Using wavelet tools to analyse seasonal variations from InSAR time-series data: a case study of the Huangtupo landslide

Synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) has proven to be a powerful tool for monitoring landslide movements with a wide spatial and temporal coverage. Interpreting landslide displacement time-series derived from InSAR techniques is a major challenge for understanding relationships between triggering factors and slope displacements. In this study, we propose the use of various wavelet tools, namely, continuous wavelet transform (CWT), cross wavelet transform (XWT) and wavelet coherence (WTC) for interpreting InSAR time-series information for a landslide. CWT enables time-series records to be analysed in time-frequency space, with the aim of identifying localized intermittent periodicities. Similarly, XWT and WTC help identify the common power and relative phase between two time-series records in time-frequency space, respectively. Statistically significant coherence and confidence levels against red noise (also known as brown noise or random walk noise) can be calculated. Taking the Huangtupo landslide (China) as an example, we demonstrate the capabilities of these tools for interpreting InSAR time-series information. The results show the Huangtupo slope is affected by an annual displacement periodicity controlled by rainfall and reservoir water level. Reservoir water level, which is completely regulated by the dam activity, is mainly in ‘anti-phase’ with natural rainfall, due to flood control in the Three Gorges Project. The seasonal displacements of the Huangtupo landslide is found to be ‘in-phase’ with respect to reservoir water level and the rainfall towards the front edge of the slope and to rainfall at the higher rear of the slope away from the reservoir.R. Tomás was supported by the Generalitat Valenciana fellowship BEST-2011/225 and by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport trough the project PRX14/00100. Part of this work is also supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and EU FEDER funds under project TEC2011-28201-C02-02, by the Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) through the GAS and LICS projects (ref. NE/H001085/1 and NE/K010794/1, respectively) as well as the ESA-MOST DRAGON-3 projects (ref. 10607 and 10665)

Creating the 2011 area classification for output areas (2011 OAC)

This paper presents the methodology that has been used to create the 2011 Area Classification for Output Areas (2011 OAC). This extends a lineage of widely used public domain census only geodemographic classifications in the UK. It provides an update to the successful 2001 OAC methodology, and summarizes the social and physical structure of neighbourhoods using data from the 2011 UK Census. We also present the results of a user engagement exercise that underpinned the creation of an updated methodology for the 2011 OAC. The 2011 OAC comprises 8 Supergroups, 26 Groups and 76 Subgroups. Finally, we present an example of the results of the classification in Southampton

The rise and fall of the Pentecostals: the role and significance of the body in Pentecostal spirituality

This paper addresses the role and significance of the body in contempor­ary Pentecostalism. It begins with a description of the various body-centred spiritual experiences common in this tradition. Next, it considers the social context of the Pentecostal body, arguing that the premium and importance placed on outward bodily experiences is consistent with a broader societal focus on bodies and bodily appearance. Finally, it draws on in-depth interview data with Pentecostals to illustrate the processes involved in coming to have an experience in which one’s body becomes the highly visible locus of spirituality. No longer restrained and ordered, the contemporary Christian body is exuberant, released to worship and be overcome by God. Being slain in the Spirit is the most prominent example of this shift in contemporary spirituality. The Pentecostal emphasis on bodily experiences is consistent with the late modern interest in the outward appearance of the body

JRC Experience on the Development of Drought Information Systems

From the definition of drought to its monitoring and assessment, this report summarizes the main steps towards an integrated drought information system. Europe, Africa and Latin America are examples, based on the experience of the JRC, that illustrate the challenges for establishing continental drought observatory initiatives. The document is structured in the following way: first an introduction explains what drought is and gives some examples of its impact in society; secondly the framework for establishing a drought monitoring system is described giving examples on the European Drought Observatory and on on-going activities in Africa and Latin America; thirdly the fundamental data and information for measuring drought is described; finally the setting up of an Integrated Drought Information System is discussed and two recent case studies, on Europe and on the Horn of Africa, are presented to illustrate the concept.JRC.H.7-Climate Risk Managemen

Snf2 family ATPases and DExx box helicases:differences and unifying concepts from high-resolution crystal structures

Proteins with sequence similarity to the yeast Snf2 protein form a large family of ATPases that act to alter the structure of a diverse range of DNA–protein structures including chromatin. Snf2 family enzymes are related in sequence to DExx box helicases, yet they do not possess helicase activity. Recent biochemical and structural studies suggest that the mechanism by which these enzymes act involves ATP-dependent translocation on DNA. Crystal structures suggest that these enzymes travel along the minor groove, a process that can generate the torque or energy in remodelling processes. We review the recent structural and biochemical findings which suggest a common mechanistic basis underlies the action of many of both Snf2 family and DExx box helicases

Analysis of ligation and DNA binding by Escherichia coli DNA ligase (LigA).

NAD+-dependent DNA ligases are essential enzymes in bacteria, with the most widely studied of this class of enzymes being LigA from Escherichia coli. NAD+-dependent DNA ligases comprise several discrete structural domains, including a BRCT domain at the C-terminus that is highly-conserved in this group of proteins. The over-expression and purification of various fragments of E. coli LigA allowed the investigation of the different domains in DNA-binding and ligation by this enzyme. Compared to the full-length protein, the deletion of the BRCT domain from LigA reduced in vitro ligation activity by 3-fold and also reduced DNA binding. Using an E. coli strain harbouring a temperature-sensitive mutation of ligA, the over-expression of protein with its BRCT domain deleted enabled growth at the non-permissive temperature. In gel-mobility shift experiments, the isolated BRCT domain bound DNA in a stable manner and to a wider range of DNA molecules compared to full LigA. Thus, the BRCT domain of E. coli LigA can bind DNA, but it is not essential for DNA nick-joining activity in vitro or in vivo

Cut-off low pressure systems and extreme rainfall over South Africa

Includes bibliographical references (p. 257-271).This thesis is an investigation of cut-off low pressure systems over South Africa. These weather systems have been responsible for many of the flooding disasters that have affected South Africa, particularly the coastal regions, over recent decades. The thesis has two main objectives, namely, to construct a 30-year climatology of cut-off lows over South Africa, and to further understanding of the evolution of the low-level flow that leads to these systems producing extreme quantities of rainfall