be 20,000. No systematic harvest records exist, but some few hundred seals are taken annually, mainly for dog food. The ringed seals in Svalbard are protected from hunting in the period 15 March - 15 April. Peak pupping season is the first week of April. New-born ringed seals weigh an average of 4.6 kg. They are nursed for about 39 days, and weaned at an average body mass of around 22 kg. During the period of maternal care pups consume a total of about 54 litres of milk, that is composed of approximately 38% fat and 10% protein. Asymptotic standard lengths and body masses for adult ringed seal males and females are 131.5 and 127.8 cm, and 52.6 and 59.9 kg,respectively. The maximum values recorded for lengths of males and females in Svalbard are 157 cm and 107 kg, respectively. There is marked seasonal variation in body mass in both sexes with the highest mass records being recorded in early spring before pupping occurs, and with minimum values in the summer after the breeding and moulting seasons. The observed variation in mass is mainly due to changing blubber thickness of the seals. Ringed seal males attain sexual maturity at the age of 5 - 7 years, while females reach maturity when they are 3-5 years of age. The oldest seal collected in Svalbard was aged 45. Ringed seals in the Svalbard area feed on a variety of prey organisms, the most important of which are polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and the crustaceans Parathemisto libellula, Thysanoessa inermis and Pandalus borealis. Ringed seal pups start diving during the nursing period while they are still white-coats, and spend about 50% of the time in thewater prior to weaning. They are capable of diving for up to 12min and dive to the bottom of the study areas (max. 89 m). Nursing females spend more than 80% of their time in the water. Maximum recorded dive duration for mothers was 21.2 min. In order to produce a weaned pup, the net energy expenditure for a ringed seal mother is 1,073 MJ. This energy value corresponds to the consumption of 185 kg of polar cod or 282 kg of P. libellula. The annual gross energy consumption for adult males and females is calculated to be 5,600 MJ and 7,300 MJ, respectively. The main predators of ringed seals in Svalbard are polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and Arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus). In addition, both glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) and walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) are documented as predators of ringed seals in this area. Heavy predation pressure is probably the main factor explaining why pups of this species start diving at such a young age, why they have access to so many breathing holes (8.7 on average) and why they keep their white coat long after its thermoregulatory properties have vanished. Pollution levels in ringed seals from Svalbard are, generally speaking, similar to levels in other areas of the Arctic.
Status and biology of Saimaa (Phoca hispida saimensis) and Ladoga (Phoca hispida ladogensis) ringed seals
Authors: Sipilä Tero , Hyvärinen Heikki
Published: July 2014

Saimaa (Phoca hispida saimensis) and Ladoga (P. h. ladogensis) seals are subspecies of ringed seals that live in freshwater lakes. The founding populations for these two subspecies became separated from Arctic ringed seals (P. h. hispida) during the last ice age. The Saimaa seal population currently numbers approximately 200 seals with 36 - 40 pups born annually. The Ladoga seal population contains at least 5,000 seals. The weight of adult animals in Lake Saimaa is 45-100 kg (mean 62 kg) and in Lake Ladoga adults weigh 32-56 kg (mean 47 kg). The lanugo of Saimaa seals is grey. Normally pups in Lake Ladoga are born with white lanugo, although some pups have been found that have black hairs in the natal pelt. Adult Saimaa seal vary a lot in colour, ranging from dark to pale animals, but all colour morphs have regular ringed patterns on the pelt. Ladoga seals are usually quite dark, with irregular, light ringed patterns. Saimaa seals are usually found hauledout alone or in pairs along shorelines. Ladoga seals haul out in herds of up to 300 animals, and are very vocal when they are hauled out. The lairs of Saimaa seals are situated in snowdrifts adjacent to shorelines of islets, which are the only places where snow piles up in Lake Saimaa. Most Ladoga seal lairs are situated near hummocked or ridged ice along the shoreline of the lake, but some lairs are also found along the shorelines of islets in northern Lake Ladoga. Saimaa seals are an endangered population. The main threats to these seals are fisheries conducted using nets and destruction of breeding habitat. The Ladoga seal is vulnerable, and it also is threatened by fishing. Mercury in both lakes presents an anthropogenic risk factor, but present levels probably do not affect the breeding of either seal population.
Failure of reproduction in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) in Amundsen Gulf, Northwest Territories in 1984-1987
Authors: Kingsley Michael C S , Byers Tim J
Published: July 2014

Ringed seals (Phoca hispida) in Thesiger Bay (about 71 °45'N, 125°00'W), in northwestern Amundsen Gulf in the western Canadian Arctic, suffered a failure of pup production in the years before 1987, starting probably in 1984. Pups taken in the summer hunt in the years before 1987 were reported scarce, and in 1987 were only 2.8% of the total 4+ and older. This low reproduction was associated with poor body condition in females and with an age distribution of adults that was weighted toward older animals (the modal year class was the 8+ class). An unusually high proportion of adult females had never reproduced; the median age of first birth was estimated at 8.6 years. By the summer of 1988 the age distribution had changed toward younger animals (modal age 5+), in better condition (by 20%), which had almost all ovulated. Pups were more numerous in the catch. In 1989 pups were very numerous in the catch (142% of the 4+ adults) and the estimated mean ageof first birth had decreased to 5.3 years; almost all 5-year-olds sampled had borne pups. A similar occurrence of low pup production had been documented in the early 1970s, and resumption of reproductive activity had then also been associated with an apparent turnover of the population, the mean age of adults decreasing from 16-17 years when reproduction was low to 10.9 years in the year before reproduction resumed. Long-term data on ringed seals in the western Canadian Arctic has shown an average age at first ovulation of about 5.55 years and first birth just before age 7, about 1 year older than seen in this sample in 1989. Our 1989 sample may have been able to mature earlier because food was temporarily more abundant, or breeding densities temporarily lower, than long-term average values.
Cadmium, mercury, zinc and selenium in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from Greenland and Svalbard
Authors: Dietz Run , Paludan-Müller Paul , Agger Carsten Thye , Nielsen Christian Overgaard
Published: July 2014

Muscle, liver, and kidney tissue from 456 ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from eight areas in Greenland were analysed for cadmium, mercury, zinc and selenium. In general, cadmium concentrations were high in liver and kidney tissue, with geometric means of 7.79 and 33.5 μg/g (all data on wet weight basis), respectively. Muscle levels were considerably lower, at 0.067 μg/g. The concentration of mercury was relatively high in liver tissue with a geometric mean of 2.59 μg/g. Muscle and kidney mercury levels were somewhat lower, with geometric means of 0.210 and 0.956 μg/g, respectively.Cadmium and mercury levels were strongly dependent upon age and sampling area, as well as the interaction combinations, indicating that the accumulation of cadmium and mercury varies with age and area. Mercury accumulated in all three tissues throughout life, whereas cadmium in liver and kidneys peaked in the age group 5-10 years old where after it dropped significantly.Cadmium levels showed a tendency towards higher concentrations in the northern municipalities, which may be due to the higher cadmium levels in certain prey items in the northern areas. Mercury levels were higher in seals from East Greenland compared to West Greenland. Variations in feeding habits probably explain some of the differences in levels of cadmium and mercury in ringed seals from different geographical areas.Cadmium concentrations were correlated (both pairwise and partial) in the three organs. This was true for mercury as well, whereas only half of the combinations were significant for zinc and selenium. Cadmium was strongly correlated to mercury in all three tissues and zinc only in liver and kidneys. Mercury was only correlated to selenium in liver and not to zinc.High concentrations of cadmium were found in the bile from 58 ringed seals, and were about 10-fold higher than in muscle. The concentration of mercury in bile was relatively low, being only one third of the muscle level. The bile levels reflect that substantial amounts of especially cadmium are circulated through the bile. However, it is uncertain whether these amounts are actually excreted or reabsorbed in the intestine (enterohepatic circulation).
The bird's ear view of space physics: Audification as a tool for the spectral analysis of time series data
Authors: Alexander Robert L. , O'Modhrain Sile , Roberts D. Aaron , Gilbert Jason A. , Zurbuchen Thomas H.
Published: July 2014

The effective navigation, mining, and analysis of large time series data sets presents a recurring challenge throughout heliophysics. Audification, a specific form of auditory analysis commonly used in other fields of research (such as geoseismology), provides a promising technique for the evaluation of spectral features in long heliospheric time series data sets. Following a standard research methodology for the development of new analysis techniques, this paper presents a detailed case study in which audification was introduced into the working process of an experienced heliophysics research scientist and used for the identification and classification of features in high‐resolution magnetometer data during a structured analysis task. Auditory evaluation successfully led to the detection of artificial, instrument‐induced noise that was not previously observed by the scientist and also the identification of wave activity embedded within turbulent solar wind data. A follow‐up interview indicated that the scientist continued using these auditory analysis methods in the assessment of every large data set during the 2 months after the study was completed. These findings indicate that audification can be valuable and enabling for researchers in forming a deeper understanding of both microstructures and macrostructures within large time series. Additionally, as both a standalone methodology and a supplement to visual analysis methods, audification can expedite certain stages of the data survey, analysis, and mining process and provide new qualitative insight into the spectral content of time‐varying signals.
The geocoronal H α cascade component determined from geocoronal H β intensity measurements
Authors: Roesler F. L. , Mierkiewicz E. J. , Nossal S. M.
Published: July 2014

Geocoronal H α and H β intensity measurements using the Wisconsin H α Mapper Fabry‐Perot are used to determine the intensity of the H α cascade component. From basic atomic physics and the work of Meier (), we show that the total cascade in geocoronal H α emission is 0.52 ± 0.03 times the geocoronal H β intensity, I(H β), for solar Lyman series excitation of geocoronal hydrogen. The results are consistent with the H α cascade measurements of Mierkiewicz et al. (), which were determined directly from the analysis of H α line profile measurements, and significantly narrow the range of uncertainty in the cascade measurement. Accounting for cascade is essential in determining exospheric effective temperatures and dynamics from the shape of the geocoronal H α line.
Null‐space‐based optimal control reallocation for spacecraft stabilization under input saturation
Authors: Li Bo , Hu Qinglei , Qi Juntong
Published: July 2014

A novel saturated proportional‐derivative control incorporated with null‐space‐based optimal control reallocation is proposed for spacecraft attitude stabilization in the presence of disturbance and input saturation. More specifically, a saturated proportional‐derivative based baseline nonlinear controller is firstly developed to guarantee the globally asymptotic stability under input constraints and external disturbance. This is achieved with inexpensive online computations by dynamically adjusting a single parameter to ensure the desired performance. Then, a novel null‐space‐based optimal control reallocation method is employed to map the specified virtual control command to the redundant actuators. The optimal control solution is obtained by penalizing the control allocation errors at a lower power/energy cost using quadratic programming algorithm. The benefits of the proposed control method are analytically authenticated and also validated via simulation study. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of wash‐coated monoliths vs. microfibrous entrapped catalyst structures for catalytic VOC removal
Authors: Wahid Sabrina , Cahela Donald R. , Tatarchuk Bruce J.
Published: July 2014

Head‐to‐head experimental performance comparisons for flow through pleated microfibrous structures (flat‐, V‐, and W‐shaped) were made with wash‐coated monolith of different cells per square inch (230 and 400). Microfibrous entrapped catalyst (MFEC) was prepared by entrapping support particles (γ‐Al2O3, 150–250 μm diameter) into nickel microfibers. Pleated structures of MFECs and wash‐coated monoliths containing Pd‐Mn/γ‐Al2O3 were investigated systematically for volatile organic compound (e.g., ethanol) removal at various face velocities (ca. 3–30 m/s) and at low temperatures (≤473 K). The experimental studies showed that pleated MFEC (W‐shaped) had shown significantly improved performance in VOC removal in terms of conversion and pressure drop than tested monolith for high face velocity system. The flexibility of pleating lowered the effective velocity inside the media that resulted lower pressure drop and higher conversion. Furthermore, a reaction kinetic model was developed for pleated MFEC considering the Peffer's model to substantiate the experimental results. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3814–3823, 2014
Contribution of body composition components and soft‐tissue biochemical factors to genetic variation of body mass index (BMI) in an ethnically homogeneous population
Authors: Dosaev Tasbulat , Prakash Jai , Livshits Gregory
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Elevated BMI results from an excess of not only fat mass (FM) but also fat‐free soft tissue mass (FFM). Both components of body soft tissue, FM, and FFM, are now considered as active endocrine organs. The major aim of this study was to explore the genetic architecture of BMI, considering genetic variations of its major soft tissue components, and the main biochemical factors associated with their corresponding metabolism: leptin, adiponectin, E‐selectin, and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein, IGFBP‐1.

Methods

A total of 1,502 apparently healthy individuals (783 men, 719 women) from 359 ethnically homogeneous families were assessed anthropometrically for body composition. Model‐based quantitative genetic analyses were implemented to reveal genetic and shared environmental factors affecting the variation and covariation of the studied phenotypes.

Results

We found that inter‐individual variation in BMI is strongly correlated with both body composition components (r > 0.92, P < 0.001). These correlations are caused by shared genetic and environmental factors that were interpreted to be a direct result of the intimate genetic and environmental correlations between FM and FFM. The latter were also significantly correlated with leptin, E‐selectin, and IGFBP‐1. However, whereas leptin displayed both genetic and environmental correlations with both FM and FFM, their correlations with E‐selectin were caused only by common genes, and with IGFBP‐1—only by a shared environment.

Conclusions

This study clearly suggests that FM and FFM contributed almost equally to BMI variation, and provides evidence that this contribution is caused by common genetic as well as shared environmental and metabolic factors. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:760–767, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic association signal near NTN4 in Tourette syndrome
Authors: Paschou Peristera , Yu Dongmei , Gerber Gloria , Evans Patrick , Tsetsos Fotis , Davis Lea K. , Karagiannidis Iordanis , Chaponis Jonathan , Gamazon Eric , Mueller‐Vahl Kirsten , Stuhrmann Manfred , Schloegelhofer Monika , Stamenkovic Mara , Hebebrand Johannes , Noethen Markus , Nagy Peter , Barta Csaba , Tarnok Zsanett , Rizzo Renata , Depienne Christel , Worbe Yulia , Hartmann Andreas , Cath Danielle C. , Budman Cathy L. , Sandor Paul , Barr Cathy , Wolanczyk Thomas , Singer Harvey , Chou I‐Ching , Grados Marco , Posthuma Danielle , Rouleau Guy A. , Aschauer Harald , Freimer Nelson B. , Pauls David L. , Cox Nancy J. , Mathews Carol A. , Scharf Jeremiah M.
Published: July 2014

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex genetic etiology. Through an international collaboration, we genotyped 42 single nucleotide polymorphisms (p < 10−3) from the recent TS genomewide association study (GWAS) in 609 independent cases and 610 ancestry‐matched controls. Only rs2060546 on chromosome 12q22 (p = 3.3 × 10−4) remained significant after Bonferroni correction. Meta‐analysis with the original GWAS yielded the strongest association to date (p = 5.8 × 10−7). Although its functional significance is unclear, rs2060546 lies closest to NTN4, an axon guidance molecule expressed in developing striatum. Risk score analysis significantly predicted case–control status (p = 0.042), suggesting that many of these variants are true TS risk alleles. Ann Neurol 2014;76:310–315
Egg drift and hatching success in European river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis: is egg deposition in gravel vital to spawning success?
Authors: Silva Sergio , Gooderham Angela , Forty Michael , Morland Brian , Lucas Martyn C.
Published: July 2014

The European river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis (Linnaeus, 1758) is a threatened species, formerly widespread throughout western Europe, for which loss and degradation of habitat is one of the main causes of decline. As with other lamprey species, areas of gravel substrate with moderate flows are considered necessary for spawning and egg development of river lamprey.

This study investigated the dispersal of river lamprey eggs downstream of a spawning area and the hatching success of eggs in the laboratory under a range of potential abiotic conditions (substrate type, water flow and dissolved oxygen level) which eggs could experience in nature.

Lamprey eggs were found to drift for a minimum of 50 m downstream of spawning excavations, facilitating dispersal in riffle habitat and to bankside depositional zones. Under conditions mimicking natural microhabitats, but without predation, median egg hatching success was 85.0% in 'spawning habitat' conditions, but surprisingly, was 50.2% in 'larval habitat' conditions with natural silt.

The study suggests that egg dispersal out of spawning excavations may be common in this species and demonstrates that habitat located downstream of spawning areas, even larval habitat characterized by fine sediment and moderate to low flow rates, could play an important role in larval recruitment. This suggests that even small areas of gravel or degraded spawning habitat may enable a higher degree of spawning success than has previously been assumed to be necessary for conservation or recolonization of this species.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly sensitive fluorescence and SERS detection of azide through a simple click reaction of 8‐chloroquinoline and phenylacetylene
Authors: Zeng Qing , Ye Lingling , Ma Lu , Yin Wenqing , Li Tingsheng , Liang Aihui , Jiang Zhiliang
Published: July 2014

In 0.19 mol/L acetic acid (HAc), a click reaction of 8‐chloroquinoline/azide/phenylacetylene take places in aqueous solution without Cu(I) as a catalyst. 8‐Chloroquinoline (CQN) exhibited a strong fluorescence peak at 430 nm that was quenched linearly as the concentration of azide increased from 20 to 1000 ng/mL. This quenching was due to consumption of CQN in the click reaction and a decrease in the number of efficiently excited photons due to the presence of triazole–quinoline ramification molecules with strong hydrophobicity. Using blue nanosilver sol as the substrate, CQN absorbed onto the surface of nanosilver particles, showing a strong surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) peak at 1585 cm‐1 that decreased linearly as the azide concentration increased from 8 to 500 ng/mL; the detection limit was 4 ng/mL. Thus, two new, simple and sensitive fluorescence and SERS methods have been developed for the determination of azide via the click reaction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.