bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The vegetation of the farms Ingleside and Welgedacht of the Mountain Zebra National Park, Eastern Cape
Authors: Brown L.R. , Bezuidenhout H.
Published: August 2012

South Africa is well known for its semi-arid lowland areas that have a distinct flora and species composition. Because ecosystems react differently to different management practices, it is important that a description and classification of the vegetation of an area be done. As part of a vegetation survey programme for the newly acquired farms incorporated into the Mountain Zebra National Park, the vegetation of the Ingleside and Welgedacht sections were surveyed following the Braun-Blanquet approach. From a TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, 10 shrub and grassland plant communities, which can be grouped into seven major groups, were identified. A classification and description of these communities, as well as a vegetation map are presented. The diagnostic species as well as the prominent and less conspicuous species of the tree, shrub, herb and grass strata are outlined. The area generally comprises lowland communities and higher-lying communities. The lower-lying communities consist mainly of two communities and comprise the largest proportion of the area in hectares. In contrast, the higher-lying communities are more diverse with specific habitats. Using the Ecological Index Method the veld condition and grazing capacity were calculated for each community and the total study area. Large sections of the lowland areas are overgrazed due to previous farming grazing practices while the higher-lying areas that were less accessible to the animals are in a slightly better condition. Overall this has resulted in the area generally being degraded within a high grazing capacity of 30.1 ha/LSU.
The distribution and seasonal availability of surface water on the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Cronje H.P. , Cronje I. , Botha A.J.
Published: August 2012

The availability and abundance of surface water on the Manyeleti Game Reserve was quantified to provide information towards the development of a water provision policy. A total of 696 water source sites were located with a mean distance of 223.3 m apart. The water source sites (natural and artificial) were monitored seasonally to describe the seasonal availability of surface water on the Manyeleti Game Reserve. There were significant relationships between seasonal rainfall and the number of water source sites and maximum distance between sites. The large number of water sources is regulated by climatic progression and thus water provision on the Manyeleti Game Reserve follows a natural cycle linked primarily to rainfall. Water sources that dry up towards the dry seasons need to be supplied with water during drought periods in order to maintain game numbers without causing rangeland degradation. A water provision model that incorporates all the variables of the Greater Kruger Park Conservation Area, with particular reference to the smaller conservation areas within it, should become a research priority.
Dune vegetation and coastal thicket plant communities in threatened limestone fynbos of Andrew’s Field and Tsaba-Tsaba Nature Reserve, Struisbaai, Western Cape
Authors: Zietsman M.M. , Bredenkamp G.J.
Published: August 2012

The coastal thicket and dune vegetation of Andrew’s Field and Tsaba-Tsaba Nature Reserve was classified using Braun-Blanquet procedures and TWINSPAN. The vegetation was sampled using 74 randomly stratified sample plots. The floristic composition, cover- abundance of each species, and several environmental variables were recorded in each sample plot. Six plant communities were identified, namely, Rhus glauca - Euclea racemosa low to tall closed thicket community; Chrysanthemoides monilifera - Solanum africanum low closed dune shrub community; Chrysanthemoides monilifera - Ehrharta villosa var. maxima low to high closed dune shrub community; Ehrharta villosa var. maxima low to short closed dune grassland community; Ammophila arenaria low to short closed dune grassland community; and Arcthotheca populifolia - Thinopyrum distichum low to short open beach community. These were subdivided into eight subcommunities and four variants. All communities, sub-communities and variants were described and ecologically interpreted. The distribution of the communities, sub-communities and variants can mainly be ascribed to differences in landform, rockiness of the soil surface the degree of protection / exposure of the vegetation to the dominating winds of the area.
Conservation value of the Egoli Granite Grassland, an endemic grassland in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Bredenkamp G.J. , Brown L.R. , Pfab M.F.
Published: August 2012

Gauteng is the most densely populated province in South Africa. Its remaining natural areas are constantly under threat from urban development and the associated impacts. Presently, the natural areas of Gauteng support a large diversity of ecosystems. One such ecosystem is the Egoli Granite Grassland, endemic to the province, poorly conserved and therefore highly threatened. This paper describes the original Egoli Granite Grassland and the anthropogenic Hyparrhenia hirta dominated grassland that has replaced it in many of the remnant areas. Human impacts on this sensitive ecosystem have resulted in an altered species composition, loss of many species, and a change from a species-rich grassland with high conservation value to a species-poor grassland with low conservation value. The conservation of the last remaining relicts of original Egoli Granite Grassland is essential.
Aquatic systems in and adjacent to Agulhas National Park with particular reference to the fish fauna
Authors: Russell I.A. , Impson N.D.
Published: August 2012

The study aimed to determine the distribution and relative abundance of freshwater fishes in and adjacent to Agulhas National Park. Fourteen fish species were collected during surveys carried out in the Heuningnes and Ratel river systems and a variety of endorheic pans from 2003 to 2005. Seven of the species are marine fishes tolerant of low salinity (Mugil cephalus, Liza richardsonii, Monodactylus falciformis, Caffrogobius gilchristi, Rhabdosargus holubi, Solea bleekeri, Gilchristella aestuaria) with the remaining seven species being primary freshwater fishes. Three are indigenous, including Pseudobarbus burchelli, Sandelia capensis, and Galaxias zebratus of which two morphological forms were recorded within Agulhas National Park. The remaining four species are invasive aliens (Cyprinus carpio, Lepomis macrochirus, Micropterus salmoides, Micropterus punctulatus). Classification using physico-chemical variables indicated four major wetland groups, with fishes occurring predominantly in the group comprising palustrine, lacustrine and riverine wetlands, and in one instance in a brackish endorheic pan. Management actions which should facilitate conservation of indigenous fishes in the Agulhas region are suggested.
The current status of freshwater molluscs in the Kruger National Park
Authors: Wolmarans C.T. , De Kock K.N.
Published: August 2012

Surveys regarding the freshwater mollusc population of the Kruger National Park commenced before 1966 and was repeated in 1995, 2001 and recently in 2006. During this period the park was exposed to several droughts as well as floods, all of which could have had some influence on the various habitats in the park. Industrial developments and urbanisation near some of the major rivers outside the park, but which flow through the park, could also have a detrimental effect on the species diversity of the freshwater molluscs. The recent survey in 45 habitats included several dams and rivers. The survey was done to determine the current status of the mollusc species diversity. By comparing it with previous surveys, an attempt was made to establish the overall health of freshwater mollusc habitats. From the results it is clear that there was a drastic decrease in the mollusc species diversity in five of the habitats. Although there was a slight change in the species composition in some of the major rivers there was no difference in the number of species collected in these habitats. Tarebia granifera, an alien invader mollusc, was found in several rivers and dams. Gyraulus costulatus, Melanoides victoriae and Eupera ferruginea, which could not be found during the survey of 2001, were collected during the current survey.
Proklamasie van die Sabie-Wildtuin , 26 maart 1898.
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: August 2012

Proklamasie van die Sabie-Wildtuin , 26 maart 1898.
Veld burning
Authors: Davidson R. L. , Brynard A. M. , Gillard P. , Lecatsas G. , Leigh J.
Published: August 2012

Calibration of the belt transect method in Combretum Woodland in the Kruger National Park
On the dispersal of Acacia Giraffae by game
Authors: Leistner O. A.
Published: August 2012

Published with permission of the Secretary for Agriculture.
Translocation of the Bontebok (Damaliscus Pygargus) from Bredasdorp to Swellendam
Authors: Barnard P. J. , Van der Walt Dr. K.
Published: August 2012

Roberts, A. (1951). The Mammals of South Africa, Cape Times. Cape Town.
An amended check-list of the birds of the Kruger National Park
Authors: Pienaar Ph.D., U. De V. , Prozesky B.Sc., O. P. M.
Published: August 2012

An amended check-list of the birds of the Kruger National Park
Measurement of concentrations of Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites in free-ranging African Elephants within the Kruger National Park
Authors: Viljoen Jozua J. , Ganswindt Andre , Palme Rupert , Reynecke Hendrick C. , Du Toit Johan T. , Langbauer Jr William R.
Published: August 2012

During the past several years, non-invasive monitoring of steroid metabolites in faeces of elephants has become an increasingly popular technique to generate more information about the causal relationship between hormones and behaviour in both living elephant species. This is important knowledge which can be used to optimise local conservation and wildlife management by finding new strategies for better elephant population management and control. In this context, however, information about an actual involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during assumable stressful events is still limited, especially for wildlife populations. One difficulty in discovering such information is often the lack of reliable data for hormone baseline levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine baseline concentrations of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites that could be expected within age classes and between seasons in African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in the Kruger National Park (KNP ). A total of 374 faecal samples were collected from randomly located family herds in the southern KNP between May 2002 and August 2005. The samples were analysed for immunoreactive concentrations of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites using a validated enzyme immunoassay for 3α,11oxo-cortisol metabolites(3α,11oxo-CM). All samples were grouped according to the estimated age class of the subject using a field method based on bolus diameter, and regarding the ecological season collected. No significant differences in faecal 3α,11oxo-CM concentrations were found across age classes (H3 = 7.54; p = 0.057), but the mean 3α,11oxo-CM concentration of samples collected in the dry season (n = 196) was significantly higher than in the wet season (n = 178) (u = 15206.50; p = 0.032), which indicates a possible physiological stress situation due to a decline in food quantity and quality. The information generated in this study represents a reliable data set for baseline concentrations of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites for elephants within the KNP and can be used to measure the stressrelated effects of translocations, management actions and the impact of chosen land use activities.
Vegetation of the Hantam-Tanqua-Roggeveld subregion, South Africa Part 2: Succulent Karoo Biome related vegetation
Authors: Van der Merwe Helga , Van Rooyen Margaretha W. , Van Rooyen Noel
Published: August 2012

The Hantam-Tanqua-Roggeveld subregion lies within the Succulent Karoo Hotspot that stretches along the western side of the Republic of South Africa and Namibia. This project, carried out to document the botanical diversity in the Hantam-Tanqua-Roggeveld subregion, was part of a project identified as a priority during the SKEP (Succulent Karoo Ecosystem Programme) initiative in this Hotspot. Botanical surveys were conducted in an area covering over three million hectares. Satellite images of the area and topocadastral, land type and geology maps were used to stratify the area into relatively homogeneous units. An analysis of the floristic data of 390 sample plots identified two major floristic units, i.e. the Fynbos Biome related vegetation and the Succulent Karoo Biome related vegetation. A description of the vegetation related to the Succulent Karoo Biome is presented in this article. Seven associations, 16 subassociations and several mosaic vegetation units, consisting of more than one vegetation unit, were identified and mapped. Various threats to the vegetation in the region were identified during the survey and are briefly discussed.
A floristic description of the Afromontane fynbos communities on Platberg, Eastern Free State, South Africa
Authors: Brand Robert F. , Du Preez Pieter J. , Brown Leslie R.
Published: August 2012

Within the Platberg area and the wider Drakensberg region, the shrinking natural resources and the threat posed to biodiversity are of concern to conservation management and require an understanding of long-term ecological processes. The vegetation of Platberg was investigated as part of an ecological survey to establish Afromontane floristic links to the Drakensberg as well as for the management of natural resources. From a TWINSPAN classification, refined by the Braun-Blanquet method, four main plant communities were identified, which were subdivided into fynbos, wetland, a woody/shrub community and grassland. A classification and description of the fynbos are presented in this article.The analysis showed the fynbos divided into two communities comprising four sub-communities and seven variants. The fynbos community had an average of 28.34 species per relevé, ranging from 14 to 54 species per sample plot. Twenty-four endemic or near-endemic Drakensberg Alpine Centre (DAC) species and 22 exotic (alien-invasive) species were recorded. Numerous floristic links with the DAC, Cape flora fynbos and grassland bioregions to the north and west were also found. The description of the fynbos plant communities can serve as a basis for the formulation of management plans for the area.
Observations on the migration and habits of the Antelopes of the Kalahari Gemsbok Park. part IV.
Authors: Eloff F. C.
Published: August 2012

Observations on the migration and habits of the Antelopes of the Kalahari Gemsbok Park. part IV.
Adaptations of the immobilizing technique to the capture, marking and translocation of game animals in the Kruger National Park.
Authors: Van Niekerk J. W. , Pienaar U. De V.
Published: August 2012

Adaptations of the immobilizing technique to the capture, marking and translocation of game animals in the Kruger National Park.
Trypetidae (Diptera) associated with the plant Monechma (Acanthaceae) in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park
Authors: Munro H. K.
Published: August 2012

Trypetidae (Diptera) associated with the plant Monechma (Acanthaceae) in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park
The capture and translocation of three species of wild Ungulates in the Eastern Transvaal with special reference to R05-2807/B-5F (Roche) as a tranquillizer in game animals
Authors: Pienaar U. De V. , Van Niekerk J. W.
Published: August 2012

The capture and translocation of three species of wild Ungulates in the Eastern Transvaal with special reference to R05-2807/B-5F (Roche) as a tranquillizer in game animals
The Kirstenbosch story
Authors: Brooke Phillida
Published: August 2012

Photographs by Richard Simons
Die ekologie en verwantskappe van die Sandveld-Flora van die Nasionale Krugerwildtuin
Authors: Van der Schijff H. P.
Published: August 2012

Die ekologie en verwantskappe van die Sandveld-Flora van die Nasionale Krugerwildtuin
Die grotere soogdiere wat vroër dae voorgekom het in die omgewing van die Golden Gate-Hooglandpark
Authors: Liebenberg L. C. C.
Published: August 2012

Die grotere soogdiere wat vroër dae voorgekom het in die omgewing van die Golden Gate-Hooglandpark
On the predatory habits of Lions and Hyaenas
Authors: Eloff F. C.
Published: August 2012

On the predatory habits of Lions and Hyaenas
Die geohidrologie van die Nasionale Kalahari-Gemsbokpark
Authors: Smit P. J.
Published: August 2012

Gepubliseer met verlof van die Direkteur van die Geologiese Opname.
An experimental cropping scheme of Hippopotami in the Letaba river of the Kruger National Park
Authors: Pienaar U. De V. , Van Wyk P , Fairall N.
Published: August 2012

An experimental cropping scheme of Hippopotami in the Letaba river of the Kruger National Park
Trend analysis of weekly temperatures and oxygen concentrations during summer stratification in Lake Plußsee: A long‐term study
Authors: Rösner Ralph Rö , Müller-Navarra Dörthe C. , Zorita Eduardo
Published: August 2012

Small dimictic Lake Plußsee in North Germany experienced major changes of the temperature and oxygen regime from 1969 to 2006, which reflected regional and large‐scale changes in meteorological forcing. We used long‐term weekly measurements of the lake's epilimnetic, metalimnetic, and hypolimnetic temperatures and dissolved oxygen concentrations and meteorological forcing variables to estimate long‐term trends for each week. Except for large warming trends of air temperatures in the last week of April (0.14°C yr−1) and the first week of May (0.11°C yr−1), the extent of epilimnetic warming trends during the same time period (∼ 0.06–0.08°C yr−1) was also caused by a cumulative effect resulting from an earlier onset of stratification. Negative hypolimnetic temperature trends at the same time (∼ 0.01°C yr−1) also resulted from an earlier onset of stratification and increased water‐column stability in spring. In summer and autumn, large increases in epilimnetic temperature and water‐column stability were also affected by a shift of the timing of the yearly maxima of epilimnetic temperatures and water‐column stability, which resulted in a later breakdown of stratification. This annual pattern of long‐term trends of epilimnetic and hypolimnetic temperatures agrees with models driven by the expected increase of air temperatures due to anthropogenic greenhouse gases. Due to a prolonged stratification period, oxygen concentrations during the last weeks of the stratified period were lower, although oxygen concentrations in the water column increased within the first weeks of stratification.
Terrestrial–marine connectivity: Patterns of terrestrial soil carbon deposition in coastal sediments determined by analysis of glomalin related soil protein
Authors: Adame Maria Fernanda , Wright Sara F. , Grinham Alistair , Lobb Kellie , Reymond Claire E. , Lovelock Catherine E.
Published: August 2012

Glomalin, an arbuscular mycorrhizal protein component of soil, can be used as an indicator of terrigenous‐derived carbon. We measured glomalin in sediments using the terrestrial end‐member as a reference in four coastal settings: (1) intertidal seagrass meadows distributed over a rainfall gradient, (2) sediments inshore and offshore from the mouth of a river, (3) coastal coral reefs at various distances from the shore, and (4) intertidal wetlands with varying levels of groundwater influence. Across the rainfall gradient, glomalin in seagrass meadow sediments increased at sites with high mean annual rainfall during the wet season (r2 = 0.27; F1,29 = 5.75; p = 0.029). Glomalin decreased in inshore river sediments (terrestrial) to offshore (marine) sediments (r2 = 0.81; F1,17 = 71.7; p ≤ 0.0001). Furthermore, glomalin in reef sediments decreased with distance from the shore. The high intertidal was rich in glomalin where groundwater flowed directly into the wetland compared with those with little groundwater influences. Our data indicate that rivers and groundwater transport terrestrial material, and that mangroves, salt marsh, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs accumulate it, but the connections vary among sites, within sites, and seasonally. Variations in glomalin concentrations are indicative of links between the terrestrial and marine environment that reflect proximity, filtration services, and the level of subsidies that marine ecosystems derive from terrestrial sources. Assessment of glomalin contributes to evaluating terrestrial–marine connectivity, and thus provides knowledge to improve catchment management for the protection of marine ecosystems.
Nitrogen partitioning and transport through a subalpine lake measured with an isotope tracer
Authors: Epstein David M. , Wurtsbaugh Wayne A. , Baker Michelle A.
Published: August 2012

We used a stable isotope tracer to measure nitrogen (N) assimilation and transfer through Bull Trout Lake, a 0.3‐km2 mountain lake in Idaho, specifically to explore the relative importance of pelagic and benthic producers. was added into the inflow stream above the lake during spring runoff and the resulting mass of tracer was measured within the various ecosystem compartments, including the outflow stream. Although a portion of the moved through the lake quickly due to a low hydraulic residence time during the addition, the tracer was also assimilated rapidly by seston in the water column and at a slower rate by benthic primary producers. By the end of the 10‐d injection, 10% of the tracer had left via outflow, 21% was within seston, and 17% was in epiphytes and macrophytes. However, 70 d after the termination of the injection, only ∼ 1% of the tracer remained within seston, whereas 10% was within the benthic primary production compartment as N was recycled within the benthic zone. Quantitative transfer of 15N to invertebrate and fish consumers was low, but turnover in these compartments was slow. A conservative water mass tracer (bromide) indicated that the turnover rate for lake water was 1.8% d−1, whereas 15N turnover for the whole lake was only 0.7% d−1, demonstrating how lakes exert drag on nutrients as they move through the watershed. Due to uptake and storage of nutrients, Bull Trout Lake strongly influenced the timing and magnitude of nutrient export from its watershed.
Effects of N, P, and organic carbon on stream biofilm nutrient limitation and uptake in a semi‐arid watershed
Authors: Bechtold Heather A. , Marcarelli Amy M. , Baxter Colden V. , Inouye Richard S.
Published: August 2012

We examined the effect of agricultural land use on whole‐stream nutrient availability, biofilm standing crop, and biofilm nutrient limitation and uptake in 21 stream locations in southeastern Idaho. Higher stream water concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), but not nitrate (NO3‐N) or phosphate (PO4‐P), were associated with % agriculture in the watershed. Streambed chlorophyll a (Chl a) and ash free dry weight (AF dry wt) also increased with agricultural land use. Nutrient diffusing substrate (NDS) bioassays, which determine biofilm nutrient limitation, showed that Chl a was NO3‐N limited and suppressed by labile DOC, whereas AF dry wt did not respond to either NO3‐N or labile DOC additions. Together, the different responses of Chl a and AF dry wt suggest potential competition between biofilm autotrophs and heterotrophs for nutrients or other resources. Nutrient uptake, determined with short‐term releases of NO3‐N, PO4‐P, and DOC (as glucose) showed that NO3‐N uptake velocity (Vf) increased with agricultural land use. Despite the N‐limited status of biofilms indicated by the NDS results, uptake of NO3‐N could not be consistently detected at all locations. The differences in response of biofilm to organic carbon enrichment suggests a difference in DOC quality, with labile DOC added with NDS compared to perhaps less‐labile DOC found in‐stream. Linking the interactive responses of biofilm communities to altered nutrient availability is an important step toward understanding whole ecosystem responses to land‐use change.
Ações para competências em informação no ciberespaço: reflexões sobre a contribuição da metacognição
Authors: Freire Gustavo Henrique de Araujo , Freire Isa Maria
Published: August 2012

Apresenta um quadro de referência teórico-conceitual em cujo contexto se discute a contribuição da metacognição às ações para competências em informação no ciberespaço. Discorre sobre os conceitos inter-relacionados no texto, esclarecendo a perspectiva mediante a qual a produção e compartilhamento de informação e conhecimento em redes virtuais são vistas como possibilidades de criação de novos conhecimentos. Nesse sentido, torna-se relevante, na sociedade em rede, o desenvolvimento e disponibilização de competências em informação na internet, de modo a promover o uso e apropriação de tecnologias intelectuais digitais. Destaca o valor das estratégias metacognitivas na produção de artefatos destinados ao desenvolvimento de competências em informação para veiculação na internet, em especial no que diz respeito às redes virtuais de aprendizagem.
O uso da informação no âmbito acadêmico: o comportamento informacional de pós-graduandos da área de educação
Authors: Casarin Helen de Castro Silva , Oliveira Etiene Siqueira de
Published: August 2012

Este artigo relata parte de uma pesquisa mais ampla que teve como objetivo caracterizar o comportamento informacional dos pós-graduandos da área de Educação. Participaram da pesquisa nove alunos de mestrado e doutorado de um programa de pós-graduação em Educação de uma universidade pública paulista. Para coleta de dados, utilizou-se a técnica de grupo focal. As sessões foram observadas e gravadas e os dados registrados foram transcritos, categorizados e posteriormente analisados utilizando-se a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Foram levantados: i) Forma de identificação de recursos informacionais para pesquisa; ii) Visão da Internet como fonte de informação; iii) Utilização dos recursos e serviços da biblioteca universitária; iv)Treinamento para a utilização das bases de dados eletrônicas; v)Dificuldades para a realização da busca; vi) A influência do orientador no desenvolvimento da pesquisa; e vii) Fatores ambientais que afetam o comportamento de busca. Os principais resultados demonstraram que a identificação dos recursos informacionais ocorre, principalmente, por meio das referências bibliográficas de trabalhos da área; que há influência do orientador no comportamento de busca dos participantes. Em relação aos aspectos ambientais, verificou-se que falta de tempo para realizar as atividades de busca e o desconforto causado pelo ambiente físico das bibliotecas foram apontados como os principais fatores influenciavam negativamente o comportamento informacional do grupo estudado.
DOAS measurements of NO2 from an ultralight aircraft during the Earth Challenge expedition
Authors: Merlaud A. , Van Roozendael M. , van Gent J. , Fayt C. , Maes J. , Toledo-Fuentes X. , Ronveaux O. , De Mazière M.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. We report on airborne Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) measurements of NO2 tropospheric columns above South Asia, the Arabic peninsula, North Africa, and Italy in November and December 2009. The DOAS instrument was installed on an ultralight aircraft involved in the Earth Challenge project, an expedition of seven pilots flying on four ultralight aircraft between Australia and Belgium. The instrument recorded spectra in limb geometry with a large field of view, a set-up which provides a high sensitivity to the boundary layer NO2 while minimizing the uncertainties related to the attitude variations. We compare our measurements with OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) and GOME-2 (Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment 2) tropospheric NO2 products when the latter are available. Above Rajasthan and the Po Valley, two areas where the NO2 field is homogeneous, data sets agree very well. Our measurements in these areas are 0.1 ± 0.1 to 3 ± 1 × 1015 molec cm−2 and 2.6 ± 0.8 × 1016 molec cm−2, respectively. Flying downwind of Riyadh, our NO2 measurements show the structure of the megacity's exhaust plume with a higher spatial resolution than OMI. Moreover, our measurements are larger (up to 40%) than those seen by satellites. We also derived tropospheric columns when no satellite data were available if it was possible to get information on the visibility from satellite measurements of aerosol optical thickness. This experiment also provides a confirmation for the recent finding of a soil signature above desert.
The European land and inland water CO2, CO, CH4 and N2O balance between 2001 and 2005
Authors: Luyssaert S. , Abril G. , Andres R. , Bastviken D. , Bellassen V. , Bergamaschi P. , Bousquet P. , Chevallier F. , Ciais P. , Corazza M. , Dechow R. , Erb K.-H. , Etiope G. , Fortems-Cheiney A. , Grassi G. , Hartmann J. , Jung M. , Lathière J. , Lohila A. , Mayorga E. , Moosdorf N. , Njakou D. S. , Otto J. , Papale D. , Peters W. , Peylin P. , Raymond P. , Rödenbeck C. , Saarnio S. , Schulze E.-D. , Szopa S. , Thompson R. , Verkerk P. J. , Vuichard N. , Wang R. , Wattenbach M. , Zaehle S.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Globally, terrestrial ecosystems have absorbed about 30% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions over the period 2000–2007 and inter-hemispheric gradients indicate that a significant fraction of terrestrial carbon sequestration must be north of the Equator. We present a compilation of the CO2, CO, CH4 and N2O balances of Europe following a dual constraint approach in which (1) a land-based balance derived mainly from ecosystem carbon inventories and (2) a land-based balance derived from flux measurements are compared to (3) the atmospheric data-based balance derived from inversions constrained by measurements of atmospheric GHG (greenhouse gas) concentrations. Good agreement between the GHG balances based on fluxes (1294 ± 545 Tg C in CO2-eq yr−1), inventories (1299 ± 200 Tg C in CO2-eq yr−1) and inversions (1210 ± 405 Tg C in CO2-eq yr−1) increases our confidence that the processes underlying the European GHG budget are well understood and reasonably sampled. However, the uncertainty remains large and largely lacks formal estimates. Given that European net land to atmosphere exchanges are determined by a few dominant fluxes, the uncertainty of these key components needs to be formally estimated before efforts could be made to reduce the overall uncertainty. The net land-to-atmosphere flux is a net source for CO2, CO, CH4 and N2O, because the anthropogenic emissions by far exceed the biogenic sink strength. The dual-constraint approach confirmed that the European biogenic sink removes as much as 205 ± 72 Tg C yr−1 from fossil fuel burning from the atmosphere. However, This C is being sequestered in both terrestrial and inland aquatic ecosystems. If the C-cost for ecosystem management is taken into account, the net uptake of ecosystems is estimated to decrease by 45% but still indicates substantial C-sequestration. However, when the balance is extended from CO2 towards the main GHGs, C-uptake by terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is offset by emissions of non-CO2 GHGs. As such, the European ecosystems are unlikely to contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change.
Non-residential water demand model validated with extensive measurements
Authors: Pieterse-Quirijns E. J. , Blokker E. J. M. , van der Blom E. , Vreeburg J. H. G.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Existing guidelines related to the water demand of non-residential buildings are outdated and do not cover hot water demand for the appropriate selection of hot water devices. Moreover, they generally overestimate peak demand values required for the design of an efficient and reliable water system. Recently, a procedure was developed based on the end-use model SIMDEUM® to derive design rules for peak demand values of both cold and hot water during various time steps for several types and sizes of non-residential buildings, i.e. offices, hotels and nursing homes. In this paper, the design rules are validated with measurements of cold and hot water patterns on a per second base. The good correlation between the simulated patterns and the measured patterns indicates that the basis of the design rules, the SIMDEUM simulated standardised buildings, is solid. Moreover, the SIMDEUM based rules give a better prediction of the measured peak values for cold water flow than the existing guidelines. Furthermore, the new design rules can predict hot water use well. In this paper it is illustrated that the new design rules lead to reliable and improved designs of building installations and water heater capacity, resulting in more hygienic and economical installations.
Models of soil organic matter decomposition: the SoilR package, version 1.0
Authors: Sierra C. A. , Müller M. , Trumbore S. E.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Soil organic matter decomposition is a very important process within the Earth system because it controls the rates of mineralization of carbon and other biogeochemical elements, determining their flux to the atmosphere and the hydrosphere. SoilR is a modeling framework that contains a library of functions and tools for modeling soil organic matter decomposition under the R environment for computing. It implements a variety of model structures and tools to represent carbon storage and release from soil organic matter. In SoilR, organic matter decomposition is represented as a linear system of ordinary differential equations that generalizes the structure of most compartment-based decomposition models. A variety of functions is also available to represent environmental effects on decomposition rates. This document presents the conceptual basis for the functions implemented in the package. It is complementary to the help pages released with the software.
Brain Tumor Stem Cells and Immunotherapy
Authors: Isako Saga  , Masahiro Toda
Published: August 2012

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common aggressive primary brain tumors, and it responds poorly to the current treatment combination of surgery, radio-, and chemotherapy. The hypothesis that cancer stem cells may account for the pathogenesis underlying various tumors, including GBM, has been accepted widely in recent years. Brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) have been shown to contribute to therapeutic resistance and the presence of BTSCs may explain the recurrence of GBM following conventional treatment, as just a few BTSCs are sufficient to give rise to a new tumor. Therefore, the therapeutic targeting of BTSCs is of utmost importance. Among emerging treatment modalities, immunotherapy is a strategy that has the potential to target BTSCs that are resistant to conventional therapies. This review describes recent advancements in the study of BTSCs and immunotherapy.
Collision Primary Tumor of the Endometrium: Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wyatt Unger  , Qian Tang  , Danielle Summers  , Wenxin Zheng
Published: August 2012

This is the first reported case, to our knowledge, of a true collision primary tumor of the endometrium. Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the endometrium is itself a rare tumor. In this case we present a collision tumor of neuroendocrine carcinoma with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. The unique morphologic and immunophenotypic features of these tumors in this case are discussed, justifying the classification of this case as a collision primary tumor of the endometrium.
PAX3-FKHR Regulates the Expression of Pleiotrophin to Mediate Motility in Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells
Authors: Lingling Liu  , Taosheng Chen
Published: August 2012

More than 80% of the aggressive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMSs) harbor a PAX3-FKHR fusion transcription factor, which regulates cell motility and promotes metastasis. Our hypothesis is that PAX3-FKHR regulates cell motility by regulating the expression of its transcriptional targets that are also its downstream effectors, which if identified, may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for treating ARMS. Here we report that PAX3-FKHR regulates the expression of pleiotrophin (PTN) by binding specifically to a paired-box domain binding-site in the PTN promoter, indicating that PTN is a transcriptional target of PAX3-FKHR. Significantly, we show that PTN regulates ARMS cell motility. Taken together, we have identified PTN as a novel transcriptional target of PAX3-FKHR that promotes ARMS cell motility. PTN may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of ARMS.
Transcriptional Modulation of the ERK1/2 MAPK and NF-kB Pathways in Human Urothelial Cells After Trivalent Arsenical Exposure: Implications for Urinary Bladder Cancer
Authors: Kathryn    A.    Bailey  , Kathleen    Wallace  , Lisa    Smeester  , Sheau-Fung    Thai  , Douglas C. Wolf  , Stephen W. Edwards  , Rebecca C. Fry
Published: August 2012

Chronic exposure to drinking water contaminated with inorganic arsenic (iAs) is associated with an increased risk of urinary bladder (UB) cancers in humans. The exact role of specific iAs metabolite(s) in As-mediated carcinogenesis remains largely unknown. Experimental evidence suggests that trivalent arsenicals, namely arsenite (iAsIII) and two of its metabolites, monomethylarsonous acid (MMAIII) and dimethylarsinous acid (DMAIII), are possible proximate UB carcinogens. Here, we used a transcriptomics approach to examine perturbed molecular pathways in a human urothelial cell line (UROtsa) after short-term exposure to iAsIII, MMAIII and DMAIII. Molecular pathways containing genes that encode proteins implicated in UB cancer development were perturbed by both MMAIII and DMAIII. These pathways included those of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK 1/2 MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-kB). Together, these results may inform the current understanding of effects in the UB induced by acute As exposure and the relationship of these effects with As-mediated carcinogenesis.
Tissue-Engineered “Metastases”: Treatment of Hepatic Colon Tumors with a Dual Action Autotaxin Inhibitor-Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Guanghui Yang  , Honglu Zhang  , Glenn D. Prestwich
Published: August 2012

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) acts via G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to regulate critical cellular functions and pathophysiological levels of LPA or its receptors are linked to cancer initiation, progression and metastasis. LPA is biosynthesized by the lysophospholipase D activity of autotaxin(ATX/lysoPLD), a known factor for tumorigenesis. By attenuating both LPA signaling and LPA production, we expected to observe synergistic anti-cancer therapeutic effects. In vitro, treatment of human colon cancer cells (HCT 116) with BrP-LPA, a potent dual action ATX inhibitor and pan-LPA GPCR antagonist, significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Next, a tissue-engineered xenograft model to mimic hepatic metastasis of colon cancer was used to evaluate BrP-LPA efficacy in vivo. HCT 116 cells were suspended in Extracel™, a synthetic extracellular matrix (sECM), and injected directly into the livers of nude mice (n = 8). After 1 week, BrP-LPA in saline buffer was administered for two weeks by intraperitoneal injection (10 mg/kg) twice per week. Controls were injected with saline buffer only. The BrP-LPA treated group showed reduced liver tumor weight (p < 0.05) and reduced tumor volume (p < 0.05) relative to controls. This study is the first demonstration of the effects of a dual action ATX inhibitor/LPA antagonist on colon cancer cells, and the first example of a tissue-engineered hepatic colon cancer “metastases” as a platform for anti-cancer drug evaluation. The results suggest that attenuation of signaling through the LPA pathway offers a promising therapeutic target for reducing colon cancer growth and metastasis.
Mobile Phone Based Healthcare Platform for Assisting Lung Cancer Prevention
Authors: Jun Yang  , Bowei Chen  , Jing Liu
Published: August 2012

We developed a personal interactive management platform based on Android system called lung cancer prevention assistant. A mathematical model for quantifying the cancer occurrence risk was established. This healthcare system collects users lifestyle events, such as tobacco smoking and diet structure, as input parameters. After comprehensive and quantitative analysis, the system would figure out the relative risk (RR) value of lung cancer morbidity and suggest guiding tips for lung cancer prevention. People with Android smart mobile phone or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant, such as widely used Pad) can access this management system easily, with the fact that Android smart phone is widely used over the world. This may possibly reduce the cost of medicine paid on the treatment and recovery of cancer. Advantages and possible applications of the present system were outlined. We also discussed the shortage of the lung cancer prevention assistant and suggest its potential solutions in the near future.
Entre l’art et la science : la littérature culinaire et la transformation des habitudes alimentaires au Québec
Authors: Coulombe1 Caroline
Published: August 2012

Cet article analyse l’évolution des usages alimentaires contemporains au Québec, à travers l’examen de la littérature culinaire domestique. Son objectif est de mettre en lumière les principaux changements qui s’opèrent dans l’univers culinaire contemporain, comme révélateurs de transformations plus profondes au sein de la société québécoise. Il démontre par le fait même la prégnance des nouvelles connaissances diététiques dans la transformation des habitudes de consommation ainsi que l’important processus de rationalisation de la cuisine, dont l’influence est à chercher du côté des principes d’organisation légués par l’ère industrielle. Nous constatons également l’émergence d’un discours gastronomique, où hospitalité, qualités artistiques et nouveautés alimentaires s’unissent pour offrir une vision renouvelée de la cuisine « moderne ».
Horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis: Further expanding the ROBO3 spectrum
Authors: Günbey Ceren , Çavdarlı Büşranur , Göçmen Rahşan , Yazıcı Muharrem , Temuçin Çağrı Mesut , Özdemir Özkan , Çırak Sebahattin , Haliloğlu Göknur
Published: June 2024

Objective

Horizontal gaze palsy with progressive scoliosis (HGPPS) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder resulting from axonal midline crossing defect due to variants in ROBO3.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated demographics, clinical phenotype, course of spinal deformities, and neuroimaging findings of six Turkish patients with HGPPS. We performed targeted gene testing by next‐generation sequencing.

Results

The median age at symptom onset and diagnosis was 1.5 years (0.5–4), and 11 years (2–16), respectively. Oculomotor signs were the most common presenting symptom (n = 4), followed by scoliosis (n = 2). The course of scoliosis was progressive and accompanied by kyphosis, showed intrafamilial variability, and was corrected surgically in three of the patients. Intellectual disability (n = 4), hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (n = 2), hearing loss (n = 2), and tranisent movement disorders (n = 1) were additional features. Targeted gene sequencing revealed five distinct homozygous variants. Of the four novel variants, two of them were located in the acceptor site of the noncoding region of the gene, remaining two were missense and frameshift variants, located in immunoglobulin‐like domain‐2, and cytoplasmic signaling motif 2, respectively. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) showed the absence of decussation of superior cerebellar peduncle and dorsal transverse pontine fibers.

Interpretation

Spectrum of HGPPS is further expanded with novel variants in the ROBO3 with clinical and radiological fingerprints. Spinal deformities require close orthopedic screening and individualized approach. Intellectual disability and hearing loss emerge as additional features. Hypogonadism and transient subtle movement disorders require further attention and confirmation from other series.
HEAL's ambitious goal in reducing overdose deaths falls far short
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: June 2024

The largest substance use prevention and treatment implementation study ever conducted is reporting highly disappointing results on its primary outcome: Local communities' implementation of evidence‐based strategies to combat opioid overdose had no significant impact on opioid overdose death rates.
NIDA director challenges, begs experts at CPDD for solutions
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2024

Nora Volkow, M.D., the tireless director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), implored experts on a panel in Montreal last week to share insights on how to change the course of the overdose epidemic in the United States. Heading a lunchtime plenary subtitled “Advances in the prevention and treatment of addiction,” (the title was NIDAs 50th anniversary), Volkow led attendees at the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) conference through a dialogue focused on how knowledge about addiction gleaned from basic science can be used for clinical practice.
CPDD: Studies look at craving as a measure of recovery
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2024

Craving is a great measure for outcomes for substance use disorders (SUDs) with one exception: how to measure it? Researchers at last week's College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) conference discussed the important topic.
NIDA's DTMC: Improving treatment and medical consequences
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2024

The Division of Therapeutics and Medical Consequences (DTMC) played a big role at last week's College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) in Montreal. This division, part of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), has a single mission: to improve the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) “and their medical consequences.” To do this, NIDA gives grants to researchers focusing on the “identification, evaluation, and development of safe and effective therapeutics, such as medications, biologics, devices, digital, and behavioral interventions.”
High‐Throughput First‐Principles Calculations and Machine Learning of Grain Boundary Segregation in Metals
Authors: Scheiber Daniel , Razumovskiy Vsevolod , Peil Oleg , Romaner Lorenz
Published: June 2024

The segregation of solute elements to defects in metals plays a fundamental role for microstructure evolution and the material performance. However, the available computational data are scattered and inconsistent due to the use of different simulation parameters and methods. A high‐throughput study is presented on grain boundary and surface segregation together with their effect on grain boundary embrittlement using a consistent first‐principles methodology. The data are evaluated for most technologically relevant metals including Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mo, Nb, Ni, Ta, Ti, and W with the majority of the elements from the periodic table treated as segregating elements. Trends among the solute elements are analyzed and explained in terms of phenomenological models and the computed data are compared to the available literature data. The computed first‐principles data are used for a machine learning investigation, showing the capabilities for extrapolation from first‐principles calculation to the whole periodic table of solutes. The present work allows for comprehensive screening of new alloys with improved interface properties.