bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating surface fluxes using eddy covariance and numerical ogive optimization
Authors: Sievers J. , Papakyriakou T. , Larsen S. E. , Jammet M. M. , Rysgaard S. , Sejr M. K. , Sørensen L. L.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Estimating representative surface fluxes using eddy covariance leads invariably to questions concerning inclusion or exclusion of low-frequency flux contributions. For studies where fluxes are linked to local physical parameters and up-scaled through numerical modelling efforts, low-frequency contributions interfere with our ability to isolate local biogeochemical processes of interest, as represented by turbulent fluxes. No method currently exists to disentangle low-frequency contributions on flux estimates. Here, we present a novel comprehensive numerical scheme to identify and separate out low-frequency contributions to vertical turbulent surface fluxes. For high flux rates (|Sensible heat flux| > 40 Wm−2, |latent heat flux|> 20 Wm−2 and |CO2 flux|> 100 mmol m−2 d−1 we found that the average relative difference between fluxes estimated by ogive optimization and the conventional method was low (5–20%) suggesting negligible low-frequency influence and that both methods capture the turbulent fluxes equally well. For flux rates below these thresholds, however, the average relative difference between flux estimates was found to be very high (23–98%) suggesting non-negligible low-frequency influence and that the conventional method fails in separating low-frequency influences from the turbulent fluxes. Hence, the ogive optimization method is an appropriate method of flux analysis, particularly in low-flux environments.
Dependence of the vertical distribution of bromine monoxide in the lower troposphere on meteorological factors such as wind speed and stability
Authors: Peterson P. K. , Simpson W. R. , Pratt K. A. , Shepson P. B. , Frieß U. , Zielcke J. , Platt U. , Walsh S. J. , Nghiem S. V.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Multiple axis differential absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) measurements of bromine monoxide (BrO) probed the vertical structure of halogen activation events during March–May 2012 at Barrow, Alaska. An analysis of the BrO averaging kernels and degrees of freedom obtained by optimal-estimation-based inversions from raw MAX-DOAS measurements reveals the information is best represented by reducing the retrieved BrO profile to two quantities: the integrated column from the surface through 200 m (VCD200 m), and the lower tropospheric vertical column density (LT-VCD), which represents the integrated column of BrO from the surface through 2 km. The percentage of lower tropospheric BrO in the lowest 200 m was found to be highly variable ranging from shallow layer events, where BrO is present primarily in the lowest 200 m, to distributed column events where BrO is observed at higher altitudes. The highest observed LT-VCD events occurred when BrO was distributed throughout the lower troposphere, rather than concentrated near the surface. Atmospheric stability in the lowest 200 m influenced the percentage of LT-VCD that is in the lowest 200 m, with inverted temperature structures having a first-to-third quartile range (Q1–Q3) of VCD200 m/LT-VCD from 15–39%, while near-neutral-temperature structures had a Q1–Q3 range of 7–13%. Data from this campaign show no clear influence of wind speed on either lower tropospheric bromine activation (LT-VCD) or the vertical distribution of BrO, while examination of seasonal trends and the temperature dependence of the vertical distribution supported the conclusion that the atmospheric stability affects the vertical distribution of BrO.
Ultrafine particle sources and in-situ formation in a European megacity
Authors: Pikridas M. , Sciare J. , Freutel F. , Crumeyrolle S. , von der Weiden-Reinmüller S.-L. , Borbon A. , Schwarzenboeck A. , Merkel M. , Crippa M. , Kostenidou E. , Psichoudaki M. , Hildebrandt L. , Engelhart G. J. , Petäjä T. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Drewnick F. , Baltensperger U. , Wiedensohler A. , Kulmala M. , Beekmann M. , Pandis S. N.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Ambient particle number size distributions were measured in Paris, France during summer (1–31 July 2009) and winter (15 January–15 February 2010) at three fixed ground sites and using two mobile laboratories and one airplane. The campaigns were part of the MEGAPOLI project. New particle formation (NPF) was observed only during summer at approximately 50% of the campaign days, assisted by the low condensation sink (about 10.7 ± 5.9 × 10−3 s−1). NPF events inside the Paris plume were also observed at 600 m altitude onboard an aircraft simultaneously with regional events identified on the ground. Increased particle number concentrations were measured aloft also outside of the Paris plume at the same altitude, and were attributed to NPF. The Paris plume was identified, based on increased particle number and black carbon concentration, up to 200 km away from Paris center during summer. The number concentration of particles with diameter exceeding 2.5 nm measured on the surface at Paris center was on average 6.9 ± 8.7 × 104 and 12.1 ± 8.6 × 104 cm−3 during summer and winter, respectively, and was found to decrease exponentially with distance from Paris. However, further than 30 km from the city center, the particle number concentration at the surface was similar during both campaigns. During summer one suburban site in the NE was not significantly affected by Paris emissions due to higher background number concentrations, while the particle number concentration at the second suburban site in the SW increased by a factor of three when it was downwind of Paris.
Heterogeneous reaction of peroxyacetic acid and hydrogen peroxide on ambient aerosol particles under dry and humid conditions: kinetics, mechanism and implications
Authors: Wu Q. Q. , Huang L. B. , Liang H. , Zhao Y. , Huang D. , Chen Z. M.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and organic peroxides play important roles in the cycle of oxidants and the formation of secondary aerosols in the atmosphere. Recent field observations suggest that peroxyacetic acid (PAA, CH3C(O)OOH) is one of the most important organic peroxides in the atmosphere, whose budget is potentially related to the aerosols. Here we present the first laboratory measurements of the uptake coefficient of gaseous PAA and H2O2 onto the ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as a function of relative humidity (RH) at 298 K. The results show that the PM2.5, which was collected in an urban area, can take up PAA and H2O2 at the uptake coefficient (γ) of 10−4, and both γPAA and γH2O2 increase with increasing RH. However, γPAA is more sensitive to the RH variation than is γH2O2, which indicates that the enhanced uptake of peroxide compounds on PM2.5 under humid conditions is dominated by chemical processes rather than dissolution. Considering that mineral dust is one of the main components of PM2.5, we also determined the uptake coefficients of gaseous PAA and H2O2 on authentic Asian Dust Storm (ADS) and Arizona Test Dust (ATD) particles. Compared to ambient PM2.5, ADS shows a similar γ value and RH dependence in its uptake coefficient for PAA and H2O2, while ATD gives a negative dependence on RH. The present study indicates that in addition to the mineral dust in PM2.5, other components (e.g., inorganic soluble salts) are also important to the uptake of peroxide compounds. When the heterogeneous reaction of PAA on PM2.5 is considered, its atmospheric lifetime is estimated to be 3.3 h on haze days and 7.6 h on non-haze days, values which agree well with the field observed result.
The influence of solar activity on action centres of atmospheric circulation in North Atlantic
Authors: Sfîcă L. , Voiculescu M. , Huth R.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. We analyse the response of sea level pressure and mid-tropospheric (500 hPa) geopotential heights to variations in solar activity. We concentrate on the Northern Hemisphere and North Atlantic in the period 1948–2012. Composite and correlation analyses point to a strengthening of the North Atlantic Oscillation and weakening (i.e. becoming more zonal) of the Pacific/North American pattern. The locations of points with lowest and highest sea level pressure in the North Atlantic change their positions between low and high solar activity.
Vertical partitioning of phosphate uptake among picoplankton groups in the low Pi Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Talarmin A. , Van Wambeke F. , Lebaron P. , Moutin T.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Microbial transformations are key processes in marine phosphorus cycling. In this study, we investigated the contribution of phototrophic and heterotrophic groups to phosphate (Pi) uptake fluxes in the euphotic zone of the low-Pi Mediterranean Sea and estimated Pi uptake kinetic characteristics. Surface soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) concentrations were in the range of 6–80 nmol L−1 across the transect, and the community Pi turnover times, assessed using radiolabeled orthophosphate incubations, were longer in the western basin, where the highest bulk and cellular rates were measured. Using live cell sorting, four vertical profiles of Pi uptake rates were established for heterotrophic prokaryotes (Hprok), phototrophic picoeukaryotes (Pic) and Prochlorococcus (Proc) and Synechococcus (Syn) cyanobacteria. Hprok cells contributed up to 82% of total Pi uptake fluxes in the superficial euphotic zone, through constantly high abundances (2.7–10.2 × 105 cells mL−1) but variable cellular rates (6.6 ± 9.3 amol P cell−1 h−1). Cyanobacteria achieved most of the Pi uptake (up to 62%) around the deep chlorophyll maximum depth, through high abundances (up to 1.4 × 105 Proc cells mL−1) and high cellular uptake rates (up to 40 and 402 amol P cell−1 h−1, respectively for Proc and Syn cells). At saturating concentrations, maximum cellular rates up to 132 amol P cell−1 h−1 were measured for Syn at station (St.) C, which was 5 and 60 times higher than Proc and Hprok, respectively. Pi uptake capabilities of the different groups likely contribute to their vertical distribution in the low Pi Mediterranean Sea, possibly along with other energy limitations.
Positive feedback of elevated CO2 on soil respiration in late autumn and winter
Authors: Keidel L. , Kammann C. , Grünhage L. , Moser G. , Müller C.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Soil respiration of terrestrial ecosystems, a major component in the global carbon cycle is affected by elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, seasonal differences of feedback effects of elevated CO2 have rarely been studied. At the Gießen Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (GiFACE) site, the effects of +20% above ambient CO2 concentration have been investigated since 1998 in a temperate grassland ecosystem. We defined five distinct annual seasons, with respect to management practices and phenological cycles. For a period of 3 years (2008–2010), weekly measurements of soil respiration were carried out with a survey chamber on vegetation-free subplots. The results revealed a pronounced and repeated increase of soil respiration under elevated CO2 during late autumn and winter dormancy. Increased CO2 losses during the autumn season (September–October) were 15.7% higher and during the winter season (November–March) were 17.4% higher compared to respiration from ambient CO2 plots. However, during spring time and summer, which are characterized by strong above- and below-ground plant growth, no significant change in soil respiration was observed at the GiFACE site under elevated CO2. This suggests (1) that soil respiration measurements, carried out only during the growing season under elevated CO2 may underestimate the true soil-respiratory CO2 loss (i.e. overestimate the C sequestered), and (2) that additional C assimilated by plants during the growing season and transferred below-ground will quickly be lost via enhanced heterotrophic respiration outside the main growing season.
Climate and carbon cycle dynamics in a CESM simulation from 850–2100 CE
Authors: Lehner F. , Joos F. , Raible C. C. , Mignot J. , Born A. , Keller K. M. , Stocker T. F.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Under the protocols of the Paleoclimate and Coupled Modelling Intercomparison Projects a number of simulations were produced that provide a range of potential climate evolutions from the last millennium to the end of the current century. Here, we present the first simulation with the Community Earth System Model (CESM), which includes an interactive carbon cycle, that continuously covers the last millennium, the historical period, and the twenty-first century. Besides state-of-the-art forcing reconstructions, we apply a modified reconstruction of total solar irradiance to shed light on the issue of forcing uncertainty in the context of the last millennium. Nevertheless, we find that structural uncertainties between different models can still dominate over forcing uncertainty for quantities such as hemispheric temperatures or the land and ocean carbon cycle response. Comparing with other model simulations we find forced decadal-scale variability to occur mainly after volcanic eruptions, while during other periods internal variability masks potentially forced signals and calls for larger ensembles in paleoclimate modeling studies. At the same time, we fail to attribute millennial temperature trends to orbital forcing, as has been suggested recently. The climate-carbon cycle sensitivity in CESM during the last millennium is estimated to be about 1.3 ppm °C−1. However, the dependence of this sensitivity on the exact time period and scale illustrates the prevailing challenge of deriving robust constrains on this quantity from paleoclimate proxies. In particular, the response of the land carbon cycle to volcanic forcing shows fundamental differences between different models. In CESM the tropical land dictates the response to volcanoes with a distinct behavior for large and moderate eruptions. Under anthropogenic emissions, global land and ocean carbon uptake rates emerge from the envelope of interannual natural variability as simulated for the last millennium by about year 1947 and 1877, respectively.
Mapping irrigation potential from renewable groundwater in Africa – a quantitative hydrological approach
Authors: Altchenko Y. , Villholth K. G.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Groundwater provides an important buffer to climate variability in Africa. Yet, groundwater irrigation contributes only a relatively small share of cultivated land, approximately 1% (about 2 × 106 hectares) as compared to 14% in Asia. While groundwater is over-exploited for irrigation in many parts in Asia, previous assessments indicate an underutilized potential in parts of Africa. As opposed to previous country-based estimates, this paper derives a continent-wide, distributed (0.5° spatial resolution) map of groundwater irrigation potential, indicated in terms of fractions of cropland potentially irrigable with renewable groundwater. The method builds on an annual groundwater balance approach using 41 years of hydrological data, allocating only that fraction of groundwater recharge that is in excess after satisfying other present human needs and environmental requirements, while disregarding socio-economic and physical constraints in access to the resource. Due to high uncertainty of groundwater environmental needs, three scenarios, leaving 30, 50 and 70% of recharge for the environment, were implemented. Current dominating crops and cropping rotations and associated irrigation requirements in a zonal approach were applied in order to convert recharge excess to potential irrigated cropland. Results show an inhomogeneously distributed groundwater irrigation potential across the continent, even within individual countries, mainly reflecting recharge patterns and presence or absence of cultivated cropland. Results further show that average annual renewable groundwater availability for irrigation ranges from 692 to 1644 km3 depending on scenario. The total area of cropland irrigable with renewable groundwater ranges from 44.6 to 105.3 × 106 ha, corresponding to 20.5 to 48.6% of the cropland over the continent. In particular, significant potential exists in the semi-arid Sahel and eastern African regions which could support poverty alleviation if developed sustainably and equitably. The map is a first assessment that needs to be complimented with assessment of other factors, e.g. hydrogeological conditions, groundwater accessibility, soils, and socio-economic factors as well as more local assessments.
Drought severity–duration–frequency curves: a foundation for risk assessment and planning tool for ecosystem establishment in post-mining landscapes
Authors: Halwatura D. , Lechner A. M. , Arnold S.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Eastern Australia has considerable mineral and energy resources, with areas of high biodiversity value co-occurring over a broad range of agro-climatic environments. Lack of water is the primary abiotic stressor for (agro)ecosystems in many parts of eastern Australia. In the context of mined land rehabilitation quantifying the severity–duration–frequency (SDF) of droughts is crucial for successful ecosystem rehabilitation to overcome challenges of early vegetation establishment and long-term ecosystem resilience. The objective of this study was to quantify the SDF of short-term and long-term drought events of 11 selected locations across a broad range of agro-climatic environments in eastern Australia by using three drought indices at different timescales: the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), the Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI), and the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). Based on the indices we derived bivariate distribution functions of drought severity and duration, and estimated the recurrence intervals of drought events at different timescales. The correlation between the simple SPI and the more complex SPEI or RDI was stronger for the tropical and temperate locations than for the arid locations, indicating that SPEI or RDI can be replaced by SPI if evaporation plays a minor role for plant available water (tropics). Both short-term and long-term droughts were most severe and prolonged, and recurred most frequently in arid regions, but were relatively rare in tropical and temperate regions. Our approach is similar to intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) analyses of rainfall, which are crucial for the design of hydraulic infrastructure. In this regard, we propose to apply SDF analyses of droughts to design ecosystem components in post-mining landscapes. Together with design rainfalls, design droughts should be used to assess rehabilitation strategies and ecological management using drought recurrence intervals, thereby minimising the risk of failure of initial ecosystem establishment due to ignorance of fundamental abiotic and site-specific environmental barriers, such as flood and drought events.
Groundwater as an emergency source for drought mitigation in the Crocodile River catchment, South Africa
Authors: Mussá F. E. F. , Zhou Y. , Maskey S. , Masih I. , Uhlenbrook S.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Global climate change has received much attention worldwide in the scientific as well as in the political community, indicating that changes in precipitation, extreme droughts and floods may increasingly threaten many regions. Drought is a natural phenomenon that causes social, economical and environmental damage to society. In this study, we assess the drought intensity and severity and the groundwater potential to be used as a supplementary source of water to mitigate drought impacts in the Crocodile River catchment, a water-stressed sub-catchment of the Incomati River catchment in South Africa. The research methodology consists of three parts. First, the spatial and temporal variation of the meteorological and hydrological drought severity and intensity over the catchment were evaluated. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was used to analyse the meteorological drought and the Standardized Runoff Index (SRI) was used for the hydrological drought. Second, the water deficit in the catchment during the drought period was computed using a simple water balance method. Finally, a groundwater model was constructed in order to assess the feasibility of using groundwater as an emergency source for drought impact mitigation. Results show that the low-rainfall areas are more vulnerable to severe meteorological droughts (lower and upper crocodile). Moreover, the most water stressed sub-catchments with high level of water uses but limited storage, such as the Kaap located in the middle catchment and the Lower Crocodile sub-catchments, are more vulnerable to severe hydrological droughts. The analysis of the potential groundwater use during droughts showed that a deficit of 97 Mm3 yr−1 could be supplied from groundwater without considerable adverse impacts on the river base flow and groundwater storage. Abstraction simulations for different scenarios of extremely severe droughts reveal that it is possible to use groundwater to cope with the droughts in the catchment. However, local groundwater exploitation in Nelspruit and White River sub-catchment will cause large drawdowns (> 10 m) and high base flow reduction (> 20%). This case study shows that conjunctive water management of groundwater and surface water resources is necessary to mitigate the impacts of droughts.
A groundwater recharge perspective on locating tree plantations within low-rainfall catchments to limit water resource losses
Authors: Dean J. F. , Webb J. A. , Jacobsen G. E. , Chisari R. , Dresel P. E.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Despite the many studies that consider the impacts of plantation forestry on groundwater recharge, and others that explore the spatial heterogeneity of recharge in low-rainfall regions, there is little marriage of the two subjects in forestry management guidelines and legislation. Here we carry out an in-depth analysis of the impact of reforestation on groundwater recharge in a low-rainfall (< 700 mm annually), high-evapotranspiration paired catchment characterized by ephemeral streams. Water table fluctuation (WTF) estimates of modern recharge indicate that little groundwater recharge occurs along the topographic highs of the catchments (average 18 mm yr−1); instead the steeper slopes in these areas direct runoff downslope to the lowland areas, where most recharge occurs (average 78 mm yr−1). Recharge estimates using the chloride mass balance (CMB) method were corrected by replacing the rainfall input Cl− value with that for streamflow, because most recharge occurs from infiltration of runoff through the streambed and adjacent low gradient slopes. The calculated CMB recharge values (average 10 mm yr−1) are lower than the WTF recharge values (average 47 mm yr−1), because they are representative of groundwater that was mostly recharged prior to European land clearance (> BP 200 years). The tree plantation has caused a progressive drawdown in groundwater levels due to tree water use; the decline is less in the upland areas. The results of this study show that spatial variations in recharge are important considerations for locating tree plantations. To conserve water resources for downstream users in low-rainfall, high-evapotranspiration regions, tree planting should be avoided in the dominant zone of recharge, i.e. the topographically low areas and along the drainage lines, and should be concentrated on the upper slopes, although this may negatively impact the economic viability of the plantation.
Dynamics of large wood during a flash flood in two mountain catchments
Authors: Lucía A. , Comiti F. , Borga M. , Cavalli M. , Marchi L.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Understanding and modelling the dynamics of large wood (LW) in rivers during flood events has spurred a great deal of research in recent years. However, few studies have documented the effect of high-magnitude flash floods on LW recruitment, transport and deposition. On 25 October 2011, the Magra river basin (north-western Italy) was hit by an intense rainstorm, with hourly rainfall rates up to 130 mm h−1 and event rain accumulations up to 540 mm in 8 h. Such large rainfall intensities originated flash floods in the main river channels and in several tributaries, causing severe damages and loss of lives. Numerous bridges were partly or fully clogged by LW jams. A post-flood survey was carried out along the channels of two catchments that were severely and similarly affected by this event, the Gravegnola (34.6 km2) and Pogliaschina (25.1 km2). The analysis highlighted a very relevant channel widening in many channel reaches, which was more marked in the Gravegnola basin. Large wood recruitment rates were very high, up to 1270 m3 km−1, and most of it (70–80%) was eroded from the floodplains as a consequence of channel widening processes, while the rest came from hillslopes processes. Overall, drainage area and channel slope are the most relevant controlling variables in explaining the reach-scale variability of LW recruitment, whereas LW deposition appears to be more complex, as correlation analysis did not evidence any statistically significant relationship with the tested controlling variables. Indeed, in-channel LW displacement during the flood has been mostly limited by the presence of bridges, given the relatively large width attained by channels after the event.
Profiling the Determinants of Baby Weights in Bolgatanga Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Akansuke Martin Amalitinga , Luguterah Albert , Nyadanu Sylvester Dodzi , Nawumbeni Derek Ngbandor , Adampah Timothy
Published: February 2015

Introduction:Birth weights and subsequent weights (weight-for-age of babies) have been found to play a vital role in early childhood development and have profound effect on later lives of children. The weight-for-age of babies, as a measure of child’s growth, was found in several literatures as one of the key determinants of under-five mortality. This paper therefore deemed it crucial to explore how prognostic factors are influencing infants’ growth in the weights of babies in Ghana using Bolgatanga municipality in the Upper East region of Ghana as case study.Method:The post-natal records of three hundred (300) nursing mothers were retrospectively followed from January to December 2013 in the seven health facilities of the municipality for the study. Inclusion criterion was used to recruit two hundred and thirty five (235) qualified subjects. The weight-for-age of babies and socio-demographics of the babies and the mothers were recorded. The determinants of infant growth in the weights of the babies were profiled.Results:The study disclosed that the mean birth weight in both sexes, 2.71kg for males and 2.74kg for females, were higher than the standard normal birth weights of 2.50kg by WHO. The multivariate analysis of variance showed a nonlinear infants growth profile in the weights of babies during their first developmental year. The profile of the determinants showed that factors such as educational status and age of mother, breastfeeding type and sex of baby did not differ in the infants’ weights by these groups even-though higher education and nonexclusive breastfeeding had positive effects. However, maternal factors such as: religious affiliations (socio-cultural practices), occupation, parity, injection as at last type of family planning practiced by nursing mothers were significant, highlighting the effect of these maternal socio-demographics and biological factors on infant growth and child survival.Conclusion:The profiles of the effects of the maternal determinants on the weights of babies considered in this study established that infant growth is non-linear. It could also be stated on the basis of the profile analysis that, the weights of babies in this municipality could be modeled for predictions using the maternal determinants such as occupation, parity group, injectable family planning method, breastfeeding type, educational level and socio-cultural practices (religion). The profile analysis of the effects of the maternal socio-demographics and biological factors on infant weights established that the infant’s growth can be improved significantly by the nursing mothers, health service providers and the government if efforts are made to improve and/or modify the significant health indicators.
Kościuszko and African-American History
Authors: Hodges Graham Russell Gao
Published: February 2015

My interest in Tadeusz Kościuszko’s importance to African-American history derives from a book that Gary Nash and I published in 2008 called Friends of Liberty: Thomas Jefferson, Tadeusz Kościuszko, and Agrippa Hull.1 In that book, we studied Kościuszko’s relationship with the black American revolutionary soldier and farmer Agrippa Hull and, later, the Polish patriot’s deep friendship with Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and the man who is often regarded as the key interpreter of early American freedom. Kościuszko asked Jefferson to create, manage, and act as executor for an estate of monies awarded in 1797 for the Pole’s revolutionary service to the United States. After Kościuszko’s death in 1817, Jefferson reneged on his promise and declined to execute the will, which would have paid for the education and manumission of enslaved people, including, potentially, members of Jefferson’s own family and his other bonded workers. Had Jefferson done so, Nash and I argued, his actions would have been a powerful symbol against slavery in addition to freeing a substantial number of people. Eventually, as we showed, the largest amount of cash that Kościuszko ever earned languished, purloined by unscrupulous figures, until the U.S. Supreme Court granted the remnants of the estate to his Polish heirs in 1852.
Las parlamentarias regionales en España: masa crítica, experiencia parlamentaria e infl uencia política
Authors: Santana-Leitner Andrés , Coller Xavier , Aguilar Susana
Published: February 2015

Este trabajo analiza la evolución de la proporción de mujeres en los 17parlamentos regionales españoles desde 1980 hasta 2011. En línea conel argumento de la masa crítica en su versión de representacióndescriptiva, se pone a prueba si, una vez se llega a un umbral del 30%de parlamentarias, la proporción de éstas no cae por debajo de dichoumbral. Se contrastan a continuación dos hipótesis acerca de lapresencia política de las mujeres: la que defi ende que la experienciaparlamentaria (‘incumbency’) reduce las diferencias de género en lasexpectativas de conseguir un escaño; y la que afi rma que las mujeresson relegadas a posiciones de escasa infl uencia en el legislativo.
La estructura social a la luz de las nuevas sociologías del individuo
Authors: Santiago García Jose Antonio
Published: February 2015

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar nuevas teorizaciones de laestructura social a la luz de las nuevas sociologías del individuo que seestán desarrollando actualmente en Francia y que, a pesar de ser aúnpoco conocidas, tienen un enorme valor para repensar la sociedad ysociología actuales. Partiendo de una revisión del concepto y de lasprincipales concepciones de la estructura social, me centraré en lasaportaciones más signifi cativas de estas nuevas sociologías del individuo.Para ello, por un lado, me detengo en las dos tradiciones clásicas de laestructura social (institucional o cultural y como estructura de clases) ymuestro su insufi ciencia para dar cuenta de la sociedad actual, la cualsitúa al individuo como nuevo protagonista y principal foco de atenciónde la sociología. Por otro lado, y en contraste con las antiguas sociologíasdel individuo, que se centran en el nivel micro de la interacción, seanalizan los nuevos condicionamientos estructurales que constriñen a losindividuos. El artículo concluye con una invitación para desarrollar estasnuevas sociologías a escala del individuo.
Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil
Authors: Vazquez-Briones Maria Del Carmen , Hernandez Luis Ricardo , Guerrero-Beltran Jose Angel
Published: February 2015

In this study, the essential oil (EO) of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) or “lemon tea” leaves was studied. The EO was obtained by the steaming (0.75 ± 0.05%) and distillation (1.5 ± 0.07%), assisted by microwaves, methods. The EO had a refractive index of 1.483 ± 0.001 (20 °C) and a density of 0.873 ± 0.005 g/mL (27 °C). Color parameters of the oil corroborate the yellow hue observed by the naked eye. The Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrometry, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques permitted to characterize the EO and revealed the chemical structure of the major component: citral (neral and geranial). The phenolic compounds content was 149.2 ± 6.0 mg Gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per 100 mL of oil and the antioxidant activity was 44.06 ± 0.20 mg Trolox (T) per 100 mL of essential oil.
NG2+ Progenitors Derived From Embryonic Stem Cells Penetrate Glial Scar and Promote Axonal Outgrowth Into White Matter After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Vadivelu Sudhakar , Stewart Todd J. , Qu Yun , Horn Kevin , Liu Su , Li Qun , Silver Jerry , McDonald John W.
Published: February 2015

The glial scar resulting from spinal cord injury is rich in chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG), a formidable barrier to axonal regeneration. We explored the possibility of breaching that barrier by first examining the scar in a functional in vitro model. We found that embryonic stem cell-derived neural lineage cells (ESNLCs) with prominent expression of nerve glial antigen 2 (NG2) survived, passed through an increasingly inhibitory gradient of CSPG, and expressed matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) at the appropriate stage of their development. Outgrowth of axons from ESNLCs followed because the migrating cells sculpted pathways in which CSPG was degraded. The degradative mechanism involved MMP-9 but not MMP-2. To confirm these results in vivo, we transplanted ESNLCs directly into the cavity of a contused spinal cord 9 days after injury. A week later, ESNLCs survived and were expressing both NG2 and MMP-9. Their axons had grown through long distances (>10 mm), although they preferred to traverse white rather than gray matter. These data are consistent with the concept that expression of inhibitory CSPG within the injury scar is an important impediment to regeneration but that NG2+ progenitors derived from ESNLCs can modify the microenvironment to allow axons to grow through the barrier. This beneficial action may be partly due to developmental expression of MMP-9. We conclude that it might eventually be possible to encourage axonal regeneration in the human spinal cord by transplanting ESNLCs or other cells that express NG2.
Carbazole Alkaloids from Stem Bark of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng
Authors: Sumayya Saied  , Farkhanda Hassan  , Shaista Naz  , Humaira Siddiqi
Published: February 2015

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng(curry patta) has different therapeutic uses and rich source of carbazole alkaloids. Phytochemical studies on the stem bark of M. koenigii yielded one new carbazole alkaloid, afifine, along with two known carbazole alkaloids, mahinimbine and girinimbine. These compounds were isolated using chromatographic methods and identified using spectroscopic techniques.
Alarming High Levels of Energy Drinks Consumption among School Children in Hail, Northern of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Faris "Mo'ez Al-Islam" , Epuru Suneetha , Al-Shimmari Saud , Al-Shimmari Egab
Published: February 2015

Saudi Arabia (KSA) is one among the countries for top energy drink markets. Amid growing controversies globally surrounding the increasing usage of energy drinks by children, it is felt important to understand how these trends are reflected in KSA. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to explore the trends of energy drink consumption among, and differences between, middle and secondary school children, and the associated socioeconomic and behavioral factors. Randomly selected 1006 male children from secondary and middle schools from Hail region in KSA were included in the study, using a self-administered validated questionnaire. Results revealed that about 60% of school children were current energy drink consumers. Secondary school children were significantly (P<0.001) higher than middle schoolers in terms of both frequency and quantity. Concomitantly, unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors were reported in significantly higher proportions (P<0.001) among secondary school children. Home was the first place for exposure for majority of children while unreliable resources were the major sources of knowledge about energy drink composition and health effects. Poor knowledge concerning energy drink composition was reported. Taste and being energized were the major driving forces for energy drink consumption. Higher disposable income on hand and poor lifestyle behaviors were all significantly associated with energy drink consumption. It can be concluded that high proportion of energy drink consumption was reported among school children in Hail, with higher proportions in secondary than middle schools. This matter raises the significance of mounting awareness of community concerning the ingredients and potential hazards of energy drinks.
Outcome Evaluation of a Pilot Study Using “Nudges”
Authors: Dave Jayna M. , Chen Tzu-An , Oceguera Amanda M. , Cullen Karen W. , Thompson Deborah I.
Published: February 2015

Background: Every school day, over 31 million U.S. children eat school lunches. Unfortunately, students often do not choose the healthy options in the school cafeteria. This paper describes outcome results of a pilot study using “nudges” to improve elementary school students’ fruits and vegetables selections.
Methods: A pilot study was conducted from January to May 2012, in six intervention schools and 2 control schools. A behavioral economics-based intervention was conducted using “nudges” or cues from the cafeteria (staff encouragement to select fruit and vegetables, food labels, “Harvest of the Month” posters), school (morning announcement messages, prompts regarding cafeteria food selections), and parents (school newsletter articles, parent listserve messages) to promote students’ selection of fruits and vegetables in the school cafeteria. The serving data from the point-of-service machine provided fruits and vegetables served per student per day.
Results: There were no significant differences in the number of servings of fruits and vegetables served per student per day, averaged over the study period. Process data revealed low implementation of the intervention components, which may partially explain results.
Conclusions: Low implementation of nudges led to non-significant results in this pilot study. However, providing environmental cues are important and warrant further research with full implementation. Starting 2012, the new meal pattern includes two vegetables and a fruit serving for lunch; and two fruit servings for breakfast. Minimal cost interventions should be explored to facilitate successful implementation of new school meal guidelines.
Maternal Employment, Child’s Caring Practices and Nutritional Status in Northern Ghana
Authors: Aguree Sixtus , Ziem Juventus B. , Issah Amos , Akrugu Theophilus , Joseph Ali
Published: February 2015

Mothers as caregivers exert strong influence over child feeding and caring practices. Maternal employment may influence child caring practices thus affecting the child’s nutritional status. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of maternal employment status, on child caring practices and the nutritional status of children under-5 in Savelugu, Northern Ghana. This was a cross-sectional survey involving 400 mothers and their children under-5 years old. Data collection took place between February and May, 2013 through a house-to-house visit using a structured questionnaire designed for the study. Information collected included employment status, occupation type and mothers working hours away from home, feeding and caring practices and anthropometric measurements of their children. About 85.8% of respondents were employed. Together farmers and traders made approximately 76% of the respondents. Approximately 55% of Mothers had at least primary education. Around 85.1% of the employed mothers look after their children whiles carrying out their daily work. Employed mothers spent between 5 to 6 hours/day away from home without their children but unemployed mothers were mostly with their children. Occupation status has a significant effect on child caring practices with those unemployed being better (P<0.05). About 72.0% and 70.3% respectively of unemployed and employed mothers indicated they introduced complementary feeding at 6months. Child caring practices were better among unemployed mothers compared to employed mothers among the study population. Stunting and wasting rates were high among children of both employed and unemployed mothers.
Assessment of Nutritional Status Based on STRONGkids Tool in Iranian Hospitalized Children
Authors: Gholampour Zahra , Hosseininasab Mina , Khademi Gholamreza , Sezavar Majid , Abdollahpour Nooshin , Imani Bahareh
Published: February 2015

Background & Objective: Malnutrition is very common in hospitalized children and is associated with related clinical consequences such as increased risk of infections, increased muscle loss, impaired wound healing, longer hospital stay and higher morbidity and mortality. The estimated prevalence of acute malnutrition in hospitalized children varies from 6.1 to 40.9% in different countries. The current study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the efficiency of STRONGkids (Screening Tool for Risk On Nutritional Status and Growth) tool for assessing malnutrition in hospitalized children in Iran.
Methods: All children older than 28 days admitted to the pediatric hospital (Dr. Sheikh, Mashhad, Iran) were enrolled in this study and the screening tool named STRONGkids was applied for them. The anthropometric measurements were measured by a trained operator using standard methods and equipments. The children were classified in three groups of being at high risk, moderate risk and low risk of malnutrition.
Results: According to STRONGkids score; 17% of children were classified as low risk, 75% as moderate risk and 8% as high risk group. According to WFH, HFA and WFA z-scores31.4%, 19.2% and 28% of children were identified as moderately and severely malnourished respectively. According to MUAC cut-offs, 3.4% of children were classified as having moderate malnutrition and there was no child with severe malnutrition.
Conclusion: It is very important to recognize the nutritional status of the children as early as possible because of its effects on children’s growth. Therefore, evaluating the nutritional status of the hospitalized children is an essential step in clinical assessment. We suggest to apply the STRONGkids score aside with other clinical and anthropometric data.
First report of stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) on wheat in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Rioux Sylvie , Mimee Benjamin , Gagnon Annie-Ève , Hambleton Sarah
Published: February 2015

Stripe rust, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is one of the world’s most important diseases of wheat. In Canada, stripe rust is found mainly in the western provinces (British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan) and, more recently, in the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario. Here, we report the first detection of stripe rust on wheat in the province of Quebec, Canada. Leaves showing yellowish sporulation arranged in narrow stripes were found in wheat performance trials at the research station of Université Laval, in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures. Morphological identification was confirmed by several PCR assays targeting specific genomic sequences and a rDNA gene segment (ITS2/28S).
Pour une approche réflexive et critique des rapports entre temporalités et professionnalisation
Authors: Alhadeff-Jones Michel
Published: February 2015

Envisager les déterminants qui influencent, chez une personne ou au sein d’un collectif, le développement de son rapport au temps constitue un enjeu crucial dans le cadre d’une démarche de professionnalisation. Partant de ce constat, cet article propose d’envisager six finalités caractéristiques d’un apprentissage réflexif et critique permettant de concevoir et d’interroger les rapports entre professionnalisation et temporalités. Il propose en particulier d’interroger la façon dont on apprend à discriminer, évaluer, interpréter, argumenter, juger et mettre en crise les temporalités et les rythmes, vécus ou observés, tels qu’ils déterminent la vie quotidienne et l’apprentissage tout au long de la vie. Ce faisant, cette réflexion suggère de concevoir la professionnalisation comme capacité à (ré) organiser une autonomie rythmique.
L’intégration des nouveaux préposés aux bénéficiaires dans les organisations gériatriques au Québec : la santé au travail au risque des temporalités
Authors: Aubry François
Published: February 2015

L’objectif de cet article est d’expliquer en quoi l’intégration des nouveaux préposés aux bénéficiaires dans les organisations gériatriques au Québec doit être considérée comme un processus problématique en termes de santé et sécurité du travail. Notre article prend appui sur les données d’une étude qualitative menée en 2012 dans deux organisations gériatriques du Québec. Nous montrons comment les nouvelles recrues apprennent à devoir respecter deux normes organisationnelles difficilement conciliables : l’une concerne le respect de la charge de travail prescrite; l’autre a trait à la qualité du travail. Nous montrons ensuite en quoi les stratégies de prudence détiennent une place majeure dans la protection des nouvelles recrues face aux risques inhérents à l’organisation. Enfin, nous référençons les causes pouvant jouer un rôle dans la fragilisation du processus de transmission de ces stratégies.