bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoking is Bad for Babies: Obstetric Care Providers' Use of Best Practice Smoking Cessation Counseling Techniques
Authors: Chang Judy C. , Alexander Stewart C. , Holland Cynthia L. , Arnold Robert M. , Landsittel Douglas , Tulsky James A. , Pollak Kathryn I.
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

To use direct observations of first prenatal visits to describe obstetric providers' adherence to the evidence-based clinical practice guideline for smoking cessation counseling recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the 5 A's (Ask, Advice, Assess, Assist, and Arrange).

Design.

Observational study using audio recordings of first obstetric visits.

Setting.

An urban academic hospital-based clinic.

Participants.

Obstetric care providers and pregnant women attending their first obstetric visit.

Method.

First obstetric visits were audio recorded. Visits were identified in which patients reported smoking, and discussions were analyzed for obstetric providers' use of the 5 A's in smoking cessation counseling.

Results.

Obstetric providers asked about smoking in 98% of the 116 visits analyzed, but used 3 or more of the 5 A's in only 21% (24) of visits. In no visits did providers use all 5 A's. In 54% of the visits, providers gave patients information about smoking, most commonly about risks associated with perinatal smoking.

Conclusion.

Few obstetric care providers performed the recommended 5 A's smoking cessation counseling with their pregnant smokers. Effective and innovative methods are needed to improve obstetric providers' use of the 5 A's.
Reaching Women through Health Information Technology: The Gabby Preconception Care System
Authors: Gardiner Paula , Hempstead Megan B. , Ring Lazlo , Bickmore Timothy , Yinusa-Nyahkoon Leanne , Tran Huong , Paasche-Orlow Michael , Damus Karla , Jack Brian
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have endorsed the concept of preconception care (PCC). New tools must be developed to promote PCC.

Design.

Development and testing of a health information technology system to provide PCC.

Setting.

An urban safety net hospital and an urban university.

Subjects.

Community recruitment of 31 women in focus groups and 15 women participating in observed usability testing; 9 students recruited from the Office of Minority Health Preconception Peer Educators program participated in pilot testing for 2 months.

Intervention.

Online interactive animated character (“Gabby”) designed to identify and modify preconception risks.

Measures.

Qualitative transcripts, preconception risk assessment, server data for system usage, self-administered satisfaction surveys, and follow-up phone calls.

Analysis.

Descriptive statistics of subjects' demographics, satisfaction, PCC risks, and system usage. Transcripts coded using NVIVO.

Results.

Subjects (n = 24) reported an average of 23 preconception risks; in the pilot, 83% of risks added to the “My Health To-Do List” were addressed by the subject. Seventy-three percent of risks identified as contemplative progressed to action or maintenance. Differences were noted in effectiveness of the system based on initial stage of change for each risk.

Conclusion.

Results suggest that the PCC system could be effective in influencing positive behavior change. Adding stage of change–focused functionality might have added benefits. This system has great potential to assist in the delivery of PCC.
Acceptability and Potential Impact of Brief Preconception Health Risk Assessment and Counseling in the WIC Setting
Authors: Dunlop Anne L. , Dretler Alexandra W. , Badal Hannah J. , Logue Kristi M.
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

To determine the reproductive risks of women using the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the acceptability of delivering preconception screening and counseling with the WIC encounter.

Design.

A mixed methods approach to include quantitative analysis of reproductive risks and qualitative analysis of postcounseling interviews.

Setting.

A WIC clinic in Clayton County, Georgia

Participants.

A quota sample of 150 African-American women 18 to 44 years of age recruited from the attendees of WIC nutrition classes for postpartum and breastfeeding women and mothers of children under 5.

Intervention.

A brief individual counseling based upon identified risks.

Method.

Participants were administered a risk assessment questionnaire by a member of the study team to determine topics for brief counseling. Following standardized brief counseling, participants completed an individual semistructured interview. The risk assessment questionnaire was analyzed quantitatively; transcripts from the postcounseling interviews were analyzed thematically.

Results.

Reproductive risks were prevalent among women of reproductive age seeking WIC services: unintended pregnancy (27%), history of sexually transmitted infection (49%), inadequate folic acid supplementation (66%), intimate partner violence (47%), tobacco use (21%), binge drinking (10%), and illicit drug use (5%). The vast majority of WIC clients found the preconception risk assessment and brief counseling to be acceptable and important.

Conclusion.

WIC constitutes a suitable location for identifying low-income African-American women in need of preconception and reproductive health services and at risk for poor reproductive health outcomes.
Preconception Care: The Perfect Opportunity for Health Care Providers to Advise Lifestyle Changes for Hypertensive Women
Authors: Bombard Jennifer M. , Robbins Cheryl L. , Dietz Patricia M. , Valderrama Amy L.
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

To provide estimates for prevalence of health care provider advice offered to reproductive-aged women and to assess their association with behavior change.

Design.

Cross-sectional study using the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Setting.

Nineteen states/areas.

Subjects.

Women aged 18 to 44 years with a self-reported history of hypertension or current antihypertensive medication use (n = 2063).

Measures.

Self-reported hypertension; sociodemographic and health care access indicators; and provider advice and corresponding self-reported behavior change to improve diet, limit salt intake, exercise, and reduce alcohol use.

Analysis.

We estimated prevalence and prevalence ratios for receipt of provider advice and action to change habits. We calculated 95% confidence interval (CI) and used χ2 tests to assess associations.

Results.

Overall, 9.8% of reproductive-aged women had self-reported hypertension; most reported receiving advice to change eating habits (72.9%), reduce salt intake (74.6%), and exercise (82.1%), and most reported making these changes. Only 44.7% reported receiving advice to reduce alcohol intake. Women who received provider advice were more likely to report corresponding behavior change compared to those who did not (prevalence ratios ranged from 1.3 [95% CI, 1.2–1.5, p < .05] for exercise to 1.6 [95% CI, 1.4–1.8, p < .05] for reducing alcohol use.

Conclusion.

Health care providers should routinely advise hypertensive reproductive-aged women about lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Amor y Salud (Love and Health): A Preconception Health Campaign for Second-Generation Latinas in Oregon
Authors: Dixon-Gray Lesa A. , Mobley Allison , McFarlane Julie M. , Rosenberg Kenneth D.
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

To develop, and implement, a social marketing campaign to increase preconception health knowledge among second-generation Latinas in Oregon.

Design.

Social marketing demonstration project.

Setting.

Latino communities in five Oregon counties.

Subjects.

Target populations included young Latinas (18–29 years old) born in the United States of immigrant parents in five Oregon counties, and their family members.

Intervention.

A radionovela, Amor y Salud, was developed that featured a Latina and her fiancé preparing for marriage and family. Social media, Web sites, and culturally relevant print materials promoted the radio campaign.

Measures.

Process data, social media metrics, Google analytics, online and intercept surveys were collected.

Analysis.

Basic frequencies and descriptive statistics were used.

Results.

Twelve episodes were produced in English and Spanish and played on nine radio stations a total of 2098 times. The Facebook page was viewed 11,000 times, and radionovela episodes were played a total of 776 times.

Conclusion.

Amor y Salud used mixed media—radio, social media, print materials—to encourage Latinas to consider their preconception health. Anecdotally, we heard positive comments from community members and local media regarding the radionovela; however, evaluation challenges prevent us from saying conclusively that knowledge on this topic increased.
Prevention of Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancies among Nonpregnant American Indian Women
Authors: Hanson Jessica D. , Miller Ashley L. , Winberg Austin , Elliott Amy J.
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

The goal of this project was to evaluate an intervention on reducing alcohol-exposed pregnancies with nonpregnant American Indian women, with a focus on risky drinking and ineffective contraception use.

Design.

This study had a descriptive longitudinal study design, with follow-up every 3 months for 1 year.

Setting.

Three American Indian tribes in the Northern Plains.

Subjects.

Participants were 231 nonpregnant American Indian women.

Intervention.

Participants responded to drinking and contraception questions through the telephone and then received intervention materials via mail. Follow-up telephone surveys occurred at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the baseline call, and participants were again mailed intervention materials.

Measures.

Alcohol consumption and birth control measurements were modified from the Project CHOICES program. The intervention was based on motivational interviewing constructs.

Analysis.

Analysis techniques included covariate-adjusted generalized estimating equation methods and Bonferroni correction.

Results.

All of the alcohol consumption amount responses had significant decreases with each follow-up intervention session; the average change for the range of questions was −26% to–17%. The proportion of those stating they did not use birth control decreased from 29% to 10% during the first 3 months.

Conclusions.

The intervention was successful in modifying self-reported drinking and contraception behaviors. This project is the only one to date that has focused on preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies in nonpregnant American Indian women.
The Effectiveness of Bundled Health Messages on Recall
Authors: King Karen Whitehill , Freimuth Vicki , Lee Mina , Johnson-Turbes Corie Ashani
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

This study is an initial step in determining the effectiveness of bundling preconception messages on short-term recall in a health communication intervention.

Design.

A six-cell quasi-experiment with control was employed.

Setting.

Mall intercept interviews were conducted in three southern cities.

Intervention.

Six professionally developed brochures with preconception health messages.

Subjects.

687 women who were between 18 and 36 years old and who reported that they planned to be pregnant within the next 5 years

Measures.

Aided and unaided message recall.

Analysis.

Analysis of variance, pair-wise t-tests.

Results.

The results suggest ways to combine health messages in an attempt to maximize the resources that individual programs have for communication.

Conclusion.

Combining messages, up to four, should be considered.
Preventive and Reproductive Health Services for Women: The Role of California's Family Planning Waiver
Authors: Adams E. Kathleen , Kenney Genevieve M. , Galactionova Katya
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

Examine effects of a Medicaid family planning waiver on the receipt of reproductive health care and pregnancy.

Design.

The present study uses a quasiexperimental design using data from the California Women's Health Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for exposure and comparison groups, before and after California's Planning Access Care and Treatment waiver.

Setting.

The setting was California and comparison states.

Subjects.

The study included women who were ages 18 to 44 years and below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL), who are eligible for services under the waiver.

Measures.

The study measured self-reported pregnancy and receipt of routine checkup, clinical breast exam, Pap test, Chlamydia screening, and discussion of birth control with provider in the past year.

Analysis.

The study analyzes outcomes for exposure and comparison groups using probit regression models based on data both within California and in states without waivers.

Results.

Estimates from the California Women's Health Survey analysis indicate that among parents 100% to 200% of the FPL, the waiver led to an 8–percentage point increase in the receipt of a routine checkup and a 12–percentage point increase (p = .03) in discussion of birth control. There was an estimated 3–percentage point decline (p = .05) in current pregnancies among nulliparous women. Multistate analysis using the BRFSS confirmed positive effects on routine checkups (p < .01).

Conclusions.

The waiver appears to have led to a reduction in pregnancy rates and increased receipt of reproductive health care, particularly routine checkups.
Change in Women's Knowledge of General and Personal Preconception Health Risks following Targeted Brief Counseling in Publicly Funded Primary Care Settings
Authors: Dunlop Anne L. , Logue Kristi M. , Thorne Castalia , Badal Hannah J.
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

To explore knowledge of general and personal preconception health risks among women in publicly funded clinics and whether brief counseling can improve knowledge.

Design.

Interventional cohort study.

Setting.

Five publicly funded primary care clinics.

Subjects.

Two cohorts of low-income, nonpregnant African-American and Hispanic women of reproductive age (300 in each cohort).

Intervention.

Targeted brief counseling based upon risks identified via preconception health risk assessment.

Measures.

Correct responses on test of women's knowledge of general and personal preconception health risks pre-encounter vs. 3 to 6 months postencounter.

Analysis.

McNemar's test to compare proportion of women in each cohort who correctly answer questions of preconception health knowledge pre-encounter vs. 3 to 6 months postencounter.

Results.

Women in the intervention cohort experienced a significant increase in knowledge related to preconception health from baseline to 3 to 6 months postencounter, including recognition of the importance of folic acid supplementation, seeking medical care for chronic conditions, and review of medication in the preconception period that was not observed for the comparison cohort. Among women with chronic medical conditions, those in the intervention cohort significantly increased their knowledge that the condition could lead to problems in pregnancy (+43%) relative to the lesser improvement in knowledge observed for those in the comparison cohort (+4%) (p < .05).

Conclusions.

Women's knowledge of general and personal preconception health risks improved following screening and brief counseling in publicly funded primary care clinics.
Developing a Culturally Appropriate Preconception Health Promotion Strategy for Newly Immigrated Latinos through a Community-Based Program in South Carolina
Authors: Torres Myriam E. , Smithwick-Leone Julie , Willms Lucy , Franco Margarita M. , McCandless Romina , Lohman Mary
Published: January 2013

Maternal and Child Health (MCH) experts emphasize the importance of preconception health (PCH) in achieving healthy pregnancies and positive birth outcomes. Research demonstrates that Latinas face significant PCH disparities, yet no comprehensive PCH promotion strategy exists to reach them. As a trusted community-based organization that uses culturally competent strategies to promote MCH in the Latino community, PASOs is well-positioned to address PCH among Latinos in South Carolina. With the input and support of Latino community members, PASOs is pioneering a PCH strategy using its successful model of education, outreach, partnerships and resource navigation.
The Impact of Social Disadvantage on Preconception Health, Illness, and Well-Being: An Intersectional Analysis
Authors: Hogan Vijaya K. , Culhane Jennifer F. , Crews Kara Ja'Nice , Mwaria Cheryl B. , Rowley Diane L. , Levenstein Lisa , Mullings Leith Patricia
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

To understand how social and structural contexts shape individual risk, vulnerability, and interconception health-related behaviors of African-American women.

Approach or Design.

A longitudinal ethnographic study was conducted.

Setting.

The study was conducted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Participants.

The sample included 19 African-American women who were participants in the intervention group of a randomized clinical trial of interconceptional care.

Method.

Data were collected through interaction with participants over a period of 6 to 12 months. Participant observation, structured and unstructured interviews, and Photovoice were used to obtain data; grounded theory was used for analysis. The analysis was guided by intersectional theory.

Results.

Social disadvantage influenced health and health care–seeking behaviors of African-American women, and the disadvantage centered on the experience of racism. The authors identify seven experiences grounded in the interactions among the forces of racism, class, gender, and history that may influence women's participation in and the effectiveness of preconception and interconception health care.

Conclusion.

African-American women's health and wellness behaviors are influenced by an experience of racism structurally embedded and made more virulent by its intersection with class, gender, and history. These intersecting forces create what may be a unique exposure that contributes significantly to the proximal determinants of health inequities for African-American women. Health promotion approaches that focus on the individual as the locus of intervention must concomitantly unravel and address the intertwining structural forces that shape individual circumstance in order to improve women's interconceptional health and to reduce disparities.
Couples' Notions about Preconception Health: Implications for Framing Social Marketing Plans
Authors: Lewis Megan A. , Mitchell Elizabeth W. , Levis Denise M. , Isenberg Karen , Kish-Doto Julia
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

To understand couples' notions of preconception health (PCH) and to inform the development of social marketing plans focused on PCH.

Approach/Design.

We used a social marketing perspective to understand how couples considered PCH as a product, its potential price, how it should be promoted, and in what type of places it should be promoted. These variables are typically referred to as the four social marketing P's.

Setting.

Telephone interviews with couples recruited from a national database.

Participants.

A total of 58 couples (116 individuals) were segmented by five couple segments based on pregnancy planning intention and current parental status in which the wife or partner was 18 to 44 years of age. The five segments were combined into three categories: couples who were planning pregnancies, couples who were not planning pregnancies, or couples who were recent parents (interconception).

Method.

Couple-based structured interviews lasting approximately 45 to 60 minutes were conducted via telephone. Questions inquired about couples' experience with PCH and the four social marketing P's.

Results.

Commonalities existed across the four social marketing P's for the different couple segments. Notable couple-related themes that emerged included the importance of couple communication, support, and relationship quality. PCH was more relevant for couples planning a pregnancy, but nonplanning couples understood the benefits of PCH and related behaviors.

Conclusion.

Couples may be an important target audience when considering social marketing approaches for PCH. Many couples perceived the relevance of the issue to important aspects of their lives, such as health, family, and their relationships.
Consumers' Perceptions of Preconception Health
Authors: Squiers Linda , Mitchell Elizabeth W. , Levis Denise M. , Lynch Molly , Dolina Suzanne , Margolis Marjorie , Scales Monica , Kish-Doto Julia
Published: January 2013

Purpose.

To inform the development of a preconception health (PCH) social marketing plan, we conducted qualitative research with prospective consumers.

Approach.

We present formative findings based on the four Ps of social marketing: product, price, promotion, and place.

Setting.

We conducted focus groups with 10 groups of women in Atlanta, Georgia, in fall 2010.

Participants.

We classified women aged 18 to 44 into five groups based on their pregnancy plans, and then further segmented the groups based on socioeconomic status for a total of 10 groups.

Method.

The focus group guide was designed to elicit participants' responses about the product, price, promotion, and placement of PCH. We used NVivo 9 software to analyze focus group data.

Results.

Women planning a pregnancy in the future had different perspectives on PCH as a product than women not planning a pregnancy. Barriers to PCH included lack of social support, addiction, and lack of awareness about PCH. Participants preferred to think of PCH behaviors as “promoting” a healthy baby rather than preventing an unhealthy birth outcome. Many women in the focus groups preferred to hear PCH messages from a health care provider, among other channels.

Conclusion.

The results from this research will inform the development of a social marketing plan for PCH and the development of concepts that will be tested with consumers to determine their viability for use in a national campaign.
Now Tobacco Has Killed My Big Brother
Authors: O'Donnell Michael P.
Published: January 2013

If you know someone who smokes, please tell them that you have a friend who lost two brothers to smoking. Ask them to quit for you, so that you don't lose them so early in YOUR life.
Source apportionment of particles at Station Nord, North East Greenland during 2008–2010 using COPREM and PMF analysis
Authors: Nguyen Q. T. , Skov H. , Sørensen L. L. , Jensen B. J. , Grube A. G. , Massling A. , Glasius M. , Nøjgaard J. K.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. In order to develop strategies for controlling and reducing Arctic air pollution, there is a need to understand the basic mechanisms for determining the fate of air pollution in the Arctic. Sources of atmospheric particles at Station Nord (81° 36' N, 16° 40' W) in North East Greenland were evaluated for a two-year period from March 2008 to February 2010. Source apportionment using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) and COnstrained Physical REceptor Model (COPREM) was based on measurements of black carbon, elements (Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Pb) and inorganic ions (SO2, SO42−, Na+, NH4+, NO3−, Cl2−. In general, source apportionment results by PMF and COPREM showed good agreement. Five sources adequately explained the measurements, which included a Marine and a Soil source of natural origin and three additional anthropogenic sources, which were all influenced by metal industries. One anthropogenic source was dominated by Zn of which air mass back trajectories using the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model suggested a Canadian Arctic origin, despite certain influences from Southern and Eastern origins. Another anthropogenic source was characterised by high concentrations of Pb and As, which has been historically referred to as a Combustion source at Station Nord. The impacts of large-scale industry in Siberia, Russia were evident through high Cu concentrations in both the Combustion source and an additional Cu/Ni source. Br correlated well with the anthropogenic species S and Pb though the elements are unlikely to have a common origin. More likely, sulphuric acid aerosols serve as transport containers for Br species of marine origin. Of particular relevance to climate, sources of black carbon were identified to be mainly anthropogenic and most probably of Siberian origin (80–98%).
Observation of volcanic ash from Puyehue–Cordón Caulle with IASI
Authors: Klüser L. , Erbertseder T. , Meyer-Arnek J.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. On 4 June 2011 an eruption of the Chilean volcano complex Puyehue–Cordón Caulle injected large amounts of volcanic ash into the atmosphere and affected local life as well as hemisphere-wide air traffic. Observations of the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) flown on board of the MetOp satellite have been exploited to analyze the evolution of the ash plume around the Southern Hemisphere. A novel singular vector-based retrieval methodology, originally developed for observation of desert dust over land and ocean, has been adapted to enable remote sensing of volcanic ash. Since IASI observations in the 8–12 μm window are applied in the retrieval, the method is insensitive to solar illumination and therefore yields twice the observation rate of the ash plume evolution compared to solar backscatter methods from polar orbiting satellites. The retrieval scheme, the emission characteristics and the circumpolar transport of the ash are examined by means of a source–receptor analysis.
Organic carbon and nitrogen export from a tropical dam-impacted floodplain system
Authors: Zurbrügg R. , Suter S. , Lehmann M. F. , Wehrli B. , Senn D. B.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Tropical floodplains play an important role in organic matter transport, storage, and transformation between headwaters and oceans. However, the fluxes and quality of organic carbon (OC) and organic nitrogen (ON) in tropical river-floodplain systems are not well constrained. We explored the quantity and characteristics of dissolved and particulate organic matter (DOM and POM, respectively) in the Kafue River flowing through the Kafue Flats (Zambia), a tropical river-floodplain system in the Zambezi River basin. During the flooding season, > 80% of the Kafue River water passed through the floodplain, mobilizing large quantities of OC and ON, which resulted in a net export of 69–119 kg OC km−2 d−1 and 3.8–4.7 kg ON km−2 d−1, 80% of which was in the dissolved form. The elemental C : N ratio of ~ 20, the comparatively high δ13C values of −25‰ to −21‰, and its spectroscopic properties (excitation-emission matrices) showed that DOM in the river was mainly of terrestrial origin. Despite a threefold increase in OC loads due to inputs from the floodplain, the characteristics of the riverine DOM remained relatively constant along the sampled 410-km river reach. This suggests that floodplain DOM displayed properties similar to those of DOM leaving the upstream reservoir and implied that the DOM produced in the reservoir was relatively short-lived. In contrast, the particulate fraction was 13C-depleted (−29‰) and had a C : N ratio of ~ 8, which indicated that POM originated from phytoplankton production in the reservoir and in the floodplain, rather than from plant debris or resuspended sediments. While the upstream dam had little effect on the DOM pool, terrestrial particles were retained, and POM from algal and microbial sources was released to the river. A nitrogen mass balance over the 2200 km2 flooded area revealed an annual deficit of 15 500–22 100 t N in the Kafue Flats. The N isotope budget suggests that these N losses are balanced by intense N-fixation. Our study shows that the Kafue Flats are a significant local source of OC and ON to downstream ecosystems and illustrates how the composition of riverine OM can be altered by dams and floodplains in tropical catchments.
Satellite views of seasonal and inter-annual variability of phytoplankton blooms in the eastern China seas over the past 14 yr (1998–2011)
Authors: He X. Q. , Bai Y. , Pan D. L. , Chen C.-T. A. , Chen Q. , Wang D. F. , Gong F.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The eastern China seas are one of the largest marginal seas in the world, where high primary productivity and phytoplankton blooms are often observed. However, to date, little is known about the spatial and temporal variability of phytoplankton blooms in these areas due to the difficulty of the monitoring of bloom events by field measurement. In this study, 14-yr time series of satellite ocean color data from the Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard the Aqua satellite have been used to investigate the seasonal and inter-annual variability and long-term changes of phytoplankton blooms in the eastern China seas. We validated and calibrated the satellite-derive chlorophyll concentration in the eastern China seas based on extensive data sets from two large cruises. Overestimation of satellite-derive chlorophyll concentration caused by high water turbidity was found to be less than 10 μg L−1. This level can be used as a safe threshold for the identification of a phytoplankton bloom in a marginal sea with turbid waters. Annually, blooms mostly occur in the Changjiang Estuary and along the coasts of Zhejiang. The coasts of the northern Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea also have high-frequency blooms. The blooms have significant seasonal variation, with most of the blooms occurring in the spring (April–June) and summer (July–September). This study revealed a doubling in bloom intensity in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea during the past 14 yr (1998–2011), yet surprisingly, there has been no decadal increase or decrease of bloom intensity in despite of significant inter-annual variation in the Changjiang Estuary. The time series in situ datasets show that both the nitrate and phosphate concentrations increase more than twofold from 1998 to 2005. This might be the reason for the doubling of bloom intensity in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea. In addition, the ENSO and PDO can affect the inter-annual variation of bloom intensity in the eastern China seas.
Mid-Holocene ocean and vegetation feedbacks over East Asia
Authors: Tian Z. , Jiang D.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Mid-Holocene ocean and vegetation feedbacks over East Asia were investigated by a set of numerical experiments performed with the latest version 4 of the Community Climate System Model (CCSM4). Most of the annual and seasonal surface air temperature and precipitation changes during the mid-Holocene relative to the pre-industrial period were found to result from a direct response of the atmosphere to insolation forcing, while dynamic ocean and vegetation could modulate regional climate over East Asia to a certain extent. Because of its thermal inertia, the dynamic ocean induced an additional warming (cooling) of 0.5 K in boreal winter, 0.0003 K in boreal summer, and 1.0 K in boreal autumn (0.6 K in boreal spring) averaged across China during the mid-Holocene, and hence counteracted (amplified) the direct response except in summer, collectively leading to a weak annual warming of 0.2 K at the national scale. The contribution of dynamic vegetation to mid-Holocene temperature change was small overall. It gave rise to an additional annual cooling of 0.2 K, 0.1 K in winter, 0.2 K in summer, and 0.4 K in autumn, but a warming of 0.1 K in spring regionally averaged over China. On the other hand, ocean feedback led to a small enhancement of precipitation by 0.04 mm day−1 in winter and 0.05 mm day−1 in autumn, but induced a reduction of precipitation by 0.14 mm day−1 for the annual mean, 0.29 mm day−1 in spring, and 0.34 mm day−1 in summer at the national scale, which tended to weaken East Asian summer monsoon rainfall. The influence of dynamic vegetation on precipitation was comparatively small, with a regionally averaged precipitation change of –0.002 mm day−1 on the annual scale, –0.03 mm day−1 in winter and spring, –0.01 mm day−1 in summer, and 0.06 mm day−1 in autumn over the country. Taken together, ocean feedback narrowed the model–data mismatch in annual and winter temperatures over China during the mid-Holocene, while dynamic vegetation feedback contributed little to temperature and precipitation changes over East Asia.
Assimilation of OMI NO2 retrievals into the limited-area chemistry-transport model DEHM (V2009.0) with a 3-D OI algorithm
Authors: Silver J. D. , Brandt J. , Hvidberg M. , Frydendall J. , Christensen J. H.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Data assimilation is the process of combining real-world observations with a modelled geophysical field. The increasing abundance of satellite retrievals of atmospheric trace gases makes chemical data assimilation an increasingly viable method for deriving more accurate analysed fields and initial conditions for air quality forecasts. We implemented a three-dimensional optimal interpolation (OI) scheme to assimilate retrievals of NO2 tropospheric columns from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument into the Danish Eulerian Hemispheric Model (DEHM, version V2009.0), a three-dimensional, regional-scale, offline chemistry-transport model. The background error covariance matrix, B, was estimated based on differences in the NO2 concentration field between paired simulations using different meteorological inputs. Background error correlations were modelled as non-separable, horizontally homogeneous and isotropic. Parameters were estimated for each month and for each hour to allow for seasonal and diurnal patterns in NO2 concentrations. Three experiments were run to compare the effects of observation thinning and the choice of observation errors. Model performance was assessed by comparing the analysed fields to an independent set of observations: ground-based measurements from European air-quality monitoring stations. The analysed NO2 and O3 concentrations were more accurate than those from a reference simulation without assimilation, with increased temporal correlation for both species. Thinning of satellite data and the use of constant observation errors yielded a better balance between the observed increments and the prescribed error covariances, with no appreciable degradation in the surface concentrations due to the observation thinning. Forecasts were also considered and these showed rather limited influence from the initial conditions once the effects of the diurnal cycle are accounted for. The simple OI scheme was effective and computationally feasible in this context, where only a single species was assimilated, adjusting the three-dimensional field for this compound. Limitations of the assimilation scheme are discussed.
Springtime contribution of dinitrogen fixation to primary production across the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Rahav E. , Herut B. , Levi A. , Mulholland M. R. , Berman-Frank I.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Dinitrogen (N2) fixation rates were measured during early spring across the different provinces of Mediterranean Sea surface waters. N2 fixation rates, measured using 15N2 enriched seawater, were lowest in the eastern basin and increased westward with a maximum at the Strait of Gibraltar (0.10 to 2.35 nmol N L−1 d−1, respectively). These rates were 3–7 fold higher than N2 fixation rates measured previously in the Mediterranean Sea during summertime. Moreover, comparisons between N2 fixation rates measured during dark versus natural light incubations (48 h) show higher rates during dark incubations at the eastern Mediterranean stations but lower rates at the western stations. This suggests that heterotrophic diazotrophy has a significant role in the Eastern Mediterranean while autotrophic diazotrophy has a more dominant role in the Western basin.
Manufactured solutions and the verification of three-dimensional Stokes ice-sheet models
Authors: Leng W. , Ju L. , Gunzburger M. , Price S.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The manufactured solution technique is used for the verification of computational models in many fields. In this paper, we construct manufactured solutions for the three-dimensional, isothermal, nonlinear Stokes model for flows in glaciers and ice sheets. The solution construction procedure starts with kinematic boundary conditions and is mainly based on the solution of a first-order partial differential equation for the ice velocity that satisfies the incompressibility condition. The manufactured solutions depend on the geometry of the ice sheet, basal sliding parameters, and ice softness. Initial conditions are taken from the periodic geometry of a standard problem of the ISMIP-HOM benchmark tests. The upper surface is altered through the manufactured solution procedure to generate an analytic solution for the time-dependent flow problem. We then use this manufactured solution to verify a parallel, high-order accurate, finite element Stokes ice-sheet model. Simulation results from the computational model show good convergence to the manufactured analytic solution.
Stable isotope and gas properties of two climatically contrasting (Pleistocene and Holocene) ice wedges from Cape Mamontov Klyk, Laptev Sea, northern Siberia
Authors: Boereboom T. , Samyn D. , Meyer H. , Tison J.-L.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. This paper presents and discusses the texture, fabric, water stable isotopes (δ18O, δD) and gas properties (total gas content, O2, N2, Ar, CO2, and CH4 mixing ratios) of two climatically contrasted (Holocene vs. Pleistocene) ice wedges (IW-26 and IW-28) from Cape Mamontov Klyk, Laptev Sea, in northern Siberia. The two ice wedges display contrasting structures: one being of relatively "clean" ice and the other showing clean ice at its centre as well as debris-rich ice on both sides (referred to as "ice-sand wedge"). Our multiparametric approach allows discrimination between three different ice facies with specific signatures, suggesting different climatic and environmental conditions of formation and various intensities and nature of biological activity. More specifically, crystallography, total gas content and gas composition reveal variable levels of meltwater infiltration and contrasting contributions from anaerobic and aerobic conditions to the biological signatures. Stable isotope data are drawn on to discuss changes in paleoenvironmental conditions and in the temporal variation of the different moisture sources for the snow feeding into the ice wedges infillings. Our data set also supports the previous assumption that the ice wedge IW-28 was formed in Pleistocene and the ice wedge IW-26 in Holocene times. This study sheds more light on the conditions of ice wedge growth under changing environmental conditions.
High-resolution interactive modelling of the mountain glacier–atmosphere interface: an application over the Karakoram
Authors: Collier E. , Mölg T. , Maussion F. , Scherer D. , Mayer C. , Bush A. B. G.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The traditional approach to simulations of alpine glacier mass balance (MB) has been one-way, or offline, thus precluding feedbacks from changing glacier surface conditions on the atmospheric forcing. In addition, alpine glaciers have been only simply, if at all, represented in atmospheric models to date. Here, we extend a recently presented, novel technique for simulating glacier–atmosphere interactions without the need for statistical downscaling, through the use of a coupled high-resolution mesoscale atmospheric and physically-based mass balance modelling system that includes glacier MB and energy balance feedbacks to the atmosphere. We compare the model results over the Karakoram region of the northwestern Himalaya with both remote sensing data and in situ glaciological and meteorological measurements for the ablation season of 2004. We find that interactive coupling has a localized but appreciable impact on the near-surface meteorological forcing data and that incorporation of MB processes improves the simulation of variables such as land surface temperature and snow albedo. Furthermore, including feedbacks from the MB model has a non-negligible effect on simulated mass balance, reducing modelled ablation, on average, by 0.1 m w.e. (−6.0%) to a total of −1.5 m w.e. between 25 June–31 August 2004. The interactively coupled model shows promise as a new, multi-scale tool for explicitly resolving atmospheric-MB processes of mountain glaciers at the basin scale.
An International Network on Climate Change Impacts on Small Farmers in the Tropical Andes - Global Conventions from a Local Perspective
Authors: Lindner Andre , Pretzsch Jürgen
Published: January 2013

The agricultural sector of Andean countries like Peru and Bolivia perceives the consequences of climate change in increasing water stress due to melting glaciers and changing precipitation patterns. Therefore mainly subsistence agricultural systems are increasingly vulnerable. Traditional inhabitants of the tropical Andean region are aware of the recurrent diversity of climate related impacts and its consequences, thus livelihood strategies are based on principles of risk management. Andean farmers are nowadays applying traditional strategies in a combination of homegrown experimentation and scientific know-how to cope with and adapt to a changing climate. Understanding these adaptations has become one of the most important aspects of research into climate change impacts and vulnerability. It provides essential knowledge for developing and transferring strategies towards a sustainable management in agriculture and agroforestry systems. But there still is a lack of a comparative assessment, especially in regions with high impact of extreme climate conditions. The endogenously determined strategies, which are based on the experience of the farmers, are to be complemented by knowledge and experiences coming from outside farm-household systems and communities. In a collaborative way, this exogenous knowledge is to be placed at the disposal of local actors. The necessary network approach leads to a comprehensive involvement of local stakeholders. Therefore a participative network on climate change may work as a tool to bridge the gap between the global discourse on climate change and local action.
Effect of different growing substrates on the plant water relations and marketable fruit yield greenhouse-grown tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
Authors: Borowski Edward , Nurzyński Józef
Published: January 2013

In the period 2009-2011, a study was conducted in a greenhouse, using fertigation, to determine water relations and fruit yield of tomato grown in different substrates. Tomato plants were grown on rockwool slabs, 15 dm3  in volume, and on slabs of the same volume made of the following straw chaff: rape straw; rape straw + peat (3:1); rape straw + pine bark (3:1); triticale straw; triticale straw + peat (3:1); triticale straw + pine bark (3:1). 2 tomato plants were grown on each slab, leaving 22 fruit clusters on each plant during the period from February to October. The obtained results showed that water potential, stomatal conductance, transpiration, water saturation deficit, and leaf free proline content in tomato grown on rockwool and on rape or triticale straw chaff substrates did not differ statistically significantly. Also, no significant differences were found in marketable tomato fruit yield and dry matter content in tomato fruits. Peat or pine bark addition to rape or triticale straw substrates had no significant effect on the change in their commercially useful traits. In the opinion of the present authors, substrates made of rape or triticale straw alone, and even more so with the addition of peat or bark, are not inferior in any way to commonly used rockwool.
Identification of powdery mildew resistance genes in Polish common oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars using host-pathogen tests
Authors: Okoń Sylwia
Published: January 2013

The aim of the present study was to characterize and identify powdery mildew resistance genes in Polish common oat cultivars using host-pathogen tests. A differential set of six Blumeria graminis f.sp. avenae isolates virulent or avirulent to four cultivars and one line that has known resistance to powdery mildew were used. Among the investigated cultivars, only four of them (13.3%) had resistance patterns similar to genotypes belonging to the differential set. The resistance of OMR group 1 was found in the cultivar ‘Dragon’, while that of OMR2 in the cultivar ‘Skrzat’. The cultivars ‘Deresz’ and ‘Hetman’ showed a resistance pattern that corresponded with OMR group 3. The resistance corresponding to OMR4 was not found, which suggests that until now this gene has not been used in Polish oat breeding programmes. The cultivar ‘Canyon’ had a different pat- tern of resistance than the genotypes that have already known OMR genes, which indicates that the resistance of this cultivar is determined by a new gene or a combination of known genes.
Weed infestation of crops of winter spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) cultivars grown under different conditions of mineral fertilization and chemical plant protection
Authors: Andruszczak Sylwia , Kraska Piotr , Kwiecińska-Poppe Ewa , Pałys Edward
Published: January 2013

A field experiment was carried out in the years 2008-2010 on rendzina soil. The aim of the study was to evaluate weed infestation of winter spelt cultivars (‘Schwabenkorn’ and ‘Spelt I.N.Z.’) grown under different conditions of mineral fertilization and chemical plant protection. In the experiment, two levels of mineral fertilization were compared (kg × ha-1): I. N 60; P 26.2; K 83; and II. N 80; P 34.9; K 99.6. The che- mical protection levels were as follows: A. Control treatment; B. Mustang 306 SE, Stabilan 750 SL; C. Mustang 306 SE, At- tribut 70 WG, Stabilan 750 SL; D. Mustang 306 SE, Attribut 70 WG, Alert 375 SC, Stabilan 750 SL.
Apera spica-venti, Setaria pumila, and Galium aparine occurred in greatest numbers in the spelt wheat crop. The cultivar ‘Schwabenkorn’ was more competitive against weeds. The number of dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous weeds, their total number, and air-dry weight of weeds in the crop of this cultivar were significantly lower compared to cv. ‘Spelt I.N.Z.’. Chemical protection of spelt wheat decreased weed dry weight compared to the control treatment without chemical protection. The application of higher rates of mineral fertilizers slightly increased the number of weeds but did not influence their dry weight and number of weed species.
Hydrology Measurements
Authors: Rasmussen Todd C.
Published: January 2013

Hydrology is the study of the occurrence, movement, and quality of water in the environment, including both surfaces and subsurface systems. The present Chapter summarizes hydrologic measurements in natural systems. The goal of gathering these measurements are to develop a quantitative understanding of the hydrologic system being investigated. This understanding‐with relevant data‐can then be used to design, predict, and manage purposes. A simplified conceptual model of hydrologic system represents water storage elements and exchanges between elements. Important insight has been gained into the understanding of various phases such as precipitation, evapotranspiration, surface flow, groundwater, soil water and their measurement using ground‐ and satellite‐based systems. It has been found that there is a need for water to sustain human and ecosystem health drive efforts to measure and understand water quality behavior in all aspects of hydrology. Further broad view of water quality focuses on the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of water resources.