Global distributions of CO₂ volume mixing ratio in the middle and upper atmosphere from daytime MIPAS high-resolution spectra

Global distributions of the CO₂ vmr (volume mixing ratio) in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (from 70 up to  ∼  140 km) have been derived from high-resolution limb emission daytime MIPAS (Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding) spectra in the 4.3 µm region. This is the first time that the CO₂ vmr has been retrieved in the 120–140 km range. The data set spans from January 2005 to March 2012. The retrieval of CO₂ has been performed jointly with the elevation pointing of the line of sight (LOS) by using a non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) retrieval scheme. The non-LTE model incorporates the new vibrational–vibrational and vibrational–translational collisional rates recently derived from the MIPAS spectra by [Jurado-Navarro et al.(2015)]. It also takes advantage of simultaneous MIPAS measurements of other atmospheric parameters (retrieved in previous steps), such as the kinetic temperature (derived up to  ∼  100 km from the CO₂ 15 µm region of MIPAS spectra and from 100 up to 170 km from the NO 5.3 µm emission of the same MIPAS spectra) and the O₃ measurements (up to  ∼  100 km). The latter is very important for calculations of the non-LTE populations because it strongly constrains the O(³P) and O(¹D) concentrations below  ∼  100 km. The estimated precision of the retrieved CO₂ vmr profiles varies with altitude ranging from  ∼  1 % below 90 km to 5 % around 120 km and larger than 10 % above 130 km. There are some latitudinal and seasonal variations of the precision, which are mainly driven by the solar illumination conditions. The retrieved CO₂ profiles have a vertical resolution of about 5–7 km below 120 km and between 10 and 20 km at 120–140 km. We have shown that the inclusion of the LOS as joint fit parameter improves the retrieval of CO₂, allowing for a clear discrimination between the information on CO₂ concentration and the LOS and also leading to significantly smaller systematic errors. The retrieved CO₂ has an improved accuracy because of the new rate coefficients recently derived from MIPAS and the simultaneous MIPAS measurements of other key atmospheric parameters (retrieved in previous steps) needed for non-LTE modelling like kinetic temperature and O₃ concentration. The major systematic error source is the uncertainty of the pressure/temperature profiles, inducing errors at midlatitude conditions of up to 15 % above 100 km (20 % for polar summer) and of  ∼  5 % around 80 km. The errors due to uncertainties in the O(¹D) and O(³P) profiles are within 3-4 % in the 100-120 km region, and those due to uncertainties in the gain calibration and in the near-infrared solar flux are within  ∼  2 % at all altitudes. The retrieved CO₂ shows the major features expected and predicted by general circulation models. In particular, its abrupt decline above 80-90 km and the seasonal change of the latitudinal distribution, with higher CO₂ abundances in polar summer from 70 up to  ∼  95 km and lower CO₂ vmr in the polar winter. Above  ∼  95 km, CO₂ is more abundant in the polar winter than at the midlatitudes and polar summer regions, caused by the reversal of the mean circulation in that altitude region. Also, the solstice seasonal distribution, with a significant pole-to-pole CO₂ gradient, lasts about 2.5 months in each hemisphere, while the seasonal transition occurs quickly

MIPAS temperature from the stratosphere to the lower thermosphere: Comparison of vM21 with ACE-FTS, MLS, OSIRIS, SABER, SOFIE and lidar measurements

We present vM21 MIPAS temperatures from the lower stratosphere to the lower thermosphere, which cover all optimized resolution measurements performed by MIPAS in the middle-atmosphere, upper-atmosphere and noctilucent-cloud modes during its lifetime, i.e., from January 2005 to April 2012. The main upgrades with respect to the previous version of MIPAS temperatures (vM11) are the update of the spectroscopic database, the use of a different climatology of atomic oxygen and carbon dioxide, and the improvement in important technical aspects of the retrieval setup (temperature gradient along the line of sight and offset regularizations, apodization accuracy). Additionally, an updated version of ESA-calibrated L1b spectra (5.02/5.06) is used. The vM21 temperatures correct the main systematic errors of the previous version because they provide on average a 1–2 K warmer stratopause and middle mesosphere, and a 6–10 K colder mesopause (except in high-latitude summers) and lower thermosphere. These lead to a remarkable improvement in MIPAS comparisons with ACE-FTS, MLS, OSIRIS, SABER, SOFIE and the two Rayleigh lidars at Mauna Loa and Table Mountain, which, with a few specific exceptions, typically exhibit differences smaller than 1 K below 50 km and than 2 K at 50–80 km in spring, autumn and winter at all latitudes, and summer at low to midlatitudes. Differences in the high-latitude summers are typically smaller than 1 K below 50 km, smaller than 2 K at 50–65 km and 5 K at 65–80 km. Differences between MIPAS and the other instruments in the mid-mesosphere are generally negative. MIPAS mesopause is within 4 K of the other instruments measurements, except in the high-latitude summers, when it is within 5–10 K, being warmer there than SABER, MLS and OSIRIS and colder than ACE-FTS and SOFIE. The agreement in the lower thermosphere is typically better than 5 K, except for high latitudes during spring and summer, when MIPAS usually exhibits larger vertical gradients

Mapping bridges between anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms in primary care patients: a network perspective

In primary care centers, emotional disorders (EDs; depression, anxiety, and somatoform disorders) frequently appear to be associated. However, there is no previous information on the key (bridge) symptoms that maintain comorbidity. The current study aimed to identify symptoms that may play a linking role in bridging comorbidity among EDs from a network analysis perspective. A sample of adult primary care patients (N = 1704) with symptoms of EDs was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Network analysis was applied to examine the network structure, communities, expected influence, and bridge symptoms between depressive, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Sad mood and low energy were the most central symptoms. Furthermore, low energy, fainting spells, sad mood, and restlessness were detected as prominent bridge symptoms between anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms. These bridge symptoms could be therapeutic targets for early intervention and prevent the development of comorbidity among EDs. The results of this research highlight the importance of symptom-specific functional properties for the activation of communities within EDs, providing new insights on a complex phenomenon such as comorbidity

Detección de anticuerpos contra el virus de lengua azul en ovinos de dos localidades de Junín, Perú

The aim of this study was to detect antibodies against bluetongue virus (VLA) in a population of Junín breed sheep bred at 3800 m above the see level in the province of Jauja, Junín and in Blackbelly breed sheep raised at 600 m in the province of Chanchamayo, Junín, Peru. Blood samples (n=306) were collected from Junín sheep, older than 4 months of age, both sexes and from Blackbelly sheep (n=82) older than 4 months, both sexes, from small breeders from four districts (Perene, San Luis de Shauro, San Ramón and Pichanaki) from the province of Chanchamayo, Junín. Antibody detection against the VLA was done by competition ELISA test. All samples (306/306) of the Junín sheep were negative for antibodies against the VLA, while 56.1% (46/82) of the Blackbelly sheep samples had antibodies against the virus. The absence of antibodies against the VLA in sheep raised at 3800 m of altitude indicates that they were not exposed to the VLA, suggesting that high altitude and low temperatures constitute a barrier to the biology of the virus-transmitting vectors, whereas sheep raised at 600 m of altitude were exposed, indicating the presence of the vector or vectors competent for the transmission of bluetongue virus.El objetivo del presente estudio fue detectar anticuerpos contra el virus de lengua azul (VLA) en una población de ovinos de raza Junín criados a 3800 msnm en la provincia de Jauja, Junín, y en ovinos de raza Blackbelly criados a 600 msnm en la provincia de Chanchamayo, Junín, Perú. Se colectaron 306 muestras de sangre de ovinos Junín, mayores a 4 meses de edad, ambos sexos y 82 muestras de ovinos Blackbelly, mayores a 4 meses, ambos sexos, de pequeños criadores de cuatro distritos (Perene, San Luis de Shauro, San Ramón y Pichanaki) de la provincia de Chanchamayo, Junín. La detección de anticuerpos contra el VLA se hizo mediante la prueba de ELISA de competición. El 100% (306/306) de las muestras de los ovinos Junín resultaron negativos a anticuerpos contra el VLA, mientras que 56.1% (46/82) de las muestras de ovinos Blackbelly tuvieron anticuerpos contra el virus. La ausencia de anticuerpos contra el VLA en ovinos criados a 3800 msnm indica que no fueron expuestos al VLA, sugiriendo que la altitud y bajas temperaturas constituyen una barrea para la biología del vector transmisor del virus, en tanto que los ovinos criados a 600 msnm estuvieron expuestos, indicando la presencia del vector o vectores competentes para la transmisión del virus de lengua azul

Estimation of the real population and its impact on the utilisation of healthcare services in Mediterranean resort regions: an ecological study

BACKGROUND: The demographic structure has a significant influence on the use of healthcare services, as does the size of the population denominators. Very few studies have been published on methods for estimating the real population such as tourist resorts. The lack of information about these problems means there is a corresponding lack of information about the behaviour of populational denominators (the floating population or tourist load) and the effect of this on the use of healthcare services. The objectives of the study were: a) To determine the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) ratio, per person per day, among populations of known size; b) to estimate, by means of this ratio, the real population in an area where tourist numbers are very significant; and c) to determine the impact on the utilisation of hospital emergency healthcare services of the registered population, in comparison to the non-resident population, in two areas where tourist numbers are very significant. METHODS: An ecological study design was employed. We analysed the Healthcare Districts of the Costa del Sol and the island of Menorca. Both are Spanish territories in the Mediterranean region. RESULTS: In the two areas analysed, the correlation coefficient between the MSW ratio and admissions to hospital emergency departments exceeded 0.9, with p < 0.001. On the basis of MSW generation ratios, obtained for a control zone and also measured in neighbouring countries, we estimated the real population. For the summer months, when tourist activity is greatest and demand for emergency healthcare at hospitals is highest, this value was found to be double that of the registered population. CONCLUSION: The MSW indicator, which is both ecological and indirect, can be used to estimate the real population in areas where population levels vary significantly during the year. This parameter is of interest in planning and dimensioning the provision of healthcare services

OxyCAP UK: Oxyfuel Combustion - academic Programme for the UK

The OxyCAP-UK (Oxyfuel Combustion - Academic Programme for the UK) programme was a £2 M collaboration involving researchers from seven UK universities, supported by E.On and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The programme, which ran from November 2009 to July 2014, has successfully completed a broad range of activities related to development of oxyfuel power plants. This paper provides an overview of key findings arising from the programme. It covers development of UK research pilot test facilities for oxyfuel applications; 2-D and 3-D flame imaging systems for monitoring, analysis and diagnostics; fuel characterisation of biomass and coal for oxyfuel combustion applications; ash transformation/deposition in oxyfuel combustion systems; materials and corrosion in oxyfuel combustion systems; and development of advanced simulation based on CFD modelling

Growth variability and demographic structure of northeast Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) in southern European Atlantic waters

The Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) is one of the main fishing resources for the fisheries targeting small pelagics in NW African waters. This species is expanding its geographical distribution through higher latitudes in southern European Atlantic waters, and it has become an important fishing resource in Iberian Atlantic waters during the last decades. The present study addresses the growth variability of S. colias in the Iberian waters, from southern Bay of Biscay up to Gulf of Cadiz. Age estimates based on otoliths and growth parameters were obtained from specimens collected within the study area during one decade (from both commercial landings and scientific-acoustic surveys), and sexual growth variation was analysed. A common pattern of abundant cohorts was observed in various areas. However, differences in the demographic structure of the catches were observed among the different areas, with the southernmost area studied (Portuguese and Spanish waters off Gulf of Cadiz) standing out with younger individuals. These new findings are of interest for the stock assessment of S. colias, which has not been addressed in ICES waters so far

MIPAS temperature from the stratosphere to the lower thermosphere: Comparison of vM21 with ACE-FTS, MLS, OSIRIS, SABER, SOFIE and lidar measurements

© Author(s) 2014. We present vM21 MIPAS temperatures from the lower stratosphere to the lower thermosphere, which cover all optimized resolution measurements performed by MIPAS in the middle-atmosphere, upper-atmosphere and noctilucent-cloud modes during its lifetime, i.e., from January 2005 to April 2012. The main upgrades with respect to the previous version of MIPAS temperatures (vM11) are the update of the spectroscopic database, the use of a different climatology of atomic oxygen and carbon dioxide, and the improvement in important technical aspects of the retrieval setup (temperature gradient along the line of sight and offset regularizations, apodization accuracy). Additionally, an updated version of ESA-calibrated L1b spectra (5.02/5.06) is used. The vM21 temperatures correct the main systematic errors of the previous version because they provide on average a 1-2 K warmer stratopause and middle mesosphere, and a 6-10 K colder mesopause (except in high-latitude summers) and lower thermosphere. These lead to a remarkable improvement in MIPAS comparisons with ACE-FTS, MLS, OSIRIS, SABER, SOFIE and the two Rayleigh lidars at Mauna Loa and Table Mountain, which, with a few specific exceptions, typically exhibit differences smaller than 1 K below 50 km and than 2 K at 50-80 km in spring, autumn and winter at all latitudes, and summer at low to midlatitudes. Differences in the high-latitude summers are typically smaller than 1 K below 50 km, smaller than 2 K at 50-65 km and 5 K at 65-80 km. Differences between MIPAS and the other instruments in the mid-mesosphere are generally negative. MIPAS mesopause is within 4 K of the other instruments measurements, except in the high-latitude summers, when it is within 5-10 K, being warmer there than SABER, MLS and OSIRIS and colder than ACE-FTS and SOFIE. The agreement in the lower thermosphere is typically better than 5 K, except for high latitudes during spring and summer, when MIPAS usually exhibits larger vertical gradients.M. Garcia-Comas was financially supported by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) through its >Ramon y Cajal> subprogram. The IAA team was supported by the Spanish MINECO, through project AYA2011-23552, the CONSOLIDER program CSD2009-00038, and EC FEDER funds. Funding for ACE comes primarily from the Canadian Space Agency. We thank ESA for providing MIPAS level-1b data.Peer Reviewe