Implementing Polar Projections with OGC Services for the Enhancement of AIRS NRT Visualization in LANCE

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) NRT product is one important element in the Land, Atmosphere Near real-time Capability for EOS (LANCE). The LANCE processing of AIRS NRT products and the image generation are performed at the NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC). The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) services are being utilized to access AIRS NRT images. The ongoing AIRS NRT imagery enhancement work includes adding a new set of the images in polar projections. Polar projections are commonly used for mapping Antarctica and Arctic regions. We have implemented more precise south polar (EPSG:3031) projection and north polar (EPSG:3413) projection making our OGC service instances more useful and interoperable. Thus, AIRS NRT data can be easily accessed and integrated with other applications. It greatly increases the impact of our data on researches in polar regions.In this presentation, we will introduce the optimized processing workflow for OGC services from data access with spatial-temporal index to data visualization with different SLD, and demonstrate how to use open source software to provide more precise map images in polar projections

Planetary Boundary Layer Height from AIRS, MERRA-2, and GPS Radio Occultation Data Products at NASA GES DISC, and Insights from Their Profiles Intercomparison

The NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) provides archive and distribution services for several data products in the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) category. As a new variable added to the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) Version 6 support product, the PBL height from AIRS is derived based on the gradients of the retrieved relative humidity profile, and provides the atmospheric pressure at the top of the PBL over the ocean. The GES DISC also hosts the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications-2 (MERRA-2) product generated by the Goddard Earth Observing System Model Version 5 (GEOS-5) data assimilation system. The PBL height from MERRA-2 is based on the total eddy diffusion coefficient of heat. The monthly PBL height has been made available in the Giovanni system (Giovanni is a Web-based application developed by the GES DISC providing a simple and intuitive way to visualize, analyze, and access vast amounts of Earth science remote sensing data). Recently, the GES DISC began serving the global PBL height climatology product derived from the COSMIC/FORMOSAT-3 and TerraSAR-X Global Positioning System (GPS) radio occultation (RO) measurements from June 2006 to December 2015. In a previous study, we presented the monthly PBL height data from AIRS and MERRA-2 and demonstrated the GES DISC services which support data intercomparison, such as access, plotting, sub-setting, regridding, and generation of a multi-year monthly mean. We also provided intercomparison results, and found that different PBL height definitions contributed to significant differences of PBL height values between AIRS and MERRA-2. In this work, we present the 10-year seasonal climatologies from the AIRS, MERRA-2 and GPS-RO. We also used the cross section and vertical profile services in Giovanni to display and analyze the vertical atmosphere structure over regions where the PBL height derived from the AIRS and MERRA-2 are quite different. The examination of the AIRS and MERRA-2 three-dimensional data found that the relative humidity profiles had larger differences than the temperature profiles. The MERRA-2 gives more details than the AIRS for the vertical distribution of the humidity

Diversity and Ecological Correlates of Red Fluorescence in Marine Fishes

Marine environments at depths below -10 to -25 m are almost devoid of ambient red sunlight because water quickly attenuates long wavelengths. This stenospectral light environment presents unique opportunities for organisms that can transform ambient blue-green light into red light by fluorescence. Numerous marine fish species display intricate patterns of fluorescence. Because color vision is a key component of fish sensory ecology, several putative visual functions of red fluorescence have been proposed but are difficult to test experimentally. Here, we follow a comparative approach to assess the consistency between the phylogenetic distribution of red fluorescence with its presumed functions. We collected and analyzed the largest data set of red fluorescence in fishes to date, consisting of confirmed cases in 272 primarily diurnal fish species from 49 out of 90 surveyed fish families and 12 out of 21 surveyed fish orders, contrasted to 393 fish species with confirmed absence of red fluorescence. Based on a priori hypotheses on adaptive function, we compare the prevalence of red fluorescence among pre-defined sets of species based on ecological or biological characteristics while controlling for shared ancestry. When comparing between species, we find no evidence that red fluorescence is more prevalent in deep-water species, contrasting with our recent finding that fluorescence brightness increases with depth within species. There is also no evidence for a role in group-driven communication. Phylogenetic patterns are consistent, however, with three other predictions. First, fluorescence with a rather patchy distribution across the body occurred significantly more often among sit-and-wait predators or otherwise sedentary fish than in more mobile species, consistent with background matching for camouflage. Second, small, predatory fishes tended to show red fluorescent irides disproportionally often consistent with a proposed function in prey localization. Finally, sexually dimorphic species showed fluorescent fins more often, as predicted if relevant in sexual communication. From these findings, we derive predictions for experimental investigations of the presumed functions of red fluorescence

AIRS-Only Product in Giovanni for Exploring Up-to-Date AIRS Observation and Comparing with AIRS+AMSU Product

The NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) has been the home of processing, archiving, and distribution services for the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) mission since its launch in 2002 for global observations of the atmospheric state. Giovanni, a Web-based application developed by the GES DISC, provides a simple and intuitive way to visualize, analyze, and access vast amounts of Earth science remote sensing data without having to download the data. Most important AIRS variables, including temperature and humidity profiles, outgoing longwave radiation, cloud properties, and trace gases, are available in Giovanni. AIRS is an instrument suite comprised of a hyperspectral infrared instrument (AIRS) and two multichannel microwave instruments, the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) and the Humidity Sounder for Brazil (HSB). As HSB ceased operation in the very early stages of the AIRS mission, the AIRS project operates two parallel retrieval algorithms: one using both IR and MW measurements (AIRS+AMSU) and the other using only IR measurements (AIRS-only), which covers most of the mission duration. The AIRS+AMSU product is better quality, and the variables in Giovanni are from this product. However, generation of the AIRS+AMSU product has been suspended since the AMSU instrument anomaly occurred in late September 2016. To continue exploring up-to-date AIRS observations, the same set of variables from the AIRS-only product have been added to Giovanni by the GES DSIC. This will also support comparison of AIRS-only with AIRS+AMSU retrievals. In this presentation, we demonstrate the visualization of the AIRS-only product and plots/statistics of comparison with AIRS+AMSU product using Giovanni

CO2 Data Distribution and Support from the Goddard Earth Science Data and Information Services Center (GES-DISC)

This talk will describe the support and distribution of CO2 data products from OCO-2, AIRS, and ACOS, that are archived and distributed from the Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center. We will provide a brief summary of the current online archive and distribution metrics for the OCO-2 Level 1 products and plans for the Level 2 products. We will also describe collaborative data sets and services (e.g., matchups with other sensors) and solicit feedback for potential future services

AIRS Mission Support from GES DISC

This talk will describe the support and distribution of AIRS (Atmospheric Infra Red Sounding) data products that are archived and distributed from the Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center. Along with data stewardship, an important mission of GES DISC is to enhance the usability of data and broaden the user base. We will provide a brief summary of the current online archive and distribution metrics for the AIRS v5 and v6 products. We will also describe collaborative data sets and services (e.g., visualization and potential science applications) and solicit feedback for potential future services

Accurate and Rapid Identification of the Burkholderia pseudomallei Near-Neighbour, Burkholderia ubonensis, Using Real-Time PCR

Burkholderia ubonensis is an environmental bacterium belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), a group of genetically related organisms that are associated with opportunistic but generally nonfatal infections in healthy individuals. In contrast, the near-neighbour species Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, a disease that can be fatal in up to 95% of cases if left untreated. B. ubonensis is frequently misidentified as B. pseudomallei from soil samples using selective culturing on Ashdown’s medium, reflecting both the shared environmental niche and morphological similarities of these species. Additionally, B. ubonensis shows potential as an important biocontrol agent in B. pseudomallei-endemic regions as certain strains possess antagonistic properties towards B. pseudomallei. Current methods for characterising B. ubonensis are laborious, time-consuming and costly, and as such this bacterium remains poorly studied. The aim of our study was to develop a rapid and inexpensive real-time PCR-based assay specific for B. ubonensis. We demonstrate that a novel B. ubonensis-specific assay, Bu550, accurately differentiates B. ubonensis from B. pseudomallei and other species that grow on selective Ashdown’s agar. We anticipate that Bu550 will catalyse research on B. ubonensis by enabling rapid identification of this organism from Ashdown’s-positive colonies that are not B. pseudomallei

Assessment of the Sheffield Support Snood, an innovative cervical orthosis designed for people affected by neck weakness

The aim of this study was to quantify the biomechanical features of the Sheffield Support Snood (SSS), a cervical orthosis specifically designed for patients with neck weakness. The orthosis is designed to be adaptable to a patient’s level of functional limitation using adjustable removable supports, which contribute support and restrict movement only in desired anatomical planes. Methods: The SSS was evaluated along with two commercially available orthoses, the Vista and Headmaster. The orthoses were compared in a series of flexion, extension, axial-rotation and lateral bending movements. Characterisation was performed with twelve healthy subjects with and without the orthoses. Two Inertial-Magneto sensors, placed on forehead and sternum, were used to quantify the neck range of motion (ROM). Findings: In its less rigid configuration, the SSS was effective in limiting movements only in the desired planes, preserving free movement in other planes, whereas the headmaster was only effective in limiting the flexion. The percentage of ROM achieved with the SSS in its rigid configuration is equivalent (P > 0.05, effect size < 0.4) to that achieved with the Vista, both in trials performed reaching the maximum amplitude (ROM reduction: 25%-34% vs 24%-47%) and at maximum speed (ROM reduction: 24%-29% vs 25%-43%). Interpretation: The SSS is effectively adaptable to different tasks and in its rigid configuration offers a support comparable to the Vista, although it has a less bulky structure. The chosen method is suitable for the assessment of ROM movements while wearing neck orthoses and easily translatable in a clinical context

Air pollution trends in the EMEP region between 1990 and 2012

The present report synthesises the main features of the evolution over the 1990-2012 time period of the concentration and deposition of air pollutants relevant in the context of the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution: (i) ozone, (ii) sulfur and nitrogen compounds and particulate matter, (iii) heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. It is based on observations gathered in State Parties to the Convention within the EMEP monitoring network of regional background stations, as well as relevant modelling initiatives. Joint Report of: EMEP Task Force on Measurements and Modelling (TFMM), Chemical Co-ordinating Centre (CCC), Meteorological Synthesizing Centre-East (MSC-E), Meteorological Synthesizing Centre-West (MSC-W)

Height and body-mass index trajectories of school-aged children and adolescents from 1985 to 2019 in 200 countries and territories: a pooled analysis of 2181 population-based studies with 65 million participants

Summary Background Comparable global data on health and nutrition of school-aged children and adolescents are scarce. We aimed to estimate age trajectories and time trends in mean height and mean body-mass index (BMI), which measures weight gain beyond what is expected from height gain, for school-aged children and adolescents. Methods For this pooled analysis, we used a database of cardiometabolic risk factors collated by the Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration. We applied a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate trends from 1985 to 2019 in mean height and mean BMI in 1-year age groups for ages 5–19 years. The model allowed for non-linear changes over time in mean height and mean BMI and for non-linear changes with age of children and adolescents, including periods of rapid growth during adolescence. Findings We pooled data from 2181 population-based studies, with measurements of height and weight in 65 million participants in 200 countries and territories. In 2019, we estimated a difference of 20 cm or higher in mean height of 19-year-old adolescents between countries with the tallest populations (the Netherlands, Montenegro, Estonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for boys; and the Netherlands, Montenegro, Denmark, and Iceland for girls) and those with the shortest populations (Timor-Leste, Laos, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea for boys; and Guatemala, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Timor-Leste for girls). In the same year, the difference between the highest mean BMI (in Pacific island countries, Kuwait, Bahrain, The Bahamas, Chile, the USA, and New Zealand for both boys and girls and in South Africa for girls) and lowest mean BMI (in India, Bangladesh, Timor-Leste, Ethiopia, and Chad for boys and girls; and in Japan and Romania for girls) was approximately 9–10 kg/m2. In some countries, children aged 5 years started with healthier height or BMI than the global median and, in some cases, as healthy as the best performing countries, but they became progressively less healthy compared with their comparators as they grew older by not growing as tall (eg, boys in Austria and Barbados, and girls in Belgium and Puerto Rico) or gaining too much weight for their height (eg, girls and boys in Kuwait, Bahrain, Fiji, Jamaica, and Mexico; and girls in South Africa and New Zealand). In other countries, growing children overtook the height of their comparators (eg, Latvia, Czech Republic, Morocco, and Iran) or curbed their weight gain (eg, Italy, France, and Croatia) in late childhood and adolescence. When changes in both height and BMI were considered, girls in South Korea, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and some central Asian countries (eg, Armenia and Azerbaijan), and boys in central and western Europe (eg, Portugal, Denmark, Poland, and Montenegro) had the healthiest changes in anthropometric status over the past 3·5 decades because, compared with children and adolescents in other countries, they had a much larger gain in height than they did in BMI. The unhealthiest changes—gaining too little height, too much weight for their height compared with children in other countries, or both—occurred in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, New Zealand, and the USA for boys and girls; in Malaysia and some Pacific island nations for boys; and in Mexico for girls. Interpretation The height and BMI trajectories over age and time of school-aged children and adolescents are highly variable across countries, which indicates heterogeneous nutritional quality and lifelong health advantages and risks