bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topographic distribution pattern of morphologically different G cells in the murine antral mucosa
Authors: Frick Claudia , Martin Hanna Luisa , Bruder Johanna , Lang Kerstin , Breer Heinz
Published: September 2017

Gastrin-secreting enteroendocrine cells (G cells) in the antrum play an important role in the regulation of gastric secretion, gastric motility and mucosal cell proliferation. Recently we have uncovered the existence of two subpopulations of G cells with pivotally different morphology and a distinct localization in the antral invaginations; the functional implications of the different G cell types are still elusive. In this study a transgenic mouse line in which EGFP is expressed under the control of a gastrin promoter was used to elucidate the distribution pattern of the two G cell types throughout the different regions of the antrum. The results of immunohistochemical analyses revealed that G cells were not equally distributed along the anterior/posterior axis of the antrum. The “typical” pyramidal- or roundish-shaped G cells, which are located in the basal region of the antral invaginations, were more abundant in the proximal antrum bordering the corpus region but less frequent in the distal antrum bordering the pylorus. In contrast, the “atypical” G cells, which are located in the upper part of the antral invaginations and have a spindle-like contour with long processes, were evenly distributed along the anterior/posterior axis. This characteristic topographic segregation supports the notion that the two G cell types may serve different functions. A comparison of the antrum specific G cells with the two pan-gastrointestinal enteroendocrine cell types, somatostatin-secreting D cells and serotonin-secreting enterochromaffin (EC) cells, revealed a rather similar distribution pattern of G and D cells, but a fundamentally different distribution of EC cells. These observations suggest that distinct mechanisms govern the spatial segregation of enteroendocrine cells in the antrum mucosa.
The Vienna FES Interview Protocol – A mixed-methods protocol to elucidate the opinions of various individuals responsible for the provision of FES exercise
Authors: Taylor Matthew J. , Fornusek ﻿﻿﻿﻿Ché , Ruys Andrew J. , Bijak Manfred , Bauman Adrian E.
Published: September 2017

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is the production of electrically elicited muscle contractions to perform a function or task. It has been used as a method to regain lost body functions or support weak body functions, and as such, has been clinically available since the early seventies. Some methods are applied routinely while others have not been translated to the bedside, or are still largely restricted to laboratory use. Progress in this field might be achieved by a strong cooperation of patients, clinicians, therapists and engineers. A better insight into multiple perspectives may help in understanding the shortcomings of current FES technology. This will help direct future research efforts into design of systems and potential application in relevant populations. In addition, these findings can assist with the translation of FES technology into a community context. We outline an interview protocol designed for use at the 12th Vienna International Workshop on Functional Electrical Stimulation where the mentioned experts from the field of FES met.
Two cases of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma with concomitant positive serology for acute Epstein-Barr virus infection
Authors: Facchinelli Davide , Polino Angela , Dima Francesco , Parisi Alice , Ambrosetti Achille , Veneri Dino
Published: September 2017

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare type of peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is known to be associated with pathogenesis and histological progression of AITL and the onset of the disease often mimics an infectious process. Here we describe two cases of patients with serology for acute EBV infection at the onset of AITL.
Enterococcus raffinosus Infection with Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in a Multiple Myeloma Patient after Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
Authors: Mathur Pankaj , Hollowoa Blake , Lala Nupur , Thanendrarajan Sharmilan , Matin Aasiya , Kothari Atul , Schinke Carolina
Published: September 2017

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) is the standard of care in the treatment of multiple myeloma worldwide. Infections are one of the most common complications of the chemotherapy regimen and AHSCT. Thrombotic microangiopathies are one of the rare but potentially life-threatening complications of infections associated with AHSCT. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) are two most common type of thrombotic microangiopathies. The HUS is classically related to diarrheal illness such as with E. coli strain O157: H7 that produce Shiga-like toxins. But it has never been described with Enterococcus raffinosus urinary tract infections (UTI). Here we are describing a case of atypical HUS associated with Enterococcus raffinosus UTI in a patient with multiple myeloma after AHSCT. The management of atypical HUS especially after AHSCT is challenging. Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against complement protein C5, and thrombomodulin have emerging role in the management of some cases, but more studies are needed to define evidence-based management of this condition.
Assessment of relationship between rainfall and Escherichia coli in clams (Chamelea gallina) using the Bayes Factor
Authors: Ciccarelli Cesare , Semeraro Angela Marisa , Leinoudi Melina , Di Trani Vittoria , Murru Sandra , Capocasa Piero , Ciccarelli Elena , Sacchini Luca
Published: September 2017

Consumption of bivalve shellfish harvested from water contaminated with sewage pollution presents a risk of human infections and targeting control measures require a good understanding of environmental factors influencing the transport and the fate of faecal contaminants within the hydrological catchments. Although there has been extensive development of regression models, the point of this paper, focused on the relationship between rainfall events and concentrations of Escherichia coli monitored in clams, was the use of a Bayesian approach, by the Bayes Factor. The study was conducted on clams harvested from the south coast of Marche Region (Italy), a coastal area impacted by continuous treated effluents, intermittent rainfalldependent untreated sewage spillage - as a consequence of stormwater overflowing - and rivers with an ephemeral flow regime. The work compared the different interpretation criteria of Bayes Factor, confirmed that E. coli concentrations in clams from the studied area varied in correlation with rainfall events, and demonstrated the effectiveness of Bayes Factor in the assessment of shellfish quality in coastal marine waters. However, it suggested that further investigations would be warranted to determine which environmental factors provide the better basis for accurate and timely predictions. Furthermore the gathered data could be useful, to the local authorities of Marche Region, in the definition of flexible monitoring programmes, taking into account the atmospheric events that could affect the correct functioning of sewage managing systems and the flow of tributary rivers.
Approach to leg edema
Authors: Pomero Fulvio , Re Roberta , Meschi Michele , Montemurro Domenico , Spadafora Laura , Borretta Valentina , Zampogna Monica , Marchetti Annalisa , Di Lillo Mariangela , Tirotta Daniela , Bozzano Chiara , La Regina Micaela , Gnerre Paola
Published: September 2017

Edema is defined as a palpable swelling caused by an increase in interstitial fluid volume. Leg edema is a common problem with a wide range of possible causes and is the result of an imbalance in the filtration system between the capillary and interstitial spaces. Major causes of edema include venous obstruction, increased capillary permeability and increased plasma volume secondary to sodium and water retention. In both hospital and general practice, the patient with a swollen leg presents a common dilemma in diagnosis and treatment. The cause may be trivial or life-threatening and it is often difficult to determine the clinical pathway. The diagnosis can be narrowed by categorizing the edema according to its duration, distribution (unilateral or bilateral) and accompanying symptoms. This work provides clinically oriented recommendations for the management of leg edema in adults.
Peer review art
Authors: Sorooshian Shahryar
Published: September 2017

Not available
Improving building energy modelling by applying advanced 3D surveying techniques on agri-food facilities
Authors: Barreca Francesco , Modica Giuseppe , Di Fazio Salvatore , Tirella Viviana , Tripodi Raimondo , Fichera Carmelo Riccardo
Published: September 2017

Food industry is the production sector with the highest energy consumption. In Europe, the energy used to produce food accounts for 26% of total energy consumption. Over 28% is used in industrial processes. Recently, European food companies have increased their efforts to make their production processes more sustainable, also by giving preference to the use of renewable energy sources. In Italy, the total energy consumption in agriculture and food sectors decreased between 2013 and 2014, passing from 16.79 to 13.3 Mtep. Since energy consumption in food industry is nearly twice the one in agriculture (8.57 and 4.73 Mtep, respectively), it is very important to improve energy efficiency and use green technologies in all the phases of food processing and conservation. In Italy, a recent law (Legislative Decree 102, 04/07/2014) has made energy-use diagnosis compulsory for all industrial concerns, particularly for those showing high consumption levels. In the case of food industry buildings, energy is mainly used for indoor microclimate control, which is needed to ensure workers’ wellbeing and the most favourable conditions for food processing and conservation. To this end, it is important to have tools and methods allowing for easy, rapid and precise energy performance assessment of agri-food buildings. The accuracy of the results obtainable from the currently available computational models depends on the grade of detail and information used in constructional and geometric modelling. Moreover, this phase is probably the most critical and time-consuming in the energy diagnosis. In this context, fine surveying and advanced 3D geometric modelling procedures can facilitate building modelling and allow technicians and professionals in the agri-food sector to use highly efficient and accurate energy analysis and evaluation models. This paper proposes a dedicated model for energy performance assessment in agri-food buildings. It also shows that using advanced surveying techniques, such as a terrestrial laser scanner and an infrared camera, it is possible to create a three-dimensional parametric model, while, thanks to the heat flow meter Accepted paper measurement method, it is also possible to obtain a thermophysical model. This model allows assessing the energy performance of agri-food buildings in order to improve the indoor microclimate control and the conditions of food processing and conservation.
Limnology and plankton diversity of salt lakes from Transylvanian Basin (Romania): A review
Authors: Alexe Mircea , Șerban Gheorghe , Baricz Andreea , Andrei Adrian-Ștefan , Cristea Adorján , P. Battes Karina , Cîmpean Mirela , Momeu Laura , Muntean Vasile , Porav Sebastian A. , Banciu Horia L.
Published: September 2017

In the present work, we review the current knowledge on genesis, limnology and biodiversity of salt lakes distributed around the inner contour of Eastern Carpathian arc (Transylvanian Basin, Central Romania). Transylvanian salt lakes formed on ancient halite (NaCl) deposits following natural processes or quarrying activities.  Most of these lakes are located in eastern (Sovata area), southern (Ocna Sibiului), and western (Turda-Cojocna) parts of the Transylvanian Basin, have small surfaces (0.1-4 ha), variable depths (2-100 m), are hypersaline (>10%, w/v, total salts, mainly NaCl) and permanently stratified. As consequence of steady salinity/density gradient, heat entrapment below surface layer (i.e., heliothermy) develops in several Transylvanian lakes. The physical and chemical water stratification is mirrored in the partition of plankton diversity. Lakes with less saline (2-10% salinity) water layers appear to harbor halotolerant representatives of phyto- (e.g., marine native Picochlorum spp. and Synechococcus spp.), zoo- (e.g., Moina salina), and bacterioplankton (e.g., Actinobacteria, Verrucomicobia), whereas halophilic plankton communities (e.g., green algae Dunaliella sp., brine shrimp Artemia sp., and members of Halobacteria class) dominate in the oxic surface of hypersaline (>10% salinity) lakes. Molecular approaches (e.g., PCR-DGGE, 16S rRNA gene-based clone libraries, and DNA metabarcoding) showed that the O2-depleted bottom brines of deep meromictic Transylvanian lakes are inhabited by known extremely halophilic anaerobes (e.g. sulfate-reducing Delta-Proteobacteria, fermenting Clostridia, methanogenic and polymer-degrading archaea) in addition to representatives of uncultured/unclassified prokaryotic lineages. Overall, the plankton communities thriving in saline Transylvanian lakes seem to drive full biogeochemical cycling of main elements. However, the trophic interactions (i.e., food web structure and energy flow) as well as impact of human activities and predicted climate changes are yet to be assessed in these unique ecosystems with little or no match to analogous salt lakes worldwide.  
A modification of the leaf-nets method for sampling benthic invertebrates in spring habitats
Authors: Di Sabatino Antonio , Cristiano Giovanni , Vignini Patrizia , Miccoli Francesco Paolo , Cicolani Bruno
Published: September 2017

The full ecological potential of spring habitats remains relatively unexplored mostly because of the lack of standardized sampling procedures and difficulties to collect representative biological samples, especially in small-sized springs. Recent studies on sampling methodologies in spring habitats indicated that a modified Surber net with a reduced frame area, reliably describes the structure and composition of spring communities. This method, however, is very invasive and may severely impact the spring, especially when a large number of samples is required. The paper presents a new quantitative method (leaf-nets) for sampling crenic invertebrates which combines a rather high efficiency with negligible impacts on spring habitat structure and biota. The effectiveness of the new methodology was tested in a medium-size rheocrene spring in Central Apennine, where spring assemblages were sampled in parallel with a modified Surber net and with the new method. Taxa richness and density were higher in the Surber net, while no between-method differences were recorded for the number of insect taxa and Simpson diversity. Furthermore, the overall functional organization of Surber net and leaf-nets assemblages was very similar. The new method sampled only 25% of the individuals cumulatively collected, but 75% of the total richness, with a good representation of the structure and the functional organization of spring assemblages. In comparison with the Surber net, the negligible loss of information of the new method is highly compensated by its minor invasivity, lower impacts on spring microhabitats and invertebrate populations and by its higher versatility. Leaf-nets could also be used to assess leaf-detritus breakdown in springs, thus allowing a better ecological characterization of these ecosystems.  

 
Determinants of knowledge and safety practices of occupational hazards of textile dye workers in Sokoto, Nigeria: a descriptive analytic study
Authors: Okafoagu Nneka Christina , Oche Mansur , Awosan Kehinde Joseph , Abdulmulmuni Hashim Bala , Gana Godwin Jiya , Ango Jessica Timane , Raji Ismail
Published: September 2017

Textile dye workers are subject to occupational hazards on a daily basis due to exposure to precarious conditions in the workplace. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and safety practices and its determinants among textile dye workers in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 200 textile dye workers and the respondents were selected by multi stage sampling technique. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was processed using SPSS IBM version 20 and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Majority of the respondents (74.0%) had good knowledge of workplace hazards; (81.0%) had positive attitude and only 20% observed all the safety practices. Formal education (P=0.047); working less than 5 days a week (P=0.001) and permanent employment (P=0.013) were found to be determinants of respondents’ knowledge and attitude towards workplace hazards. Although the respondents had good knowledge and positive attitude, their lack of observance of safety practices brings to fore the need for direct safety instruction and training and retraining of textile dye workers on workplace hazards and safety practices.
Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli O157 from Libya: recent perspectives and challenges
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed O. , Almshawt Nariman F. , Elnageh Hiam R.
Published: September 2017

not available
Centralization of liver cancer surgery and impact on multidisciplinary teams working on stage IV colorectal cancer
Authors: Weledji Elroy Patrick
Published: September 2017

Surgical resection is the most effective treatment approach for colorectal liver metastases but only a minority of patients is suitable for upfront surgery. The treatment strategies of stage IV colorectal cancer have shifted towards a continuum of care in which medical and surgical treatment combinations are tailored to the clinical setting of the individual patient. The optimization of treatment through appropriate decision-making and multimodal therapy for stage IV colorectal cancer require a joint multidisciplinary meeting in a centralized liver cancer unit.
Self-management by firm, non-elastic adjustable compression wrap device [Translation of Druckmessungen unter Klettverschluss-Kompression - Selbstbehandlung durch feste, unelastische Beinwickelung]
Authors: Mosti Giovanni , Partsch Hugo
Published: September 2017

Severe forms of chronic venous insufficiency and lymphedema require strong compression-pressure, which exceeds the pressure exerted by medical compression stockings (>40 mmHg). The aim was to investigate if patients are able to apply a Velcro-band compression device (Circaid Juxta Lite™) themselves with sufficient pressure. Thirty-one patients (CEAP C6=23, C5=5, C3=2, mixed ulcer=1) applied Juxta Lite™ on their own legs after a short instruction and were asked to readjust the pressure by their subjective feeling. Sub- bandage pressure was measured after application and 24 h later. In 30 patients without arterial occlusive disease the median sub- bandage pressure values on day 1 and day 2 were 44,5 mmHg (IQR 42-48), and 46 mmHg (IQR 44-48,25) respectively. One patient with an arterialvenous leg ulcer showed pressures of 34 and 36 mmHg. All measured pressure values corresponded to the pursued target range, demonstrating that adequate self application of Velcro bands is feasible and that patents can maintain this pressure by re-adjustment.

Source: this paper is an abridged translation of Mosti G, Partsch H. Druckmessungen unter Klettverschluss-Kompression - Selbstbehandlung durch feste, unelastische Beinwickelung. Vasomed 2017;5:212-6.
The effect of age on the carcass composition, portion yield and proximate composition of two rabbit genetic types in South Africa
Authors: North M.K. , Nkhabutlane P. , Hoffman L.C.
Published: September 2017

This study investigated the carcass component yields and meat proximate composition of 2 rabbit genetic types (Californian and hybrid New Zealand Red×Californian), with 5 rabbits per genetic type being slaughtered every 2 wk throughout the study period (9-17 wk) to evaluate the effect of age on these traits. Slaughter weight, reference yield, portion yield (hind leg, foreleg and fore part, as percentage of slaughter weight), meat yield, skin weight and the fat content of the meat (percentage of wet weight) increased significantly with age, while the full gastrointestinal tract, liver, head and feet decreased significantly. This is likely a reflection of the early-maturing nature of bone and viscera and later maturing nature of muscle and fat. These results indicate that delaying slaughter to 13 wk tends to improve yields for valuable carcass components. The Californian had a significantly higher total meat yield at 11 and 17 wk and higher portion meat yields at 9 (hind leg), 11 (hind leg and fore part) and 13 (foreleg) weeks than the hybrid. This was likely due to the later maturation of the hybrid and the influence of the New Zealand Red on carcass quality. It therefore appears that the Californian may be more favourable for meat production, from a carcass and meat quality perspective.
Crevice Corrosion of Stainless Steels 904L, 2205, and 2507 in High-Temperature Sulfuric Acid Solution Containing Chlorides: Influence of Metal Cations
Authors: Lindgren M. , Huttunen-Saarivirta E. , Peltola H. , Romu J. , Sarikka T. , Hänninen H. , Pohjanne P.
Published: September 2017

Crevice corrosion influences the integrity of materials in many industrial sectors, such as hydrometallurgy. The conditions in hydrometallurgical processes are severe, with high concentrations of sulfuric acid leachant as well as high-chloride impurity, oxygen, and metal cation contents. In this study, crevice corrosion behavior of highly-alloyed austenitic and duplex stainless steels is investigated in aerated high-temperature sulfuric acid solution with 1 g/L chlorides in the presence of three types of metal cations: Fe3+, Cu2+, and Fe2+. The experimental work contains the determination of the oxidizing capacity of the solutions, immersion crevice corrosion tests followed by characterization of the corrosion attack, and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. The results show that the alloy with the highest PREN value, grade 2507, was not susceptible to crevice corrosion under the test conditions. In the case of grades 904L and 2205 of relatively equal PREN values, the extent and nature of crevice corrosion attack was different and dependent on the ratio of activities of chlorides to sulfates and the type of metal cations. The results are presented and discussed in the light of IR drop mechanism.
Italy
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. European Dept.
Published: September 2017

Selected Issues
Japan
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department
Published: September 2017

Weak growth and low interest rates, together with underlying demographic headwinds, are
posing chronic challenges for the financial system. Despite accommodative financial conditions,
sluggish domestic demand have dampened investment and domestic credit growth. Combined with
low interest rates and a flat yield curve, these factors are posing a sustained challenge for the
financial system—one of the largest and most sophisticated in the world. To a significant extent,
factors behind this environment are structural in nature, reflecting in particular demographic
headwinds. Profitability of banks and life insurers is low, and net interest margins are shrinking.
Since many advanced economies are likely to face similar headwinds in the future, the importance of
Japan’s response to these challenges extends beyond its borders.
Chad
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Published: September 2017

This paper discusses Chad’s Request for a Three-Year Arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Cancellation of the Current Arrangement. The main elements of the program are the reestablishment of debt sustainability through external debt restructuring, achieving gradual fiscal adjustment by maintaining a tight spending envelope, better mobilizing non-oil revenue, and creating space for domestic arrears clearance. The aim is to stabilize the fiscal position and help achieve a durable economic recovery while supporting regional stabilization efforts. Strengthening public financial management and diversifying the economy are expected to support the efforts to strengthen the fiscal position and boost the non-oil sector. The IMF staff supports the authorities’ request for a new ECF arrangement.
Botswana
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Published: September 2017

This 2017 Article IV Consultation highlights the recovery of Botswana’s economic activity in 2016: real GDP growth was 4.3 percent. Mineral production has remained subdued, but diamond sales rebounded as conditions in the global market began to improve. Nonmining activities also expanded, supported by accommodative fiscal and monetary policies and reforms in the electricity sector. Year-over-year inflation has remained stable near the lower band of the Bank of Botswana’s inflation objective range of 3–6 percent; the 12-month rate of inflation was 3.5 percent in May 2017. The fiscal position has also improved as the deficit narrowed from 4.6 percent of GDP in fiscal year 2015/16 to about 1 percent of GDP in 2016/17.
Iraq
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
Published: September 2017

This 2017 Article IV Consultation highlights a double shock facing Iraq as a result of the conflict with the Islamic State and the plunge in oil prices. In 2016, real GDP increased by 11 percent owing to a 25 percent increase in oil production, which was little affected by the conflict with the Islamic State. Falling oil prices have driven the decline in Iraq’s international reserves from $54 billion at the end of 2015 to $45 billion at the end of 2016. Medium-term growth prospects are positive. Growth will be driven by the projected moderate increase in oil production and the rebound in non-oil growth supported by the expected improvement in security and implementation of structural reform.
Luxembourg
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department
Published: September 2017

This Technical Note discusses the findings and recommendations made in the 2017 Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) Update for Luxembourg in the area of anti–money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). Since the last FSAP update, important steps have been taken to strengthen the AML/CFT regime. Luxembourg’s risk profile appears to be evolving as a result of the authorities’ push for increased tax transparency. Transparency of the beneficial ownership of legal persons has also improved. AML/CFT supervision has been strengthened in recent years, but challenges remain, including with respect to lawyers.
Luxembourg
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department
Published: September 2017

This Technical Note analyzes the bank failure mitigation and resolution regime, as well as arrangements for managing a financial crisis, in Luxembourg. The landscape for managing problem banks in Luxembourg has changed fundamentally in recent years. As part of the euro area, Luxembourg is now part of a banking union in which the European Central Bank (ECB) has exclusive authority to directly supervise significant institutions and the Commission for the Supervision of the Financial Sector (CSSF), under the oversight of the ECB, directly supervises less significant institutions. It is recommended that the CSSF increase staffing for resolution and pay attention to potential conflicts of interest in the decision-making process related to supervisory and deposit insurance functions.
Ghana
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Published: September 2017

Ghana’s macroeconomic performance has been mixed, as over the years recurrent policy slippages have amplified the impact of external and domestic shocks, created persistent imbalances, and contributed to high inflation, exchange rate volatility, and unfavorable debt dynamics. The new government thus faces significant challenges, including a large fiscal slippage that occurred in 2016. Addressing these challenges calls for an ambitious adjustment and reform agenda.
Morocco
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
Published: September 2017

Growth prospects for 2017 have improved, but nonagricultural growth is
subdued. Inflation is low. The current account deficit is projected to decline and
international reserves are at a comfortable level. The outlook is still subject to significant
domestic and external risks, including weak growth in the euro area and geopolitical
risks in the region.
Kingdom of Swaziland
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Published: September 2017

Kingdom of Swaziland: Selected Issues
Atmospheric mercury in the Southern Hemisphere tropics: seasonal and diurnal variations and influence of inter-hemispheric transport
Authors: Howard Dean , Nelson Peter F. , Edwards Grant C. , Morrison Anthony L. , Fisher Jenny A. , Ward Jason , Harnwell James , van der Schoot Marcel , Atkinson Brad , Chambers Scott D. , Griffiths Alan D. , Werczynski Sylvester , Williams Alastair G.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Mercury is a toxic element of serious concern for human and environmental health. Understanding its natural cycling in the environment is an important goal towards assessing its impacts and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. Due to the unique chemical and physical properties of mercury, the atmosphere is the dominant transport pathway for this heavy metal, with the consequence that regions far removed from sources can be impacted. However, there exists a dearth of long-term monitoring of atmospheric mercury, particularly in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere. This paper presents the first 2 years of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) measurements taken at the Australian Tropical Atmospheric Research Station (ATARS) in northern Australia, as part of the Global Mercury Observation System (GMOS). Annual mean GEM concentrations determined at ATARS (0.95 ± 0.12 ng m−3) are consistent with recent observations at other sites in the Southern Hemisphere. Comparison with GEM data from other Australian monitoring sites suggests a concentration gradient that decreases with increasing latitude. Seasonal analysis shows that GEM concentrations at ATARS are significantly lower in the distinct wet monsoon season than in the dry season. This result provides insight into alterations of natural mercury cycling processes as a result of changes in atmospheric humidity, oceanic/terrestrial fetch, and convective mixing, and invites future investigation using wet mercury deposition measurements. Due to its location relative to the atmospheric equator, ATARS intermittently samples air originating from the Northern Hemisphere, allowing an opportunity to gain greater understanding of inter-hemispheric transport of mercury and other atmospheric species. Diurnal cycles of GEM at ATARS show distinct nocturnal depletion events that are attributed to dry deposition under stable boundary layer conditions. These cycles provide strong further evidence supportive of a multi-hop model of GEM cycling, characterised by multiple surface depositions and re-emissions, in addition to long-range transport through the atmosphere.
Effect assessment of NOx and SO2 control policies on acid species in precipitation from 2005 to
2016 in China based on satellite monitoring
Authors: Zhang Xiuying , Chen Dongmei , Liu Lei , Zhao Limin , Zhang Wuting
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The effects of NOx and SO2 policies on acid species in precipitation was assessed in China from 2005 to 2016, based on the OMI measured SO2 and NO2 columns. The results showed that the SO2 and NO2 columns in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) could be used to indicate the variations of S / N in precipitations (R = 0.90, incept = 0.97, P
Adaption of an array spectroradiometer for total ozone column
retrieval using direct solar irradiance measurements in the UV
spectral range
Authors: Zuber Ralf , Sperfeld Peter , Riechelmann Stefan , Nevas Saulius , Sildoja Meelis , Seckmeyer Gunther
Published: September 2017

Abstract. A compact array spectroradiometer technology that enables precise and robust measurements of UV spectral irradiance is presented. The spectroradiometer design allows various applications such as measurement of high-power UV lamps, risk assessment of sources and measurement of solar irradiance. We show that this technology can perform precise total ozone column (TOC) retrieval. The internal stray light, which is often the limiting factor for measurements in the UV spectral range and increases the uncertainty for TOC analysis significantly, is physically reduced so that no other stray light 15 reduction methods, such as mathematical corrections, are necessary. The instrument and its elaborate components have been extensively characterised at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany. During an international total ozone measurement intercomparison at the Izaña observatory in Tenerife, the high-quality applicability of the instrument was verified with measurements of the direct solar irradiance and subsequent TOC evaluations based on the spectral data between 12 and 30 September 2016. The results showed deviations of less than 1.5 % to most other instruments in most 20 situations not exceeding 3 % compared to established TOC measurement systems such as Dobson or Brewer.
Soil respiration across a permafrost transition zone: spatial structure and environmental correlates
Authors: Stegen James C. , Anderson Carolyn G. , Bond-Lamberty Ben , Crump Alex R. , Chen Xingyuan , Hess Nancy
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Soil respiration is a key ecosystem function whereby shifts in respiration rates can shift systems from carbon sinks to sources. Soil respiration in permafrost-associated systems is particularly important given climate change driven permafrost thaw that leads to significant uncertainty in resulting ecosystem carbon dynamics. Here we characterize the spatial structure and environmental drivers of soil respiration across a permafrost transition zone. We find that soil respiration is characterized by a non-linear threshold that occurs at active-layer depths greater than 140 cm. We also find that within each season, tree basal area is a dominant driver of soil respiration regardless of spatial scale, but only in spatial domains with significant spatial variability in basal area. Our analyses further show that spatial variation (the coefficient of variation) and mean-variance power-law scaling of soil respiration in our boreal system are consistent with previous work in other ecosystems (e.g., tropical forests) and in population ecology, respectively. Comparing our results to those in other ecosystems suggests that temporally stable features such as tree-stand structure are often primary drivers of spatial variation in soil respiration. If so, this provides an opportunity to better estimate the magnitude and spatial variation in soil respiration through remote sensing. Combining such an approach with broader knowledge of thresholding behavior – here related to active layer depth – would provide empirical constraints on models aimed at predicting ecosystem responses to ongoing permafrost thaw.
The influence of El Niño–Southern Oscillation regimes on eastern African vegetation and its future implications under the RCP8.5 warming scenario
Authors: Fer Istem , Tietjen Britta , Jeltsch Florian , Wolff Christian
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the main driver of the interannual variability in eastern African rainfall, with a significant impact on vegetation and agriculture and dire consequences for food and social security. In this study, we identify and quantify the ENSO contribution to the eastern African rainfall variability to forecast future eastern African vegetation response to rainfall variability related to a predicted intensified ENSO. To differentiate the vegetation variability due to ENSO, we removed the ENSO signal from the climate data using empirical orthogonal teleconnection (EOT) analysis. Then, we simulated the ecosystem carbon and water fluxes under the historical climate without components related to ENSO teleconnections. We found ENSO-driven patterns in vegetation response and confirmed that EOT analysis can successfully produce coupled tropical Pacific sea surface temperature–eastern African rainfall teleconnection from observed datasets. We further simulated eastern African vegetation response under future climate change as it is projected by climate models and under future climate change combined with a predicted increased ENSO intensity. Our EOT analysis highlights that climate simulations are still not good at capturing rainfall variability due to ENSO, and as we show here the future vegetation would be different from what is simulated under these climate model outputs lacking accurate ENSO contribution. We simulated considerable differences in eastern African vegetation growth under the influence of an intensified ENSO regime which will bring further environmental stress to a region with a reduced capacity to adapt effects of global climate change and food security.
The De Long Trough: a newly discovered glacial trough on the East Siberian continental margin
Authors: O'Regan Matt , Backman Jan , Barrientos Natalia , Cronin Thomas M. , Gemery Laura , Kirchner Nina , Mayer Larry A. , Nilsson Johan , Noormets Riko , Pearce Christof , Semiletov Igor , Stranne Christian , Jakobsson Martin
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Ice sheets extending over parts of the East Siberian continental shelf have been proposed for the last glacial period and during the larger Pleistocene glaciations. The sparse data available over this sector of the Arctic Ocean have left the timing, extent and even existence of these ice sheets largely unresolved. Here we present new geophysical mapping and sediment coring data from the East Siberian shelf and slope collected during the 2014 SWERUS-C3 expedition (SWERUS-C3: Swedish – Russian – US Arctic Ocean Investigation of Climate-Cryosphere-Carbon Interactions). The multibeam bathymetry and chirp sub-bottom profiles reveal a set of glacial landforms that include grounding zone formations along the outer continental shelf, seaward of which lies a  >  65 m thick sequence of glacio-genic debris flows. The glacial landforms are interpreted to lie at the seaward end of a glacial trough – the first to be reported on the East Siberian margin, here referred to as the De Long Trough because of its location due north of the De Long Islands. Stratigraphy and dating of sediment cores show that a drape of acoustically laminated sediments covering the glacial deposits is older than ∼ 50 cal kyr BP. This provides direct evidence for extensive glacial activity on the Siberian shelf that predates the Last Glacial Maximum and most likely occurred during the Saalian (Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6).
Ellipsoids (v1.0): 3-D magnetic modelling of ellipsoidal bodies
Authors: Takahashi Diego , Oliveira Jr. Vanderlei C.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. A considerable amount of literature has been published on the magnetic modelling of uniformly magnetized ellipsoids since the second half of the nineteenth century. Ellipsoids have flexibility to represent a wide range of geometrical forms, are the only known bodies which can be uniformly magnetized in the presence of a uniform inducing field and are the only finite bodies for which the self-demagnetization can be treated analytically. This property makes ellipsoids particularly useful for modelling compact orebodies having high susceptibility. In this case, neglecting the self-demagnetization may strongly mislead the interpretation of these bodies by using magnetic methods. A number of previous studies consider that the self-demagnetization can be neglected for the case in which the geological body has an isotropic susceptibility lower than or equal to 0.1 SI. This limiting value, however, seems to be determined empirically and there has been no discussion about how this value was determined. In addition, the geoscientific community lacks an easy-to-use tool to simulate the magnetic field produced by uniformly magnetized ellipsoids. Here, we present an integrated review of the magnetic modelling of arbitrarily oriented triaxial, prolate and oblate ellipsoids. Our review includes ellipsoids with both induced and remanent magnetization, as well as with isotropic or anisotropic susceptibility. We also discuss the ambiguity between confocal ellipsoids with the same magnetic moment and propose a way of determining the isotropic susceptibility above which the self-demagnetization must be taken into consideration. Tests with synthetic data validate our approach. Finally, we provide a set of routines to model the magnetic field produced by ellipsoids. The routines are written in Python language as part of the Fatiando a Terra, which is an open-source library for modelling and inversion in geophysics.
Complex relationship between seasonal streamflow forecast skill and value in reservoir operations
Authors: Turner Sean W. D. , Bennett James C. , Robertson David E. , Galelli Stefano
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Considerable research effort has recently been directed at improving and operationalising ensemble seasonal streamflow forecasts. Whilst this creates new opportunities for improving the performance of water resources systems, there may also be associated risks. Here, we explore these potential risks by examining the sensitivity of forecast value (improvement in system performance brought about by adopting forecasts) to changes in the forecast skill for a range of hypothetical reservoir designs with contrasting operating objectives. Forecast-informed operations are simulated using rolling horizon, adaptive control and then benchmarked against optimised control rules to assess performance improvements. Results show that there exists a strong relationship between forecast skill and value for systems operated to maintain a target water level. But this relationship breaks down when the reservoir is operated to satisfy a target demand for water; good forecast accuracy does not necessarily translate into performance improvement. We show that the primary cause of this behaviour is the buffering role played by storage in water supply reservoirs, which renders the forecast superfluous for long periods of the operation. System performance depends primarily on forecast accuracy when critical decisions are made – namely during severe drought. As it is not possible to know in advance if a forecast will perform well at such moments, we advocate measuring the consistency of forecast performance, through bootstrap resampling, to indicate potential usefulness in storage operations. Our results highlight the need for sensitivity assessment in value-of-forecast studies involving reservoirs with supply objectives.
Parameter optimisation for a better representation of drought by LSMs: inverse modelling vs. sequential data assimilation
Authors: Dewaele Hélène , Munier Simon , Albergel Clément , Planque Carole , Laanaia Nabil , Carrer Dominique , Calvet Jean-Christophe
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Soil maximum available water content (MaxAWC) is a key parameter in land surface models (LSMs). However, being difficult to measure, this parameter is usually uncertain. This study assesses the feasibility of using a 15-year (1999–2013) time series of satellite-derived low-resolution observations of leaf area index (LAI) to estimate MaxAWC for rainfed croplands over France. LAI interannual variability is simulated using the CO2-responsive version of the Interactions between Soil, Biosphere and Atmosphere (ISBA) LSM for various values of MaxAWC. Optimal value is then selected by using (1) a simple inverse modelling technique, comparing simulated and observed LAI and (2) a more complex method consisting in integrating observed LAI in ISBA through a land data assimilation system (LDAS) and minimising LAI analysis increments. The evaluation of the MaxAWC estimates from both methods is done using simulated annual maximum above-ground biomass (Bag) and straw cereal grain yield (GY) values from the Agreste French agricultural statistics portal, for 45 administrative units presenting a high proportion of straw cereals. Significant correlations (p value  <  0.01) between Bag and GY are found for up to 36 and 53 % of the administrative units for the inverse modelling and LDAS tuning methods, respectively. It is found that the LDAS tuning experiment gives more realistic values of MaxAWC and maximum Bag than the inverse modelling experiment. Using undisaggregated LAI observations leads to an underestimation of MaxAWC and maximum Bag in both experiments. Median annual maximum values of disaggregated LAI observations are found to correlate very well with MaxAWC.
Improving SWAT model performance in the upper Blue Nile Basin using meteorological data integration and subcatchment discretization
Authors: Polanco Erwin Isaac , Fleifle Amr , Ludwig Ralf , Disse Markus
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The Blue Nile Basin is confronted by land degradation problems, insufficient agricultural production, and a limited number of developed energy sources. Hydrological models provide useful tools to better understand such complex systems and improve water resources and land management practices. In this study, SWAT was used to model the hydrological processes in the upper Blue Nile Basin. Comparisons between a Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) and a conventional ground weather dataset were done under two sub-basin discretization levels (30 and 87 sub-basins) to create an integrated dataset to improve the spatial and temporal limitations of both datasets. A SWAT error index (SEI) was also proposed to compare the reliability of the models under different discretization levels and weather datasets. This index offers an assessment of the model quality based on precipitation and evapotranspiration. SEI demonstrates to be a reliable additional and useful method to measure the level of error of SWAT. The results showed the discrepancies of using different weather datasets with different sub-basin discretization levels. Datasets under 30 sub-basins achieved Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient (NS) values of −0.51, 0.74, and 0.84; p factors of 0.53, 0.66, and 0.70; and r factors of 1.11, 0.83, and 0.67 for the CFSR, ground, and integrated datasets, respectively. Meanwhile, models under 87 sub-basins achieved NS values of −1.54, 0.43, and 0.80; p factors of 0.36, 0.67, and 0.77; r factors of 0.93, 0.68, and 0.54 for the CFSR, ground, and integrated datasets, respectively. Based on the obtained statistical results, the integrated dataset provides a better model of the upper Blue Nile Basin.