bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental flow assessments in estuaries related to preference of phytoplankton
Authors: Yang Z. F. , Sun T. , Zhao R.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. An approach to assess estuarine environmental flow based on phytoplankton preference, including the complex relationships between hydrological modifications and ecosystem biomass, was developed in this study. We initially established a relationship between biomass requirements for primary and higher nutritional level organisms based on the ecosystem nutritional energy flow principles. Subsequently, diagnostic pigments were employed to represent phytoplankton community biomass, which indicated competition between two groups of phytoplankton in the biochemistry process. Considering empirical relationships between diagnostic pigments and critical environmental factors, biomass responses to river discharge were established by simulating distributions of critical environmental factors under action of river discharges and tide currents. Consequently, environmental flows were recommended for different fish biomass requirements. We used the Yellow River estuary as a case study; and May and June were identified as critical months for maintaining environmental flow. Temporal variation in natural river flow dynamics, which was used as a proxy for environmental flow, should be carefully examined in artificial hydrological regulation strategies, particularly during high-amplitude flood pulses, which might result in negative effects on phytoplankton groups, and subsequently higher aquatic species biomass.
Tracer-based analysis of spatial and temporal variation of water sources in a glacierized catchment
Authors: Penna D. , Engel M. , Mao L. , Dell'Agnese A. , Bertoldi G. , Comiti F.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Snow-dominated and glacierized catchments are important sources of fresh water for biological communities and for population living in mountain valleys. Gaining a better understanding of the runoff origin and of the hydrological interactions between meltwater and streamflow is critical for natural risk assessment and mitigation as well as for effective water resources management in mountain regions. This study is based on the use of stable isotopes of water and electrical conductivity as tracers to identify the water sources for runoff and their seasonal variability in a glacierized catchment in the Italian Alps. Samples were collected from rainfall, snow, snowmelt, ice melt and stream water (from the main stream at different locations and from selected tributaries) in 2011, 2012 and 2013. The tracer-based mixing analysis revealed that, overall, snowmelt and glacier melt were the most important end-members for stream runoff during late spring, summer and early fall. The temporal variability of the tracer concentration suggested that stream water was dominated by snowmelt at the beginning of the melting season (May–June), by a mixture of snowmelt and glacier melt during mid-summer (July–early August), and by glacier melt during the end of the summer (end of August–September). The same seasonal pattern observed in streamflow was also evident for groundwater, with the highest electrical conductivity and least negative isotopic values found during periods of limited melting. Particularly, the application of a two-component mixing model to data from different springs showed that the overall snowmelt contribution to groundwater recharge during the three study years ranged between 58% (±15%) and 72% (±15%). These results provided new insights on the isotopic characterization of the study catchment and the presented approach could offer further understanding of the spatio-temporal variability of the main water sources contributing to runoff in other snow-dominated and glacierized Alpine catchments.
Climate change and wetland loss impacts on a Western river's water quality
Authors: Records R. M. , Arabi M. , Fassnacht S. R. , Duffy W. G. , Ahmadi M. , Hegewisch K. C.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. An understanding of potential stream water quality conditions under future climate is critical for the sustainability of ecosystems and protection of human health. Changes in wetland water balance under projected climate could alter wetland extent or cause wetland loss. This study assessed the potential climate-induced changes to in-stream sediment and nutrients loads in the historically snow melt-dominated Sprague River, Oregon, Western United States. Additionally, potential water quality impacts of combined changes in wetland water balance and wetland area under future climatic conditions were evaluated. The study utilized the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) forced with statistical downscaling of general circulation model (GCM) data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) using the Multivariate Adaptive Constructed Analogs (MACA) method. Our findings suggest that in the Sprague River (1) mid-21st century nutrient and sediment loads could increase significantly during the high flow season under warmer-wetter climate projections, or could change only nominally in a warmer and somewhat drier future; (2) although water quality conditions under some future climate scenarios and no wetland loss may be similar to the past, the combined impact of climate change and wetland losses on nutrient loads could be large; (3) increases in stream total phosphorus (TP) concentration with wetland loss under future climate scenarios would be greatest at high-magnitude, low-probability flows; and (4) loss of riparian wetlands in both headwaters and lowlands could increase outlet TP loads to a similar degree, but this could be due to distinctly different mechanisms in different parts of the watershed.
Perception of flood and landslide risk in Italy: a preliminary analysis
Authors: Salvati P. , Bianchi C. , Fiorucci F. , Giostrella P. , Marchesini I. , Guzzetti F.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Inundations and landslides are widespread phenomena in Italy, where they cause severe damage and pose a threat to the population. Little is known on the perception of the population of landslides and floods. This is surprising, as an accurate perception is important for the successful implementation of many risk reduction or adaptation strategies. In an attempt to fill this gap, we have conducted two national surveys to measure the perception of landslide and flood risk of the population of Italy. The surveys were executed in 2012 and 2013, performing for each survey approximately 3100 computer assisted telephone interviews. The samples of the interviewees were statistically representative for a national scale quantitative assessment. The interviewees were asked questions designed to obtain information on their: (i) perception of natural, environmental, and technological risks, (ii) direct experience or general knowledge on the occurrence of landslides and floods in their municipality, (iii) perception of the possible threat posed by landslides and floods to their safety, (iv) general knowledge on the number of victims caused by landslides or floods, and on (v) the factors that they considered important to control landslide and flood risks in Italy. The surveys revealed that the population of Italy fears technological risks more than natural risks. Of the natural risks, earthquakes were considered more dangerous than floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. Examination of the temporal and geographical distribution of the responses revealed that the occurrence of recent damaging events influenced risk perception locally, and that the perception persisted longer for earthquakes and decreased more rapidly for landslides and floods. We justify the differentiation with the diverse consequences of the risks. The interviewees considered inappropriate land management the main cause of landslide and flood risk, followed by illegal construction, abandonment of the territory, and climate change. Comparison of the risk perception with actual measures of landslide and flood risk, including the number of fatal events, the number of fatalities, and the mortality rates, revealed that in most of the Italian regions the perception of the threat did not match the long-term risk posed by landslides and floods to the population. This outcome points to the need to fostering the understanding of the population of landslide and flood hazards and risks in Italy.
Conventional tillage versus organic farming in relation to soil organic carbon stock in olive groves in Mediterranean rangelands (southern Spain)
Authors: Parras-Alcántara L. , Lozano-García B.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration is a soil variable subject to changes. The management system is a key factor that influences these changes. To determine the long-term effects of the management system on SOC stocks (SOCS) in olive groves, 114 soil profiles were studied in the Los Pedroches Valley (Mediterranean rangelands – southern Spain) for 20 years. The management practices were conventional tillage (CT) and organic farming (OF) in four soil types: Cambisols (CMs), Regosols (RGs), Luvisols (LVs) and Leptosols (LPs). Soil properties were statistically analysed by management techniques, soil types and horizons. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between soil types and management practices. It was equally observed that the management system affected SOCS. In addition, the total SOCS during the 20-year experiment increased in OF with respect to CT by 72 and 66% in CMs and LVs respectively. SOC showed significant differences for horizons (p < 0.05) in relation to the management type. The stratification ratio (SR) was used as an indicator of soil quality based on the influence of surface SOC levels on erosion control, water infiltration and nutrient conservation with respect to deep layers. The SR of SOC from the surface to depth was greater in CT compared to OF with the exception of RGs. In all cases, the SR of SOC was >2. These results indicate high soil quality and that management practices affect SOC storage in the Los Pedroches Valley.
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Farm Business Performance
Authors: Veidal Asbjørn , Flaten Ola
Published: May 2014

This study advances research on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in the farming sector by examining how the configuration of on-farm diversification and location shapes the relationship between EO and farm business performance (archival financial performance and self-reported non-financial performance). Data were collected from 400 farms included in the Norwegian Farm Business Survey. The research hypotheses were tested using hierarchical moderated regression analysis. As hypothesized, a positive relationship was found between EO and non-financial performance. Other hypotheses were not confirmed. Surprisingly, EO showed a negative relationship with financial performance. The interactive effect of EO and on-farm diversification on financial performance was negative. Configurations of EO, diversification and location did not account for performance differences among farms. Overall, these findings suggest that, rather than enhancing EO, farm business performance might be improved by a more inwardly focused orientation towards efficient production by increasing managerial ability.
The Effects of Background Auditory Interference and Extraversion on Creative and Cognitive Task Performance
Authors: Chamorro-Premuzic Tomas , Swami Viren , Terrado Avegayle , Furnham Adrian
Published: May 2014

The present study examined the effects of different types of background auditory stimuli on the cognitive and creative task performance of introverts and extraverts. A sample of 77 high-school students completed two cognitive tasks (Baddeley Reasoning Test and sentence-completion) and a creative task (Alternate-Uses Test of divergent thinking) under one of four different background auditory conditions (speech, noise, music, or silence), as well as being assessed on Extraversion. Results showed no significant main or interactive effects of background auditory stimuli and personality on either cognitive task performance. However, there was a significant interactive effect on creative performance, with extraverts performing better in the presence of music than introverts. Consistencies and discrepancies with past literature are discussed.
The Characteristics of Initial Sandplay Productions of 44 Undergraduates
Authors: Zhu Lixia , Peng Xian , Tian Juan , Liu Jia
Published: May 2014

Objective: To investigate the undergraduate's initial sandplay themes. Method: Each subject made initial sandplay with the company, then share the feeling about his own initial sandplay. Result: The theme in sandplay of undergraduates about family and life is about 63.7%; different kind of miniatures was used with different frequency by every subject; there are 54.55% initial sandplay have real self-image,all of the initial sandplays have not used the water, and the time that everyone used on making their initial sandplay has significance of difference.
The Relationship of Self-Concept And Communication Skills Towards Academic Achievement Among Secondary School Students In Johor Bahru
Authors: Yahaya Azizi
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of self-concept and interpersonal communication skills to academic achievement. 320 students from eight schools in Johor Bahru were picked at random using the simple random method. The assessment instruments used in this study were the “Tennessee Self-Concept Scale” (TCS) and the Malay version of “Interpersonal Communication Skills Inventory” (ICSI). The reliability level of the assessment instruments was 0.7498(TSCS) and 0.7587 from the pilot study done on a group of twenty respondents. The data was analyzed using the Pearson’s correlation and descriptive statistics. The students’ levels of self-concept and interpersonal communication skills were identified. The levels of students’ self-concept were positive, average or negative while the student’s interpersonal skills were high, average or low.  The students’ PMR examination results were used as the academic achievement indicator. The results indicated that the majority of the students possessed the average level of self-concept and interpersonal communication skills. Self-concept was found to correlate quite significantly with interpersonal communication skills but it was found that self-concept does not correlate significantly with academic achievement. Suggestions were put forth to improve the students’ interpersonal communication skills and their self-concept. One of the suggestions is that communication skills should be introduced as a subject in the school curriculum from the primary level. This will not only develop a student’s self-confidence but also enhance his self-concept. (Keyword: self-concept, interpersonal, communication skills and academic achievement)
The Study on Psychological Capital Development of Intrapreneurial Team
Authors: Zhao Zhenguo , Hou Jialin
Published: May 2014

Intrapreneurship is an important way for enterprises to maintain the sustained growth. Furthermore, intrapreneurial team is a dominant force to achieve intrapreneurship, among which psychological capital (PsyCap) plays an important role. Therefore, the development of psychological capital of intrapreneurial team bears an important significance. Based on the study of related literatures, this paper presents a number of recommendations on the development of intrapreneurial teams’ PsyCap.
A Study on the Job Engagement of Company Employees
Authors: Kong Ying
Published: May 2014

Purpose The present paper, based on relative studies done both at home and abroad, intends to investigate the relationships between individual characteristics of the employees in the company and their job engagement. Methodology by using the UWES (Utreeht Work Engagement Scale) Result The relevance between company employees’ individual characteristics and the variables of job engagement is significant. The regression analysis further finds out that the regression is significant between company employees’ individual characteristics and the dimensions (vigor, dedication, and absorption) of job engagement. In addition, gender and length of working can predict the degree of employees’ engagement into working. Conclusion employees’ individual characteristics studied in the present paper have an effect on their job engagement.
En-corps, brèves observations sur le manifeste d’Hélène Cixous
Authors: Reid Martine
Published: May 2014

On ne saurait comprendre le sens et la portée du Rire de la Méduse d’Hélène Cixous sans prendre en compte d’abord le singulier rapport qu’il établit, dès sa parution en 1975 dans la revue L’Arc, avec les positions de Simone de Beauvoir. On ne saurait ensuite lui donner toute sa force sans rappeler, en parallèle avec les positions de Beauvoir toujours, les filiations qu’il relie aux écrits de certaines femmes auteurs du passé.
Les je(ux) de partitions d’Assia Djebar : un Quatuor algérien pour corps féminins
Authors: Laghouati Sofiane
Published: May 2014

L’amour, la fantasia (1985), Ombre sultane (1987) et Vaste est la prison (1994) sont les trois premiers opus d’une tétralogie, toujours en devenir, de l’écrivaine algérienne Assia Djebar. Ils s’inscrivent dans un second cycle d’oeuvres, qui fascinent tant par leur architecture narrative et l’invention stylistique que par la place singulière qu’elles concèdent à des corps tenus habituellement au secret, parce que féminins. Ces polygraphies des corps que propose l’écrivaine sont à envisager non seulement à partir des interdits desquels elles émergent — au creuset de l’histoire personnelle ou au carrefour des destinées collectives —, mais aussi pour ce qu’elles mettent en perspective.
Le corps de la filiation : répétitions et détournements de l’Histoire des femmes dans le roman Purge de Sofi Oksanen
Authors: Mavrikakis Catherine
Published: May 2014

Cet article veut penser la place de la répétition dans la constitution d’une filiation féminine où le corps agit comme espace commun entre les générations. Le roman Purge de Sofi Oksanen, prix Femina étranger en 2010, montre que le corps des femmes a payé le prix du déroulement de l’Histoire estonienne et que c’est sur la chair féminine que s’écrivent les répétitions et bouleversements sanglants. Entre une grand-tante qui a vécu le communisme, ses humiliations et ses viols et une petite-nièce qui se prostitue en Allemagne en étant battue, maltraitée et poursuivie par des proxénètes russes, le roman établit un écho étrange. Le corps féminin pour Oksanen est pensé comme répétition mortifère. Ce sont les reprises de l’histoire qui s’inscrivent sur la vieille femme Aliide et la jeune fille Zara. Comment sortir de cette structure de domination où les corps des femmes se parlent silencieusement dans leurs souffrances ? Par quels moyens donner à Zara la possibilité de ne pas avoir le corps blessé de l’Histoire ?
Écriture et nudité. Les femmes de Nelly Arcan et de Vanessa Beecroft
Authors: Delvaux Martine
Published: May 2014

Cet article se penche sur la question de l’image de la femme, de la femme comme image dans le regard des hommes (suivant la lecture de John Berger). L’oeuvre de la photographe italo-américaine Vanessa Beecroft et les romans de Nelly Arcan servent ici de matériaux pour réfléchir à la peau et à la nudité comme seuil de la femme-image : lieu où le regard masculin accroche, mais surface qui permet aux femmes de résister.
Le corps dans la voix. De L’amour à L’homme assis dans le couloir de Marguerite Duras
Authors: de Chalonge Florence
Published: May 2014

Entre L’amour, paru en 1971, et L’homme assis dans le couloir de 1980, Marguerite Duras s’est consacrée à l’écriture filmique. Dissociant corps et voix, la cinéaste a profondément modifié sa poétique du personnage. Dans le cinéma de l’auteure, la vie du corps laisse sans voix, tandis que la voix du dialogue ou du récit est désincarnée. Là où, dans L’amour, les personnages hébétés se tenaient à distance les uns des autres et livraient à une énonciation impersonnelle leurs corps morts au désir, l’érotique de L’homme assis expose les corps à la mort sous le regard d’une première personne qui vient en témoigner. Si la triangulation est toujours la mathématique élémentaire de la fable, avec L’homme assis, le dispositif énonciatif donne désormais à l’auctorialité durassienne, pour reprendre le mot de Barthes, un corps dans la voix.
A Mammary Nodule Mimicking Breast Cancer
Authors: Solaini Leonardo , Bianchi Anna , Filippini Luigi , Lucini Laura , Simoncini Edda , Ragni Fulvio
Published: May 2014

Metastases to the breast from extramammary tumors are rare. Several clinical, radiologic, and histologic signs can help to distinguish metastases from breast primary tumors. In the present study, we present a case of a left-sided breast metastasis from renal cancer in a 44-year-old woman whose clinical presentation was a mammary nodule in the upper internal quadrant. The patient underwent quadrantectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. The histology revealed a clear cell carcinoma. On computed tomography scan a 5×8-cm left renal mass with pulmonary, liver, and intrapericardial nodules was found. The patient underwent palliative care and died after 4 months. Metastasis to the breast is rare, but all of those clinical, radiologic, and histologic signs more typical of extramammary malignancies should always be considered in order to choose the best treatment strategy.
Prebending of a Titanium Elastic Intramedullary Nail in the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures in Children
Authors: Cai Haoqi , Wang Zhigang , Cai Haiqing
Published: May 2014

The aims of this study were to introduce a method to treat distal radius diaphyseal metaphyseal junction fractures by prebending an elastic intramedullary nail and to evaluate the factors influencing fracture apposition. Fifty-two consecutive patients (4 to 15 years old) with a distal radius diaphyseal metaphyseal junction fracture were included. The nail was inserted and advanced into the proximal radial fragment as normal. After bending the nail distally about 90° at the site predetermined to lie at the distal segment, the elastic intramedullary nail was advanced until the prebent part completely entered the marrow cavity. The fracture angular deformity was fully corrected in anterior-posterior and lateral views. The apposition rate was 90% to 100% in lateral view, >50% in anterior-posterior view. The operation time was 16.73 ± 6.253 minutes. The average time of fracture healing was 5 months (range, 4–7 months). During 12 to 19 months of follow-up, firm fracture healing and good remodeling were observed, and there was no impaired forearm rotation function or secondary fracture. Our study showed the treatment of distal radius diaphyseal metaphyseal junction fractures by prebent intramedullary nail could make up for the deficiency of Kirschner wires and steel plates and keep the fracture stable. Fracture type and the anatomical features of the distal radius were associated with fracture apposition.
Outcomes Following Placement of Non–Cross-Linked Porcine-Derived Acellular Dermal Matrix in Complex Ventral Hernia Repair
Authors: Golla Dinakar , Russo Carly C.
Published: May 2014

Repair of complex ventral hernias frequently results in postoperative complications. This study assessed postoperative outcomes in a consecutive cohort of patients with ventral hernias who underwent herniorrhaphy using components separation techniques and reinforcement with non–cross-linked intact porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (PADM) performed by a single surgeon between 2008 and 2012. Postoperative outcomes of interest included incidence of seroma, wound infection, deep-vein thrombosis, bleeding, and hernia recurrence determined via clinical examination. Of the 47 patients included in the study, 25% were classified as having Ventral Hernia Working Group grade 1 risk, 62% as grade 2, 2% as grade 3, and 11% as grade 4; 49% had undergone previous ventral hernia repair. During a mean follow-up of 31 months, 3 patients experienced hernia recurrence, and 9 experienced other postoperative complications: 4 (9%) experienced deep-vein thrombosis; 3 (6%), seroma; 2 (4%), wound infection; and 2 (4%), bleeding. The use of PADM reinforcement following components separation resulted in low rates of postoperative complications and hernia recurrence in this cohort of patients undergoing ventral hernia repair.
Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Splenectomy Versus Open Splenectomy for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Qu Yikun , Xu Jian , Jiao Chengbin , Cheng Zhuoxin , Ren Shiyan
Published: May 2014

The long-term outcomes of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) versus open splenectomy (OS) in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are not known. A retrospective analysis of 73 patients who underwent splenectomy (32 LS and 41 OS) for refractory ITP between April 2003 and June 2012 was conducted. LS was associated with shorter hospital stay (P = 0.01), less blood loss and blood transfusion during surgery, quicker resumption of oral diet (P < 0.0001), and earlier drain removal (P < 0.01). Conversion to OS was required in 4 patients (12.5%). Operation time was significantly longer in LS (P < 0.0001). Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was observed in 1 patient after LS and in 4 patients after OS (P = 0.52). One patient died from intraperitoneal bleeding after OS, another patient developed pulmonary embolism. Median follow-up of 36 months was performed in LS group (29 of 32, 91%) and of 46 months in OS group (35 of 41, 85%), 25 patients (86%) in LS group and 32 (91%) in OS group reached sustained complete response (P = 0.792). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the relapse-free survival rate between the groups (P = 0.777). In conclusion, the long-term outcome of laparoscopic splenectomy is not different from that of open splenectomy for patients with ITP.
Mortality Indicators and Risk Factors for Intra-Abdominal Hypertension in Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Zhao JG , Liao Q , Zhao YP , Hu Y
Published: May 2014

This study assessed the risk factors associated with mortality and the development of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). To identify significant risk factors, we assessed the following variables in 102 patients with SAP: age, gender, etiology, serum amylase level, white blood cell (WBC) count, serum calcium level, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) score, computed tomography severity index (CTSI) score, pancreatic necrosis, surgical interventions, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Statistically significant differences were identified using the Student t test and the χ2 test. Independent risk factors for survival were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression. The following variables were significantly related to both mortality and IAH: WBC count, serum calcium level, serum amylase level, APACHE-II score, CTSI score, pancreatic necrosis, pancreatic necrosis >50%, and MODS. However, it was found that surgical intervention had no significant association with mortality. MODS and pancreatic necrosis >50% were found to be independent risk factors for survival in patients with SAP. Mortality and IAH from SAP were significantly related to WBC count, serum calcium level, serum amylase level, APACHE-II score, CTSI score, pancreatic necrosis, and MODS. However, Surgical intervention did not result in higher mortality. Moreover, MODS and pancreatic necrosis >50% predicted a worse prognosis in SAP patients.
Ileosigmoid Knot at Week 13 of Pregnancy: Report of a Case
Authors: Shimizu Riha , Hoshino Yoshinori , Irie Haruko , Ito Homare , Terauchi Toshiaki , Kimata Masaru , Furukawa Junji , Shinozaki Hiroharu , Kobayashi Kenji , Ogata Yoshiro
Published: May 2014

The ileosigmoid knot (ISK) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. ISK is a condition in which the ileum wraps around the base of the sigmoid colon and forms a knot, leading to high mortality with rapid progression to bowel gangrene. We herein report a rare case of ISK at week 13 of pregnancy. The ISK was diagnosed by computed tomography, and the patient underwent emergency surgery for acute abdomen. Laparotomy showed segmental gangrenous change in the sigmoid colon, which was twisted around the distal ileal loop. The gangrenous bowel was resected, and primary anastomosis was performed. To our knowledge, the present case involves the first and earliest pregnancy in which a preoperative diagnosis of ISK was made and successful treatment was performed with surgery. A radiologic approach should be undertaken for prompt diagnosis and optimal management, even in early pregnancy.
Controls on sediment production from an unpaved resource road in a Pacific maritime watershed
Authors: van Meerveld H. J. , Baird E.J. , Floyd W. C.
Published: May 2014

Unpaved resource roads have the potential to produce large amounts of sediment and can negatively impact water quality and aquatic ecology. In order to better understand the dominant controls on sediment generation from unpaved resource roads, we did 23 large‐scale rainfall simulation experiments on a road section in the Honna Watershed, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada. The experiments were performed with different rainfall intensities (4–52 mm/h), with and without traffic. Precipitation intensity was the dominant control on the amount of sediment generated from the road surface; the total mass of sediment increased linearly with precipitation intensity. The number of passages of loaded logging trucks during an experiment was the second most dominant control on the total amount of sediment generated from the road surface. Elevated sediment concentrations in road surface runoff persisted for 30 min following the passage of loaded logging trucks during low intensity (<8 mm/h) rainfall events and for much shorter periods at higher rainfall intensities. The mass of sediment generated by the passage of a loaded truck increased with precipitation intensity. Passages of empty logging truck did not result in sediment pulses, except during very high rainfall intensities. Seven small‐scale rainfall simulation experiments on other parts of the road, however, highlight the large spatial variability in sediment production from the road surface, suggesting additional experiments are required to better describe and predict sediment production from different road sections.
OVATION Prime‐2013: Extension of auroral precipitation model to higher disturbance levels
Authors: Newell P. T. , Liou K. , Zhang Y. , Sotirelis T. , Paxton L. J. , Mitchell E. J.
Published: May 2014

OVATION Prime (OP) is an auroral precipitation model parameterized by solar wind driving. Distinguishing features of the model include an optimized solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling function (dΦMP/dt) which predicts auroral power significantly better than Kp or other traditional parameters, the separation of aurora into categories (diffuse aurora, monoenergetic, broadband, and ion), the inclusion of seasonal variations, and separate parameter fits for each magnetic latitude (MLAT) × magnetic local time (MLT) bin, thus permitting each type of aurora and each location to have differing responses to season and solar wind input—as indeed they do. We here introduce OVATION Prime‐2013, an upgrade to the 2010 version currently widely available. The most notable advantage of OP‐2013 is that it uses UV images from the GUVI instrument on the satellite TIMED for high disturbance levels (dΦMP/dt > 1.2 MWb/s which roughly corresponds to Kp = 5+ or 6−). The range of validity is approximately 0 < dΦMP/dt ≤ 3.0 MWb/s (Kp about 8+). Other upgrades include a reduced susceptibility to salt‐and‐pepper noise, and smoother interpolation across the postmidnight data gap. The model is tested against an independent data set of hemispheric auroral power from Polar UVI. Over the common range of validity of OP‐2010 and OP‐2013, the two models predict auroral power essentially identically, primarily because hemispheric power calculations were done in a way to minimize the impact of OP‐2010s noise. To quantitatively demonstrate the improvement at high disturbance levels would require multiple very large substorms, which are rare, and insufficiently present in the limited data set of Polar UVI hemispheric power values. Nonetheless, although OP‐2010 breaks down in a variety of ways above Kp = 5+ or 6−, OP‐2013 continues to show the auroral oval advancing equatorward, at least to 55° MLAT or a bit less, and OP‐2013 does not develop spurious large noise patches. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of other precipitation models more generally, as no one model fits best all possible uses.
Lake Ecosystems
Authors: Hairston Nelson G , Fussmann Gregor F
Published: May 2014

Lakes are bodies of nonmarine standing water connected by water flow and aerial inputs to their surrounding landscapes (watersheds). As relatively discrete ecosystems, the interplay between physical, biogeochemical and organismal processes in them is especially clear, and can be studied, understood and put to use in effective management. Sunlight penetrating from the lake surface provides energy that warms the surface water, energy for photosynthesis and an environment suitable for predators that hunt by sight. The depth to which light penetrates is determined by the amount of suspended particles (phytoplankton, organic and inorganic sediments) and coloured organic chemical compounds dissolved in the water. Important chemicals entering from the watershed include essential nutrients (chiefly phosphorus and nitrogen) and pollutants that are taken up and passed through the food chain from primary producers (phytoplankton and rooted plants) to consumers (animals that eat plants and other animals). All organisms in lakes have adaptations that affect the strengths of their interactions with their physical and biogeochemical environments and with other species in the food web. Introduced species, pollutants, and other changes in the environment result in rapid evolution of the adaptations that determine interaction strengths. These processes are particularly obvious in discrete lake ecosystems.

Key Concepts:

Lakes are relatively discrete ecosystems; the interplay between physical, biogeochemical and organismal processes in them can be easily studied.

Lakes take up a small proportion of the Earth's surface but their ecological importance is disproportionately high.

Lake ecosystems are influenced by their watersheds; a lake and its watershed are often considered to be a single ecosystem.

Thermal stratification in lakes generates vertical structure and compartments with different physical, chemical and biological properties.

The shallow‐water littoral and the open‐water pelagic are the two major horizontal zones in lakes; each zone has its characteristic food chain based on macrophytes and benthic algae or phytoplankton.

Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus are the major nutrients affecting lakes and their watersheds as part of their biogeochemical cycles. Production is limited by phosphorus in most, but not all, lakes.

The lake sediment plays an important role as habitat for rooted plants and animals, as nutrient storage (particularly phosphorus), and as a repository of decayed material and dormant stages of lake organisms.

Both bottom‐up and top‐down processes determine the trophic structure and dynamics in lake food chains and webs.

Lake ecosystems are shaped by both ecological and evolutionary processes that occur on the same time scale.
Genetics of Pain Insensitivity
Authors: Nahorski Michael S , Emery Edward C , Woods C Geoffrey
Published: May 2014

Pain is a sense that has two purposes in humans: first, to warn of impending tissue damage and detect actual tissue damage – a process known as nociception; and second to guide childhood and adolescent development by setting upper limits to activity. A complete absence of pain sensing is found in a small number of Mendelian disorders. These disorders of painlessness can be categorised into three categories: defects in peripheral nervous system development, disorders in pain sensing and progressive nociceptor‐specific neuropathies. The study of these conditions has helped to sculpt our understanding of the human pain sensing systems and provided insights into the uniqueness of nociceptive neurons, with each supporting an axon/dendrite of up to 50 cm in length (which lacks a myelin sheath) and lasting a lifetime. Furthermore, these painlessness genes are starting to provide new therapeutic avenues for pain control, for example, NGF and Na
V
1.7 antagonists.

Key Concepts:

Pain is the only one of the senses ubiquitously present in all multicellular organisms.

Pain has roles in both normal development and also in the prolongation of each individual through injury avoidance and management.

Mendelian disorders of painlessness exist and are individually very rare.

The study of Mendelian disorders of painlessness has led to significant advances in our understanding of pain processing and defined a subset of genes/proteins, which are nonredundantly necessary for the generation, function and survival of nociceptors.

Biallelic mutations in either
NTRK1
or
NGF
lead to a failure of nociception system development and congenital inability to perceive pain.

Mutations in the voltage‐gated sodium channels
SCN9A
(presumably
SCN10A
) and
SCN11A
cause defective integrative pain sensing and congenital inability to perceive pain.

Degenerative disorders of nociception neurons are associated with mutations in
SPTLC1
,
SPTLC2
,
WNK1
,
FAM134B
,
IKBKAP
and
DST
and generally lead to a progressive loss of pain sensing.

New analgesic treatments are being generated from the study of Mendelian disorders of painlessness.
Rumination and the Displacement of Aggression inUnitedKingdom Gang‐Affiliated Youth
Authors: Vasquez Eduardo A. , Osman Sarah , Wood Jane L.
Published: May 2014

The concept of gang aggression oftentimes elicits images of brutal intergang violence. In reality, gang‐related aggression can vary widely, can have various motivations and causal factors, and includes interpersonal as well as intergroup aggression. This study examined the tendency ofUKyouth to engage in displaced aggression (aggression aimed at undeserving targets) and examined the relationship among gang affiliation, ruminative thought, and aggression levels. Students in threeLondon schools were asked to complete a questionnaire that assessed levels of gang affiliation, rumination about aversive events, and a tendency to engage in displaced aggression. Our analyses found a three‐way interaction between gang affiliation, rumination, and gender, such that males who were high in affiliation and rumination had the greatest tendency to displace aggression toward innocent others. Additionally, it was shown that rumination could account for a significant part of the correlation between gang affiliation and displaced aggression. Furthermore, regression analyses showed that even after controlling for trait aggression, anger, hostility, and irritability, rumination remained a significant predictor of displaced aggression. The implications for understanding gang‐related aggression and for conducting future research in this area were discussed. Aggr. Behav. 38:89‐97, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hostile Attributional Bias, Negative Emotional Responding, and Aggression in Adults: Moderating Effects of Gender and Impulsivity
Authors: Chen Pan , Coccaro Emil F. , Jacobson Kristen C.
Published: May 2014

The current study examined the main effects of hostile attributional bias (HAB) and negative emotional responding on a variety of aggressive behaviors in adults, including general aggression, physical aggression, relational aggression, and verbal aggression. Effects of both externalizing (anger) and internalizing (embarrassment/upset) negative emotions were considered. In addition, the moderating roles of gender and impulsivity on the effects of HAB and negative emotional responding were explored. Multilevel models were fitted to data from 2,749 adult twins aged 20–55 from the PennTwins cohort. HAB was positively associated with all four forms of aggression. There was also a significant interaction between impulsivity and HAB for general aggression. Specifically, the relationship between HAB and general aggression was only significant for individuals with average or above‐average levels of impulsivity. Negative emotional responding was also found to predict all measures of aggression, although in different ways. Anger was positively associated with all forms of aggression, whereas embarrassment/upset predicted decreased levels of general, physical, and verbal aggression but increased levels of relational aggression. The associations between negative emotional responding and aggression were generally stronger for males than females. The current study provides evidence for the utility of HAB and negative emotional responding as predictors of adult aggression and further suggests that gender and impulsivity may moderate their links with aggression. Aggr. Behav. 38:47‐63, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of kenaf form and loading on the properties of kenaf‐filled polypropylene/waste tire dust composites: A comparison study
Authors: Pang Ai Ling , Ismail Hanafi
Published: May 2014

Kenaf (KNF)‐filled polypropylene/waste tire dust (PP/WTD) composites containing different KNF loadings (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 parts per hundred parts of resin (phr)) were prepared using a Thermo Haake Polydrive internal mixer. The influence of the KNF form (KNF short fiber (KNFs) and KNF powder (KNFp)) at different KNF loadings on properties of the composites was studied. Results showed that with increasing KNF loading, the stabilization torque, tensile modulus, water absorption, and thermal properties increased for both KNFp‐ and KNFs‐filled PP/WTD composites. However, the tensile strength and elongation at break decreased by 29.2% and 53.9%, respectively, for KNFp‐filled PP/WTD composites, whereas KNFs‐filled PP/WTD composites showed a decrement of 24.5% and 63.5%, respectively. The stabilization torque, tensile strength, and tensile modulus increased by 22.4%, 6.7%, and 2.6%, respectively, for KNFs‐filled PP/WTD composites at 20 phr KNF loading. The scanning electron microscopy morphological studies on the tensile fractured surfaces revealed poor adhesion between KNFp and PP/WTD matrices as compared to KNFs and PP/WTD matrices. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40877.
Thermomechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) films reinforced with hydroxyapatite and regenerated cellulose microfibers
Authors: Mahboubi Soufiani Arman , Salehi Masoud , Skrifvars Mikael , Persson Maria , Cho Sung‐Woo
Published: May 2014

Novel composite films constituted of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), hydroxyapatite (HAp), and two types of regenerated cellulose fillers—particulate and fibrous type—were produced by melt extrusion in a twin‐screw micro‐compounder. The effect of the film composition on the tensile and dynamic mechanical behavior and the HAp dispersion in the PLA matrix were investigated thoroughly. Appearance of crazed regions and prevention of HAp aggregation in the PLA matrix were elucidated in the composites with up to 15 wt % particulate cellulose content, which was the main reason for only slight reduction in the tensile properties, and consequently trivial degradation of their pre‐failure energy absorption as compared to neat PLA films. Superior dynamical energy storage capacities were obtained for the particulate cellulose modified composites, while their fibrous counterparts had not as good properties. Additionally, the anisotropic mechanical behavior obtained for the extruded composites should be favorable for use as biomaterials aimed at bone tissue engineering applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40911.
Integrated conversion, financial, and risk modeling of cellulosic ethanol from woody and non‐woody biomass via dilute acid pre‐treatment
Authors: Treasure Trevor , Gonzalez Ronalds , Jameel Hasan , Phillips Richard B. , Park Sunkyu , Kelley Steve
Published: May 2014

Dilute sulfuric acid pre‐treatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation is a technology widely studied as a potential pathway for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol. Six feedstocks were evaluated in process and financial simulations. The woody feedstocks include natural hardwood, Eucalyptus, and loblolly pine while the non‐woody feedstocks include corn stover, switchgrass, and sweet sorghum. Based on experimental and literature data, ethanol yields for the non‐woody biomasses range from 315 to 328 liters per bone dry metric ton (L/BDt). Sweet sorghum that is pressed and washed to remove soluble sugars prior to dilute acid processing can have an ethanol yield of approximately 470 L/BDt. Natural hardwood and Eucalyptus produce ethanol yields of 336 and 309 L/BDt, respectively. When processing 700 000 bone dry metric tons per year, the non‐woody biomasses have lower minimum ethanol revenues to achieve a 12% internal rate of return (MER@12%) than the woody biomasses. The non‐wood MER@12% ranged from $0.70 to $080/liter while the MER@12% for natural hardwood and Eucalyptus was $0.84–$0.85/liter. The impact of feedstock composition variability on the net present value at 12% (NPV@12%) discount was estimated for corn stover, switchgrass, and loblolly pine. One standard deviation in the sample carbohydrate content for corn stover, switchgrass, and loblolly pine will impact the NPV@12% by approximately $40 M, $72 M, and $24 M, respectively. If recent historical cost and revenue variability continues for the life of the project the most attractive feedstock is squeezed sweet sorghum where the probability of achieving at least a 12% internal rate of return is 64%.
Luminescent properties of MAl(SO4)2Br:Eu3+ (M = Sr or Mg) red phosphors for near‐UV light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Deshmukh Priti B. , Puppalwar S. P. , Dhoble N. S. , Dhoble S. J.
Published: May 2014

Eu3+‐activated MAl(SO4)2Br phosphors (where M = Mg or Sr) are successfully prepared using a wet chemical reaction technique. The samples are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. The XRD pattern revealed that both the samples are microcrystalline in nature. PL of Eu3+‐doped SrAl(SO4)2Br and MgAl(SO4)2Br phosphors exhibited characteristic red emission coming from the 5D0 → 7F2 (616 nm) electron transition, when excited by 396 nm wavelength of light. The maximum intensity of luminescence was observed at a concentration of 1 mol% Eu3+. The intensity of the electric dipole transition at 616 nm is greater than that of the magnetic dipole transition at 594 nm. The results showed that MAl(SO4)2Br:Eu3+, (M = Mg, Sr) phosphors have potential application in near‐UV light‐emitting diodes as efficient red‐emitting phosphor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.