bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weather effects on corn response to in-season nitrogen rates
Authors: Xie M. , Tremblay N. , Tremblay G. , Bourgeois G. , Bouroubi M. Y. , Wei Z.
Published: April 2013

Xie, M., Tremblay, N., Tremblay, G., Bourgeois, G., Bouroubi, M. Y. and Wei, Z. 2013. Weather effects on corn response to in-season nitrogen rates. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 407–417. The response of corn yield to in-season nitrogen rate (ISNR) fertilizer applications in a temperate humid climate is conditioned to a great extent by prevailing weather conditions, which affect nitrogen use efficiency and raise the level of uncertainty for making management decisions. A better understanding of the effects of temperature, expressed as accumulated corn heat units (CHU), and precipitation would help to ensure that a “closer-to-optimal” nitrogen rate is supplied at side-dressing. A meta-analysis was performed using a database of nitrogen response trials conducted from 1997 to 2008 in 60 locations in the corn grain production area of Québec, in conjunction with a weather database. Meta-analysis is a statistical procedure for combining results from a series of studies that is used in many fields of research. It is used to assess treatment effect (also called effect size) in a group of studies or experiments. Corn yield response to ISNR was negatively correlated with overall CHU accumulation, but positively correlated with CHU accumulation before side-dressing. Responses also showed a stronger relationship with cumulative precipitation (PPT) before side-dressing than after side-dressing. High and evenly distributed precipitation before side-dressing tended to increase responses to ISNR. It can be concluded that low CHU, low precipitation and low precipitation evenness before side-dressing reduce the impact of ISNR on corn yield.
Equivariant CW-complexes and the orbit category
Authors: Hambleton Ian , Pamuk Semra , Yalçın Ergün
Published: April 2013

We give a general framework for studying

G

-CW complexes via the orbit category. As an application we show that the symmetric group

G=S_5

admits a finite

G

-CW complex

X

homotopy equivalent to a sphere, with cyclic isotropy subgroups.
Vertices of closed curves in Riemannian surfaces
Authors: Ghomi Mohammad
Published: April 2013

We uncover some connections between the topology of a complete Riemannian surface

M

and the minimum number of
vertices
, i.e., critical points of geodesic curvature, of closed curves in

M

. In particular we show that the space forms with finite fundamental group are the only surfaces in which every simple closed curve has more than two vertices. Further we characterize the simply connected space forms as the only surfaces in which every closed curve bounding a compact immersed surface has more than two vertices.
Hypersurfaces with degenerate duals and the Geometric Complexity Theory Program
Authors: Landsberg Joseph M. , Manivel Laurent , Ressayre Nicolas
Published: April 2013

We determine set-theoretic defining equations for the variety

\mathit{Dual}_{k,d,N} \subset \mathbb{P} (S^d\mathbb{C}^N)

of hypersurfaces of degree

d

in

\mathbb{C}^N

that have dual variety of dimension at most

k

. We apply these equations to the Mulmuley–Sohoni variety

\overline{\mathrm{GL}_{n^2}\cdot [\det_n]} \subset \mathbb{P} (S^n\mathbb{C}^{n^2})

, showing it is an irreducible component of the variety of hypersurfaces of degree

n

in

\mathbb{C}^{n^2}

with dual of dimension at most

2n-2

. We establish additional geometric properties of the Mulmuley–Sohoni variety and prove a quadratic lower bound for the determinantal border-complexity of the permanent.
Grids with dense values
Authors: Shapira Uri
Published: April 2013

Given a continuous function from Euclidean space to the real line, we analyze (under some natural assumption on the function), the set of values it takes on translates of lattices. Our results are of the flavor: For almost any translate the set of values is dense in the set of possible values. The results are then applied to a variety of concrete examples obtaining new information in classical discussions in different areas in mathematics; in particular, Minkowski’s conjecture regarding products of inhomogeneous forms and inhomogeneous Diophantine approximations.
Pantallas para ver el mundo. Estereotipación televisiva de la población indígena mexicana y generación de prejuicio
Authors: Muñiz Carlos , Saldierna Alma Rosa , De Jesús Marañón Felipe , Rodríguez Alba Belinda
Published: April 2013

Los estereotipos son creencias estructuradas socialmente sobre un grupo social concreto, que pueden derivar del contacto directo o indirecto con miembros de ese grupo. En este sentido, se ha planteado que los medios de comunicación pueden generar un proceso de estereotipación que conlleva la activación de estereotipos que impactan en actitudes más o menos prejuiciosas. Objetivos. El estudio busca estudiar si este proceso se produce con respecto a la población indígena mexicana, en el contexto de la Zona Metropolitana de Monterrey. Metodología. Se realizó un estudio en dos fases: en la primera se analizó mediante un análisis de contenido los estereotipos mediáticos de los indígenas en los programas de ficción de la televisión; en la segunda se evaluó mediante una encuesta la relación entre las creencias y la actitud prejuiciosa demostrada hacia la población indígena por los estudiantes de bachillerato de la zona metropolitana de Monterrey. Conclusiones. Los resultados reflejan el impacto del consumo y de los estereotipos sobre el nivel de prejuicio mantenido, pero no así un proceso de estereotipación.
A Comment on “Self-Consumption in Wrongful Death Cases: Decedent or Family Income?”
Authors: Krueger Kurt V.
Published: April 2013

In a recent article in the Journal of Forensic Economics, Michael L. Brookshire and Frank L. Slesnick presented their analysis of the husband or wife decedent self-consumption literature. This comment presents two counter-arguments to their self-consumption methodology which renders their preference to the family income approach inconclusive. I first review the Brookshire and Slesnick make-whole damages doctrine and then I discuss the problems with forecasting household income.
A Reply to “A Comment on Self-Consumption in Wrongful Death Cases: Decedent or Family Income?”
Authors: Brookshire Michael L. , Slesnick Frank L.
Published: April 2013

This Reply responds to a comment made to our article titled “Self-consumption in Wrongful Death Cases: Decedent or Family Income?” published recently in the Journal of Forensic Economics 2009. The Comment's two main points are that our definition of the “make-whole” doctrine is not exclusive and the forensic economic literature is not able as yet to forecast total household income. It is our contention that the first point is simply incorrect and that the second point, although containing some validity, does not justify using a method of calculating economic loss just because the forensic economist will find it difficult to forecast the earnings of two individuals rather than one individual.
Can Statements of Ethical Principles and Codes of Practice Make a Difference? The Results of a NAFE Survey
Authors: Ward John O. , Thornton Robert J.
Published: April 2013

In September 2011 the authors conducted a survey of the membership of NAFE on their attitudes regarding the NAFE Statement of Ethical Principles and Principles of Professional Practice (SEP/PPP) adopted by NAFE as a condition of membership. More specifically, the questionnaire was designed to ascertain the extent to which ethical problems have been encountered in the practice of forensic economics and the influence that NAFE's SEP/PPP has had in mitigating the problems. This article presents a complete summary of the results of that survey.
Professional Economic Ethics: The Posnerian and Naïve Perspectives
Authors: DeMartino George
Published: April 2013

There are two broad ways to think about the nature and purpose of professional economic ethics. The first (The Posnerian View), which comes most readily to mind for economists, is ethical legislation that is intended to prohibit illicit or otherwise inappropriate behavior by the members of a profession. The goal is to prevent bad or weak-willed professionals from doing bad things. In this way of thinking, professional ethics must take the form of a binding code of conduct that spells out the “do's” and “don'ts” of professional practice. A second view, the Naïve View, argues that professional ethics is something other than a code of conduct. In this view, professional ethics seeks to enable virtuous practitioners to do good. This view presents an expansive view of professional ethics—as a tradition of careful inquiry into the full range of ethical issues that arise in the context of professional practice.

This paper elaborates the central assumptions and claims of these two perspectives on professional ethics, and explores what these two perspectives imply about the content of and prospects for professional economic ethics. The paper criticizes the Posnerian View, advocates the Naïve View, and teases out what the latter perspective implies for the economics profession.
2012 Survey of Forensic Economists: Their Methods, Estimates, and Perspectives
Authors: Slesnick Frank L. , Luthy Michael R. , Brookshire Michael L.
Published: April 2013

In January 2012, 583 e-mail invitations to complete an electronic survey were sent to National Association of Forensic Economics (NAFE) members, with libraries and attorneys excluded. The return rate was 32.42%, which is almost 9 percentage points higher than the last paper survey in 2003. The survey covered many of the major topics included in earlier surveys, such as values of important economic variables (e.g., discount rates), trends in the practice of forensic economics (e.g., personal sources of earnings), and open-ended questions concerning ethics and reactions to the survey instrument. There were several new questions. Very few respondents have estimated damages in such categories as pain and suffering, companionship, and guidance; few add agency fees to household services estimates; and it is uncommon for respondents to estimate worklife expectancy differently for self-employed persons versus employees.
Droplet number uncertainties associated with CCN: an assessment using observations and a global model adjoint
Authors: Moore R. H. , Karydis V. A. , Capps S. L. , Lathem T. L. , Nenes A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We use the Global Modelling Initiative (GMI) chemical transport model with a cloud droplet parameterisation adjoint to quantify the sensitivity of cloud droplet number concentration to uncertainties in predicting CCN concentrations. Published CCN closure uncertainties for six different sets of simplifying compositional and mixing state assumptions are used as proxies for modelled CCN uncertainty arising from application of those scenarios. It is found that cloud droplet number concentrations (Nd) are fairly insensitive to the number concentration (Na) of aerosol which act as CCN over the continents (∂lnNd/∂lnNa ~10–30%), but the sensitivities exceed 70% in pristine regions such as the Alaskan Arctic and remote oceans. This means that CCN concentration uncertainties of 4–71% translate into only 1–23% uncertainty in cloud droplet number, on average. Since most of the anthropogenic indirect forcing is concentrated over the continents, this work shows that the application of Köhler theory and attendant simplifying assumptions in models is not a major source of uncertainty in predicting cloud droplet number or anthropogenic aerosol indirect forcing for the liquid, stratiform clouds simulated in these models. However, it does highlight the sensitivity of some remote areas to pollution brought into the region via long-range transport (e.g., biomass burning) or from seasonal biogenic sources (e.g., phytoplankton as a source of dimethylsulfide in the southern oceans). Since these transient processes are not captured well by the climatological emissions inventories employed by current large-scale models, the uncertainties in aerosol-cloud interactions during these events could be much larger than those uncovered here. This finding motivates additional measurements in these pristine regions, for which few observations exist, to quantify the impact (and associated uncertainty) of transient aerosol processes on cloud properties.
Water uptake is independent of the inferred composition of secondary aerosols derived from multiple biogenic VOCs
Authors: Alfarra M. R. , Good N. , Wyche K. P. , Hamilton J. F. , Monks P. S. , Lewis A. C. , McFiggans G. B.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We demonstrate that the water uptake properties derived from sub- and super-saturated measurements of chamber-generated biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles are independent of their degree of oxidation determined using both online and offline methods. SOA particles are formed from the photooxidation of five structurally different biogenic VOCs representing a broad range of emitted species and their corresponding range of chemical reactivity: α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene and linalool. The fractional contribution of mass fragment 44 to the total organic signal (f44) is used to characterise the extent of oxidation of the formed SOA as measured online by an aerosol mass spectrometer. Results illustrate that the values of f44 are dependent on the precursor, the extent of photochemical ageing as well as on the initial experimental conditions. SOA generated from a single biogenic precursor should therefore not be used as a general proxy for biogenic SOA. Similarly, the generated SOA particles exhibit a range of hygroscopic properties depending on the precursor, its initial mixing ratio and photochemical ageing. The activation behaviour of the formed SOA particles show no temporal trends with photochemical ageing. The average κ values derived from the HTDMA and CCNc are generally found to cover the same range for each precursor under two different initial mixing ratio conditions. A positive correlation is observed between the hygroscopicity of particles of a single size and f44 for α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, linalool and myrcene, but not for limonene SOA. The investigation of the generality of this relationship reveal that α-pinene, limonene, linalool and myrcene are all able to generate particles with similar hygroscopicity (κHTDMA ~0.1) despite f44 exhibiting a relatively wide range of values (~4 to 11%). Similarly, κCCN is found to be independent of f44. The same findings are also true when sub- and super-saturated water uptake properties of SOA are compared to the averaged carbon oxidation state (OSC) determined using an off-line method. These findings do not necessarily suggest that water uptake and chemical composition are not related. Instead, they suggest that either f44 and OSC do not represent the main dominant composition-related factors controlling water uptake of SOA particles, or they emphasise the possible impact of semi-volatile compounds on limiting the ability of current state-of-the-art techniques to determine the chemical composition and water uptake properties of aerosol particles.
Insights on organic aerosol aging and the influence of coal combustion at a regional receptor site of Central Eastern China
Authors: Hu W. W. , Hu M. , Yuan B. , Jimenez J. L. , Tang Q. , Peng J. F. , Hu W. , Shao M. , Wang M. , Zeng L. M. , Wu Y. S. , Gong Z. H. , Huang X. F. , He L. Y.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. In order to understand the aging and processing of organic aerosols (OA), an intensive field campaign (Campaign of Air Pollution at Typical Coastal Areas In Eastern China, CAPTAIN) was conducted in March–April at a receptor site (Changdao Island) in Central Eastern China. Multiple fast aerosol and gas measurement instruments were used during the campaign, including a high resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer (HR-ToF-AMS) was applied to measure mass concentrations and non-refractory chemical components of submicron particles (PM1nr). The average mass concentration of PM1 (PM1nr + black carbon) was 47 ± 36 μg m−3 during the campaign and showed distinct variation depending on back trajectories and their overlap with source regions. Organic aerosol (OA) is the largest component of PM1 (30%), followed by nitrate (28%), sulfate (19%), ammonium (15%), black carbon (6%), and chloride (3%). Four OA components were resolved by Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) of the high-resolution spectra, including low-volatility oxygenated organic aerosol (LV-OOA), semi-volatile oxygenated OA (SV-OOA), hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA) and a coal combustion OA (CCOA), reported here for the first time. The mass spectrum of CCOA has high abundance of fragments from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (m/z 128, 152, 178 etc.). The average atomic ratio of oxygen to carbon in OA (O/C) at Changdao is 0.59, which is comparable to other field studies reported at locations downwind of large pollution sources, indicating the oxidized nature of most OA during the campaign. The evolution of OA elemental composition in the Van Krevelen diagram (H/C vs. O/C) shows a slope of −0.63, however, the OA influenced by coal combution exhibits a completely different evolution that appears dominated by physical mixing. The aging of organic aerosols vs. with photochemical age was investigated. It is shown that OA/ΔCO, as well as LV-OOA/ΔCO and SV-OOA/ΔCO, positively correlated with photochemical age. LV-OOA accounted for 73% of the OA secondary formation in the oldest plumes (photochemical age of 25 h). The kOH at Changdao by assuming SOA formation and aging as a first-order process proportional to OH was calculated to be is 5.2 × 10−12 cm3 molec−1 s−1 which is similar to those determined in recent studies of polluted air in other continents.
Effect of chemical structure on secondary organic aerosol formation from C12 alkanes
Authors: Yee L. D. , Craven J. S. , Loza C. L. , Schilling K. A. , Ng N. L. , Canagaratna M. R. , Ziemann P. J. , Flagan R. C. , Seinfeld J. H.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The SOA formation from four C12 alkanes (n-dodecane, 2-methylundecane, hexylcyclohexane, and cyclododecane) is studied in the Caltech Environmental Chamber under low-NOx conditions, in which the principal fate of the peroxy radical formed in the initial OH reaction is reaction with HO2. Simultaneous gas- and particle-phase measurements elucidate the effect of alkane structure on the chemical mechanisms underlying SOA growth. Reaction of branched structures leads to fragmentation and more volatile products, while cyclic structures are subject to faster oxidation and lead to less volatile products. Product identifications reveal that particle-phase reactions involving peroxyhemiacetal formation from several multi-functional hydroperoxide species initiate SOA growth in all four systems. The continued chemical evolution of the particle-phase is structure-dependent, with 2-methylundecane SOA formation exhibiting the least extent of chemical processing and cyclododecane SOA achieving sustained growth with the greatest variety of chemical pathways. The extent of chemical development is not necessarily reflected in the oxygen to carbon (O:C) ratio of the aerosol as cyclododecane achieves the lowest O:C, just above 0.2, by the end of the experiment and hexylcyclohexane the highest, approaching 0.35.
Simulated radiative forcing from contrails and contrail cirrus
Authors: Chen C.-C. , Gettelman A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. A comprehensive general circulation model including ice supersaturation is used to estimate the climate impact of aviation induced contrails. The model uses a realistic aviation emissions inventory for 2006 to initiate contrails, and allows them to evolve consistently with the model hydrologic cycle. The radiative forcing from linear contrails is very sensitive to the diurnal cycle of flights. For linear contrails, including the diurnal cycle of flights reduces the estimated global radiative forcing by 55%, and for contrails cirrus estimates, the global radiative forcing is reduced by 25%. Estimated global radiative forcing from linear contrails is 0.0029±0.00125 W m−2. The instantaneous radiative forcing for contrails is found to exhibit a strong diurnal cycle. The integrated effect of contrail cirrus is much less sensitive to the diurnal cycle of flights. The estimated global radiative forcing from contrail cirrus is 0.012±0.01 W m−2. Over regions with the highest air traffic, the regional effect can be as large as 1 W m−2.
Impact of transport model errors on the global and regional methane emissions estimated by inverse modelling
Authors: Locatelli R. , Bousquet P. , Chevallier F. , Fortems-Cheney A. , Szopa S. , Saunois M. , Agusti-Panareda A. , Bergmann D. , Bian H. , Cameron-Smith P. , Chipperfield M. P. , Gloor E. , Houweling S. , Kawa S. R. , Krol M. , Patra P. K. , Prinn R. G. , Rigby M. , Saito R. , Wilson C.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. A modelling experiment has been conceived to assess the impact of transport model errors on the methane emissions estimated by an atmospheric inversion system. Synthetic methane observations, given by 10 different model outputs from the international TransCom-CH4 model exercise, are combined with a prior scenario of methane emissions and sinks, and integrated into the PYVAR-LMDZ-SACS inverse system to produce 10 different methane emission estimates at the global scale for the year 2005. The same set-up has been used to produce the synthetic observations and to compute flux estimates by inverse modelling, which means that only differences in the modelling of atmospheric transport may cause differences in the estimated fluxes. In our framework, we show that transport model errors lead to a discrepancy of 27 Tg CH4 per year at the global scale, representing 5% of the total methane emissions. At continental and yearly scales, transport model errors have bigger impacts depending on the region, ranging from 36 Tg CH4 in north America to 7 Tg CH4 in Boreal Eurasian (from 23% to 48%). At the model gridbox scale, the spread of inverse estimates can even reach 150% of the prior flux. Thus, transport model errors contribute to significant uncertainties on the methane estimates by inverse modelling, especially when small spatial scales are invoked. Sensitivity tests have been carried out to estimate the impact of the measurement network and the advantage of higher resolution models. The analysis of methane estimated fluxes in these different configurations questions the consistency of transport model errors in current inverse systems. For future methane inversions, an improvement in the modelling of the atmospheric transport would make the estimations more accurate. Likewise, errors of the observation covariance matrix should be more consistently prescribed in future inversions in order to limit the impact of transport model errors on estimated methane fluxes.
Aircraft observations of cold pools under marine stratocumulus
Authors: Terai C. R. , Wood R.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Although typically associated with precipitating cumuli, cold pools also form under shallower stratocumulus. The NSF/NCAR C-130 made cloud and boundary layer measurements over the southeast Pacific stratocumulus region at an altitude of approximately 150 m during the VOCALS Regional Experiment. Ninety edges of cold pools are found in the C-130 measurements by identifying step-like decreases in the potential temperature. Examination of their mesoscale environment shows that the observed cold pools tend to form under heavier precipitation, thicker clouds, and in cleaner environments. Cold pools are also found to form under clouds with high LWP values over the night of or before sampling. When they form, cold pools often form in clusters or on top of each other, rather than as separate, individual entities. Their sizes range from 2 km to 16 km (middle 50th percentile), where the largest of cold pools are associated with the greatest drops in temperature. Composites of various observed thermodynamic and chemical variables along the cold pool edges indicate increased humidity, equivalent potential temperature, coarse-mode aerosol, and dimethyl sulfide concentration inside cold pools. The enhancements inside cold pools are consistent with increased static stability that traps fluxes from the ocean surface in the lowest levels of the boundary layer. By using pressure perturbations, the average cold pool is estimated to be approximately 300 m deep. The temperature depression in cold pools leads to density-driven flows that drive convergence of horizontal winds and measurable, mechanically-driven vertical wind velocity at the edges of cold pools.
Multi-scale interactions between local hydrography, seabed topography, and community assembly on cold-water coral reefs
Authors: Henry L.-A. , Moreno Navas J. , Roberts J. M.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. We investigated how interactions between hydrography, topography and species ecology influence the assembly of species and functional traits across multiple spatial scales of a cold-water coral reef seascape. In a novel approach for these ecosystems, we used a spatially resolved complex three-dimensional flow model of hydrography to help explain assembly patterns. Forward-selection of distance-based Moran's eigenvector mapping (dbMEM) variables identified two submodels of spatial scales at which communities change: broad-scale (across reef) and fine-scale (within reef). Variance partitioning identified bathymetric and hydrographic gradients important in creating broad-scale assembly of species and traits. In contrast, fine-scale assembly was related more to processes that created spatially autocorrelated patches of fauna, such as philopatric recruitment in sessile fauna, and social interactions and food supply in scavenging detritivores and mobile predators. Our study shows how habitat modification of reef connectivity and hydrography by bottom fishing and renewable energy installations could alter the structure and function of an entire cold-water coral reef seascape.
Simultaneous estimation of model state variables and observation and forecast biases using a two-stage hybrid Kalman filter
Authors: Pauwels V. R. N. , De Lannoy G. J. M. , Hendricks Franssen H.-J. , Vereecken H.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. In this paper, we present a two-stage hybrid Kalman filter to estimate both observation and forecast bias in hydrologic models, in addition to state variables. The biases are estimated using the Discrete Kalman Filter, and the state variables using the Ensemble Kalman Filter. A key issue in this multi-component assimilation scheme is the exact partitioning of the difference between observation and forecasts into state, forecast bias and observation bias updates. Here, the error covariances of the forecast bias and the unbiased states are calculated as constant fractions of the biased state error covariance, and the observation bias error covariance is a function of the observation prediction error covariance. In a series of synthetic experiments, focusing on the assimilation of discharge into a rainfall-runoff model, it is shown that both static and dynamic observation and forecast biases can be successfully estimated. The results indicate a strong improvement in the estimation of the state variables and resulting discharge as opposed to the use of a bias-unaware Ensemble Kalman Filter. The results suggest that a better performance of data assimilation methods should be possible if both forecast and observation biases are taken into account.
Examining the spatial and temporal variation of groundwater inflows to a valley-to-floodplain river using 222Rn, geochemistry and river discharge: the Ovens River, southeast Australia
Authors: Yu M. C. L. , Cartwright I. , Braden J. L. , de Bree S. T.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Radon (222Rn) and major ion geochemistry were used to define and quantify the catchment-scale river-aquifer interactions along the Ovens River in the southeast Murray-Darling Basin, Victoria, Australia, between September 2009 and October 2011. The Ovens River is characterized by the transition from a single channel river residing within a mountain valley in the upper catchment to a multi-channel meandering river on flat alluvial plains in the lower catchment. Overall, the river is dominated by gaining reaches, receiving groundwater from both alluvial and basement aquifers. The distribution of gaining and losing reaches is governed by catchment morphology and lithology. In the upper catchment, rapid groundwater recharge through sediments that have high hydraulic conductivities in a narrow valley produces higher baseflow to the river during wet (high flow) periods as a result of hydraulic loading. In the lower catchment, the open and flat alluvial plains, lower rainfall and finer-gained sediments reduce the magnitude and variability of hydraulic gradient between the aquifer and the river, producing lower and constant groundwater inflow. With a small difference between the water table and the river height, small changes in river height or in groundwater level can result fluctuating gaining and losing behaviour along the river. The middle catchment represents a transition in river-aquifer interactions from upper to lower catchment. High baseflow in some parts of the middle and lower catchments is caused by groundwater flow over basement highs. Mass balance calculations based on 222Rn activities indicate that groundwater inflow is 4–22% of total flow with higher baseflow occurring in high flow periods. Uncertainties in gas exchange coefficient and 222Rn activities of groundwater alter the calculated groundwater inflow to 3–35%. Ignoring hyporheic exchange appears not to have a significant impact on the total groundwater estimates. In comparison to 222Rn activities, Cl concentrations yield higher estimates of groundwater influxes by up to 2000% in the upper and middle catchments but lower estimates by 50–100% in the lower catchment. Hydrograph separation yields far higher baseflow fluxes than 222Rn activities and Cl concentrations. The high baseflow estimates using Cl concentrations may be due to the lack of distinct difference between groundwater and surface water Cl concentrations. The other mismatches may indicate the input of other sources of water in additional to regional groundwater.
Using a cloud electrification model to study relationships between lightning activity and cloud microphysical structure
Authors: Formenton M. , Panegrossi G. , Casella D. , Dietrich S. , Mugnai A. , Sanò P. , Di Paola F. , Betz H.-D. , Price C. , Yair Y.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. In this study a one-dimensional numerical cloud electrification model, called the Explicit Microphysics Thunderstorm Model (EMTM), is used to find quantitative relationships between the simulated electrical activity and microphysical properties in convective clouds. The model, based on an explicit microphysics scheme coupled to an ice–ice noninductive electrification scheme, allows us to interpret the connection of cloud microphysical structure with charge density distribution within the cloud, and to study the full evolution of the lightning activity (intracloud and cloud-to-ground) in relation to different environmental conditions. Thus, we apply the model to a series of different case studies over continental Europe and the Mediterranean region. We first compare, for selected case studies, the simulated lightning activity with the data provided by the ground-based Lightning Detection Network (LINET) in order to verify the reliability of the model and its limitations, and to assess its ability to reproduce electrical activity consistent with the observations. Then, using all simulations, we find a correlation between some key microphysical properties and cloud electrification, and derive quantitative relationships relating simulated flash rates to minimum thresholds of graupel mass content and updrafts. Finally, we provide outlooks on the use of such relationships and comments on the future development of this study.
Thermal infrared brightness temperature anomalies associated with the Yushu (China) Ms = 7.1 earthquake on 14 April 2010
Authors: Xie T. , Kang C. L. , Ma W. Y.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. The paper presents a wavelet transform method to identify possible seismic brightness temperature anomalies that might be associated with the Yushu (Ms = 7.1) earthquake that occurred in Qinghai province of China on 14 April 2010. Daily infrared data from the Chinese geostationary meteorological satellite FY-2E were used for the period from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011 and the spatial region 28.1–38.1° N by 91.7–101.7° E. We find that the wavelet transform is an effective method to analyse time series which contain nonstationary power, and identify here anomalous power both in the time and frequency domain. The results show that, over the two years, the relative wavelet power spectrum (RWPS) showed anomalous RWPS variations in nine cases: two of these were followed by earthquakes; seven were not. One of the two RWPS anomalies that were followed by an earthquake was in the southern area of the epicentre of the Yushu earthquake, with the RWPS anomaly starting to appear around 29 March 2010, decreasing in the period before the earthquake, and completely gone by 14 April 2010. The Yushu earthquake was the only strong earthquake within the region and two-year time period chosen, so the abnormal change of RWPS during this time period was possibly associated with the Yushu earthquake.
Mapping wave set-up near a complex geometric urban coastline
Authors: Soomere T. , Pindsoo K. , Bishop S. R. , Käärd A. , Valdmann A.
Published: April 2013

Abstract. Wave set-up is a process that leads to increased water levels in coastal regions. When coupled with storm conditions, set-up can significantly increase the risk of flooding or structural damage and therefore is of particular importance when considering coastal management or issues of planning related to near-shore infrastructures. Here, we investigate the effects of wave set-up in the coastal region of the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea close to Tallinn, Estonia, although the results will have wider relevance for other areas. Due to a lack of continuous wave data we employ modelling to provide input data using a calculation scheme based on a high-resolution (470 m), spectral wave model WAM to replicate spatial patterns of wave properties based on high-quality, instrument measured wind data from the neighbourhood of the study site. The results indicate that for the specific geometry of coastline under consideration, there is a variation in set-up which is strongly affected by wind direction. The maximum set-up values are up to 70–80 cm in selected locations. This is more than 50% of the all-time maximum water level and thus may serve as a substantial source of marine hazard for several low-lying regions around the city. Wind directions during storms have changed in recent years and, with climate variability potentially increasing, these results will encourage for further tests which may be used in a policy setting regarding defences or other structures in and around coastlines. In particular, with urban development now taking place in many coastal regions (including the one within this study) these results have implications for local planners. They may also be incorporated into new storm warning systems.
ECMO-Assisted Esophagectomy after Left Pneumonectomy
Authors: Xu Hai Chao , Ye Peng , Bao Fei Chao , Pan Hui , Yang Yun Hai , Wang Lu Ming , Wang Zhi Tian , Li Zhou Bin , He Zhe Hao , Han Wei Li , Wang Yong Qing , Hu Jian
Published: April 2013

Background

Esophagectomy after pneumonectomy has been rarely reported, mainly due to the technical difficulty in performing this surgical approach. Conventional intubation to the contralateral respiratory passage is technically challenging, while the homolateral respiratory tract is absent, making oxygenation impossible.

Methods

To overcome this problem, we used venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) which can help achieve gas exchange despite the collapsed lung and provide a clear unobstructed surgical field for esophagectomy.

Results

We obtained satisfactory outcomes with VA ECMO in our treated patient.

Conclusions

This technique may be an excellent option for the treatment of complex situations such as esophagectomy after pneumonectomy.
Relationship Between Viscoelastic and Physicochemical Parameters in Cebreiro Cheese (PDO)
Authors: Franco Inmaculada , Bargiela Verónica , Carballo Javier , Tovar Clara A.
Published: April 2013

Rheological and physicochemical analyses of Cebreiro cheese were carried out. Four samples of each of three batches of cheese from different commercial producers were analyzed. Mechanical spectra data were obtained from frequency sweeps at 20ºC, a quality factor Q and fractal dimension Df were obtained from these rheological data. Moisture content, physicochemical (pH and titratable acidity) and proteolysis-related parameters were also measured. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the complex viscosity also enabled characterization of the activation energy of the three batches. The different viscoelastic parameters were highly consistent and structural differences between the different batches were observed. As regards the chemical composition level, high correlations between moisture, titratable acidity, nitrogen fractions and several viscoelastic parameters were observed. In general, casein networks were more extensive and elastic in batches with higher titratable acidity and moisture.
AMINOFILINA INALATÓRIA E ENDOVENOSA EM CÃES: ASPECTOS CLÍNICO E ELETROCARDIOGRÁFICO
Authors: Kaneko Vanessa , Maria Barilli Nogueira Rosa , Martins Viel Rosilene , Melchert Alessandra , Braga Laposy Cecília , Alfaia Italo , Amélia Matos Ana
Published: April 2013

Theaim of this studywas to evaluate andcompare the effects ofaminophyllinein dogsby intravenousandinhaled administrationthrough checkheart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, systolic blood pressure and heart rateviaelectrocardiogram. Twelvedogswere distributed in twogroups: group AE-received10mg/kgintravenousaminophylline;groupAI-received aminophylline inhaledthrough thenebulizerat a dose of10mg/kg, dilutedin 5ml ofsodiumchloride solution0,9%. We evaluated therectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) at the time prior todrug administration, 30 minutesand 2, 6and 8 hours afteruse of it.The averageheart rate,TRfaiththatremained in thenormal rangefor the species.However, someanimals, bothAEandAIgroupshoweda slight increasein HR,RR and TR. The meanSBPwas below thereference values intheAE groupM6andM30and M8in group AI. Sinus tachycardiawas observed inboth groups, earlier in the groupAE.We conclude thatintravenousaminophyllineused bothinhaledandcausesclinical and electrocardiographic changesin dogswith a tendency todecreasesystolic blood pressure, increased respiratory rate andrectal temperatureas well ascardiac stimulationwith increasedheart rate andarrhythmiain thepresence ofanimalsthe twogroups with higherearly manifestation ofclinical signs inanimals that receivedintravenousaminophylline.
AVALIAÇÕES CITOLÓGICAS EM OTITES CANINAS POR MALASSEZIA SPP.: ESTUDO RETROSPECTIVO
Authors: Melchert Alessandra , Beatriz Simões Jefery Ana , Giuffrida Rogério
Published: April 2013

Otitis externa is a condition frequently observed in dogs at the small animal clinics. Malassezia spp. is the most frequently isolated microorganism in the ears of dogs, which is one of the major etiologic agents of ear infections. Identification of this agent may be based on fungal culture or cytology, and the first method is longer and more expensive. The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective study of the incidence of Malassezia spp. in cases of canine otitis by cytology, in a period of five years. Ear cytology samples from 249 dogs with suspected otitis were evaluated, and were observed positive samples for Malassezia spp. in 44 cases (17.67%), among these 35 dogs (79.5%) with positive cytology in both ears, and 9 dogs (20.5%) were positive for Malassezia in only one ear. In conclusion, dogs with suspected otitis present high incidence of positive Malassezia spp. cytology counts. Cytology revealed to be a useful tool for diagnosis of canine ear infections involving this pathogen, representing diagnostic alternative in cases where the culture is not feasible. However, one must consider that there is no national standard cytological counting yeast cells/field set for cases of canine otitis, which may represent possible misdiagnosis.
Conservación a Escala de Paisaje
Authors: Guevara Sergio , Laborde Javier ,   Center for Environmental Philosophy, The University of North Texas
Published: April 2013

Uno de los desafíos más apremiantes para Latinoamérica y el Caribe, considerada la región más diversa del mundo biológica y culturalmente, es detener la pérdida de especies provocada por la destrucción del hábitat y degradación del territorio. En la actualidad, todavía se considera el establecimiento de áreas naturales protegidas que excluyen toda actividad humana como la alternativa más eficaz para conservar la biodiversidad. Sin embargo, las áreas naturales protegidas (ANP) están siendo sometidas a fuertes presiones ejercidas por la expansión de las actividades agropecuarias, silvícolas e industriales, cuyos terrenos rodean y aíslan las ANP’s, reduciendo su calidad como hábitat natural a la escala de paisaje. Entre los diferentes tipos de ANP que se han propuesto, destacan las reservas de biosfera debido a su explícito propósito por conciliar el desarrollo social y la conservación biológica. El manejo de este tipo de reservas es el más propenso a integrar las perturbaciones naturales y humanas, las prácticas tradicionales de manejo de ecosistemas, así como la participación de los sectores económico y social en su administración. Las reservas de biosfera han proliferado por todo el mundo, sumando actualmente 531 distribuidas en 105 países. A pesar que el diseño de reserva de biosfera se fundamenta en el concepto de paisaje, aún requiere tomar en cuenta la escala del ecosistema y los potenciales efectos a largo plazo de las perturbaciones. Además, requiere mejorar la integración de los grupos étnicos que viven en ellas, otorgando mayor consideración a su experiencia y conocimiento tradicional. Esto demanda una transformación de las funciones de las zonas núcleo, de amortiguamiento y de transición de dichas reservas. El actual diseño de las reservas de biosfera es centrípeto, puesto que la función principal de la zona de amortiguamiento es proteger la biodiversidad contenida en el núcleo de la reserva. Nosotros proponemos un modelo centrífugo, en el que la biodiversidad de la zona núcleo se expande sin restricciones hacia las áreas con mayor influencia humana. En este modelo, la zona de amortiguamiento funciona como un conector. El mantenimiento e incremento de dicha conectividad puede promover prácticas de uso del suelo acordes con el funcionamiento de los ecosistemas, así como con la conservación de la biodiversidad en los paisajes naturales, semi-naturales, urbanos e industriales.
Coital frequency and condom use in monogamous and concurrent sexual relationships in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Delva Wim , Meng Fei , Beauclair Roxanne , Deprez Nele , Temmerman Marleen , Welte Alex , Hens Niel
Published: April 2013

Introduction

A decreased frequency of unprotected sex during episodes of concurrent relationships may dramatically reduce the role of concurrency in accelerating the spread of HIV. Such a decrease could be the result of coital dilution – the reduction in per‐partner coital frequency from additional partners – and/or increased condom use during concurrency. To study the effect of concurrency on the frequency of unprotected sex, we examined sexual behaviour data from three communities with high HIV prevalence around Cape Town, South Africa.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey from June 2011 to February 2012 using audio computer‐assisted self‐interviewing to reconstruct one‐year sexual histories, with a focus on coital frequency and condom use. Participants were randomly sampled from a previous TB and HIV prevalence survey. Mixed effects logistic and Poisson regression models were fitted to data from 527 sexually active adults reporting on 1210 relationship episodes to evaluate the effect of concurrency status on consistent condom use and coital frequency.

Results

The median of the per‐partner weekly average coital frequency was 2 (IQR: 1–3), and consistent condom use was reported for 36% of the relationship episodes. Neither per‐partner coital frequency nor consistent condom use changed significantly during episodes of concurrency (aIRR=1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99–1.24 and aOR=1.01; 95% CI: 0.38–2.68, respectively). Being male, coloured, having a tertiary education, and having a relationship between 2 weeks and 9 months were associated with higher coital frequencies. Being coloured, and having a relationship lasting for more than 9 months, was associated with inconsistent condom use.

Conclusions

We found no evidence for coital dilution or for increased condom use during concurrent relationship episodes in three communities around Cape Town with high HIV prevalence. Given the low levels of self‐reported consistent condom use, our findings suggest that if the frequency of unprotected sex with each of the sexual partners is sustained during concurrent relationships, HIV‐positive individuals with concurrent partners may disproportionately contribute to onward HIV transmission.
Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Five Daily Fractions for Post-Operative Surgical Cavities in Brain Metastases Patients with and without Prior Whole Brain Radiation
Authors: Al-Omair Ameen , Soliman Hany , Xu Wei , Karotki Aliaksandr , Mainprize Todd , Phan Nicolas , Das Sunit , Keith Julia , Yeung Robert , Perry James , Tsao May , Sahgal Arjun
Published: April 2013

Our purpose was to report efficacy of hypofractionated cavity stereotactic radiotherapy (HCSRT) in patients with and without prior whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). 32 surgical cavities in 30 patients (20 patients/21 cavities had no prior WBRT and 10 patients/11 cavities had prior WBRT) were treated with image-guided linac stereotactic radiotherapy. 7 of the 10 prior WBRT patients had “resistant” local disease given prior surgery, post-operative WBRT and a re-operation, followed by salvage HCSRT. The clinical target volume was the post-surgical cavity, and a 2-mm margin applied as planning target volume. The median total dose was 30 Gy (range: 25–37.5 Gy) in 5 fractions. In the no prior and prior WBRT cohorts, the median follow-up was 9.7 months (range: 3.0–23.6) and 15.3 months (range: 2.9–39.7), the median survival was 23.6 months and 39.7 months, and the 1-year cavity local recurrence progression-free survival (LRFS) was 79 and 100%, respectively. At 18 months the LRFS dropped to 29% in the prior WBRT cohort. Grade 3 radiation necrosis occurred in 3 prior WBRT patients. We report favorable outcomes with HCSRT, and well selected patients with prior WBRT and “resistant” disease may have an extended survival favoring aggressive salvage HCSRT at a moderate risk of radiation necrosis.