bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Supplementing Pasture-Based Primiparous Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cows with Crude Degummed Canola Oil on Milk Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Malau-Aduli Aduli Enoch , Otto John Roger , Malau-Aduli Bunmi Sherifat , Nichols Peter David
Published: June 2014

The quest for alternative sources of healthy nutrients that facilitate the modification of milk without compromising drinking quality is a continuous research endeavour. The objective of the study was to the milk fatty acid composition of pasture-based primiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows with crude canola oil (CDCO) with a view to improving the milk quality for beneficial health effects. This study tested the hypothesis that incremental supplementation of grazing primiparous Holstein-Friesian cows with CDCO will alter milk fatty acid composition towards increased total monounsaturates. Comparisons were made between unsupplemented grazing dairy cows and their peers on dietary supplements containing low (25ml/Kg DM), medium (35ml/Kg DM) or high levels (50ml/kg DM) of CDCO in addition to ad libitum grazing access to . There was no significant effect (p>0.05) of CDCO supplementation for eight weeks the proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (tPUFA), omega-3 (ω-3) and omega-6 (ω-6) fatty acids in milk. However, significant impacts of CDCO observed on the proportions of 18:1ω9c, 18:1ω7t, total saturated (tSFA) and total monounsaturated (tMUFA) fatty acids (p<0.005), with a significant increase in the tMUFA/tSFA ratio in cows consuming CDCO. It was concluded that incremental levels of CDCO supplementation can modify the fatty acid composition of milk towards increased monounsaturates without any negative impact on grazing primiparous cows
Empirical Analysis of Body Constitution and Food Intake in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes from a TCM Perspective
Authors: Wong Peggy Yee-Chi , Pang Samantha Mei-Che , Chan Rose Yuk-Pui
Published: June 2014

This study examined the correlations between body constitution (BC) and food intake in a sample of persons with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) from a perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Past research on BC of persons with diabetes (DM) from a TCM perspective revealed imbalanced state of Yin and Yang in terms of Yin-deficiency (YID), Yang-deficiency (YAD), and Yin-Yang-deficiency (YYD). However, no studies have attempted to find out if daily food intake has an influence on Yin–Yang balance. The present study adapted a mixed method, which constituted of two phases. Phase one involved an exploratory case study (n=18) conducted between May and June 2011 and phase two, a descriptive correlation study (n=210) between October and December 2013. Results showed that in phase-one, three cases showed YID and higher food intake in hot/warm nature, 12 cases with YAD and higher food intake in cold/cool nature while three cases with Yin-Yang-deficiency (YYD) and extremely high food intake in cold/cool nature. In phase-two, Spearman’s correlation coefficient between food intake and YID presentations (YIDPs) (hot/warm food: rho=0.34, p=0.000; cold/cool food: rho= 0.18, p=0.006); YAD presentations (YADPs) (hot/warm food: rho=0.18, p=0.008; cold/cool food: rho=0.2, p=0.006); and YYD presentations (YYDPs) (hot/warm food: rho=0.29, p=0.006; cold/cool food: rho=0.2, p=0.003) have been noted. The findings concluded that persons with T2DM and YIDPs, YADPs, or YYDPs tend to have food intakes higher in hot/warm nature or cold/cool nature
Interseccionalidad y políticas públicas LGBTI en Colombia: usos y desplazamientos de una noción crítica
Authors: Esguerra Muelle Camila , Bello Ramírez Jeisson Alanis
Published: June 2014

This article offers an approach to the experiences of public policy formation that have used the concept of intersectionality, in particular, those policies aimed at LGBTI people in Bogota, Valle del Cauca and Colombia in general. We propose an analytical exercise of these experiences, in which we have each participated at different times. These exercises have challenged us in terms of bringing proposals from social movements and academia—such as black feminism and feminisms of color, among other actors—to the realm of the state. Our participation in the formation of these policies, and in writing this article, let us seek strategies that allow for movements among different political arenas and discursive practices, illuminating porosities in and linkages among different scenarios: the state, academia and social movements.
Iglesias y grupos espirituales para la diversidad sexual y de género en México: intersecciones sobre religión y género
Authors: Bárcenas Barajas Karina Berenice
Published: June 2014

Churches and spiritual groups for sexual and gender diversity has won a place in the religious field and, at the same time, has become a response to the exclusion of hetero-normative morality that prevails in some hegemonic religions. This paper presents an approach that sets intersectionality as a starting point with respect to religion and gender, for through the main concepts of bourdian theory give an account of the processes of exclusion/inclusion and standardization of LGBT identities in the religious field. This approach is done through the different positions of the churches and groups for sexual diversity present in Mexico as well as the religious trajectories and spiritual quests of their members.
Algunas reflexiones sobre la construcción cotidiana de la maternidad y la sexualidad de jóvenes madres en la implementación de una política social en el conurbano bonaerense
Authors: Gaitán Ana Cecilia
Published: June 2014

This article describes some progress of a broad ethnographic study of the ways of regulating young women’s bodies and sexualities. It focuses on disputed meanings of young motherhood and abortion in the implementation of social policy for teenagers in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. I will introduce some aspects of the ways some behaviors are constructed as legitimate, and others as illegitimate for young mothers. The purpose is to explore how said categorical construction, produced in everyday implementation, intersects with ideas about their sexualities and the ways in which gender, age and class shape that construction.
Otras prácticas educomunicativas: otras sexualidades, potencialmente otro ethos científico
Authors: Pérez Bustos Tania , Botero Marulanda Daniela
Published: June 2014

This article analyzes the communicative and educational practices performed by female Colombian scientists self-recognized as lesbians. The objective of this study was twofold. Firstly, it seeks to understand the ways in which non-heteronormative sexualities have the potential to re-shape the production/circulation of expert knowledge; especially that which favors androcentric values. Secondly, it seeks to problematize and re-dimension the marginal place of these communicative and educational practices in relation to the production of expert knowledge. Methodologically, the study is based on an ethnographic approach to the edu-communicative practices of eight lesbian scientists in Colombia. Theoretically, it takes the feminist discussions that have studied matters of care in techno-science as a reference point for the analysis.
Calidad de vida urbana: una propuesta para su evaluación
Authors: Jiménez Barbosa Wilson Giovanni , González Borrero Jorge Iván
Published: June 2014

This article presents the methodological basis of the doctoral thesis entitled “Quality of Life in the City of Bogota: An Assessment through the use of the Multidimensional Poverty Index – MPI,” an ongoing investigation. Quality of life, understood as people’s capability to develop their life projects, depends to a large extent on the guarantee that a nation provides its citizens to accede to a range of primary goods, understood as endowments and rights that a state has agreed to provide for its inhabitants. In recent years, Bogota has developed public policies to ensure this type of primary goods to its residents. The overall objective of the study is to evaluate how these actions have improved the quality of life of citizens; for which MPI was selected. The method was designed by Alkire and Foster and adapted to Colombia by the National Planning Department – DNP. It has been applied to each of the localities that make up the political and administrative divisions of the city. The advantage is it can be broken down into each of its dimensions and indicators, facilitating the formulation and evaluation of policies.
Más allá de la racionalidad económica: una nueva aproximación para la comprensión de la emigrante latinoamericana que llega a Santiago de Chile
Authors: Correa Pereira Verónica
Published: June 2014

Until now, migratory flows of Latin American women have predominantly been explained through an ”economic” approach. However, based on testimonies of migrants at the Migrant Integral Care Center (Centro Integral de Atención al Migrante) in Santiago, this article shows other significant considerations that influence the decision to migrate and are not exclusively related to employment. Using a qualitative method, this article will not only describe a foreigner who migrates as part of a family project to satisfy their economic needs, but also a woman who seeks to escape from family and social responsibilities attributed to her gender.
Allosteric inhibition of a stem cell RNA-binding protein by an intermediary metabolite
Authors: Clingman Carina C , Deveau Laura M , Hay Samantha A , Genga Ryan M , Shandilya Shivender MD , Massi Francesca , Ryder Sean P
Published: June 2014

Gene expression and metabolism are coupled at numerous levels. Cells must sense and respond to nutrients in their environment, and specialized cells must synthesize metabolic products required for their function. Pluripotent stem cells have the ability to differentiate into a wide variety of specialized cells. How metabolic state contributes to stem cell differentiation is not understood. In this study, we show that RNA-binding by the stem cell translation regulator Musashi-1 (MSI1) is allosterically inhibited by 18–22 carbon ω-9 monounsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acid binds to the N-terminal RNA Recognition Motif (RRM) and induces a conformational change that prevents RNA association. Musashi proteins are critical for development of the brain, blood, and epithelium. We identify stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 as a MSI1 target, revealing a feedback loop between ω-9 fatty acid biosynthesis and MSI1 activity. We propose that other RRM proteins could act as metabolite sensors to couple gene expression changes to physiological state.
The evolution of tides and tidal dissipation over the past 21,000 years
Authors: Wilmes S.‐B. , Green J. A. M.
Published: June 2014

The 120 m sea‐level drop during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 18–22 kyr BP) had a profound impact on the global tides and lead to an increased tidal dissipation rate, especially in the North Atlantic. Here, we present new simulations of the evolution of the global tides from the LGM to present for the dominating diurnal and semidiurnal constituents. The simulations are undertaken in time slices spanning 500–1000 years. Due to uncertainties in the location of the grounding line of the Antarctic ice sheets during the last glacial, simulations are carried out for two different grounding line scenarios. Our results replicate previously reported enhancements in dissipation and amplitudes of the semidiurnal tide during LGM and subsequent deglaciation, and they provide a detailed picture of the large global changes in M2 tidal dynamics occurring over the deglaciation period. We show that Antarctic ice dynamics and the associated grounding line location have a large influence on global semidiurnal tides, whereas the diurnal tides mainly experience regional changes and are not impacted by grounding line shifts in Antarctica.
How much does heat content of the western tropical Pacific Ocean modulate the South China Sea summer monsoon onset in the last four decades?
Authors: Feng Junqiao , Hu Dunxin
Published: June 2014

The role of the western tropical Pacific Ocean heat content in the South China Sea summer monsoon (SCSSM) onset is investigated in the present paper, by using atmospheric data from NCEP and ocean subsurface temperature data from Japan Meteorology Agency. It is showed from the result that the heat content (HC) of the upper 400 m layer in the western tropical Pacific (WTP), especially in the region of (130°E–150°E, 0°N–14°N) in the last four decades, is a good predictive indicator for the SCSSM onset. Positive (negative) HC anomalies can induce a strong (weak) convection over the WTP, leading to stronger (weaker) Walker circulation and weaker (stronger) western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) in the boreal spring. Consequently, the anomalous westerly (easterly) in the tropical Indian Ocean is favorable (unfavorable) for the airflow into the SCS and for an early (late) WNPSH retreat from the SCS and hence for an early (late) SCSSM onset. It is elucidated that the long‐term trend of SCSSM onset changes its sign around 1993/94 from decline to rise, which is responding and attributed to the WTP HC trend. During the period of 1971–1993, the WTP HC shows a significant decrease trend. In particular, a significant decline trend is observed in the HC difference between the WTP and western tropical Indian Ocean, which causes an easterly trend in the SCS and strengthened WNPSH trend, leading to a late onset trend of SCSSM. The situation is reverse after 1993/94.
Seasonal soil moisture patterns: Controlling transit time distributions in a forested headwater catchment
Authors: Stockinger Michael Paul , Bogena Heye Reemt , Lücke Andreas , Diekkrüger Bernd , Weiler Markus , Vereecken Harry
Published: June 2014

The Transit Time Distribution (TTD) of a catchment is frequently used for understanding flow paths, storage characteristics, and runoff sources. Despite previous studies, the connections between catchment characteristics and TTDs are still not fully understood. We present results from a 2 year stable isotope tracer investigation in the forested Wüstebach headwater catchment (38.5 ha), including precipitation, stream, and tributary locations. We used the gauged outlet to determine effective precipitation (peff), subdivided for wet and dry catchment state, and assumed it to be spatially uniform. We then calculated TTDs of 14 ungauged stream and tributary locations where stable isotope tracer information was available and compared them to respective subcatchment areas and the proportion of riparian zone within the subcatchments. Our approach gave insight into the spatial heterogeneity of TTDs along the Wüstebach River. We found that hydrological hillslope‐riparian zone disconnection was an important factor, as the catchment shifted between two distinct, time‐variant hydrological responses that were governed by seasonal changes of overall catchment wetness. The difference in hydrological behavior of the riparian zone and hillslopes could explain the often encountered “old water phenomenon,” where considerable amounts of old water quickly appear as runoff. TTD results showed a negative correlation between riparian zone proportion and Mean Transit Time (MTT), corroborated by the dense network of soil water content measurements. No correlation between subcatchment size and MTT was found.
Modeling biofilm dynamics and hydraulic properties in variably saturated soils using a channel network model
Authors: Rosenzweig Ravid , Furman Alex , Dosoretz Carlos , Shavit Uri
Published: June 2014

Biofilm effects on water flow in unsaturated environments have largely been ignored in the past. However, intensive engineered systems that involve elevated organic loads such as wastewater irrigation, effluent recharge, and bioremediation processes make understanding how biofilms affect flow highly important. In the current work, we present a channel‐network model that incorporates water flow, substrate transport, and biofilm dynamics to simulate the alteration of soil hydraulic properties, namely water retention and conductivity. The change in hydraulic properties due to biofilm growth is not trivial and depends highly on the spatial distribution of the biofilm development. Our results indicate that the substrate mass transfer coefficient across the water‐biofilm interface dominates the spatiotemporal distribution of biofilm. High mass transfer coefficients lead to uncontrolled biofilm growth close to the substrate source, resulting in preferential clogging of the soil. Low mass transfer coefficients, on the other hand, lead to a more uniform biofilm distribution. The first scenario leads to a dramatic reduction of the hydraulic conductivity with almost no change in water retention, whereas the second scenario has a smaller effect on conductivity but a larger influence on retention. The current modeling approach identifies key factors that still need to be studied and opens the way for simulation and optimization of processes involving significant biological activity in unsaturated soils.
Why are the δ13Corg values in Phanerozoic black shales more negative than in modern marine organic matter?
Authors: Meyers Philip A.
Published: June 2014

The δ13Corg values of Phanerozoic black shales average −27‰, whereas those of modern marine organic matter average −20‰. The black shale isotopic values mimic those of continental organic matter, yet their organic geochemical properties mandate that they contain predominantly marine organic matter. Hypotheses that proposed to explain the low δ13C values of black shales include diagenetic losses of isotopically heavier organic matter components, releases of isotopically light carbon from methane clathrates or extensive magmatic events, greater photosynthetic discrimination against 13C during times of higher atmospheric pCO2, and greenhouse climate stratification of the surface ocean that magnified photic zone recycling of isotopically light organic matter. Although the last possibility seems contrary to the vertical mixing that leads to the high productivity of modern oceanic upwelling systems, it is consistent with the strongly stratified conditions that accompanied deposition of the organic carbon‐rich Pliocene‐Pleistocene sapropels of the Mediterranean Sea. Because most Phanerozoic black shales contain evidence of photic zone anoxia similar to the sapropels, well‐developed surface stratification of the oceans was likely involved in their formation. Existence of isotopically light land plant organic matter during several episodes of extensive magmatism that accompanied black shale deposition implies massive release of mantle CO2 that added to the greenhouse conditions that favored oceanic stratification. The 13C depletion common to most Phanerozoic black shales apparently resulted from a greenhouse climate associated with elevated atmospheric pCO2 that led to a strongly stratified ocean and photic zone recycling of organic matter in, augmented by magmatic CO2 releases.
Full‐halo coronal mass ejections: Arrival at the Earth
Authors: Shen Chenglong , Wang Yuming , Pan Zonghao , Miao Bin , Ye Pinzhong , Wang S.
Published: June 2014

A geomagnetic storm is mainly caused by a frontside coronal mass ejection (CME) hitting the Earth and then interacting with the magnetosphere. However, not all frontside CMEs can hit the Earth. Thus, which CMEs hit the Earth and when they do so are important issues in the study and forecasting of space weather. In our previous work, the deprojected parameters of the full‐halo coronal mass ejections (FHCMEs) that occurred from 1 March 2007 to 31 May 2012 were estimated, and there are 39 frontside events that could be fitted by the Graduated Cylindrical Shell model. In this work, we continue to study whether and when these frontside FHCMEs (FFHCMEs) hit the Earth. It is found that 59% of these FFHCMEs hit the Earth, and for central events, whose deviation angles ϵ, which are the angles between the propagation direction and the Sun‐Earth line, are smaller than 45°, the fraction increases to 75%. After checking the deprojected angular widths of the CMEs, we found that all of the Earth‐encountered CMEs satisfy a simple criterion that the angular width (ω) is larger than twice the deviation angle (ϵ). This result suggests that some simple criteria can be used to forecast whether a CME could hit the Earth. Furthermore, for Earth‐encountered CMEs, the transit time is found to be roughly anticorrelated with the deprojected velocity, but some events significantly deviate from the linearity. For CMEs with similar velocities, the differences of their transit times can be up to several days. Such deviation is further demonstrated to be mainly caused by the CME geometry and propagation direction, which are essential in the forecasting of CME arrival.
The nascent Kuroshio of Lamon Bay
Authors: Gordon Arnold L. , Flament Pierre , Villanoy Cesar , Centurioni Luca
Published: June 2014

A northward flowing current, emanating from the North Equatorial Current (NEC) bifurcation at the Philippine margin, enters Lamon Bay along Luzon's eastern coast. There the NEC tropical water masses merge with subtropical water of the western North Pacific to form the Kuroshio. A northward flowing western boundary current is first observed near 16.5°N, marking the initiation of the Kuroshio. The current feeding into the nascent Kuroshio of Lamon Bay is bracketed by an anticyclonic dipole to its northeast and a cyclonic dipole to its southwest. Ship‐based observational programs in the spring seasons of 2011 and 2012 detect a shift of the Lamon Bay thermohaline stratification with marked enrichment of NEC tropical thermocline water in 2012 relative to a dominant western North Pacific subtropical stratification of 2011. Temperature‐salinity time series from moorings spanning the two ship‐based observations identify the timing of the transition as December 2011. The NEC bifurcation was further south in May 2012 than in May 2011. We suggest that the more southern bifurcation in May 2012 induced increased NEC thermocline water injection into Lamon Bay and nascent Kuroshio, increasing the linkage of the western North Pacific subtropical and tropical thermoclines. This connection was reduced in May 2011 as the NEC bifurcation shifted into a more northerly position and western North Pacific subtropical thermocline dominated Lamon Bay stratification.
Data assimilative modeling investigation of Gulf Stream Warm Core Ring interaction with continental shelf and slope circulation
Authors: Chen Ke , He Ruoying , Powell Brian S. , Gawarkiewicz Glen G. , Moore Andrew M. , Arango Hernan G.
Published: June 2014

A data assimilative ocean circulation model is used to hindcast the interaction between a large Gulf Stream Warm Core Ring (WCR) with the Mid‐Atlantic Bight (MAB) shelf and slope circulation. Using the recently developed Incremental Strong constraint 4D Variational (I4D‐Var) data assimilation algorithm, the model assimilates mapped satellite sea surface height (SSH), sea surface temperature (SST), in situ temperature, and salinity profiles measured by expendable bathythermograph, Argo floats, shipboard CTD casts, and glider transects. Model validations against independent hydrographic data show 60% and 57% error reductions in temperature and salinity, respectively. The WCR significantly changed MAB continental slope and shelf circulation. The mean cross‐shelf transport induced by the WCR is estimated to be 0.28 Sv offshore, balancing the mean along‐shelf transport by the shelfbreak jet. Large heat/salt fluxes with peak values of 8900 W m−2/4 × 10−4 kg m−2 s−1 are found when the WCR was impinging upon the shelfbreak. Vorticity analysis reveals the nonlinear advection term, as well as the residual of joint effect of baroclinicity and bottom relief (JEBAR) and advection of potential vorticity (APV) play important roles in controlling the variability of the eddy vorticity.
Pathways of the Agulhas waters poleward of 29°S
Authors: Wang Jinbo , Mazloff Matthew R. , Gille Sarah T.
Published: June 2014

Passive tracers are advected in a Southern Ocean State Estimate (SOSE) to map the pathways of Agulhas waters, with a focus on determining where the Agulhas waters intrude into the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). Results show that Agulhas waters spread into all three ocean basins within 3 years of release. After leaving the African continent, the mean Agulhas water pathway tilts northwest toward the South Atlantic and southeast toward the ACC. The majority (from 60% to 100% depending on specific water mass) of the Agulhas waters stay in the South Indian Ocean north of the Sub‐Antarctic Front. From 10 to 28% enters the South Atlantic Ocean through the boundary current along the southern tip of South Africa and via Agulhas rings in the retroflection region. Up to 12% of intermediate depth Agulhas waters enter the ACC. Most of the tracer transport into the ACC occurs just downstream of the Kerguelen Plateau, which clearly demonstrates the importance of topography in elevating cross‐frontal exchange. Agulhas waters also contribute to Sub‐Antarctic Mode Water formation in the Southeast Indian Ocean by lateral advection. The surface Agulhas waters are preconditioned by strong surface buoyancy loss before turning into mode water, while the intermediate Agulhas waters are advected to the mode water formation region along isopycnals before being drawn into the mixed layer.
Residual shear strength variability as a primary control on movement of landslides reactivated by earthquake‐induced ground motion: Implications for coastal Oregon, U.S.
Authors: Schulz William H. , Wang Gonghui
Published: June 2014

Most large seismogenic landslides are reactivations of preexisting landslides with basal shear zones in the residual strength condition. Residual shear strength often varies during rapid displacement, but the response of residual shear zones to seismic loading is largely unknown. We used a ring shear apparatus to perform simulated seismic loading tests, constant displacement rate tests, and tests during which shear stress was gradually varied on specimens from two landslides to improve understanding of coseismic landslide reactivation and to identify shear strength models valid for slow gravitational failure through rapid coseismic failure. The landslides we studied represent many along the Oregon, U.S., coast. Seismic loading tests resulted in (1) catastrophic failure involving unbounded displacement when stresses represented those for the existing landslides and (2) limited to unbounded displacement when stresses represented those for hypothetical dormant landslides, suggesting that coseismic landslide reactivation may be significant during future great earthquakes occurring near the Oregon Coast. Constant displacement rate tests indicated that shear strength decreased exponentially during the first few decimeters of displacement but increased logarithmically with increasing displacement rate when sheared at 0.001 cm s−1 or greater. Dynamic shear resistance estimated from shear strength models correlated well with stresses observed during seismic loading tests, indicating that displacement rate and amount primarily controlled failure characteristics. We developed a stress‐based approach to estimate coseismic landslide displacement that utilizes the variable shear strength model. The approach produced results that compared favorably to observations made during seismic loading tests, indicating its utility for application to landslides.
Aeolian particle flux profiles and transport unsteadiness
Authors: Bauer Bernard O. , Davidson‐Arnott Robin G. D.
Published: June 2014

Vertical profiles of aeolian sediment flux are commonly modeled as an exponential decay of particle (mass) transport with height above the surface. Data from field and wind‐tunnel studies provide empirical support for this parameterization, although a large degree of variation in the precise shape of the vertical flux profile has been reported. This paper explores the potential influence of wind unsteadiness and time‐varying intensity of transport on the geometry (slope, curvature) of aeolian particle flux profiles. Field evidence from a complex foredune environment demonstrates that (i) the time series of wind and sediment particle flux are often extremely variable with periods of intense transport (referred to herein as sediment “flurries”) separated by periods of weak or no transport; (ii) sediment flurries contribute the majority of transport in a minority of the time; (iii) the structure of a flurry includes a “ramp‐up” phase lasting a few seconds, a “core” phase lasting a few seconds to many tens of seconds, and a “ramp‐down” phase lasting a few seconds during which the system relaxes to a background, low‐intensity transport state; and (iv) conditional averaging of flux profiles for flurry and nonflurry periods reveals differences between the geometry of the mean profiles and hence the transport states that produce them. These results caution against the indiscriminate reliance on regression statistics derived from time‐averaged sediment flux profiles, especially those with significant flurry and nonflurry periods, when calibrating or assessing the validity of steady state models of aeolian saltation.
A slab model of the Great Salt Lake for regional climate simulation
Authors: Strong C. , Kochanski A. K. , Crosman E. T.
Published: June 2014

A slab lake model was developed for the Great Salt Lake (GSL) and coupled to a regional climate model to enable better evaluation of regional effects of projected climate change. The GSL is hypersaline with an area of approximately 4400 km2, and its notable shallowness (the deeper sections average 6.5–9 m at current lake levels) renders it highly sensitive to climate change. A time‐independent (constant) effective mixing depth of approximately 5 m was determined for the GSL by numerically optimizing model‐observation agreement, and improvement gained using a time‐dependent effective mixing depth assumption was smaller than the uncertainty in the satellite‐based observations. The slab model with constant effective mixing depth accounted for more than 97% of the variance in satellite‐based observations of GSL surface temperature for years 2001 through 2003. Using a lake surface temperature climatology in place of the lake model resulted in annual mean near‐surface air temperature differences that were small (∼10−2 K) away from the lake, but differences in annual precipitation downstream reached 3 cm (4.5%) mainly because of enhanced turbulent heat fluxes off the lake during spring. When subjected to a range of pseudo global warming scenarios, the annual mean lake surface temperature increased by 0.8°C per degree of air temperature increase.
Restoration Ecology: Principles
Authors: Cairns John
Published: June 2014

Restoration is defined as natural resource repair of an ecosystem which has been disturbed or damaged. The ecosystem is restored as closely as possible to its condition prior to the damage or disturbance (U. S. Research Council, 1992, p. 18). Both the structure and the functions of the ecosystem are recreated. Merely recreating the form without the functions, or the functions in an artificial configuration bearing little resemblance to a natural resource, does not constitute restoration. The goal is to emulate a natural, functioning, self‐regulating system that is integrated with the ecological landscape in which it occurs.

A major new issue for restoration ecology is the increased probability that a planetary state shift is in progress or likely to occur. A planetary state shift produces major alterations in the biosphere, resulting from major shifts in physical and chemical conditions. Restoration to predisturbance condition becomes increasingly improbable on such a major scale.

Key Concepts:

Ecological restoration to predisturbance condition, or an approximation thereof, is possible.

Restoration should include both structure and function.

At present, ecological damage markedly exceeds ecological repair.

The goal of restoration is to emulate a natural, functioning, self‐regulating system that is integrated with the ecological landscape in which it occurs.

Biological, physical and chemical monitoring are essential to determine if pre‐existing quality conditions have been met.

A team qualified to take remedial action must be in place to take action if monitoring shows that quality control conditions are not being met.

A restoration project must include a specific project mission, goals and objectives and a schematic restoration scenario.

Restoring to predisturbance condition may not be possible due to climate change, so a constructed ecosystem may be the alternative.

If a self‐maintaining system cannot be achieved, subsidies may be essential.

Restoration projects are never risk free, so attention should be given to the reasons that projects fail.
Evolution of Skin Pigmentation Differences in Humans
Authors: López Saioa , Alonso Santos
Published: June 2014

Human skin pigmentation is a complex trait that evolved as an adaptation to local environmental conditions. The distribution of human skin colour is highly correlated with the intensity of incident ultraviolet radiation. Several hypotheses that assign a key role to natural selection have been proposed to explain the global distribution of human skin pigmentation, such as photoprotection, protection against low vitamin D levels and protection against folate deficiency. The genetics underlying skin colour variability is also being deeply investigated. A handful of genes have already been reported to be associated with the normal pigmentation variability and/or to be under the action of natural selection:
TYR, TYRP1, TYRP2, OCA2, SLC45A2, SLC24A5, MC1R, ASIP, MITF, KITLG
and, recently, β‐defensins. Genome‐wide scans have suggested many other candidate genes with a role in pigmentation variability. However, functional studies should be carried out in order to ascertain the significance of these findings.

Key Concepts:

Human skin colour evolved as an adaptation to local environmental conditions.

Dark skin probably originated after the loss of fur by our ancestors in Africa.

A highly pigmented skin reduces the damaging effects of UV radiation, such as skin cancer, sunburn or folic acid photolysis.

Light skin probably originated after the Out‐of‐Africa exodus, of modern Homo sapiens into Eurasia, approximately 100 000 years ago.

Skin depigmentation at higher latitudes occurred independently in Asia and Europe.

Lighter skins allow UV radiation to penetrate the skin to catalyse the synthesis of vitamin D.
Population Biology of Plant Pathogens
Authors: Shaw Michael W
Published: June 2014

Population change in plant pathogens is driven by environmental factors, especially wetness and temperature, and by intrinsic and induced host resistance. For pathogens except those of woody tissue, turnover of host tissue, and decline in pathogen population during periods when the host is absent or conditions unsuitable for infection produce intrinsic fluctuations in populations. Movement of propagules to new hosts is much more efficient in denser host stands, introducing density dependence at a larger scale. The reduction of host populations by a successful pathogen both allows space for other plants to grow, and introduces selective forces increasing resistance in the host. This gives rise to a coevolutionary race between host and pathogen, resulting in both diversity and turnover of genetic elements involved in defence signalling. Rare movement of pathogens between subpopulations of a metapopulation introduces a further birth–death process causing fluctuations in disease and selection pressures on relevant genetic elements.

Key Concepts:

Population densities of plant pathogens are set by the balance between pathogen infection and host turnover.

Populations of plant pathogens are rarely stable, but cycle from high to low across seasons.

Environmental factors modulate or limit but do not regulate pathogen abundance.

Asexual reproduction is often associated with shorter distance dispersal mechanisms and sexual reproduction with longer distance mechanisms.

Density‐dependence acts at the level of the individual host, the host population and within metapopulations.

Pathogens increase biodiversity by disadvantaging common hosts.

Coevolution between host and pathogen leads to continuing change and diversity in pathogenesis related parts of the genome.

When a pathogen encounters a susceptible host not coevolved with it – for example, through trade – a dramatic drop in host density may occur.
Molecular Genetics of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Mestroni Luisa , Tharp Charles A , Sweet Mary E , Graw Sharon L , Taylor Matthew RG
Published: June 2014

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an autosomal dominant disease characterised by dilation of the left ventricle and reduced systolic function. Although hundreds of mutations in more than 40 genes have been attributed to DCM, affecting a wide variety of structural proteins, conduction pathways and contraction mechanisms, this accounts for approximately 40% of familial genetic causes. Additionally, due to low prevalence of any particular single gene mutation in the population, as well as genetic overlap with other cardiomyopathies and diagnostic technology limitations, the diagnosis of DCM remains difficult. The introduction of high‐throughput
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
sequencing through multigene testing panels has improved diagnostic sensitivity. Furthermore, functional studies have provided innovative approaches to advance collective understanding of DCM aetiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis.

Key Concepts:

DCM is an autosomal dominant disease affecting 1 in 2500 individuals with up to 50% of cases attributed to genetic causes.

Approximately 40 genes have been discovered as part of DCM aetiology, but this accounts for only 40% of genetic cases.

Mutations causing DCM have been discovered in multiple cardiomyocyte proteins and pathways, with most mutations representing a rare cause of DCM and each contributing a low frequency of DCM cases.

Mutated genes involved in DCM include those encoding sarcomeric, cytoskeleton, nuclear membrane and ion channel proteins; most mutations leads to a similar DCM phenotype.

DCM‐associated rare gene variants found both in research and clinical settings require confirmatory and follow‐up studies, because some of them may eventually result in benign common variations.

Functional studies model systems and animal models, such as in zebrafish, are useful for clearly observing the heart, and these studies have been successful in demonstrating distinct cardiac phenotypes for DCM‐related gene mutations.
Raman Spectroscopy in Analysis of Biomolecules
Authors: Niaura Gediminas
Published: June 2014

Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a vibrational spectroscopy technique based on the phenomenon of inelastic light scattering from matter (the Raman effect). It is a versatile tool for probing of biological events at the molecular level and for identification of biomolecules. The characteristic mark of modern RS is the variety of techniques used to explore the Raman effect. In this article the advantages and limitations of different methodologies including conventional Raman, resonance Raman (RR), ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR), surface‐enhanced Raman (SER), surface‐enhanced resonance Raman (SERR), Fourier transform Raman (FT‐Raman), micro‐Raman, time‐resolved Raman, and coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopies that can be used for analysis of structure and function of biomolecules are discussed. RR and UVRR spectroscopies are particularly important in biological applications since chromophoric groups (active centers in proteins, aromatic amino acid residues, and nucleotides), which in many cases are responsible for the function of biomolecules, can be probed selectively, by tuning the excitation wavelength to the electronic absorption transition of the chromophore. Surface‐enhanced techniques (SER and SERR) are the most sensitive, allowing RS of single biomolecules. The interpretation of the Raman spectra of biomolecules requires identification of spectra‐structure correlations. Numerous marker bands for conformation, hydrogen bonding, protonation, and hydrophobic interaction of the main constituents of biopolymers are provided and discussed.
Microspectroscopy in the Mid‐Infrared
Authors: Pollock Hubert M. , Kazarian Sergei G.
Published: June 2014

The first type of infrared (IR) microscope to be developed, and still in general use, provides optical visualization plusIRspectroscopic data collection. Its essential features include

reflective optics for focusing, collecting, and imaging transmitted or reflectedIRradiation from the sample onto a detector,

one or more variable apertures located in an image plane of the sample, which serve to define the area to be recorded, and

a visible light path, which is parfocal and collinear with theIRlight path so that the sample can be viewed and positioned.

The accessory is coupled to a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer by a set of transfer optics from the interferometer into the microscope. The analyst is thus provided with the capability to performIRtransmission, absorption–reflection, specular reflection, and diffuse reflection experiments on microscopic samples. Using special microscope objectives or accessories, attenuated total reflection (ATR) and grazing angle reflection experiments can be performed as well.IRmicrospectroscopy can also be used to map a sample's heterogeneity using a motorized stage in conjunction with a standard mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector.

Alternatively, the second (more recent and more advanced) technique employs focal‐plane array (FPA) detection coupled with step‐scan interferometry forIRchemical imaging, where the image contrast is determined by the response of individual sample regions to particularIRwavelengths selected by the user. Thus, spatial and spectral information can be collected simultaneously.

The superior contrast attained by functional group imaging and the selectivity found in the mid‐IRregion has been shown to be a powerful analytical tool.

However, diffraction ultimately limits the quality of the spectral information obtained, and its effects may include poor spatial resolution, a reduction in photometric accuracy, and unreliable band intensities. Furthermore, unwanted optical effects from microscopic samples can also affect the quality of the spectrum, and sample preparation techniques must often consider a sample's thickness, diameter, refractive index, and shape. These limitations have to some extent been circumvented by the development of near‐field techniques such as scanning near‐field optical microscopy (SNOM), IR apertureless scattering scanning near‐field optical microscopy (s‐SNOM), photothermal microspectroscopy (PTMS), and atomic force microscopy‐infrared (AFM‐IR, alternatively known asphotothermally induced resonance, PTIR).IRmicroscopes that rely on near‐field imaging have not yet become ‘standard’ technology but are increasingly coming into use.
New Sample Preparation Strategies for Analytical Determinations
Authors: Quintana José B. , Ramil María , Rodil Rosario , Rodriguez Isaac , Cela Rafael
Published: June 2014

Sample preparation techniques have experienced an explosive development during the past decades. Procedural approached that uses minimal sample amounts reducing to the limit and sometimes eliminating completely the use of toxic and/or environmentally unfriendly solvents and reagents have emerged as standard in the analytical laboratory. At the same time, significant improvements in sensitivity and selectivity have appeared. This article revisited the principal developments of sample preparation methods for analytical determinations as produced recently. The approach is systematic, classifying the procedures into two broad groups: methods based on equilibrium and exhaustive methods. In each case, the principal methods are revisited with a brief description about the principles and chemistry involved and some examples in each case. A large number of bibliographic references allow a deeper study on each case, when necessary.
Metal‐Enhanced Fluorescence of Photosynthetic Complexes
Authors: Mackowski Sebastian
Published: June 2014

Plasmon excitations in metallic nanoparticles provide elegant and effective means for manipulating the optical properties of emitters at the nanoscale. We describe several experimental results obtained for peridinin‐chlorophyll‐protein (PCP), an algal light‐harvesting complex, coupled to metallic nanoparticles with varied morphology and thus plasmonic properties. These include spherical gold nanoparticles and silver nanowires. By combining fluorescence microscopy with spectrally and time‐resolved fluorescence techniques, we demonstrate strong influence of plasmon excitations on the fluorescence of the light‐harvesting complex. Depending on the actual geometry of a hybrid nanostructure, we can observe increase in fluorescence rate or increase in absorption or the combination of both processes. Fluorescence transients measured for the
PCP
complexes coupled to metallic nanoparticles indicate in most cases shortening of the fluorescence lifetime pointing toward modifications of radiative rate due to plasmonic interactions. The results can be applied for developing ways to plasmonically control the light‐harvesting capability of photosynthetic complexes.
Brain Fingerprinting: Detection of Concealed Information
Authors: Farwell Lawrence A.
Published: June 2014

Brain fingerprinting is a technique to detect concealed information stored in the brain by measuring brainwave responses noninvasively. An electroencephalographic event‐related potential brain response known as a P300‐MERMER is elicited by stimuli that are significant in the present context. Brain fingerprinting detects a P300‐MERMER response to words or pictures relevant to a crime scene, terrorist training, bomb‐making knowledge, inside knowledge of a terrorist cell or intelligence agency, and so on. It detects information stored in the brain by measuring cognitive information processing. The brain fingerprinting method computes a determination of “information present” or “information absent” and a statistical confidence for the individual determination. Brain fingerprinting is not lie detection. It does not detect lies, stress, or emotion. In the tests conducted so far, including laboratory and field tests at the FBI, CIA, US Navy, and elsewhere, there has been a 0% error rate: no false positives and no false negatives. About 3% of results have been “indeterminate”. Brain fingerprinting has been applied in criminal cases and ruled admissible in trial court. Scientific standards for brain fingerprinting tests are discussed. Meeting the brain fingerprinting scientific standards developed from the tests so far is necessary for accuracy and validity. Brain fingerprinting is highly resistant to countermeasures. Principles of applying brain fingerprinting in the laboratory and the field are discussed.
Odontology: Human Identification
Authors: Pretty Iain A. , Freeman Adam J.
Published: June 2014

For many forensic dentists the identification of found human remains will comprise most of their case work. However, there is rarely a typical dental identification. The resilience of teeth and their supporting tissues to peri‐ and postmortem assaults provides a wealth of information for those interested in the identity of the deceased. Chemical attack, burning, burial, submersion, and even severe head and neck trauma are all withstood by the dentition to an extent that may make identification possible. The lack of a tentative identification or failure to locate dental or similar antemortem records is a more common reason for an odontological investigation to fail. Herein, the techniques employed by forensic dentists to identify human remains and some recent developments in this area are described. The processes of aging, facial reconstruction, and superimposition are described as the use of dental profiling.