bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational Control Related to Cloud
Authors: Kumar Sathish A.
Published: February 2014

Cloud computing is touted as the next big thing in the Information Technology (IT) industry, which is going to impact the businesses of any size. Yet, the security issue continues to pose a big threat. Lack of transparency in the infrastructure and platforms causes distrust among users, and the users are reluctant to store information on the cloud. This undermines the potential of cloud computing and has proved to be a big barrier in the realization of the potential of cloud computing and its widespread adoption. The big paradigm shifts in the technology has not been reflected on the methods used to secure the technology. When an organization builds the infrastructure for cloud computing, security and privacy controls should be kept in mind from the holistic security perspective. It is also critical that the organization monitor and adapt controls to determine the success of cloud computing in dealing with the security and reliability issues relating to the cloud. From an organizational control perspective, the authors suggest an independent governing body to mediate between the cloud provider and the user, with the control framework that they have developed to fulfill their responsibilities of protecting the cloud environment.
The early diagnostic and prognostic values of blood lactate concentrations in Japanese monkeys with acute gastric dilatation
Authors: Kimura Tohru
Published: February 2014

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between blood lactate and pyruvate concentrations in Japanese monkeys. On the basis of these results, I investigated whether measurement of blood lactate concentrations in ill animals with acute gastric dilatation was useful in identifying an earlier diagnosis and prognosis. Blood lactate and pyruvate concentrations were determined in 43 Japanese monkeys. Using a portable lactate analyzer, blood lactate concentrations in 4 ill animals were examined at the on set of acute gastric dilatation and after the recovery from this disease. The present results revealed that blood lactate concentrations linearly correlated with pyruvate concentrations in Japanese monkeys: y=0.7214+0.0142x, r=0.7813 (P<0.01). At the onset of acute gastric dilatation, the monkeys showed high lactate concentrations. Blood lactate levels in these ill animals remained elevated under uneventful circumstances. After emergency treatment, their lactate concentrations apparently decreased to the reference range (P<0.05). It was probable that persistent mechanical compression by the expanded stomach on the portal vein and/or caudal vena cava obstructed the blood flow, resulting in persistent hyperlactic acidemia from anaerobic metabolism. I concluded that blood lactate concentrations could serve as a reliable diagnostic predictor of clinical outcome in Japanese monkeys suffering from acute gastric dilatation. Monkeys with remarkable post-treatment decreases in blood lactate concentrations showed an excellent improvement in survival.
A preliminary study on antioxidant activities of saffron petal extracts in lambs
Authors: Omidi Arash , Rahdari Seddighe , Hassanpour Fard Mohammad
Published: February 2014

This study assessed the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of saffron (Crocus sativus L) petals on male lambs and was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant activity of this extract during a 15-day period. Fourteen male lambs were divided randomly into three treatment groups (n=4 each) and a control group (normal saline; n=2). Saffron petal extract at 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg was administered by gavage once daily on days 1 and 3 of the experiment for treatment groups. Blood samples were obtained on days 6 and 14 of the study. Serum and plasma were stored at −21°C for further analysis. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperatures and body weight of each lamb were recorded in the distinctive intervals from day 0 to the last day of the study. Total antioxidant capacity levels were increased significantly with any dose of the extract on the first day of sampling. There was no statistical difference in the levels of malondialdehyde and total thiol between the treatment and the control group son the 6th and the 14th days of the experiment. Also, no significant differences were identified in the concentrations of glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, globulin, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyle transferase, total bilirubin, direct and indirect bilirubin between control and treatment groups in male lambs during this study. Recorded vital signs and body weight in control and treatment groups showed no significant differences. The present results suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of saffron petals has antioxidant activity in sheep.
Disinhibitory Interventions and Voluntary Quadriceps Activation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Harkey Matthew S. , Gribble Phillip A. , Pietrosimone Brian G.
Published: February 2014

Objective:

To determine the effects of various therapeutic interventions on increasing voluntary quadriceps muscle activation.

Background:

Decreased voluntary quadriceps activation is commonly associated with knee injury. Recently, research has focused on developing specific disinhibitory interventions to improve voluntary quadriceps activation; yet, it remains unknown which interventions are most effective in promoting this improvement.

Data Sources:

We searched Web of Science from January 1, 1965 through September 27, 2012, using the key words quadriceps activation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, cryotherapy, focal joint cooling, joint mobilization, joint mobilisation, joint manipulation, manual therapy, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation.

Study Selection:

Studies evaluating the effect of disinhibitory interventions on volitional quadriceps activation were used in our review. Standardized effect sizes (Cohen d) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from voluntary quadriceps activation means and standard deviations measured at baseline and at all available postintervention time points from each study.

Data Synthesis:

Ten studies were grouped into 5 categories based on intervention type: manual therapy (4 studies), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (2 studies), cryotherapy (2 studies), neuromuscular electrical stimulation (2 studies), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (1 study). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation demonstrated the strongest immediate effects (d = 1.03; 95% CI = 0.06, 1.92) and long-term effects (d = 1.93; 95% CI = 0.91, 2.83). Cryotherapy (d = 0.76; 95% CI = −0.13, 1.59) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (d = 0.54; 95% CI = −0.33, 1.37) had moderate immediate effects in improving voluntary quadriceps activation, whereas manual therapy (d = 0.38; 95% CI = −0.35, 1.09) elicited only weak immediate effects. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation produced weak negative to strong positive effects (range of d values = −0.50 to 1.87) over a period of 3 weeks to 6 months.

Conclusions:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation demonstrated the strongest and most consistent effects in increasing voluntary quadriceps activation and may be the best disinhibitory intervention for improving the same.
Integrative Neuromuscular Training and Sex-Specific Fitness Performance in 7-Year-Old Children: An Exploratory Investigation
Authors: Faigenbaum Avery D. , Myer Gregory D. , Farrell Anne , Radler Tracy , Fabiano Marc , Kang Jie , Ratamess Nicholas , Khoury Jane , Hewett Timothy E
Published: February 2014

Context:

Integrative neuromuscular training (INT) has successfully enhanced physical fitness and reduced abnormal biomechanics, which appear to decrease injury rates in adolescent female athletes. If not addressed at the proper time, low levels of physical fitness and abnormal mechanics may predispose female athletes to an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Objectives

To evaluate sex-specific effects of INT on selected measures of health- and skill-related fitness in children during physical education (PE).

Design:

Cohort study.

Setting:

Public primary school.

Patients or Other Participants:

Forty children (16 boys, 24 girls; age = 7.6 ± 0.3 years, height = 124.5 ± 6.4 cm, mass = 29.5 ± 7.6 kg) from 2 second-grade PE classes.

Intervention(s):

The classes were randomized into the PE-plus-INT group (10 boys, 11 girls) or the control group (6 boys, 13 girls) that participated in traditional PE. The INT was performed 2 times per week during the first approximately 15 minutes of each PE class and consisted of body weight exercises.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Push-up, curl-up, standing long jump, single-legged hop, single-legged balance, sit-and-reach flexibility test, shuttle run, and 0.8-km run.

Results:

At baseline, the boys demonstrated higher levels of performance in most of the fitness measurements as evidenced by greater performance on the push-up, standing long jump, single-legged hop, shuttle run, and 0.8-km run (P < .05). In the evaluation of the training effects, we found intervention effects in the girls for enhanced INT-induced gains in performance relative to the control group on the curl-up, long jump, single-legged hop, and 0.8-km run (P < .05) after controlling for baseline. Boys did not demonstrate similar adaptations from the INT program (P ≥ .05).

Conclusions:

These data indicate that INT is an effective and time-efficient addition to PE for enhancing motor skills and promoting physical activity in children. Seven-year-old girls appeared to be more sensitive to the effects of INT than 7-year-old boys. Future research is warranted to confirm these effects in larger cohorts of children.
Examining the Effectiveness of Psychological Strategies on Physiologic Markers: Evidence-Based Suggestions for Holistic Care of the Athlete
Authors: Dawson Michelle A. , Hamson-Utley Jennifer Jordan , Hansen Rodney , Olpin Michael
Published: February 2014

Context:

Current holistic rehabilitation blends both physical and psychological techniques. However, validation of the usefulness of psychological strategies is limited in the literature.

Objective:

To quantify the effects of psychological strategies on both physiologic (salivary cortisol) and subjective assessments of stress.

Design:

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting:

Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 97 college-aged students (age = 20.65 ± 4.38 years), most with little to no experience with psychological strategies.

Intervention(s):

A 15-minute script via an iPod led the participant through visual imagery (cognitive relaxation) or deep breathing exercises (somatic relaxation) cues. The control group listened to 15 minutes of ambient nature sounds.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Two samples (pretest, posttest) of salivary cortisol were analyzed using an enzyme immunoassay kit; the average was used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics and correlations were conducted to examine group differences in time of day, salivary cortisol, sex, Stress-O-Meter values, and Perceived Stress Scale scores.

Results:

Salivary cortisol levels were lower in the treatment group than the control group (F2,97 = 15.62, P < .001). Females had higher scores on both the pretest Stress-O-Meter (5.15 ± 1.796) and the Perceived Stress Scale (18.31 ± 5.833) than males (4.25 ± 1.741 and 15.272 ± 5.390, respectively).

Conclusions:

Both cognitive and somatic relaxation strategies reduced cortisol levels. Participants who received verbal guidance achieved a larger cortisol reduction. However, the change in cortisol level was uncorrelated with the change in report of acute stress; females reported higher levels of stress. Clinical implications include attention to sex when assessing stress and providing coping skills during the rehabilitation process.
The Importance of Multimodality Pelvic Ultrasound Simulation in Teaching of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents
Authors: Vallabh-Patel Vaneesha , Mendez Melissa
Published: February 2014

Objective

The use of transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound is the test of choice in many Obstetrics and Gynecology practices. The objective of our study is to demonstrate how simulated ultrasound teaching could improve residents’ knowledge between PGY1 and PGY2 years in the area of (1) the ability to perform an accurate transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound in a sensitive manner, (2) to identify and describe normal and abnormal female pelvic sonographic findings for interpretation and (3) to demonstrate clinical sonographic correlation of the most common clinical presentations on pelvic ultrasound.

Materials and methods

A total of 24 residents participated in this course during their usual scheduled training period from July 2011 to July 2013. Twelve of the 24 residents had previously taken the course 1 year prior and were used to compare changes in their level of understanding of the subject matter. An introductory lecture with a precourse knowledge assessment was initially provided to the residents prior to simulation training. The residents were then randomized into four groups of 2 to 3 residents and provided 45 minutes of training at each simulation station.

Results

Overall, the mean score for all three stations was noted to be 81.1 and 88.9%, respectively, between PGY1 and PGY2 residents during the 3 years.

Conclusion

The results of both high fidelity and low fidelity simulations have improved when comparing the increase in scores between the PGY1 and the same learners as PGY2s in the following year. We have shown that of the 12 residents who were able to repeat the course during concurrent years, there was an increase in the post evaluation scores each year.

How to cite this article

Vallabh-Patel V, Mendez M, Kupesic Plavsic S. The Importance of Multimodality Pelvic Ultrasound Simulation in Teaching of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(1):1-5.
Increased absorption by coarse aerosol particles over the Gangetic–Himalayan region
Authors: Manoharan V. S. , Kotamarthi R. , Feng Y. , Cadeddu M. P.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Each atmospheric aerosol type has distinctive light-absorption characteristics related to its physical/chemical properties. Climate models treat black carbon as the main light-absorbing component of carbonaceous atmospheric aerosols, while absorption by some organic aerosols is also considered, particularly at ultraviolet wavelengths. Most absorbing aerosols are assumed to be < 1 μm in diameter (sub-micron). Here we present results from a recent field study in India, primarily during the post-monsoon season (October–November), suggesting the presence of absorbing aerosols sized 1–10 μm. Absorption due to super-micron-sized particles was nearly 30% greater than that due to smaller particles. Periods of increased absorption by larger particles ranged from a week to a month. Radiative forcing calculations under clear-sky conditions show that super-micron particles account for nearly 44% of the total aerosol forcing. The origin of the large aerosols is unknown, but meteorological conditions indicate that they are of local origin. Such economic and habitation conditions exist throughout much of the developing world. Hence, large absorbing particles could be an important component of the regional-scale atmospheric energy balance.
Global and regional impacts of HONO on the chemical composition of clouds and aerosols
Authors: Elshorbany Y. F. , Crutzen P. J. , Steil B. , Pozzer A. , Tost H. , Lelieveld J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Recently, realistic simulation of nitrous acid (HONO) based on the HONO / NOx ratio of 0.02 was found to have a significant impact on the global budgets of HOx (OH + HO2) and gas phase oxidation products in polluted regions, especially in winter when other photolytic sources are of minor importance. It has been reported that chemistry-transport models underestimate sulphate concentrations, mostly during winter. Here we show that simulating realistic HONO levels can significantly enhance aerosol sulphate (S(VI)) due to the increased formation of H2SO4. Even though in-cloud aqueous phase oxidation of dissolved SO2 (S(IV)) is the main source of S(VI), it appears that HONO related enhancement of H2O2 does not significantly affect sulphate because of the predominantly S(IV) limited conditions, except over eastern Asia. Nitrate is also increased via enhanced gaseous HNO3 formation and N2O5 hydrolysis on aerosol particles. Ammonium nitrate is enhanced in ammonia-rich regions but not under ammonia-limited conditions. Furthermore, particle number concentrations are also higher, accompanied by the transfer from hydrophobic to hydrophilic aerosol modes. This implies a significant impact on the particle lifetime and cloud nucleating properties. The HONO induced enhancements of all species studied are relatively strong in winter though negligible in summer. Simulating realistic HONO levels is found to improve the model-measurement agreement of sulphate aerosols, most apparent over the US. Our results underscore the importance of HONO for the atmospheric oxidizing capacity and corroborate the central role of cloud chemical processing in S(IV) formation.
Vertically resolved aerosol properties by multi-wavelength lidar measurements
Authors: Perrone M. R. , De Tomasi F. , Gobbi G. P.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. An approach based on the graphical method of Gobbi and co-authors (2007) is introduced to estimate the dependence on altitude of the aerosol fine mode radius (Rf) and of the fine mode contribution (η) to the aerosol optical thickness (AOT) from three-wavelength lidar measurements. The graphical method of Gobbi and co-authors (2007) was applied to AERONET (AErosol RObotic NETwork) spectral extinction observations and relies on the combined analysis of the Ångstrom exponent (å) and its spectral curvature Δå. Lidar measurements at 355, 532 and 1064 nm were used in this study to retrieve the vertical profiles of å and Δå and to estimate the dependence on altitude of Rf and η(532 nm) from the å–Δå combined analysis. Lidar measurements were performed at the Department of Mathematics and Physics of the Universita' del Salento, in south-eastern Italy. Aerosol from continental Europe, the Atlantic, northern Africa, and the Mediterranean Sea are often advected over south-eastern Italy and as a consequence, mixed advection patterns leading to aerosol properties varying with altitude are dominant. The proposed approach was applied to ten measurement days to demonstrate its feasibility in different aerosol load conditions. The selected days were characterized by AOTs spanning the 0.26–0.67, 0.15–0.39, and 0.04–0.27 range at 355, 532, and 1064 nm, respectively. Mean lidar ratios varied within the 31–83, 32–84, and 11–47 sr range at 355, 532, and 1064 nm, respectively, for the high variability of the aerosol optical and microphysical properties. å values calculated from lidar extinction profiles at 355 and 1064 nm ranged between 0.1 and 2.5 with a mean value ± 1 standard deviation equal to 1.3 ± 0.7. Δå varied within the −0.1–1 range with mean value equal to 0.25 ± 0.43. Rf and η(532 nm) values spanning the 0.05–0.3 μm and the 0.3–0.99 range, respectively, were associated with the å–Δå data points. Rf and η values showed no dependence on the altitude. 60% of the data points were in the Δå–å space delimited by the η and Rf curves varying within 0.80–0.99 and 0.05–0.15 μm, respectively, for the dominance of fine-mode particles in driving the AOT over south-eastern Italy. Vertical profiles of the linear particle depolarization ratio retrieved from lidar measurements, aerosol products from AERONET sun photometer measurements collocated in space and time, analytical back trajectories, satellite true colour images, and dust concentrations from the BSC–DREAM (Barcelona Super Computing Center-Dust REgional Atmospheric Model) model were used to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method.
On the role of monoterpene chemistry in the remote continental boundary layer
Authors: Browne E. C. , Wooldridge P. J. , Min K.-E. , Cohen R. C.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The formation of organic nitrates (RONO2) represents an important NOx (NOx = NO + NO2) sink in the remote and rural continental atmosphere, thus impacting ozone production and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. In these remote and rural environments, the organic nitrates are primarily derived from biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) such as isoprene and monoterpenes. Although there are numerous studies investigating the formation of SOA from monoterpenes, there are few studies investigating monoterpene gas-phase chemistry. Using a regional chemical transport model with an extended representation of organic nitrate chemistry, we investigate the processes controlling the production and fate of monoterpene nitrates (MTNs) over the boreal forest of Canada. MTNs account for 5–12% of total oxidized nitrogen over the boreal forest, and production via NO3 chemistry is more important than production via OH when the NOx mixing ratio is greater than 75 pptv. The regional responses are investigated for two oxidation pathways of MTNs: one that returns NOx to the atmosphere and one that converts MTNs into a nitrate that behaves like HNO3. The likely situation is in between, and these two assumptions bracket the uncertainty about this chemistry. In the case where the MTNs return NOx after oxidation, their formation represents a net chemical NOx loss that exceeds the net loss to peroxy nitrate formation. When oxidation of MTNs produces a molecule that behaves like HNO3, HNO3 and MTNs are nearly equal chemical sinks for NOx. This uncertainty in the oxidative fate of MTNs results in changes in NOx of 8–14%, in O3 of up to 3%, and in OH of 3–6% between the two model simulations.
Remote sensing of volcanic ash plumes from thermal infrared: a case study analysis from SEVIRI, MODIS and IASI instruments
Authors: Dubuisson P. , Herbin H. , Minvielle F. , Compiègne M. , Thieuleux F. , Parol F. , Pelon J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The Eyjafjallajökull eruption, which occurred during May 2010, is used as a case study to evaluate the consistency of the detection and characterization of volcanic ash plumes from different thermal infrared instruments. In this study, the well-known split window technique is used to retrieve the optical thickness and the effective particle size, and to estimate the mass concentration of volcanic particles from brightness temperatures measured in the infrared atmospheric window (8–12 μm). Retrievals are obtained for several mineral compositions whose optical properties are computed using Mie theory accounting for spectral variations of the refractive index. The impacts of errors in atmospheric parameters on the a posteriori uncertainties have been analysed. This analysis confirmed that major sources of errors are the layer altitude, the particle composition and, most of all, the size distribution for which uncertainties in retrievals can reach 50% in mass loading estimates. This retrieval algorithm is then applied to measurements acquired near-simultaneously from MODIS, SEVIRI and IASI space-borne instruments, using two channels around 11 μm and 12 μm. The retrievals are in close agreement when taking into account the different spatial and spectral configurations, and deviations between retrievals remain less than the uncertainties due to errors in atmospheric parameters. This analysis demonstrates the robustness of the retrieval method and the consistency of observations from these instruments for volcanic ash plume monitoring.
A smog chamber comparison of a microfluidic derivatisation measurement of gas-phase glyoxal and methylglyoxal with other analytical techniques
Authors: Pang X. , Lewis A. C. , Rickard A. R. , Baeza-Romero M. T. , Adams T. J. , Ball S. M. , Daniels M. J. S. , Goodall I. C. A. , Monks P. S. , Peppe S. , Ródenas García M. , Sánchez P. , Muñoz A.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. A microfluidic lab-on-a-chip derivatisation technique has been developed to measure part per billion (ppbV) mixing ratios of gaseous glyoxal (GLY) and methylglyoxal (MGLY), and the method is compared with other techniques in a smog chamber experiment. The method uses o-(2, 3, 4, 5, 6-pentafluorobenzyl) hydroxylamine (PFBHA) as a derivatisation reagent and a microfabricated planar glass micro-reactor comprising an inlet, gas and fluid splitting and combining channels, mixing junctions, and a heated capillary reaction microchannel. The enhanced phase contact area-to-volume ratio and the high heat transfer rate in the micro-reactor resulted in a fast and highly efficient derivatisation reaction, generating an effluent stream ready for direct introduction to a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). A linear response for GLY was observed over a calibration range 0.7 to 400 ppbV, and for MGLY of 1.2 to 300 ppbV, when derivatised under optimal reaction conditions. The analytical performance shows good accuracy (6.6% for GLY and 7.5% for MGLY), suitable precision (<12.0%) with method detection limits (MDLs) of 75 pptV for GLY and 185 pptV for MGLY, with a time resolution of 30 min. These MDLs are below or close to typical concentrations of these compounds observed in ambient air. The feasibility of the technique was assessed by applying the methodology to quantify α-dicarbonyls formed during the photo-oxidation of isoprene in the EUPHORE chamber. Good correlations were found between microfluidic measurements and Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR) with a correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.84, Broadband Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (BBCEAS) (r2 = 0.75), solid phase micro extraction (SPME) (r2 = 0.89), and a photochemical chamber box modelling calculation (r2 = 0.79) for GLY measurements. For MGLY measurements, the microfluidic technique showed good agreement with BBCEAS (r2 = 0.87), SPME (r2 = 0.76), and the modeling simulation (r2 = 0.83), FTIR (r2 = 0.72) but displayed a discrepancy with Proton-Transfer Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) with r2 value of 0.39.
Dependence of coastal wetland ecosystem respiration on temperature and tides: a temporal perspective
Authors: Xie X. , Zhang M.-Q. , Zhao B. , Guo H.-Q.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Variations in temperature are widely invoked to explain fluctuations in ecosystem respiration (ER), but hydrological conditions also influence ER. Many researchers have observed that aperiodic variations in hydrological conditions affect ER and the associated temperature sensitivity. However, little is known about how periodic hydrological dynamics affect ER and its relationship with temperature on different timescales. In the present study, data from two coastal wetland sites were used to compare the variations in thermal and tidal influences on ER at three timescales (monthly, seasonal, and semiannual), and we found that (1) the influences of tides and temperature on ER varied with time. Especially in summer, the ER exhibited periodic dynamics regulated by tides; (2) in the temporal domain, temperature was dominant at the semiannual and seasonal scales, while the tidal effect was dominant at the monthly scale. In the spatial domain, the relative importance of temperature was greater at higher elevation sites, while tides exerted more influence at lower elevation sites; (3) the monthly model with tidal effect performed best, while regression models at semiannual and seasonal scales generated systematic errors in ER. These results demonstrate that, for coastal wetlands, the application of parameters from regression models based on long-term (seasonal or semiannual) data should be avoided in gap filling, and the effects of tides and elevation should be considered in estimating the carbon budget.
Distributions and assemblages of larval fish in the East China Sea during the northeasterly and southwesterly monsoon seasons of 2008
Authors: Chen W. Y. , Lee M. A. , Lan K. W. , Gong G. C.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. A total of 8459 larval fish were collected from the southern East China Sea during the winter northeasterly monsoon season and the summer southwesterly monsoon season of 2008. The larvae comprised 184 species belonging to 105 families and 162 genera. The abundance in terms of CPUE (number of individuals/1000 m3) of the larvae was approximately 6 times higher during the southwesterly monsoon season than it was during the northeasterly monsoon season. The primary environmental factors affecting the larval abundance were water temperature during the northeasterly monsoon season, and food availability during the southwesterly monsoon season. Three larval fish assemblages were recognized: inshore assemblage, offshore assemblage, and summer coastal assemblage. The distribution and species composition of the larvae in the assemblages reflected the hydrographic conditions and water currents resulting from the seasonal monsoons.
Albedo-induced radiative forcing from mountain pine beetle outbreaks in forests, south-central Rocky Mountains: magnitude, persistence, and relation to outbreak severity
Authors: Vanderhoof M. , Williams C. A. , Shuai Y. , Jarvis D. , Kulakowski D. , Masek J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Mountain pine beetle (MPB) outbreaks in North America are widespread and have potentially persistent impacts on forest albedo and associated radiative forcing. This study utilized multiple data sets, both current and historical, within lodgepole pine stands in the south-central Rocky Mountains to quantify the full radiative forcing impact of outbreak events for decades after outbreak (0–60 yr) and the role of outbreak severity in determining that impact. Change in annual albedo and radiative forcing peaked at 14–20 yr post-outbreak (0.06 ± 0.006 and −0.8 ± 0.1 W m−2, respectively) and recovered to pre-outbreak levels by 30–40 yr post-outbreak. Change in albedo was significant in all four seasons, but strongest in winter with the increased visibility of snow (radiative cooling of −1.6 ± 0.2 W m−2, −3.0 ± 0.4 W m−2, and −1.6 ± 0.2 W m−2 for 2–13, 14–20 and 20–30 yr post-outbreak, respectively). Change in winter albedo and radiative forcing also increased with outbreak severity (percent tree mortality). Persistence of albedo effects are seen as a function of the growth rate and species composition of surviving trees, and the establishment and growth of both understory herbaceous vegetation and tree species, all of which may vary with outbreak severity. The establishment and persistence of deciduous trees was found to increase the temporal persistence of albedo effects. MPB-induced changes to radiative forcing may have feedbacks for regional temperature and the hydrological cycle, which could impact future MPB outbreaks dynamics.
Physical processes mediating climate change impacts on regional sea ecosystems
Authors: Holt J. , Schrum C. , Cannaby H. , Daewel U. , Allen I. , Artioli Y. , Bopp L. , Butenschon M. , Fach B. A. , Harle J. , Pushpadas D. , Salihoglu B. , Wakelin S.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Regional seas are exceptionally vulnerable to climate change, yet are the most directly societally important regions of the marine environment. The combination of widely varying conditions of mixing, forcing, geography (coastline and bathymetry) and exposure to the open-ocean makes these seas subject to a wide range of physical processes that mediates how large scale climate change impacts on these seas' ecosystems. In this paper we explore these physical processes and their biophysical interactions, and the effects of atmospheric, oceanic and terrestrial change on them. Our aim is to elucidate the controlling dynamical processes and how these vary between and within regional seas. We focus on primary production and consider the potential climatic impacts: on long term changes in elemental budgets, on seasonal and mesoscale processes that control phytoplankton's exposure to light and nutrients, and briefly on direct temperature response. We draw examples from the MEECE FP7 project and five regional models systems using ECOSMO, POLCOMS-ERSEM and BIMS_ECO. These cover the Barents Sea, Black Sea, Baltic Sea, North Sea, Celtic Seas, and a region of the Northeast Atlantic, using a common global ocean-atmosphere model as forcing. We consider a common analysis approach, and a more detailed analysis of the POLCOMS-ERSEM model. Comparing projections for the end of the 21st century with mean present day conditions, these simulations generally show an increase in seasonal and permanent stratification (where present). However, the first order (low- and mid-latitude) effect in the open ocean projections of increased permanent stratification leading to reduced nutrient levels, and so to reduced primary production, is largely absent, except in the NE Atlantic. Instead, results show a highly heterogeneous picture of positive and negative change arising from the varying mixing and circulation conditions. Even in the two highly stratified, deep water seas (Black and Baltic Seas) the increase in stratification is not seen as a first order control on primary production. The approaches to downscaled experiment design and lessons learned from the MEECE project are also discussed.
Inter-hemispheric asymmetry in the sea-ice response to volcanic forcing simulated by MPI-ESM (COSMOS-Mill)
Authors: Zanchettin D. , Bothe O. , Timmreck C. , Bader J. , Beitsch A. , Graf H.-F. , Notz D. , Jungclaus J. H.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The decadal evolution of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice following strong volcanic eruptions is investigated in four climate simulation ensembles performed with the COSMOS-Mill version of the Max Planck Institute-Earth System Model. The ensembles differ in the magnitude of the imposed volcanic perturbations, with sizes representative of historical tropical eruptions (1991 Pinatubo and 1815 Tambora) and of tropical and extra-tropical "supervolcano" eruptions. A post-eruption Arctic sea-ice expansion is robustly detected in all ensembles, while Antarctic sea ice responds only to "supervolcano" eruptions, undergoing an initial short-lived expansion and a subsequent prolonged contraction phase. Strong volcanic forcing therefore emerges as a potential source of inter-hemispheric interannual-to-decadal climate variability, although the inter-hemispheric signature is weak in the case of historical-size eruptions. The post-eruption inter-hemispheric decadal asymmetry in sea ice is interpreted as a consequence mainly of different exposure of Arctic and Antarctic regional climates to induced meridional heat transport changes and of dominating local feedbacks that set in within the Antarctic region. "Supervolcano" experiments help clarifying differences in simulated hemispheric internal dynamics related to imposed negative net radiative imbalances, including the relative importance of the thermal and dynamical components of the sea-ice response. "Supervolcano" experiments could therefore serve the assessment of climate models' behavior under strong external forcing conditions and, consequently, favor advancements in our understanding of simulated sea-ice dynamics.
Tracking winter extra-tropical cyclones based on their relative vorticity evolution and sensitivity to prior data filtering (cycloTRACK v1.0)
Authors: Flaounas E. , Kotroni V. , Lagouvardos K. , Flaounas I.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. In this study we present a new cyclone identification and tracking algorithm. Identification is based on a recognition pattern of enclosed contours of 850 hPa filtered relative vorticity values, while tracking is based on the minimization of a cost function. In particular, for each tracked cyclone our algorithm builds all possible tracks and finally chooses the one which presents the least differences of relative vorticity between consecutive track points. In parallel, for each track point the algorithm provides a cyclone area within which different physical diagnostics are calculated (such as pressure and wind speed). The area size is a function of the cyclone relative vorticity. To validate our approach we apply the algorithm on the Northern Hemisphere for the winters of 1989–2009. Three integrations of the algorithm were performed, each by using different filtering strengths. Using the three integrations, we assess the algorithm sensitivity to prior filtering the relative vorticity field. We show that filtering the input relative vorticity fields has an impact only on the weak cyclones, while in their majority the strong cyclones are independently detected and tracked.
A physical approach on flood risk vulnerability of buildings
Authors: Mazzorana B. , Simoni S. , Scherer C. , Gems B. , Fuchs S. , Keiler M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The design of efficient hydrological risk mitigation strategies and their subsequent implementation relies on a careful vulnerability analysis of the elements exposed. Recently, extensive research efforts were undertaken to develop and refine empirical relationships linking the structural vulnerability of buildings to the impact forces of the hazard processes. These empirical vulnerability functions allow estimating the expected direct losses as a result of the hazard scenario based on spatially explicit representation of the process patterns and the elements at risk classified into defined typological categories. However, due to the underlying empiricism of such vulnerability functions, the physics of the damage generating mechanisms for a well-defined element at risk with its peculiar geometry and structural characteristics remain unveiled, and, as such, the applicability of the empirical approach for planning hazard-proof residential buildings is limited. Therefore, we propose a conceptual assessment scheme to close this gap. This assessment scheme encompasses distinct analytical steps: modelling (a) the process intensity, (b) the impact on the element at risk exposed and (c) the physical response of the building envelope. Furthermore, these results provide the input data for the subsequent damage evaluation and economic damage valuation. This dynamic assessment supports all relevant planning activities with respect to a minimisation of losses, and can be implemented in the operational risk assessment procedure.
Low-cost assessment tools for the development of psychomotor competency in procedural surgical skills
Authors: Doud A. , Dockter R. , Vetter D. , Rana J. , Koester M. , Rzeszutek Z. , Hjaltason J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. While didactic training is a crucial element of education in the health care profession, current technologies leveraging low cost data acquisition and processing may provide an attractive alternative means for rapid, objective assessment of the foundational skills. When these technologies are leveraged towards improving the procedural surgical skill set, there is a strong opportunity for enhancing current training practices. While the proctor will still play a crucial role in the refinement of clinical judgment, affordable options for rapid training of procedural skills may serve as an avenue to free an expert proctor to focus on the more nuanced elements of medical training. Here we propose and implement a system for the low cost assessment and training of procedural surgical skills. A knot-tying module and a tool articulation module were created using affordable sensing technologies, and initial validation with a trained clinician showed that the devices could discriminate correctly and poorly tied knots. The system lays the framework for a modular experiential component of skills development in the training of health professionals.
Evaluating intense precipitation in high-resolution numerical model over a tropical island: impact of model horizontal resolution
Authors: Yu N. , Barthe C. , Plu M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. A test of sensitivity to the model grid spacing for extreme rainfall simulation is carried out for the tropical island of La Réunion, which holds several world records of precipitation. An extreme rain event occurring during the moist season in 2011 is selected to study the numerical model behavior at four horizontal resolutions: 4 km, 2 km, 1 km and 500 m. The assessment based on raingauge network shows that the performance of daily rain simulation increases as reducing the model grid spacing from 4 km to 1 km. The spatial variability of 24 h rainfall is well captured by the simulation at 1 km and 500 m resolution. However, refining the resolution from 1 km to 500 m has little impact on the model performance compared to the 1 km run. Diagnosis analysis and numerical experiment reveal that only the 1 km and 500 m grid spacings are able to simulate a cold pool located near the coastal area of the island. This cold pool triggers the thermal lifting and creates convergence between the prevailing moist flow and offshore land breeze. The observed precipitation, air temperature and wind get good agreements with these simulated features. However, this cold pool is missed in the 4 km and 2 km simulations. Our study highlights the important role of air mixing with microphysical processes at 1 km scale in simulating such intense precipitations.
Qualified temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen climatologies in a changing Adriatic Sea
Authors: Lipizer M. , Partescano E. , Rabitti A. , Giorgetti A. , Crise A.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. An updated climatology, based on a comprehensive dataset (1911–2009) of temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen, has been produced for the whole Adriatic Sea with the Variational Inverse Method using the DIVA software. Climatological maps were produced at 26 levels and validated with Ordinary Cross Validation and with real vs. synthetic Temperature–Salinity diagram intercomparison. The concept of Climatology–Observation Misfit (COM) has been introduced as an estimate of the physical variability associated with the climatological structures. In order to verify the temporal stability of the climatology, long-term variability has been investigated in the Mid Adriatic and the South Adriatic Pits, regarded as the most suitable records of possible long-term changes. Compared with previous climatologies, this study reveals a surface temperature rise (up to 2 °C), a clear deep dissolved oxygen minimum in the South Adriatic Gyre and a bottom summer oxygen minimum in the North Adriatic. Below 100 m all properties profoundly differ between the Middle and the South Adriatic. The South Adriatic Pit clearly shows the remote effects of the Eastern Mediterranean Transient, while no effect is observed in Middle Adriatic Pits. The deepest part of the South Adriatic seems now to be significantly saltier (+0.18 since the period 1911–1914, with an increase of +0.018 decade−1 since the late 1940s) and warmer (+0.54 °C since 1911–1914), even though a long-term temperature trend could not be statistically demonstrated. Conversely, the Middle Adriatic Pits present a long-term increase in apparent oxygen utilisation (+0.77 mL L−1 since 1911–1914, with a constant increase of +0.2 mL L−1 decade−1 after the 1970s).
Extreme winter 2012 in the Adriatic: an example of climatic effect on the BiOS rhythm
Authors: Gačić M. , Civitarese G. , Kovačević V. , Ursella L. , Bensi M. , Menna M. , Cardin V. , Poulain P.-M. , Cosoli S. , Notarstefano G. , Pizzi C.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Adriatic and Ionian Seas are Mediterranean sub-basins linked through the Bimodal Oscillating System mechanism responsible for decadal reversals of the Ionian basin-wide circulation. Altimetric maps showed that the last cyclonic mode started in 2011 but unexpectedly in 2012 reversed to anticyclone. We related this "premature" inversion to extremely strong winter in 2012, which caused the formation of very dense Adriatic waters, flooding Ionian flanks in May and inverting the bottom pressure gradient. Using Lagrangian float measurements, the linear regression between the sea surface height and three isopycnal depths suggests that the southward deep-layer flow coincided with the surface northward geostrophic current and the anti-cyclonic circulation regime. Density variations at depth in the north-western Ionian revealed the arrival of Adriatic dense waters in May and maximum density in September. Comparison between the sea level height in the north-western Ionian and in the basin centre showed that in coincidence with the arrival of the newly formed Adriatic dense waters the sea level lowered in the north-western flank inverting the surface pressure gradient. Toward the end of 2012, the density gradient between the basin flanks and its centre went to zero, coinciding with the weakening of the anticyclonic circulation and eventually with its return to the cyclonic pattern. Thus, the premature and transient reversal of Ionian surface circulation originated from the extremely harsh winter in the Adriatic, resulting in the formation and spreading of highly dense bottom waters. The present study highlights the remarkable sensitiveness of the Adriatic–Ionian BiOS to climatic forcing.
Modelling of the wave fields by the modification of the matrix method in anisotropic media
Authors: Pavlova A.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The modification of the matrix method of construction of wave field on the free surface of an anisotropic medium is presented. The earthquake source represented by a randomly oriented force or a seismic moment tensor is placed on an arbitrary boundary of a layered anisotropic medium. The theory of the matrix propagator in a homogeneous anisotropic medium by introducing a "wave propagator" is presented. It is shown that, for an anisotropic layered medium, the matrix propagator can be represented by a "wave propagator" in each layer. The matrix propagator P (z, z0 = 0) acts on the free surface of the layered medium and generates stress-displacement vector at depth z. The displacement field on the free surface of an anisotropic medium is obtained from the received system of equations considering the radiation condition and that the free surface is stressless. The approbation of the modification of the matrix method for isotropic and anisotropic media with TI symmetry is done. A comparative analysis of our results with the synthetic seismic records obtained by other methods and published in foreign papers is executed.
Brief Communication: Further summer speedup of Jakobshavn Isbræ
Authors: Joughin I. , Smith B. E. , Shean D. E. , Floricioiu D.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. We have extended the record of flow speed on Jakobshavn Isbræ through the summer of 2013. These new data reveal large seasonal speedups, 30 to 50% greater than previous summers. At a point a few kilometres inland from the terminus, the mean annual speed for 2012 is nearly three times as great as that in the mid-1990s, while the peak summer speeds are more than a factor of four greater. These speeds were achieved as the glacier terminus appears to have retreated to the bottom of an over-deepened basin with a depth of ~ 1300 m below sea level. The terminus is likely to reach the deepest section of the trough within a few decades, after which it could rapidly retreat to the shallower regions ~ 50 km farther upstream, potentially by the end of this century.