bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variability of the particulate organic matter vertical flux in the central region of the Gulf of California
Authors: García-Pámanes J , Trasviña-Castro A , Lara-Lara JR , Bazán-Guzmán C
Published: August 2012

Seasonal variability of particulate organic matter (POM) fluxes and the amount exported from the upper 200 m of the water column was studied during four oceanographic cruises in Guaymas Basin during autumn 1994 and spring, summer, and autumn 1995. We used an array of drifting sediment traps to measure the particulate fluxes at 50, 100, and 200 m depths in the upper water column. The mean depths of the mixed layer varied from 20.8 m in summer 1995 to 29.6 m in spring 1995, and of the euphotic zone from 33.2 m in spring 1995 to 51.6 m in summer 1995. Mean phytoplankton biomass ranged from 36.9 mg Chla m–2 in autumn 1995 to 85.9 mg Chla m–2 in spring 1995. Higher POM fluxes occurred during autumn 1994 and spring 1995, while lower fluxes occurred during summer and autumn 1995. The percentage of daily primary productivity exported from the upper 200 m of the water column varied from 3.6% to 8.9% and is within the range reported for other regions. The C:N ratios were homogeneous, regardless of depth, and varied from 9.0 to 13.8. The particulate organic carbon residence time varied from 3.7 to 11.2 d, and was higher in summer and lower in autumn. Consequently, benthonic heterotrophic organisms get their food from seasonal pulses. The total exported carbon for the area was estimated to be about 300 × 103 t yr–1, which suggests that during summer, this region acts as a carbon sink; however, more data are needed to understand the yearly balance.
Impact of substrate and the presence of adults on recruitment of the red sea urchin Strongylocentrotus franciscanus in Baja California
Authors: Palleiro-Nayar JS , Sosa-Nishizaki O , Montaño-Moctezuma G
Published: August 2012

Several authors have studied the protection that adult red sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) offer their juveniles and have found that post-settlement mortality due to the absence of adults can diminish recruitment to adult populations. It is also well documented that adult sea urchin densities are low in overexploited populations, reducing the protection adults can offer juveniles. When adults are absent, habitat structure plays a key role in the protection of juveniles against predation. In this study we analyze the spatial variation in S. franciscanus recruitment and assess the impact of substrate availability (percentage of crevices) and adult sea urchin density on recruitment along the west coast of Baja California. Recruit and adult red sea urchin densities were estimated at 10 sites by scuba diving. Habitat structure was assessed by the analysis of digital video images. Temporal variation in red sea urchin recruitment as well as its relation to substrate availability and adult density were analyzed at two sites during three consecutive years. There were significant differences in recruit density among sites and substrate structure was the main factor that explained these differences. Adult densities did not explain recruitment differences among sites; however, the temporal analysis results showed that both substrate structure and adult densities were important in explaining recruit densities at both sites. The absence of a clear spatial pattern suggests that other factors such as harvesting and larval retention may explain the differences observed in the density of recruits among sites.
Evaluating fish assemblages associated with gas platforms: Evidence from a visual census technique and experimental fishing surveys
Authors: Andaloro F , Castriota L , Ferraro M , Romeo T , Sara G , Consoli P
Published: August 2012

Fish assemblages associated with extractive platforms were surveyed, for the first time, using traditional fishing surveys (bottom gill net) and an underwater visual census (UVC) technique in order to test the effectiveness and to identify strengths and weaknesses of both methods. The study was carried out during three seasons at two offshore gas platforms (Eleonora and Squalo C) located in the central Adriatic Sea. Both methods recorded a similar number of fish species although with only eight species in common, thus supplying complementary information and a good estimate of the total fish species richness (39) associated with these gas platforms. The use of innovative techniques, such as UVC, to explore the inner part of the platforms, allowed the censusing of several cryptobenthic species, mostly Blennidae (8 species), never recorded during previous studies. Even if both methods were able to detect temporal variability, only the UVC technique was able to highlight spatial changes between platforms, demonstrating their high efficiency regarding the quality of the scientific information supplied. The innovative method of studying biodiversity presented in this study appears to be highly reproducible and suitable for monitoring fish diversity in artificial and very complex habitats like gas platforms.
Reproductive aspects of Octopus hubbsorum (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae) from Espíritu Santo Island, southern Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: Pliego-Cárdenas R , García-Domínguez FA , Ceballos-Vázquez BP , Villalejo-Fuerte M , Arellano-Martínez M
Published: August 2012

Reproductive aspects (spawning season, size and weight at maturity, and fecundity) of Octopus hubbsorum are reported for Espíritu Santo Island, southern Gulf of California (Mexico). A total of 230 octopuses were captured (46% females and 54% males) between June 2006 and June 2007. The sex ratio was not significantly different from 1:1 (P > than 0.05) except in November, when more males were captured than females. Four sexual maturity stages were established for both sexes: immature, maturing, mature, and prespawning (for females) or spawning (for males). The principal spawning season of O. hubbsorum occurred in autumn, when sea surface temperature ranged from 24 to 29 ºC. The size and weight at maturity were 390 mm and 445 g, respectively, for males and 490 mm and 680 g, respectively, for females. The mean potential fecundity was 205,144 oocytes per female and the mean relative fecundity was 309 oocytes per gram of female body weight. Maturing females apparently use substances stored in the digestive gland.
Larval abundance and spat collection of the lion’s paw scallop Nodipecten subnodosus in Ojo de Liebre Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: Maguino-Napurí R , Maeda-Martínez AN , Moctezuma-Cano T , Valle-Meza G , Acosta-Salmón H
Published: August 2012

Large numbers of spat of giant lion’s paw scallop Nodipecten subnodosus are required for the development of the scallop aquaculture industry. Despite the large adult populations of this species in Ojo de Liebre Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico, attempts to collect spat with onion bag collectors during the reproductive season (September–November) have not been successful. We assessed lion’s paw spatfall at three sites (La Ventana, El Conchalito, and El Borbollón) within the lagoon, where high recruitment was previously recorded. Netlon collectors instead of onion bags were used and they were deployed at each site at a depth of 1 m on two occasions (October and November 2007) when pediveliger larvae were more abundant. Collectors were retrieved and evaluated in February 2008, after being submerged for 118 or 82 days. Pediveliger larvae were present from late September to late November at all three sites. Densities peaked at 1 m in mid-November and were significantly higher at La Ventana, accounting for 12,400 larvae m–3. Collectors installed in October at El Conchalito showed higher (P < 0.05) mean recruitment (1.7 ± 0.2 spat per collector) than collectors set in November (0.4 ± 0.3 spat per collector). Collectors installed in October and November at La Ventana had 0.6 ± 0.3 and 0.9 ± 0.2 spat per collector, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the growth rates of the juveniles collected. High densities of larvae in the plankton during November indicated that high reproductive activity occurred earlier that month or in late October. La Ventana showed the highest potential for spat collection based on larval abundance, followed by El Borbollón and El Conchalito; however, El Conchalito showed the highest spat recruitment, followed by La Ventana and El Borbollón. Since spat collection was relatively low at all sites, more efforts to determine better collection sites and techniques, as well as appropriate deployment times are required.
Mining the Salivary Proteome with Grating‐Coupled Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging and Surface Plasmon Coupled Emission Microarrays
Authors: Molony Ryan D. , Rice James M. , Yuk Jong Seol , Shetty Vivek , Dey Dipak , Lawrence David A. , Lynes Michael A.
Published: August 2012

Biological indicators have numerous and widespread utility in personalized medicine, but the measurement of these indicators also poses many technological and practical challenges. Blood/plasma has typically been used as the sample source with which to measure these indicators, but the invasiveness associated with sample procurement has led to increased interest in saliva as an attractive alternative. However, there are unique issues associated with the measurement of saliva biomarkers. These issues are compounded by the imperfect correlation between saliva and plasma with respect to biomarker profiles. In this manuscript, we address the technical challenges associated with saliva biomarker quantification. We describe a high‐content microarray assay that employs both grating‐coupled surface plasmon resonance imaging and surface plasmon–coupled emission modalities in a highly sensitive assay with a large dynamic range. This powerful approach provides the tools to map the proteome of saliva, which in turn should greatly enhance the utility of salivary biomarker profiles in personalized medicine. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 53:18.16.1‐18.16.19. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Complexation‐Induced Biomimetic Long Range Fibrous Orientation in a Rigid‐Flexible Block Copolymer Thermogel
Authors: Park Min Hee , Choi Bo Gyu , Jeong Byeongmoon
Published: August 2012

The orientation of the organofibrous structure plays an important role not only in the biomineralization process but also in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of articular cartilage by providing cells with biomechanical cues. Here, it is reported that a long range nanofibrous orientation can be realized by a self‐assembling ionic complex between (+)‐charged amphiphilic peptide block copolymers with a rigid‐flexible block structure (polyalanine‐PLX‐polyalanine; PA‐PLX‐PA) and (‐)‐charged hyaluronic acid (HA). A biomimetic 3D culture system encapsulating chondrocytes is formed by a temperature‐sensitive sol‐to‐gel transition of the PA‐PLX‐PA/HA complex aqueous solution, which provides a compatible microenvironment for the cells. The cell proliferation and biomarker expression for articular cartilage are significantly improved in the PA‐PLX‐PA/HA complex system relative to the PA‐PLX‐PA or the commercially available Matrigel systems. In particular, noticeable cell clustering is observed in the PA‐PLX‐PA/HA complex system with the long range nanofibrous structure. This research suggests a new method for developing a nanofibrous structure using an amphiphilic peptide block copolymer and demonstrates its potential uses as a unique biomimetic cell‐culture matrix.
Associations between sedentary behavior and motor coordination in children
Authors: Lopes Luís , Santos Rute , Pereira Beatriz , Lopes Vítor Pires
Published: August 2012

Objectives:

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between objectively measured sedentary behavior (SB) and motor coordination (MC) in Portuguese children, accounting for physical activity (PA), accelerometer wear time, waist‐to‐height ratio, and mother's education level.

Methods:

A cross‐sectional school‐based study was conducted on 213 children (110 girls and 103 boys) aged 9–10 in the north of Portugal during the spring of 2010. Accelerometers were used to obtain detailed objective information about daily PA and SB over five consecutive days. MC was measured with a body coordination test (Körperkoordination Test für Kinder). Waist and height were measured by standardized protocols and the waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) was calculated. A questionnaire was used to assess mothers' educational levels. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) and logistic regressions were used.

Results:

ROC analysis showed that sedentary time significantly discriminated between children with low MC and high MC, with a best trade off between sensitivity and specificity being achieved at ≥77.29% and ≥76.48% for girls and boys, respectively (P < 0.05 for both). In both genders, the low sedentary group had significantly higher odds of having good MC than the higher sedentary group, independent of PA, accelerometer wear time, WHtR, and mother's education level (P < 0.05 for both).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggested that PA levels per se may not overcome the deleterious influence of high levels of SB on MC. Our data stress the importance of discouraging SB among children to improve MC. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Jenseits von Samariumdiiodid: Perspektiven für Lanthanoid(II)‐vermittelte Reduktionen
Authors: Szostak Michal , Procter David J.
Published: August 2012

Reaktionen, die über offenschalige Einelektronenmechanismen ablaufen, führen zu interessanten alternativen Resultaten gegenüber solchen Reaktionen, die Zweielektronenmechanismen mit geschlossenen Schalen gehorchen. In diesem Zusammenhang entwickelte sich Samariumdiiodid zu einem der wichtigsten Elektronentransferreagentien. In letzter Zeit wurde ein signifikanter Fortschritt auf dem Gebiet der reduktiven Chemie anderer zweiwertiger Lanthanoide erzielt, die viele Jahre lang als zu reaktiv erachtet worden waren, um von Nutzen für Synthesechemiker zu sein. Wir beschreiben hier, wie neue Samarium(II)‐Komplexe und nichtklassische Lanthanoid(II)‐Reagentien die moderne reduktive Chemie verändern.
Constructive, collaborative, contextual, and self‐directed learning in surface anatomy education
Authors: Bergman Esther M. , Sieben Judith M. , Smailbegovic Ida , de Bruin Anique B.H. , Scherpbier Albert J.J.A. , van der Vleuten Cees P.M.
Published: August 2012

Anatomy education often consists of a combination of lectures and laboratory sessions, the latter frequently including surface anatomy. Studying surface anatomy enables students to elaborate on their knowledge of the cadaver's static anatomy by enabling the visualization of structures, especially those of the musculoskeletal system, move and function in a living human being. A recent development in teaching methods for surface anatomy is body painting, which several studies suggest increases both student motivation and knowledge acquisition. This article focuses on a teaching approach and is a translational contribution to existing literature. In line with best evidence medical education, the aim of this article is twofold: to briefly inform teachers about constructivist learning theory and elaborate on the principles of constructive, collaborative, contextual, and self‐directed learning; and to provide teachers with an example of how to implement these learning principles to change the approach to teaching surface anatomy. Student evaluations of this new approach demonstrate that the application of these learning principles leads to higher student satisfaction. However, research suggests that even better results could be achieved by further adjustments in the application of contextual and self‐directed learning principles. Successful implementation and guidance of peer physical examination is crucial for the described approach, but research shows that other options, like using life models, seem to work equally well. Future research on surface anatomy should focus on increasing the students' ability to apply anatomical knowledge and defining the setting in which certain teaching methods and approaches have a positive effect. Anat Sci Educ 6: 114–124. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Variation in omeprazole pharmacokinetics in a random Iranian population: a pilot study
Authors: Noubarani Maryam , Kobarfard Farzad , Motevalian Manijeh , Keyhanfar Fariborz
Published: August 2012

Omeprazole is metabolized in the liver mainly by the polymorphic CYP2C19 enzyme. Considerable ethnic differences have been reported in the pharmacokinetics of omeprazole. The present study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of omeprazole after a single oral administration to a random Iranian population. Thirty healthy male subjects, aged 24–31 years, weighing 60–98 kg completed the study. Plasma concentrations of omeprazole were measured over a 12 h period after administration of a single oral dose of 20 mg omeprazole. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the plasma concentration–time profiles. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) was used to quantify 5‐hydroxyomeprazole. The mean area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) from time zero to infinity (AUC∞) values of omeprazole and the corresponding coefficient of variation (CV%) was 987.3 ng h/ml (65%). In general, most subjects showed a normal distribution. Only one subject showed a very high AUC compared with the corresponding mean AUC level. This subject had the highest half‐life and the lowest rate of elimination. The omeprazole metabolic ratio for this subject was 2.9, while for the others it was in the range 0.12–0.56. These results are consistent with previous literature that showed the existence of interindividual variability in omeprazole pharmacokinetics, even within a single ethnic group. Differences in the pharmacokinetics could be due to differences in the genetic make‐up of subjects as found in their omeprazole metabolic ratios. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arrayed cellular environments for stem cells and regenerative medicine
Authors: Titmarsh Drew M. , Chen Huaying , Wolvetang Ernst J. , Cooper‐White Justin J.
Published: August 2012

The behavior and composition of both multipotent and pluripotent stem cell populations are exquisitely controlled by a complex, spatiotemporally variable interplay of physico‐chemical, extracellular matrix, cell‐cell interaction, and soluble factor cues that collectively define the stem cell niche. The push for stem cell‐based regenerative medicine models and therapies has fuelled demands for increasingly accurate cellular environmental control and enhanced experimental throughput, driving an evolution of cell culture platforms away from conventional culture formats toward integrated systems. Arrayed cellular environments typically provide a set of discrete experimental elements with variation of one or several classes of stimuli across elements of the array. These are based on high‐content/high‐throughput detection, small sample volumes, and multiplexing of environments to increase experimental parameter space, and can be used to address a range of biological processes at the cell population, single‐cell, or subcellular level. Arrayed cellular environments have the capability to provide an unprecedented understanding of the molecular and cellular events that underlie expansion and specification of stem cell and therapeutic cell populations, and thus generate successful regenerative medicine outcomes. This review focuses on recent key developments of arrayed cellular environments and their contribution and potential in stem cells and regenerative medicine.
Development and validation of a sensitive LC‐MS/MS method for determination of tacrolimus on dried blood spots
Authors: Li Qin , Cao Di , Huang Yue , Xu Hong , Yu Chen , Li Zhiping
Published: August 2012

A bioanalytical method for the quantification of tacrolimus (TAC) on dried blood spots (DBS) using liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS) was developed and validated. It involves solvent extraction of a punch disk of DBS followed by liquid–liquid extraction. The analyte and the internal standard (IS, ascomycin) were separated on a phenyl column using an isocratic mobile phase elution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The assay was linear from 1 to 80 ng/mL. The mean recovery of TAC was 76.6%. Intra‐assay, inter‐assay imprecision and biases were all less than 15%. TAC on DBS was stable for at least 10 days at room temperature, and at least 24 h at 50°C. A chromatographic effect of the filter paper (Whatman 903) was not detected. The volume of blood (15–50 μL) and hematocrit of blood (ranging from 23.2 to 48.6%) did not show a significant influence on detection of TAC concentration by DBS‐LC‐MS/MS. Fifty samples from patients were detected by both DBS‐LC‐MS/MS and microparticle enzyme‐linked immunoassay (MEIA). TAC concentrations measured by DBS‐LC‐MS/MS method tended to be lower than those by MEIA. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mg‐Al Mixed Oxides Supported Bimetallic Au‐Pd Nanoparticles with Superior Catalytic Properties in Aerobic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol and Glycerol
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Wei , Zeng Shangjing , Su Dangsheng , Meng Xiangju , Xiao Fengshou
Published: August 2012

Nano‐sized Au and Pd catalysts are favorable for oxidations with molecular oxygen, and the preparation of this kind of nanoparticles with high catalytic activities is strongly desirable. We report a successful synthesis of bimetallic Au‐Pd nanoparticles with rich edge and corner sites on unique support of Mg‐Al mixed oxides (Au‐Pd/MAO), which are favorable for producing metal nanoparticles with high degree of coordinative unsaturation of metal atoms. The systematic microscopic characterizations confirm the bimetallic Au‐Pd nanoparticles are present as Au‐Pd alloy. The irregular shape of the bimetallic nanoparticles are directly observed in HRTEM images. As we expected, Au‐Pd/MAO gives very excellent catalytic performances in the aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol and glycerol. For example, Au‐Pd/MAO shows very high TOF of 91000 h−1 at 433 K with molecular oxygen at air pressure in solvent‐free oxidation of benzyl alcohol; this catalyst also shows relatively high selectivity for tartronic acid (TARAC, 36.6%) at high conversion (98.5%) in aerobic oxidation of glycerol. The superior catalytic properties of Au‐Pd/MAO would be potentially important for production of fine chemicals.
Hydrophilic Modification of Microporous Polysulfone Membrane via Surface‐Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and Hydrolysis of Poly(glycidylmethacrylate)
Authors: Wang Chaozhan , Zhao Sa , Wei Yinmao
Published: August 2012

Poly(glycidylmethacrylate) (PGMA) brushes were grafted from chloromethylated polysulfone (CMPSF) membrane surface by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP), and the grafting was followed by hydrolysis of epoxy groups in the grafting chains to improve the membrane's hydrophilic property. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements confirmed the successful grafting and hydrolysis of PGMA. The grafting degree of the monomer, measured by periodic acid titration and gravimetric analysis, increased linearly with the polymerization time, while the static water contact angle of the membrane grafted with PGMA or hydrolyzed PGMA linearly decreased. In comparison with the PGMA‐grafted membranes, the hydrolyzed PGMA‐grafted membranes possess stronger hydrophilicity as indicated by their contact angle and hydration capacity, and as a result they have an improved antifouling property. Therefore, the control of the hydrophilicity of PSF membrane could be realized through adjusting the polymerization time and transforming the functional groups in the grafting chain.
Computerized quantification of bone tissue and marrow in stained microscopic images
Authors: Shi Lin , Liu Shangping , Wang Defeng , Wong Hing‐Lok , Huang Wen‐Hua , Wang Yi‐Xiang J. , Griffith James F. , Leung Ping‐Chung , Ahuja Anil T.
Published: August 2012

Stained histological images assist physicians to identify different types of tissues or cells and their architectures. They can be applied on the diagnosis of various diseases and the assessment of treatment effects. Osteoporosis is an aging disease that reduces the density of bones and increases the risk of bone fracture. Literatures indicate that osteoporosis is associated with the ratio of trabecular bone tissues and bone marrow cells, and bones in osteoporosis patients consist of a significantly higher marrow fat content. Interactive segmentation of bone tissue and different types of bone marrow cells in high‐resolution histological images, however, is a very tedious and labor‐intensive process. The aim of this study is to develop an automatic algorithm to quantify the areas of different tissues such as the trabecular bones and yellow and red marrow cells. This image segmentation method consists of a series of mathematical morphological operation steps based on both the color and morphology features of tissues and was implemented in Matlab. The results obtained from the proposed method have been verified by comparing with those obtained interactively from an experienced histotechnician (Pearson correlation coefficient > 0.94, P < 0.001). The result suggests that the proposed algorithm can effectively assist physicians to quantify stained bone histological images. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
BiIII–Corroles: A Versatile Platform for the Synthesis of Functionalized Corroles
Authors: Reith Lorenz Michael , Koenig Michael , Schwarzinger Clemens , Schoefberger Wolfgang
Published: August 2012

The BiIII ion in the center of the corrole macrocyclic ring system was employed to stabilize and protect the corrole inner core during the functionalization at the periphery (meso positions) of the π‐conjugated ring system. Moreover, the ease of demetalation makes BiIII–corroles attractive candidates for functionalization and subsequent demetalation to the free‐base corroles. Herein we present examples of possible derivatization reactions of Bi–corroles by employing Suzuki cross‐coupling under gentle conditions at ambient temperature. This high‐yielding methodology facilitates the design of A2B corroles that bear elaborate subunits such as the indolyl and pyrenyl group, which are difficult to realize with the synthetic protocols available to date. Later, Pd‐catalyzed C–N coupling reactions with the same precursor were tested. To make the corresponding free‐base corroles also accessible by means of these new routes, a versatile procedure was developed that allows the subsequent demetalation of the obtained Bi–corroles. Electrochemical characterization was performed with cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry to clarify the ring‐centred oxidation and reduction processes. Structural considerations of the dome‐shaped nature of Bi–corrole derivatives are presented and corroborated by 19F NMR spectroscopy as well as quantum chemical calculations.
Epicolactone – Natural Product Isolated from the Sugarcane Endophytic Fungus Epicoccum nigrum
Authors: da Silva Araújo Francisca Diana , de Lima Fávaro Léia Cecilia , Araújo Welington Luiz , de Oliveira Fábio Lazzarotto , Aparicio Ricardo , Marsaioli Anita Jocelyne
Published: August 2012

The endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum was isolated from sugarcane and the bioguided fractionation of the ethyl acetate extract led to the isolation of epicolactone, mellein, and 4,5‐dimethylresorcinol. Characterization of epicolactone by MS, NMR and X‐ray crystallography revealed a new natural product with an unusual carbon skeleton. The production of this secondary metabolite decreased in mutants of Epicoccum nigrum transformed by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Additionally, these mutants produced 4‐hydroxymellein.
Study on temperature and humidity environment of grotto 72 at the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, China
Authors: Li G. S. , Wang W. F. , Qu J. J. , Song M. H.
Published: August 2012

This article presents research on destructive environmental mechanisms affecting the murals in the Mogao Grottoes, specifically Grotto 72, from a meteorological perspective. Analysis of outside monitoring data during 1999‐2008 shows that condensation of moisture and/or salt deliquescence on the mural affects a high percentage of the internal grotto, whereas the interchange of moisture between the interior grotto and the surrounding air accounts for a relatively small effect. But high humidity was the threat to the mural, so the planting of the shelterbelts was a new threat to the mural due to irrigation of shelterbelts. The higher relative humidity (RH) produced by shelterbelts in front of the grottoes is only weakly related to local precipitation but is highly correlated with the times of water irrigation of those shelterbelts. The intra‐seasonal variability of temperature and RH on the mural surface is relatively stable because temperature inversion frequently occurs in the internal grotto and is favourable for maintenance of stable air stratification that is beneficial to the preservation of the wall paintings. Using ridge regression estimation of the period data, coupling equations of the change of temperature and humidity on the mural surface, the internal grotto air and the external environment are obtained. The real‐time dynamics of temperature and humidity are thus analysed and reported here, offering a scientific basis for establishing a long‐term monitoring network in the Mogao Grottoes. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Decadal climatological trends of aerosol optical parameters over three different environments in South Korea
Authors: Panicker A. S. , Lee D. I. , Kumkar Y. V. , Kim D. , Maki M. , Uyeda H.
Published: August 2012

Decadal climatology of aerosol optical parameters derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board Terra satellite has been analysed during past decade (February 2000 to February 2010) over three different environments in South Korea. Seoul, a continental urban station showed a significant decadal decrease of around 22% in aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm during observational period. The corresponding decrease in AOD found to be 18.7% over Busan, a coastal station. However Jeju, a volcanically sedimented island station in Korea showed negligible changes in AOD (1.4%). Fine mode fraction (FMF) and Angstrom exponent (ANG) parameters also showed a significant decadal reduction, indicating the decrease in fine mode aerosols, which are majorly produced due to anthropogenic activities in land areas. On analysing the decadal trends in seasonal climatology, it is found that aerosol parameters in general were showing a decreasing trend in different seasons except during spring. The decadal trend in meteorological parameters did not show a perfect alignment with aerosol trends. This suggests that the decadal decrease in aerosols could be mainly attributed to reduction in anthropogenic aerosol emissions. The surface temperature over the stations showed a significant increase of 8% to 11%. This study suggests that, in spite of positive effects in pollution perspective, the reduced AOD may in part contribute the increasing trend of surface temperature. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
The Amundsen Sea low
Authors: Turner John , Phillips Tony , Hosking J. Scott , Marshall Gareth J. , Orr Andrew
Published: August 2012

We develop a climatology of the Amundsen Sea low (ASL) covering the period 1979–2008 using ECMWF operational and reanalysis fields. The depth of the ASL is strongly influenced by the phase of the Southern annular mode (SAM) with positive (negative) mean sea level pressure anomalies when the SAM is negative (positive). The zonal location of the ASL is linked to the phase of the mid‐tropospheric planetary waves and the low moves west from close to 110°W in January to near 150°W in June as planetary waves 1 to 3 amplify and their phases shift westwards. The ASL is deeper by a small, but significant amount, during the La Niña phase of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) compared to El Niño. The difference in depth of the low between the two states of ENSO is greatest in winter. There is no statistically significant difference in the zonal location of the ASL between the different phases of ENSO. Over 1979–2008 the low has deepened in January by 1.7 hPa dec−1 as the SAM has become more positive. It has also deepened in spring and autumn as the semi‐annual oscillation has increase in amplitude over the last 30 years. An increase in central pressure and eastward shift in March has occurred as a result of a cooling of tropical Pacific SSTs that altered the strength of the polar front jet. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Near future changes of extreme precipitation over complex terrain in Central Europe derived from high resolution RCM ensemble simulations
Authors: Feldmann Hendrik , Schädler Gerd , Panitz Hans‐Jürgen , Kottmeier Christoph
Published: August 2012

An ensemble of high‐resolution regional climate simulations is used to assess the effect of near future climate change on mean and extreme precipitation in a part of Central Europe with complex topography. The ensemble consists of high‐resolution simulations with the COSMO‐CLM (CLM) regional climate model (RCM) using several realizations of the driving general circulation models (GCMs) ECHAM5 and HadCM3. The study is focussed on the changes in the near future (2011–2040 compared to 1971–2000) which are relevant for planning purposes. The mean winter precipitation shows a spatially uniform increase, summertime mean precipitation is likely to decrease slightly. For extreme precipitation the simulations exhibit an increase on the average for both seasons, but for different reasons. The changes in winter are proportional to the increase in total precipitation, whereas in summer a broadening of the precipitation distribution is found. The spatial change patterns in summer are much more heterogeneous than in winter, with regions of significant increase and decrease sometimes close to each other. The plausibility of the findings is assessed in terms of ensemble consistency. The area mean changes found for the ensemble of CLM simulations were consistent with the change signals derived from a larger but coarser resolved ensembles using several RCMs and driving GCMs. In addition, it was found that the simulated near future precipitation changes in the study region during summer generally agree with trends observed during the last decades. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
The effect of moisture transport variability on Ethiopian summer precipitation
Authors: Viste Ellen , Sorteberg Asgeir
Published: August 2012

The main rainy season in Ethiopia occurs during the northern hemisphere summer, when air masses carrying moisture from the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Guinea, the African continent, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea converge above the Ethiopian mountain plateau. In this study, the variability in different branches of this transport has been studied using the Lagrangian trajectory model FLEXPART and ERA‐Interim reanalysis data of July–August 1998–2008. The largest relative fluctuations occur in the normally limited transport from the Gulf of Guinea, whereas smaller relative changes in the larger branches from the Indian Ocean and the regions to the north often have greater effects. Wet/dry summer months in the northern Ethiopian highlands were associated with increased/reduced transport of moisture from the south, with consequent changes in the release of moisture in the region. In dry months, the moisture transport from the south was reduced to 85% of its mean, and in wet months, it was increased to 107%. The increased transport in wet months could be attributed to low‐level westerly anomalies above Central Africa—increasing moisture transport from the Gulf of Guinea and in most cases also from the Indian Ocean—and with enhanced southerlies along the coast of East Africa, increasing the transport from the Indian Ocean. The amount of moisture transported into the highlands from the north could not be consistently associated with wet and dry months, but in most cases, the release of moisture in air coming from the north contributed to the resulting precipitation anomaly. The release of moisture in the northern branch was reduced to 94% of its mean in dry months and increased to 111% in wet months. This may be an effect of altered convergence associated with changes in the transport from the south.
Is the NAO winter index a reliable proxy for wind climate and storminess in northwest Europe?
Authors: Burningham Helene , French Jon
Published: August 2012

Climate measures synthesized from the instrumental wind record at 53 stations in northwest Europe are compared with various derivations of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) winter index. The NAO is highly correlated with wind direction frequency, with positive phases in the NAO winter index associated with increased frequency of winds from the southwest. These correlations are sensitive to the choice of winter period and diminish with longer period, especially the inclusion of October. Evidence for connections between the NAO and wind speed or storminess measures is far less convincing, particularly in terms of the frequency of extreme wind speed events. These results have important implications for the use the NAO winter index as a proxy for storminess, whether in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions or as a basis for storm forecasting. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
High latitude local scale temperature complexity: the example of Kevo Valley, Finnish Lapland
Authors: Pike G. , Pepin N. C. , Schaefer M.
Published: August 2012

Subarctic Scandinavia is expected to experience significant temperature increases over the next century. How this increase will influence local scale climate is largely unknown. This study examines local scale temperature variability in the subarctic where the unusual solar geometry means that the classic diurnal cycle of mid‐latitudes has limited application.

Near surface air temperature data were collected from a high density network of 60 temperature data loggers covering approximately 20 km2 in the valley system around Kevo Subarctic Research Station (69°45′N, 27°1′E). Temperature data was collected at 30 min intervals from September 2007 to March 2010, along with additional temperature and cloud cover data from the Kevo station. NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data was used to reconstruct synoptic conditions for the area at 6‐h intervals. Lapse rates and regression of surface temperatures on free air temperatures are used to investigate local temperature variability. Median absolute yearly deviation analysis of the site temperatures was used to assess the representativeness of Kevo Station.

The results show intense (up to + 80 °C km−1) and persistent inversion events during the winter months (NDJ) which are broken up by mechanical effects. In the transition from winter into spring (FMA) these inversions still occur but increasing radiation imposes a diurnal pattern on their formation and destruction. As snow cover peaks in spring the interaction between surface albedo, land cover and radiation serves to amplify the diurnal cycle in lapse rates. Summer lapse rates are modified by the presence of open water at low elevations. These results suggest that expected land cover and synoptic changes due to regional warming will act to decrease the frequency and intensity of inversion formation, steepening mean lapse rates and therefore increasing the relative amount of warming in valley floor locations. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Multi‐decadal changes in the North American monsoon anticyclone
Authors: Diem Jeremy E. , Brown David P. , McCann Jessie
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study was to assess trends in the intensity of the North American monsoon anticyclone over multiple decades from 1948 to 2010 during July and August, with a focus on the Lower Colorado River Basin (LCRB). The methodology included a 500 hPa geopotential‐height regionalization of the monsoon‐anticyclone domain (i.e. a large portion of the western United States and northern Mexico), a typing of 500 hPa circulation patterns over the LCRB, and an examination of multi‐decadal trends as well as inter‐epochal differences in geopotential heights and frequencies of synoptic types. Three regions (i.e. Northwest, Northeast, and South) were revealed that differed based on inter‐annual variations in 500 hPa geopotential heights. The Northwest and South regions had significant increases in geopotential heights from 1948–1978 to 1980–2010. The synoptic types reflected the location of the monsoon anticyclone over the LCRB. The monsoon anticyclone intensified primarily over the northwestern region, which includes the LCRB, since the mid‐ to late 1970s. The anticyclone has thus been expanding over the LCRB. The anticyclone has been in a northern position, specifically a north‐central position, over the basin more frequently over the past 30 years; conversely, the anticyclone has been in southern and eastern positions over the basin less frequently.
Monitoring and forecasting drought impact on dryland farming areas
Authors: Arshad Saleh , Morid Saeed , Mobasheri Mohammad Reza , Alikhani Majid Agha , Arshad Sajjad
Published: August 2012

Frequent drought amplifies the need for a warning system and forecasting models for damage to crop yields. This study developed an operational model to assess agricultural drought impact. The dryland areas of Kermanshah Province (Iran) were selected to test the proposed modelling system. The model predicted the consequences of drought damage on wheat crop during critical stages of growth (emergence, vegetative growth, initiation of flowering, grain filling, and maturity) as a drought loss indicator. Two types of input were evaluated to correlate climate conditions versus drought losses. The first group comprises the Palmer Drought Severity Index, Z‐index, Crop Moisture Index, Crop‐Specific Drought Index (CSDI), Standardized Precipitation Index, and Effective Drought Index with one‐ to three‐month timescales used as meteorological indices. The second group, which is consistent of the vegetation condition index and temperature condition index, is based on satellite data. Also a new satellite‐based version of CSDI, so‐called standardized CSDI (S‐CDSI), where evapotranspiration was estimated using surface energy balance algorithm for land, is used. Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) technique was used for forecasting with genetic algorithms applied to select appropriate inputs from among the large number of indices. It was concluded that the combination of meteorological and satellite indices performed best in forecasting crop yield. As expected, accuracy improved over the growth stages as the crop developed. Enhancement of the model with a GIS platform made it possible to present the results more suitably, hence helping users to make more realistic decisions. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Linkages between global sea surface temperatures and decadal rainfall variability over Eastern Africa region
Authors: Omondi Philip , Ogallo Laban A. , Anyah Richard , Muthama J. M. , Ininda J.
Published: August 2012

Linkages between dominant spatio‐temporal decadal rainfall variability modes and the global sea surface temperature (SST) modes are investigated over East Africa region for the period 1950–2008. Singular value decomposition (SVD) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) techniques are employed to examine potential linkages and predictability of decadal rainfall variability over the region. When the ten‐year periodicity is filtered out from the observed monthly rainfall data, distinct decadal rainfall regimes are exhibited in the time series of mean seasonal rainfall anomalies. Spectral density analysis of rainfall time series showed dominance of a ten‐year periodicity, significant at 95% confidence level. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results yielded nine and seven homogeneous decadal rainfall zones for long rains; March–May (MAM), and the short rains: October–December (OND) seasons, respectively. The third season of June–August (JJA) which is mainly experienced in western and coastal sub‐regions had eight homogenous zones delineated. Results show that the leading three SVD‐coupled modes explain greater than 75% of the squared covariance between the two fields. The first SVD mode for Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans contributed to 50, 43 and 38% of the total square covariance for MAM season, respectively. The same mode accounted for 65, 48 and 40% for OND rainfall season, respectively. For the JJA season, mode one contributed to about 61, 39 and 42% of the variance. The study showed that forcing of decadal rainfall over the region is associated with El Niño mode that is prominent over the Pacific Ocean, while Indian Ocean dipole is the leading mode over the Indian Ocean basin. An inter‐hemispheric dipole mode that is common during ENSO was a prominent feature in the Atlantic Ocean forcing regional decadal rainfall. The high variability of these modes highlighted the significant roles of all the global oceans in forcing decadal rainfall variability over the region. In addition, results from multiple linear regression model showed substantial variation of the model prediction skill of the decadal rainfall variability modes within various homogenous zones and for different seasons. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction combined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry for the determination of organophosphate pesticides in environmental water samples and wines
Authors: Zacharis Constantinos K. , Christophoridis Christophoros , Fytianos Konstantinos
Published: August 2012

A simple vortex‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction protocol followed by GC‐MS is proposed for the determination of 12 organophosphate pesticides residues in environmental water samples and wines. The sample pretreatment employs the usage of low‐density organic solvent. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency (type and volume of organic extraction solvent, sample pH, ionic strength, extraction time, and centrifugation speed) were carefully examined. A mild emulsification process was involved by the addition of 40 μL toluene into 10 mL sample followed by sequential vortex‐based agitation and manual shaking for 3 min. Following the extraction, the pesticide‐rich organic solvent was recovered by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 5 min. A fraction of the floated toluene was then collected and analyzed by GC‐MS in SIM mode. Under the optimized conditions, the enrichment factor ranged between 65 and 389. Satisfactory linearity was observed for all pesticides tested with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9945 while the LODs were in the range of 2–11 ng L−1. The main advantages of the proposed method are the simplicity of operation, rapidity, low cost, and high sensitivity.
Choosing a Knowledge Dissemination Approach
Authors: Kingston John
Published: August 2012

Knowledge management has been described as ‘getting the right knowledge to the right people in the right place at the right time’. Knowledge dissemination is a crucial part of knowledge management because it ensures knowledge is available to those who need it.

This paper reviews four well‐known knowledge dissemination techniques. Each technique is classified according to a recently proposed classification scheme, and advice is given regarding when it is appropriate to use each technique. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.