bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Willow Short‐Rotation Production Systems in Canada and Northern United States: A Review
Authors: Amichev Beyhan Y. , Hangs Ryan D. , Konecsni Sheala M. , Stadnyk Christine N. , Volk Timothy A. , Bélanger Nicolas , Vujanovic Vladimir , Schoenau Jeff J. , Moukoumi Judicaël , Van Rees Ken C.J.
Published: July 2014

Willow (Salix spp.) short‐rotation coppice (SRC) systems are becoming an attractive practice because they are a sustainable system fulfilling multiple ecological objectives with significant environmental benefits. A sustainable supply of bioenergy feedstock can be produced by willow on marginal land using well‐adapted or tolerant cultivars. Across Canada and the northern United States, there are millions of hectares of available degraded land that have the potential for willow SRC biomass production, with a C sequestration potential capable of offsetting appreciable amounts of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. A fundamental question concerning sustainable SRC willow yields was whether long‐term soil productivity is maintained within a multi‐rotation SRC system, given the rapid growth rate and associated nutrient exports offsite when harvesting the willow biomass after repeated short rotations. Based on early results from the first willow SRC rotation, it was found that willow systems have relatively low nutrient demands, with minimal nutrient outputs other than in the harvested biomass. Our overall aim was to summarize the literature and present findings and data from ongoing research trials across Canada and the northern United States examining willow SRC system establishment and viability. The research areas of interest are the crop production of willow SRC systems, above‐ and belowground biomass dynamics and the C budget, comprehensive soil–willow system nutrient budgets, and soil nutrient amendments (via fertilization) in willow SRC systems. Areas of existing research gaps were also identified for the Canadian context.
Assessing Heterogeneity in Soil Nitrogen Cycling: A Plot‐Scale Approach
Authors: Baas Peter , Mohan Jacqueline E. , Markewitz Daniel , Knoepp Jennifer D.
Published: July 2014

The high level of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in soil N cycling processes hinders our ability to develop an ecosystem‐wide understanding of this cycle. This study examined how incorporating an intensive assessment of spatial variability for soil moisture, C, nutrients, and soil texture can better explain ecosystem N cycling at the plot scale. Five sites distributed across a regionally representative vegetation and elevation gradient at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory in the southern Appalachian Mountains were sampled five times between November 2010 and March 2012. We used electromagnetic induction (EMI) to survey for soil moisture, soil texture, and near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate extractable NH4+, total C, and total N concentrations. Laboratory assays of nitrification and denitrification potential rates were used as an index for N cycling dynamics. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the NIRS and EMI survey data explained 30 to 90% of the variability in potential nitrification rates (p< 0.01) and 16 to 70% of variability in potential denitrification rates (p< 0.01). Two extrapolation approaches were used to calculate the mean and the variability of potential rates: (i) stratified selection of collected samples based on EMI and NIRS predictors; and (ii) random selection of collected samples. The mean for potential nitrification rates based on EMI and NIRS stratification yielded similar (oak–pine and mixed oak) and greater (northern hardwood and cove hardwood) rates, whereas potential denitrification rates were greater in all sites for the stratified‐based estimates. This study demonstrated that the application of geophysical tools may enhance our ecosystem‐level understanding of the N cycle.
Inorganic Nitrogen Retention by Watersheds at Fernow Experimental Forest and Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory
Authors: Adams Mary Beth , Knoepp Jennifer D. , Webster Jackson R.
Published: July 2014

Because elevated N loading can impair both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, understanding the abiotic and biotic controls over retention and export of dissolved inorganic N (DIN) is crucial. Long‐term research has been conducted on experimental watersheds at two U.S. Forest Service experimental forests in the Appalachian region: Fernow Experimental Forest (FEF) in West Virginia and Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory (CHL) in North Carolina. While similar in vegetation and research history, FEF and CHL differ in climate, historic DIN deposition, and soils. We evaluated long‐term patterns of DIN inputs and exports from three watersheds at each location with similar treatments including clear‐cut harvest, conversion to conifer plantation (Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.] at FEF and white pine [Pinus strobus L.] at CHL), as well as reference watersheds. We examined DIN export and retention in these watersheds, comparing treated and reference watersheds within each experimental forest and comparing similarly treated watersheds between the experimental forests. Despite current similar levels of N deposition, stream water DIN concentrations and exports were generally greater at FEF by almost an order of magnitude. We found differences between FEF and CHL in stream DIN concentrations, watershed export, and retention of DIN inputs not only in the untreated reference watersheds but also in the watersheds with similar disturbance treatment. We hypothesize that these differences are the result of site and vegetation differences as well as site history including long‐term patterns of DIN deposition. We document the switch from biogeochemical to hydrologic controls that occurred when N availability exceeded N immobilization, due to either N deposition or biological N inputs.
Pediatric Surgery  Challenging Speciality in SAARC Region
Authors: Gupta Devendra K
Published: July 2014

No abstract available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v1i1.19446
Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty - Our Early Experience
Authors: Hossain Gazi Mohammad Zakir , Rahman Mofizur , Hasan Rashedul
Published: July 2014

Objectives: To present our initial experience with laparoscopic pyeloplasty and to evaluate the safety and short-term outcome of this technique.Methods: Five patients underwent laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty for the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) at Chittagong between July2007 to Mach2009. Patient age at surgery was 822 years. There were two boys and three girls. All had unilateral UPJO with a normal contralateral kidney. We used 5 mm instruments for grasping, blunt dissection, incising and suturing to facilitate safe and precise surgery. The outcome was measured by the operative time, perioperative complications and resolution of obstruction and symptoms.Results: Mean operative time was 195 minutes (range 175220 min). No major perioperative complications occurred in any cases. Overall, successful resolution of UPJO was observed in all the five cases evident by renogram.Conclusions: Laparoscopic pyeloplasty represents a safe and effective option in the surgical treatment of UPJO.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v1i1.19448
Ambiguous Genitalia with Perineal Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Case Report
Authors: Banu Tahmina , Chowdhury Tanvir Kabir , Hoque Md. Mozammel
Published: July 2014

Individuals having ambiguous genitalia have been described since antiquity. But their association with the occurrence of any cancer is not well established. Here we report a case of perineal rhabdomyosarcoma associated with ambiguous genitalia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v1i1.19473
The Journey of Recovery and Empowerment Embraced by Nature — Clients’ Perspectives on Nature-Based Rehabilitation in Relation to the Role of the Natural Environment
Authors: Pálsdóttir Anna , Persson Dennis , Persson Birgitta , Grahn Patrik
Published: July 2014

This paper presents findings from real life situations, a longitudinal single case study on the role of natural environments in nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) for individuals with stress-related mental disorders, at the Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden in Sweden. A sample of 43 former clients voluntarily participated in semi-structured interview, and the data were analyzed according to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three main superordinate themes were identified as the three phases of NBR—Prelude, Recuperating and Empowerment—explaining and illuminating the role of the natural environments in each phase. An explanatory model of NBR in this context is presented including the three phases of NBR, IRP supportive occupations and a pyramid of supporting environments. A new component of supportive environments was identified and herby named, Social quietness, an important component facilitating personal and intimate engagement with the natural environments.
Subchronic Toxicity of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Its Attenuation with the Help of a Combination of Bioprotectors
Authors: Privalova Larisa , Katsnelson Boris , Loginova Nadezhda , Gurvich Vladimir , Shur Vladimir , Valamina Irene , Makeyev Oleg , Sutunkova Marina , Minigalieva Ilzira , Kireyeva Ekaterina , Rusakov Vadim , Tyurnina Anastasia , Kozin Roman , Meshtcheryakova Ekaterina , Korotkov Artem , Shuman Eugene , Zvereva Anastasia , Kostykova Svetlana
Published: July 2014

In the copper metallurgy workplace air is polluted with condensation aerosols, which a significant fraction of is presented by copper oxide particles <100 nm. In the scientific literature, there is a lack of their in vivo toxicity characterization and virtually no attempts of enhancing organism’s resistance to their impact. A stable suspension of copper oxide particles with mean (±SD) diameter 20 ± 10 nm was prepared by laser ablation of pure copper in water. It was being injected intraperitoneally to rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg (0.5 mg per mL of deionized water) three times a week up to 19 injections. In parallel, another group of rats was so injected with the same suspension against the background of oral administration of a “bio-protective complex” (BPC) comprising pectin, a multivitamin-multimineral preparation, some amino acids and fish oil rich in ω-3 PUFA. After the termination of injections, many functional and biochemical indices for the organism’s status, as well as pathological changes of liver, spleen, kidneys, and brain microscopic structure were evaluated for signs of toxicity. In the same organs we have measured accumulation of copper while their cells were used for performing the Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) test for DNA fragmentation. The same features were assessed in control rats infected intraperitoneally with water with or without administration of the BPC. The copper oxide nanoparticles proved adversely bio-active in all respects considered in this study, their active in vivo solubilization in biological fluids playing presumably an important role in both toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. The BPC proposed and tested by us attenuated systemic and target organs toxicity, as well as genotoxicity of this substance. Judging by experimental data obtained in this investigation, occupational exposures to nano-scale copper oxide particles can present a significant health risk while the further search for its management with the help of innocuous bioprotectors seems to be justified.
Complexity and Dynamical Depth
Authors: Deacon Terrence , Koutroufinis Spyridon
Published: July 2014

We argue that a critical difference distinguishing machines from organisms and computers from brains is not complexity in a structural sense, but a difference in dynamical organization that is not well accounted for by current complexity measures. We propose a measure of the complexity of a system that is largely orthogonal to computational, information theoretic, or thermodynamic conceptions of structural complexity. What we call a system’s dynamical depth is a separate dimension of system complexity that measures the degree to which it exhibits discrete levels of nonlinear dynamical organization in which successive levels are distinguished by local entropy reduction and constraint generation. A system with greater dynamical depth than another consists of a greater number of such nested dynamical levels. Thus, a mechanical or linear thermodynamic system has less dynamical depth than an inorganic self-organized system, which has less dynamical depth than a living system. Including an assessment of dynamical depth can provide a more precise and systematic account of the fundamental difference between inorganic systems (low dynamical depth) and living systems (high dynamical depth), irrespective of the number of their parts and the causal relations between them.
The Role of the Coat Protein A-Domain in P22 Bacteriophage Maturation
Authors: Morris David , Prevelige Peter
Published: July 2014

Bacteriophage P22 has long been considered a hallmark model for virus assembly and maturation. Repurposing of P22 and other similar virus structures for nanotechnology and nanomedicine has reinvigorated the need to further understand the protein-protein interactions that allow for the assembly, as well as the conformational shifts required for maturation. In this work, gp5, the major coat structural protein of P22, has been manipulated in order to examine the mutational effects on procapsid stability and maturation. Insertions to the P22 coat protein A-domain, while widely permissive of procapsid assembly, destabilize the interactions necessary for virus maturation and potentially allow for the tunable adjustment of procapsid stability. Future manipulation of this region of the coat protein subunit can potentially be used to alter the stability of the capsid for controllable disassembly.
Performance of the Abbott Real Time CT/NG assay in urines and cervico-vaginal samples from Senegal
Authors: Gueye Sokhna B , Diop-Ndiaye Halimatou , Gningue Aliou , Ndiaye Ousseynou , Mbengue Abdou S , Gaye-Diallo Aïssatou , Ndjioyi Angelique , Mboup Souleymane , Touré-Kane Coumba
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the most common causes of sexually transmitted disease in Senegal and worldwide. Molecular techniques have become the standard for their detection, and due to the frequency of co-infections, these tests can detect both agents and can be used on urine samples, vaginal swabs, or endocervical samples. In developing countries, the use of these molecular techniques is very limited and there is a need for evaluations of these techniques to be done. Methodology: A total of 181 samples were tested with the Abbott RealTime CT/NG assay and compared with the Roche Cobas Amplicor CT/NG assay. Specimens were collected from the key population of men having sex with men (urine, n = 60), female sex workers (genital swabs, n = 60) and from women visiting the laboratory for a gynecological checkup (urine, n = 60 and endocervical samples, n = 61). Results: The agreement between the two techniques was 98.90% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.98. A sensitivity of 93.3%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 93.3% were found for both Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Conclusion: These results showed that both methods are similar and suitable for the detection of CT/NG in all types of samples examined in this study.
Una revista distinta: Ellas
Authors: Requena Hidalgo Cora
Published: July 2014

Este artículo centra su atención en la revista para mujeres Ellas, publicada a mediados del siglo XIX en Madrid. Analiza, asimismo, la relación de esta publicación con algunas otras revistas y periódicos de su contexto histórico próximo, con el fin de contribuir a la reconstrucción de una Historia de las publicaciones para mujeres en la prensa española. Para ello se utiliza el análisis de textos que forman parte de los números que componen la revista, así como el análisis comparativo entre publicaciones, cuando es pertinente. Entre los aspectos de mayor interés que el artículo pone de relieve se encuentra la reflexión sobre los derechos sociales de las mujeres, el intento de análisis de las principales diferencias entre mujeres y hombres y de los rasgos definitorios de los géneros sexuales, la necesidad de educación de las mujeres, entre otros. El estudio del contenido de la publicación revela claramente una tensión contradictoria continua entre las ideas progresistas y las ideas conservadoras propias del momento histórico que dieron origen en España al nacimiento de los estudios de género.
Joaquina García Balmaseda y su contribución periodística al universo femenino decimonónico
Authors: Gómez-Elegido Centeno Ana María
Published: July 2014

Este artículo tiene por objeto el estudio de los textos publicados por la escritora Joaquina García Balmaseda (1837-1911) en la prensa femenina. A lo largo de su dilatada actividad como escritora profesional en los periódicos, Joaquina García Balmaseda desarrolla un discurso que abarca todas las facetas del universo femenino del que ella misma participa. En esta escritura periodística encontramos numerosas páginas destinadas a la mujer donde se procura su instrucción y formación moral desde la infancia, textos que demuestran la necesidad de una educación integral y de una preparación para el ámbito doméstico y familiar pero también para su desarrollo, dedicación y realización en otros espacios sociales como el cultural y el profesional.
Probabilistic Control and Swarm Dynamics in Mobile Robots and Ants
Authors: Kagan Eugene , Rybalov Alexander , Sela Alon , Siegelmann Hava , Steshenko Jennie
Published: July 2014

The chapter considers the method of probabilistic control of mobile robots navigating in random environments and mimicking the foraging activity of ants, which is widely accepted as optimal with respect to the environmental conditions. The control is based on the Tsetlin automaton, which is a minimal automaton demonstrating an expedient behavior in random environments. The suggested automaton implements probability-based aggregators, which form a complete algebraic system and support an activity of the automaton over non-Boolean variables. The considered mobile agents are based on the Braitenberg vehicles equipped with four types of sensors, which mimic the basic sensing abilities of ants: short- and long-distance sensing of environmental states, sensing of neighboring agents, and sensing the pheromone traces. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the foraging behavior of the suggested mobile agents, running both individually and in groups, is statistically indistinguishable from the foraging behavior of real ants observed in laboratory experiments.
Cloud Computing for BioLabs
Authors: Pouliakis Abraham , Spathis Aris , Kottaridi Christine , Mourtzikou Antonia , Stamouli Marilena , Archondakis Stavros , Karakitsou Efrossyni , Karakitsos Petros
Published: July 2014

Cloud computing has quickly emerged as an exciting new paradigm providing models of computing and services. Via cloud computing technology, bioinformatics tools can be made available as services to anyone, anywhere, and via any device. Large bio-datasets, highly complex algorithms, computing power demanding analysis methods, and the sudden need for hardware and computational resources provide an ideal environment for large-scale bio-data analysis for cloud computing. Cloud computing is already applied in the fields of biology and biochemistry, via numerous paradigms providing novel ideas stimulating future research. The concept of BioCloud has rapidly emerged with applications related to genomics, drug design, biology tools on the cloud, bio-databases, cloud bio-computing, and numerous applications related to biology and biochemistry. In this chapter, the authors present research results related to biology-related laboratories (BioLabs) as well as potential applications for the everyday clinical routine.
Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis in Children: A Multidisciplinary Approach is needed to establish a Diagnosis
Authors: Alshammari Alshaima , Usmani Sharjeel , Elgazzar A. , Ashkanani Rasha
Published: July 2014

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is an inflammatory disease of unknown cause. In general, CRMO follows a characteristic clinical course and is regarded at present as a distinct entity. It affects bone and occurs predominantly in children and adolescents. The clinical, radiologic and pathologic findings are non-specific. The recognition of this rare entity is often delayed and difficulties in patient management sometimes emerge from its usual protracted course. We present a 6-year-old girl diagnosed with CRMO involving tibia and lumbar vertebra where a multidisciplinary approach was essential in making the diagnosis.
Cerebral aspergilloma in a SLE patient: A case report with short literature review
Authors: Chowdhury Forhad , Haque Mohammod , Khan Shafiqul , Alam Sarwar
Published: July 2014

Aspergillosis of brain is very rare, and commonly seen in immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patient. Here, we report a cerebral aspergillosis condition in a late teen girl who is a Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis patient with steroid therapy. She developed headaches, vomitings, and convulsions. On the basis of clinical and neuroimaging, a diagnosis of cerebral tuberculoma was made, and she was put on anti-TB therapy, but she did not respond. Later, surgical partial excision biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Her cerebral lesions responded with antifungal itraconazole therapy. The case will be presented with short literature review. Such a report in the literature is rare.
Spheno-orbital encephalocele: A rare entity - A case report and review of literature
Authors: Sharma Mayur , Mally Rahul , Velho Vernon , Agarwal Vivek
Published: July 2014

Objective: To report a rare case of basal encephalocele (spheno-orbital encephalocele), managed successfully in our institute. This is one of the rarest type of encephaloceles with very little literature available. In this case, sphenoid dysplasia was not associated with type 1 Neurofibromatosis. Settings: Grant Medical College and Sir J.J Group of Hospitals, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Methods: A 22 year old male presented with a history of protrusion of right eye since the age of 7 years followed by progressive diminution of vision in the same eye for 5 months. MRI scan was suggestive of sphenoid dysplasia with herniation of right fronto-temporal lobe. The patient was operated upon with right frontal craniotomy with excision of encephalocele and repair of skull base. Subsequently, the patient underwent plastic surgery for facial skin remodeling. Results: Patient's encephalocele reduced completely after excision and repair with good cosmetic results and no neurological deficits. There is no evidence of recurrence till recent follow-up. Conclusion: Basal encephaloceles are very rare. Complete excision of encephalocele with repair of the defect should be the aim to achieve cure.
Methane sulfonic acid enhanced formation of molecular clusters of sulfuric acid and dimethyl amine
Authors: Bork N. , Elm J. , Olenius T. , Vehkamäki H.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Over oceans and in coastal regions methane sulfonic acid (MSA) is present in substantial concentrations in aerosols and in the gas phase. We present an investigation of the effect of MSA on sulfuric acid and dimethyl amine (DMA) based cluster formation rates. From systematic conformational scans and well tested ab initio methods, we optimize structures of all MSAx (H2SO4)yDMAz clusters where x + y ≤ 3 and z ≤ 2. The resulting thermodynamic data is used in the Atmospheric Cluster Dynamics Code and the effect of MSA is evaluated by comparing ternary MSA-H2SO4-DMA cluster formation rates to binary H2SO4-DMA cluster formation rates. Within the range of atmospherically relevant MSA concentrations, we find that MSA may increase cluster formation rates by up to one order of magnitude, although typically, the increase will be less than 300% at 258 K, less than 100% at 278 K and less than 15% at 298 K. The results are rationalized by a detailed analysis of the the main growth paths of the clusters. We find that MSA enhanced clustering involves clusters containing one MSA molecule, while clusters containing more than one MSA molecule do not contribute significantly to the growth.
Enhanced 20th century heat transfer to the Arctic simulated in the context of climate variations over the last millennium
Authors: Jungclaus J. H. , Lohmann K. , Zanchettin D.
Published: July 2014

Abstract. Oceanic heat transport variations, carried by the northward flowing Atlantic Water, strongly influence Arctic sea-ice distribution, ocean–atmosphere exchanges, and pan-Arctic temperatures. Paleoceanographic reconstructions from marine sediments near Fram Strait have documented a dramatic increase in Atlantic Water temperatures over the 20th century, unprecedented in the last millennium. Here we present results from Earth system model simulations over the last millennium that reproduce and explain reconstructed integrated quantities such as pan-Arctic temperature evolution during the pre-industrial millennium as well as the exceptional Atlantic Water warming in Fram Strait in the 20th century. The associated increase in ocean heat transfer to the Arctic can be traced back to changes in the ocean circulation in the sub-polar North Atlantic. An interplay between a weakening overturning circulation and a strengthening sub-polar gyre as a consequence of 20th century global warming is identified as driving mechanism for the pronounced warming along the Atlantic Water path toward the Arctic. Simulations covering the late Holocene provide a reference frame that allows us to conclude that the changes during the last century are unprecedented in the last 1150 years and that they cannot be explained by internal variability or natural forcing alone.
Biostratigraphy, shoreline changes and origin of the Limnea Sea lagoons in northern Estonia: a case study of Lake Harku
Authors: Grudzinska Ieva , Saarse Leili , Vassiljev Jüri , Heinsalu Atko
Published: July 2014

The paper presents diatom, loss-on-ignition, magnetic susceptibility, and radiocarbon data to reconstruct the depositional history and evolution of Lake Harku, a former Limnea Sea lagoon. Harku is one of the youngest isolated lakes that has been studied bio- and chronostratigraphically in Estonia to date. Based on changes in diatom assemblages, four evolutionary stages in basin development have been recognized (lagoon, semi-enclosed lagoon, transitional and closed lake). Shoreline positions at 2000, 1500, 1000 and 800 cal BP have been reconstructed and displayed on 3D palaeogeographic maps. Lake Harku became isolated from the Limnea Sea at ~800 cal BP, followed by occasional seawater incursions over the next 300 years. Plain landscape, low-lying sill threshold, and proximity to the sea contributed to extended basin isolation.
Heat and cold waves on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Tomczyk Arkadiusz Marek , Bednorz Ewa
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of heat and cold waves on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, and determine synoptic situations causing the occurrence of the waves. The analysis included six stations located on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea. In the study, an extreme warm day was defined as a day with the maximum temperature over the 95th annual percentile, while an extreme cold day as a day with the maximum temperature below the 5th annual percentile. A sequence of at least five extreme warm and cold days was considered, i.e. heat or cold waves, respectively. In the analysed multiannual period, on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, there were from 11 (Świnoujście) to 28 (Arkona) heat waves recorded, while the number of cold waves was from 34 (Świnoujście) to 43 (Kołobrzeg). The occurrence of extreme warm and cold days creating heat and cold days was connected with positive anomalies of sea level pressure and isobaric surface 500 hPa, which showed the presence of the high pressure systems.
A First Attempt at Modelling Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Distributions Over Europe
Authors: Wint William , Morley David , Medlock Jolyon , Alexander Neil S
Published: July 2014

The presence of red deer may be a contributing factor within the ecological and epidemiological systems contributing to the risk and spread of a range of vector-borne diseases. Deer are important hosts for many vectors, and may therefore serve as a focal point or attractant for vectors or may themselves become a reservoir for vector-borne disease. Three spatial modelling techniques were used to generate an ensemble model describing the proportion of suitable red deer habitat within recorded distributions for Europe as identified from diverse sources. The resulting model is therefore an index of presence, which may be useful in supporting the modelling of vector-borne disease across Europe.
A First Attempt at Modelling Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Distributions Over Europe
Authors: Alexander Neil S , Morley David , Medlock Jolyon , Searle Kate , Wint William
Published: July 2014

The presence of roe deer can be an important component within ecological and epidemiological systems contributing to the risk and spread of a range of vector-borne diseases. Deer are important hosts for many vectors, and may therefore serve as a focal point or attractant for vectors or may themselves act as a reservoir for vector-borne disease. Three spatial modelling techniques were used to generate an ensemble model describing the proportion of suitable roe deer habitat within recorded distributions for Europe as identified from diverse sources. The resulting model is therefore an index of presence, which may be useful in supporting the modelling of vector-borne disease across Europe.
The human-animal relationship: a new field of socio-educational action
Authors: Senent-Sánchez Joan-Maria
Published: July 2014

This article analyses the educational approaches towards the animal-human relationship which have been developed during the last 20 years. The article establishes a chain of states in that relationship and presents the reasons why those states are consecutive or, occasionally, simultaneous.

Next, the different European profiles of social educators are reviewed to see which of these are more open towards educational action with animals, something which could be considered a new field for educators if they have adequate professional training.

A series of European (and some American) websites are analysed in order to determine their approach towards the human-animal relationship. Although most of them are related to animal-assisted therapy, some francophone and Italian websites show approaches that go beyond that. That could imply an extension of the social educators’ field of action. Indeed, French and Southern-European models are closer to that point than the rest of the profiles analysed, in terms of the openness and flexibility they show towards new fields.
Effects of goal-setting skills on students’academic performance in english language in Enugu Nigeria
Authors: Abe Iyabo Idowu , Ilogu Guy Chibuzoh , Madueke Ify Louisa
Published: July 2014

The study investigated the effectiveness of goal-setting skills among Senior Secondary II students’ academic performance in English language in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu state, Nigeria. Quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test control group design was adopted for the study. The initial sample was 147 participants (male and female) Senior Secondary School II students drawn from two public schools in Enugu zone of Enugu Metropolis. The final sample for the intervention consisted of 80 participants. This sample satisfied the condition for selection from the baseline data. Two research hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data generated were analyzed using the mean, standard deviation and t-test statistical method. The findings showed that performance in English language was enhanced among participants exposed to goal-setting intervention compared to those in the control group. The study also showed that there is a significant gender difference in students’ performance with female participants recording a higher mean score than males. Parental level of education was also found to be related to performance in English Language. Based on the findings, goal-setting intervention was recommended as a strategy to enhancing students’ academic performance particularly in English Language.
A derivatization and validation strategy for determining the spatial localization of endogenous amine metabolites in tissues using MALDI imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Manier M. Lisa , Spraggins Jeffrey M. , Reyzer Michelle L. , Norris Jeremy L. , Caprioli Richard M.
Published: July 2014

Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) studies increasingly focus on endogenous small molecular weight metabolites and consequently bring special analytical challenges. Since analytical tissue blanks do not exist for endogenous metabolites, careful consideration must be given to confirm molecular identity. Here, we present approaches for the improvement in detection of endogenous amine metabolites such as amino acids and neurotransmitters in tissues through chemical derivatization and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) IMS. Chemical derivatization with 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxycinnamaldehyde (CA) was used to improve sensitivity and specificity. CA was applied to the tissue via MALDI sample targets precoated with a mixture of derivatization reagent and ferulic acid as a MALDI matrix. Spatial distributions of chemically derivatized endogenous metabolites in tissue were determined by high‐mass resolution and MSn IMS. We highlight an analytical strategy for metabolite validation whereby tissue extracts are analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)‐MS/MS to unambiguously identify metabolites and distinguish them from isobaric compounds. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological soil crusts influence carbon release responses following rainfall in a temperate desert, northern China
Authors: Zhao Yang , Li Xinrong , Zhang Zhishang , Hu Yigang , Chen Yongle
Published: July 2014

How soil cover types and rainfall patterns influence carbon (C) release in temperate desert ecosystems has largely been unexplored. We removed intact crusts down to 10 cm from the Shapotou region, China, and measured them in PVC mesocosms, immediately after rainfall. C release rates were measured in soils with four cover types (moss‐crusted soil, algae‐crusted soil, mixed (composed of moss, algae, and lichen)‐crusted soil, and mobile dune sand). We investigated seven different rainfall magnitudes (0–1, 1–2, 2–5, 5–10, 10–15, 15–20, and >20 mm) under natural conditions. C release from all four BSCs increased with increasing rainfall amount. With a rainfall increase from 0 to 45 mm, carbon release amounts increased from 0.13 ± 0.09 to 15.2 ± 1.35 gC m−2 in moss‐crusted soil, 0.08 ± 0.06 to 6.43 ± 1.23 gC m−2 in algae‐crusted soil, 0.11 ± 0.08 to 8.01 ± 0.51 gC m−2 in mixed‐crusted soil, and 0.06 ± 0.04 to 8.47 ± 0.51 gC m−2 in mobile dune sand, respectively. Immediately following heavy rainfall events (44.9 mm), moss‐crusted soils showed significantly higher carbon release rates than algae‐ and mixed‐crusted soils and mobile dune sands, which were 0.95 ± 0.02, 0.30 ± 0.03, 0.13 ± 0.04, and 0.51 ± 0.02 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1, respectively. Changes in rainfall patterns, especially large rain pulses (>10 mm) affect the contributions of different soil cover types to carbon release amounts; moss‐crusted soils sustain higher respiration rates than other biological crusts after short‐term extreme rainfall events.
Heparin/heparan sulfate controls fibrillin‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 self‐interactions in microfibril assembly
Authors: Sabatier Laetitia , Djokic Jelena , Hubmacher Dirk , Dzafik Dzaner , Nelea Valentin , Reinhardt Dieter P.
Published: July 2014

Fibrillins form multifunctional microfibrils in most connective tissues. Deficiencies in fibrillin assembly can result in fibrillinopathies, such as Marfan syndrome. We demonstrate the presence of heparin/heparan sulfate binding sites in fibrillin‐2 and ‐3. Multimerization of all three fibrillins drastically increased the apparent affinity of their interaction with heparin/heparan sulfate. Surprisingly, contrary to other reports heparin/heparan sulfate strongly inhibited homo‐ and heterotypic N‐to‐C‐terminal fibrillin interactions. These data suggest that heparin/heparan sulfate controls the formation of microfibrils at the bead interaction stage.
Trajectories of Alzheimer disease‐related cognitive measures in a longitudinal sample
Authors: Bilgel Murat , An Yang , Lang Andrew , Prince Jerry , Ferrucci Luigi , Jedynak Bruno , Resnick Susan M.
Published: July 2014

Background

The delineation of the relative temporal trajectories of specific cognitive measures associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is important for evaluating preclinical markers and monitoring disease progression.

Methods

We characterized the temporal trajectories of measures of verbal episodic memory, short‐term visual memory, and mental status using data from 895 participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Results

The California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) immediate recall was the first measure to decline, followed by CVLT delayed recall. However, further along the disease progression scale, CVLT delayed recall and visual memory changed more rapidly than CVLT immediate recall.

Conclusions

Our findings reconcile reports of early changes in immediate recall with greater reliance on delayed recall performance in clinical settings. Moreover, the utility of cognitive markers in evaluating AD progression depends on the stage of cognitive decline, suggesting that optimal endpoints in therapeutic trials may vary across different stages of the disease process.
Stochastic Scheduling
Authors: Sarin Subhash C. , Nagarajan Balaji , Liao Lingrui
Published: July 2014

Stochastic scheduling is in the area of production scheduling. There is a dearth of work that analyzes the variability of schedules. In a stochastic environment, in which the processing time of a job is not known with certainty, a schedule is typically analyzed based on the expected value of a performance measure. This book addresses this problem and presents algorithms to determine the variability of a schedule under various machine configurations and objective functions. It is intended for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in manufacturing, operations management, applied mathematics, and computer science, and it is also a good reference book for practitioners. Computer software containing the algorithms is provided on an accompanying website for ease of student and user implementation.
Computational Electromagnetics for RF and Microwave Engineering
Authors: Davidson David B.
Published: July 2014

This hands-on introduction to computational electromagnetics (CEM) links theoretical coverage of the three key methods - the FDTD, MoM and FEM - to open source MATLAB codes (freely available online) in 1D, 2D and 3D, together with many practical hints and tips gleaned from the author's 25 years of experience in the field. Updated and extensively revised, this second edition includes a new chapter on 1D FEM analysis, and extended 3D treatments of the FDTD, MoM and FEM, with entirely new 3D MATLAB codes. Coverage of higher-order finite elements in 1D, 2D and 3D is also provided, with supporting code, in addition to a detailed 1D example of the FDTD from a FEM perspective. With running examples through the book and end-of-chapter problems to aid understanding, this is ideal for professional engineers and senior undergraduate/graduate students who need to master CEM and avoid common pitfalls in writing code and using existing software.
Neverending Fractions
Authors: Borwein Jonathan , van der Poorten Alf , Shallit Jeffrey , Zudilin Wadim
Published: July 2014

Despite their classical nature, continued fractions are a neverending research area, with a body of results accessible enough to suit a wide audience, from researchers to students and even amateur enthusiasts. Neverending Fractions brings these results together, offering fresh perspectives on a mature subject. Beginning with a standard introduction to continued fractions, the book covers a diverse range of topics, from elementary and metric properties, to quadratic irrationals, to more exotic topics such as folded continued fractions and Somos sequences. Along the way, the authors reveal some amazing applications of the theory to seemingly unrelated problems in number theory. Previously scattered throughout the literature, these applications are brought together in this volume for the first time. A wide variety of exercises guide readers through the material, which will be especially helpful to readers using the book for self-study, and the authors also provide many pointers to the literature.
Monetary Theory and Policy from Hume and Smith to Wicksell
Authors: Arnon Arie
Published: July 2014

This book provides a comprehensive survey of the major developments in monetary theory and policy from David Hume and Adam Smith to Walter Bagehot and Knut Wicksell. In particular, it seeks to explain why it took so long for a theory of central banking to penetrate mainstream thought. The book investigates how major monetary theorists understood the roles of the invisible and visible hands in money, credit and banking; what they thought about rules and discretion and the role played by commodity-money in their conceptualizations; whether or not they distinguished between the two different roles carried out via the financial system - making payments efficiently within the exchange process and facilitating intermediation in the capital market; how they perceived the influence of the monetary system on macroeconomic aggregates such as the price level, output and accumulation of wealth; and finally, what they thought about monetary policy.
The Law of Refugee Status
Authors: Hathaway James C. , Foster Michelle
Published: July 2014

The first edition of The Law of Refugee Status (published in 1991) is generally regarded as the seminal text on interpreting the refugee definition set by the UN's 1951 Refugee Convention. Its groundbreaking analysis served as the bedrock for not only much judicial reasoning, but also for a burgeoning academic literature in law and related fields. This second edition builds on the strong critical focus and human rights orientation of the first edition, but undertakes an entirely original analysis of the jurisprudence of leading common law and select civil law states. The authors provide robust responses to the most difficult questions of refugee status in a clear and direct way. The result is a comprehensive and truly global analysis of the central question in asylum law: who is a refugee?
Intellectual Property, Indigenous People and their Knowledge
Authors: Drahos Peter
Published: July 2014

After colonization, indigenous people faced an extractive property rights regime for both their land and knowledge. This book outlines that regime, and how the symbolic function of international intellectual property continues today to assist states to enclose indigenous peoples' knowledge. Drawing on more than 200 interviews, Peter Drahos examines the response of indigenous people to the colonizer's non-developmental property rights. The case studies reveal how they have adapted to the state's extractive order through a process of regulatory bricolage. In order to create a new developmental future for themselves, indigenous developmental networks have been forged - high trust networks that include partnerships with science. Intellectual Property, Indigenous People and their Knowledge argues for a developmental intellectual property order for indigenous people based on a combination of simple rules, principles and a process of regulatory convening.
Combat and Genocide on the Eastern Front
Authors: Rutherford Jeff
Published: July 2014

By 1944, the overwhelming majority of the German Army had participated in the German war of annihilation in the Soviet Union and historians continue to debate the motivations behind the violence unleashed in the east. Jeff Rutherford offers an important new contribution to this debate through a study of combat and the occupation policies of three frontline infantry divisions. He shows that while Nazi racial ideology provided a legitimizing context in which violence was not only accepted but encouraged, it was the Wehrmacht's adherence to a doctrine of military necessity which is critical in explaining why German soldiers fought as they did. This meant that the German Army would do whatever was necessary to emerge victorious on the battlefield. Periods of brutality were intermixed with conciliation as the army's view and treatment of the civilian population evolved based on its appreciation of the larger context of war in the east.
The Allocation of Regulatory Competence in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
Authors: Zeben Josephine van
Published: July 2014

The European Union's Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is the world's largest carbon trading market. This book offers a new perspective on the EU ETS as a multi-level governance regime, in which the regulatory process is composed of three distinct 'competences' – norm setting, implementation, and enforcement. Are these competences best combined in a single regulator at one level of government or would they be better allocated among a variety of regulators at different levels of government? The combined legal, economic, and political analysis in this book reveals that the actual allocation of competences within the EU ETS diverges from a hypothetical ideal allocation in important ways, and provides a political economy explanation for the existing allocation of norm setting, implementation and enforcement competences among various levels of European government.
Gaseous Radiation Detectors
Authors: Sauli Fabio
Published: July 2014

Widely used in high-energy and particle physics, gaseous radiation detectors are undergoing continuous development. The first part of this book provides a solid background for understanding the basic processes leading to the detection and tracking of charged particles, photons, and neutrons. Continuing then with the development of the multi-wire proportional chamber, the book describes the design and operation of successive generations of gas-based radiation detectors, as well as their use in experimental physics and other fields. Examples are provided of applications for complex events tracking, particle identification, and neutral radiation imaging. Limitations of the devices are discussed in detail. Including an extensive collection of data and references, this book is ideal for researchers and experimentalists in nuclear and particle physics.
Living with the Ancestors
Authors: McAnany Patricia A.
Published: July 2014

This new edition of Living with the Ancestors contains an entirely new introduction that synthesizes scholarship on ancestralizing practices that has emerged since the 1995 publication of the first edition, which was heralded in Ethnohistory as 'a gem' by Robert M. Carmack. Ancestor veneration in the Maya region traditionally was associated with divine kingship and royal genealogies. In this study, the author challenges this assumption and presents a strong case for agrarian and Preclassic antecedents to the practice of remembering and celebrating forebears and curating their remains close to the dwelling. Integrating archaeological, epigraphic, ethnohistoric and ethnographic information, the author places ancestors within the larger social landscape of fields, orchards and gardens. The many registers of significance on which ancestralizing practices resonate are examined in detail - including spirituality, land tenure patterns, kin relations, and charters of rulership, to name just a few. Although case material is drawn from the Maya region, anyone interested in ancestor veneration will find intriguing material in this study.