bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resilience of the spectral standard model
Authors: Chamseddine Ali H. , Connes Alain
Published: September 2012

Abstract

We show that the inconsistency between the spectral Standard Model and the experimental value of the Higgs mass is resolved by the presence of a real scalar field strongly coupled to the Higgs field. This scalar field was already present in the spectral model and we wrongly neglected it in our previous computations. It was shown recently by several authors, independently of the spectral approach, that such a strongly coupled scalar field stabilizes the Standard Model up to unification scale in spite of the low value of the Higgs mass. In this letter we show that the noncommutative neutral singlet modifies substantially the RG analysis, invalidates our previous prediction of Higgs mass in the range 160-180 Gev, and restores the consistency of the noncommutative geometric model with the low Higgs mass.
Isolation and characterization of a novel Rhodococcus strain with switchable carbonyl reductase and para-acetylphenol hydroxylase activities
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ren Jie , Wang Yu , Wu Qiaqing , Wang Min , Zhu Dunming
Published: September 2012

In the search for an effective biocatalyst for the reduction of acetophenones with unprotected hydroxy group on the benzene ring, a microorganism, which reduced para-acetylphenol to S-(−)-1-(para-hydroxyphenyl)ethanol under anaerobic conditions, was isolated from soil samples and the 16S rDNA study showed that it was phylogenetically affiliated with species of the genus Rhodococcus and was most similar to Rhodococcus pyridinivorans. Unexpectedly, this strain also hydroxylated para-acetylphenol to give 4-acetylcatechol in presence of oxygen, possessing para-acetylphenol hydroxylase activity. While the reduction of para-acetylphenol had an optimal reaction pH at 7 and a broad optimal temperature range (35–45 °C), the hydroxylation reached the maximum conversion at the pH range of 7–8 and 35 °C. This study identified for the first time a Rhodococcus strain with para-acetylphenol hydroxylase activity, which also contains highly enantioselective carbonyl reductase activity with potential applications for the asymmetric reduction of these less-explored but important ketones such as α-aminoacetophenone, 3′-hydroxyacetophenone and 4′-hydroxyacetophenone. The para-acetylphenol hydroxylase and carbonyl reductase activity are switchable by the reaction conditions.
Fast Transmethylation of Serum Lipids Using Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Lin Yu Hong , Loewke James D. , Hyun Duk Y. , Leazer Jay , Hibbeln Joseph R.
Published: September 2012

Microwave irradiation as the energy source for one‐step direct transesterification of fatty acids in human serum lipids was examined in a solvent system of methanol: hexane: acetyl chloride based on a Lepage & Roy assay. Innovative and explosion proof single‐mode or multimode microwave accelerated reaction system was employed. Recoveries were calculated as the percentage of fatty acid concentrations measured by microwave assay to those by the reference method of the Lepage & Roy assay that utilized conductive heating at 100 °C for 60 min. Under conditions of 100 °C for 1 min in Single‐mode (S4–100 × 1), or 125 °C for 5 min in Multimode (M5–125 × 5), the recoveries were 100–103 % for the total fatty acids and 96–106 % for each categorized fatty acid, including saturates, monounsaturates, n‐6 PUFA, and n‐3 PUFA. For individual PUFA, the mean recoveries were 102–105 % for 18:2n‐6 and 18:3n‐3; 99, 109, and 95 % for 20:4n‐6, 20:5n‐3, and 22:6n‐3, respectively. Thus, fatty acid concentrations determined by microwave fatty acid assay were accurate to those results by the reference method, when the microwave conditions were optimal. In summary, the microwave irradiation could replace conductive heating in one‐step direct transesterification, and reduce the duration from 60 min to 5 min or less. This methodology may be applied in both the absolute and relative quantification of serum total fatty acids.
A Visual Titration Method for the Determination of the Acid Number of Oils and Fats: a Green Alternative
Authors: Aricetti J. A. , Tubino M.
Published: September 2012

A visual and green titrimetric method is proposed for the determination of the acid number of oils and fats. The sample is dissolved in a water–ethanol mixture (1:1 v/v) and titrated with a 0.02 mol L−1 aqueous NaOH solution. Phenolphthalein is used as acid‐basic indicator. Oils of canola, sunflower, linseed, castor, corn and soy as well as swine lard, a total of twelve real samples, were analyzed. The results obtained were compared with those from the application of the AOCS Cd 3d‐63 method, through a statistical linear regression procedure at the 95 % confidence level and no evidence for systematic differences between the two sets of results was observed. The mean RSD (relative standard deviation) for the proposed procedure is 4.8 %, whereas that of the official method was found to be 5.4 %.
Synthesis and Characterization of Allyl Fatty Acid Derivatives as Reactive Coalescing Agents for Latexes
Authors: Barbosa Joana V. , Oliveira Fernanda , Moniz Jorge , Magalhães Fernão D. , Bastos Margarida M. S. M.
Published: September 2012

This work evaluated the use of allyl fatty acid esters derived from vegetable oil (palmitic acid, soybean and sunflower oils) as reactive coalescing agents in a waterborne latex system. Allyl fatty acid derivatives (AFAD) from vegetable oils were synthesized by two different processes. The synthesis was monitored by IR‐spectroscopy and the final product characterized by FT‐IR, GC–MS, 1H and 13C NMR. The presence of conjugated double bonds in the aliphatic chain was confirmed, which is a determinant for the proposed autoxidative latexes drying mechanism. Each of the AFAD were subsequently added to a standard acrylic emulsion, in order to study its potential as reactive coalescing agent. The minimum film‐forming temperature (MFT), glass transition temperature (Tg), drying time and rubbing resistance to solvents were evaluated. The results showed that, when added to water‐borne acrylic resins, an AFAD acts as a non‐volatile plasticizer capable of autoxidative crosslinking with itself.
Prebiotic Chemistry: What We Know, What We Don't
Authors: Cleaves H. James
Published: September 2012

How life on Earth began remains an unexplained scientific problem. This problem is nuanced in its practical details and the way attempted explanations feedback with questions and developments in other areas of science, including astronomy, biology, and planetary science. Prebiotic chemistry attempts to address this issue theoretically, experimentally, and observationally. The ease of formation of bioorganic compounds under plausible prebiotic conditions suggests that these molecules were present in the primitive terrestrial environment. In addition to synthesis in the Earth's primordial atmosphere and oceans, it is likely that the infall of comets, meteorites, and interplanetary dust particles, as well as submarine hydrothermal vent synthesis, may have contributed to prebiotic organic evolution. The primordial organic soup may have been quite complex, but it did not likely include all of the compounds found in modern organisms. Regardless of their origin, organic compounds would need to be concentrated and complexified by environmental mechanisms. While this review is by no means exhaustive, many of the issues central to the state of the art of prebiotic chemistry are reviewed here.
Lava Channel of Khedrai Dam, Northeast of Nasik in Western Deccan Volcanic Province: Detailed Morphology and Evidences of Channel Reactivation
Authors: Sen Bibhas , Sabale A. B. , Sukumaran P.V.
Published: September 2012

The 120 m-wide Khedrai Dam lava channel is one of the widest recorded in the Deccan Volcanic Province. Like many recent ones, this channel also has a pair of linear marginal levees made of breccia and confines the channel-fill lava. It is resting over a pahoehoe flow (substrate) of basalt studded with plagioclase megacrysts, also known as the Giant Plagioclase Basalt (GPB). The channel-fill lava, which makes the lining at the edges and basal portion of the channel, is a comb-layered basalt (Cl-B) characterized by alternating layers rich in curved, branching augite crystals and laths of plagioclase – a texture indicative of high order of supercooling and rapid cooling rates. The dominant and centrally filling lava of this channel is a plagioclase-phyric basalt (Pp-B) that has a wide variation in phenocryst number from megacryst-poor to megacryst-rich. Occurrence of centimetre to decimetre size angular fragments of Cl-B within Pp-B fill indicates mechanical dislodgements of channel-lining by flowing lava. This also suggests that the channel was reactivated before it finally lost its hydraulic gradient and solidified.
Application of Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) to Recently Reclaimed Badlands along the Adula and Mahalungi Rivers, Pravara Basin, Maharashtra
Authors: Sinha Debasree , Joshi Veena U.
Published: September 2012

The rapid erosion of soil by wind and water has been a problem since man began cultivating the land. Moreover soil erosion, as a hazard, has always been associated mainly with agriculture in the tropical and semi-arid areas. Soil loss through rill, gully and sheet erosion is a major environmental problem in India. Among all the predictive equations developed to estimate soil loss, the most accepted, used, convenient and suitable technique, for smaller areas like hillslopes and fields, is the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). This method has been applied to the cultivated fields on either side of the gullied banks of the Adula and Mahalungi rivers, to estimate soil loss from fields under different crops. Rainfall data from the IMD has been used for the purpose. Field slope measurements, textural analysis of soil and determination of soil organic matter have also been carried out. Finally the soil loss has been computed from the generated data. The results have been used to ascertain whether the soil loss in the area is within or beyond the tolerance limit. It has been found that the soil loss in these areas have exceeded the tolerance limit and hence require due attention.
Earthquake Forerunner as Probable Precursor – An Example from North Burma Subduction Zone
Authors: Dasgupta Sujit , Mukhopadhyay Basab , Mukhopadhyay Manoj
Published: September 2012

The Burmese Arc seismic activity is not uniform for its ~ 1100 km length; only the Northern Burmese Arc (NBA) is intensely active. Six large earthquakes in the magnitude range 6.1 – 7.4 have originated from the NBA Benioff zone between 1954 -2011, within an area of 200 x 300 km2 where the Indian plate subducts eastward to depths beyond 200 km below the Burma plate. An analysis on seismogenesis of this interplate region suggests that while the subducting lithosphere is characterized by profuse seismicity, seismicity in the overriding plate is rather few. Large earthquakes occurring in the overriding plate are associated with the backarc Shan-Sagaing Fault (SSF) further east. The forecasting performance of the Benioff zone earthquakes in NBA as forerunner is analysed here by: (i) spatial earthquake clustering, (ii) seismic cycles and their temporal quiescence and (iii) the characteristic temporal b-value changes. Three such clusters (C1- C3) are identified from NBA Benioff Zones I & II that are capable of generating earthquakes in the magnitude ranges of 7.38 to 7.93. Seismic cycles evidenced for the Zone I displayed distinct quiescence (Q1, Q2 and Q3) prior to the 6th August 1988 (M 6.6) earthquake. Similar cycles were used to forecast an earthquake (Dasgupta et al. 2010) to come from the Zone I (cluster C1); which, actually struck on 4 February 2011 (M 6.3). The preparatory activity for an event has already been set in the Zone II and we speculate its occurrence as a large event (M > 6.0) possibly within the year 2012, somewhere close to cluster C3. Temporal analysis of b-value indicates a rise before an ensuing large earthquake.
Explicit feedback to enhance the effect of an interim assessment: a cross-over
study on learning effect and gender difference
Authors: Bekkink Marleen Olde , Donders Rogier , Van Muijen Goos N. P. , De Waal Rob M. W. , Ruiter Dirk J.
Published: September 2012

In a previous study we demonstrated by a prospective controlled design that an
interim assessment during an ongoing small group work (SGW) session resulted in a higher
score in the course examination. As this reflects the so-called testing effect, which is
supposed to be enhanced by feedback, we investigated whether feedback following an
interim assessment would have an effect on the score of the course exam, and whether the
effect is influenced by the gender of the student. During a General Pathology bachelor
course all 386 (bio) medical students took an interim assessment on the topics cell
damage (first week) and tumour pathology (fourth week). The intervention consisted of
immediate detailed oral feedback on the content of the questions of the interim
assessment by the tutor, including the rationale of the correct and incorrect answers.
It concerned a prospective randomized study using a cross-over design. Outcome measures
were: (1) the difference in the normalized scores (1–10) of the course examination
multiple choice questions related to the two topics, (2) effect of gender, and (3)
gender-specific scores on formal examination. The effect of feedback was estimated as
half the difference in the outcome between the two conditions. Mixed-model analysis was
used whereby the SGW group was taken as the study target.
Guilt and depression: Two different factors in individuals with negative symptoms of schizophrenia
Authors: Rabany L. , Weiser M. , Levkovitz Y.
Published: September 2012

Objective:

Depression is common among schizophrenia patients and constitutes a major risk factor for suicide. Calgary Depression Scale (CDSS) is the most widely used instrument for measuring depression in schizophrenia. CDSS has never been examined in patients with predominant negative symptoms, thus possibly hindering both accurate assessment and understanding of the underlying mechanisms. The current study is the first to examine CDSS’ structure in this population.

Methods:

We conducted Principal Component Analysis (n= 184) for the CDSS items. Thereafter, we correlated emerging factors with psychopathological, demographic and side effect variables. We assessed internal consistency and reliability of the emerging factors, as well as demographic correlations.

Results:

The analysis yielded two factors:depression-hopelessnessandguilt. Factors distinctly correlated with separate variables. Removal of item #7 (early waking) improved internal consistency. Thedepression-hopelessnessfactor had an inverse correlation with negative symptoms, and positive correlation with neuroleptic side effects.

Conclusions:

CDSS structure indicated of two separate factors, i.e.,depression-hopelessnessandguilt, suggesting separate underlying processes. The validity of the scale might benefit from a two-fold structure and the removal/replacement of item #7 (early waking). A noteworthy inverse correlation was found between the depression factor and negative symptoms, as well as a positive correlation between depression factor and neuroleptic side effects.
Phosphorylation of measles virus phosphoprotein at S86 and/or S151 downregulates viral transcriptional activity
Authors: Sugai Akihiro , Sato Hiroki , Yoneda Misako , Kai Chieko
Published: September 2012

Measles virus phosphoprotein (P protein) is a cofactor of the viral RNA polymerase (L protein) that associates with the nucleoprotein–RNA complex to support viral transcription and replication. Here, we report a significant inverse correlation between the phosphorylation level of MV‐P protein and viral transcriptional activity. Upregulation of P protein phosphorylation resulted in reduction of viral transcription. Additionally, we found that strong phosphorylation at S86 and S151 of P protein, which may be generally prevented by association with nucleoprotein, downregulates the viral transcriptional activity. These findings suggest that P protein is involved in regulation of viral transcription through changes in its phosphorylation status.
Learner interaction in a massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG): A sociocultural discourse analysis
Authors: Peterson Mark
Published: September 2012

This exploratory study investigates the linguistic and social interaction of four intermediate EFL learners during game play in a massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG). Twelve illustrative episodes drawn from the participants’ text chat, collected in four 70-minute sessions held over a one-month period, are analyzed from a sociocultural perspective. Qualitative analysis reveals the presence of interactional features associated with the development of sociocultural competence. Throughout this study the learners successfully engaged in collaborative social interaction involving dialogue, conducted exclusively in the target language. Participants made appropriate use of politeness involving greetings, informal language, small talk, humor, and leave-takings, as a means to support the operation of collaborative interpersonal relationships. These relationships appeared based on reciprocity, friendship, and teamwork. They were effective in facilitating the creation of a low stress atmosphere characterized by social cohesion that was conducive to co-construction, and the consistent production of coherent target language output. The data indicates that the learners were able to jointly establish, and maintain, states of intersubjectivity through the use of continuers, and requests for assistance relevant to in-game tasks. Learner feedback was positive, and suggests that although the participants found the game play challenging, as this research progressed they became increasingly comfortable as their familiarity with the game increased. Aspects of participation identified by the learners as beneficial included opportunities for risk-taking, enhanced fluency practice, and exposure to vocabulary not normally encountered in regular language classes. The analysis suggests that the game provided access to an environment conducive to forms of collaborative target language use and social interaction identified as beneficial in the sociocultural account of language development.
Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) One Year Following the Gulf Coast Oil Spill: Alabama and Mississippi, 2011
Authors: Buttke Danielle , Vagi Sara , Schnall Amy , Bayleyegn Tesfaye , Morrison Melissa , Allen Mardi , Wolkin Amy
Published: September 2012

Background

On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling unit exploded off the coast of Louisiana, resulting in 11 deaths and the largest marine petroleum release in history. Previous oil spill disasters have been associated with negative mental health outcomes in affected communities. In response to requests from Mississippi and Alabama, potential mental health issues resulting from this event were identified by implementing a novel use of a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) in the months immediately following the Gulf Coast oil spill.

Purpose

This assessment was repeated one year later to determine long-term mental health needs and changes.

Methods

A two-stage sampling method was used to select households, and a questionnaire including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) questions was administered. Weighted cluster analysis was conducted, and BRFSS questions were compared to the most recent BRFSS reports and the 2010 results.

Results

In 2011, 8.8%-15.1% of individuals reported depressive symptoms compared to 15.4%–24.5% of individuals in 2010, with 13.2%-20.3% reporting symptoms consistent with an anxiety disorder compared to 21.4%-31.5% of individuals in 2010. Respondents reporting decreased income following the oil spill were more likely to report mental health symptoms compared to respondents reporting no change in income.

Conclusions

Overall, mental health symptoms were higher in the three assessment areas compared to BRFSS reports, but lower than 2010 surveys. These results suggest that mental health services are still needed, particularly in households experiencing decreased income since the oil spill.

ButtkeD, VagiS, SchnallA, BayleyegnT, MorrisonM, AllenM, WolkinA. Community assessment for public health emergency response (CASPER) one year following the Gulf Coast oil spill: Alabama and Mississippi, 2011. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(6):1-7.
International paternalism and humanitarian governance
Authors: BARNETT MICHAEL N
Published: September 2012

This article argues that paternalism is an organizing principle of the international humanitarian order. The international community is increasingly organized to preserve, protect, and promote human life, reflecting an ethics of care and impulse to intervene for the greater good. This mixture of care and control is captured by the concept of paternalism, which Gerald Dworkin famously defined as ‘the interference with a person’s liberty of action justified by reasons referring exclusively to the welfare, good, happiness, needs, interests or values of the person being coerced’. Paternalism is either present or dormant in many (if not nearly all) interventions that are designed for the betterment of people and the good of humanity. This article has four goals: 1) to reassess and examine the analytical power of this much maligned and misunderstood concept; 2) to consider the dimensions upon which paternalism varies in order to develop the concept’s value for empirical analysis; 3) to speculate how and why paternalism’s form has moved from ‘strong’ to ‘weak’ over the last hundred years; and, 4) to consider whether, why, and when paternalism might be legitimate.
The Impact of Perceived Knowledge of Dementia on Caregiver Burden
Authors: Schindler Manuel , Engel Sabine , Rupprecht Roland
Published: September 2012

This study centered around 131 caregivers and their recipients to investigate whether the caregiver’s perceived knowledge of dementia may be a factor in reducing caregiver burden. We developed a questionnaire to measure this kind of knowledge. A significant relationship was shown between perceived knowledge and caregiver burden. Our multivariate analysis furthermore demonstrated that the caregivers’ self-assessed state of health also has a significant influence. A second regression model included the different aspects of perceived knowledge of our questionnaire and showed that certain aspects of perceived knowledge, especially concerning existing professional help services, noncognitive symptoms of dementia, and the importance of not neglecting one’s own personal needs, has an positive impact on caregiver burden.
Research on Active Aging in Germany
Authors: Tesch-Römer Clemens , Wurm Susanne
Published: September 2012

The year 2012 is the European Year of Active Aging and Intergenerational Solidarity. On this occasion, the journal GeroPsych presents an overview of the contributions of gerontopsychology to active aging across Europe. Active aging comprises both individual processes and societal opportunity structures for health, participation and integration. The goal of interventions for active aging is to enhance the quality of life as people age. In the following, we will sketch the situation of gerontopsychological research on active aging in Germany. We firstly describe some important milestones in the history of gerontopsychology in Germany, secondly point to some research institutions and their contributions to active aging in Germany, and thirdly give some examples of research on active aging we are involved in ourselves.
Analysis of seasonality and annual mean distribution of atmospheric potential oxygen (APO) in the Pacific region
Authors: Tohjima Yasunori , Minejima Chika , Mukai Hitoshi , Machida Toshinobu , Yamagishi Hiroaki , Nojiri Yukihiro
Published: September 2012

We present a data set of atmospheric potential oxygen (APO = O2 + 1.1 × CO2) based on the atmospheric O2/N2 and CO2measurements of flask samples collected at two monitoring stations in Japan and on commercial cargo ships sailing between Japan and U.S./Canada and Australia/New Zealand. Since APO is invariant with respect to the terrestrial biotic exchange, its variation mainly reflects the spatiotemporal distribution in the air‐to‐sea gas exchange. From the observed APO for the years 2002–2008, we find: (1) elevated annual mean values near the equator, (2) elevated annual mean values and large seasonal amplitudes in the northwestern North Pacific, and (3) a deep trough of low annual mean values at latitudes 20–40°N in the Western Pacific. In addition, latitudinal distributions in the timing of the observed seasonal maximum and minimum show asymmetric patterns across the equator. Comparing these observations with a series of simulated APO generated in the NIES99 atmospheric transport model driven by a set of climatological oceanic O2 and CO2 flux fields, we find a good agreement except for the observed deep trough at the midlatitude. Simulations with different transport mechanisms and fluxes reveal that the seasonal covariation between oceanic O2 flux and atmospheric transport contribute significantly to the observed APO variations in the northern North Pacific; also the seasonal variation in the meridional transport affects the latitudinal difference in the seasonal cycle. The observed latitudinal gradient of the annual mean APO in the Southern Hemisphere is better reproduced by the model based on the recently revised ocean CO2 flux distribution than that based on the previous CO2 flux distribution. The observed APO trough at 36°N in the Western Pacific is about 10 per meg lower than the simulation with the more recent pCO2 data, suggesting the existence of additional APO sinks in that latitudinal region. Indeed, a model simulation performed with an additional ocean O2 sink flux of about 30 Tmol yr−1 within the region (30–50°N, 120–180°E) reproduces considerably well the observed APO trough.
Long‐term C accumulation and total C stocks in boreal lakes in northern Québec
Authors: Ferland Marie‐Eve , del Giorgio Paul A. , Teodoru Cristian R. , Prairie Yves T.
Published: September 2012

Here we assess total sediment organic C stocks and long‐term C accumulation rates in 13 boreal lakes in northern Québec spanning a wide range of morphometric shapes. The lake basins were mapped using a sub‐bottom profiler to obtain total sediment volume, which we combined with organic carbon profiles from Holocene cores to obtain total C mass. The estimated long‐term areal C accumulation rates averaged 3.8 g C m−2 yr−1, lower than previous reports for other boreal and temperate regions. The difference relative to previous studies may have resulted from our use of the detailed echosounding mapping approach, which yields more realistic estimates of total sediment volume. Total sediment C stocks were not related to lake trophic status or to DOC concentration, but rather to lake area and to the lake dynamic ratio (√lake area/mean water depth). We hypothesize that scaling of C accumulation to lake morphometry is more a reflection of the intrinsic capacity of lakes to retain carbon. We show that C loading does in fact play a significant role in the patterns of C accumulation in lakes, but that this role is strongly modulated by both lake size and shape, which in turn determine the ability of lakes to retain the carbon that has been loaded. Upscaling to the regional level using the empirical lake size relationships developed here results in an areal‐weighted average C stock of 23 kg C m−2 (per unit of lake area), or 3.8 kg m−2(per unit landscape), which represents around 25% of the total landscape C storage in this boreal region. Because of the lake‐size scaling of C accumulation, the total lake C stocks at the regional level depend not only on the total lake area, but more importantly on the local lake size distribution.
Surface energy balance and actual evapotranspiration of the transboundary Indus Basin estimated from satellite measurements and the ETLook model
Authors: Bastiaanssen W. G. M. , Cheema M. J. M. , Immerzeel W. W. , Miltenburg I. J. , Pelgrum H.
Published: September 2012

The surface energy fluxes and related evapotranspiration processes across the Indus Basin were estimated for the hydrological year 2007 using satellite measurements. The new ETLook remote sensing model (version 1) infers information on actual Evaporation (E) and actual Transpiration (T) from combined optical and passive microwave sensors, which can observe the land‐surface even under persistent overcast conditions. A two‐layer Penman–Monteith equation was applied for quantifying soil and canopy evaporation. The novelty of the paper is the computation of E and T across a vast area (116.2 million ha) by using public domain microwave data that can be applied under all weather conditions, and for which no advanced input data are required. The average net radiation for the basin was estimated as being 112 Wm−2. The basin average sensible, latent and soil heat fluxes were estimated to be 80, 32, and 0 Wm−2, respectively. The average evapotranspiration (ET) and evaporative fraction were 1.2 mm d−1 and 0.28, respectively. The basin wide ET was 496 ± 16.8 km3 yr−1. Monte Carlo analysis have indicated 3.4% error at 95% confidence interval for a dominant land use class. Results compared well with previously conducted soil moisture, lysimeter and Bowen ratio measurements at field scale (R2 = 0.70; RMSE = 0.45 mm d−1; RE = –11.5% for annual ET). ET results were also compared against earlier remote sensing and modeling studies for various regions and provinces in Pakistan (R2 = 0.76; RMSE = 0.29 mmd−1; RE = 6.5% for annual ET). The water balance for all irrigated areas together as one total system in Pakistan and India (26.02 million ha) show a total ET value that is congruent with the ET value from the ETLook surface energy balance computations. An unpublished validation of the same ETLook model for 23 jurisdictional areas covering the entire Australian continent showed satisfactory results given the quality of the watershed data and the diverging physiographic and climatic conditions (R2 = 0.70; RMSE = 0.31 mmd−1; RE = –2.8% for annual ET). Eight day values of latent heat fluxes in Heibei (China) showed a good resemblance (R2 = 0.92; RMSE = 0.04 mm d−1; RE = 9.5% for annual ET). It is concluded that ETLook is a novel model that can be operationalized further—especially after improving the preprocessing of spaceborne soil moisture data. This preprocessing includes (1) downscaling of topsoil moisture from 25 to 1 km pixels, and (2) translation of topsoil moisture into subsoil moisture values.
Reliability perceptions and water storage expenditures: Evidence from Nicaragua
Authors: Vásquez William F.
Published: September 2012

Storing water at home has become a common practice in many areas with water delivery systems in developing countries. However, little is known about which factors motivate households to expend on water storage devices. Instrumental variable Tobit models are estimated to investigate the relationship between perceptions of water supply reliability and household expenditures on water storage devices in León, Nicaragua. Findings indicate that almost 80% of households use at least one storage device on which they expend an average of 0.87% of their income. Results show that reliability perceptions are the main factor driving household expenditures on storage devices, followed by home ownership and household income. Findings also indicate that reliability perceptions are associated with service performance and assessment of service hours relative to peers.
Assessment of the spatial variability in particulate organic matter and mineral sinking fluxes in the ocean interior: Implications for the ballast hypothesis
Authors: Wilson J. D. , Barker S. , Ridgwell A.
Published: September 2012

Multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) applied to sediment trap data has been highly influential in identifying a plausible ‘ballasting’ mechanism that directly links the settling fluxes of particulate organic carbon (POC) to those of denser, inorganic minerals. However, analysis to date has primarily been carried out at the global scale, missing spatial variability in the flux relationships that may be important. In this paper, Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) is applied to an updated deep (>1500 m) sediment trap database (n = 156), using the MLRA approach of Klaas and Archer (2002) but now allowing the carrying coefficients to vary in space. While the global mean carrying coefficient values for CaCO3, opal, and lithogenics are broadly consistent with previous work, the GWR analysis reveals the existence of substantial and statistically significant spatial variability in all three carrying coefficients. In particular, the absence of a strong globally uniform relationship between CaCO3and POC in our spatial analysis calls into question whether a simple ballasting mechanism exists. Instead, the existence of coherent spatial patterns in carrying coefficients, which are reminiscent of biogeochemical provinces, points toward differences in specific pelagic ecosystem characteristics as being the likely underlying cause of the flux relationships sampled by sediment traps. Our findings present a challenge to ocean carbon cycle modelers who to date have applied a single statistical global relationship in their carbon flux parameterizations when considering mineral ballasting, and provide a further clue as to how the efficiency of the biological pump in the modern ocean is regulated.
Interception of the Fukushima reactor accident‐derived137Cs, 134Cs and 131I by coniferous forest canopies
Authors: Kato Hiroaki , Onda Yuichi , Gomi Takashi
Published: September 2012

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident resulted in extensive radioactive contamination of the surrounding forests. In this study, we analyzed fallout 137Cs, 134Cs, and 131I in rainwater, throughfall, and stemflow in coniferous forest plantations immediately after the accident. We show selective fractionation of the deposited radionuclides by the forest canopy and contrasting transfer of radiocesium and 131I from the canopy to the forest floor in association with precipitation. More than 60% of the total deposited radiocesium remained in the canopy after 5 month of the initial fallout, while marked penetration of the initially deposited 131I through the canopy was observed. The half‐lives of137Cs absorbed in the cypress and cedar canopies were calculated as 620 days and 890 days, respectively for the period of 0–160 days. The transfer of the deposited radiocesium from the canopy to the forest floor was slow compared with that of the spruce forest affected by fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident.
Ice cloud depolarization for nadir and off‐nadir CALIPSO measurements
Authors: Sassen Kenneth , Kayetha Vinay Kumar , Zhu Jiang
Published: September 2012

Currently approaching its sixth year in space, the CALIPSO satellite collects lidar linear depolarization ratios δ from 0.532 μm laser backscatter, an indicator of particle phase, shape, and orientation. We examine one‐yearδaverages for day and night periods when the lidar was pointing close to the nadir (0.3°) and off‐nadir (3.0°), in terms of geographic location and zonal height averages. For the first time, also given is the dependency ofδon temperature versus latitude for ice clouds. The analysis involves all ice clouds with a cloud top temperature of <−40°C, which include mainly cirrus and altostratus, as well as some polar stratospheric clouds identified by CALIPSO. We find significant differences from ∼−10° to −30°C between the nadir and off‐nadir data, consistent with the effects of horizontally oriented plate crystals: overall the off‐nadirδ are increased by ∼0.05 globally. Strong dependencies of δ also occur with latitude and height. Day minus night δ differ by 0.02–0.03. The global average day plus night δfor nadir and off‐nadir data are 0.318 and 0.365, respectively. As expected from ground‐based studies,δ increase steadily with decreasing temperature, which is particularly apparent in the nadir data because of oriented plate effects. These findings have implications for the modeling of radiative transfer through ice clouds.
Aerosols in central California: Unexpectedly large contribution of coarse mode to aerosol radiative forcing
Authors: Kassianov Evgueni , Pekour Mikhail , Barnard James
Published: September 2012

The majority of previous studies dealing with effect of coarse mode aerosols (supermicron) on the radiation budget have focused primarily on regions where total aerosol loadings are substantial. We reexamine this effect for a relatively clean area using a unique 1‐month dataset collected during the recent Carbonaceous Aerosol and Radiative Effects Study (CARES, June 2010) in the central California region near Sacramento. Here we define “clean” as aerosol optical depths less than 0.1 at 0.5μm. We demonstrate that coarse mode particles contributed substantially (more than 50%) and frequently (up to 85% of time) to the total aerosol volume during this study. In contrast to conventional expectations that the radiative impact of coarse mode aerosols should be small for clean regions, we find that neglecting large particles may lead to significant overestimation, up to 45%, of direct aerosol radiative forcing despite very small aerosol optical depths. Our findings highlight the potential for substantial impacts of coarse mode aerosols on radiative properties over clean areas and the need for more explicit inclusion of coarse mode aerosols in climate‐related observational studies.
Propagation in longitude and altitude of wave 4 thermospheric perturbations from WINDII data at low and high latitudes
Authors: Cho Young‐Min , Shepherd Gordon G.
Published: September 2012

The diurnal eastward propagating nonmigrating tide of wave number 3 (DE3) has been observed as wave 4 from slowly precessing satellites, for both the ionized and neutral atmospheres. This tide has been identified as arising from deep tropical convection, propagating into the thermosphere and ionosphere, where it has been observed at equatorial latitudes. This feature was previously identified in the Wind Imaging Interferometer (WINDII) O(1S) 557.7 nm emission rate measurements at 250 km in the high‐latitude region as well as the equatorial region. The WINDII wind measurements presented here provide detailed vertical structure from the MLT (Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere) region to the thermosphere, 100 km to 250 km altitude, the first time that the DE3 winds have been measured over this vertical range. In the present work, the longitudinal propagation of wave 4 at different altitudes is discussed for the daytime and nighttime. The seasonal variations of wave 4 amplitude are compared for different altitudes and latitude regions.
The dynamics of internal wave resonance in periodically forced narrow basins
Authors: Boegman Leon , Ivey Gregory N.
Published: September 2012

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the steady state internal wave response of a periodically forced, density‐stratified, basin characterized by both horizontal and vertical length scales and a known seiche period. The system was two‐layer stratified and was subjected to periodic forcing over a wide frequency range. The forcing amplitude and ratio of the forcing frequency (σf) to horizontal mode one (H1) internal seiche frequency (σ1) governed the system response. For σf > σ1, higher‐mode internal seiches were observed; forσf < σ1, a nonresonant forced H1 internal seiche was observed; and for σf → σ1, a resonant H1 internal seiche was observed. For this resonant regime, progressive nonlinear internal waves (NLIWs) formed upon the H1 seiche. When the NLIWs amplitudes were large, Kelvin‐Helmholtz instabilities grew within the wave troughs, leading to significant diapycnal mixing within the basin interior. Resonant amplification was most pronounced for small forcing amplitudes because weakly forced waves have the most potential for growth prior to energy flux to NLIWs and ultimate turbulent dissipation and mixing. This observation suggests that each mode has a maximum energy density that, when exceeded, leads to a nonlinear energy cascade. The resonant wave response was modeled as a driven underdamped harmonic oscillator, where the damping coefficient was interpreted as the sum of the effects of mixing and dissipation.
Using MODIS data to estimate sea ice thickness in the Bohai Sea (China) in the 2009–2010 winter
Authors: Su Hua , Wang Yunpeng
Published: September 2012

To estimate sea ice thickness over a large spatial scale is a challenge. In this paper, we propose a direct approach to effectively estimate sea ice thickness over a large spatial area of the Bohai Sea using EOS MODIS data. It is based on the model of an exponential relation between albedo and thickness of sea ice. Eighteen images of EOS MODIS L1B data in the 2009–2010 winter were used to estimate the sea ice thickness and to monitor its spatiotemporal evolution in the Bohai Sea. The estimated thickness results are in accordance with results based on the Lebedev and Zubov empirical models as well as the forecasting data from the National Marine Environmental Forecasting Centre of China. Model correlation coefficients (R2= 0.864 and 0.858) and close similarity in thickness prediction attest to the reliability and applicability of the proposed method. The average ice thickness of the whole Bohai Sea ranged from 3 to 21 cm, with an estimated maximum about 40 cm in Liaodong Bay. Multiple‐temporal maps of sea‐ice thickness show that the sea ice formed initially along the coastline, and gradually expanded away from the shore. Sea ice first appeared in the Liaodong Bay, and hugged the coast southwards to Bohai and Laizhou Bay. During melting the inverse sequence occurred. Our results also show that sea ice coverage and thickness are significantly correlated with the value ofθ, the difference between cumulative FDD (Freezing Degree Days) and TDD (Thawing Degree Days).
Modeling land‐climate coupling in Europe: Impact of land surface representation on climate variability and extremes
Authors: Lorenz R. , Davin E. L. , Seneviratne S. I.
Published: September 2012

Land‐climate coupling has been shown to be important for European summer climate variability and extreme events. However, the sensitivity of these feedbacks to land surface model (LSM) choice has been little investigated up to now. In this study, we assess the impact of the LSM on the simulated climate variability in a regional climate model (RCM). The experiments were conducted with the COSMO‐CLM2RCM. COSMO‐CLM2can be run with two alternative LSMs, the 2nd‐generation LSM TERRA_ML or the more sophisticated 3rd‐generation LSM Community Land Model (CLM3.5). The analyzed simulations include control and sensitivity experiments with prescribed soil moisture (dry or wet). Using CLM3.5 instead of TERRA_ML improves the simulated temperature variability by alleviating an overestimation of temperature inter‐annual variability in the RCM. Also, the representation of the probability density functions of daily maximum summer temperature is improved when using the more advanced LSM. The reduced climate variability is linked to a larger ground heat flux and smaller variability in soil moisture and short‐wave radiation. The latter effect results from the coupling of the LSM to the atmospheric module. In addition, using CLM3.5 reduces the sensitivity of COSMO‐CLM2to extreme soil moisture conditions. An analysis assessing the relationship between the standard precipitation index and the subsequent number of hot days in summer reveals a better representation of this relationship using CLM3.5. Hence, we find that biases in climate variability and extremes can be reduced and the representation of land‐climate coupling can be improved with the use of the more sophisticated LSM.
Numerical simulation of the lightning electromagnetic fields along a rough and ocean‐land mixed propagation path
Authors: Zhang Qilin , Jing Xiaoqin , Yang Jing , Li Dongshuai , Tang Xiao
Published: September 2012

In this paper we analyze the propagation effect of a rough and ocean‐land mixed path on the lightning vertical electric field and azimuthal magnetic field by using Barrick's formulations and Wait's formulations. When the lightning‐radiated electromagnetic fields propagate from the rough ocean surface to the finitely conducting land section, it is noted that the effect of the rough land section on the fields is much more than that of the rough ocean surface. The propagation effect of a small land section with a few tens of meters length on the electromagnetic spectrum over 2 MHz has to be taken into account, and the lower land conductivity results in a more field attenuation. The lightning fields undergo a sudden decrease near the interface from the ocean to the land section, and the propagation effect of the mixed path on the lightning fields within 10 MHz is primarily caused by the rough land section.
A radiance‐based method for estimating uncertainties in the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) land surface temperature product
Authors: Hulley Glynn C. , Hook Simon J.
Published: September 2012

Land Surface Temperature (LST) has been identified by NASA and other international organizations as an important Earth System Data Record (ESDR). An ESDR is defined as a long‐term, well calibrated and validated data set. Identifying uncertainties in LST products with coarse spatial resolutions (>10 km) such as those from hyperspectral infrared sounders is notoriously difficult due to the challenges of making reliable in situ measurements representative of the spatial scales of the output products. In this study we utilize a Radiance‐based (R‐based) LST method for estimating uncertainties in the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) v5 LST product. The R‐based method provides estimates of the true LST using a radiative closure simulation without the need for in situ measurements, and requires input air temperature, relative humidity profiles and emissivity data. The R‐based method was employed at three validation sites over the Namib Desert, Gran Desierto, and Redwood National Park for all AIRS observations from 2002 to 2010. Results showed daytime LST root‐mean square errors (RMSE) of 2–3 K at the Namib and Desierto sites, and 1.5 K at the Redwood site. Nighttime LST RMSEs at the two desert sites were a factor of two less when compared to daytime results. Positive daytime LST biases were found at each site due to an underestimation of the daytime AIRS v5 longwave spectral emissivity, while the reverse occurred at nighttime. In the AIRS v6 product (release 2012), LST biases and RMSEs will be reduced significantly due to improved methodologies for the surface retrieval and emissivity first guess.