bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Flow Effect on Crystal Growth of Semi-Crystalline Polymers Using a Multi-Scale Phase-Field Approach
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Ouyang Jie , Liu Ying
Published: November 2017

A multi-scale phase-field approach, which couples the mesoscopic crystallization with the microscopic orientation of chain segments and macroscopic viscoelastic melt flow, is proposed to study how the crystal growth of semi-crystalline polymers is affected by flows. To make the simulation feasible, we divide the problem into three parts. In the first part, a finitely extensible nonlinear elastic (FENE) dumbbell model is used to simulate the flow induced molecular structure. In the second part, formulas for estimating the density, orientation and aspect ratio of nuclei upon the oriented molecular structure are derived. Finally, in the third part, a massive mathematical model that couples the phase-field, temperature field, flow field and orientation field is established to model the crystal growth with melt flow. Two-dimensional simulations are carried out for predicting the flow effect on the crystal growth of isotactic polystyrene under a plane Poiseuille flow. In solving the model, a semi-analytical method is adopted to avoid the numerical difficult of a “high Weissenberg number problem” in the first part, and an efficient fractional step method is used to reduce the computing complexity in the third part. The simulation results demonstrate that flow strongly affects the morphology of single crystal but does not bring a significant influence on the holistic morphology of bulk crystallization.
Contributions of Actual and Simulated Satellite SAR Data for Substrate Type Differentiation and Shoreline Mapping in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Banks Sarah , Millard Koreen , Behnamian Amir , White Lori , Ullmann Tobias , Charbonneau Francois , Chen Zhaohua , Wang Huili , Pasher Jon , Duffe Jason
Published: November 2017

Detailed information on the land cover types present and the horizontal position of the land–water interface is needed for sensitive coastal ecosystems throughout the Arctic, both to establish baselines against which the impacts of climate change can be assessed and to inform response operations in the event of environmental emergencies such as oil spills. Previous work has demonstrated potential for accurate classification via fusion of optical and SAR data, though what contribution either makes to model accuracy is not well established, nor is it clear what shorelines can be classified using optical or SAR data alone. In this research, we evaluate the relative value of quad pol RADARSAT-2 and Landsat 5 data for shoreline mapping by individually excluding both datasets from Random Forest models used to classify images acquired over Nunavut, Canada. In anticipation of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM), we also simulate and evaluate dual and compact polarimetric imagery for shoreline mapping. Results show that SAR data is needed for accurate discrimination of substrates as user’s and producer’s accuracies were 5–24% higher for models constructed with quad pol RADARSAT-2 and DEM data than models constructed with Landsat 5 and DEM data. Models based on simulated RCM and DEM data achieved significantly lower overall accuracies (71–77%) than models based on quad pol RADARSAT-2 and DEM data (80%), with Wetland and Tundra being most adversely affected. When classified together with Landsat 5 and DEM data, however, model accuracy was less affected by the SAR data type, with multiple polarizations and modes achieving independent overall accuracies within a range acceptable for operational mapping, at 89–91%. RCM is expected to contribute positively to ongoing efforts to monitor change and improve emergency preparedness throughout the Arctic.
Single-Shot Detection of Neurotransmitters in Whole-Blood Samples by Means of the Heat-Transfer Method in Combination with Synthetic Receptors
Authors: Vandenryt Thijs , Van Grinsven Bart , Eersels Kasper , Cornelis Peter , Kholwadia Safira , Cleij Thomas , Thoelen Ronald , De Ceuninck Ward , Peeters Marloes , Wagner Patrick
Published: November 2017

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that plays a major role in the pathogenesis of a variety of conditions, including psychiatric disorders. The detection of serotonin typically relies on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), an expensive technique that requires sophisticated equipment and trained personnel, and is not suitable for point-of-care applications. In this contribution, we introduce a novel sensor platform that can measure spiked neurotransmitter concentrations in whole blood samples in a fast and low-cost manner by combining synthetic receptors with a thermal readout technique—the heat-transfer method. In addition, the design of a miniaturized version of the sensing platform is presented that aims to bridge the gap between measurements in a laboratory setting and point-of-care measurements. This fully automated and integrated, user-friendly design features a capillary pumping unit that is compatible with point-of-care sampling techniques such as a blood lancet device (sample volume—between 50 µL and 300 µL). Sample pre-treatment is limited to the addition of an anti-coagulant. With this fully integrated setup, it is possible to successfully discriminate serotonin from a competitor neurotransmitter (histamine) in whole blood samples. This is the first demonstration of a point-of-care ready device based on synthetic receptors for the screening of neurotransmitters in complex matrices, illustrating the sensor’s potential application in clinical research and diagnosis of e.g., early stage depression.
Verification of Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Measurement Method Based on Pulse Wave Signal Detected by FBG Sensor System
Authors: Kurasawa Shintaro , Koyama Shouhei , Ishizawa Hiroaki , Fujimoto Keisaku , Chino Shun
Published: November 2017

This paper describes and verifies a non-invasive blood glucose measurement method using a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor system. The FBG sensor is installed on the radial artery, and the strain (pulse wave) that is propagated from the heartbeat is measured. The measured pulse wave signal was used as a collection of feature vectors for multivariate analysis aiming to determine the blood glucose level. The time axis of the pulse wave signal was normalized by two signal processing methods: the shortest-time-cut process and 1-s-normalization process. The measurement accuracy of the calculated blood glucose level was compared with the accuracy of these signal processing methods. It was impossible to calculate a blood glucose level exceeding 200 mg/dL in the calibration curve that was constructed by the shortest-time-cut process. In the 1-s-normalization process, the measurement accuracy of the blood glucose level was improved, and a blood glucose level exceeding 200 mg/dL could be calculated. By verifying the loading vector of each calibration curve to calculate the blood glucose level with a high measurement accuracy, we found the gradient of the peak of the pulse wave at the acceleration plethysmogram greatly affected.
Turning and Radius Deviation Correction for a Hexapod Walking Robot Based on an Ant-Inspired Sensory Strategy
Authors: Zhu Yaguang , Guo Tong , Liu Qiong , Zhu Qianwei , Jin Bo , Zhao Xiangmo
Published: November 2017

In order to find a common approach to plan the turning of a bio-inspired hexapod robot, a locomotion strategy for turning and deviation correction of a hexapod walking robot based on the biological behavior and sensory strategy of ants. A series of experiments using ants were carried out where the gait and the movement form of ants was studied. Taking the results of the ant experiments as inspiration by imitating the behavior of ants during turning, an extended turning algorithm based on arbitrary gait was proposed. Furthermore, after the observation of the radius adjustment of ants during turning, a radius correction algorithm based on the arbitrary gait of the hexapod robot was raised. The radius correction surface function was generated by fitting the correction data, which made it possible for the robot to move in an outdoor environment without the positioning system and environment model. The proposed algorithm was verified on the hexapod robot experimental platform. The turning and radius correction experiment of the robot with several gaits were carried out. The results indicated that the robot could follow the ideal radius and maintain stability, and the proposed ant-inspired turning strategy could easily make free turns with an arbitrary gait.
Early Detection of the Initiation of Sit-to-Stand Posture Transitions Using Orthosis-Mounted Sensors
Authors: Doulah Abul , Shen Xiangrong , Sazonov Edward
Published: November 2017

Assistance during sit-to-stand (SiSt) transitions for frail elderly may be provided by powered orthotic devices. The control of the powered orthosis may be performed by the means of electromyography (EMG), which requires direct contact of measurement electrodes to the skin. The purpose of this study was to determine if a non-EMG-based method that uses inertial sensors placed at different positions on the orthosis, and a lightweight pattern recognition algorithm may accurately identify SiSt transitions without false positives. A novel method is proposed to eliminate false positives based on a two-stage design: stage one detects the sitting posture; stage two recognizes the initiation of a SiSt transition from a sitting position. The method was validated using data from 10 participants who performed 34 different activities and posture transitions. Features were obtained from the sensor signals and then combined into lagged epochs. A reduced number of features was selected using a minimum-redundancy-maximum-relevance (mRMR) algorithm and forward feature selection. To obtain a recognition model with low computational complexity, we compared the use of an extreme learning machine (ELM) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) for both stages of the recognition algorithm. Both classifiers were able to accurately identify all posture transitions with no false positives. The average detection time was 0.19 ± 0.33 s for ELM and 0.13 ± 0.32 s for MLP. The MLP classifier exhibited less time complexity in the recognition phase compared to ELM. However, the ELM classifier presented lower computational demands in the training phase. Results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm could potentially be adopted to control a powered orthosis.
Does Value Co-Creation Really Matter? An Investigation of Italian Millennials Intention to Buy Electric Cars
Authors: Nosi Costanza , Pucci Tommaso , Silvestri Cecilia , Aquilani Barbara
Published: November 2017

The present research aims to explore the determinants of (full) electric vehicle (EV) buying intention of Italian millennials focusing on the role that value co-creation initiatives might play in the buying decision-making process. Value co-creation initiatives in the EV domain are studied employing an enhanced version of the Theory of Reasoned Action which, in addition to the traditional variables of the model, also includes perceived importance of cars’ attributes. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used to analyze the data collected though an online survey on 523 Italians aged 18–35. The outcomes provide recommendations to tailor proper initiatives to encourage millennials’ buying intention of electric vehicles supporting private companies in favoring the adoption of wide-spread pro-environmental behaviors among Italian youngsters.
Interaction of Cholesterol with Perfringolysin O: What Have We Learned from Functional Analysis?
Authors: Savinov Sergey , Heuck Alejandro
Published: November 2017

Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) constitute a family of pore-forming toxins secreted by Gram-positive bacteria. These toxins form transmembrane pores by inserting a large β-barrel into cholesterol-containing membranes. Cholesterol is absolutely required for pore-formation. For most CDCs, binding to cholesterol triggers conformational changes that lead to oligomerization and end in pore-formation. Perfringolysin O (PFO), secreted by Clostridium perfringens, is the prototype for the CDCs. The molecular mechanisms by which cholesterol regulates the cytolytic activity of the CDCs are not fully understood. In particular, the location of the binding site for cholesterol has remained elusive. We have summarized here the current body of knowledge on the CDCs-cholesterol interaction, with focus on PFO. We have employed sterols in aqueous solution to identify structural elements in the cholesterol molecule that are critical for its interaction with PFO. In the absence of high-resolution structural information, site-directed mutagenesis data combined with binding studies performed with different sterols, and molecular modeling are beginning to shed light on this interaction.
Memoirs of a frequent flier: Phylogenomics reveals 18 long‐distance dispersals between North America and South America in the popcorn flowers (Amsinckiinae)
Authors: Guilliams C. Matt , Hasenstab‐Lehman Kristen E. , Mabry Makenzie E. , Simpson Michael G.
Published: November 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

American amphitropical disjunction (AAD) is an important but understudied New World biogeographic pattern in which related plants occur in extratropical North America and South America, but are absent in the intervening tropics. Subtribe Amsinckiinae (Boraginaceae) is one of the richest groups of plants displaying the AAD pattern. Here, we infer a time‐calibrated molecular phylogeny of the group to evaluate the number, timing, and directionality of AAD events, which yields generalizable insights into the mechanism of AAD.

METHODS:

We perform a phylogenomic analysis of 139 samples of subtribe Amsinckiinae and infer divergence times using two calibration schemes: with only fossil calibrations and with fossils plus a secondary calibration from a recent family level analysis. Biogeographic analysis was performed in the R package BioGeoBEARS.

KEY RESULTS:

We document 18 examples of AAD in the Amsinckiinae. Inferred divergence times of these AAD examples were strongly asynchronous, ranging from Miocene (17.1 million years ago [Ma]) to Pleistocene (0.33 Ma), with most (12) occurring <5 Ma. Four events occurred 10–5 Ma, during the second rise of the Andes. All AAD examples had a North America to South America directionality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Second only to the hyperdiverse Poaceae in number of documented AAD examples, the Amsinckiinae is an ideal system for the study of AAD. Asynchronous divergence times support the hypothesis of long‐distance dispersal by birds as the mechanism of AAD in the subtribe and more generally. Further comparative phylogenomic studies may permit biogeographic hypothesis testing and examination of the relationship between AAD and fruit morphology, reproductive biology, and ploidy.
Correlation between Entecavir Penetration in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and HBV DNA Decay during Treatment of HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Nicolò Amedeo De , Boglione Lucio , Cusato Jessica , Fatiguso Giovanna , Favata Fabio , Allegra Sarah , Cariti Giuseppe , Perri Giovanni Di , D'Avolio Antonio
Published: November 2017

Background

Recently, due to its high effectiveness and tolerability, the treatment of chronic hepatitis B with entecavir became a standard practice. However, limited knowledge is currently available about its pharmacokinetic behaviour and intracellular disposition. Recently, our group reported an inverse correlation between entecavir plasma concentrations and the HBV DNA decay at the first and third month of treatment, respectively. In this paper we investigated the penetration of entecavir in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in plasma, in order to evaluate the relationship between intracellular penetration and response, in a cohort of naive patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative CHB.

Methods

Thirty-three patients were prospectively enrolled and gave written informed consent: the monitoring of clinical parameters (for example, HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], alanine aminotransferase) was carried out at the baseline and then monthly. Entecavir intra-PBMC and plasma trough concentrations were measured at 1 month of treatment, through a validated method based on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

While plasma entecavir analysis confirmed previous evidence of inverse correlation between drug concentrations and HBV DNA decrease after 3 months of treatment (r=-0.723; P<0.001), this correlation was not significant for intra-PBMC concentrations. When the intracellular disposition ratio (intra-PBMC/plasma concentration ratio) was considered, it showed a direct and significant correlation with HBV DNA decay at the third month (r=0.485; P=0.004).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the antiviral activity of entecavir is dependent on its intracellular uptake, thus resulting in lower plasma concentrations in patients who have a marked HBV DNA decrease during treatment.
Trilophidius gemmatus sp. n., a new species from Bhutan, with an updated identification key to the Asian species (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Scaritinae)
Authors: Balkenohl Michael
Published: November 2017

Trilophidiusgemmatussp. n. from Bhutan is described and illustrated. Notes on how to separate this species from other Asian Trilophidius species are given. An updated identification key to the Asian Trilophidius species is provided.
A new species of Systenus Loew (Diptera, Dolichopodidae) from Croatia
Authors: Naglis Stefan
Published: November 2017

Systenusbartakisp. n.is described from Croatia. The new species is similar toS.tenerLoew andS.vasiliiGrichanov but it differs by characters of the antennae and the male genitalia.
Antifouling efficacy of a controlled depletion paint formulation with acetophenone
Authors: Jung Sangmok , Sidharthan Mohandoss , Lee Jihyun , Lee Hanjoo , Jeon Jiyoung , Park Taehee , Yoon Junghyun , Jeon Jaehyuk , Shin Hyunwoung
Published: November 2017

Biofouling is an inevitable problem that occurs continually on marine fishing vessels and other small crafts. The nature of the antifouling (AF) coatings used to prevent biofouling on these small vessels is of great environmental concern. Therefore, the efficacy of a non-toxic AF candidate, acetophenone, was evaluated in preliminary laboratory assays using marine bacteria, diatom and Ulva spores. At a low concentration of 100 μg cm–2 of acetophenone, spore attachment of a green fouling alga was significantly reduced (p < 0.01). Similarly, 40% acetophenone coatings significantly inhibited diatom attachment. This new non-toxic AF agent was incorporated into controlled depletion paint (CDP). Fouling coverage (%), biomass, and fouling resistance (%) were estimated. On CDP coatings made with acetophenone (40%), a significant decrease in fouling biomass was estimated (p < 0.01).
Arnoglossus nigrofilamentosus n. sp., a new species of flounder (Teleostei: Bothidae) from off the Mediterranean coast of Israel, probably a new case of Lessepsian migration
Authors: Fricke Ronald , Golani Daniel , Appelbaum-Golani Brenda
Published: November 2017

The filamentous flounder Arnoglossus nigrofilamentosus n. sp. is described from four specimens collected in the southeastern Mediterranean near Tel-Aviv, Israel on 5 May 2017. The new species is characterized as follows: second to sixth dorsal-fin rays elongate and filamentous, dorsal-fin rays 78-84, anal-fin rays 61-66, pectoral-fin rays on ocular side 12-13, on blind side 7-9, caudal-fin rays iii,11,iii , lateral-line scales 52-54, gill rakers 0 + 4-5, not serrated, interorbital a narrow bony ridge without scales in the middle, interorbital width 11% to 16% of upper orbit diameter, no enlarged teeth anteriorly in upper jaw, and prevomer small, not enlarged, weakly projecting into mouth cavity; body in fresh specimens pale (may have been dark before the epidermis was abrased), head, peritoneum and vertical fins black. The new species is described and compared with similar species. Though the species has not yet been observed in the northern Red Sea, it probably originates from the Gulf of Suez, so this finding represents a probable new case of Lessepsian migration.
Exploring workplace diversity and organisational effectiveness: A South African exploratory case study
Authors: Mazibuko J. Veli , Govender Krishna K.
Published: November 2017

Orientation: Transformation and managing diversity are organisational imperatives, especially in South Africa. Thus, it is important for international companies with major operations in South Africa (SA) to embrace the benefits of managing a divergent workforce and translate this for organisational benefits.Research purpose: The article explores the perceptions of management and staff on diversity and its value to the organisation, by empirically evaluating the relationship with organisational effectiveness and performance through the development and testing of five hypotheses.Motivation for the study: Legislation has made it mandatory for transformation of the South African workplace and ensuring that diversity is embraced. However, not all companies have fully understood the benefits of recruiting and managing diverse teams for the benefit of the organisation.Research approach, design and method: Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used, whereby a survey was conducted among 227 employees using the Towers Watson Employment Employee Insight Survey (EIS). Inferential statistical techniques were used to test relationships among related variables postulated through five hypotheses.Main findings: It was ascertained that understanding and managing diversity has played a pivotal role in the (research) organisation’s performance and effectiveness over the past 5 years. More specifically, diversity management created room for appreciation, innovation and creativity that gave the organisations an edge to tackle diverse markets.Practical/managerial applications: South Africa has a diverse population, and when individuals join an organisation, they bring a unique set of characteristics referred to as personalities, which, through the socialisation process, get assimilated into teams’ norms and values, and the culture of the organisation. Managing diversity in the workplace is part of employee retention and attraction, with the intention to energise workplace productivity, thus increasing the organisation’s competitive edge.Contributions or value add: The positive impact engendered by diverse recruitment and retention is also supported by employee engagement, which presupposes employee ownership of change, by making it happen, and it is driven by employees that offer solutions to problems, by helping one another and who are proud of being part of the organisation. Its impact in the bigger scheme of events is to drive business performance, growth, cost management, and ability to attract, retain and engage top talent by establishing a winning and inclusive culture.
Sustainable access to safe drinking water: fundamental human right in the international and national scene
Authors: Oliveira Celso Maran de
Published: November 2017

Access to potable water is absolutely essential to the maintenance of life, as well as to provide regular exercise of other human rights. The lack of access to water in sufficient quantity or access to non-potable water may cause serious and irreparable damage to people. This paper investigates the evolution of international and national recognition of this fundamental human right, whether implicit or explicit. This was accomplished by the study of international human rights treaties, bibliographic information on water resources and their corresponding legal systems, national and international. The results suggest that sustainable access to drinking water is a fundamental human right in the context of international relations and the State. Further, even without explicitly stating this right in the Constitution of 1988, Brazil has incorporated the main international provisions on the subject, but this right must be acknowledged according to the principles of non-typical fundamental rights and the dignity of the human person. This right should be universally guaranteed by the Government in sufficient quantity and quality, regardless of the economic resources of individuals.
Best management practices to reduce nitrate pollution in a rural watershed in Germany
Authors: Pott Cristiano Andre , Fohrer Nicola
Published: November 2017

Water pollution by nitrogen originates at diffuse and point sources. In surface aquatic systems, nitrate is one of the most problematic forms of nitrogen, causing phytoplankton and macrophyte growth and consequently water eutrophication. This study evaluated whether the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model can simulate nitrate load in a rural watershed in daily and monthly time increments. The study investigated 462 km² of the upper part of the Stör catchment, a typical rural lowland catchment located in Northern Germany. The results showed that simulations of nitrate load at monthly increments are better predictors of observed data than daily simulations. The most effective practices to minimize the NO3-N load were the reduction of nitrogen fertilizer application and the increasing of conservation areas, such as field filter strips.
La biopsie des tumeurs de l’encéphale par stéréotaxie assistée par tomodensimétrie : mise au point d’un nouveau cadre et premières applications cliniques chez le chien
Authors: Moissonnier Pierre , Bordeau William , Devauchelle Patrick , Delisle Françoise , Blot Stéphane , Lefrançois Thierry
Published: November 2017

Le diagnostic précis des lésions de l’encéphale ne peut être obtenu qu’après examen histopathologique d’une biopsie. Nous décrivons la conception d’un prototype permettant la réalisation d’une biopsie par stéréotaxie assistée par tomodensitométrie dont le but est d’obtenir le prélèvement de cibles d’un diamètre supérieur à 1 cm chez le chien. La précision de la procédure fut tout d’abord mesurée en injectant 1 ml d’un produit pâteux radio-opaque en une cible préalablement déterminée (coordonnées xl yl, zl) au sein de 10 cerveaux frais de chiens. Un nouveau scanner permettait de déterminer le centre de la masse ainsi créée et de calculer la différence entre les coordonnées de la cible et de la biopsie réelle selon les axes X, Y et Z. La technique fut alors appliquée chez 8 chiens présentant des tumeurs cérébrales. La procédure a démontré sa grande précision dans les deux essais. La précision fut calculée à 2,9 mm. La biopsie fut diagnostiquée dans les 8 cas et deux complications furent observées. La biopsie stéréotaxique assistée par tomodensitométrie est une technique rapide, aisée et reproductible, indiquée en présence de toute lésion cérébrale mal caractérisée par la seule imagerie chez le chien.
Nutrition et affections du bas appareil urinaire du chat
Authors: Bucher Laurie
Published: November 2017

Les affections du bas appareil urinaire du chat sont un ensemble de maladie touchant la partie distale du tractus urinaire.

Le traitement diététique est l’élément essentiel de la prise en charge de certaines affections du bas appareil urinaire et il est particulièrement important dans le traitement et la prévention de l’urolithiase à struvite et des bouchons urétraux, dans la prévention de Furolithiase à oxalate de calcium et dans la prise en charge des affections idiopathiques.

Le régime et le mode d’alimentation peuvent influencer le pH urinaire, la diurèse et la concentration des solutés, qui, à leur tour, influencent la saturation et peuvent réduire le risque d’affections liées à la précipitation minérale. Des formulations alimentaires spécifiques peuvent être bénéfiques pour les chats souffrant d’affections idiopathiques récidivantes.
La trichinellose : une zoonose parasitaire persistante
Authors: Boireau Pascal , Perret Catherine , Fabien Jean-François
Published: November 2017

La trichinellose est une maladie parasitaire provoquée par l’ingestion de viande crue ou peu cuite contaminée par le nématode Trichinella. Ce ver parasite cosmopolite utilise de multiples sources pour contaminer l’homme ou de nouveaux hôtes comme les rongeurs, les carnivores sauvages, les ursidés qui constituent un véritable réservoir. Le cheval, malgré un faible taux d’infestation (1/25 000), représente un risque particulier en France et en Italie compte tenu de coutumes alimentaires. La difficulté d’établir un diagnostic précoce limite considérablement l’efficacité des traitements anti-parasitaires spécifiques chez l’homme. De plus, les contrôles, effectués systématiquement en Europe occidentale par dépistage direct du parasite dans les viandes d’animaux à risque (porc, cheval, sanglier), ne sont pas fiables dans les pays d’Europe de l’Est et impossible à appliquer dans toutes les provinces de la Chine ou d’autres pays à économie émergente. De ce fait, le concept de prophylaxie médicale (vaccination des espèces cibles les plus à risque) joint à l’amélioration des tests de dépistage, notamment grâce à la biologie moléculaire (mise en place d’un diagnostic précoce, identification indirecte du parasite) apparaissent comme de nouvelles voies de recherche pour prévenir la maladie humaine.
Les dents gravées de cachalot. Sa chasse périlleuse sur une dent présentée
Authors: Rousseau Michel
Published: November 2017

I -Des baleiniers traditionnels étaient, durant les attentes, les artisans d’œuvres recherchées, dites “scrimschaws”.

II -Sur les dents de cachalot, ils gravaient souvenirs ou vœux...

III -... et aussi sa chasse, si dangereuse ; comme sur la dent que l’Auteur possède et décrit ici.
Les gastroentérites paralysantes : maladie ou syndrome
Authors: Navetat Hervé , Biron Philippe , Contrepois Michel , Rizet Claude , Valarcher Jean-François , Schelcher François , Espinasse Jacques
Published: November 2017

Paralysing gastroenteritis : disease or syndrome ?.

Since 1986, paralysing gastroenteritis (PEG) were seen as a well defined clinical entity regarding the gastroenteritis syndrome of the new-born calf. Clinical examination shows slight diarrhoea signs, the absence of dehydratation and the presence of nervous signs amongst which paresis is the most important. Microbiological surveys have shown the particular role or E. Coli with specific pathogencity markers (CS 31A and Col V). Laboratory analysis show a metabolic blood acidosis with accumulation of D Lactate. The authors describe the various steps that help defining whether PGE are a disease or if they are part of the gastroenteritis syndrome (non dehydrated, acidosic calf).
Goat kid slaughter value and muscle quality after dietary supplementation with an alfalfa protein–xanthophyll concentrate
Authors: Szymanowska Anna , Miduch Anna , Gruszecki Tomasz Maria , Greguła-Kania Monika , Grela Eugeniusz Ryszard
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The objective of this study was to determine the effect on goat kids of supplementation with protein–xanthophyll concentrate (PX) obtained from alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Assessments were made on carcass dressing percentage and the lipid profiles of muscle tissue. When the animals reached 30 days old (the start of the fattening period), they were allocated to two feeding groups: a control group (K), which received a standard concentrate diet, and an experimental group (D), which was fed a modified control diet where 3 % of the soybean meal was replaced with an alfalfa protein–xanthophyll preparation (PX). For the rest of the study the kids had ad libitum access to dam milk, hay and their respective diets. After 90 days of rearing (from the end of the fattening period up to when the kids were approximately 120 days of age), five (male) kids were randomly selected from each group and slaughtered. Overall, PX supplementation in goat kids does not affect any parameters of fattening, such as slaughter weight, daily weight gains or dressing percentage. However, beneficial effects of feeding with PX concentrate were found in a higher loin percentage and improved tissue composition resulting from lower fat tissue content. Moreover the PX dietary supplement improved the chemical composition of the muscle tissue by increasing the content of protein and unsaturated fatty acids. Taken together, our results suggest that supplementing the fattening diet for goat kids with the PX preparation did not affect the quantitative parameters of fattening but had a positive influence on the quality of carcass composition.
Quantifying methane emissions from natural gas production in north-eastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Barkley Zachary R. , Lauvaux Thomas , Davis Kenneth J. , Deng Aijun , Miles Natasha L. , Richardson Scott J. , Cao Yanni , Sweeney Colm , Karion Anna , Smith MacKenzie , Kort Eric A. , Schwietzke Stefan , Murphy Thomas , Cervone Guido , Martins Douglas , Maasakkers Joannes D.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Natural gas infrastructure releases methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. The estimated emission rate associated with the production and transportation of natural gas is uncertain, hindering our understanding of its greenhouse footprint. This study presents a new application of inverse methodology for estimating regional emission rates from natural gas production and gathering facilities in north-eastern Pennsylvania. An inventory of CH4 emissions was compiled for major sources in Pennsylvania. This inventory served as input emission data for the Weather Research and Forecasting model with chemistry enabled (WRF-Chem), and atmospheric CH4 mole fraction fields were generated at 3 km resolution. Simulated atmospheric CH4 enhancements from WRF-Chem were compared to observations obtained from a 3-week flight campaign in May 2015. Modelled enhancements from sources not associated with upstream natural gas processes were assumed constant and known and therefore removed from the optimization procedure, creating a set of observed enhancements from natural gas only. Simulated emission rates from unconventional production were then adjusted to minimize the mismatch between aircraft observations and model-simulated mole fractions for 10 flights. To evaluate the method, an aircraft mass balance calculation was performed for four flights where conditions permitted its use. Using the model optimization approach, the weighted mean emission rate from unconventional natural gas production and gathering facilities in north-eastern Pennsylvania approach is found to be 0.36 % of total gas production, with a 2σ confidence interval between 0.27 and 0.45 % of production. Similarly, the mean emission estimates using the aircraft mass balance approach are calculated to be 0.40 % of regional natural gas production, with a 2σ confidence interval between 0.08 and 0.72 % of production. These emission rates as a percent of production are lower than rates found in any other basin using a top-down methodology, and may be indicative of some characteristics of the basin that make sources from the north-eastern Marcellus region unique.
Global relevance of marine organic aerosols as ice nucleating
particles
Authors: Huang Wan Ting Katty , Ickes Luisa , Tegen Ina , Rinaldi Matteo , Ceburnis Darius , Lohmann Ulrike
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Ice nucleating particles (INPs) lower the supersaturation required and/or increase the temperature at which supercooled droplets start to freeze. They are therefore of particular interest in mixed-phase temperature regimes, where supercooled liquid droplets can persist for extended periods of time in the absence of INPs. When INPs are introduced to such an environment, the cloud can quickly glaciate following the Wegener-Bergeron-Findeisen process and possibly precipitate out, altering its radiative properties. Despite their potential influence on climate, the ice nucleation ability and importance of different aerosol species is still not well understood and is a field of active research. In this study we used the aerosol-climate model ECHAM-HAM to examine the global relevance of marine organic aerosols (MOA), which have drawn much interest in recent years as a potentially important INP in remote marine regions. We address the uncertainties in emission and ice nucleation activity of MOA with a range of reasonable set-ups and find a wide range of resulting MOA burdens. The relative importance of MOA as an INP compared to dust is investigated and found to depend strongly on the type of ice nucleation parametrisation scheme chosen. Regardless, MOA was not found to affect the microphysical properties of clouds or the radiative balance significantly, due to its relatively weak ice activity and a low sensitivity of cloud ice properties to heterogeneous ice nucleation in our model.
All-sky Information Content Analysis for Novel Passive Microwave Instruments in the Range from 23.8 GHz up to 874.4 GHz
Authors: Grützun Verena , Buehler Stefan A. , Kluft Lukas , Mendrok Jana , Brath Manfred , Eriksson Patrick
Published: November 2017

Abstract. We perform an all-sky information content analysis for channels in the millimeter/submillimeter wavelength with 24 channels in the region from 23.8 up to 874.4 GHz. Our set of channels corresponds to the instruments ISMAR and MARSS, which are available on the British FAAM research aircraft, and it is complemented by two precipitation channels at low frequencies from Deimos. The channels also cover ICI, which will be part of the MetOp-SG mission. We use simulated atmospheres from the ICON model as basis for the study and quantify the information content with the reduction of degrees of freedom (ΔDOF). The required Jacobians are calculated with the radiative transfer model ARTS. Specifically we focus on the dependence of the information content on the atmospheric composition. In general we find a high information content for the frozen hydrometeors, which mainly comes from the higher channels beyond 183.31 GHz (on average 4.99 for cloud ice and 4.84 for snow). Profile retrievals may be possible for the mass densities and some information about the microphysical properties, especially for cloud ice, can be gained. The information about the liquid hydrometeors comes from the lower channels and is comparably low (2.36 for liquid cloud water and 1.81 for rain). There is little information about the profile or the microphysical properties. The Jacobians for a specific cloud hydrometeor strongly depend on the atmospheric composition. Especially for the liquid hydrometeors they even change sign in some cases. However, the information content is robust. For liquid hydrometeors it slightly decreases in the presence of any frozen hydrometeor, for the frozen hydrometeors it slightly decreases in the presence of the respective other frozen hydrometeor. The overall results with regard to the frozen hydrometeors in principle also hold for the ICI sensor. This points to its great ability to observe ice clouds from space on a global scale with a good spatial coverage in unprecedented detail.
Collocation Mismatch Uncertainties in Satellite Aerosol Retrieval Validation
Authors: Virtanen Timo H. , Kolmonen Pekka , Sogacheva Larisa , Rodríguez Edith , Saponaro Giulia , de Leeuw Gerrit
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Satellite based aerosol products are routinely validated against ground based reference data, usually obtained from sunphotometer networks such as AERONET (AEROsol Robotic Network). In a typical validation exercise a spatial sample of the instantaneous satellite data is compared against a temporal sample of the point-like ground based data. The observations do not correspond to exactly the same column of the atmosphere at the same time, and the representativiness of the reference data depends on the spatiotemporal variability of the aerosol properties in the samples. The associated uncertainty is known as the collocation mismatch uncertainty (CMU). The validation results depend on the sampling parameters. While small samples involve less variability, they are more sensitive to the inevitable noise in the measurement data. In this paper we study systematically the effect of the sampling parameters in the validation of AATSR (Advanced Along Track Scanning Radiometer) aerosol optical depth (AOD) product against AERONET data and the associated collocation mismatch uncertainty. To this end, we study the spatial AOD variability in the satellite data, compare it against the corresponding values obtained from densely located AERONET sites, and assess the possible reasons for observed differences. We find that the spatial AOD variability in the satellite data is approximately two times larger than in the ground based data, and the local AOD variability values correlate only weakly for short distances. We interprete that only half of the variability in the satellite data is due to the natural variability in the AOD, and the rest is noise due to retrieval errors. However, for larger distances (∼ 0.5°) the correlation is improved as the noise is averaged out, and the day to day changes in regional AOD variability are well captured. Furthermore, we assess the usefulness of the spatial variability of the satellite AOD data as an estimate of CMU by comparing the retrieval errors to the total uncertainty estimates in the validation. We find that accounting for CMU increases the fraction of consistent observations.
Calcium content and high calcium adaptation of plants in karst areas of southwestern Hunan, China
Authors: Wei Xiaocong , Deng Xiangwen , Xiang Wenhua , Lei Pifeng , Ouyang Shuai , Wen Hongfang , Chen Liang
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Rocky desertification is a major ecological problem of land degradation in karst areas. Its high soil calcium (Ca2+) content has become an important environmental factor which can affect the restoration of vegetation in such rocky desertification areas. Consequently, the screening of plant species, which can adapt to soils high Ca2+ environment, is a critical step for vegetation restoration. However, the Ca2+ dynamics of plants and soil are not well understood. In this study, three different grades of rocky desertification samples areas (LRD, light rocky desertification; MRD, moderate rocky desertification; IRD, intense rocky desertification) were selected in karst areas of southwestern Hunan, China. Each grade of these samples areas had 3 sample plots in different slop positions, each of which had 4 small quadrats (1 in rocky side areas, 3 in non-rocky side areas). We measured the Ca2+ content of leaves, branches and roots from 41 plant species, as well as soil total Ca2+ (TCa) and exchange Ca2+ (ECa) at depths of 0–15, 15–30 and 30–45 cm under each small quadrat. The results showed that the soil Ca2+ content in rocky side areas was significantly higher than that in non-rocky side areas (p  MRD > LRD. For all plant functional groups, the plant Ca2+ content of aboveground parts was significantly higher than that of the underground parts (p  1) and their correlations with soil ECa content, these 17 species can be divided into three categories: Ca-indifferent plants, high-Ca plants and low-Ca plants. Our results can provide a vital theoretical basis and practical guide for vegetation restoration and ecosystem reconstruction in rocky desertification areas.
On the importance of multiple-component evaluation of spatial
patterns for optimization of earth system models – A case study
using mHM v5.6 at catchment scale
Authors: Koch Julian , Demirel Mehmet C. , Stisen Simon
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The process of model evaluation is not only an integral part of model development and calibration but also of paramount importance when communicating modelling results to the scientific community and stakeholders. The modelling community has a large and well tested toolbox of metrics to evaluate temporal model performance. On the contrary, spatial performance evaluation is not corresponding to the grand availability of spatial observations readily available and to the sophisticate model codes simulating the spatial variability of complex earth system processes. This study makes a contribution towards advancing spatial pattern oriented model calibration by rigorously testing a multiple-component performance metric. The promoted SPAtial EFficiency (SPAEF) metric reflects three equally weighted components: correlation, coefficient of variation and histogram overlap. This multiple-component approach is found to be advantageous in order to achieve the complex task of comparing spatial patterns. SPAEF, its three components individually and two alternative spatial performance metrics, i.e. connectivity analysis and fractions skill score, are applied in a spatial pattern oriented model calibration of a catchment model in Denmark. Results suggest the importance of multiple-component metrics, because stand-alone metrics tend to fail to provide holistic pattern information to the optimizer. The three SPAEF components are found to be independent which allows them to complement each other in a meaningful way. In order to optimally exploit spatial observations made available by remote sensing platforms this study suggests applying bias insensitive metrics which further allow comparing variables which are related but may differ in unit. This study applies SPAEF in the hydrological context using the mesoscale Hydrologic Model (mHM; version 5.6), but we see great potential across disciplines related to spatial distributed earth system modelling.
Recent trends of groundwater temperatures in Austria
Authors: Benz Susanne A. , Bayer Peter , Winkler Gerfried , Blum Philipp
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Climate change is one if not the most pressing challenge modern society faces. Increasing temperatures are observed all over the planet and the impact of climate change on the hydrogeological cycle has long been shown. However, so far we have insufficient knowledge on the influence of atmospheric warming on shallow groundwater temperatures. While some studies analyse the implication climate change has on selected wells, large scale studies are so far lacking. Here we focus on the combined impact of climate change in the atmosphere and local hydrogeological conditions on groundwater temperatures in 229 wells in Austria, which have in part been observed since 1964. A linear analysis finds a temperature change of +0.8 ± 1.0 K in the years from 1994 to 2013. In the same timeframe surface air temperatures in Austria increased by 0.72 ± 0.04 K displaying a much smaller variety. However, most of the extreme changes in groundwater temperatures can be linked to local hydrogeological conditions. Correlation between groundwater temperatures and nearby surface air temperatures was additionally analysed. They vary greatly with correlation coefficients of −0.36 in central Linz to 0.80 outside of Graz. In contrast the correlation of nationwide groundwater temperatures and surface air temperatures is high with a correlation coefficient of 0.83. All of these findings indicate that while atmospheric climate change can be observed in nationwide groundwater temperatures, individual wells are often primarily dominated by local hydrogeological conditions. In addition to the linear temperature trend a step-wise model was also applied that identifies climate regime shifts, which have been observed globally in the late 70s, 80s, and 90s. Hinting again at the influence of local conditions, at most 20 % of all wells show these climate regime shifts. However, we were able to identify an additional shift in 2007 which was observed by 33 % of all wells. Overall the step-wise representation gives a slightly more accurate picture of observed temperatures than the linear trend.