bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Resistin Promotes Neutrophil Proinflammatory Activation and Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation and Increases Severity of Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Jiang Shaoning , Park Dae Won , Tadie Jean-Marc , Gregoire Murielle , Deshane Jessy , Pittet Jean Francois , Abraham Edward , Zmijewski Jaroslaw W.
Published: April 2014

Although resistin was recently found to modulate insulin resistance in preclinical models of type II diabetes and obesity, recent studies also suggested that resistin has proinflammatory properties. We examined whether the human-specific variant of resistin affects neutrophil activation and the severity of LPS-induced acute lung injury. Because human and mouse resistin have distinct patterns of tissue distribution, experiments were performed using humanized resistin mice that exclusively express human resistin (hRTN+/−/−) but are deficient in mouse resistin. Enhanced production of TNF-α or MIP-2 was found in LPS-treated hRtn+/−/− neutrophils compared with control Rtn−/−/− neutrophils. Expression of human resistin inhibited the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase, a major sensor and regulator of cellular bioenergetics that also is implicated in inhibiting inflammatory activity of neutrophils and macrophages. In addition to the ability of resistin to sensitize neutrophils to LPS stimulation, human resistin enhanced neutrophil extracellular trap formation. In LPS-induced acute lung injury, humanized resistin mice demonstrated enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines, more severe pulmonary edema, increased neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and elevated concentration of the alarmins HMGB1 and histone 3 in the lungs. Our results suggest that human resistin may play an important contributory role in enhancing TLR4-induced inflammatory responses, and it may be a target for future therapies aimed at reducing the severity of acute lung injury and other inflammatory situations in which neutrophils play a major role.
Inhibition of Langerhans Cell Maturation by Human Papillomavirus Type 16: A Novel Role for the Annexin A2 Heterotetramer in Immune Suppression
Authors: Woodham Andrew W. , Raff Adam B. , Raff Laura M. , Da Silva Diane M. , Yan Lisa , Skeate Joseph G. , Wong Michael K. , Lin Yvonne G. , Kast W. Martin
Published: April 2014

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are sexually transmitted viruses causally associated with several cancers. During its natural life cycle, HPV16, the most common high-risk genotype, infects the epithelial basal cells in a process facilitated through a recently identified receptor, the annexin A2 heterotetramer (A2t). During infection, HPV16 also interacts with Langerhans cells (LC), the APC of the epithelium, inducing immune suppression, which is mediated by the HPV16 L2 minor capsid protein. Despite the importance of these virus-immune cell interactions, the specific mechanisms of HPV16 entry into LC and HPV16-induced immune suppression remain undefined. An N-terminal peptide of HPV16 L2 (aa 108–126) has been shown to specifically interact with A2t. In this study, we show that incubation of human LC with this peptide blocks binding of HPV16. Inhibiting this interaction with an A2t ligand or by small interfering RNA downregulation of A2t significantly decreases HPV16 internalization into LC in an L2-dependent manner. A2t is associated with suppression of LC maturation as demonstrated through attenuated secretion of Th1-associated cytokines and decreased surface expression of MHC class II on LC exposed to A2t. Conversely, small molecule inhibition of A2t prevents HPV16-induced suppression of LC immune function as indicated by significantly increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines and surface expression of CD86 in HPV16 treated LC pre-exposed to A2t inhibitors. These results demonstrate that HPV16 suppresses LC maturation through an interaction with A2t, revealing a novel role for this protein.
Integrated geodatabase study of the complexly deformed U-hosting Paleoproterozoic Amer Group, Nunavut
Authors: Calhoun L , White J C , Jefferson C W , Patterson J , Tschirhart V
Published: April 2014

The uranium-hosting Paleoproterozoic Amer Group, central Nunavut, comprises four dominantly sedimentary sequences (Ps1 through Ps4) deposited unconformably on Archean basement of the Rae sub-province. Ps1 is characterized by Ayagaq fm. quartzites formed in a
stable cratonic and/or marine setting, with minor conglomerate and/or a distinctive schist at its base. PS2 is a sharply transgressive sequence of graphitic siltstone (Resort Lake fm.) shallowing up to dolostone (Aluminium River fm.) and intercalated to overlying porphyritic basalt (Five Mile Lake
fm.). Ps3 comprises three units recording an overall coarsening- then shallowing-upward sequence involving siltstone to feldspathic arenite (Three Lakes, Oora Lake and Showing Lake formations). Ps3 is the primary host of U-mineralization in this region. Ps4 arkose (Itza Lake fm.) is preserved as
isolated occurrences above a profound unconformity. The Amer Group is intensely deformed. D1 produced multiple transposition (three fold generations) and displacement along discrete detachments resulting in sub-horizontal axial surfaces and tectono-stratigraphy. D2 generated the regional,
generally upright synclinoria, and is separated from D1 by the Ps3-Ps4 unconformity. Late D3 folds with sub-horizontal axial surfaces are rare. The region is transected by arrays of ENE- and NW- trending faults.
Elucidation of the structure of Ps3 units is central to determining the distribution of U-mineralization in the Amer Group. The difficulties of dealing with a polydeformed terrane are exacerbated by the absence of exposure in critical areas. This problem has been overcome by integrating detailed
outcrop examination with high-resolution aeromagnetic data, and legacy drill hole data. The analysis is dependent on the strong, but distinct magnetic responses of the euhedral disseminated magnetite-bearing fine siliciclastic Three Lakes and Showing Lakes formations that, in preserved stratigraphic
sequences, are separated by the Oora Lake fm. The aforesaid approach has enabled identification of a consistent, yet distinctly different geometry for the Amer Group "basins". In contrast to the apparent straightforward structure of the regional D2 synclinoria, it is demonstrated that the D1
tectono-stratigraphy forms large, regional recumbent structures masked by the lack of outcrop, but for which evidence occurs at all scales and within separate data sets i.e. field, geophysics, drill hole. The occurrence in some areas of elongate "cigar-shaped" mineralized zones reflects
U-concentration within D1 hinge zones coaxially overprinted by D2. The success of this study in integrating diverse data bases, especially high-resolution geophysics and detailed outcrop mapping, argues for the future extension of such approaches.
The Paleoproterozoic Lalor VMS deposit, Snow Lake, Manitoba: observations on the nature and architecture of the gold and base metal-rich ore zones and associated alterations
Authors: Caté A , Mercier-Langevin P , Ross P -S , Duff S , Hannington M D , Dubé B , Gagné S
Published: April 2014

Lalor is a recently discovered Au-Zn-rich volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit. It is located in the Paleoproterozoic Snow Lake arc assemblage, host to numerous past producing Cu-Zn and Zn-Cu VMS deposits.
Lalor is the largest deposit of the Snow Lake camp and also the richest in gold with reserves of 14.4 Mt grading 1.86 g/t Au, 24 g/t Ag, 0.6 wt.% Cu and 7 wt.% Zn and resources estimated at 12.6 Mt grading 3.85 g/t Au, 27.3 g/t Ag, 0.9 wt.% Cu and 2.3 wt.% Zn, for a total size of
approximately 27 Mt and potentially containing 75 t Au. The deposit consists of distinct Zn-Cu-Pb±Au-Ag semi-massive to massive
sulphide lenses and zones of disseminated Au-Ag-Pb-Cu sulphides. The ore zones are stratigraphically and/or structurally stacked in a complexly deformed and metamorphosed succession of intensely hydrothermally altered rocks of the Chisel mature arc sequence that hosts other Zn-rich VMS deposits.
Preliminary mapping and lithogeochemistry results indicate that the stratigraphic footwall is composed of at least three distinct but highly altered mafic to felsic volcanic (and perhaps sedimentary) units. The alteration of the footwall is both extensive and intense. At least 11 distinct alteration
assemblages have been defined based on the distribution and relative abundance of specific metamorphic minerals such as amphiboles, chlorite, cordierite, biotite, muscovite, pyrite, staurolite, garnet, kyanite, sillimanite, diopside and epidote. The various alteration assemblages may be in part due
to varying protolith compositions, together with the superposition of several hydrothermal events. The hanging wall does not show any extensive alteration and may be in structural contact with the deposit. Five ore types can be defined. They include Zn±Cu-rich massive sulphide lenses and three
distinct ore types that contain significant gold: (1) Cu-rich massive sulphides; (2) low sulphide calc-silicate zones with high Ag-Pb-Cu±As-Se-Te and; (3) anthophylliterich alteration zones with trace of finely disseminated pyrrhotite.
The numerous alteration assemblages and the various ore styles result from a complex hydrothermal history and possible modifications during subsequent deformation and metamorphism. The gold endowment of the deposit, its size and its distinctive features compared to known anomalous and gold-rich VMS
deposits make Lalor an ideal site to document and better understand gold enrichment processes in the VMS environment.
Hydrogeology of the Chaudière River Watershed, Quebec
Authors: Benoit N , Forest G , Nastev M , Roy N , Blanchette D , Fréchette A
Published: April 2014

Located south of Quebec City, the Chaudière River Watershed encompasses an area of 6700 km2, from the American border to the St. Lawrence River. It is mainly agricultural region where approximately 65% of the population relies on groundwater for its main
source of water. The regional aquifer consists of fractured rocks of the Appalachian geological province and sparse coarse surficial sediments. This poster presents results of a regional hydrogeological study focusing on the development of a conceptual model for the regional groundwater flow.
Estimated average recharge rates is 64 mm for fractured bedrock and 273 mm for coarse sediments. Over 600 measurements of groundwater levels show a close correlation with topography. The mean hydraulic conductivity of the bedrock is relatively low (K=1x10-7 m/s), suggesting mainly local groundwater
flow. Chemical analyses of 155 groundwater samples show that groundwater is of good quality relative to the drinking water standards.
Structure and data quality assessment of the Kimberlite Indicator and Diamond Database (KIDD)
Authors: Lesemann J -E , Fuzz C , Kjarsgaard B A , Russell H A J
Published: April 2014

The Kimberlite Indicator Diamond Database (KIDD) developed by Northwest Territories Geoscience Office is a relational database archiving kimberlite indicator mineral (KIM) grain counts reported within assessment reports of mining activity in the Northwest
Territories and Nunavut. KIDD archives four main types of sample data and metadata: 1) sample and site descriptions (general sample attributes: sample number, location, etc.); 2) information on KIM (grain count data for suites of KIM); 3) analytical information (processing techniques, processed size
fractions, etc.); 4) comments (mixed array of sample site attributes, analytical information, KIM information). The completeness and accuracy of reported KIM grain counts is variable. There are KIM grain count entries for only ~34% of all archived samples. Entries for individual KIM grain
counts vary between ~0.02% (diamonds) to ~16% (garnets). Despite some limitations in grain count reporting, the data contained within KIDD are of high quality and integrity: 87-100% of data reported within assessment reports are faithfully and accurately reported within KIDD.
Limitations to the use of KIDD also result from irregular and non-standardized inconsistent reporting of sample weights and sampling site attributes. These limitations result not from an absence of data but from the database structure itself that does not contain proper fields for standardized
reporting of these attributes. Overall, KIDD offers a useable archival dataset of high data quality. However, numerous caveats and limitations in data reporting require careful data evaluation by the user.
Comminution of indicator minerals in a tumbling mill: implications for mineral exploration
Authors: Cummings D I , Kjarsgaard B A , Russell H A
J , Sharpe D R
Published: April 2014

Heavy mineral dispersal trains are commonly used during mineral exploration to locate ore bodies buried at depth. Heavy minerals tend to physically break down (comminute) as they are transported away from their bedrock sources, causing them to become smaller,
less frequent and commonly rounder. The size, roundness and concentration (number) of heavy mineral grains are therefore commonly used as indications of proximity to source. However, few studies have investigated the rate at which different heavy minerals break down during transport. To provide
quantitative insight into this, we studied the comminution of several heavy minerals used in diamond exploration, termed kimberlite indicator minerals (KIMs), in a tumbling mill. In the experiment, pyrope garnet grains lost mass the fastest, followed by chrome diopside grains, which generally lost
mass much slower, and, finally, ilmenite grains, which hardly lost any mass at all. The pyrope grains lost mass the fastest because each grain broke into tens to hundreds of angular fragments, producing abundant sand--?sized particles, in addition to abundant mud (i.e. silt and clay). By contrast,
the chrome diopside and ilmenite grains remained relatively intact and lost mass primarily by edge rounding, which produced a comparatively small amount of mud and little to no sand. These results suggest that in situations where grain comminution occurs during transport, the sand and gravel
(>0.063 mm) and mud (<0.063 mm) fractions of kimberlite dispersal trains have the potential to continuously change in composition downflow-specifically the mud and finer sand fractions may become progressively enriched in pyrope garnet fragments relative to fragments of other
indicator minerals moving away from the source.
What is optimal in patients with myasthenic crisis: Invasive or non-invasive ventilation?
Authors: Bhagat Hemant , Grover Vinod , Jangra Kiran
Published: April 2014

Myasthenia gravis is an immune disorder involving the neuromuscular junction. The consequent weakness of respiratory muscles leads to variable disorders of ventilation in patients with myasthenia gravis. This article reviews the options of invasive and non-invasive ventilation in patients with advanced form of the disease.
Multiple solutions for a perturbed fourth-order Kirchhoff type elliptic problem
Authors: Heidarkhani Shapour , Khademloo Somaye , Solimaninia Arezoo
Published: April 2014

The existence of three distinct weak solutions for a perturbed fourth-order Kirchhoff-type elliptic problem is investigated. Our approach is based on variational methods.
Do We Know How to Design Effective Health Coaching Interventions: A Systematic Review of the State of the Literature
Authors: Hill Briony , Richardson Ben , Skouteris Helen
Published: April 2014

Objective.

To systematically review health coaching interventions regarding effectiveness of health coaching for specific outcomes, optimal intervention approaches, and identification of specific techniques associated with effectiveness.

Data Source.

Articles were sourced from CINAHL, Global Health, PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, Health Source, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Medline.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria.

Randomized controlled trials were included if the study (1) employed health coaching according to a predefined criterion; (2) clearly reported the use of health coaching; or (3) incorporated the use of coaching.

Data Extraction.

Aims, participants, approach, behavior change techniques (BCTs), and findings pertaining to each study were summarized. BCTs were classified according to the CALO-RE taxonomy.

Data Synthesis.

Data were synthesized by cross-tabulation of BCTs with study outcomes.

Results.

Fifteen of 16 eligible studies reported a positive intervention effect in at least one outcome. Nine studies (56%) did not define health coaching; the number of intervention sessions provided ranged from 2 to 48; and in three studies, one or more intervention details were unclear. It was hence difficult to synthesize the studies to adequately address our research questions.

Conclusion.

Health coaching is a promising strategy for health improvements; however, future research should ensure clarity in reporting intervention details, clearer definitions of health coaching/theoretical bases, consistency in reporting BCTs, and the inclusion of process variables as outcome measures.
Effectiveness of Interventions Targeting Health Behaviors in University and College Staff: A Systematic Review
Authors: Plotnikoff Ronald , Collins Clare E. , Williams Rebecca , Germov John , Callister Robin
Published: April 2014

Objective.

Evaluate the literature on interventions targeting tertiary education staff within colleges and universities for improvements in health behaviors such as physical activity, dietary intake, and weight loss.

Data Source.

One online database, Medline, was searched for literature published between January 1970 and February 2013.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria.

All quantitative study designs, including but not limited to randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, nonrandomized experimental trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies, were eligible.

Data Extraction.

Data extraction was performed by one reviewer using a standardized form developed by the researchers. Extraction was checked for accuracy and consistency by a second reviewer.

Data Synthesis.

Data in relation to the above objective were extracted and described in a narrative synthesis.

Results.

Seventeen studies were identified that focused on staff within the tertiary education setting. The review yielded overall positive results with 13 reporting significant health-related improvements. Weight loss, physical activity and fitness, and/or nutrition were the focus in more than half (n = 9) of the studies.

Conclusion.

This appears to be the first review to examine health interventions for tertiary education staff. There is scope to enhance cross-disciplinary collaboration in the development and implementation of a “Healthy University” settings–based approach to health promotion in tertiary education workplaces. Universities or colleges could serve as a research platform to evaluate such intervention strategies.
The Influence of Gender Stereotypes on Eating Habits among Costa Rican Adolescents
Authors: Monge-Rojas Rafael , Fuster-Baraona Tamara , Garita Carlos , Sánchez Marta , Smith-Castro Vanesa , Valverde-Cerros Oscar , Colon-Ramos Uriyoán
Published: April 2014

Purpose.

To identify the influence of gender stereotypes on eating habits among Costa Rican adolescents.

Design.

Qualitative, descriptive research was used in this study.

Setting.

Adolescents and parents were recruited from socioeconomically diverse populations in rural and urban areas of San José, Costa Rica.

Subjects.

Subjects were 92 adolescents (14 to 17 years old) and 48 parents.

Methods.

Focus group data were transcribed and entered into the qualitative data analysis software Atlas.ti version 5.0. Analyses were grounded on the social cognitive theory.

Results.

Five themes emerged from the focus group discussions: (1) Costa Rican adolescents associate the consumption of moderate quantities of healthy foods with femininity and male homosexuality. (2) The consumption of hearty portions of nonhealthy foods was associated with masculinity and male heterosexuality. (3) There is an emerging view that it is acceptable for heterosexual male adolescents to take care of their bodies through healthy eating. (4) Body care among female adolescents is an element of femininity and body image. (5) Parents reinforce their daughters' persistent concern with weight control because they perceive it as feminine behavior.

Conclusion.

Health promoters should be aware of the existing and changing food stereotypes around gender as an avenue for the promotion of healthy eating.
Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Situational Self-Efficacy Scale for Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Adolescents
Authors: Kadioglu Hasibe , Erol Saime , Ergun Ayse
Published: April 2014

Purpose.

The purpose of this research was to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the situational self-efficacy scale for vegetable and fruit consumption in adolescents.

Design.

This was a methodological study.

Setting.

The study was conducted in four public secondary schools in Istanbul, Turkey.

Subjects.

Subjects were 1586 adolescents.

Measures.

Content and construct validity were assessed to test the validity of the scale. The reliability was assessed in terms of internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

Analysis.

For confirmatory factor analysis, χ2 statistics plus other fit indices were used, including the goodness-of-fit index, the adjusted goodness-of-fit index, the nonnormed fit index, the comparative fit index, the standardized root mean residual, and the root mean square error of approximation. Pearson's correlation was used for test-retest reliability and item total correlation. The internal consistency was assessed by using Cronbach α.

Results.

Confirmatory factor analysis strongly supported the three-component structure representing positive social situations (α = .81), negative effect situations (α = .93), and difficult situations (α = .78). Psychometric analyses of the Turkish version of the situational self-efficacy scale indicate high reliability and good content and construct validity.

Conclusion.

Researchers and health professionals will find it useful to employ the Turkish situational self-efficacy scale in evaluating situational self-efficacy for fruit and vegetable consumption in Turkish adolescents.
Multi-decadal aerosol variations from 1980 to 2009: a perspective from observations and a global model
Authors: Chin M. , Diehl T. , Tan Q. , Prospero J. M. , Kahn R. A. , Remer L. A. , Yu H. , Sayer A. M. , Bian H. , Geogdzhayev I. V. , Holben B. N. , Howell S. G. , Huebert B. J. , Hsu N. C. , Kim D. , Kucsera T. L. , Levy R. C. , Mishchenko M. I. , Pan X. , Quinn P. K. , Schuster G. L. , Streets D. G. , Strode S. A. , Torres O. , Zhao X.-P.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Aerosol variations and trends over different land and ocean regions from 1980 to 2009 are analyzed with the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model and observations from multiple satellite sensors and available ground-based networks. Excluding time periods with large volcanic influence, aerosol optical depth (AOD) and surface concentration over polluted land regions generally vary with anthropogenic emissions, but the magnitude of this association can be dampened by the presence of natural aerosols, especially dust. Over the 30-year period in this study, the largest reduction in aerosol levels occurs over Europe, where AOD has decreased by 40–60% on average and surface sulfate concentrations have declined by a factor of up to 3–4. In contrast, East Asia and South Asia show AOD increases, but the relatively high level of dust aerosols in Asia reduces the correlation between AOD and pollutant emission trends. Over major dust source regions, model analysis indicates that the change of dust emissions over the Sahara and Sahel has been predominantly driven by the change of near-surface wind speed, but over Central Asia it has been largely influenced by the change of the surface wetness. The decreasing dust trend in the North African dust outflow region of the tropical North Atlantic and the receptor sites of Barbados and Miami is closely associated with an increase of the sea surface temperature in the North Atlantic. This temperature increase may drive the decrease of the wind velocity over North Africa, which reduces the dust emission, and the increase of precipitation over the tropical North Atlantic, which enhances dust removal during transport. Despite significant trends over some major continental source regions, the model-calculated global annual average AOD shows little change over land and ocean in the past three decades, because opposite trends in different land regions cancel each other out in the global average, and changes over large open oceans are negligible. This highlights the necessity for regional-scale assessment of aerosols and their climate impacts, as global-scale average values can obscure important regional changes.
Software and database structure to analyze the relationship between aerosol, clouds and precipitation: SAMAC
Authors: Gagné S. , MacDonald L. P. , Leaitch W. R. , Pierce J. R.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The analysis of aircraft-based measurements of clouds are critical for studies of aerosol and clouds. Many such measurements have been taken, but it is difficult to compare such data across instruments, flights and campaigns. We present a new open-source software program, SAMAC (Software for Airborne Measurements of Aerosol and Clouds), that may enable a more generic approach to the analysis of aerosol-cloud-precipitation data. The software offers a faster and standardized approach to the analysis of aircraft measurements of clouds across campaigns. SAMAC is an object-oriented software program in which a cloud is an object. The cloud objects come with built-in methods and properties that allow for the quick generation of basic plots and calculations, which provide a quick view of the data set and may be used to compare clouds and to filter for specific characteristics. Other researchers are encouraged to apply the software to their data and to contribute to its improvement. SAMAC can be downloaded at https://github.com/StephGagne/SAMAC/releases.
Modelling fires in the terrestrial carbon balance by incorporating SPITFIRE into the global vegetation model ORCHIDEE – Part 1: Simulating historical global burned area and fire regime
Authors: Yue C. , Ciais P. , Cadule P. , Thonicke K. , Archibald S. , Poulter B. , Hao W. M. , Hantson S. , Mouillot F. , Friedlingstein P. , Maignan F. , Viovy N.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Fire is an important global ecological process that determines the distribution of biomes, with consequences for carbon, water, and energy budgets. The modelling of fire is critical for understanding its role in both historical and future changes in terrestrial ecosystems and the climate system. This study incorporates the process-based prognostic fire module SPITFIRE into the global vegetation model ORCHIDEE, which was then used to simulate the historical burned area and the fire regime for the 20th century. For 2001–2006, the simulated global spatial extent of fire occurrence agrees well with that given by the satellite-derived burned area datasets (L3JRC, GLOBCARBON, GFED3.1) and captures 78–92% of global total burned area depending on which dataset is used for comparison. The simulated global annual burned area is 329 Mha yr−1, which falls within the range of 287–384 Mha yr−1 given by the three global observation datasets and is close to the 344 Mha yr−1 given by GFED3.1 data when crop fires are excluded. The simulated long-term trends of burned area agree best with the observation data in regions where fire is mainly driven by the climate variation, such as boreal Russia (1920–2009), and the US state of Alaska and Canada (1950–2009). At the global scale, the simulated decadal fire trend over the 20th century is in moderate agreement with the historical reconstruction, possibly because of the uncertainties of past estimates, and because land-use change fires and fire suppression are not explicitly included in the model. Over the globe, the size of large fires (the 95th quantile fire size) is systematically underestimated by the model compared with the fire patch data as reconstructed from MODIS 500 m burned area data. Two case studies of fire size distribution in boreal North America and southern Africa indicate that both the number and the size of big fires are underestimated, which could be related with too low fire spread rate (in the case of static vegetation) and fire duration time. Future efforts should be directed towards building consistent spatial observation datasets for key parameters of the model in order to constrain the model error at each key step of the fire modelling.
Hydrodynamic controls on oxygen dynamics in a riverine salt wedge estuary, the Yarra River estuary, Australia
Authors: Bruce L. C. , Cook P. L. M. , Teakle I. , Hipsey M. R.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Oxygen depletion in coastal and estuarine waters has been increasing rapidly around the globe over the past several decades, leading to decline in water quality and ecological health. In this study we apply a numerical model to understand how salt wedge dynamics, changes in river flow and temperature together control oxygen depletion in a micro-tidal riverine estuary, the Yarra River estuary, Australia. Coupled physical–biogeochemical models have been previously applied to study how hydrodynamics impact upon seasonal hypoxia; however, their application to relatively shallow, narrow riverine estuaries with highly transient patterns of river inputs and sporadic periods of oxygen depletion has remained challenging, largely due to difficulty in accurately simulating salt wedge dynamics in morphologically complex areas. In this study we overcome this issue through application of a flexible mesh 3-D hydrodynamic–biogeochemical model in order to predict the extent of salt wedge intrusion and consequent patterns of oxygen depletion. The extent of the salt wedge responded quickly to the sporadic riverine flows, with the strength of stratification and vertical density gradients heavily influenced by morphological features corresponding to shallow points in regions of tight curvature ("horseshoe" bends). The spatiotemporal patterns of stratification led to the emergence of two "hot spots" of anoxia, the first downstream of a shallow region of tight curvature and the second downstream of a sill. Whilst these areas corresponded to regions of intense stratification, it was found that antecedent conditions related to the placement of the salt wedge played a major role in the recovery of anoxic regions following episodic high flow events. Furthermore, whilst a threshold salt wedge intrusion was a requirement for oxygen depletion, analysis of the results allowed us to quantify the effect of temperature in determining the overall severity and extent of hypoxia and anoxia. Climate warming scenarios highlighted that oxygen depletion is likely to be exacerbated through changes in flow regimes and warming temperatures; however, the increasing risk of hypoxia and anoxia can be mitigated through management of minimum flow allocations and targeted reductions in organic matter loading. A simple statistical model (R2 > 0.65) is suggested to relate riverine flow and temperature to the extent of estuary-wide anoxia.
A coupled modeling framework of the co-evolution of humans and water: case study of Tarim River Basin, western China
Authors: Liu D. , Tian F. , Lin M. , Sivapalan M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The complex interactions and feedbacks between humans and water are very essential issues but are poorly understood in the newly proposed discipline of socio-hydrology (Sivapalan et al., 2012). An exploratory model with the appropriate level of simplification can be valuable to improve our understanding of the co-evolution and self-organization of socio-hydrological systems driven by interactions and feedbacks operating at different scales. In this study, a simple coupled modeling framework for socio-hydrology co-evolution is developed for the Tarim River Basin in Western China, and is used to illustrate the explanatory power of such a model. The study area is the mainstream of the Tarim River, which is divided into two modeling units. The socio-hydrological system is composed of four parts, i.e. social sub-system, economic sub-system, ecological sub-system, and hydrological sub-system. In each modeling unit, four coupled ordinary differential equations are used to simulate the dynamics of the social sub-system represented by human population, the economic sub-system represented by irrigated crop area, the ecological sub-system represented by natural vegetation cover and the hydrological sub-system represented by stream discharge. The coupling and feedback processes of the four dominant sub-systems (and correspondingly four state variables) are integrated into several internal system characteristics interactively and jointly determined by themselves and by other coupled systems. For example, the stream discharge is coupled to the irrigated crop area by the colonization rate and mortality rate of the irrigated crop area in the upper reach and the irrigated area is coupled to stream discharge through irrigation water consumption. In a similar way, the stream discharge and natural vegetation cover are coupled together. The irrigated crop area is coupled to human population by the colonization rate and mortality rate of the population. The inflow of the lower reach is determined by the outflow from the upper reach. The natural vegetation cover in the lower reach is coupled to the outflow from the upper reach and governed by regional water resources management policy. The co-evolution of the Tarim socio-hydrological system is then analyzed within this modeling framework to gain insights into the overall system dynamics and its sensitivity to the external drivers and internal system variables. In the modeling framework, the state of each subsystem is holistically described by one state variable and the framework is flexible enough to comprise more processes and constitutive relationships if they are needed to illustrate the interaction and feedback mechanisms of the human–water system.
Capacitive strain gauges on flexible polymer substrates for wireless, intelligent systems
Authors: Zeiser R. , Fellner T. , Wilde J.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. This paper presents a novel capacitive strain gauge with interdigital electrodes, which was processed on polyimide and LCP (liquid crystal polymer) foil substrates. The metallization is deposited and patterned using thin-film technology with structure sizes down to 15 μm. We determined linear strain sensitivities for our sensor configuration and identified the most influencing parameters on the output signal by means of an analytical approach. Finite-element method (FEM) simulations of the strain gauge indicated the complex interaction of mechanical strains within the sensitive structure and their effect on the capacitance. The influence of geometry and material parameters on the strain sensitivity was investigated and optimized. We implemented thin films on 50 μm thick standard polymer foils by means of a temporary bonding process of the foils on carrier wafers. The characterization of the strain sensors after fabrication revealed the gauge factor as well as the cross sensitivities on temperatures up to 100 °C and relative humidity up to 100%. The gauge factor of a sensor with an electrode width of 45 μm and a clearance of 15 μm was −1.38 at a capacitance of 48 pF. Furthermore, we achieved a substantial reduction of the cross sensitivity against humidity from 1435 to 55 ppm %−1 RH when LCP was used for the sensor substrate and the encapsulation instead of polyimide. The gauge factor of a sensor half-bridge consisting of two orthogonal capacitors was 2.3 and the cross sensitivity on temperature was reduced to 240 ppm K−1. Finally, a sensor system was presented that utilizes a special instrumentation Integrated Circuit (IC). For this system, performance data comprising cross sensitivities and power consumption are given.
Earthquake-induced ground failures in Italy from a reviewed database
Authors: Martino S. , Prestininzi A. , Romeo R. W.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. A database (Italian acronym CEDIT) of earthquake-induced ground failures in Italy is presented, and the related content is analysed. The catalogue collects data regarding landslides, liquefaction, ground cracks, surface faulting and ground changes triggered by earthquakes of Mercalli epicentral intensity 8 or greater that occurred in the last millennium in Italy. As of January 2013, the CEDIT database has been available online for public use (http://www.ceri.uniroma1.it/cn/gis.jsp ) and is presently hosted by the website of the Research Centre for Geological Risks (CERI) of the Sapienza University of Rome. Summary statistics of the database content indicate that 14% of the Italian municipalities have experienced at least one earthquake-induced ground failure and that landslides are the most common ground effects (approximately 45%), followed by ground cracks (32%) and liquefaction (18%). The relationships between ground effects and earthquake parameters such as seismic source energy (earthquake magnitude and epicentral intensity), local conditions (site intensity) and source-to-site distances are also analysed. The analysis indicates that liquefaction, surface faulting and ground changes are much more dependent on the earthquake source energy (i.e. magnitude) than landslides and ground cracks. In contrast, the latter effects are triggered at lower site intensities and greater epicentral distances than the other environmental effects.
Intrinsic variability of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current system: low- and high-frequency fluctuations of the Argentine Basin flow
Authors: Sgubin G. , Pierini S. , Dijkstra H. A.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. In this paper, the variability of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current system produced by purely intrinsic nonlinear oceanic mechanisms is studied through a sigma-coordinate ocean model, implemented in a large portion of the Southern Ocean at an eddy-permitting resolution under steady surface heat and momentum fluxes. The mean transport through the Drake Passage and the structure of the main Antarctic Circumpolar Current fronts are well reproduced by the model. Intrinsic variability is found to be particularly intense in the Subantarctic Front and in the Argentine Basin, on which further analysis is focused. The low-frequency variability at interannual timescales is related to bimodal behavior of the Zapiola Anticyclone, with transitions between a strong and collapsed anticyclonic circulation in substantial agreement with altimeter observations. Variability on smaller timescales shows clear evidence of topographic Rossby-wave propagation along the eastern and southern flanks of the Zapiola Rise and of mesoscale eddies, also in agreement with altimeter observations. The analysis of the relationship between the low- and high-frequency variability suggests possible mechanisms of mutual interaction.
Introduction
Authors: Moutu Andrew
Published: April 2014

This introductory chapter sets out the book's purpose, which is to present an ethnographic study of the nature of personhood, name and marriage systems, gender, kinship, and concomitant issues of ownership — all of which provide a vantage point to rethink the anthropological presumption of social relations. The book looks into the modes and behaviour of ownership as it is instantiated through items of cultural heritage, ritual action, and a system of personal names in Kanganamun, an Iatmul-speaking village on the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea.
A Sense of People and Place
Authors: Moutu Andrew
Published: April 2014

This chapter provides a general sense of the geography and economic livelihood, as well as an example of the sorts of (clan) relationships that prevail, in Iatmul villages. Topics discussed include canoes and the riverine economy; the physical geography of the Sepik River basin; and the Kanganamun village. The chapter concludes with some remarks about the nature of research methods and the kinds of problems the author encountered in the gathering of ethnographic information.
From Tourism to Bandi and Naven Rituals
Authors: Moutu Andrew
Published: April 2014

This chapter first describes the kinds of interaction between people in Kanganamun, tourists, and tour operators, and then discusses a mock ritual display enacted as a spectacle for tourists. This mock ritual provides a context not only to engage with Harrison's most influential essay on ‘ritual as intellectual property’, but also serves as a prelude to a description of men's initiation (bandi) and ritual moieties in Central Iatmul. Finally, the chapter compares naven and bandi rituals, and considers the notion of ‘ritual condensation’ proposed by Houseman and Severi (1998).
Naming and Necessity in Iatmul
Authors: Moutu Andrew
Published: April 2014

This chapter discusses the process of naming amongst the Daribi, Iqwaye, and Iatmul societies in Papua New Guinea. Amidst the discussion on the Daribi and the Iqwaye is a philosophical discussion of naming and necessity. The theoretical intention of the chapter is to suggest how the category of relationships can be conceptualised as a metaphysical necessity in ontological terms. It attempts to concretise this in terms of naming practices.
Towards an Ontological Understanding of Relationships
Authors: Moutu Andrew
Published: April 2014

This chapter summarises the analysis provided in the book and suggests how an anthropologist might conceptualise relationships in ontological terms. It argues that what distinguishes ‘relationships’ ontologically from the epistemological forms of relational practices — such as connection, association, resemblance, comparison — are necessity and transcendence, which give ‘relationships’ the character of an infinite being. This has been shown in Iatmul ethnography, outlined in this book through the ontology of brotherhood.
Economic Futures
Authors: Gamble Andrew
Published: April 2014

This chapter analyses the future of the British economy. It argues that a political economy perspective is necessary to understand the debates surrounding economic growth, and reviews the way in which commentators have analysed the challenges facing public policy. The chapter then examines debates about the financial crash and the deficit, the role and size of the state, and the appropriate growth model. The major alternative approaches to growth currently under discussion lie between a return to the liberal financial model – dominant since the 1980s and sometimes termed ‘privatised Keynesianism’ – and greater government intervention to restore the role of the manufacturing sector, possibly involving a shift to a more European-style corporatism. The chapter concludes by considering three scenarios: a return to growth; a shift in the international environment that renders austerity permanent; and the imposition of radical changes to curb expansion and cut back carbon emissions to sustainable levels.
Squaring the public policy circle
Authors: Taylor-Gooby Peter
Published: April 2014

This chapter examines the strategies that have been developed to manage the dilemma between maintaining services and constraint. These include shifting responsibility in various areas towards the market and the individual or voluntary sector, target-setting, manifold attempts to manage and restrain public provision, and attempts to change people's behaviour to cut demand. It argues that none of these approaches is entirely acceptable to public opinion and none has been markedly successful in solving the problem. This suggests that the dilemma of spending versus cutting will continue to underlie policy-making, that future policies must combine a range of approaches, and that greater attention to fostering a more informed and genuinely democratic debate is necessary so that new policy directions will be able to gain public support.
Climate change and public policy futures
Authors: Gough Ian
Published: April 2014

This chapter addresses some issues posed by climate change for thinking about public policy futures. It begins by summarising the scientific consensus and the case of climate change sceptics; the chapter also considers public opinion and the interests behind the ‘denial industry’. It then develops a framework for thinking about the policy impacts of climate change risks, and briefly summarises direct and indirect impacts. The rest of the chapter concentrates on the impact of climate change mitigation policies on public policy futures. It is argued that adequate and practicable responses cannot be generated within current policy frameworks. Current policies place too great an emphasis on economic incentives and fail to exploit the additional opportunities to reduce emissions through direct regulation or stronger leadership in cultural change.
Citizenship in a diverse and multicultural society
Authors: Modood Tariq
Published: April 2014

This chapter examines the political and cultural challenges posed by the growth of the non-white population in Europe. It reviews the chief current policy responses – assimilation, integration, and multiculturalism – in the context of claims by politicians in Germany, France, and the UK that ‘multiculturalism is dead’. The chapter distinguishes between two multicultural approaches: a valuing of diversity that accords full recognition to differences between cultural groups within a liberal democratic framework; and a multiculturalism that values cultural interaction and social mixing but withholds institutional recognition from groups, especially religious ones. The first approach may unintentionally strengthen barriers between groups and foster segregation, whilst the second may marginalise certain cultural orientations and communities. The chapter concludes by analysing the emerging ethnic fault lines across Europe and stresses the significance of a shift from colour to religion as the foundation of group identity, with major implications for the relationship between religion and politics.
Demographic futures
Authors: Thane Pat
Published: April 2014

This chapter examines debates about future demographic patterns. It shows that the case for immediate cutbacks in spending and for the restructuring of pensions, health, and social care to defuse a presumed ‘demographic time-bomb’ is not compelling. The chapter then considers alternative demographic scenarios and sets out some guidelines for policies for coping with future demographic change, recognising the contributions that older citizens can make to society.
The ‘Big Society’ and concentrated neighbourhood problems
Authors: Power Anne
Published: April 2014

This chapter examines the notion of the ‘Big Society’, introduced by David Cameron in 2009, which empowers citizens to deal with local issues that are not high on the political agenda. It traces the origins of community politics in the co-operative institutions that people set up to manage the pressures and problems of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century industrialisation. The chapter argues that the Big Society is not an alternative to government but that, to be effective, the two must operate within a framework of mutual support.
Building a new politics?
Authors: Stoker Gerry
Published: April 2014

This chapter first examines the evidence that political alienation and disengagement is not evenly spread among all sections of British society, and indeed appears to be concentrating among some of the most disadvantaged in society. It then addresses the following question: Does it matter that some citizens are alienated from politics? The final section considers the issue of how to design solutions, and contrasts the approach of political engineers with that of democratic designers. It asks what further work social scientists might contribute to understanding and exploring the challenge of building a new politics.