bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ornamental fish in pet stores in Greece: a threat to biodiversity?
Authors: PAPAVLASOPOULOU I. , VARDAKAS L. , PERDIKARIS C. , KOMMATAS D. , PASCHOS I.
Published: October 2013

The aquarium trade has been recognized as an important pathway for the introduction of invasive species around the world. This study investigates the availability of ornamental fish species in ten large-size, centrally positioned aquarium stores that control a large share of imports and the Hellenic market chain, and aims to provide a provisional checklist on the aquarium fish trade in Greece. For each recorded species, additional data concerning various aspects (e.g. natural environment, native range, established as aliens, conservation status and threats to humans) were collected from Fishbase, IUCN red list and the scientific literature. Overall, 326 fish species belonging to 64 families were reported according to the store labels. The majority of the species recorded were freshwater (66%), originating mainly from South America and Asia, while most of the marine species (26%) had primarily an Indo-Pacific native distribution. Among the freshwater fishes, Cichlidae and Cyprinidae were the dominant families with 64 and 27 species, respectively, while the family Acanthuridae dominated within the marine fishes with ten species. The vast majority of both freshwater and marine species (>90%) were tropical. Concerning the presence of alien species, 62 ornamental species have been established outside their natural range, with 22 of them positively confirmed as aliens in the European waters. Moreover, 25 species were listed in the critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN) and vulnerable (VU) categories of the IUCN red list. Even more surprisingly, for 192 species recorded, data were missing to assign their conservation status or had not been assessed at all. Finally, the majority of the species (84%) were harmless to humans. However, 35 species (11%) were recognised as potentially harmful (i.e. venomous, ciguatera poisoning, traumatogenic) and two were found to be poisonous if consumed. In conclusion, the aquarium fish sector in Greece is practically uncontrolled given the presence of: a) threatened species, b) species potentially harmful to humans and c) species capable of establishing non-indigenous populations, if released into the wild.
Bakgrunnur aðstoðarmanna ráðherra: Þróun 1971-2005
Authors: Kristmundsson Ómar H.
Published: October 2013

Greinin fjallar um störf aðstoðarmanna ráðherra og hvernig bakgrunnur þeirra hefur breyst á tímabilinu 1971-2005. Skoðaðir eru m.a. eftirfarandi þættir: aldur, menntun, starfsreynsla og pólitísk þátttaka. Á grundvelli þessarar greiningar er reynt að meta hvort viðfangsefni aðstoðarmanna ráðherra hafi breyst á tímabilinu. Fram kemur að á sl. tíu árum hafi orðið umtalsverðar breytingar á bakgrunni aðstoðarmanna sem felast m.a. í því að oftar eru ráðnir einstaklingar sem hafa nýlega lokið námi og eru stutt á veg komnir á sínum starfsferli. Fátíðara er orðið að ráðnir séu einstaklingar sem geta talist sérfræðingar á málefnasviði ráðuneytis. Fjallað er um hugsanlegar skýringar á þessari þróun.
Public Impact. Citizen influence in local government in Iceland
Authors: Kristinsson Gunnar Helgi
Published: October 2013

Considering its importance in democratic theory, public impact on public policy is a strangely neglected theme in political science. The main theoretical traditions in political science, in fact, seem sceptical of claims that the public can influence public policy in a systematic manner. The present article is an attempt to consider the ways in which public impact may be studied and evaluated through a study of citizen influence in planning and environmental issues in Icelandic local government. The results indicate - even if only tentatively - that the impact of the citizens is greater than would be expected on the basis of the main theoretical traditions in political science.(The article is part of a larger research project supported by the Icelandic Centre for Research, the University of Iceland Research Fund, Association of Local Authorities in Iceland, Landsbanki Íslands and Orkuveita Reykjavíkur.)
Estrogen receptor β: putting a positive into triple negative breast cancer?
Authors: Smart Emily , Hughes Thomas , Smith Laura , Speirs Valerie
Published: October 2013

ERβ was discovered over 15 years ago, yet the initial expectancy that this protein could have therapeutic use has ebbed, because of the complexity surrounding its function and significance in breast cancer. It has become apparent that its functional role and prognostic significance in breast cancer may depend on a number of factors, such as co-expression with ERα, presence of various isoforms (ERβ1, -2 and -5 in breast cancer), post-transcriptional modifications and cellular location. Interestingly, ERβ1 is often expressed in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a more aggressive type of breast cancer with limited treatment options because of the lack of expression of a recognised biological target. Furthermore, clinical data has demonstrated a clear correlation between ERβ1 positivity and improved disease-free and overall survival in those patients treated with tamoxifen. This suggests ERβ1 may be worth considering as a potential therapeutic target, particularly in TNBC.
Conflicts Between Religious or Spiritual Beliefs and Pediatric Care: Informed Refusal, Exemptions, and Public Funding
Authors:   COMMITTEE ON BIOETHICS, Antommaria Armand H. Matheny , Weise Kathryn L. , Fallat Mary E. , Katz Aviva L. , Mercurio Mark R. , Moon Margaret R. , Okun Alexander L. , Webb Sally A.
Published: October 2013

This Policy Statement was retired September 12, 2023.

Although respect for parents’ decision-making authority is an important principle, pediatricians should report suspected cases of medical neglect, and the state should, at times, intervene to require medical treatment of children. Some parents’ reasons for refusing medical treatment are based on their religious or spiritual beliefs. In cases in which treatment is likely to prevent death or serious disability or relieve severe pain, children’s health and future autonomy should be protected. Because religious exemptions to child abuse and neglect laws do not equally protect all children and may harm some children by causing confusion about the duty to provide medical treatment, these exemptions should be repealed. Furthermore, public health care funds should not cover alternative unproven religious or spiritual healing practices. Such payments may inappropriately legitimize these practices as appropriate medical treatment.
Validation of the Brazilian version of the Clinical Gait and Balance Scale and comparison with the Berg Balance Scale
Authors: Baggio Jussara Almeida Oliveira , Curtarelli Monica de Biagi , Rodrigues Guilherme Riccioppo , Tumas Vitor
Published: October 2013

Objective To validate the Clinical Gait and Balance Scale (GABS) for a Brazilian population of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to compare it to the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Methods One hundred and seven PD patients were evaluated by shortened UPDRS motor scale (sUPDRSm), Hoehn and Yahr (HY), Schwab and England scale (SE), Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q), BBS and GABS. Results The internal consistency of the GABS was 0.94, the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were 0.94 and 0.98 respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.72, with a sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.6, to discriminate patients with a history of falls in the last twelve months, for a cut-off score of 13 points. Conclusions Our study shows that the Brazilian version of the GABS is a reliable and valid instrument to assess gait and balance in PD.
The history of cerebrospinal fluid analysis in Brazil
Authors: Livramento Jose Antonio , Machado Luis dos Ramos
Published: October 2013

Analysis on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in neurological diagnosis has always been considered to be a strong point among the main complementary examinations in Brazil. The present paper reviews the main events in the history of CSF in the neurological sciences, with emphasis on the founders of several CSF schools in our country from the beginning of the 20th century to the present time.
Iatrogenic meningitis
Authors: Mutarelli Eduardo Genaro , Adoni Tarso
Published: October 2013

Iatrogenic meningitis can be caused by a number of mechanisms. The recent case reports of fungal meningitis after application of epidural methylprednisolone caused warning in the medical community. Cases were caused by contaminated lots of methylprednisolone from a single compounding pharmacy. Several medications can cause meninigitis by probable hypersensitivity mechanism. Neurologists should be alert to the recent description of the use of lamotrigine and development of aseptic meningitis.
Mass extinction and the structure of the milky way
Authors: Filipovic M.D. , Horner J. , Crawford E.J. , Tothill N.F.H. , White G.L.
Published: October 2013

We use the most up-to-date Milky Way model and solar orbit data in order to
test the hypothesis that the Sun's galactic spiral arm crossings cause mass
extinction events on Earth. To do this, we created a new model of the Milky
Way's spiral arms by combining a large quantity of data from several surveys.
We then combined this model with a recently derived solution for the solar
orbit to determine the timing of the Sun's historical passages through the
Galaxy's spiral arms. Our new model was designed with a symmetrical
appearance, with the major alteration being the addition of a spur at the far
side of the Galaxy. A correlation was found between the times at which the
Sun crosses the spiral arms and six known mass extinction events.
Furthermore, we identify five additional historical mass extinction events
that might be explained by the motion of the Sun around our Galaxy. These
five additional significant drops in marine genera that we find include
significant reductions in diversity at 415, 322, 300, 145 and 33 Myr ago. Our
simulations indicate that the Sun has spent ~60% of its time passing through
our Galaxy's various spiral arms. Also, we briefly discuss and combine
previous work on the Galactic Habitable Zone with the new Milky Way model.
Effect of dexamethasone or synthetic ACTH administration on endogenous ACTH concentrations in healthy dogs
Authors: Bugbee Andrew C. , Smith Jo R. , Ward Cynthia R.
Published: October 2013

Objective—To determine the effects of dexamethasone or synthetic ACTH administration on endogenous ACTH concentrations in healthy dogs.

Animals—10 healthy neutered dogs.

Procedures—Each dog received dexamethasone (0.01 mg/kg), synthetic ACTH (5 μg/kg), or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (0.5 mL) IV at intervals of ≥ 30 days. Plasma endogenous ACTH concentrations were measured before (baseline; time 0) and 1, 8, 12, and 24 hours after drug administration; serum cortisol concentrations were measured before and 1 hour after synthetic ACTH and saline solution administration and 8 hours after dexamethasone administration.

Results—Analysis of serum cortisol concentrations confirmed effects of drug administration. Dexamethasone significantly decreased the endogenous ACTH concentration from the baseline value at both 8 and 12 hours. Synthetic ACTH administration significantly decreased the endogenous ACTH concentration from the baseline value at 8 hours. Saline solution administration had no significant effect on endogenous ACTH concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Dexamethasone and synthetic ACTH administered IV at doses used routinely during testing for hyperadrenocorticism caused significant but transient reductions of endogenous ACTH concentrations in healthy dogs. Thus, a 2-hour washout period following ACTH stimulation testing before collection of samples for measurement of the endogenous ACTH concentration may be insufficient. Although this effect has not been verified in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism, these data suggested that samples for measurement of endogenous ACTH concentrations should be obtained before or > 8 hours after initiation of an ACTH stimulation test or before or > 12 hours after the start of a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test.
Assessment of biometric tools for quantitative gait analysis in Holstein calves
Authors: Wheeler Carrie A. , White Brad J. , Anderson David E. , Amrine David E. , Larson Robert L.
Published: October 2013

Objective—To assess biometric tools for gait analysis in healthy calves by use of pressure mat sensors, a handheld algometer, and serial circumferential measurements of selected joints.

Animals—20 six- to eight-week-old healthy male Holstein calves.

Procedures—Calves were evaluated over a 4-day period. Gait analysis was performed by training calves to walk over a pressure-sensitive mat, which recorded quantitative measurements. An algometer was applied perpendicular to each joint until an aversion response was observed or a preset limit of 50 N/cm2 was obtained. Circumference measurements of the carpal and tarsal joints were obtained by the application of a flexible measuring tape to defined areas of each limb. Variability between joint circumference measurements and pressure mat variables were analyzed with a standard least squares means model. Algometer measurements were dichotomized, and logistic regression was used to assess the probability that a calf reacted to algometer-applied pressure.

Results—1 calf was removed from the study because of lameness. Mean carpal and tarsal joint circumference measurements were reliable and consistent among calves. Algometry results suggested that healthy calves were more sensitive to pressure applied to the elbow and stifle joints, compared with pressure applied to the carpal, tarsal, and metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints. Pressure mat variables of stance time and stride velocity varied greatly among calves, whereas impulse and maximum forces varied little.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings can serve as reference points for other studies and be used for comparison with results for calves with lameness or altered gaits.
Impact of two conceptual precipitation downscaling schemes on mass-balance modeling of Gran Campo Nevado ice cap, Patagonia
Authors: Weidemann Stephanie , Sauter Tobias , Schneider Lars , Schneider Christoph
Published: October 2013

Precipitation downscaling in mountainous regions with sparse station data is challenging, but needed to link global climate datasets with high-resolution glacier models. In this study, we apply a linear orographic precipitation model (OPM) to generate orographic precipitation fields for mass-balance studies at Gran Campo Nevado (GCN), Southern Patagonia. The OPM is driven by large-scale atmospheric input variables taken from the reanalysis data of the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction and the US National Center for Atmospheric Research. The orographic precipitation fields are compared to precipitation fields assessed by a linear precipitation gradient, widely used in earlier mass-balance studies of GCN and elsewhere. Both downscaling methods are implemented into a degree-day model to analyze the sensitivity of mass-balance modeling to different precipitation inputs. Significant spatio-temporal differences are found, particularly in the summit region. The mass-balance modeling shows high sensitivity to the different precipitation distribution methods, leading to differences in the mass-balance gradients on the east side of GCN.
If Only the French Republicans Had Known This: The Week as a Social Fact
Authors: Van Tienoven Theun , Glorieux Ignace , Minnen Joeri , Daniels Sarah , Weenas Djiwo
Published: October 2013

During the French Revolution and inspired by the Enlightenment, an attempt was made to replace the Gregorian calendar (which was based on ‘irrational’ overlapping cycles linked to religious celebrations) by the Republican calendar (which was based on ‘rational’ clearly nested cycles in accordance with the metric system). Although the starting point was an ideological and aesthetic expression of rationalism, this calendar also had to fulfill a coordinating and integrating function. Thus the calendric reform faced a tremendous challenge: re-creating a socio-temporal order. One of the crucial socio-temporal frameworks that guide daily behavior in Western societies is the 7-day cycle of the week. In the new calendar, the week was to be replaced by the 10-day cycle or the décade, which turned out the greatest stumbling block for calendar-reformation. Theoretically this is explained by the social nature of time and the ‘second nature’ of time reckoning, but the unawareness of a socially established weekly rhythm in our daily behavior is hard to illustrate. Today, however, society is full of traces of so-called ‘big data’ that humans leave behind. This paper uses ‘big data’ on re-charges of electronic keys to show that even though a 10-day re-charging cycle is proposed, a 7-day re-charging cycle will surface.
Elucidation of the regio- and chemoselectivity of enzymatic allylic oxidations with Pleurotus sapidus – conversion of selected spirocyclic terpenoids and computational analysis
Authors: Weidmann Verena , Schaffrath Mathias , Zorn Holger , Rehbein Julia , Maison Wolfgang
Published: October 2013

Allylic oxidations of olefins to enones allow the efficient synthesis of value-added products from simple olefinic precursors like terpenes or terpenoids. Biocatalytic variants have a large potential for industrial applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Herein we report efficient biocatalytic allylic oxidations of spirocyclic terpenoids by a lyophilisate of the edible fungus Pleurotus sapidus. This ‘’mushroom catalysis’’ is operationally simple and allows the conversion of various unsaturated spirocyclic terpenoids. A number of new spirocyclic enones have thus been obtained with good regio- and chemoselectivity and chiral separation protocols for enantiomeric mixtures have been developed. The oxidations follow a radical mechanism and the regioselectivity of the reaction is mainly determined by bond-dissociation energies of the available allylic CH-bonds and steric accessibility of the oxidation site.
ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY SOLUTIONS AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE
Authors: Dėjus Titas , Antuchevičienė Jurgita
Published: October 2013

To design solutions for occupational safety at a construction site for the construction technology project, an occupational hazard was assessed. Possible solutions for occupational safety depend on the number of criteria such as hazardous factors from which workers must be protected; the number of danger zones; architectural-design and structural solutions of a building; types of technical protection measures, etc. A large set of solutions for occupational safety predetermines the number of respective typical (or repeated) solutions, which are based on specific technical safety measures and are applicable depending on a hazardous factor; besides, it determines systematisation of the solutions on these grounds. It is suggested to use the Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique for assessment and selection of appropriate solutions for occupational safety. The authors propose formulating assessed alternatives from the typical solutions to ensure their quality and then apply the entropy method for determining relative significances of evaluation criteria and, finally, use Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) method for ranking of alternatives.
Quand les normes d'avancée en âge amplifient les oppressions de sexe « bien-vieillir-chez-soi » en zone péri-urbanisée
Authors: Voléry Ingrid
Published: October 2013

AGEING COMFORTABLY AT HOME IN PERIURBAN AREAS : WHEN THE CONVENTIONS REGARDING AGEING INCREASE SEXUAL PRESSURES This paper looks into the experiences involved in growing old at home in the light of two intersecting variables : “sex” and “territory”. Drawing on interviews with men and women over 75 and their circles, the paper demonstrates that growing old at home can intensify the sexualisation of the ageing experience : by partitioning-off the living conditions and forms of assistance that men and women can benefit from ; and by placing ageing women in the dilemma of remaining sexually active or leaving their partners. It shows, too, that these sexual imbalances can, in some case, be exacerbated by the cultural, demographic, economic and social characteristics of the territories those concerned live in.
Les dilemmes des nouveaux partis face à la participation à la première élection pluraliste post-autoritaire. Retour sur un impensé à partir du cas algérien
Authors: Aït-Aoudia Myriam
Published: October 2013

Cet article examine un aspect délaissé des recherches sur les « transitions démocratiques » : les dilemmes des nouveaux partis face à la participation à la première élection libre. Leur analyse permet de mettre au jour les conditions de présélection de l’offre partisane en contexte de démocratisation précipitée. À partir du cas algérien, nous montrerons que cette participation ne va pas de soi pour des acteurs dépourvus de toute expérience électorale et qui ne disposent que d’un délai très serré pour s’engager dans une série d’activités pour eux inédites - sélectionner de nombreux candidats sur l’ensemble du territoire national, établir des dossiers de candidature et organiser une campagne électorale – même s’ils bénéficient pour beaucoup d’une expérience militante dans l’opposition qui leur sera particulièrement utile.
Pluralisme culturel et régime(s) politique(s). Un essai de comparaison Afrique/monde arabe
Authors: Otayek René
Published: October 2013

Contrairement à ce qu’on pourrait penser, la régulation du pluralisme culturel (ethnique, religieux, confessionnel, linguistique...) n’est pas le monopole des régimes démocratiques ; les régimes autoritaires, aussi, y sont tenus car il y va souvent de leur stabilité et de leur légitimité. La régulation en situation autoritaire est en effet une ressource stratégique qui permet d’obtenir l’obéissance et le consentement à la domination. La longévité des régimes autoritaires en Afrique et dans le monde arabe, notamment sa partie moyen-orientale, lui doit sans doute beaucoup, même si elle ne les immunise pas totalement et indéfiniment contre la contestation. In fine, cet impératif de régulation tend à brouiller quelque peu la frontière entre régime démocratique et régime autoritaire.
Protester/mobiliser/ne pas consentir. Sur quelques avatars de la sociologie des mobilisations appliquée au continent africain
Authors: Siméant-Germanos Johanna
Published: October 2013

Cet article examine le développement récent de travaux inspirés de la sociologie des mobilisations sur le continent africain. À rebours d’une nouvelle célébration du « désenclavement » des études africaines, il souligne, malgré l’intérêt du regard porté aux mobilisations, plusieurs points aveugles de cette littérature qui néglige certains héritages des approches par le bas et les résistances, à la sensibilité plus historienne et plus ethnographique. Il souligne l’importance de distinguer analytiquement protestation, mobilisation et dissentiment, et d’arrimer au mieux les formes de mobilisation à leur substrat social. De façon très féconde pour qui voudrait saisir les transitions par le bas, les observateurs des autoritarismes et des accommodements à ces derniers ont peut-être mieux été à même de traiter avec prudence le déploiement de révoltes comme celles qu’a connues l’Afrique du Nord depuis le début des années 2010.
Militer dans un syndicat féminisé : la sororité comme ressource
Authors: Le Quentrec Yannick
Published: October 2013

Les militantes de la fédération cgt de la Santé et de l’action sociale, bien qu’issues d’un secteur professionnel et d’effectifs syndiqués majoritairement féminins, ont des conditions de travail syndical plus défavorables que les hommes. Elles ont moins de moyens pour agir et plus de contraintes syndicales, professionnelles et familiales. Elles se heurtent aussi à un unanimisme syndical qui légitime la domination masculine. Mais contradictoirement, l’organisation syndicale fait progresser l’égalité en interne et en externe quand des dirigeant-e-s volontaristes féminisent les directions syndicales et favorisent la disponibilité au militantisme des femmes, quand elle intègre les attentes de souplesse des militantes et favorise des liens de solidarité féministe entre elles. Ces résultats au plus près des pratiques de terrain découlent de l’observation participante. Ils incitent à interroger les interactions entre les chercheur-e-s et les syndicalistes.
Constructing of Multimedia Resources for Second Language Teaching Based on Intelligent Information Processing of Movie Resources
Authors: Liu Hua
Published: October 2013

Based on the topic models database and time density of captionâ??s dialogue, designed a adaptive, iterative incremental learning algorithm, which could meanwhile carry out topic detection, words clustering and calculating wordsâ?? used degree. Lastly, based on wordsâ?? used degree, by calculating degree of difficulty of captionâ??s dialogue, graded videosâ?? corresponding to captions, constructed a large multimedia database for oral Chinese teaching.
The Challenge of Teaching Information Technology in Public Administration Graduate Programs
Authors: Northrop Alana
Published: October 2013

This chapter first points out the need for a reader on information technology by reviewing the importance given computing education by M.P.A. programs and practitioners. Next, the chapter surveys current textbooks’ and general public administration journals’ treatment of the topic since 1985. Three highly respected public administration journals and six textbooks are reviewed. The journals are found to barely treat the topic of computing, whether as a main focus or as merely a mention in articles. The textbooks also barely mention computing. In addition, there was no consistent rubric or chapter topic under which computing is discussed. The need for a reader on information technology and computer applications in public administration is apparent. The chapter then turns to the consideration of what hands-on-skills in computer applications should be a mark of a graduate degree in public administration. It is suggested that there are six generic skills with a seventh one on the horizon. Finally, the chapter concludes by briefly discussing a range of issues that public administrators should be conversant with if they are to successfully utilize computer applications in the delivery of public sector services. 
Geomorphological processes in the alpine areas of Canada: the effects of climate change and their impacts on human activities
Authors: Ryder J M
Published: October 2013

Geomorphological processes are related to climate in a complex manner. Estimates of how processes will react to anticipated climate changes, such as warming and increased precipitation, are necessarily tentative and qualitative. They indicate the kinds of changes
that may occur in the alpine landscapes, but not the magnitude or precise rates of such changes.
If climate change proceeds as forecast, then one of the most apparent results will be a rise in the timberline. This will result in a decrease in the extent of the alpine zone, thus altering the appearance of many mountain areas and their potential for recreation and tourism.
Anticipated changes in snowfall include reduced snow and increased winter rain at elevations close to the present winter snowline, and increased snowfall on higher and colder mountains. This will have a detrimental effect on ski resorts at low elevations, but improve winter access for other
activities. Warmer summer temperatures will probably lead to a rise in the summer snowline and significant loss of glaciers, changing the scenery in southern mountain areas, such as Banff and Jasper national parks.
Climate change will probably have some hazardous effects. Melting of permafrost and more intense rainfall may initiate or increase the frequency of slides and debris flows in some areas. Heavier snowfall may increase avalanche danger, and glacier recession will probably result in more floods and
debris flows due to the failure of glacier and moraine dams. Increased sediment input to glacier-fed rivers may lead to increased channel instability, erosion, and flooding. The hazard zones related to most of these fluvial processes will extend a long way beyond the limits of the alpine zone.
Thinner winter snowpacks, rapid spring runoff, and a reduced extent of permanent snow and ice will reduce both the seasonal and longer term water storage capacity of alpine areas. This effect could lead to serious water shortages in regions such as the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, where summer
meltwater maintains extensive agriculture and industry.
The impact of climate change on permafrost in alpine areas is not likely to be severe, except possibly in small areas. Warming of ground temperatures will cause a slow reduction in the extent and thickness of permafrost. This will have noticeable effects only where soils contain a high proportion of
ice, conditions that are probably not extensive in most alpine areas.
Benign Medullary Fibroma of the Kidney: A Rare Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Choudhary Gautam Ram , Nanjappa Bhuvanesh , Bal Amanjit
Published: October 2013

Renomedullary interstitial cell tumor or medullary fibroma, is a small tumor that commonly presents as an incidental finding, but in rare cases maybe large and symptomatic. Although it is a benign tumor, it is difficult to differentiate this lesion from other malignancies of the kidney on radiological basis and hence many patients undergo radical nephrectomy. We present a case of renal medullary fibroma and various nuances associated with radiological identification of this lesion and its management related dilemmas.
Tunable diode laser in-situ CH4 measurements aboard the CARIBIC passenger aircraft: instrument performance assessment
Authors: Dyroff C. , Zahn A. , Sanati S. , Christner E. , Rauthe-Schöch A. , Schuck T. J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. A laser spectrometer for automated monthly measurements of methane (CH4) mixing ratios aboard the CARIBIC passenger aircraft is presented. The instrument is based on a commercial Fast Greenhouse Gas Analyzer (FGGA, Los Gatos Res.), which was adapted to meet the requirements imposed by unattended airborne employment. The modified instrument is described. A laboratory characterization was performed to determine the instrument stability, precision, cross sensitivity to H2O, and accuracy. For airborne operation a calibration strategy is described, that utilizes CH4 measurements obtained from flask samples taken during the same flights. The precision of airborne measurements is 2 ppbv for 10 s averages. The accuracy at aircraft cruising altitude is 3.85 ppbv. During aircraft ascent and descent, where no flask samples were obtained, instrumental drifts can be less accurately considered and the uncertainty is estimated to be 12.4 ppbv. A linear humidity bias correction was applied to the CH4 measurements, which was most important in the lower troposphere. On average, the correction bias was around 6.5 ppbv at an altitude of 2 km, and negligible at cruising flight level. Observations from 103 long-distance flights are presented that span a large part of the northern hemispheric upper troposphere and lowermost stratosphere (UT/LMS), with occasional crossing of the tropics on flights to southern Africa. These accurate data mark the largest UT/LMS in-situ CH4 dataset worldwide. An example of a tracer-tracer correlation study with ozone is given, highlighting the possibility for accurate cross-tropopause transport analyses.
Characterization and mitigation of water vapor effects in the measurement of ozone by chemiluminescence with nitric oxide
Authors: Boylan P. , Helmig D. , Park J.-H.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of water vapor on the reaction of nitric oxide with ozone in a chemiluminescence instrument used for fast response and high sensitivity detection of atmospheric ozone. Water vapor was introduced into a constant level ozone standard and both ozone and water vapor signals were recorded at 10 Hz. The presence of water vapor was found to reduce, i.e. quench the ozone signal. A correction factor was determined to be 4.15 ± 0.14 × 10−3, which corresponds to a 4.15% increase in the measured ozone signal per 10 mmol mol−1 co-sampled water vapor. An ozone-inert water vapor permeable membrane (Nafion dryer) was installed in the sampling line and was shown to remove the bulk of the water vapor mole fraction in the sample air. At water vapor mole fractions above 25 mmol mol−1, the Nafion dryer removed over 75% of the water vapor in the sample. This reduced the ozone signal correction from over 11% to less than 2.5%. The Nafion dryer was highly effective at reducing the fast fluctuations of the water vapor signal (more than 97%) while leaving the ozone signal unaffected, which is a crucial improvement for minimizing the interference of water vapor fluxes on the ozone flux determination by the eddy covariance technique.
On the stratigraphic integrity of leaf-wax biomarkers in loess-paleosols
Authors: Häggi C. , Zech R. , McIntyre C. , Eglinton T.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Paleoenvironmental and paleoclimate reconstructions based on molecular proxies, such as those derived from leaf wax biomarkers, in loess-paleosols sequences represent a promising line of investigation in Quaternary research. The main premise of such reconstructions is the synsedimentary deposition of biomarkers and dust, which has become a debated subject in recent years. This study uses two independent approaches to test the stratigraphic integrity of leaf-wax biomarkers: (i) Long-chain n-alkanes and fatty acids are quantified in two soil profiles in till on the Swiss Plateau. Since glacial sediments are extremely poor in organic matter, significant amounts of leaf-wax biomarkers in the lower part of those profiles would reflect post-sedimentary root-derived or microbial contributions. (ii) Compound-specific radiocarbon measurements are conducted on n-alkanes and fatty acids from several depth intervals in the loess section "Crvenka", Serbia, and the results are compared to independent estimates of sediment age. We find extremely low concentrations of plant wax n-alkanes and fatty acids below the topsoils in the soil profiles. Moreover, compound-specific radiocarbon analysis yields plant wax 14C ages that agree well with published luminescence ages and stratigraphy of the Serbian loess deposit. Both approaches confirm that post-sedimentary, root-derived or microbial contributions are negligible in the two systems investigated. The good agreement between n-alkane and fatty acid ages, as well as between odd and even homologues, further indicates that reworking and incorporation of fossil leaf-waxes is not particularly relevant either.
Evaluation of the United States National Air Quality Forecast Capability experimental real-time predictions in 2010 using Air Quality System ozone and NO2 measurements
Authors: Chai T. , Kim H.-C. , Lee P. , Tong D. , Pan L. , Tang Y. , Huang J. , McQueen J. , Tsidulko M. , Stajner I.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The National Air Quality Forecast Capability (NAQFC) project provides the US with operational and experimental real-time ozone predictions using two different versions of the three-dimensional Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system. Routine evaluation using near-real-time AIRNow ozone measurements through 2011 showed better performance of the operational ozone predictions. In this work, quality-controlled and -assured Air Quality System (AQS) ozone and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) observations are used to evaluate the experimental predictions in 2010. It is found that both ozone and NO2 are overestimated over the contiguous US (CONUS), with annual biases of +5.6 and +5.1 ppbv, respectively. The annual root mean square errors (RMSEs) are 15.4 ppbv for ozone and 13.4 ppbv for NO2. For both species the overpredictions are most pronounced in the summer. The locations of the AQS monitoring sites are also utilized to stratify comparisons by the degree of urbanization. Comparisons for six predefined US regions show the highest annual biases for ozone predictions in Southeast (+10.5 ppbv) and for NO2 in the Lower Middle (+8.1 ppbv) and Pacific Coast (+7.1 ppbv) regions. The spatial distributions of the NO2 biases in August show distinctively high values in the Los Angeles, Houston, and New Orleans areas. In addition to the standard statistics metrics, daily maximum eight-hour ozone categorical statistics are calculated using the current US ambient air quality standard (75 ppbv) and another lower threshold (70 ppbv). Using the 75 ppbv standard, the hit rate and proportion of correct over CONUS for the entire year are 0.64 and 0.96, respectively. Summertime biases show distinctive weekly patterns for ozone and NO2. Diurnal comparisons show that ozone overestimation is most severe in the morning, from 07:00 to 10:00 local time. For NO2, the morning predictions agree with the AQS observations reasonably well, but nighttime concentrations are overpredicted by around 100%.
Rapid visualization of global image and dem based on SDOG-ESSG
Authors: Bo H. G. , Wu L. X. , Yu J. Q. , Yang Y. Z. , Xie L.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Due to the limit of the two-dimension and small scale issues, it's impossible for the conventional planar and spherical global spatial grid to provide a unified real three-dimensional (3D) data model for Earth System Science research. The surface of the Earth is an important interface between lithosphere and atmosphere. Usually, the terrain should be added into the model in global changes and tectonic plates movement researches. However, both atmosphere and lithosphere are typical objects of three-dimension. Thus, it is necessary to represent and visualize the terrain in a real 3D mode. Spheroid Degenerated Octree Grid based Earth System Spatial Grid (SDOG-ESSG) not only solve the problem small-scale issues limited, but also solve the problem of two-dimension issues oriented. It can be used as real 3D model to represent and visualize the global image and DEM. Owing to the complex spatial structure of SDOG-ESSG, the visual efficiency of spatial data based on SDOG-ESSG is very low. Methods of layers and blocks data organization, as well as data culling, Level of Detail (LOD), and asynchronous scheduling, were adopted in this article to improve the efficiency of visualization. Finally, a prototype was developed for the quick visualization of global DEM and image based SDOG-ESSG.
Investigation on automatic change detection using pixel-changes and DSM-changes with ALOS-PRISM triplet images
Authors: Sasagawa A. , Baltsavias E. , Kocaman Aksakal S. , Wegner J. D.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. A new algorithm for automatic change detection is presented. It detects a pixel-change and DSM-change from two orthoimages and two DSMs, then it extracts the polygons in elevation-changed areas. Pixel-change is detected by using least squares fitting technique. This method can extract the visible changed areas between two orthoimages, while DSM-change is detected by difference DSM. From these two changes, polygons in elevation-changed areas are extracted using the longest matched line selection techniques. This method can automatically detect not only visible changed areas such as vegetated areas, new road construction areas and so on, but also elevation-changed areas such as new building construction, land improvement areas and so on with footprint polygon extraction. We have tested our method using the two sets of ALOS-PRISM triplet images observed over a testfield in Tsukuba, Japan. We confirmed that this method has an effect finding changed areas. Also we compared the number of extracted polygons between manual operation and our automatic method.
Fusion of terrasar-x and rapideye data: a quality analysis
Authors: Balik Sanli F. , Abdikan S. , Esetlili M. T. , Ustuner M. , Sunar F.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This research compares and evaluates image fusion algorithms to achieve spatially improved images while preserving the spectral information. In order to compare the performance of fusion techniques both active and passive images were used. As an active image a high resolution, X-band, VV polarized TerraSAR-X data and as a multispectral image RapidEye data were used. RapidEye provides five optical bands in the 400–850 nm range and it is the first space-borne sensor which operationally gathers the red edge spectrum (690–730 nm) besides the standard channels of multi-spectral satellite sensors. The selected study area is in the low lands of Menemen (Izmir) Plain on the west of Gediz Basin covering both agricultural fields and residential areas. For the quality analysis, Adjustable SAR-MS Fusion (ASMF), Ehlers fusion and High Pass Filtering (HPF) approaches were investigated. In this study preliminary results of selected image fusion methods were given. The quality of the fused images was assessed with qualitative and quantitative analyses. For the qualitative analysis visual comparison was applied using different band combinations of fused image and original multispectral Rapid-Eye image. In the merged images color distortions regarding to SAR-optical synergy were investigated. Statistical analysis was carried out as quantitative analyses. In this respect Correlation Coefficient (CC), Standard Deviation Difference (SDD), Universal Image Quality Index (UIQI) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) were performed for quality assessments. In general HPF was performed best while ASMF was performed the worst in all results.
Gestión editorial de publicaciones con referato en línea: proceso de construcción, publicación y administración con soluciones en software libre
Authors: Vuotto Andrés , Rojas María Carolina , Fernández Gladys Vanesa
Published: October 2013

Inicialmente se plantean los puntos principales a resolver y desarrollar para la planificación y construcción de una publicación en línea de carácter científico, haciendo hincapié en el proceso y las funciones editoriales, la revisión por pares, la preservación documental, la gestión de acceso, la indexación y visibilidad. En la segunda parte del artículo se expone una propuesta de solución a cada aspecto anteriormente descrito, destacando la labor del profesional de la información y la optimización de tiempos, costos y resultados que ofrece el software libre; a partir de una experiencia concreta con el sistema Open Journal System en el marco del portal de revistas de la Facultad de Humanidades de la Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata.
Dispersión del comportamiento energético residencial; revisión de viviendas en el centro-sur de Chile
Authors: García Alvarado Rodrigo , Herrera Ojeda Rodrigo , Soto Muñoz Jaime
Published: October 2013

La necesidad de reducir los consumos de energía residencial requiere conocer cabalmente las condiciones habitacionales. Este artículo analiza viviendas en la zona Centro-Sur de Chile detectando una dispersión espacial de los comportamientos energéticos, que contrasta con la homogeneidad de las acciones públicas. Se presenta una revisión integral de cuarenta casos en el principal sector urbano de la zona (el área metropolitana del Gran Concepción) y se comparan con estadísticas y regionales y nacionales; revisando condiciones constructivas, de equipamiento ocupación, así como antecedentes gráficos y entrevistas, que reflejan una variedad formal y familiar, alejada de estereotipos y registros generales. Revelan una progresión habitacional y una diversidad de requerimientos energéticos. Proveyendo de este modo una estrategia de estudio que expresa la evolución residencial y puede ser aplicable a otras áreas, así como también otorgando nuevas visiones del comportamiento doméstico para enfrentar la crisis ambiental.

La necessitat de reduir els consums d’energia residencial requereix conèixer cabdalment les condicions habitacionals. Aquest article analitza habitatges a la zona Centre-Sud de Xile, detectant una dispersió espacial dels comportaments energètics que contrasta amb l’homogeneïtat de les accions públiques. Es presenta una revisió integral de quaranta casos en el principal sector urbà de la zona (l’àrea metropolitana de Gran Concepció) i es comparen amb estadístiques regionals i nacionals; revisant condicions constructives, d’equipament ocupació, així com antecedents gràfics i entrevistes que reflecteixen una varietat formal i familiar, allunyada d’estereotips i registres generals. Proveint d’aquesta forma una estratègia d’estudi que expressa l’evolució residencial i pot ésser aplicable a altres àrees, així com també atorgant noves visions del comportament domèstic per afrontar la crisi ambiental.

The need to reduce residential energy consumption necessitates full knowledge of housing conditions. This investigation analyzed dwellings in the south-central region of Chile. Spatial dispersion in energy behaviors was discovered, which contrasts with the homogeneity of public policy housing decisions. A comprehensive review is presented of forty houses in the Greater Concepcion Metropolitan Area, in comparison with national and regional statistics. An examination of building conditions and features, occupation data, photographic records and interviews, revealed formal and familial variety, which differ from stereotypes and general records. Findings demonstrate housing progression and diversity in energy needs. In this way, a research strategy was used that expresses residential evolution and can be applied in other areas, and provides a new vision of domestic behavior to confront the current environmental crisis.
Earth and Space Science Community Assesses Impacts of U.S. Government Shutdown
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2013

The recent 16‐day shutdown of the U.S. federal government cost the U.S. economy an estimated $24 billion. Federal science agencies are also tallying significant negative effects, including interruptions, delays, and, in some cases, cancellation of critical research projects in the Earth and space sciences.
Notification of Upcoming AGU Council Meeting
Authors: Enderlein Cheryl
Published: October 2013

The AGU Council will meet on Sunday, 8 December 2013, beginning at 8:30 A.M., at the InterContinental Hotel in San Francisco, Calif. The meeting, which is open to all AGU members, will include discussions about strategies for AGU publishing and meetings, science‐related policies, and changes to the AGU bylaws.
AGU Will Present Edmond M. Dewan Scholarship If Fund Reaches Goal
Authors: Howard Claire
Published: October 2013

AGU will present the Edmond M. Dewan Scholarship for the first time at the 2014 Fall Meeting if the scholarship fund reaches the goal of $25,000 by the end of 2013. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to deserving graduate students of atmospheric sciences or space physics and will serve as a tribute to Edmond Dewan, a distinguished scientist and dedicated member of the Union.
King Receives 2012 Geodesy Section Award: Citation
Authors: Clarke Peter , Anandakrishnan Sridhar
Published: October 2013

We have known Matt for more than a decade, since shortly after he completed his Ph.D. research at the University of Tasmania, Australia, in 2001 and relocated to Newcastle University, U.K. His work has concerned geodetic applications in solid Earth and cryospheric studies, with his pioneering use of precise Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in glaciology especially notable. His research has involved novel and fruitful studies to mitigate a range of GNSS error phenomena, particularly subdaily errors related to tides and multipath and their biasing effects on longer‐term coordinate time series. From these technical insights, Matt and collaborating glaciologists have made groundbreaking discoveries of the nonlinear behavior of glaciers and ice streams. His current research efforts focus on constraining Antarctic Holocene deglaciation and Earth rheology through measurements of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA), with an end goal of improving our understanding of the present‐day ice mass balance.