bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the low-frequency component of the ENSO–Indian monsoon relationship: a paired proxy perspective
Authors: Berkelhammer M. , Sinha A. , Mudelsee M. , Cheng H. , Yoshimura K. , Biswas J.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. There are a number of clear examples in the instrumental period where positive El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events were coincident with a severely weakened Indian summer monsoon (ISM). ENSO's influence on ISM precipitation has therefore remained the centerpiece of various predictive schemes of ISM rainfall for over a century. The teleconnection between ISM precipitation and ENSO has undergone a protracted weakening since the late 1980s, suggesting the strength of ENSO's influence on ISM precipitation may vary on multidecadal timescales. The recent weakening has occurred despite the fact that the ENSO system has experienced variance levels during the latter part of the 20th century that are as high as any period in the past millennium. The recent change in the ENSO–ISM coupling has prompted questions as to whether this shift represents a natural mode of climate variability or a fundamental change in ENSO and/or ISM dynamics due to anthropogenic warming or aerosol impacts on the ISM. Here we place the 20th century ENSO–ISM relationship in a millennial context by assessing the phase relationship between the two systems across the time spectrum using a a series of high-resolution reconstructions of ENSO and the ISM from tree rings, speleothems and corals. The results from all the proxies suggest that in the high-frequency domain (5–15 yr), warm (cool) sea surface temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific lead to a weakened (strengthened) monsoon. This finding is consistent with the observed relationship between the two systems during the instrumental period. However, in the multidecadal domain (30–90 yr) the phasing between the systems is reversed such that periods of strong monsoons were, in general, coincident with periods of enhanced ENSO variability. This result is counterintuitive to the expectation that enhanced ENSO variance favors an asymmetric increase in the frequency of El Niño events and therefore a weakened monsoon system. The finding implies that the prominent multidecadal variability that characterizes the last 1000 yr of the ISM is not likely attributable to multidecadal shifts in ENSO. If there is a continued trend towards enhanced ENSO variance in the coming decades, the results presented here do not suggest this will force a reduction in ISM precipitation.
An improved coupling model for water flow, sediment transport and bed evolution (CASFE v.1)
Authors: He S. , Liu W. , Li X. , Ouyang C.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. This paper presents a new coupling model to simulate water flow, sediment transport and bed evolution based on the shallow water assumption, depth-average integration as well as the morphological evolution (Chinese Academy of Sciences flow-erosion model, CASFE). The model takes account of the effects of rainfall, entrainment and deposition on the motion of water–sediment mixtures. Limitations and drawbacks of other authors' models are pointed out according to the comparison among these models. The finite volume method has been adopted to solve the one-dimensional dam-break problem considering an erodible bed. Numerical results indicate that the model can adequately describe the complex dynamic problems. Simulation results demonstrate that the entrainment and deposition significantly affects the flow dynamics and morphological evolution.
Socio-hydrology and the science–policy interface: a case study of the Saskatchewan River basin
Authors: Gober P. , Wheater H. S.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. While there is a popular perception that Canada is a water-rich country, the Saskatchewan River basin (SRB) in Western Canada exemplifies the multiple threats to water security seen worldwide. It is Canada's major food-producing region and home to globally significant natural resource development. The SRB faces current water challenges stemming from (1) a series of extreme events, including major flood and drought events since the turn of the 21st century, (2) full allocation of existing water resources in parts of the basin, (3) rapid population growth and economic development, (4) increasing pollution, and (5) fragmented and overlapping governance that includes the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, various Federal and First Nations responsibilities, and international boundaries. The interplay of these factors has increased competition for water across economic sectors and among provinces, between upstream and downstream users, between environmental flows and human needs, and among people who hold different values about the meaning, ownership, and use of water. These current challenges are set in a context of significant environmental and societal change, including widespread land modification, rapid urbanization, resource exploitation, climate warming, and deep uncertainties about future water supplies. We use Sivapalan et al.'s (2012) framework of socio-hydrology to argue that the SRB's water security challenges are symptoms of dynamic and complex water systems approaching critical thresholds and tipping points. To Sivapalan et al.'s (2012) emphasis on water cycle dynamics, we add the need for governance mechanisms to manage emergent systems and translational science to link science and policy to the socio-hydrology agenda.
Water balance of selected floodplain lake basins in the Middle Bug River valley
Authors: Dawidek J. , Ferencz B.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. This study is the first attempt in the literature on the subject of comparing water balance components for floodplain lake basins, depending on the type of a lake connection to the parent river. Research was carried out in the Bug River valley in 2007–2011 water years. Four types of connections were distinguished in the area under study. Simple water balance equation could only be used with regard to the lakes connected to the main river via the upstream crevasses. Detailed and individual water balance equations were developed with reference to the other types of lakes. Water gains and losses varied significantly in the lakes under study. Values of horizontal water balance components (inflow and outflow) of the floodplain lake in Wola Uhruska considerably prevailed over the vertical ones (precipitation and evaporation). Inflow of the Bug River waters was diverse during the time period under study and amounted from 600 000 to 2 200 000 m3 yr−1. Volumes of precipitation and evaporation were rather stable and amounted to approx. 30 000 m3 yr−1. The lowest disparity between horizontal and vertical water balance components was observed in the inter-levee lake. Both upstream inflow of rivers water and outflow from the lake (ranged from 0 in 2008 to 35 000 m3 yr−1 in 2009) were usually an order of magnitude higher than precipitation and evaporation from the lake surface (700–800 m3 yr−1). Study showed that the values and the proportion between aforementioned vertical and horizontal water balance elements were determined by the type of a lake connection to the Bug River. Storage volume showed no relationship to the type of connection, but resulted from individual features of the lakes (location within the valley, precipitation and evaporation volume, difference between water inflow and outflow).
Evaluating digital terrain indices for soil wetness mapping – a Swedish case study
Authors: Ågren A. M. , Lidberg W. , Strömgren M. , Ogilvie J. , Arp P. A.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Driving with forestry machines on wet soils within and near stream and lake buffers can cause soil disturbances, i.e. rutting and compaction. This – in turn – can lead to increased surface flow, thereby facilitating the leaking of unwanted substances into downstream environments. Wet soils in mires, near streams and lakes have particularly low bearing capacity and are more susceptible to rutting. It is important to model and map the extent of these areas and associated wetness variations. This can be done with adequate reliability using high resolution digital elevation model (DEM). In this article, we report on several digital terrain indices to predict soil wetness by wet-area locations. We varied the resolution of these indices to test what scale produces the best possible wet-areas mapping conformance. We found that topographic wetness index (TWI) and the newly developed cartographic depth-to-water index (DTW) were the best soil wetness predictors. While the TWI derivations were sensitive to scale, the DTW derivations were not and were therefore numerically fairly robust. Since the DTW derivations vary by the area threshold used for setting stream flow initiation we found that the optimal threshold values varied by landform, e.g., 1–2 ha for till-derived landforms vs. 8 –16 ha for a coarse-textured alluvial floodplain.
Mobilisation or dilution? Nitrate response of karst springs to high rainfall events
Authors: Huebsch M. , Fenton O. , Horan B. , Hennessy D. , Richards K. G. , Jordan P. , Goldscheider N. , Butscher C. , Blum P.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Nitrate (NO3-) contamination of groundwater associated with agronomic activity is of major concern in many countries. Where agriculture, thin free draining soils and karst aquifers coincide, groundwater is highly vulnerable to nitrate contamination. As residence times and denitrification potential in such systems are typically low, nitrate can discharge to surface waters unabated. However, such systems also react quickest to agricultural management changes that aim to improve water quality. In response to storm events, nitrate concentrations can alter significantly, i.e., rapidly decreasing or increasing concentrations. The current study examines the response of a specific karst spring situated on a grassland farm in south Ireland to rainfall events utilising high-resolution nitrate and discharge data together with on-farm borehole groundwater fluctuation data. Specifically, the objectives of the study are to formulate a scientific hypothesis of possible scenarios relating to nitrate responses during storm events, and to verify this hypothesis using additional case studies from the literature. This elucidates the controlling key factors that lead to mobilisation and/or dilution of nitrate concentrations during storm events. These were land use, hydrological condition and karstification, which in combination can lead to differential responses of mobilised and/or diluted nitrate concentrations. Furthermore, the results indicate that nitrate response in karst is strongly dependent on nutrient source, whether mobilisation and/or dilution occur and the pathway taken. This will have consequences for the delivery of nitrate to a surface water receptor. The current study improves our understanding of nitrate responses in karst systems and therefore can guide environmental modellers, policy makers and drinking water managers with respect to the regulations of the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD). In future, more research should focus on high resolution monitoring of karst aquifers to capture the high variability of hydrochemical processes, which occur at time intervals of hours to days.
Modelling soil erosion at European scale: towards harmonization and reproducibility
Authors: Bosco C. , de Rigo D. , Dewitte O. , Poesen J. , Panagos P.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Soil erosion by water is one of the most widespread forms of soil degradation. The loss of soil as a result of erosion can lead to decline in organic matter and nutrient contents, breakdown of soil structure and reduction of the water holding capacity. Measuring soil loss across the whole landscape is impractical and thus research is needed to improve methods of estimating soil erosion with computational modelling, upon which integrated assessment and mitigation strategies may be based. Despite the efforts, the prediction value of existing models is still limited, especially at regional and continental scale. A new approach for modelling soil erosion at large spatial scale is here proposed. It is based on the joint use of low data demanding models and innovative techniques for better estimating model inputs. The proposed modelling architecture has at its basis the semantic array programming paradigm and a strong effort towards computational reproducibility. An extended version of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) has been implemented merging different empirical rainfall-erosivity equations within a climatic ensemble model and adding a new factor for a better consideration of soil stoniness within the model. Pan-European soil erosion rates by water have been estimated through the use of publicly available datasets and locally reliable empirical relationships. The accuracy of the results is corroborated by a visual plausibility check (63% of a random sample of grid cells are accurate, 83% at least moderately accurate, bootstrap p ≤ 0.05). A comparison with country level statistics of pre-existing European maps of soil erosion by water is also provided.
The role of subsidence in a weakly unstable marine boundary layer: a case study
Authors: Mazzitelli I. M. , Cassol M. , Miglietta M. M. , Rizza U. , Sempreviva A. M. , Lanotte A. S.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The diurnal evolution of a cloud free, marine boundary layer is studied by means of experimental measurements and numerical simulations. Experimental data belong to an investigation of the mixing height over inner Danish waters. The mixed-layer height measured over the sea is generally nearly constant, and does not exhibit the diurnal cycle characteristic of boundary layers over land. A case study, during summer, showing an anomalous development of the mixed layer under unstable and nearly neutral atmospheric conditions, is selected in the campaign. Subsidence is identified as the main physical mechanism causing the sudden decrease in the mixing layer height. This is quantified by comparing radiosounding profiles with data from numerical simulations of a mesoscale model, and a large-eddy simulation model. Subsidence not only affects the mixing layer height, but also the turbulent fluctuations within it. By analyzing wind and scalar spectra, the role of subsidence is further investigated and a more complete interpretation of the experimental results emerges.
Non-parametric Bayesian mixture of sparse regressions with application towards feature selection for statistical downscaling
Authors: Das D. , Dy J. , Ross J. , Obradovic Z. , Ganguly A. R.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Climate projections simulated by Global Climate Models (GCM) are often used for assessing the impacts of climate change. However, the relatively coarse resolutions of GCM outputs often precludes their application towards accurately assessing the effects of climate change on finer regional scale phenomena. Downscaling of climate variables from coarser to finer regional scales using statistical methods are often performed for regional climate projections. Statistical downscaling (SD) is based on the understanding that the regional climate is influenced by two factors – the large scale climatic state and the regional or local features. A transfer function approach of SD involves learning a regression model which relates these features (predictors) to a climatic variable of interest (predictand) based on the past observations. However, often a single regression model is not sufficient to describe complex dynamic relationships between the predictors and predictand. We focus on the covariate selection part of the transfer function approach and propose a nonparametric Bayesian mixture of sparse regression models based on Dirichlet Process (DP), for simultaneous clustering and discovery of covariates within the clusters while automatically finding the number of clusters. Sparse linear models are parsimonious and hence relatively more generalizable than non-sparse alternatives, and lends to domain relevant interpretation. Applications to synthetic data demonstrate the value of the new approach and preliminary results related to feature selection for statistical downscaling shows our method can lead to new insights.
Surge dynamics in the Nathorstbreen glacier system, Svalbard
Authors: Sund M. , Lauknes T. R. , Eiken T.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Nathorstbreen glacier system (NGS) recently experienced the largest surge in Svalbard since 1936, and this was examined using spatial and temporal observations from DEM differencing, time series of surface velocities from satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and other sources. The upper basins with maximum accumulation during quiescence corresponded to regions of initial lowering. Initial speed-up exceeded quiescent velocities by a factor of several tens. This suggests that polythermal glacier surges are initiated in the temperate area before mass is displaced downglacier. Subsequent downglacier mass displacement coincided with areas where glacier velocity increased by a factor of 100–200 times (stage 2). After more than 5 years, the joint NGS terminus advanced abruptly into the fjord during winter, increasing velocities even more. The advance was followed by up-glacier propagation of crevasses, indicating the middle and subsequently the upper part of the glaciers reacting to the mass displacement. NGS advanced ~15 km, while another ~3 km length was lost due to calving. Surface lowering of ~50 m was observed in some up-glacier areas, and in 5 years the total glacier area increased by 20%. Maximum measured flow rates were at least 25 m d−1, 2500 times quiescent velocity, while average velocities were about 10 m d−1. The surges of Zawadzkibreen cycle with ca. 70-year periods.
Masculinity. Sexuality and Hate-Motivated Violence: The Case of Darren
Authors: Jefferson Tony
Published: April 2014

In this paper I use the case study of Darren, derived from two interviews in a research study of racism in the city of Stoke, UK (Gadd, Dixon and Jefferson 2005; Gadd and Dixon 2011), to explore how best to approach the topic of hate-motivated violence. This entails discussing the relationships among racism (the original object of study), hate-motivated violence (the more general term) and prejudices of various sorts. Because that discussion, I argue, justifies a psychoanalytic starting point, and since violence has become, almost quintessentially, masculine, this leads on to an exploration of what can be learnt from psychoanalysis about the relations among sexuality, masculinity, hatred and violence. This involves brief discussions of some key psychoanalytic terms, but only what is needed to enable sense to be made of my chosen case, which I shall then interrogate using these psychoanalytic ideas, focused on understanding the origins and nature of Darren’s hatred.
Governing Sex: Removing the Right to Take Responsibility
Authors: Cowlishaw Gillian
Published: April 2014

The exposure in 2006 of horrific cases of sexual violence that allegedly characterised Northern Territory Aboriginal communities, evoked responses dominated by a predictable moral panic. Thus the Commonwealth Intervention of 2007 largely missed its ostensible aim of protecting sexually abused children. This essay moves beyond a moralising analysis to consider relevant social, cultural and historical factors based on specific ethnographic work. First I present a sense of some profound historically established differences and common themes in traditional Aboriginal and mainstream law in relation to the regulation of sexuality. Then I draw on evidence that Aboriginal people embraced the notion of ‘two laws’, even as the new era created profound difficulties in relation to sexual norms. Their ‘right to take responsibility’ (Pearson 2000) was further undermined by ‘Interventions’ that unashamedly diminished the ability of NT Aborigines to govern their own communities. Finally, mainstream institutions that are deeply engaged with Aboriginal communities need to consider the ways they may be perpetuating entrenched difficulties.
Convergence Analysis of an Iterative Targeting Method for Keyhole Robotic Surgery
Authors: Comparetti Mirko Daniele , De Momi Elena , Beyl Tim , Kunze Mirko , Raczkowsky Jörg , Ferrigno Giancarlo
Published: April 2014

In surgical procedures, robots can accurately position and orient surgical instruments. Intraoperatively, external sensors can localize the instrument and compute the targeting movement of the robot, based on the transformation between the coordinate frame of the robot and the sensor.

This paper addresses the assessment of the robustness of an iterative targeting algorithm in perturbed conditions. Numerical simulations and experiments (with a robot with seven degrees of freedom and an optical tracking system) were performed for computing the maximum error of the rotational part of the calibration matrix, which allows for convergence, as well as the number of required iterations.

The algorithm converges up to 50 degrees of error within a large working space.

The study confirms the clinical relevance of the method because it can be applied on commercially available robots without modifying the internal controller, thus improving the targeting accuracy and meeting surgical accuracy requirements.
Functionalization of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles by a Vitamin C-Assisted Covering with Gold
Authors: Jagminas Arūnas , Mažeika Kęstutis , Kondrotas Rokas , Kurtinaitienė Marija , Jagminienė Aldona , Mikalauskaitė Agnė
Published: April 2014

We report the design and methodology for functionalization of the surface of small Co-ferrite nanoparticles with a mean size of up to 5.0 nm through the attachment of vitamin C molecules initiating [AuCl4]− reduction and the subsequent deposition of gold. By this method, Co-ferrite-Au nanoparticles have been fabricated for the first time in a simple and controllable manner, consisting of the determination of the consumed ascorbic acid content. The sequential addition of vitamin C and HAuCl4 to the ferrofluid at low concentrations leads to the formation of a gold shell on the ferrite core. This approach avoids the additional stabilization of ferrite nanoparticles before gold deposition, and is of great importance in view of the preparation of biodegradable superparamagnetic particles for nanomedicine applications.

The deposition of gold onto the ferrite surface was proved herein by UV-vis absorption and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Creating and testing a survey to assess the impact of renewable energy technologies on quality of life
Authors: Christidis Tanya , Paller Claire , Majowicz Shannon , Bigelow Phil , Wilson Ashley , Jamal Sehar
Published: April 2014

With the increasing concerns regarding fossil fuels and nuclear energy, greater attention is being placed on alternate renewable energy technologies (RETs) such as wind, solar, and bioenergy. However, implementation of modern RETs has become controversial, as adverse health effects are a major concern. Although local case studies have suggested a relationship between wind turbines and health, there is a gap in the scientific knowledge. Epidemiological studies with adequate data collection tools and analyses are needed, particularly in the Canadian context. We reviewed surveys used in relevant environmental health literature, created a data collection tool for use in populations exposed to wind turbines, and piloted the survey content and distribution method. Our pilot response rate was 25.5% (45/200). The mean age of survey respondents was 57.6 years (SD: 12.76) with 57% of the respondents being female; respondents were not significantly different than the target population with respect to age or sex. The survey and methods presented here can be used in future studies to assess the health impacts of renewable energy technologies.
SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF CAATINGA VEGETATION IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF IBIMIRIM-PE
Authors: França Luciana Mayla de Aquino , Oliveira Tiago Henrique de , Pereira João Antonio dos Santos , Lins Taynã Maria Pinto , Galvincio Josicleda Domiciano
Published: April 2014

The use of satellite images has been widely usedas help get better answers on vegetation dynamics. The semi-arid Northeast ischaracterized for presenting distinct characteristics of other Brazilian biomesso that there will be major changes in vegetation in a short time. This studyaims to evaluate the behavior of the caatinga vegetation in the municipality ofIbimirim, located in the pernambucan hinterland, through Landsat TM imagestaking into account climatological data. We used Satellite Landsat-5 imageswith passing on 9/3/1989, 9/30/1993, 9/20/1995, 9/28/1998, 9/18/2006 and 9/29/2010 all for the dry period and calculated the EVI and NDWI ERDAS Imagine9.1 software. By analyzing the indexes, we achieved a greater value of EVI andNDWI for 1989 and lowest EVI for the year 2010 and less NDWI value for the year1998, in addition to a gradual increase of temperature between that periods. Itis also noticeable water deficiency present in the studied period and thedependency of the municipality of irrigated agriculture to obtain greenerareas. The highest percentage of EVI is in class with values of between 0.150-0.200 while the NDWI presents highest percentage in class with values lessthan 0, the semiarid situation of the municipality.
La actividad fotográfica durante la Guerra Civil a través de las fichas de filiación de la Junta Delegada de Defensa de Madrid (1936-1939)
Authors: Sánchez Vigil Juan Miguel , Olivera Zaldua María
Published: April 2014

La actividad fotográfica en Madrid durante la guerra civil fue controlada por la Delegación de Propaganda y Prensa de la Junta Delegada de Defensa de Madrid, organismo que elaboró fichas de filiación que rellenaron los propios implicados. Se analizan estos documentos, conservados en el Centro de Documentación de la Memoria Histórica, para lo que se han elaborado dos bases de datos y se ha consultado la bibliografía especializada. Los resultados obtenidos son de relevancia para la historia de la fotografía española ya que aparecen nuevos autores y se aporta información sobre los ya conocidos. Asimismo el estudio nos permite conocer las instituciones y empresas para las que trabajaron, las tareas específicas que realizaron y su vinculación a sindicatos, partidos políticos, entidades públicas o privadas, y agrupaciones como la Sociedad Obrera de Fotógrafos Profesionales, Unión Fotográfica, Asociación de Profesionales de Prensa y Unión de Informadores Gráficos de Prensa. Se detalla la actividad de los reporteros gráficos y de los retratistas de galería, el papel de las mujeres y el de los profesionales extranjeros que acudieron a nuestro país en funciones informativas y humanitarias.
Aportaciones al estudio de la sostenibilidad bibliotecaria: las emisiones de CO2 del servicio de apertura de fin de semana de la biblioteca de la Universidad de Vigo
Authors: Abraín Sánchez Rut , Gómez Rodríguez Marina , Marraud Gerardo , Román Geada Marta
Published: April 2014

La Biblioteca de la Universidad de Vigo y la Oficina de Medio Ambiente llevaron a cabo un estudio sobre los impactos ambientales del servicio de aperturas en fin de semana de la biblioteca central durante el período de exámenes extraordinarios de julio de 2013.El estudio pone de manifiesto que las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) asociadas a las aperturas provienen sobre todo del consumo de energía eléctrica del edificio y de los desplazamientos de los usuarios hasta la biblioteca. Asimismo propone una metodología de cálculo de la huella ecológica de este tipo de servicio con objeto de facilitar la toma en consideración de los criterios de sostenibilidad en la programación y organización de este tipo de servicio.
Sedation of western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus ocydromus) with tiletamine-zolazepam
Authors: Mayberry C , Bencini R , Mawson PR , Maloney SK
Published: April 2014

It is sometimes necessary to restrain kangaroos (Macropus spp) for veterinary treatment or in the course of scientific research, but the associated stresses may induce capture myopathy in wild kangaroos. Judicious use of injectable sedatives can reduce the risk of capture myopathy. Zoletil®, a proprietary mixture of tiletamine and zolazepam, is reported to have a wide safety margin, a small dose volume, and be quick acting for a range of animals. We investigated the dose-response relationship of Zoletil® in 26 western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus ocydromus). All kangaroos were recumbent within 5-10 min of intramuscular injection with mean (± SD) Zoletil® of 4.55 (± 0.98) mg kg−1. Mean (± SD) time to recovery varied between individuals, 2.07 (± 0.41) h over all occasions, and was independent of dose rate. For animals that were assessed on multiple occasions, mean (± SEM) time to recover was reduced from 2.25 (± 0.09) h on the first occasion to 2.15 (± 0.10) h on the second occasion and 1.81 (± 0.11) h on the third. Since kangaroos sedated with Zoletil® are vulnerable to predation and injury during recovery, we believe they should be supervised until they are able to fend for themselves.
Lameness is consistently better at predicting broiler chicken performance in mobility tests than other broiler characteristics
Authors: Caplen G , Hothersall B , Nicol CJ , Parker RMA , Waterman-Pearson AE , Weeks CA , Murrell JC
Published: April 2014

To determine whether lame broilers are in pain it is necessary to compare measures of lameness and mobility before and after analgesic treatment. Such measures should not be unduly affected by other bird characteristics. This study assessed the performance of lame (gait score, GS 3-4) and non-lame (GS 0-1) broilers using two mobility tests: (i) a novel test to assess broiler ability to access resources when housed in groups (Group Obstacle test); and (ii) a Latency-to-Lie (LTL) test. Outcome test measures included number of obstacle crossings, latency to cross an obstacle, and time taken to sit in shallow water. Associations between outcome test measures and other bird characteristics (established lameness risk-factors), including strain, sex, age, mass, contact dermatitis and pathology, were also investigated. The performance of high-GS and low-GS broilers differed in both mobility tests and no other bird characteristics were as consistent a predictor as lameness. This demonstrates that mobility impairments are closely related to lameness assessed using GS, and that there is a component of lameness that cannot be explained by other bird characteristics (eg being male and heavy). This component may represent pain or discomfort. Both mobility tests are suitable for further application with analgesic testing to classify lameness-associated pain in broilers.
Characteristics of 24 cases of animal hoarding in Spain
Authors: Calvo P , Duarte C , Bowen J , Bulbena A , Fatjó J
Published: April 2014

Animal hoarding is considered to be an under-reported problem, which affects the welfare of both people and animals. Few published studies on animal hoarding are available in the scientific literature, particularly outside North America. The present study was designed to obtain data on animal hoarding in Spain, with a particular focus on animal welfare issues. Data were obtained retrospectively from 24 case reports of animal hoarding involving a total of 1,218 dogs and cats and 27 hoarders. All cases were the result of legal intervention by a Spanish humane society during the period from 2002 to 2011. Hoarders could be characterised as elderly, socially isolated men and women who tended to hoard only one species (dog or cat). Most cases presented a chronic course of more than five years of animal hoarding. The average number of animals per case was 50, with most animals being dogs. In 75% of cases the animals showed indications of poor welfare, including poor body condition, and the presence of wounds, parasitic and infectious illnesses. Amongst the hoarded animals aggression and social fear were the most commonly reported behaviours. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on animal hoarding in Spain and one of the first in Europe. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the epidemiology, cross-cultural differences and aetiology of this under-recognised public health and welfare problem. More research might help to find efficient protocols to assist in the resolution and prevention of this kind of problem.
Effects of pre-transport nutrient supplementation and transport duration on the post-transport blood biochemistry, bodyweight and welfare of ostriches
Authors: Bejaei M , Bennett DC , Schaefer AL , Cheng KM
Published: April 2014

There are very few abattoirs in North America that process ostriches (Struthio camelus) which means producers are forced to transport their birds over long distances (> 500 km) for processing. The objectives of this research were to investigate the effects of pre-transport nutrient supplementation and transport duration on ostrich bodyweight and blood biochemistry. A total of 45 ostriches were used in three transport trials with driving durations of 30 min (n = 10), 7 h (n = 11) and 18 h (n = 24). Birds were weighed and blood sampled (10 ml) before and after transport. There were two treatment groups in each trial: control (n = 22) and nutrient-supplemented (n = 23). Prior to transport, each bird in the nutrient-supplement group was tube-fed 1 L of liquid nutrient supplement (containing water, dextrose, protein, and electrolytes), and control birds were each tube-fed 1 L of water. The results of our study showed that birds which were shipped for 18 h lost the most bodyweight while birds transported for 7 h lost more weight than those transported for 30 min. Birds which were transported for a longer time also had higher post-transport concentrations of plasma glucose, creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein and uric acid. Male birds which received nutrient supplement lost less weight compared to the male control birds. We concluded that under the present shipping conditions, long distance transportation is detrimental to ostrich welfare with significant loss to producers due to mortalities and shrinkage. Our results also indicated that the use of pre-transport nutrient supplementation can partially alleviate the effect of the transportation stress.
Las Leyes de Newton de la mecánica: Una revisión histórica y sus implicaciones en los textos de enseñanza
Authors: Sebastiá José Sebastiá M.
Published: April 2014

RESUMEN Este trabajo destaca la importancia de una presentación coherente y actualizada de la dinámica clasica como un factor clave para su aprendizaje. La primera parte de este trabajo contiene un análisis histórico de los aspectos críticos de las leyes de la dinámica clásica que muestra sus ambigüedades y sus posibles interpretaciones. A continuación, se analizan las alternativas de enseñanza en algunos libros de texto haciendo especial énfasis en sus características fundamentales. Como resultado, se concluye que la presentación de la dinámica clásica, tal como se hace actualmente, muestra deficiencias tanto de coherencia como de actualización, lo que sugiere la necesidad de una revisión general de la misma. SUMMARY This work highlights the importance of a coherent and updated presentation of classical dynamic as a key factor for learning. The first part of this work contains an historical analysis of the critical aspects of the laws of dynamics showing their ambiguities and their possible interpretations. Further on, the teaching alternatives in some textbooks are analyzed making an emphasis in their fundamental characteristics. As a result, we conclude that the presentation of the classic dynamics, as is currently done, shows weaknesses both in coherence and updated, suggesting the need for a general review of it.
Dried Fruit Matrices Incorporated with a Probiotic Strain of Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Ribeiro Catarina , Freixo Ricardo , Silva Joana , Gibbs Paul , Morais Alcina , Teixeira Paula
Published: April 2014

The development of fruits and vegetables containing probiotics is a topic of great interest and popularity for health-conscious consumers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using dried fruit matrices as delivery vehicles for probiotics. Different fruits — kiwi, mango, strawberry, pineapple, banana — were used as food matrices to test the viability of a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum, which was determined after drying at 40ºC and at different storage times. Cell survival after drying decreased by ca. 1 log in banana and strawberry, to 3 log, for kiwi. The bacterial numbers in banana and strawberry dried pieces at the time of storage at room temperature and 4ºC were approximately 107 cfu/g. After 37 days storage at room temperature, no viable counts were observed in any of the fruits studied. However, at 4ºC after this period of time, viable cells were detected for all the fruits (1.9x106 cfu/g, 1.5x105 cfu/g 1.5x105 cfu/g, 4.7x104 cfu/g 8.0x103 cfu/g, for strawberry, banana, kiwi, mango and pineapple, respectively).
The relationship between antibrowning, anti-radical and reducing capacity of Brassica and Allium extracts
Authors: Bustos Mariela C , Agudelo-Laverde Lina Marcela , Mazzobre Florencia , Buera Pilar
Published: April 2014

Aqueous vegetable extracts from Allium and Brassica families were assayed for antibrowning capacity and related to their anti-radical and reducing power activities. The treatment  of mushrooms and avocado slices, with white cabbage, cauliflower, garlic and scallion extracts, reduced color changes during storage at 4 °C and -18 °C. Storage temperature and the type of extract employed influenced change of color variables. The contribution of polyphenols on measured antioxidant activity of extracts was also discussed. Allium antibrowning properties were closely related to antioxidant capacity, while the Brassica extracts were less effective. Treatment with Allium extracts extended the storage time of frozen and refrigerated mushrooms and avocado slices, in comparison with untreated samples.
Physicochemical processes of frictional healing: Effects of water on stick‐slip stress drop and friction of granular fault gouge
Authors: Scuderi Marco M. , Carpenter Brett M. , Marone Chris
Published: April 2014

Understanding the micromechanical processes that dictate the evolution of fault strength during the seismic cycle is a fundamental problem in earthquake physics. We report on laboratory experiments that investigate the role of water during repetitive stick‐slip frictional sliding, with particular emphasis on the grain‐scale and atomic‐scale mechanisms of frictional restrengthening (healing). Our experiments are designed to test underlying concepts of rate and state friction laws. We sheared layers of soda‐lime glass beads in a double direct shear configuration at a constant normal stress of 5 MPa. Shear stress was applied via a constant displacement rate from 0.3 to 300 µm/s. During each experiment, relative air humidity (RH) was kept constant at values of 5, 50, or 100%. Our data show a systematic increase in maximum friction (μmax), stick‐slip friction drop (Δμ), and frictional healing rate, with increasing RH. The highest values of interevent dilation occur at 100% RH. Postexperiment scanning electron microscope observations reveal details of contact junction processes, showing a larger grain‐to‐grain contact area at higher RH. We find that the evolution of contact area depends inversely on slip velocity and directly on RH. Our results illuminate the fundamental processes that dictate stick‐slip frictional sliding and provide important constraints on the mechanisms of rate and state friction.
Universality of slow earthquakes in the very low frequency band
Authors: Ide Satoshi , Yabe Suguru
Published: April 2014

Deep tectonic tremors have been observed together with signals in the very low frequency (VLF) band from 0.02 to 0.05 Hz, which have been identified as VLF events in limited regions of subduction zones. By stacking broadband seismograms relative to the timing of tremors, we have detected similar signals in all regions where tremors occur in western Japan. These signals are inverted to obtain the moment tensor, and the fault‐normal and slip vectors are generally consistent with the geometry of the plate interface and the direction of plate motion. Therefore, these signals are probably radiated by shear slip on the plate interface. The ratio between the seismic energy rate estimated from the tremors and seismic moment rate in the VLF band is almost proportional, with a proportionality constant (i.e., scaled energy) of around 5 × 10−10. The spatial distribution of scaled energy may reflect spatial variations in the frequency‐dependent characteristics of slow deformation.
A comparison between numerical predictions and theoretical and experimental results for laminar core‐annular flow
Authors: Beerens Jeroen C. , Ooms Gijs , Pourquie Mathieu J. B. M. , Westerweel Jerry
Published: April 2014

A numerical study, using the volume‐of‐fluid method, has been made of vertical (upward) laminar core‐annular flow: the flow of a high‐viscosity liquid core surrounded by a laminar low‐viscosity liquid annular layer through a vertical pipe. The numerical results are compared with theoretical results from linear stability calculations and with experimental data. The comparison is good and the general conclusion of our study is that it is very well possible to simulate laminar core‐annular flow in a pipe using the volume‐of‐fluid method. © 2014 The Authors. AIChE Journal, published by Wiley on behalf of the AIChE. AIChE J, 60: 3046–3056, 2014
Controllable fabrication and catalytic activity of highly b‐oriented HZSM‐5 coatings
Authors: Ji Meiling , Liu Guozhu , Wang Li , Zhang Xiangwen
Published: April 2014

Significance

Multilayer b‐orientated HZSM‐5 catalytic coating is controllably synthesized by repeated growth of zeolite layer on TiOH‐modified surface of sublayer. The as‐prepared zeolite coating shows performance enhancement up to 110% in catalytic cracking of n‐dodecane ascribed to enhanced mass transfer in its straight and short pathway along the b‐axis. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 1964–1968, 2014
Performance optimization of an electromembrane reactor for recycling and resource recovery of desulfurization residuals
Authors: Yang Chenglei , Hu Ying , Cao Limei , Yang Ji
Published: April 2014

An environmentally friendly method for electrochemically regenerating alkali‐sorbent (NaOH) and recovering sulfur in the flue gas as H2SO4, while producing H2 as a clean energy source from flue gas desulfurization (FGD) residuals in an electromembrane reactor, was proposed in this article. To optimize and improve the performance, the optimal operating conditions were deduced from the numerical simulation and validated using experimental data. Under the optimized conditions, the current efficiencies of alkali‐sorbent regeneration and H2SO4 reached 84 and 87%, respectively, which is comparable to those obtained in the chlor‐alkali industry. Therefore, this method has the potential to be scaled up. If this technology is integrated into an existing FGD facility, the money‐consuming chemical process could be transferred into a renewable resource and clean energy conversion process. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2613–2624, 2014
Dreidimensionale Proteinnetzwerke durch Zwei‐Photonen‐ Aktivierung
Authors: Gatterdam Volker , Ramadass Radhan , Stoess Tatjana , Fichte Manuela A. H. , Wachtveitl Josef , Heckel Alexander , Tampé Robert
Published: April 2014

Die präzise räumliche und zeitliche Steuerung biologischer Prozesse spielt eine Schlüsselrolle in den Lebens‐ und Materialwissenschaften. Wir haben ein photoaktivierbares Glutathion (GSH) synthetisiert, um seine Interaktion mit der Glutathion‐S‐Transferase (GST) lichtgesteuert mit hoher räumlich‐zeitlicher Auflösung zu induzieren. Diese zwei‐Photonen‐aktivierbare Verbindung zeigt eine schnelle und definierte Umwandlung zu bioaktivem GSH, das in der Folge mit verschiedenen GST‐markierten Proteinen interagieren kann. Die Affinität der GSH/GST‐Interaktion wird durch Licht über mehrere Größenordnungen bis in den nanomolaren Bereich erhöht. In situ können durch fs‐gepulste Zwei‐Photonen‐Anregung gleichzeitig vielfältige, dreidimensionale Proteinnetzwerke generiert werden. Die Zwei‐Photonen‐Aktivierung ermöglicht ein “Schreiben” von dreidimensionalen Proteinstrukturen in Echtzeit mit bisher unerreichter räumlich‐zeitlicher Auflösung und öffnet somit neue weitreichende Anwendungen in den Lebens‐ und Materialwissenschaften.
Nanobiomolekulare Multiproteinarchitekturen zur Etablierung von schaltbaren Signalketten auf Elektroden
Authors: Feifel Sven C. , Kapp Andreas , Ludwig Roland , Lisdat Fred
Published: April 2014

Aus drei Proteinkomponenten wird eine supramolekulare Proteinarchitektur auf Elektroden aufgebaut. Damit kann eine bidirektionale Elektronentransferkaskade infolge intermolekularen Elektronentransfers etabliert werden. Der supramolekulare Aufbau im Multischichtformat wird durch das Einbetten zweier unterschiedlicher Enzyme (Cellobiosedehydrogenase und Laccase), sowie eines Redoxproteins (Cytochrom c) mittels carboxymodifizierten Siliciumdioxidnanopartikeln realisiert. Das Multiproteinsystem ermöglicht die duale Detektion zweier unterschiedlicher Analyte: Laktose und Sauerstoff. Die Kontrolle der Enzymaktivität – das heißt, das selektive Anschalten der Bioelektrokatalyse – wird durch das angelegte Potential erreicht, da hierdurch der Redoxzustand von Cytochrom c vorgegeben wird. Die beiden bidirektionalen Signalketten arbeiten in einer unseparierten Matrix, ohne dass die Anwesenheit des anderen Biokatalysators störend wirkt.
Gold‐Catalyzed C(sp3)H/C(sp)H Coupling/Cyclization/Oxidative Alkynylation Sequence: A Powerful Strategy for the Synthesis of 3‐Alkynyl Polysubstituted Furans
Authors: Ma Yuanhong , Zhang Shuai , Yang Shiping , Song Feijie , You Jingsong
Published: April 2014

In sharp contrast to the gold‐catalyzed reactions of alkynes/allenes with nucleophiles, gold‐catalyzed oxidative cross‐couplings and especially CH/CH cross‐coupling have been under represented. By taking advantage of the unique redox property and carbophilic π acidity of gold, this work realizes the first gold‐catalyzed direct C(sp3)H alkynylation of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds with terminal alkynes under mild reaction conditions, with subsequent cyclization and in situ oxidative alkynylation. A variety of terminal alkynes including aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkyl, and cyclopropyl alkynes all successfully participate in the domino reaction. The protocol offers a simple and region‐defined approach to 3‐alkynyl polysubstituted furans.
Iridium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective CH Alkylation of Ferrocenes with Alkenes Using Chiral Diene Ligands
Authors: Shibata Takanori , Shizuno Tsubasa
Published: April 2014

The first catalytic and enantioselective CH alkylation of ferrocene derivatives with various alkenes was achieved. A cationic iridium complex, having a chiral diene ligand, and an isoquinolyl moiety as a directing group are essential for regioselective and enantioselective CH bond activation.