bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative C-reactive protein as a marker of neonatal sepsis in a tertiary neonatal unit in Sudan
Authors: Kheir Abdelmoneim E. , Jobara Ghada A. , Elhag Kamal M. , Karar Mohamed Z.
Published: October 2013

Sepsis is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Diagnosis of neonatal sepsis may be difficult because clinical presentations are often non-specific. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of qualitative C-reactive protein in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis, and examine the correlation between C-reactive protein, blood culture and risk factors for sepsis. This was a prospective study, conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Soba University Hospital, Sudan. A total of seventy babies with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis were included. Chi square test was used to determine the association between C-reactive protein and risk factors for sepsis and also the association between C-reactive protein and blood culture. Blood culture was positive in 41.4% of babies, and C-reactive protein was positive in 58% of babies with positive blood culture. There was significant association between C-reactive protein results and blood culture (P=0.00). In conclusion, we can assume that Creactive protein is a reliable diagnostic marker of neonatal sepsis, especially in developing communities with poor resources.
Indicator mineral abundance data for bedrock and till from the footwall-type Cu-Ni-PGE Broken Hammer occurrence, Sudbury, Ontario
Authors: McClenaghan M B , Ames D E
Published: October 2013

Till and bedrock samples around the Broken Hammer Cu-Ni-PGE occurrence in Wisner Township, 30 km north of Sudbury, Ontario were collected to determine the indicator minerals and their trace element signatures that are indicative of footwall-type deposits in the
Sudbury structure. Additional till and bedrock samples were collected around the Wisner West occurrence (Fig. 1) and one bedrock sample was collected from the McCreedy West PM zone for comparison with Broken Hammer. This open file reports the raw indicator mineral weight and abundance data for
bedrock and till samples collected in 2006 for this case study. Samples were processed by the commercial laboratory Overburden Drilling Management Limited, Ottawa, using a combination of tabling, panning and heavy liquids to recover potential indicator minerals. Sample locations, weights of various
fractions produced during sample processing and indicator mineral grains identified as well as bedrock sample descriptions are reported in this open file.
Reward and attitudes: The unintended outcomes of an effective performance appraisal
Authors: Semakula-Katende Solomon M. , Schmikl Erik D. , Pelser Theuns Gert
Published: October 2013

Orientation: Focus was on the role of reward and attitudes as major determinants in enhancing the effectiveness of performance appraisal systems. Research purpose: To develop a structural model from the qualitative and quantitative findings from which to address the identified gaps in order to improve the effectiveness of appraisals. Motivation for the study: The attention that role players tended to give to the rewarding of employees during the appraisal process made it appear as the only important determinant of an appraisal’s success. In appraisals in many public institutions, reward has been given unnecessary prominence over other drivers, such as management and development. That led most key role players (leaders, managers and employees) to perceive the current employee performance management and development system (EPMDS) to be purely for monetary (salary increments and cash bonuses) and non-monetary (promotion) purposes, which, in turn, compromised its effectiveness. Research design, approach and method: Structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilised as a statistical technique for testing and estimating causal relations using a combination of statistical data and qualitative causal assumptions. This allowed both confirmatory and exploratory modelling to be undertaken, which is suited to both theory testing and theory development. A triangulation of quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interview) study was conducted. A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed to nine government hospitals in the Free State province, namely Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli, Dihlabeng, and Boitumelo regional hospitals, as well as Elizabeth Ross, Thebe, Phekolong, Mpumelelo, Reitz and Ficksburg district hospitals. There was a high response rate of 96 per cent, a total of 287 completed questionnaires. Respondents ranged from top executives, middle management, line management, to employees of all categories. Main findings: Reward and attitudes were found to the unintended outcomes of an effective performance appraisal. Practical/managerial implications: Remunerative rewards should be part of a holistic appraisal approach and not simply a one-sided approach. Contribution/value-add: This article addressed the void or the wrong perception regarding the role of reward and attitudes in appraisals, and established that they were outcomes, and not determinants, of appraisal effectiveness.
When rendering hospitality becomes collateral damage: Psycho-organisational variables and job burnout amongst hotel workers in metropolitan Nigeria
Authors: Ojedokun Oluyinka , Idemudia Erhabor S. , Omotoso Arike O.
Published: October 2013

Orientation: Job burnout is a serious problem in the hospitality industry. Therefore, employees require ongoing job and personal resources to cope with job burnout.Research purpose: The study investigated the influence of psycho-organisational variables (i.e. perceived organisational support, self-efficacy and age) on job burnout amongst hotel workers.Motivation for the study: Investigating the independent and joint influence of psychoorganisational variables on burnout will assist in pulling together psycho-organisational factors influencing burnout and its dimensions cohesively in systematic theory building and intervention plans.Research design, approach and method: This is a cross-sectional survey designed to investigate perceived organisational support, self-efficacy and age as predictors of job burnout amongst 268 hotel workers from 10 registered hotels in some metropolitan cities in Ondo State, south-western Nigeria. Structural equation modelling techniques were conducted to test the proposed hypotheses.Main findings: Structural equation modelling revealed that perceived organisational support and self-efficacy have inverse relationships with burnout syndrome and its dimensions.Practical/managerial implications: These findings imply that it is possible for different stakeholders in the hotel industry in Nigeria to reduce the incidence of high burnout amongst hotel workers by providing adequate organisational support to cope with difficult job demands and organising self-efficacy training to improve individuals’ confidence in their abilities to deal with job burnout. Such intervention can be individual-oriented, organisation-oriented or a combination.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to literature by confirming that organisational support and self-efficacy are relevant in coping with burnout.
Analysis of New Functional Profiles of Protein Isoforms Yielded by Ds Exonization in Rice
Authors: Chien Ting-Ying , Liu Li-yu Daisy , Charng Yuh-Chyang
Published: October 2013

Insertion of transposable elements (TEs) into introns can lead to their activation as alternatively spliced cassette exons, an event called exonization. Exonization can enrich the complexity of transcriptomes and proteomes. Previously, we performed a genome-wide computational analysis of Ds exonization events in the monocot Oryza sativa (rice). The insertion patterns of Ds increased the number of transcripts and subsequent protein isoforms, which were determined as interior and C-terminal variants. In this study, these variants were scanned with the PROSITE database in order to identify new functional profiles (domains) that were referred to their reference proteins. The new profiles of the variants were expected to be beneficial for a selective advantage and more than 70% variants achieved this. The new functional profiles could be contributed by an exon–intron junction, an intron alone, an intron–TE junction, or a TE alone. A Ds-inserted intron may yield 167 new profiles on average, while some cases can yield thousands of new profiles, of which C-terminal variants were in major. Additionally, more than 90% of the TE-inserted genes were found to gain novel functional profiles in each intron via exonization. Therefore, new functional profiles yielded by the exonization may occur in many local regions of the reference protein.
Molecular Mechanisms at the Basis of Plasticity in the Developing Visual Cortex: Epigenetic Processes and Gene Programs
Authors: Maya-Vetencourt José Fernando , Pizzorusso Tommaso
Published: October 2013

Neuronal circuitries in the mammalian visual system change as a function of experience. Sensory experience modifies neuronal networks connectivity via the activation of different physiological processes such as excitatory/inhibitory synaptic transmission, neurotrophins, and signaling of extracellular matrix molecules. Long-lasting phenomena of plasticity occur when intracellular signal transduction pathways promote epigenetic alterations of chromatin structure that regulate the induction of transcription factors that in turn drive the expression of downstream targets, the products of which then work via the activation of structural and functional mechanisms that modify synaptic connectivity. Here, we review recent findings in the field of visual cortical plasticity while focusing on how physiological mechanisms associated with experience promote structural changes that determine functional modifications of neural circuitries in V1. We revise the role of microRNAs as molecular transducers of environmental stimuli and the role of immediate early genes that control gene expression programs underlying plasticity in the developing visual cortex.
Modeling the Effect of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene and Oral Cholera Vaccine Implementation in Haiti
Authors: Fung Isaac Chun-Hai , Fitter David L. , Borse Rebekah H. , Meltzer Martin I. , Tappero Jordan W.
Published: October 2013

In 2010, toxigenic Vibrio cholerae was newly introduced to Haiti. Because resources are limited, decision-makers need to understand the effect of different preventive interventions. We built a static model to estimate the potential number of cholera cases averted through improvements in coverage in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) (i.e., latrines, point-of-use chlorination, and piped water), oral cholera vaccine (OCV), or a combination of both. We allowed indirect effects and non-linear relationships between effect and population coverage. Because there are limited incidence data for endemic cholera in Haiti, we estimated the incidence of cholera over 20 years in Haiti by using data from Malawi. Over the next two decades, scalable WASH interventions could avert 57,949–78,567 cholera cases, OCV could avert 38,569–77,636 cases, and interventions that combined WASH and OCV could avert 71,586–88,974 cases. Rate of implementation is the most influential variable, and combined approaches maximized the effect.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Haiti: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Gelting Richard , Bliss Katherine , Patrick Molly , Lockhart Gabriella , Handzel Thomas
Published: October 2013

Haiti has the lowest rates of access to improved water and sanitation infrastructure in the western hemisphere. This situation was likely exacerbated by the earthquake in 2010 and also contributed to the rapid spread of the cholera epidemic that started later that same year. This report examines the history of the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector in Haiti, considering some factors that have influenced WASH conditions in the country. We then discuss the situation sine the earthquake and subsequent cholera epidemic, and the responses to those events. Finally, drawing on Haiti's National Plan of Action for the Elimination of Cholera in Haiti 2013–2022, we suggest some actions that could help bring about long-term WASH improvements for the future. Because the current WASH situation has evolved over decades of limited attention and resources, it will take a long-term, sustained effort to improve the situation.
Implementation of an Alert and Response System in Haiti during the Early Stage of the Response to the Cholera Epidemic
Authors: Santa-Olalla Patricia , Gayer Michelle , Magloire Roc , Barrais Robert , Valenciano Marta , Aramburu Carmen , Poncelet Jean Luc , Gustavo Alonso Juan Carlos , Van Alphen Dana , Heuschen Florence , Andraghetti Roberta , Lee Robert , Drury Patrick , Aldighieri Sylvain
Published: October 2013

The start of the cholera epidemic in Haiti quickly highlighted the necessity of the implementation of an Alert and Response (A&R) System to complement the existing national surveillance system. The national system had been able to detect and confirm the outbreak etiology but required external support to monitor the spread of cholera and coordinate response, because much of the information produced was insufficiently timely for real-time monitoring and directing of a rapid, targeted response. The A&R System was designed by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization in collaboration with the Haiti Ministry of Health, and it was based on a network of partners, including any institution, structure, or individual that could identify, verify, and respond to alerts. The defined objectives were to (1) save lives through early detection and treatment of cases and (2) control the spread through early intervention at the community level. The operational structure could be broken down into three principle categories: (1) alert (early warning), (2) verification and assessment of the information, and (3) efficient and timely response in coordination with partners to avoid duplication. Information generated by the A&R System was analyzed and interpreted, and the qualitative information was critical in qualifying the epidemic and defining vulnerable areas, particularly because the national surveillance system reported incomplete data for more than one department. The A&R System detected a number of alerts unrelated to cholera and facilitated rapid access to that information. The sensitivity of the system and its ability to react quickly was shown in May of 2011, when an abnormal increase in alerts coming from several communes in the Sud-Est Department in epidemiological weeks (EWs) 17 and 18 were noted and disseminated network-wide and response activities were implemented. The national cholera surveillance system did not register the increase until EWs 21 and 22, and the information did not become available until EWs 23 and 24, when the peak of cases had already been reached. Although many of the partners reporting alerts during the peak of the cholera epidemic have since left Haiti, the A&R System has continued to function as an Early Warning (EWARN) System, and it continues to be developed with recent activities, such as the distribution of cell phones to enhance alert communication.
An Occupational Therapy Practice Initiative Using the Bobath Concept: A Collaborative Partnership with Higher Education
Authors: Milton Yvonne , Logothetis Athena
Published: October 2013

This practice analysis presents a critical investigation of a collaborative partnership between a National Health Service provider and a higher education institution. The practice initiative collaborative partnership provided an opportunity for mentorship, to develop further clinical reasoning skills and confidence in the application of the Bobath Concept for children with cerebral palsy within a community setting. It also provided opportunities for service development based on the Bobath Concept. Issues for future consideration and recommendations for service development are included.
A Simple Empirical Measure of Central Banks' Conservatism
Authors: Levieuge Grégory , Lucotte Yannick
Published: October 2013

In this article we suggest a simple empirical and model‐independent measure of Central Banks' Conservatism based on the Taylor curve. This new indicator can easily be extended in time and space, whatever the underlying monetary regime of the countries considered. We demonstrate that our measure evolves in accordance with the monetary experiences of 32 OECD member countries from 1980 and is largely equivalent to the model‐based measure provided by for the post‐1985 period. We finally present the relevance of such an indicator for further empirical analysis addressing the preferences of Central Banks.
Waiting for Signaling Quality
Authors: Gunay Hikmet
Published: October 2013

When a durable good of uncertain quality is introduced to the market, some consumers strategically delay their buying until the next period, with the hope of learning the unknown quality. I analyze the monopolist's pricing and waiting strategies when consumers have strategic delay incentives. I show when the monopolist offers introductory low prices in pooling equilibria. I also find two types of separating equilibria: one where the high‐type monopolist signals its quality by choosing a different price than the low‐type monopolist in the first period and another where the high‐type monopolist announces the product in the first period and waits to sell only in the second period. Waiting creates a credible cost for signaling; hence, the monopolist uses it as a signaling device.
Interest Groups and the “Rise and Decline” of Growth
Authors: Heckelman Jac C. , Wilson Bonnie
Published: October 2013

Interest groups are known to exert a sclerotic impact on mean growth, à la . It is unknown, however, what impact (if any) groups exert on the volatility of growth—an important hindrance to development. In this article, we first consider what impact we should expect Olson groups to have on the volatility of growth. We then estimate the relation between groups and growth volatility in a cross‐country panel, using system generalized method of moments. The findings indicate that groups are associated with growth stability. In addition, the findings suggest that interest groups may be a source of the stability observed in democracies.
Bohn's Test of Fiscal Sustainability of the American State Governments
Authors: Mahdavi Saeid
Published: October 2013

The dramatic fall in state revenues during the Great Recession and the resultant large budget deficits accentuated concerns about state fiscal sustainability. I employ a model‐based approach proposed byto test for sustainability. In this approach, a positive and significant reaction of the ratio of primary surplus ratio (s) to lagged debt constitutes a sufficient condition for sustainability. Based on a panel of 48 contiguous states (1961–2008) and several model specifications, I find robust evidence in favor of sustainability. Further analysis suggests that the adjustment of the components ofsto debt is asymmetric with the revenue side bearing a heavier burden than the spending side. The response ofsis also found to be asymmetric with respect to the level of debt. Finally, the magnitude of the response is larger in states with a higher degree of fiscal stringency in general and “own‐revenue” and “no‐deficit‐carryover” provisions in particular.
Does Organizational Form Impact Pricing Asymmetry? Evidence from Nonprofit Financial Institutions
Authors: Jackson William E.
Published: October 2013

Why output prices tend to rise faster in response to input cost increases than they fall in response to input cost decreases is a hotly debated issue in modern economics. In this article, I contribute to this asymmetric pricing debate by expanding the domain of organizational forms where this question has been investigated. More specifically, previous research has focused on for‐profit firms. I expand the investigation by focusing on nonprofit organizations. Credit unions are the nonprofit organization used in my analysis. Credit unions provide essentially identical types of consumer financial services and products as commercial banks but do so from a very different not‐for‐profit orientation. However, in this study, I document similar asymmetric rate‐setting behavior by credit unions. This suggests that pricing asymmetry is likely to be much more widespread, as it relates to nonprofit institutions as well as those in the for‐profit sector.
David Hume on Banking and Hoarding
Authors: Paganelli Maria Pia
Published: October 2013

David Hume opposes banks and favors hoarding. The only bank he reluctantly approves of is a public, 100% reserve bank. Other banks increase money supply and prices, hindering exports and economic growth. For Hume, a 100% reserve public bank would lead to “the destruction of paper‐credit” ([1752] 1985, p. 285), fostering economic growth instead by preventing inflation. Additionally, a 100% reserve bank hoards a large quantity of gold and silver, which is available in case of national emergency.
Contributors to frequent telehealth alerts including false alerts for patients with heart failure: A mixed methods exploration
Authors: Bowles K. , Zettek-Sumner A. , Radhakrishnan K.
Published: October 2013

Background: Telehealth data overload through high alert generation is a significant barrier to sustained adoption of telehealth for managing HF patients.

Objective: To explore the factors contributing to frequent telehealth alerts including false alerts for Medicare heart failure (HF) patients admitted to a home health agency.

Materials and Methods: A mixed methods design that combined quantitative correlation analysis of patient characteristic data with number of telehealth alerts and qualitative analysis of telehealth and visiting nurses’ notes on follow-up actions to patients’ telehealth alerts was employed. All the quantitative and qualitative data was collected through retrospective review of electronic records of the home heath agency.

Results: Subjects in the study had a mean age of 83 (SD = 7.6); 56% were female. Patient co-morbidities (p<0.05) of renal disorders, anxiety, and cardiac arrhythmias emerged as predictors of tele-health alerts through quantitative analysis (n = 168) using multiple regression. Inappropriate tele-health measurement technique by patients (54%) and home healthcare system inefficiencies (37%) contributed to most telehealth false alerts in the purposive qualitative sub-sample (n = 35) of patients with high telehealth alerts.

Conclusion: Encouraging patient engagement with the telehealth process, fostering a collaborative approach among all the clinicians involved with the telehealth intervention, tailoring tele-health alert thresholds to patient characteristics along with establishing patient-centered telehealth outcome goals may allow meaningful generation of telehealth alerts. Reducing avoidable tele-health alerts could vastly improve the efficiency and sustainability of telehealth programs for HF management.

Citation: Radhakrishnan K, Bowles K, Zettek-Sumner A. Contributors to frequent telehealth alerts including false alerts for patients with heart failure: A mixed methods exploration. Appl Clin Inf 2013; 4: 465–475

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-06-RA-0039
Entering Global Knowledge Society: Role of Education
Authors: Slaus Ivo
Published: October 2013

We discuss the role of global education in the 21st century for a changing human being and for a rapidly changing world in order of achieving global knowledge-based society. It is shown that contemporary education has to encompass specialized, disciplinary education and paradigmatically different holistic approaches, and that the universities have a mission and a responsibility which goes far beyond the task of providing industry with efficient employees, marketable ideas or sciencebased solutions. Their mission is to produce mature, independent, critical and responsible personalities, who are not tools in anybody's service.

How to cite this article

Slaus I. Entering Global Knowledge Society: Role of Education. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013;7(3):239-247.
Ten Deadly Sins of Education
Authors: SriĆa Velimir
Published: October 2013

Education is necessary but ‘schools’ (as we know them) are not. How much of what we formally learn is ever useful in real life? Some studies show that it's only between 8 and 12%. The article tries to analyze the challenges and issues facing contemporary education. What are the ‘deadly sins’: The existing educational system is not very useful as far as the quality of its outcome is concerned; it is not flexible in embracing the Wiki world and high technology; education is slow in moving from bureaucracy toward entrepreneurship and creativity; separation between learning and working should be abandoned; instead of cramming, the students should be stimulated to analyze, reason, research, inquire and ‘think with their own head’; learning is important, but so is unlearning; teachers must be able to teach the rational stuff in a cool and inspirational way; the students should be trained for attitude, not just knowledge and skills; education must re-establish the lost connection between art and science, wisdom and practicality; education should go lower on theory, and higher on applicability. If we want to create a better educational system, changing culture is by far more important than changing curricula.

How to cite this article

Sriƒa V. Ten Deadly Sins of Education. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013;7(3):261-267.
How Education can help Solve Huge Perinatal Problems in Africa
Authors: Carrera José M
Published: October 2013

We begin this article stating the dramatic situation of perinatal medicine in Africa. Then we revise the problems derived from the poor education of the population regarding reproductive health, the limited number of maternal and infant health professionals and their lack of technical training. We especially focus on the problems of standardizing the use of ultrasound in obstetrics and perinatal medicine. Finally, we insist on the role of education for professionals and for the people in general, as a tool to improve perinatal results.

How to cite this article

Carrera JM. How Education can help Solve Huge Perinatal Problems in Africa. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013;7(3):292-295.
Lifelong Education: Global Approach
Authors: Stavljenic-Rukavina Ana , Topic Elizabeta
Published: October 2013

Lifelong learning became the most important issue in new strategies of education in global world. In health services education is focused on bringing fast new technological development into clinical practice assuring patient's safety. To make lifelong learning in health care professions a reality, education and training systems should make a stronger effort toward really open, flexible and transparent education. This requires co-operation between European, national and regional/ local levels, but it also calls for quality assurance systems to strengthen their co-operation on these objectives. The multidisciplinary approach in lifelong learning is particularly important in health system where patient's problems are in the center of their activities. Interdisciplinarity in practice, collaboration, co-ordination of continuity of care are as important for health system as for individual patient. Therefore, lifelong learning is ultimate goal for everyone working in health sector. Higher education quality assurance mechanisms should support lifelong learning by a broader international dimension, providing transparency and recognition, better adapting to nontraditional education and learners, and encouraging bridges with other education levels and sectors (in particular with vocational education and training). This should be complemented with incentives for higher education institutions to become more active in lifelong learning, and to a broad range of stakeholders in that process.

How to cite this article

Stavljenic-Rukavina A, Topic E. Lifelong Education: Global Approach. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013;7(3):296-300.
Why S = z . i2?
Authors: Vukotic Veselin
Published: October 2013

This paper is looking for answers about the influence of the change of the dominant social paradigm on education system. What reforms of education system are needed today in order to efficiently overcome changes induced by this change of paradigm? Are there any directions we should follow in order to foresee future developments in this area? How can I explain my personal approach to the improvement of education system? How can we define conceptual framework for research in this area? What are directions for future development of education system?

How to cite this article

Vukotic V. Why S = z . i2? Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013;7(3):313-322.
Ultrasound Education in the United States
Authors: Zalud Ivica , Tsai Pai-Jong Stacy , Wong Shelby
Published: October 2013

More than any other diagnostic modality, ultrasound has made dramatic imprints on diagnosis of pregnancy, fetal well-being, detection of anomalies and aneuploidy, fetal surgery and intrauterine interventions, and early detection of pelvic masses and uterine anomalies. Continuous ultrasound education is needed to provide health care professionals the proper environment to make sound clinical judgments, accurate diagnosis and management plans. As medical technology becomes more sophisticated, new medical training will evolve. The medical educators’ responsibility is to ensure that new technology will be used properly to improve and maintain the health of patients.

This is a review article on obstetrics and gynecology ultrasound education in the United Sates of America with specific focus on Hawaii experience.

How to cite this article

Tsai PJS, Wong S, Zalud I. Ultrasound Education in the United States. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013;7(3):329-331.
New Dimension/Ideas to bring Ian Donald Publishing Program to the New Heights
Authors: Vij JP
Published: October 2013

How to cite this article

Vij JP. New Dimension/Ideas to bring Ian Donald Publishing Program to the New Heights. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013;7(3):349-351.
Russia’s Food Security and Climate Change: Looking into the Future
Authors: Kiselev Sergey , Romashkin Roman , Nelson Gerald C. , Mason-D’Croz Daniel , Palazzo Amanda
Published: October 2013

Global climate change presents long-term risks to agriculture. In general, global climate change is expected to positively affect Russian agriculture. In high and middle latitudes, global warming would expand the growing season. Acreages of agricultural crops may expand toward the north, although yields would likely be lower due to less fertile soil. However, in the south there is a possibility of drier climate, which has a negative impact on crop yields and livestock productivity. In addition, climate change is expected to increase the scarcity of water resources and encourage weed and pest proliferation, and it is expected to increase the short-term risks associated with an increase in extreme weather events and natural disasters. This paper uses data on current conditions to simulate future scenarios and examine possible impacts on crop production in the Russian Federation. It also considers adaptive measures for agriculture in response to climate change.
Technical Note: Estimating aerosol effects on cloud radiative forcing
Authors: Ghan S. J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Estimating anthropogenic aerosol effects on the planetary energy balance through the aerosol influence on clouds using the difference in cloud radiative forcing from simulations with and without anthropogenic emissions produces estimates that are positively biased. A more representative method is suggested using the difference in cloud radiative forcing calculated as a diagnostic with aerosol scattering and absorption neglected. The method also yields an aerosol radiative forcing decomposition that includes a term quantifying the impact of changes in surface albedo. The method requires only two additional diagnostic calculations: the whole-sky and clear-sky top-of-atmosphere radiative flux with aerosol scattering and absorption neglected.
Biogenic isoprene and implications for oxidant levels in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games
Authors: Chang C.-C. , Shao M. , Chou C. C. K. , Liu S.-C. , Wang J.-L. , Lee K.-Z. , Lai C.-H. , Zhu T. , Lin P.-H.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. As the host of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, Beijing implemented a series of stringent, short-term air quality control measures to reduce the emissions of anthropogenic air pollutants. Large reductions in the daily average concentrations of primary pollutants, e.g., non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) of approximately 50% were observed at the air quality observatory of Peking University. Nevertheless, high levels of ozone were present during the control period. Although anthropogenic precursors were greatly reduced, the meteorological conditions in summer, including high temperature and light flux, are conducive to the production of large amounts of biogenic isoprene, which is extremely reactive. The diurnal pattern of isoprene showed daily maximum mixing ratios of 0.83 ppbv at noon and a minimum at night, reflecting its primarily biogenic properties. Using the ratio of isoprene to vehicle exhaust tracers, approximately 92% of the daytime isoprene was estimated from biogenic sources, and only 8% was attributed to vehicular emissions. In terms of OH reactivity and the ozone formation potential (OFP), biogenic isoprene with its midday surge can contribute approximately 20% of the total OFPs and 40–50% of the total OH reactivities of the 65 measured NMHCs during the midday hours. The discrepancy between decreased precursor levels and the observed high ozone was most likely caused by a combination of many factors. The changes in the partition among the components of oxidation products (O3, NO2 and NOz) and the contribution of air pollutants from regional sources outside Beijing should be two primary reasons. Furthermore, the influences of biogenic isoprene as well as the non-linearity of O3-VOC-NOx chemistry are other major concerns that can reduce the effectiveness of the control measures for decreasing ozone formation. Although anthropogenic precursors were greatly reduced during the Olympic Games, sufficient biogenic isoprene and moderate NOx were still present in the conditions of high radiation flux and temperature during midday and early afternoon, which can still contribute a significant fraction of midday and early afternoon O3.
Processing of biomass burning aerosol in the Eastern Mediterranean during summertime
Authors: Bougiatioti A. , Stavroulas I. , Kostenidou E. , Zarmpas P. , Theodosi C. , Kouvarakis G. , Canonaco F. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Nenes A. , Pandis S. N. , Mihalopoulos N.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The aerosol chemical composition in air masses affected by wildfires from the Greek islands of Chios, Euboea and Andros, the Dalmatian Coast and Sicily, during late summer of 2012 was characterized at the remote background site of Finokalia, Crete. Air masses were transported several hundreds of kilometers, arriving at the measurement station after approximately half a day of transport, mostly during night-time. The chemical composition of the particulate matter was studied by different high temporal resolution instruments, including an Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM) and a seven-wavelength aethalometer. Despite the large distance from emission and long atmospheric processing, a clear biomass burning organic aerosol (BBOA) profile containing characteristic markers is derived from BC measurements and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis of the ACSM mass spectra. The ratio of fresh to aged BBOA decreases with increasing atmospheric processing time and BBOA components appear to be converted to oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA). Given that the smoke was mainly transported overnight, it appears that the processing can take place in the dark. These results show that a significant fraction of the BBOA loses its characteristic AMS signature and is transformed to OOA in less than a day. This implies that biomass burning can contribute almost half of the organic aerosol mass in the area during summertime.
Physical and biogeochemical forcing of oxygen and nitrate changes during El Niño/El Viejo and La Niña/La Vieja upper-ocean phases in the tropical eastern South Pacific along 86° W
Authors: Llanillo P. J. , Karstensen J. , Pelegrí J. L. , Stramma L.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Temporal changes in the water mass distribution and biogeochemical signals in the tropical eastern South Pacific are investigated with the help of an extended optimum multi-parameter (OMP) analysis, a technique for inverse modeling of mixing and biogeochemical processes through a multidimensional least-square fit. Two ship occupations of a meridional section along 85°50' W from 14° S to 1° N are analysed during relatively warm (El Niño/El Viejo, March 1993) and cold (La Niña/La Vieja, February 2009) upper-ocean phases. The largest El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) impact was found in the water properties and water mass distribution in the upper 200 m north of 10° S. ENSO promotes the vertical motion of the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) associated with the hypoxic equatorial subsurface water (ESSW). During a cold phase the core of the ESSW is found at shallower layers, replacing shallow (top 200 m) subtropical surface water (STW). The heave of isopycnals due to ENSO partially explains the intrusion of oxygen-rich and nutrient-poor antarctic intermediate water (AAIW) into the depth range of 150–500 m. The other cause of the AAIW increase at shallower depths is that this water mass flowed along shallower isopycnals in 2009. The shift in the vertical location of AAIW reaching the OMZ induces changes in the amount of oxygen advected and respired inside the OMZ: the larger the oxygen supply, the greater the respiration and the lower the nitrate loss through denitrification. Variations in the intensity of the zonal currents in the equatorial current system, which ventilates the OMZ from the west, are used to explain the patchy latitudinal changes of seawater properties observed along the repeated section. Significant changes reach down to 800 m, suggesting that decadal variability (Pacific decadal oscillation) is also a potential driver in the observed variability.
A novel salinity proxy based on Na incorporation into foraminiferal calcite
Authors: Wit J. C. , de Nooijer L. J. , Wolthers M. , Reichart G. J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Salinity and temperature determine seawater density, and differences in both thereby control global thermohaline circulation. Whereas numerous proxies have been calibrated and applied to reconstruct temperature, a direct and independent proxy for salinity is still missing. Ideally, a new proxy for salinity should target one of the direct constituents of dissolved salt, such as [Na+] or [Cl−]. This study investigates the impact of salinity on foraminiferal Na/Ca values by laser ablation ICP-MS analyses of specimens of the benthic foraminifer Ammonia tepida cultured at a range of salinities (30.0–38.6). Foraminifera at lower salinities (30.0 and 32.5) added more chambers (10–11) to their test over the course of the culturing experiment than those maintained at higher salinities (36.1, 7–8 chambers, and 38.6, 6–7 chambers), suggesting that growth rates in this species are promoted by lower salinities. The Na/Ca of cultured specimens correlates significantly with seawater salinity (Na/Ca = 0.22S–0.75, R2 = 0.96, p < 0.01) and size. Values for Na/Ca and DNa vary between 5.17 and 9.29 mmol mol−1 and 0.12–0.16 × 10−3, which are similar to values from inorganic precipitation experiments. The significant correlation between test size and Na/Ca results from co-variation with salinity. This implies that foraminiferal Na/Ca could serve as a robust and independent proxy for salinity, enabling salinity reconstructions independent of calcitic δ18O.
Weathering by tree root-associating fungi diminishes under simulated Cenozoic atmospheric CO2 decline
Authors: Quirk J. , Leake J. R. , Banwart S. A. , Taylor L. L. , Beerling D. J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Trees dominate terrestrial biotic weathering of silicate minerals by converting solar energy into chemical energy that fuels roots and their ubiquitous nutrient-mobilising fungal symbionts. These biological activities regulate atmospheric CO2 ([CO2]a) over geologic timescales by driving calcium and magnesium fluvial ion export and marine carbonate formation, but the important stabilising feedbacks between [CO2]a and biotic weathering anticipated by geochemical carbon cycle models remain untested. We report experimental evidence for a negative feedback across a declining Cenozoic [CO2]a range from 1500 ppm to 200 ppm, whereby low [CO2]a curtails mineral surface alteration via trenching and etch pitting by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal partners of tree roots. Optical profile imaging using vertical scanning interferometry reveals changes in nanoscale surface topography consistent with a dual mode of attack involving delamination and trenching by AM and EM fungal hyphae on phyllosilicate mineral flakes. This is consistent with field observations of micropores in feldspar, hornblende and basalt, purportedly caused by EM fungi, but with little confirmatory evidence. Integrating these findings into a process-based biotic weathering model revealed that low [CO2]a effectively acts as a "carbon starvation" brake, causing a three-fold drop in tree-driven fungal weathering fluxes of calcium and magnesium from silicate rock grains as [CO2]a falls from 1500 ppm to 200 ppm. The feedback is regulated through the action of low [CO2]a on host tree productivity and provides empirical evidence for the role of [CO2]a starvation in diminishing the contribution of trees and mycorrhizal fungi to rates of biological weathering. More broadly, diminished tree-driven weathering under declining [CO2]a may provide an important contributory mechanism stabilising Earth's [CO2]a minimum over the past 24 million years.
A vital link: water and vegetation in the Anthropocene
Authors: Gerten D.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This paper argues that the interplay of water, carbon and vegetation dynamics fundamentally links some global trends in the current and conceivable future Anthropocene, such as cropland expansion, freshwater use, and climate change and its impacts. Based on a review of recent literature including geographically explicit simulation studies with the process-based LPJmL global biosphere model, it demonstrates that the connectivity of water and vegetation dynamics is vital for water security, food security and (terrestrial) ecosystem dynamics alike. The water limitation of net primary production of both natural and agricultural plants – already pronounced in many regions – is shown to increase in many places under projected climate change, though this development is partially offset by water-saving direct CO2 effects. Natural vegetation can to some degree adapt dynamically to higher water limitation, but agricultural crops usually require some form of active management to overcome it – among them irrigation, soil conservation and eventually shifts of cropland to areas that are less water-limited due to more favourable climatic conditions. While crucial to secure food production for a growing world population, such human interventions in water–vegetation systems have, as also shown, repercussions on the water cycle. Indeed, land use changes are shown to be the second-most important influence on the terrestrial water balance in recent times. Furthermore, climate change (warming and precipitation changes) will in many regions increase irrigation demand and decrease water availability, impeding rainfed and irrigated food production (if not CO2 effects counterbalance this impact – which is unlikely at least in poorly managed systems). Drawing from these exemplary investigations, some research perspectives on how to further improve our knowledge of human–water–vegetation interactions in the Anthropocene are outlined.
Advanced interpretation of land subsidence by validating multi-interferometric SAR data: the case study of the Anthemountas basin (Northern Greece)
Authors: Raspini F. , Loupasakis C. , Rozos D. , Moretti S.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The potential of repeat-pass space borne SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) interferometry has been exploited to investigate spatial patterns of land subsidence in the Anthemountas basin, in the northern part of Greece. The PSI (Persistent Scatterer Interferometry) approach, based on the processing of long series of SAR acquisitions, has been applied to forty-two images acquired in 1995–2001 by ERS1/2 satellites. Interferometric results have been analysed at a basin scale as support for land motion mapping and at a local scale for the characterisation of ground motion events affecting the village of Perea in the Thermaikos municipality and the "Macedonia" international airport. PSI results revealed a moderate subsidence phenomenon along the wider coastal zone of Anthemountas basin corresponding to intense groundwater extraction. Highest values, exceeding −20 mm yr−1, were measured in the airport area where the thickest sequence of compressible Quaternary sediments occurs. Intense subsidence has been detected also in the Perea village (maximum deformation of −10 to −15 mm yr−1), where a series of fractures, causing damages to both buildings and infrastructure, occurred in 2005–2006.
Are great Cascadia earthquakes recorded in the sedimentary records from small forearc lakes?
Authors: Morey A. E. , Goldfinger C. , Briles C. E. , Gavin D. G. , Colombaroli D. , Kusler J. E.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Here we investigate sedimentary records from four small inland lakes located in the southern Cascadia forearc region for evidence of earthquakes. Three of these lakes are in the Klamath Mountains near the Oregon–California border, and one is in the central Oregon Coast range. The sedimentary sequences recovered from these lakes are composed of normal lake sediment interbedded with disturbance event layers. The thickest of these layers are graded, and appear to be turbidites or linked debrites (turbidites with a basal debris-flow deposit), suggesting rapid deposition. Variations in particle size and organic content of these layers are reflected in the density and magnetic susceptibility data. The frequency and timing of these events, based on radiocarbon ages from detrital organics, is similar to the offshore seismogenic turbidite record from trench and slope basin cores along the Cascadia margin. Stratigraphic correlation of these anomalous deposits based on radiocarbon ages, down-core density, and magnetic susceptibility data between lake and offshore records suggest synchronous triggering. The areal extent and multiple depositional environments over which these events appear to correlate suggest that these deposits were most likely caused by shaking during great Cascadia earthquakes.