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Mass balance in the Glacier Bay area of Alaska, USA, and British Columbia, Canada, 1995–2011, using airborne laser altimetry

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2013 — WHE247888C414

Between 1995 and 2011, glaciers in the Glacier Bay region of Alaska and British Columbia lost mass at a significantly lower rate compared to their long-term average since the Little Ice Age. The study estimated an average mass loss of 3.93 ± 0.89 gigatons per year (0.6 ± 0.1 meters water equivalent annually) for this period, down from 17.8 gigatons per year post-LIA. Researchers used airborne laser altimetry data to track elevation changes across four time intervals, extrapolating center-line profiles to entire glaciers and averaging results regionally using three methods. This approach also revealed a lower bias in mass loss estimates compared to previous digital elevation model difference techniques. The findings align with gravitational measurements from the GRACE satellite for 2003–10, reinforcing their accuracy.

Mass distribution of Earth landforms determined by aspects of the geopotential as computed from the global gravity field model EGM 2008

Vredefort Dome — 2013 — WHE4EEFB3808C

A groundbreaking study reveals that large-scale landform patterns on Earth, including those at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Vredefort Dome, are strongly influenced by rapid and intensive geomorphic processes. These patterns are characterized by conspicuous combinations of significantly high positive or negative values of Γ33, a radial second derivative of the disturbing gravitational potential derived from the global gravity field model EGM 2008. The research demonstrates that these geophysical signatures, supported by strike angle θS and virtual deformations of the ellipse of deformation, reflect regional dynamics driven by both tectonic and climate-induced morphogenetic processes. By analyzing regions such as the Nepal Himalaya, the collision zone of East-Asian and West-Pacific lithospheric plates, and ancient impact craters like Vredefort, Chicxulub, and Popigai, the study provides a novel framework for understanding Earth's surface evolution through an effective integration of morphotectonic and climato-morphogenetic processes.

Measuring the neutral hydrogen mass of galaxy cluster A262

Jodrell Bank Observatory — 2013 — WHEA91FACCE1F

Researchers at Jodrell Bank Observatory successfully measured the total neutral hydrogen mass (MHI) of galaxy cluster A262 using a 7-meter single-dish radio telescope. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of employing small radio telescopes to study MHI, a method pioneered by R.A. Bettye. The study utilized a novel approach correlating the distance of the object from the observer (D) with the radiated flux of continuum radio sources (Sν). A262, a spiral-rich cluster located 62–77 Mpc away and part of the Local Group Supercluster, was selected for its low redshift (z = 0.0156), making it an ideal candidate for this instrument's capabilities. Preliminary results showed promising detection, validating the potential of small-scale radio telescopes in large-scale astronomical studies.

Mechanisms and Rates of Groundwater Recharge at Timbuktu, Republic of Mali

Timbuktu — 2013 — WHE61D8509063

Groundwater recharge at Timbuktu, Mali, occurs at a minimal rate of 4 mm annually, constituting just 1–2% of the region's average precipitation. This limited recharge is primarily driven by runoff and channeling in depressions between dunes, known as 'mares,' which retain water for extended periods post-rainy season. The study, using chloride budgets from well clusters and soil profiles, also revealed that occasional high nitrate concentrations in soil and groundwater are likely due to nitrogen-fixation by cyano-bacteria thriving on the moist soil surfaces of these mares. This finding underscores the region's highly variable precipitation patterns and highlights a sustainable water demand by local settlements relative to the assessed recharge rates.

Mediterranean Art and Education

Kasbah of Algiers — 2013 — WHE451F48F9DA

No singular, monolithic interpretation of the Mediterranean exists; instead, its dynamic cultural exchanges and shifting histories demand plural perspectives. This volume challenges the notion of a unified Mediterranean pedagogy by emphasizing the region's diverse artistic expressions, historical dialogues, and contemporary interactions. Through case studies like 'Dessine-moi la Méditerranée,' an art workshop in Algiers' Casbah, researchers demonstrate how provisional understandings emerge from local practices, cross-cultural codes, and the sea's invitation for exploration. The study rejects reductive narratives, advocating instead for fluid, multifaceted interpretations that reflect the region's complexity.

Mega-events and urban regeneration in Rio de Janeiro: planning in a state of emergency

Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea — 2013 — WHE2CCEFFAC8A

Mega-events like the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro drive urban regeneration that prioritizes private interests, often at the expense of social equity. The study reveals how political and economic elites exploit event-related urgency to reshape the city, particularly through projects like Porto Maravilha's port revitalization. This 'exceptional' form of neo-liberal urban regeneration, characterized by state-assisted privatization, deepens socio-spatial segregation and inequality. The research analyzes planning dynamics under these conditions, demonstrating how such models commodify urban spaces while marginalizing affected communities.

Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh — 2013 — WHEC2A60C6233

Daniel Wilson's 'Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time' (2013) provides a comprehensive historical and archaeological account of Edinburgh, focusing on its built environment and local antiquities. The work, illustrated with engravings based on Wilson's drawings, traces the city's history from earliest times while delving into specific areas of the Old Town. Wilson, a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, contributed significantly to the preservation of historic buildings in Edinburgh through his extensive research and detailed documentation. His enthusiasm for the subject is evident throughout the two-volume work, which remains a valuable resource for understanding Edinburgh's past.

Metabolite profiling and biological activities of bioactive compounds produced by Chrysosporium lobatum strain BK-3 isolated from Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India

Kaziranga National Park — 2013 — WHE62F0B5156F

Researchers have identified two bioactive compounds, α, β-dehydrocurvularin and curvularin, produced by the fungus Chrysosporium lobatum strain BK-3 from Kaziranga National Park. These compounds exhibit distinct biological activities: curvularin shows significant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity (80%), suggesting potential for treating neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's, while α, β-dehydrocurvularin demonstrates strong cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines and superoxide anion scavenging activity with an EC50 of 16.71 μg/ml. Molecular docking studies further elucidated the ligand-receptor interactions of curvularin. The study highlights the differential bioactive profiles of these compounds, likely due to minor structural differences, marking a first report of such activities from this fungal strain.

Metal Levels in Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) from Península Valdés, Argentina

Península Valdés — 2013 — WHE27F96CF6CB

Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) from Península Valdés, Argentina, exhibit low levels of nonessential and essential metals, serving as a baseline for comparison with other mysticetes. This first report on tissue concentrations in adult southern right whales measured 21 elements, including contaminants like Ag, Al, As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and others. The findings suggest minimal metal accumulation, indicating that current exposure levels do not reflect substantial contamination. The study used skin biopsies from ten female whales to assess metal concentrations, providing critical data amid growing human activity in the region.

Metal Plate Connectors and Iron Nails on the Tripitaka Koreana Printing Woodblocks

Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, the Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks — 2013 — WHED241D97147

A groundbreaking analysis of the Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks, reveals the compositional details of its metal components. Copper was identified as the primary material in the plate connectors used to secure the woodblocks, while iron nails, forged by hand from sponge iron, were employed to connect the end pieces with the main printing plates. This study utilized advanced techniques such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), and scanning electron microscopy to unravel these historical craftsmanship details, providing valuable insights into the materials and methods used in 13th-century Korean printing technology.

Métamorphoses d'une ville

The Maison Carrée of Nîmes — 2013 — WHE95645EE2DC

Nîmes underwent significant urban transformation between the 16th and 18th centuries, driven by coordinated efforts from municipal, ecclesial, and royal authorities to enhance circulation, hygiene, and peripheral development. By analyzing rare historical cadastral records, this study reveals how Nîmes transitioned into a model of Enlightenment-era urbanism, blending ancient grandeur with modern planning. The Maison Carrée and Arènes emerged as symbols of this revival, reflecting shifting perceptions of urban space under the Ancien Régime. This meticulous historiographic approach not only illuminates Nîmes's evolution but also demonstrates how cities were reshaped to balance tradition with contemporary ideals.

Metro Line U5 in Berlin – design challenges due to complex geotechnical conditions / U‐Bahnlinie U5 in Berlin – besondere Herausforderungen für die Planung aufgrund der komplexen geotechnischen Gegebenheiten

Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin — 2013 — WHEADE1E0F670

A 2.2 km section of Berlin's Metro Line U5, currently under construction to connect existing underground structures between Berliner Rotes Rathaus and Brandenburger Tor stations, presents significant geotechnical challenges due to complex subsurface conditions. The project involves constructing three new stations—Rotes Rathaus, Museumsinsel, and Unter den Linden—with the Museumsinsel station requiring ground freezing techniques for stability during excavation. This innovative approach addresses the unique geological and urban constraints of the site, including its proximity to the River Spree, the planned New Berliner Schloss, and the historic Unter den Linden street. The study highlights the necessity of advanced geotechnical solutions in dense urban environments, particularly where historical preservation and modern infrastructure intersect.

Mexico: Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2013 — WHE013A42FB5A

Rapid immigration and socioeconomic pressures are driving significant changes in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, threatening its tropical forest ecosystem and biodiversity. Despite the reserve's remote location and low population density, agricultural expansion and shifting cultivation, fueled by limited economic alternatives, are accelerating resource degradation. While recent legal and policy reforms may offer long-term benefits, their immediate impact on local practices remains unclear. However, conservation efforts, both locally and internationally, present a glimmer of hope for mitigating biodiversity loss in this critical region.

Michael Goes North

Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay — 2013 — WHE0E4224C3F7

Mont-Saint-Michel's foundation is linked to a divine vision of the archangel Michael, who directed Bishop St. Aubert (d. c. 725) of Avranches to build a church on a granite outcrop in its bay. The round sanctuary's design was inspired by a cavern on Monte Gargano, from which Aubert retrieved relics for dedication. This site became symbolic, representing a transition from 'Egypt' to the 'Promised Land,' with the landscape facilitating this narrative through tides that receded on Michael's apparition anniversary (October 16), allowing pilgrims to cross the waters symbolically. The study reconstructs this historical and theological significance, emphasizing Mont-Saint-Michel as a liminal space for apocalyptic contemplation.

Michael y Margot Loewe en el nacimiento de las vanguardias.

Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau — 2013 — WHED991A26E37

Despite extensive studies on the Modern Movement and Avant-Garde debates, this research highlights the overlooked contributions of architect Michael Loewe (1871–1955) and his daughter, artist Margot Loewe (1905–1974), in shaping early 20th-century vanguard movements. Their works reveal how intergenerational collaboration between technique, art, and industry fostered innovative spaces and living models. Analyzing Loewe’s Berlin-based projects from 1907 to 1933—ranging from residential buildings to housing complexes—the study identifies two key phases: a pre-WWI era marked by geometric simplicity influenced by Neoclassicism, and an interwar period embracing Neue Sachlichkeit principles, integrating landscape and new technologies. Loewe’s early modernist commitments sparked both admiration among supporters of Neues Bauen and political backlash from opponents. His advocacy for Neue Objectivität, alongside his daughter’s Bauhaus studies (1929–1933), underscores their shared vision, blending subjective artistic expression with functional design. The research situates their work within Berlin’s dynamic cultural shift from tradition to modernity, offering a nuanced lens on the avant-garde’s social and technical dimensions.

Microbial assessment of bottled drinking water of Kathmandu valley

Kathmandu Valley — 2013 — WHEEE1898E703

A significant proportion of bottled water brands in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, fail to meet international microbiological safety standards. The study found that 63.3% of samples exceeded acceptable heterotrophic bacterial counts (<50 CFU/ml), while 56.6% contained total coliforms (above WHO’s 0 CFU/ml threshold). Overall, 83.3% of brands were deemed unsafe for consumption due to microbial contamination. This research highlights a critical public health concern in the region, with potential implications for waterborne disease transmission. The study employed cross-sectional sampling of 30 commercial brands using membrane filtration and spread plate techniques to enumerate bacterial contaminants.

Microbiological diversity in the Unfinished Sacristy building of the Convent of Christ, Tomar, and evaluation of its biocide-based control

Convent of Christ in Tomar — 2013 — WHEBD0D5BDA1F

A study on the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal, revealed that biocide effectiveness varies significantly depending on the type of microorganism present on limestone walls. Benzalkonium chloride proved more effective against bacterial isolates, while Biotin T showed better performance against fungal isolates. The research characterized microorganisms colonizing the Unfinished Sacristy using classical microbiology techniques and tested three biocides—Biotin T, benzalkonium chloride, and a paint additive—to assess their inhibition effects on microbial growth. This finding highlights the need for tailored biocide-based control strategies to effectively manage microbial colonization in historic structures.

Microwhip Scorpions (Palpigradi) Feed on Heterotrophic Cyanobacteria in Slovak Caves – A Curiosity among Arachnida

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2013 — WHE25D84A8D1B

Researchers have uncovered an unusual feeding behavior among microwhip scorpions (Palpigradi) in Slovak caves, revealing that these rare arachnids primarily consume heterotrophic cyanobacteria. This discovery is significant as it deviates from the predominantly predacious diet of most Arachnida. The study, conducted over a year in Ardovská Cave using histological methods including Masson's triple staining and confocal microscopy, analyzed 17 specimens of Eukoenenia spelaea. The presence of guanine crystals, glycogen deposits, and haemocytes in their guts confirmed the digestibility of cyanobacteria, which are known for their resilience in extreme cave environments. This finding sheds light on the ecological role of microwhip scorpions and challenges conventional understanding of arachnid feeding habits.

Mnemonic Objects: Forensic and Rhetorical Practices in Memorial Culture

Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection — 2013 — WHEC68E8BC4E0

Memorial sites often employ objects as powerful mnemonic devices to evoke collective memory and reflect on violent histories. These objects, such as hair, shoes, or stopped clocks, create a tangible connection to traumatic events, enabling both visitors and survivors to engage with memories through sympathetic kinesthesia—imagining touch even when physical contact is restricted. The study identifies the universal role of these 'familiar' yet representative objects in memorial culture, drawing from fieldwork across 21 countries, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like those in Cambodia. By analyzing objects deployed in sites commemorating genocide, slavery, nuclear war, and other atrocities, the research reveals their capacity to serve as rhetorical tools for remembering violence while integrating seamlessly into everyday life.

Model for the eruption of the Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park — 2013 — WHE2656ECD06D

A groundbreaking physical model has successfully replicated the eruption intervals of Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone National Park, from 2000 to 2011. The model hinges on convective boiling within the geyser's conduit and aligns with existing time-temperature-depth data. It identifies a preplay phase—critical for determining main eruption intervals—that follows a Rayleigh probability density function, peaking at nine minutes. Assuming minimal temperature gradients due to convection, the model assigns uniform heat content to individual convection cells and uses observed bottom heating (110 °C) and recharge temperatures (80 °C), with a total conduit volume of 23 m³. The composite model effectively reproduces Old Faithful's bimodal eruption pattern, where long durations precede prolonged intervals and vice versa. While the cause of short eruption durations remains unresolved, this study provides a robust framework for understanding geyser dynamics.