bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Class of Potential Therapeutics that Target Ricin Retrograde Translocation
Authors: Redmann Veronika , Gardner Thomas , Lau Zerlina , Morohashi Keita , Felsenfeld Dan , Tortorella Domenico
Published: December 2013

Ricin toxin, an A-B toxin from Ricinus communis, induces cell death through the inhibition of protein synthesis. The toxin binds to the cell surface via its B chain (RTB) followed by its retrograde trafficking through intracellular compartments to the ER where the A chain (RTA) is transported across the membrane and into the cytosol. Ricin A chain is transported across the ER membrane utilizing cellular proteins involved in the disposal of aberrant ER proteins by a process referred to as retrograde translocation. Given the current lack of therapeutics against ricin intoxication, we developed a high-content screen using an enzymatically attenuated RTA chimera engineered with a carboxy-terminal enhanced green fluorescent protein (RTAE177Qegfp) to identify compounds that target RTA retrograde translocation. Stabilizing RTAE177Qegfp through the inclusion of proteasome inhibitor produced fluorescent peri-nuclear granules. Quantitative analysis of the fluorescent granules provided the basis to discover compounds from a small chemical library (2080 compounds) with known bioactive properties. Strikingly, the screen found compounds that stabilized RTA molecules within the cell and several compounds limited the ability of wild type RTA to suppress protein synthesis. Collectively, a robust high-content screen was developed to discover novel compounds that stabilize intracellular ricin and limit ricin intoxication.
Synthesis and determination of the absolute configuration of (−)-(5R,6Z)-dendrolasin-5-acetate from the nudibranch Hypselodoris jacksoni
Authors: Mudianta I Wayan , Challinor Victoria L , Winters Anne E , Cheney Karen L , De Voss James J , Garson Mary J
Published: December 2013

A small sample of (−)-(5R,6Z)-dendrolasin-5-acetate, which was fully characterized by 2D NMR studies, was isolated from the nudibranch Hypselodoris jacksoni, along with the sesquiterpenes (+)-agassizin, (−)-furodysinin, (−)-euryfuran, (−)-dehydroherbadysidolide and (+)-pallescensone. A synthetic sample ([α]D −8.7) of the new metabolite was prepared by [1,2]-Wittig rearrangement of a geranylfuryl ether followed by acetylation of purified alcohol isomers. The absolute configuration at C-5 was established as R by the analysis of MPA ester derivatives of (Z)-5-hydroxydendrolasin obtained by preparative enantioselective HPLC.
Effect of different forms of silica on the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum plaster composites
Authors: Khalil A. A. , Tawfik A. , Hegazy A. A. , El-Shahat M. F.
Published: December 2013

Gypsum plaster/silica composites prepared by dry blending (0.2-10 %) natural sand, silica fume or silica gel and subsequently hydrated. Their physical and mechanical properties, including normal consistency, setting time, apparent porosity, bulk density and compressive strength, were determined after hydration for 7- and 28-days. The results indicated that adding different forms of silica lowered the bulk density and increased the normal consistency, setting time, apparent porosity and, to some limited extent, compressive strength of the composites. This improvement in properties can be attributed to the existence of silica in the interstitial pores in the hardened plaster matrices. While most of the composites revealed only scant rises in compressive strength, their composition was beneficial in so far as it included either a readily available low-cost constituent (sand) or industrial by-products. Consequently, the formed plaster-silica composites are of economic value, contribute to a cleaner environment by minimizing waste and can be used for applications where high porosity, lightweight units are required or recommended for low-cost buildings.
‘Materiales de Construcción’ Journal, 2003-2012: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Sorli-Rojo A. , Mochón-Bezares G.
Published: December 2013

The aim of the present work was to make a bibliometric analysis of research articles and technical notes published in the journal ‘Materiales de Construcción’ between 2003 and 2012. Authors’ productivity and collaboration, affiliation and nationality of authors, collaboration amongst institutions using techniques of social networks analysis, and the impact factor of the journal were analyzed. The results show high levels in authors’ diversification and collaboration; high number of institutions but a low level of collaboration among them; and a big increase of impact factor during all the period. The main conclusion of this work is that ‘Materiales de Construcción’ has evolved positively since 2003 to 2012, becoming a quality journal in its area.
Patagonicola: a new genus of xeromelissine bee from Argentina (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Colletidae)
Authors: Packer Laurence
Published: December 2013

PatagonicolaPackernew genusis described for two species of xeromelissine bee (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) from Patagonian Argentina. One species,P. graveliPackernew speciesis described; the second species,P. aenigma(Packer)new combination, originally placed inChilicolaSpinola, 1851 subgenusChilioediscelisToro and Moldenke, 1979, is designated as the type species. The new genus is superficially most similar toXenochilicolaToro and Moldenke, 1979 but possesses none of the derived characteristics that were originally used to define that genus. Results of a phylogenetic analysis, based upon 114 morphological characters, are presented and suggest that the new genus is the sister clade to (GeodiscelisMichener and Rozen, 1999 +XeromelissaCockerell, 1926). An illustrated key is provided for the genera of Xeromelissinae and for the two species ofPatagonicola.
Bathymetric mapping and monitoring for northern community impact assessment - Arviat, Nunavut
Authors: Budkewitsch P , Prévost C , Pavlic G , Pregitzer M
Published: December 2013

This report highlights the Arviat water supply assessment activity conducted by scientists from the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing at Natural Resources Canada and staff from the Nunavut research Institute (NRI). This activity included the use of high resolution
satellite imagery and on-site field surveys to map the lake depths of a lake close to Arviat and the acquisition of other geomatics datasets.
This document is copyright of Natural Resources Canada and contains copyrighted material of Digital Globe Inc, the provider of the Quickbirdtm high resolution satellite image shown in this report.
Digital computer files resulting from this project, and described in this document, are available upon request by contacting the project leader or project members. The digital files comprise of:
- Raster files illustrating the water depth model of a lake close to Arviat (Ice Lake). (Geotiff.tif).
- Vector files illustrating the depth contours (isobaths) of a lake close to Arviat (Ice Lake). (ESRI shapefile.shp).
- Tabular statistics featuring the water volume of a lake close to Arviat (Ice Lake).
- Vector files illustrating roads and trails (.shp)
- Vector files illustrating the position of the water supply pipeline (.shp)
- Vector files illustrating the joint position of the water pipeline (.shp)
Description of the water depth survey and other geomatics datasets for Arviat, Nunavut
Authors: Budkewitsch P , Prévost C , Pavlic G , Pregitzer M
Published: December 2013

A bathymetric map, and water related statistics of a lake close to the city of Arviat where produced following field work performed during the summer of 2009 by researchers from Canada Centre for Remote Sensing in collaboration with staff from the Nunavut
Research Institute. This field survey also permitted the acquisition of other geomatic datasets
Since 2007, with support from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), a small team of scientists from the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing were involved in a project to help characterize the water supply of Nunavut communities. This is a complex task involving the delineation of watersheds and
estimation of the water volume of the supply lake for the community. To estimate this water volume, a bathymetric map is produced based on field surveys using a depth sounder equipped with a GPS.
CCRS developed a low cost and easy to use technique to enable such depth surveys to be rapidly carried out. The technology transfer aspect of the activity is aimed to allow Nunavut professionals to produce lake depth maps with low cost and easy to use tools and software. During the course of this
project, between 2007 and 2009, these initiatives allowed researchers, engineers, managers, planners and technical personnel to perform lake and watershed surveys of the communities of Iqaluit, Clyde River, Whale Cove and Arviat.
This document describes the digital datasets acquired for Arviat and distributedto the Department of Community and Government Services, the Nunavut Research Institute, and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs.
The enclosed datasets were produced under the ''Enhancing Resilience in a Changing Climate Program'' of the Earth Sciences Sector, Natural Resources Canada. Several large format image maps were printed and distributed to the organisations identified above, and were also presented at several
workshops.
A Case of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae-Associated Encephalomyelitis in a 16-Year-Old Female Presenting to an Adult Teaching Hospital
Authors: Tran Hieu , Allworth Anthony , Bennett Cameron
Published: December 2013

We report a rare cause of encephalitis that is not often described in the adult clinical setting. Our case was a 16-year-old female who presented with a clinical picture of viral encephalitis; however, magnetic resonance imaging showed a demyelinating lesion of the left frontal lobe. In this age group, differential diagnoses of acute demyelination encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis were entertained. Further investigations demonstrated positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae serology. As a result, a diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated encephalitis was made based on a process of exclusion.
Immunohistochemical Studies of the Kynurenine Pathway in Morphea
Authors: Noakes Rowland , Mellick Nick
Published: December 2013

Cutaneous sclerosis, resembling that seen in subcutaneous morphea, is a feature of eosinophilic fasciitis and eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, two conditions in which the kynurenine pathway is known to be activated. To investigate the possibility of activation of the kynurenine pathway in morphea, skin biopsies were taken from involved and non-involved sites in a series of three patients with morphea. Immunohistochemical stains for quinolinic acid and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) were performed.
Review: Chinese herbs as alternatives to antibiotics in feed for swine and poultry production: Potential and challenges in application
Authors: Gong J. , Yin F. , Hou Y. , Yin Y.
Published: December 2013

Gong, J., Yin, F., Hou, Y. and Yin, Y. 2014. Chinese herbs as alternatives to antibiotics in feed for swine and poultry production: Potential and challenges in application. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 223–241. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of clinical practice, and its own theoretical framework focused on functions at the whole-body level. However, due to cultural differences, TCM has not been fully recognized in Western countries. With the recent development of the theory of whole-body systems biology and “-omics”, there is a new opportunity to study TCM and to close the gap between TCM and Western medicine, because of the similarity in the theoretical foundations between TCM and whole-body systems biology. The uniqueness of TCM theory and practice is the approach to maintain and restore the body balance as a whole with no or little unfavourable side effects. Recent studies have also shown that Chinese herbs used as feed additives can modulate nutritional metabolism, immune responses, and intestinal health of food-producing animals, demonstrating good potential as substitutes for dietary antibiotics. Nonetheless, some issues need to be addressed before Chinese herbs can reach their full application. This article has critically reviewed recent progresses in scientific research of Chinese herbs as feed additives and their potential to replace dietary antibiotics. Possible challenges in future application for swine and poultry production are also discussed.
Independent assortment of seed color and hairy leaf genes in Brassica rapa L.
Authors: Rahman Mukhlesur
Published: December 2013

Rahman, M. 2014. Independent assortment of seed color and hairy leaf genes in Brassica rapa L. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 615–620. A genetic study of seed color and hairy leaf in Brassica rapa was conducted in progeny originating from the brown-seeded, hairy leaf B. rapa subsp. chinensis line and the Bangladeshi B. rapa var. trilocularis line. A joint segregation of both traits was also examined in the F2 and backcross populations. Seed color segregated into brown, yellow–brown, and yellow, which suggests that digenic control of brown or yellow–brown color was dominant over yellow seed color. Hairy leaves were found to be under monogenic control, and hairy leaf was dominant over non-hairy leaf. The data show that genes controlling seed color and hairy leaf are inherited independently.
Tolerance of annual canarygrass (Phalaris canariensis L.) to combinations of MCPA, clopyralid, fluroxypyr and florasulam
Authors: May W. E. , Johnson E. N. , Sapsford K. L. , Stevenson F. C. , Lafond G. P. , Holzapfel C. B. , Holm F. A.
Published: December 2013

May, W. E., Johnson, E. N., Sapsford, K. L., Stevenson, F. C., Lafond, G. P., Holzapfel, C. B. and Holm, F. A. 2014. Tolerance of annual canarygrass (Phalaris canariensis L.) to combinations of MCPA, clopyralid, fluroxypyr and florasulam. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 701–708. Annual canarygrass (Phalaris canariensis L.) is a cereal crop that is primarily grown on the Canadian prairies as feed for caged birds. To widen the spectrum of herbicide options for producers, two experiments were conducted with the following nine herbicide treatments (application rates in parentheses expressed as g a.i. ha−1): weed-free control; single and double applications of MCPA (560)+clopyralid (100) (Curtail M); MCPA (562)+fluroxypyr (108) (Trophy); and MCPA (560)+clopyralid (100)+fluroxypyr (144) (Prestige); florasulam (5)+MCPA (420) (Frontline); difenzoquat (700)+MCPA (560)+clopyralid (100) (Avenge+Curtail M); and a single application of difenzoquat (700). Experiment 2 included the same herbicide treatments in factorial combinations with two application times; crop growth stages of two to three leaf (2–3 lf) and four to five leaf (4–5 lf). Experiments were conducted at Indian Head, Scott, and Saskatoon, SK, in 2001 to 2003. In exp. 1, difenzoquat caused up to 30% crop injury when combined with MCPA+clopyralid at the 2× rate, but improved crop yield relative to other herbicides because it reduced yield interference from wild oat infestations at Indian Head in 2002. In exp. 2, the 2× rate of florasulam+MCPA resulted in the greatest visual injury, with higher levels recorded at the 2–3 lf; however, seed yield reduction was greater when applied at the 4–5 lf. In summary, annual canarygrass was tolerant to combinations of MCPA, clopyralid, and fluroxypyr, herbicides which control important weed species in prairie fields.
AAC Synergy barley
Authors: Legge W. G. , Tucker J. R. , Fetch T. G. , Haber S. , Menzies J. G. , Tekauz A. , Turkington T. K. , Savard M. E.
Published: December 2013

Legge, W. G., Tucker, J. R., Fetch, T. G. Jr., Haber, S., Menzies, J. G., Tekauz, A., Turkington, T. K. and Savard, M. E. 2014. AAC Synergy barley. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 797–803. AAC Synergy is a hulled two-row spring malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar with high yield and is widely adapted to western Canada. Developed from the cross TR02267/Newdale made in 2002, AAC Synergy was evaluated in the Western Cooperative Two-row Barley Registration Test (2009–2010) and the Collaborative Malting Barley Trials (2010–2011) conducted by the malting and brewing industry before being registered in 2012. AAC Synergy's excellent combination of agronomic traits, disease resistance and desirable malting quality traits should make it a useful cultivar for producers and the malting and brewing industry.
Partial resistance to white mould in dry bean
Authors: Balasubramanian P. M. , Conner R. L. , McLaren D. L. , Chatterton S. , Hou A.
Published: December 2013

Balasubramanian, P. M., Conner, R. L., McLaren, D. L., Chatterton, S. and Hou, A. 2014. Partial resistance to white mould in dry bean. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 683–691. White mould, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is a constraint on dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production across Canada. Under high disease pressure, dry bean cultivars succumb to the disease resulting in a severe loss of seed yield and quality. Disease development is highly influenced by environmental conditions. In the absence of complete resistance to white mould, dry bean cultivars with both field resistance (avoidance) and physiological resistance would be preferred by growers in order to reduce disease risk and production costs. The objective of this study was to characterize select dry bean genotypes for field resistance to white mould in inoculated disease nurseries, and physiological resistance in a controlled environment. White mould ratings ranged from moderately susceptible to susceptible. Dry bean cultivars lacked both field resistance and physiological resistance. Germplasm lines I9365-25, G122, A 195 and I9635-31 had low disease severity ratings (5.1 to 5.6 at 26 d after inoculation using a 1 to 9 visual disease rating scale) in controlled environment indicating physiological resistance. L 192, MO162, 92BG-7 and OAC Rico also had acceptable levels of physiological resistance (severity ratings of 5.8 to 6.2 at 26 d after inoculation). G122, A 195, L 192 and MO 162 had low white mould disease incidences (16 to 25%) in the field over 4 yr indicating field resistance to white mould. These genotypes may be used as parents in the development of dry bean cultivars with enhanced resistance to white mould.
Creative Destruction and Optimal Patent Life in a Variety‐Expanding Growth Model
Authors: Lin Hwan C.
Published: December 2013

This article presents more channels through which the optimal patent life is determined in a R&D‐based endogenous growth model with an expanding variety of consumer goods. It features an endogenous hazard rate at which patented firms' monopoly profits are “creatively destructed” by arrivals of newer varieties, among other things. A patent's effective life is, therefore, endogenized and less than its legal life. This model is calibrated to a global economy with a set of baseline parameter values. The optimal patent length is computed with the algorithm of Golden Search Section, ranging from 17 to 19 years. With the creative‐destruction hazard, the world needs a longer patent term to maximize social welfare but with the prevalence of research congestion, the world needs a shorter patent term. However, if the world's aggregate welfare appreciates varieties of goods in a way strong enough, the optimal patent term can surprisingly extend beyond 1000 years!
Marine boundary layer cloud regimes and POC formation in a CRM coupled to a bulk aerosol scheme
Authors: Berner A. H. , Bretherton C. S. , Wood R. , Muhlbauer A.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. A cloud-resolving model (CRM) coupled to a new intermediate-complexity bulk aerosol scheme is used to study aerosol–boundary-layer–cloud–precipitation interactions and the development of pockets of open cells (POCs) in subtropical stratocumulus cloud layers. The aerosol scheme prognoses mass and number concentration of a single lognormal accumulation mode with surface and entrainment sources, evolving subject to processing of activated aerosol and scavenging of dry aerosol by clouds and rain. The CRM with the aerosol scheme is applied to a range of steadily forced cases idealized from a well-observed POC. The long-term system evolution is explored with extended two-dimensional (2-D) simulations of up to 20 days, mostly with diurnally averaged insolation and 24 km wide domains, and one 10 day three-dimensional (3-D) simulation. Both 2-D and 3-D simulations support the Baker–Charlson hypothesis of two distinct aerosol–cloud "regimes" (deep/high-aerosol/non-drizzling and shallow/low-aerosol/drizzling) that persist for days; transitions between these regimes, driven by either precipitation scavenging or aerosol entrainment from the free-troposphere (FT), occur on a timescale of ten hours. The system is analyzed using a two-dimensional phase plane with inversion height and boundary layer average aerosol concentrations as state variables; depending on the specified subsidence rate and availability of FT aerosol, these regimes are either stable equilibria or distinct legs of a slow limit cycle. The same steadily forced modeling framework is applied to the coupled development and evolution of a POC and the surrounding overcast boundary layer in a larger 192 km wide domain. An initial 50% aerosol reduction is applied to half of the model domain. This has little effect until the stratocumulus thickens enough to drizzle, at which time the low-aerosol portion transitions into open-cell convection, forming a POC. Reduced entrainment in the POC induces a negative feedback between the areal fraction covered by the POC and boundary layer depth changes. This stabilizes the system by controlling liquid water path and precipitation sinks of aerosol number in the overcast region, while also preventing boundary layer collapse within the POC, allowing the POC and overcast to coexist indefinitely in a quasi-steady equilibrium.
Size-resolved atmospheric particulate polysaccharides in the high summer Arctic
Authors: Leck C. , Gao Q. , Mashayekhy Rad F. , Nilsson U.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Size-resolved aerosol samples for subsequent quantitative determination of polymer sugars (polysaccharides) after hydrolysis to their subunit monomers (monosaccharides) were collected in surface air over the central Arctic Ocean during the biologically most active summer period. The analysis was carried out by novel use of liquid chromatography coupled with highly selective and sensitive tandem mass spectrometry. Polysaccharides were detected in particle sizes ranging from 0.035 to 10 μm in diameter with distinct features of heteropolysaccharides, enriched in xylose, glucose + mannose as well as a substantial fraction of deoxysugars. Polysaccharides, containing deoxysugar monomers, showed a bimodal size structure with about 70% of their mass found in the Aitken mode over the pack ice area. Pentose (xylose) and hexose (glucose + mannose) had a weaker bimodal character and were largely found with super-micrometer sizes and in addition with a minor sub-micrometer fraction. The concentration of total hydrolysable neutral sugars (THNS) in the samples collected varied over two orders of magnitude (1 to 160 pmol m−3) in the super-micrometer size fraction and to a somewhat lesser extent in sub-micrometer particles (4 to 140 pmol m−3). Lowest THNS concentrations were observed in air masses that had spent more than five days over the pack ice. Within the pack ice area, about 53% of the mass of hydrolyzed polysaccharides was detected in sub-micrometer particles. The relative abundance of sub-micrometer hydrolyzed polysaccharides could be related to the length of time that the air mass spent over pack ice, with the highest fraction (> 90%) observed for > 7 days of advection. The aerosol samples collected onboard ship showed similar monosaccharide composition, compared to particles generated experimentally in situ at the expedition's open lead site. This supports the existence of a primary particle source of polysaccharide containing polymer gels from open leads by bubble bursting at the air–sea interface. We speculate that the occurrence of atmospheric surface-active polymer gels with their hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments, promoting cloud droplet activation, could play a potential role as cloud condensation nuclei in the pristine high Arctic.
Explosive demographic expansion by dreissenid bivalves as a possible result of astronomical forcing
Authors: Harzhauser M. , Mandic O. , Kern A. K. , Piller W. E. , Neubauer T. A. , Albrecht C. , Wilke T.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Human induced range expansions of invasive dreissenid bivalves are of great concern. However, the underlying biological processes are only poorly understood, partly due to the lack of information on natural expansion events. Here we use the extinct bivalve species Sinucongeria primiformis as a model organism for testing natural (i.e. pre-Anthropocene) blooms of dreissenid species in a lacustrine system of Lake Pannon during the Tortonian (~ 10.5 Myr; late Miocene). A total of 600 samples from a consecutive core were evaluated for the relative abundance of this pavement-forming mollusc, which cover about eight millennia of late Miocene time with a decadal resolution. Our data indicate that the settlement by bivalves in the offshore environment was limited mainly by bottom water oxygenation, which follows predictable and repetitive patterns through time. These population fluctuations might be related to solar cycles: successful dreissenid settlement is recurring in a frequency known as the lower and upper Gleissberg cycles with 50–80 and 90–120 yr periods. These cycles appear to control regional wind patterns, which are directly linked to water mixing of the lake. This is modulated by the even more prominent 500 yr cycle, which seems to be the most important pacemaker for Lake Pannon hydrology.
Dependence of Eemian Greenland temperature reconstructions on the ice sheet topography
Authors: Merz N. , Born A. , Raible C. C. , Fischer H. , Stocker T. F.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The influence of a reduced Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) on Greenland's surface climate during the Eemian interglacial is studied using a comprehensive climate model. We find a distinct impact of changes in the GrIS topography on Greenland's surface air temperatures (SAT) even when correcting for changes in surface elevation which influences SAT through the lapse rate effect. The resulting lapse rate corrected SAT anomalies are thermodynamically driven by changes in the local surface energy balance rather than dynamically caused through anomalous advection of warm/cold air masses. The large-scale circulation is indeed very stable among all sensitivity experiments and the NH flow pattern does not depend on Greenland's topography in the Eemian. In contrast, Greenland's surface energy balance is clearly influenced by changes in the GrIS topography and this impact is seasonally diverse. In winter, the variable reacting strongest to changes in the topography is the sensible heat flux (SHFLX). The reason is its dependence on surface winds, which themselves are controlled to a large extent by the shape of the GrIS. Hence, regions where a receding GrIS causes higher surface wind velocities also experience anomalous warming through SHFLX. Vice-versa, regions that become flat and ice-free are characterized by low wind speeds, low SHFLX and anomalous cold winter temperatures. In summer, we find surface warming induced by a decrease in surface albedo in deglaciated areas and regions which experience surface melting. The Eemian temperature records derived from Greenland proxies, thus, likely include a temperature signal arising from changes in the GrIS topography. For the NEEM ice core site, our model suggests that up to 3.2 °C of the annual mean Eemian warming can be attributed to these topography-related processes and hence is not necessarily linked to large-scale climate variations.
Impacts of groundwater extraction on salinization risk in a semi-arid floodplain
Authors: Alaghmand S. , Beecham S. , Hassanli A.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. In the lower River Murray in Australia, a combination of a reduction in the frequency, duration and magnitude of natural floods, rising saline water tables in floodplains, and excessive evapotranspiration have led to an irrigation-induced groundwater mound forcing the naturally saline groundwater onto the floodplain. It is during the attenuation phase of floods that these large salt accumulations are likely to be mobilised and discharged into the river. This has been highlighted as the most significant risk in the Murray–Darling Basin and the South Australian Government and catchment management authorities have subsequently developed salt interception schemes (SIS). The aim of these schemes is to reduce the hydraulic gradient that drives the regional saline groundwater towards the River Murray. This paper investigates the interactions between a river (River Murray in South Australia) and a saline semi-arid floodplain (Clark's floodplain) that is significantly influenced by groundwater lowering due to a particular SIS. The results confirm that groundwater extraction maintains a lower water table and a higher amount of fresh river water flux to the saline floodplain aquifer. In terms of salinity, this may lead to less solute stored in the floodplain aquifer. This occurs through three mechanisms, namely extraction of the solute mass from the system, reducing the saline groundwater flux from the highland to the floodplain and changing the floodplain groundwater regime from a losing to a gaining one. It is shown that groundwater extraction is able to remove some of the solute stored in the unsaturated zone and this can mitigate the floodplain salinity risk. A conceptual model of the impact of groundwater extraction on floodplain salinization has been developed.
Radiological data on building stones from a Spanish region: Castilla y León
Authors: Pereira A. , Pereira D. , Neves L. , Peinado M. , Armenteros I.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. As construction and building material, natural stone has a great potential to promote the commercial activities of certain European regions. Such is the case of Castilla y León in Spain, where many different rocks, ranging from sedimentary to metamorphic and igneous, are commercialized for building purposes. However, to be able to compete in a market subject to an economic crisis, highly exacerbated in the construction sector, and to compete with the lower prices offered by emerging countries, the issue would be to make the Spanish offer more attractive. Here we propose a complete characterization of rocks regarding their radiological properties, which are related to their mineralogy and geochemistry. Rocks emit natural radioactivity, and the presence of Rn and its decay products in dwellings has become an important issue in North America and Europe owing to its relationship with the carcinogenic effects of this gas. Although most of the studied rocks comply with the I parameter proposed in the European Norm 112 for Radiological Protection (accepted value I ≤ 1; average for sedimentary rock: I = 0.22, SD 0.14; average for metamorphic rocks: I = 0.70, SD 0.48; average for igneous rock: I = 0.86, SD 0.22), the inclusion of a proper radiological characterization in the list of characteristics would guarantee quality and safety in their use in comparison with products lacking this information. Some natural stones have been demonized for the potential exhalation of natural radioactivity, and the different parameters used should be addressed in a more systematic way.
Non-linear water waves generated by impulsive motion of submerged obstacle
Authors: Makarenko N. I. , Kostikov V. K.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Fully nonlinear problem on unsteady water waves generated by impulsively moving obstacle is studied analytically. Our method involves the reduction of Euler equations to the integral-differential system for the wave elevation together with normal and tangential fluid velocities at the free surface. Exact model equations are derived in explicit form in the case when the isolated obstacle is presented by totally submerged elliptic cylinder. Small-time asymptotic solution is constructed for the cylinder which starts with constant acceleration from rest. It is demonstrated that the leading-order solution terms describe several wave regimes such as the formation of non-stationary splash jets by vertical rising or vertical submersion of the obstacle, as well as the generation of diverging waves is observed.
Future discharge drought across climate regions around the world modelled with a synthetic hydrological modelling approach forced by three General Circulation Models
Authors: Wanders N. , van Lanen H. A. J.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Hydrological droughts characteristics (drought in groundwater and streamflow) likely will change in the 21st century as a results of climate change. Magnitude and directionality of these changes and their dependency on climatology and catchment characteristics, however, is largely unknown. In this study a conceptual hydrological model was forced by downscaled and bias-corrected outcome from three General Circulation Models for the A2 emission scenario (GCM forced models), and the WATCH Forcing Data re-analysis dataset(reference model). The threshold level method was applied to investigate drought occurrence, duration and deficit volume. Results for the control period (1971–2000) show that the drought characteristics of each GCM forced model reasonably agree with the reference model for most of the climate types, suggesting that the climate model's results after post-processing produce realistic outcome for global drought analyses. For the near future (2021–2050) and far future (2071–2100) the GCM forced models show a decrease in drought occurrence for all major climates around the world and increase of both average drought duration and deficit volume of the remaining drought events. The largest decrease in hydrological drought occurrence is expected in cold (D-)climates where global warming results in a decreased length of the snow season and an increased precipitation. In the dry B-climates the smallest decrease in drought occurrence is expected to occur, which probably will lead to even more severe water scarcity. However, in the extreme climate regions (desert and polar), the analysis for the control period showed that projections are in these regions most uncertain. On a global scale the increase in hydrological drought duration and severity will lead to a higher impact of drought events, which urges water resources managers to timely anticipate on the increased risk on more severe drought in groundwater and streamflow and to design pro-active measures.
An ensemble study of HyMeX IOP6 and IOP7a: sensitivity to physical and initial and boundary condition uncertainties
Authors: Hally A. , Richard E. , Ducrocq V.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The first Special Observation Period of the HyMeX campaign took place in the Mediterranean between September and November 2012 with the aim of better understanding the mechanisms which lead to heavy precipitation events (HPEs) in the region during the autumn months. Two such events, referred to as Intensive Observation Period 6 (IOP6) and Intensive Observation Period 7a (IOP7a), occurred respectively on 24 and 26 September over south-eastern France. IOP6 was characterised by moderate to weak low-level flow which led to heavy and concentrated convective rainfall over the plains near the coast, while IOP7a had strong low-level flow and consisted of a convective line over the mountainous regions further north and a band of stratiform rainfall further east. Firstly, an ensemble was constructed for each IOP using analyses from the AROME, AROME-WMED, ARPEGE and ECMWF operational models as initial (IC) and boundary (BC) conditions for the research model Meso-NH at a resolution of 2.5 km. A high level of model skill was seen for IOP7a, with a lower level of agreement with the observations for IOP6. Using the most accurate member of this ensemble as a CTRL simulation, three further ensembles were constructed in order to study uncertainties related to cloud physic and surface turbulence parameterisations. Perturbations were introduced by perturbing the time tendencies of the warm and cold microphysical and turbulence processes. An ensemble where all three sources of uncertainty were perturbed gave the greatest degree of dispersion in the surface rainfall for both IOPs. Comparing the level of dispersion to that of the ICBC ensemble demonstrated that when model skill is low (high) and low-level flow is weak to moderate (strong), the level of dispersion of the ICBC and physical perturbation ensembles is (is not) comparable. The level of sensitivity to these perturbations is thus concluded to be case dependent.
Study on the limitations of travel-time inversion applied to sub-basalt imaging
Authors: Flecha I. , Carbonell R. , W. Hobbs R.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The difficulties of seismic imaging beneath high velocity structures are widely recognised. In this setting, theoretical analysis of synthetic wide-angle seismic reflection data indicates that velocity models are not well constrained. A two-dimensional velocity model was built to simulate a simplified structural geometry given by a basaltic wedge placed within a sedimentary sequence. This model reproduces the geological setting in areas of special interest for the oil industry as the Faroe-Shetland Basin. A wide-angle synthetic dataset was calculated on this model using an elastic finite difference scheme. This dataset provided travel times for tomographic inversions. Results show that the original model can not be completely resolved without considering additional information. The resolution of nonlinear inversions lacks a functional mathematical relationship, therefore, statistical approaches are required. Stochastic tests based on Metropolis techniques support the need of additional information to properly resolve sub-basalt structures.
Magnetic signature of large exhumed mantle domains of the Southwest Indian Ridge: results from a deep-tow geophysical survey over 0 to 11 Ma old seafloor
Authors: Bronner A. , Sauter D. , Munschy M. , Carlut J. , Searle R. , Cannat M. , Manatschal G.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. We investigate the magnetic signature of an ultramafic seafloor in the eastern part of the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR). There, detachment faulting, continuous over 11 Myrs, exhumed large areas of mantle derived rocks. These exhumed mantle domains occur in the form of a smooth rounded topography with broad ridges locally covered by a thin highly discontinuous volcanic carapace. We present high-resolution data combining deep-tow magnetics, side-scan sonar images and dredged samples collected within two exhumed mantle domains between 62° E and 65° E. We show that, despite an ultraslow spreading rate, volcanic areas within robust magmatic segments are characterized by well defined seafloor spreading anomalies. By contrast, the exhumed mantle domains, including a few thin volcanic patches, reveal a weak and highly variable magnetic pattern. The analysis of the magnetic properties of the dredged samples and careful comparison between the nature of the seafloor, the deep-tow magnetic anomalies and the seafloor equivalent magnetization suggest that the serpentinized peridotites do not carry a sufficiently stable remanent magnetization to produce seafloor spreading magnetic anomalies in exhumed mantle domains.
The Quaternary aquifer system flow model by chemical and tritium isotope data: case of south-east Lithuania
Authors: Štuopis Anicetas , Juodkazis Vytautas , Mokrik Robert
Published: December 2013

The hydrogeological schematisation of the multi-layered stratigraphical sequence and the results of groundwater flow modelling by MODFLOW code for the Quaternary aquifer system of the south-eastern part of Lithuania have been discussed in the paper. The regional groundwater steady-state flow model has been calibrated applying hydrochemical and isotope data. A tritium isotope data set for groundwater in upland, transit and lowland sites has been used to identify the flow model for water residence time.
Remote sensing of environmental indicators of potential fish aggregation: An overview
Authors: Klemas Victor
Published: December 2013

Sustainable use of marine resources requires effective monitoring and management of the world’s fish stocks. Acoustic and electromagnetic remote sensing techniques are being used to help manage fisheries at sustainable levels, while also guiding fishing fleets to locate fish schools more efficiently. Fish tend to aggregate in ocean areas that exhibit conditions favored by specific fish species. Some of the relevant oceanographic conditions, such as sea surface temperature, ocean color (productivity) and oceanic fronts, which strongly influence natural fluctuations of fish stocks, can be observed and measured by remote sensors on satellites, aircraft and ships. The remotely sensed data are provided in near-real time to help fishermen save fuel and ship time during their search for fish, to modelers who produce fisheries forecasts, and to scientists who help develop strategies for sustainable fisheries management. This article describes how acoustic, optical and radar sensors on ships, satellites and aircraft are used with forecast models to improve the management and harvesting of fisheries resources.
Chemical composition of wet deposits and drainage runoff in agroecosystems: the case of Middle Lithuania
Authors: Bučienė Angelija , Gaigalis Kazimieras
Published: December 2013

The consistent patterns of chemical composition of wet deposits and drainage runoff concentration have been permanently studied in two stationary sites in the Middle Lithuania for the last decades since late 1980s. The results of simultaneous observations presented in this paper show that the concentration of SO4 -2–S, Mg+2, PO4 -3-P, NO3 --N, NH4 +-N and Ca+2 in wet deposits positively correlates with the concentration of these ions in drainage runoff water (R=0.59, 0.61, 0.51, 0.49, 0.42 and 0.35, correspondingly, R05=0.35). A sharp decrease in SO4 -2–S concentration from 5.5 to 2.5 mg l-1 and periodical decrease versus increase in NO3 --N and NH4 +- N concentration and load are determined in the agroecosystems studied from 1988–1989 with short intervals to 2007. This outcome has mainly an economic character: impact of changes in animal numbers, increase of transport load, fuel consumption and industrial emissions.
Assessment of shoreline changes along the Lithuanian Baltic Sea coast during the period 1947–2010
Authors: Bagdanavičiūtė Ingrida , Kelpšaitė Loreta , Daunys Darius
Published: December 2013

Shoreline position measurements at various time instants can be used to derive quantitative estimates of the rate of shoreline change and help to understand the magnitude and timing of erosion or accretion processes. Aerial photographs and topographic maps from 1947 to 2010 have been used to derive instantaneous shoreline positions, from which shoreline change rates have been estimated using statistical parameters: shoreline change envelope (SCE), net shoreline movement (NSM), and end-point rate (EPR). Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (nMDS) has been applied for shoreline classification into dynamic sectors. This study was carried out along 90.6 km of Lithuanian Baltic Sea coast over the time span 1947 to 2010. The study demonstrated that combined use of cartographic data and statistical methods could be a reliable method for shoreline related studies. Application of such data seems to be trustworthy in qualitative monitoring of shoreline changes, while it is the only available method for long term studies.
Holocene saline water inflow changes into the Baltic Sea, ecosystem responses and future scenarios
Authors: Kotilainen Aarno T.
Published: December 2013

The Holocene saline water inflow changes into the Baltic Sea (INFLOW) was one of the BONUS Research Programme projects (2009–2011) that generate new knowledge in support of decision-making in the Baltic Sea region. The INFLOW project integrated sediment multi-proxy studies and modelling aiming to reconstruct past changes in the Baltic Sea ecosystem; to identify the forcing mechanisms of those environmental changes; and to provide scenarios of the impact of climate change on the Baltic Sea ecosystem at the end of the 21st century. The main efforts have been directed towards studies of the saline water inflow strength, salinity, temperature, redox, and benthic fauna activity over the past 6000 years, concentrating on the time period that covers two natural climate extremes, the Little Ice Age and Medieval Climate Anomaly.
A coupled model of wave-driven erosion for the Palanga Beach, Lithuania
Authors: Mėžinė Jovita , Zemlys Petras , Gulbinskas Saulius
Published: December 2013

A model of the coastline dynamics along the Palanga Beach, Lithuania is developed through coupling of the GENESIS software with the external wave model RCPWAVE that accounts for the recent bottom topography. Analysis of the calibration and verification results of the coupled model shows that it reproduces the coastline dynamics reasonably well and can serve as an effective tool for coastal management. The largest discrepancies between the observed and modelled behaviour of the coastline occur near the Rąžė River mouth.
Conditions for deep geothermal energy utilisation in southwest Latvia: Nīca case study
Authors: Povilanskas Ramūnas , Satkūnas Jonas , Jurkus Egidijus
Published: December 2013

This paper focuses on the deep geothermal energy utilisation from the Lower Cambrian sandy siltstone aquifer as a potential supply to the district heating system in Nīca, a small municipality in southwest Latvia. Based on this case study, we argue that it is technically and economically feasible to develop efficient geothermal heat stations in small municipalities rich in geothermal resources under three key preconditions: -sufficient extractable heat resources of the aquifer; - ready availability of a nearby deep well; and – a plan for environmentally acceptable disposal of the cooled geothermal water to the surface waters. If these conditions are met, the deep geothermal energy utilisation in a small-scale district heating system might be economically viable and possibly more sustainable than a larger district heating system, where high-pressure re-injection of the cooled geothermal water into deep rock aquifers is necessary.