bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Modeling of Differentially Phosphorylated Serine 10 and Acetylated lysine 9/14 of Histone H3 Regulates their Interactions with 14-3-3ζ, MSK1, and MKP1
Authors: Sharma Ajit K. , Mansukh Abhilasha , Varma Ashok , Gadewal Nikhil , Gupta Sanjay
Published: August 2013

Histone modifications occur in precise patterns, with several modifications known to affect the binding of proteins. These interactions affect the chromatin structure, gene regulation, and cell cycle events. The dual modifications on the H3 tail, serine10 phosphorylation, and lysine14 acetylation (H3Ser10PLys14Ac) are reported to be crucial for interaction with 14-3-3ζ. However, the mechanism by which H3Ser10P along with neighboring site-specific acetylation(s) is targeted by its regulatory proteins, including kinase and phosphatase, is not fully understood. We carried out molecular modeling studies to understand the interaction of 14-3-3ζ, and its regulatory proteins, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP1), and mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase-1 (MSK1) with phosphorylated H3Ser10 alone or in combination with acetylated H3Lys9 and Lys14. In silico molecular association studies suggested that acetylated Lys14 and phosphorylated Ser10 of H3 shows the highest binding affinity towards 14-3-3ζ. In addition, acetylation of H3Lys9 along with Ser10PLys14Ac favors the interaction of the phosphatase, MKP1, for dephosphorylation of H3Ser10P. Further, MAP kinase, MSK1 phosphorylates the unmodified H3Ser10 containing N-terminal tail with maximum affinity compared to the N-terminal tail with H3Lys9AcLys14Ac. The data clearly suggest that opposing enzymatic activity of MSK1 and MKP1 corroborates with non-acetylated and acetylated, H3Lys9Lys14, respectively. Our in silico data highlights that site-specific phosphorylation (H3Ser10P) and acetylation (H3Lys9 and H3Lys14) of H3 are essential for the interaction with their regulatory proteins (MKP1, MSK1, and 14-3-3ζ) and plays a major role in the regulation of chromatin structure.
Cardiac Electrophysiological Dynamics from the Cellular Level to the Organ Level
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Clancy Colleen E.
Published: August 2013

Cardiac alternans describes contraction of the ventricles in a strong-weak-strong-weak sequence at a constant pacing frequency. Clinically, alternans manifests as alternation of the T-wave on the ECG and predisposes individuals to arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. In this review, we focus on the fundamental dynamical mechanisms of alternans and show how alternans at the cellular level underlies alternans in the tissue and on the ECG. A clear picture of dynamical mechanisms underlying alternans is important to allow development of effective anti-arrhythmic strategies.
DVD Training for Depression Identification and Treatment in Older Adults: A Two-Group, Randomized, Wait-List Control Study
Authors: Lysack Cathy , Leach Carrie , Russo Theresa , Paulson Daniel , Lichtenberg Peter A.
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE. To test the effectiveness of an educational intervention aimed at improving mental health knowledge and skills in occupational therapists working with older rehabilitation patients.

METHOD. The DVD-format educational intervention was evaluated using a two-group randomized wait-list control design. Occupational therapists (n = 75) completed a 32-item knowledge questionnaire at three time points. Patient charts were reviewed (n = 960) at 3 months before and 3 and 6 months after DVD training to evaluate clinical practice change.

RESULTS. A two-way analysis of variance showed knowledge scores increased significantly for both groups after DVD training. A significant Group × Time interaction and significant main effects for time and group were found. Chart review data also showed significant increases in desired clinical behaviors in both groups after training. The greatest single item of clinical practice change was use of a standardized depression screen.

CONCLUSION. DVD-based training can significantly improve mental health practice.
Reducing Cognitive Load While Teaching Complex Instruction to Occupational Therapy Students
Authors: Pociask Fredrick D. , DiZazzo-Miller Rosanne , Samuel Preethy S.
Published: August 2013

Cognitive load theory is a field of research used to improve the learning of complex cognitive tasks by matching instruction to the learner’s cognitive architecture. We used an experimental posttest control-group design to test the effectiveness of instruction designed to reduce cognitive load (CL) and improve instructional effectiveness in teaching complex instruction to 24 first-year master’s students under authentic classroom conditions. We modified historically taught instruction using an isolated-to-interacting-elements sequencing approach intended to reduce high CL levels. We compared control and modified instructional formats using written assessment scores, subjective ratings of CL, and task completion times. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for postinstruction, posttest CL ratings, and delayed written posttest scores (p < .05). No significant differences were identified for posttest completion times. Findings suggest that this approach can be used to improve instructional efficiency in teaching human locomotion to occupational therapy students.
Occupational Therapy Based on Ayres Sensory Integration in the Treatment of Retentive Fecal Incontinence in a 3-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Bellefeuille Isabelle Beaudry , Schaaf Roseann C. , Polo Eduardo Ramos
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE. We present the case report of a 3-yr-old boy with retentive fecal incontinence and sensory overresponsivity. Sensory integration theory was used to address the overresponsivity affecting the child’s ability to acquire age-appropriate toileting habits. We describe the 7 mo of treatment and 3 mo of follow-up in occupational therapy.

METHOD. We analyzed a retrospective chart review of daily defecation log outcome data and parent interview.

RESULTS. Notable improvements in acquiring age-appropriate toileting habits were documented and measured using daily defecation logs. Improvements in sensory processing were documented using the Sensory Profile and corroborated improvements in the child’s ability to participate in toileting routines and parent report of improved quality of life.

CONCLUSION. Occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® was a useful framework for addressing this child’s toileting habits. This case explicates occupational therapy using data-driven intervention principles to address the relationship among sensory processing, behavior, and occupational performance.
Observed Recovery Sequence in Neurobehavioral Function After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Lannin Natasha A. , Cusick Anne , McLachlan Robyn , Allaous Jeanine
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE. The Western Neuro Sensory Stimulation Profile (WNSSP) presents a hierarchy of items suggestive of a sequence of recovery. The aim of this study was to understand the sequence of recovery of neurobehavioral function in patients with brain injury and determine whether this sequence was consistent with the WNSSP test item order.

METHOD. We conducted a retrospective clinical chart audit of 37 adult inpatients (mean age = 29 yr; 31 men, 6 women) with a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and a minimum of two medical record entries on the WNSSP. The sequence of recovery was statistically derived from the content and structure of the WNSSP.

RESULTS. Our analysis did not support the current item ordering of the WNSSP as a function of the sequence of recovery from coma, with the exception of the Arousal/Attention subscale.

CONCLUSION. WNSSP item performance suggested a sequence of recovery; clinicians may consider a revised item order that reflects this observed order.
Household Task Participation of Children With and Without Physical Disability
Authors: Dunn Louise , Gardner James
Published: August 2013

We examined household task participation patterns of 46 children and youth with and without physical disability (PD) and explored the effects of age on roles of and expectations for these children in household task participation. Children with PD did not differ significantly from those without PD in the number of household tasks they performed; however, they did require more assistance than those without PD. In both groups, younger children performed significantly fewer household tasks and required significantly more help than older children. These findings further support the discriminant validity of the Children Helping Out: Responsibilities, Expectations, and Supports (Dunn, 2004) measure of household task participation and its use with adolescents. Assessing such participation would help caregivers and practitioners more successfully prepare children and youths with PD for independent living. Considering the roles and opportunities for social participation inherent in many household tasks will contribute to the usefulness of examining such participation.
Effectiveness of a 10-Week Tier-1 Response to Intervention Program in Improving Fine Motor and Visual–Motor Skills in General Education Kindergarten Students
Authors: Ohl Alisha M. , Graze Hollie , Weber Karen , Kenny Sabrina , Salvatore Christie , Wagreich Sarah
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE. This study examined the efficacy of a 10-wk Tier 1 Response to Intervention (RtI) program developed in collaboration with classroom teachers to improve the fine motor and visual–motor skills of general education kindergarten students.

METHOD. We recruited 113 students in six elementary schools. Two general education kindergarten classrooms at each school participated in the study. Classrooms were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Fine motor skills, pencil grip, and visual–motor integration were measured at the beginning of the school year and after the 10-wk intervention.

RESULTS. The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in fine motor and visual–motor skills, whereas the control group demonstrated a slight decline in both areas. Neither group demonstrated a change in pencil grip.

CONCLUSION. This study provides preliminary evidence that a Tier 1 RtI program can improve fine motor and visual–motor skills in kindergarten students.
Predicting Older Driver On-Road Performance by Means of the Useful Field of View and Trail Making Test Part B
Authors: Classen Sherrilene , Wang Yanning , Crizzle Alexander M. , Winter Sandra M. , Lanford Desiree N.
Published: August 2013

The Useful Field of View® (UFOV) and Trail Making Test Part B (Trails B) are measures of divided attention. We determined which measure was more accurate in predicting on-road outcomes among drivers (N = 198, mean age = 73.86, standard deviation = 6.05). Receiver operating characteristic curves for the UFOV (Risk Index [RI] and Subtests 1–3) and Trails B significantly predicted on-road outcomes. Contrasting Trails B with the UFOV RI and subtests, the only difference was found between the UFOV RI and Trails B, indicating the UFOV RI was the best predictor of on-road outcomes. Misclassifications of drivers totaled 28 for the UFOV RI, 62 for Trails B, and 58 for UFOV Subtest 2. The UFOV RI is a superior test in predicting on-road outcomes, but the Trails B has acceptable accuracy and is comparable to the other UFOV subtests.
Five Years Later: Achieving Professional Effectiveness to Move Neurorehabilitation Forward
Authors: Doucet Barbara M.
Published: August 2013

The AOTA Centennial Vision outlined in 2007 challenged the occupational therapy profession to become a “powerful, widely recognized, science-driven, and evidence-based” profession that could adapt to changing societal and cultural needs and flourish well into the future. That challenge can be met by simply being effective at what we do; this will increase our value and validate our worth. Neurorehabilitation in occupational therapy can also thrive if we verify that the interventions we use and the strategies we implement are grounded in evidence. Professional effectiveness will emerge by (1) increasing the dissemination of research that supports the methods we use and informs others of the successful patient outcomes we achieve and (2) expanding development and validation of instruments that quantitatively and qualitatively measure functional outcomes. Occupational therapists can individually develop professional effectiveness by fostering greater academic–clinical alliances, objectifying evaluation and intervention methods, and preparing future practitioners appropriately for evidence-driven practice.
Population-Centered Life Skills Groups: Perceptions of Satisfaction and Engagement
Authors: Peloquin Suzanne M. , Ciro Carrie A.
Published: August 2013

PURPOSE. We examined the satisfaction with and engagement in population-centered life skills groups of women in a residential facility for substance dependence.

METHOD. This study was a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 561 surveys designed to elicit Likert scale client ratings. Descriptive statistics were used to examine client satisfaction. Differences in client engagement by content focus and activity process were also examined by analyzing the median scores of eight life skills development questions using the Kruskal–Wallis test of medians.

RESULTS. Collectively, 96.8% of those who completed the surveys were satisfied with the living skills groups; 73.3% strongly agreed, and 23.4% agreed. No significant differences (p > .05) were found in the median scores of the engagement responses by either content focus or activity process.

CONCLUSION. Population-centered life skills groups conceptualized within a holistic Person–Environment–Occupation model appear to be satisfactory and engaging interventions for women in recovery.
Performance-Based Measure of Executive Function: Comparison of Community and At-Risk Youth
Authors: Toglia Joan , Berg Christine
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE. We compared abilities and strategy use of at-risk youth aged 16–21 yr with those of a community sample of high school students using a performance measure of executive function, the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA).

METHOD. We recruited students from an alternative school for at-risk youth (n = 113) and from community high schools in the same region (n = 49). We collected demographic information from and administered the WCPA to both groups.

RESULTS. The at-risk group made more errors, used fewer strategies, and broke more rules than the community group; however, the groups were similar in average time for planning and task completion. Moderate relationships were found between WCPA and academic performance in the at-risk group.

CONCLUSION. Comparison of at-risk and community youth provides support for discriminant validity of the WCPA and indicates that the WCPA is useful in identifying adolescents who are at risk for occupational performance deficits.
Measuring Function in Chronic Progressive Disorders
Authors: Rao Ashwini K.
Published: August 2013

Challenges for practitioners include development of reliable and valid assessment tools, effective interventions, and methods to improve intervention adherence; this editorial focuses on selecting assessment tools and measuring function in chronic progressive disorders.
The influence of cruise ship emissions on air pollution in Svalbard – a harbinger of a more polluted Arctic?
Authors: Eckhardt S. , Hermansen O. , Grythe H. , Fiebig M. , Stebel K. , Cassiani M. , Baecklund A. , Stohl A.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. In this study we have analyzed whether tourist cruise ships have an influence on measured sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), Aitken mode particle and equivalent black carbon (EBC) concentrations at Ny Ålesund and Zeppelin Mountain on Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic during summer. We separated the measurement data set into periods when ships were present and periods when ships were not present in the Kongsfjord area, according to a long-term record of the number of passengers visiting Ny Ålesund. We show that when ships with more than 50 passengers cruise in the Kongsfjord, measured daytime mean concentrations of 60 nm particles and EBC in summer show enhancements of 72 and 45%, respectively, relative to values when ships are not present. Even larger enhancements of 81 and 72% were found for stagnant conditions. In contrast, O3 concentrations were 5% lower on average and 7% lower under stagnant conditions, due to titration of O3 with the emitted nitric oxide (NO). The differences between the two data subsets are largest for the highest measured percentiles, while relatively small differences were found for the median concentrations, indicating that ship plumes are sampled relatively infrequently even when ships are present although they carry high pollutant concentrations. We estimate that the ships increased the total summer mean concentrations of SO2, 60 nm particles and EBC by 15, 18 and 11%, respectively. Our findings have two important implications. Firstly, even at such a remote Arctic observatory as Zeppelin, the measurements can be influenced by tourist ship emissions. Careful data screening is recommended before summertime Zeppelin data is used for data analysis or for comparison with global chemistry transport models. However, Zeppelin remains as one of the most valuable Arctic observatories, as most other Arctic observatories face even larger local pollution problems. Secondly, given landing statistics of tourist ships on Svalbard, it is suspected that large parts of the Svalbard archipelago are affected by cruise ship emissions. Thus, our results may be taken as a warning signal of future pan-Arctic conditions if Arctic shipping becomes more frequent and emission regulations are not strict enough.
Characterization of minerals in air dust particles in the state of Tamilnadu, India through ftir spectroscopy
Authors: Senthil Kumar R. , Rajkumar P.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The abstract of this paper explains the presence of minerals in air which causes great concern regarding public health issues. The spectroscopic investigation of air dust particles of several samples in various locations in the state of Tamilnadu, India is reported. Qualitative analyses were carried out to determine the major and minor constituent minerals present in the samples based on the FTIR absorption peaks. This study also identified the minerals like quartz, asbestos, kaolinite, calcite, hematite, montmorillonite, nacrite and several other trace minerals in the air dust particles. The presents of quartz is mainly found in all the samples invariably. Hence the percentage of quartz and its crystalline nature were determined with the help of extinction co-efficient and crystallinity index respectively.
Measurements of atmospheric aerosol vertical distributions above Svalbard, Norway, using unmanned aerial systems (UAS)
Authors: Bates T. S. , Quinn P. K. , Johnson J. E. , Corless A. , Brechtel F. J. , Stalin S. E. , Meinig C. , Burkhart J. F.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosol vertical distributions were measured above Svalbard, Norway, in April 2011 during the Cooperative Investigation of Climate-Cryosphere Interactions campaign (CICCI). Measurements were made of the particle number concentration and the aerosol light absorption coefficient at three wavelengths. A filter sample was collected on each flight at the altitude of maximum particle number concentration. The filters were analyzed for major anions and cations. The aerosol payload was flown in a NOAA/PMEL MANTA Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). A total of 18 flights were flown during the campaign totaling 38 flight hours. The data show frequent aerosol layers aloft with high particle number concentration (1000 cm−3) and enhanced aerosol light absorption (1 Mm−1). Air mass histories of these aerosol layers were assessed using FLEXPART particle dispersion modeling. The data contribute to an assessment of sources of BC to the Arctic and potential climate impacts.
Propagation of radiosonde pressure sensor errors to ozonesonde measurements
Authors: Stauffer R. M. , Morris G. A. , Thompson A. M. , Joseph E. , Coetzee G. J. R.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Several previous studies highlight pressure (or equivalently, pressure altitude) discrepancies between the radiosonde pressure sensor and that derived from a GPS flown with the radiosonde. The offsets vary during the ascent both in absolute and percent pressure differences. To investigate this, a total of 501 radiosonde/ozonesonde launches from the Southern Hemisphere subtropics to northern mid-latitudes are considered, with launches between 2006–2013 from both historical and campaign-based intensive stations. Three types of electrochemical concentration cell (ECC) ozonesonde manufacturers (Science Pump Corporation; SPC and ENSCI/Droplet Measurement Technologies; DMT) and five series of radiosondes from two manufacturers (International Met Systems: iMet, iMet-P, iMet-S, and Vaisala: RS80 and RS92) are analyzed to determine the magnitude of the pressure offset and the effects these offsets have on the calculation of ECC ozone (O3) mixing ratio profiles (O3MR) from the ozonesonde-measured partial pressure. Approximately half of all offsets are > ±0.7 hPa in the free troposphere, with nearly a quarter > ±1.0 hPa at 26 km, where the 1.0 hPa error represents ~5% of the total atmospheric pressure. Pressure offsets have negligible effects on O3MR below 20 km (98% of launches lie within ±5% O3MR error at 20 km). Ozone mixing ratio errors in the 7–15 hPa layer (29–32 km), a region critical for detection of long-term O3 trends, can approach greater than ±10% (>25% of launches that reach 30 km exceed this threshold). Comparisons of total column O3 yield average differences of +1.6 DU (−1.1 to +4.9 DU 10th to 90th percentiles) when the O3 is integrated to burst with addition of the McPeters and Labow (2012) above-burst O3 column climatology. Total column differences are reduced to an average of +0.1 DU (−1.1 to +2.2 DU) when the O3 profile is integrated to 10 hPa with subsequent addition of the O3 climatology above 10 hPa. The RS92 radiosondes are clearly distinguishable in performance from other radiosondes, with average 26 km errors of +0.32 hPa (−0.09 to +0.54 hPa 10th to 90th percentiles) or −1.31% (−2.19 to +0.37%) O3MR error. Conversely, iMet-P radiosondes had average 26 km errors of −1.49 hPa (−2.33 to −0.82 hPa) or +6.71% (+3.61 to +11.0%) O3MR error. Based on our analysis, we suggest that ozonesondes always be coupled with a GPS-enabled radiosonde and that pressure-dependent variables, such as O3MR, be recalculated/reprocessed using the GPS-measured altitude, particularly when 26 km pressure offsets exceed ±1.0 hPa/±5%.
Combined use of stable isotopes and fallout radionuclides as soil erosion indicators in a forested mountain site, South Korea
Authors: Meusburger K. , Mabit L. , Park J.-H. , Sandor T. , Alewell C.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The aim of this study is to assess and to validate the suitability of the stable nitrogen and carbon isotope signature as soil erosion indicators in a mountain forest site in South Korea. Our approach is based on the comparison of the isotope signature of "stable" landscape positions (reference sites), which are neither affected by erosion nor deposition, with eroding sites. For undisturbed soils we expect that the enrichment of δ15N and δ13C with soil depth, due to fractionation during decomposition, goes in parallel with a decrease in nitrogen and carbon content. Soil erosion processes potentially weaken this correlation. The 137Cs method and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) were applied for the soil erosion quantification. Erosion rates obtained with the 137Cs method range from 0.9 t ha−1 yr−1 to 7 t ha−1 yr−1. Considering the steep slopes of up to 40° and the erosive monsoon events (R factor of 6600 MJ mm ha−1 h−1 yr –1), the rates are plausible and within the magnitude of the RUSLE-modeled soil erosion rates, varying from 0.02 t ha−1 yr−1 to 5.1 t ha−1 yr−1. The soil profiles of the reference sites showed significant (p < 0.0001) correlations between nitrogen and carbon content and its corresponding δ15N and δ13C signatures. In contrast, for the eroding sites this relationship was weaker and for the carbon not significant. These results confirm the usefulness of the stable carbon isotope signature as a qualitative indicator for soil disturbance. We could show further that the δ15N isotope signature can be used similarly for uncultivated sites. We thus propose that the stable δ15N and δ13C signature of soil profiles could serve as additional indicators confirming the accurate choice of the reference site in soil erosion studies using the 137Cs method.
Saturated CO2 inhibits microbial processes in CO2-vented deep-sea sediments
Authors: de Beer D. , Haeckel M. , Neumann J. , Wegener G. , Inagaki F. , Boetius A.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. This study focused on biogeochemical processes and microbial activity in sediments of a natural deep-sea CO2 seepage area (Yonaguni Knoll IV hydrothermal system, Japan). The aim was to assess the influence of the geochemical conditions occurring in highly acidic and CO2 saturated sediments on sulfate reduction (SR) and anaerobic methane oxidation (AOM). Porewater chemistry was investigated from retrieved sediment cores and in situ by microsensor profiling. The sites sampled around a sediment-hosted hydrothermal CO2 vent were very heterogeneous in porewater chemistry, indicating a complex leakage pattern. Near the vents, droplets of liquid CO2 were observed emanating from the sediments, and the pH reached approximately 4.5 in a sediment depth > 6 cm, as determined in situ by microsensors. Methane and sulfate co-occurred in most sediment samples from the vicinity of the vents down to a depth of 3 m. However, SR and AOM were restricted to the upper 7–15 cm below seafloor, although neither temperature, low pH, nor the availability of methane and sulfate could be limiting microbial activity. We argue that the extremely high subsurface concentrations of dissolved CO2 (1000–1700 mM), which disrupt the cellular pH homeostasis, and lead to end-product inhibition. This limits life to the surface sediment horizons above the liquid CO2 phase, where less extreme conditions prevail. Our results may have to be taken into consideration in assessing the consequences of deep-sea CO2 sequestration on benthic element cycling and on the local ecosystem state.
Synthesis of observed air–sea CO2 exchange fluxes in the river-dominated East China Sea and improved estimates of annual and seasonal net mean fluxes
Authors: Tseng C.-M. , Shen P.-Y. , Liu K.-K.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Limited observations exist for reliable assessment of annual CO2 uptake that takes into consideration the strong seasonal variation in the river-dominated East China Sea (ECS). Here we explore seasonally representative CO2 uptakes by the whole East China Sea derived from observations over a 14 yr period. We firstly identified the biological sequestration of CO2 taking place in the highly productive, nutrient-enriched Changjiang river plume, dictated by the Changjiang river discharge in warm seasons. We have therefore established an empirical algorithm as a function of sea surface temperature (SST) and Changjiang river discharge (CRD) for predicting sea surface pCO2. Synthesis based on both observation and model show that the annually averaged CO2 uptake from atmosphere during 1998–2011 was constrained to about 1.9 mol C m–2 yr–1. This assessment of annual CO2 uptake is more reliable and representative, compared to previous estimates, in terms of temporal and spatial coverage. Additionally, the CO2 time-series, exhibiting distinct seasonal pattern, gives mean fluxes of −3.0, −1.0, −0.9 and −2.5 mol C m–2 yr–1 in spring, summer, fall and winter, respectively, and also reveals apparent inter-annual variations. The flux seasonality shows a strong sink in spring and a weak source in late summer-early fall. The weak sink status during warm periods in summer-fall is fairly sensitive to changes of pCO2 and may easily shift from a sink to a source altered by environmental changes under climate change and anthropogenic forcing.
Microbial and metabolic profiling reveal strong influence of water table and land-use patterns on classification of degraded tropical peatlands
Authors: Mishra S. , Lee W. A. , Hooijer A. , Reuben S. , Sudiana I. M. , Idris A. , Swarup S.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Tropical peatlands from Southeast Asia are undergoing extensive drainage, deforestation and degradation for agriculture and human settlement purposes. This is resulting in biomass loss and subsidence of peat from its oxidation. Molecular profiling approaches were used to understand the relative influences of different land-use patterns, hydrological and physiochemical parameters on the state of degraded tropical peatlands. As microbial communities play a critical role in biogeochemical cascades in the functioning of peatlands, we used microbial and metabolic profiles as surrogates of community structure and functions, respectively. Profiles were generated from 230 bacterial 16S rDNA fragments and 145 metabolic markers of 46 samples from ten sites, including those from above and below water table in a contiguous area of 48 km2 covering five land-use types. These were degraded forest, degraded land, oil palm plantation, mixed crop plantation and settlements. Bacterial profiles were most influenced by variations in water table and land-use patterns, followed by age of drainage and peat thickness in that order. Bacterial profiling revealed differences in sites, based on the duration and frequency of water table fluctuations and on oxygen availability. Bacterial and metabolic profiles of degraded forest and mixed crop plantations were most diverse compared to other land-use types. Metabolic profiling, being closely associated with biogeochemical functions could distinguish communities not only based on land-use types but also their geographic locations, thus providing a finer resolution than bacterial profiles. Agricultural inputs, such as nitrates were highly associated with bacterial community structure of oil palm plantations, whereas phosphates and dissolved organic carbon influenced those from mixed crop plantations and settlements. Our results provide a basis for adopting molecular marker-based approaches to classify peatlands and determine relative importance of factors that influence peat functioning. Our findings will be useful in peatland management by providing a basis to focus early efforts on hydrological interventions and improving sustainability of oil palm plantations by adopting mixed cropping practices to increase microbial diversity in the long term.
Fractal properties of forest fires in Amazonia as a basis for modelling pan-tropical burned area
Authors: Fletcher I. N. , Aragão L. E. O. C. , Lima A. , Shimabukuro Y. , Friedlingstein P.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Current methods for modelling burnt area in Dynamic Global Vegetation Models involve complex fire spread calculations, which rely on many inputs, including fuel characteristics, wind speed and countless parameters. They are therefore susceptible to large uncertainties through error propagation. Using observed fractal distributions of fire scars in Brazilian Amazonia, we propose an alternative burnt area model for tropical forests, with fire counts as sole input and few parameters. Several parameterizations of two possible distributions are calibrated at multiple spatial resolutions using a satellite-derived burned area map, and compared. The tapered Pareto model most accurately simulates the total area burnt (only 3.5 km2 larger than the recorded 16 387 km2) and its spatial distribution. When tested pan-tropically using MODIS MCD14ML fire counts, the model accurately predicts temporal and spatial fire trends, but produces generally higher estimates than the GFED3.1 burnt area product, suggesting higher pan-tropical carbon emissions from fires than previously estimated.
Straw application in paddy soil enhances methane production also from other carbon sources
Authors: Yuan Q. , Pump J. , Conrad R.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Flooded rice fields are an important source of the greenhouse gas methane. Methane is produced from rice straw (RS), soil organic matter (SOM), and rice root organic carbon (ROC). Addition of RS is widely used for ameliorating soil fertility. However, this practice provides additional substrate for CH4 production and results in increased CH4 emission. Here, we found that decomposing RS is not only a substrate of CH4 production, but in addition stimulates CH4 production from SOM and ROC. Apart from accelerating the creation of reduced conditions in the soil environment, RS decomposition exerted a positive priming effect on SOM-derived CH4 production. In particular, hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis from SOM-derived CO2 was stimulated, presumably by H2 released from RS decomposition. On the other hand, the positive priming effect of RS on ROC-derived CH4 production was probably caused by the significant increase of the abundance of methanogenic archaea in the RS treatment compared with the untreated control. Our results show that traditional management of rice residues exerts a positive feedback on CH4 production from rice fields, thus exacerbating its effect on the global CH4 budget.
Measurements of CO2 exchange with an automated chamber system throughout the year: challenges in measuring nighttime respiration on porous peat soil
Authors: Koskinen M. , Minkkinen K. , Ojanen P. , Kämäräinen M. , Laurila T. , Lohila A.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. We built an automatic chamber system to measure greehouse gas (GHG) exchange in forested peatland ecosystems. We aimed to build a system robust enough which would work throughout the year and could measure through a changing snowpackin addition to producing annual GHG fluxes by integrating the measurements without the need of using models. The system worked rather well throughout the year, but it was not service free. Gap filling of data was still necessary. We observed problems in carbon dioxide (CO2) flux estimation during calm summer nights, when a CO2 concentration gradient from soil/moss system to atmosphere builds up. Chambers greatly overestimated the nighttime respiration. This was due to the disturbance caused by the chamber to the soil-moss CO2 gradient and consequent initial pulse of CO2 to the chamber headspace. We tested different flux calculation and measurement methods to solve this problem. The estimated flux was strongly dependent on (1) the type of the fit (linear and polynomial), (2) the starting point of the fit after closing the chamber, (3) the length of the fit, (4) the speed of the fan mixing the air inside the chamber, and (5) atmospheric turbulence (friction velocity, u*). The best fitting method (the most robust, least random variation) was linear fitting with the period of 120–240 s after chamber closure. Furthermore, the fan should be adjusted to spin at minimum speed to avoid the pulse-effect, but it should be kept on to ensure mixing. If nighttime problems cannot be solved, emissions can be estimated using daytime data from opaque chambers.
On the shelf resonances of the English Channel and Irish Sea
Authors: Webb D. J.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. The resonances of the English Channel and Irish Sea are investigated using the methods of Webb (2012a) together with an Arakawa C-grid model of the region under study. In the semi-diurnal tidal band, the high tides of the Bristol Channel and Gulf of St. Malo are shown to be due to two shelf resonances which strongly couple the two regions. In the diurnal band, the response is complicated by the presence of continental shelf waves.
Frontal ablation and temporal variations in surface velocity of Livingston Island ice cap, Antarctica
Authors: Osmanoglu B. , Corcuera M. I. , Navarro F. J. , Braun M. , Hock R.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Frontal ablation from marine-terminating glaciers and ice caps covering the islands off the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula is poorly known. Here we estimate the frontal ablation from the ice cap of Livingston Island, the second largest island in the South Shetland Islands archipelago, using glacier surface velocities obtained from intensity offset tracking of PALSAR-1 imagery and glacier ice thickness inferred from principles of glacier dynamics and calibrated against ground-penetrating radar (GPR) measurements of ice thickness. Using 21 SAR images acquired between October 2007 and January 2011, we obtain surface velocities of up to 250 m yr−1 and an average frontal ablation rate of about 509 ± 381 Mt yr−1, equivalent to a specific mass change of −0.7 ± 0.5 m w.e. yr−1 over the area of the ice cap (697 km2). A rough estimate of the surface mass balance of the ice cap gives 0.1 ± 0.1 m w.e. yr−1, resulting in a~total mass balance for Livingston Island ice cap of −0.6 ± 0.5 m w.e. yr−1. We find that frontal ablation and surface ablation contribute equal shares to total ablation. We also find large changes in frontal ablation rate (of ∼237 Mt yr−1) due to temporal variability in surface velocities. This highlights the importance of taking into account the seasonality in ice velocities when computing frontal ablation with a flux-gate approach.
A statistical approach to refining snow water equivalent climatologies in Alpine terrain
Authors: Jörg-Hess S. , Fundel F. , Jonas T. , Zappa M.
Published: August 2013

Abstract. Gridded snow water equivalent (SWE) are valuable to estimate the snow water resources and verify hydrological models and other models that consider snow as a component of the natural system. However, changing data availability represents a considerable challenge when trying to derive consistent time series for SWE products. In an attempt to improve the product consistency, we first evaluated the differences between two climatologies of SWE grids that were calculated on the basis of data from 110 and 203 stations, respectively. The "shorter" climatology (2001–2009) was produced using 203 stations (map203) and the "longer" one (1971–2009) 110 stations (map110). Relative to map203, map110 underestimated SWE, especially at higher elevations and at the end of the winter season. We tested the potential of quantile mapping to compensate for mapping errors in map110 relative to map203. During a nine-year calibration period from 2001–2009, for which both map203 and map110 were available, the method could successfully refine the spatial and temporal SWE representation in map110 by making seasonal, regional and altitude-related distinctions. Expanding the calibration to the full 39 yr showed that the general underestimation of map110 could be removed for the whole winter. The calibrated SWE maps were accurate when averaged over regions and time periods, where the mean error is approximately zero. However, deviations were observed at single grid cells and years. When we looked at three different regions in more detail, we found that the calibration had the largest effect in the region with the highest proportion of catchment areas above 2000 m a.s.l. and that the general underestimation of map110 could be removed for the entire snow season. The added value of the calibrated SWE climatology is illustrated with practical examples: the verification of a hydrological model, the estimation of snow resource anomalies and the predictability of runoff through SWE.
Larry David's “Dark Talmud”; or Kafka in Prime Time
Authors: Rosenberg Roberta
Published: August 2013

Larry David's work in both Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm is a continuation of a comic tradition that views humor as redemptive, a tradition that mocks persecutors and illogical paradigms. Larry David's “dark Talmud” examines systems of thought and belief, searching for the inconsistencies and absurdities and, therefore, the humor. Although Larry David's texts in Seinfeld are often characterized as “being about nothing,” this article contends that they reveal a postmodern system of ethics that, at its core, is both Jewish and funny.
Predicting operating room case load: An aid to resource allocation
Authors: Geary Elizabeth M. , Goldberg Martin , Greenburg A. G. , Johnson Thomas E.
Published: August 2013

Hospital patient bed utilization can reach 100% with an impact on elective surgery schedules. Analysis of the demand for beds created by elective surgical operations is desirable to manage overall resources under these conditions. For planning and allocating operating rooms, staff, beds and equipment on any given day, hospital administrators would benefit from an accurate prediction of the number of surgical cases that will be completed. Current scheduling techniques do not predict, for a given day in the future, the number of cases that will actually be performed. A study was performed at a 247 bed hospital with 10 operating rooms. The operating rooms were available for reservation more than two weeks in advance. Both block scheduling and open time were available. Using reservation data with a simple Black Box model allows the prediction of the total number of cases to be performed up to two weeks in advance with 90% accuracy. The resultant predictive demand should allow for better resource planning for the Operating Suite as well as required post-op hospital patient beds.
Decembrists, Rebels, and Martyrs in Siberian Exile: The “Zerentui Conspiracy” of 1828 and the Fashioning of a Revolutionary Genealogy
Authors: Beer Daniel
Published: August 2013

In May 1828 the authorities in eastern Siberia uncovered plans, hatched by the Decembrist Ivan Sukhinov, to stage an armed rebellion among the penal laborers of the Nerchinsk mines. Sukhinov was planning to march on Chita in order to liberate his fellow Decembrists from captivity. Found guilty of the charges, the ringleaders were executed and Sukhinov committed suicide. Yet the conspiracy was a fantasy, conjured into being by the chaotic conditions of penal labor and official fears of exiled revolutionaries directing insurgencies in Siberia. The state's destruction of Sukhinov and his alleged co-conspirators created the fictional memory of a revolutionary hero and a noble, if doomed, rebellion. In their memoirs published in the postreform era, the Decembrists offered contemporaries an inspiring tale of insurgency and martyrdom in Siberia. The “Zerentui conspiracy” articulated new possibilities of revolutionary protest in exile
Shostakovich's Turn to the String Quartet and the Debates about Socialist Realism in Music
Authors: Clark Katerina
Published: August 2013

As Katerina Clark argues here, Dmitrii Shostakovich's turn to the quartet form in 1938 and his account of his First Quartet should be seen in the context of ongoing debates from that time about how the mandate for socialist realism might apply in music, a problematical question since music is the least representational of the arts. In making this point, Clark does not analyze the quartets themselves, but instead probes Shostakovich's statements about them, moving out from that narrow focus to place his remarks in the context of overall developments and controversies in Soviet culture of that decade—more specifically in the context of efforts aimed at liberalizing socialist realist practice.
Media Clips: Optimizing HDTV Viewing Angles; Onside Kicks
Authors: cibes Margaret , Greenwood James , Vennebush G. Patrick
Published: August 2013

Students analyze items from the media to answer mathematical questions related to the items. This month's clips are from an ad for HDTVs, which involves trigonometry and calculus, and from a sportscast, which involves probability and the binomial distribution.
The Geoboard Triangle Quest
Authors: Allen Kasi C.
Published: August 2013

A student question and the process it generates demonstrate the importance of student-initiated tasks in implementing the SMP in the Common Core Standards.
Exploring Function Transformations Using the Common Core
Authors: Hall Becky , Giacin Rich
Published: August 2013

Tying your teaching approach to the Common Core Standard for Geometry and Congruence will help students understand why functions behave as they do.
Connecting Research to Teaching: Not All Opportunities to Prove Are the Same
Authors: Gilbertson Nicholas J. , Otten Samuel , Males Lorraine M. , Clark D. Lee
Published: August 2013

For many American students, high school geometry provides their only focused experience in writing proofs (Herbst 2002), and proof is often viewed as the application of recently learned theorems rather than a means of establishing and understanding the truth of general results (Soucy McCrone and Martin 2009).
Technology Tips: Building Interactive Demonstrations with Sage
Authors: Murray Maura
Published: August 2013

Sage is an open-source software package that can be used in many different areas of mathematics, ranging from algebra to calculus and beyond. One of the most exciting pedagogical features of Sage (http://www.sagemath.org) is its ability to create interacts—interactive examples that can be used in a classroom demonstration or by students in a computer laboratory. By accessing a simple Web-based Sage Notebook interface, we can quickly compute a diverse range of examples, such as finding the prime factorization of a positive integer or graphing transformations of functions. Graphing calculator explorations translate nicely into Sage, and the interact feature makes them much more dynamic.
Biofilm Control Develop an Effective Strategy to Preserve Quality, Ensure Compliance
Authors: Miller Roger , Friedman Melinda , Koci Don , Moore Randy
Published: August 2013

Biofilm can create many problems in a water distribution system. As a result, recent and upcoming regulatory changes necessitate having an effective biofilm control strategy to maintain distribution system water quality.
Leveraging Data for Improved Utility Operations
Authors: Fillinger John
Published: August 2013

Many municipalities have used automated meter‐reading systems to effectively achieve business objectives. New technology allows utilities to collect more granular measurement data more frequently, providing vital statistics to enable proactive management and efficient decision making.
How Can I Improve Chlorine Residual throughout a Distribution System?
Authors: Lauer William C.
Published: August 2013

Maintaining a disinfectant residual throughout a drinking water distribution system is a regulatory requirement for most water systems and is usually necessary to fully protect public health. Although some systems have a disinfection waiver for this requirement (usually smaller groundwater systems), most community water systems must comply with the requirement.
La professionnalisation de la gestion de projets et son effet d’exclusion
Authors: Legault Marie-Josée , Chasserio Stéphanie
Published: August 2013

Les femmes sont sous-représentées dans la conception de logiciels sur mesure, malgré les interventions politiques visant l'équité dans ce secteur, tant en Amérique du Nord qu'au sein de l'Union européenne. Les choix de formation des filles sont bien sûr en cause, mais n'expliquent pas tout; ces femmes abandonnent ces emplois bien rémunérés en plus grande proportion que les hommes, pendant que ces secteurs souffrent d'une pénurie de main-d'oeuvre. L'étude de la conciliation entre la vie privée et la vie professionnelle permet de mieux rendre compte de ce phénomène. La gestion de projets entraîne un effet d'exclusion des femmes, qu'on explique par l'exigence deflexibilité, soit de se prêter à des heures supplémentaires illimitées et imprévisibles, souvent sans rémunération en sus. Dans cet article, nous proposons que le modèle même deprofessionnalisationemprunté par les gestionnaires de projet induit un ethos qui promeut le respect des impératifs en matière d'heures de travail et soutient l'effet d'exclusion plus qu'il ne le module.