Interaction of the Faroe Bank Channel overflow with Iceland Basin intermediate waters

Author Posting. © American Geophysical Union, 2014. This article is posted here by permission of American Geophysical Union for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans 119 (2014): 228-240, doi:10.1002/2013JC009437.The narrow and deep Faroe Bank Channel (FBC) is an important pathway for cold, dense waters from the Nordic Seas to flow across the Iceland-Scotland ridge into the North Atlantic. The swift, turbulent FBC overflow is associated with strong vertical mixing. Hydrographic profiles from a shipboard survey and two Slocum electric gliders deployed during a cruise in May–June 2012 show an intermediate water mass characterized by low salinity and low oxygen concentration between the upper waters of Atlantic origin and the dense overflow water. A weak low-salinity signal originating north-east of Iceland is discernible at the exit of the FBC, but smeared out by intense mixing. Further west (downstream) marked salinity and oxygen minima are found, which we hypothesize are indicators of a mixture of Labrador Sea Water and Intermediate Water from the Iceland Basin. Water mass characteristics vary strongly on short time scales. Low-salinity, low-oxygen water in the stratified interface above the overflow plume is shown to move along isopycnals toward the Iceland-Faroe Front as a result of eddy stirring and a secondary, transverse circulation in the plume interface. The interaction of low-salinity, low-oxygen intermediate waters with the overflow plume already at a short distance downstream of the sill, here reported for the first time, affects the final properties of the overflow waters through entrainment and mixing.This work was funded by the Research Council of Norway, through the FRINAT program, under the project 204867/V30, ‘‘Faroe Bank Channel Overflow: Dynamics and Mixing.’’2014-07-1

Observations of barotropic oscillations and their influence on mixing in the Faroe bank channel overflow region

Observations of hydrography, currents, and microstructure are presented together with sea surface height (SSH) patterns from concurrent satellite tracks to describe the subinertial oscillations in the region downstream of the Faroe Bank Channel overflow. Energetic oscillations with a dominant 3–5-day period have previously been observed in the dense bottom layer and found to be consistent with topographic Rossby waves. Here, the authors present evidence that the oscillations extend over the whole water column and are connected to a wave-like pattern in SSH along the continental slope. The waves are observed in two satellite tracks running parallel to the slope and indicate a wavelength of 50–75 km, an amplitude of about 5 cm, and a phase speed of 15–20 cm s−1. The pattern extends at least 450 km along the slope. Repeat occupations of a section through a 4-day period show a barotropic velocity anomaly that is associated with an increase in plume transport [from 0.5 to 2.5 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1)] and interface height (from 100 to 200 m) as well as changes in dissipation rates and mixing. Estimates of entrainment velocity wE vary with a factor of 102 over the oscillation period, and there is an inverse relation between wE and plume thickness, that is, mixing is most intense when the dense bottom layer is thin. High values of wE coincide with a large percentage of critical Richardson numbers in the interfacial layer. The rotational motion, or the horizontal “stirring,” is observed to bring water from the south, traceable because of its low oxygen concentrations, into the plume.publishedVersio

Castration of the healthy bitch

In this work we have compiled results from various studies concerning medical conditions that may possibly be avoided by castration and the effects that may occur after castration of the healthy bitch. The work is a literature review but it also includes a summary on the age recommendations for castration of the healthy bitch, castration before or after the first heat and the castration method most commonly used of ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy. The summary is based on a questionnaire answered by personnel from 20 veterinary clinics and animal hospitals evenly distributed throughout Sweden. The summary showed that ovariohysterectomy was the most common method of castration and the recommendation in age ranged from 6-12 months. Regarding castration before or after the first heat 75% of the veterinary clinics and animal hospitals answered that they recommended castration after the first heat. Literature study shows that there are both advantages and disadvantages of castration of the healthy bitch and that it therefore is important that each bitch get a personal and individual evaluation before a decision is taken concerning a castration

Digitaalisten ratkaisujen kansallinen kehittäminen Suomen kestävän kasvun ohjelmassa (RRP) : THL:n Tiekartta

Tiekartta on kooste THL:n Suomen kestävän kasvun (RRP) -projekteissa kehitettävistä digitaalisista ratkaisuista, tuotoksista ja niiden aikatauluista. Tiekartan tukee hyvinvointialueitten kehittämistyötä ja päätöksentekoa kertomalla, millaisia kansallisia digitaalisia ratkaisuja ja tuotoksia alueelliset hankkeet voivat hyödyntää omassa kehittämistyössään. Lisäksi tiekarttaan on koottu tietoa sote-tiedonhallintaa tukevista työkaluista ja julkaisuista, joita THL:n RRP-hankkeessa kehitetään

Anti-cyclonic eddy imprint on calcite geochemistry of several planktonic foraminiferal species in the Mozambique Channel

Hydrographic conditions in the Mozambique Channel are dominated by the passing of large anticyclonic eddies, propagating poleward into the upstream Agulhas area. Further south, these eddies have been found to control the shedding of Agulhas rings into the Atlantic ocean, thereby playing a key role in Indo-Atlantic Ocean exchange. The element composition of several planktonic foraminifera species collected from sediment trap samples, was compared to in situ water column data from the Mozambique Channel. Single-chamber trace element composition of these foraminifera reveals a close coupling with hydrographic changes induced by anticyclonic eddies. Obtained Mg/Ca values for the surface dwelling Globigerinoides ruber as well as the thermocline dwelling Neogloboquadrina dutertrei follow temperature changes and reduced temperature stratification during eddy conditions. At greater depth, Globorotalia scitula and Pulleniatina obliquiloculata record stable temperatures and thus respond to hydrographic changes with a deepening in habitat depth. Furthermore, test Mn/Ca values indicate a close relationship between water column oxygenation and Mn incorporation in these planktonic foraminiferal specie

Plasma metabolomics of presymptomatic PSEN1-H163Y mutation carriers: a pilot study

Background and Objective: PSEN1-H163Y carriers, at the presymptomatic stage, have reduced 18FDG-PET binding in the cerebrum of the brain (Scholl et al., Neurobiol Aging 32:1388–1399, 2011). This could imply dysfunctional energy metabolism in the brain. In this study, plasma of presymptomatic PSEN1 mutation carriers was analyzed to understand associated metabolic changes. Methods: We analyzed plasma from noncarriers (NC, n = 8) and presymptomatic PSEN1-H163Y mutation carriers (MC, n = 6) via untargeted metabolomics using gas and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, which identified 1199 metabolites. All the metabolites were compared between MC and NC using univariate analysis, as well as correlated with the ratio of Ab1–42/Ab1–40, using Spearman’s correlation. Altered metabolites were subjected to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Results: Based on principal component analysis the plasma metabolite profiles were divided into dataset A and dataset B. In dataset A, when comparing between presymptomatic MC and NC, the levels of 79 different metabolites were altered. Out of 79, only 14 were annotated metabolites. In dataset B, 37 metabolites were significantly altered between presymptomatic MC and NC and nine metabolites were annotated. In both datasets, annotated metabolites represent amino acids, fatty acyls, bile acids, hexoses, purine nucleosides, carboxylic acids, and glycerophosphatidylcholine species. 1-docosapentaenoyl-GPC was positively correlated, uric acid and glucose were negatively correlated with the ratio of plasma Ab1–42/Ab1–40 (P < 0.05). Interpretation: This study finds dysregulated metabolite classes, which are changed before the disease symptom onset. Also, it provides an opportunity to compare with sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease. Observed findings in this study need to be validated in a larger and independent Familial Alzheimer’s Disease (FAD) cohort

Contrasting phytoplankton-zooplankton distributions observed through autonomous platforms, in-situ optical sensors and discrete sampling

Plankton distributions are remarkably ‘patchy’ in the ocean. In this study, we investigated the contrasting phytoplankton-zooplankton distributions in relation to wind mixing events in waters around a biodiversity-rich island (Runde) located off the western coast of Norway. We used adaptive sampling from AUV and shipboard profiles of in-situ phytoplankton photo-physiology and particle identification (copepods, fecal pellets and the dinoflagellate Tripos spp.) and quantification using optical and imaging sensors. Additionally, traditional seawater and net sampling were collected for nutrient and in-vitro chlorophyll a concentrations and phytoplankton and meso-zooplankton abundances. Persistent strong wind conditions (~5 days) disrupted the stratification in offshore regions, while stratification and a subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM) were observed above the base of the mixed layer depth (MLD ~30 m) in inshore waters. Contrasting phytoplankton and zooplankton abundances were observed between inshore (with the presence of a SCM) and offshore waters (without the presence of a SCM). At the SCM, phytoplankton abundances (Tripos spp., the diatom Proboscia alata and other flagellates) were half (average of 200 cell L-1) of those observed offshore. On the contrary, meso-zooplankton counts were ~6× higher (732 ind m-3 for Calanus spp.) inshore (where a SCM was observed) compared to offshore areas. In parallel, fecal pellets and ammonium concentrations were high (>1000 ind m-3 for the upper 20 m) at the SCM, suggesting that the shallow mixed layer might have increased encounter rates and promoted strong grazing pressure. Low nutrient concentrations (< 1μM for nitrate) were found below the MLD (60 m) in offshore waters, suggesting that mixing and nutrient availability likely boosted phytoplankton abundances. The size of the absorption cross-section (σPII’) and yield of photosystem II photochemistry under ambient light (φPII’) changed according to depth, while the depth-related electron flow (JPII) was similar between regions, suggesting a high degree of community plasticity to changes in the light regime. Our results emphasize the importance of using multiple instrumentation, in addition to traditional seawater and net sampling for a holistic understanding of plankton distributions.publishedVersio

Cancer Prevention Literacy among Different Population Subgroups: Challenges and Enabling Factors for Adopting and Complying with Cancer Prevention Recommendations

It is estimated that 40% of the cancer cases in Europe could be prevented if people had better information and tools to make healthier choices and thereby reduce some of the most important cancer risk factors. The aim of this study is to gain knowledge and understanding about cancer prevention literacy among people with intellectual disabilities, immigrants, young people and young cancer survivors. In this qualitative study, we conducted six online focus-group interviews, including forty participants, to explore the cancer prevention literacy of four population subgroups and determine how cancer prevention recommendations according to the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC) were perceived. The analysis resulted in the following main categories: current health beliefs and their impacts on how the ECAC recommendations were perceived, communication strategies and sources benefiting or hindering cancer prevention information from reaching out, and how vulnerabilities in these subgroups impact cancer prevention literacy. To improve cancer prevention literacy in Europe, more attention is needed this topic to overcome barriers among different population subgroups. Recommendations include improved and adapted cancer prevention information, support to individuals, as well as societal support, such as easy-access screening and vaccination programmes and regulations related to tobacco, alcohol, and diet

Kystsonelandbruk. Rapport fra pilotstudium på Nerlandsøy i Herøy kommune i Møre og Romsdal.

Utgangspunktet for prosjektet var å undersøke potensialet for økt verdiskaping i kystsonen, med Nerlandsøy i Herøy kommune, Møre og Romsdal, som studieområde. Vi har lagt til rette for å etablere langtidsserier for ulike parametre som vi mener vil gi økt kunnskap om klimaendringer og påvirkning på økosystem og næringsutvikling i kystsonen. Arealbruksendringer: Jordbruksareal og utmarksareal er viktige naturressurser. God forvaltning og sikring av arealet er avgjørende for å beholde og øke verdiskapinga. Andre næringer har stor betydning for bosettinga på øya. Det betyr at Nerlandsøy er interessant å følge over tid når det gjelder forvaltning av arealene. Nerlandsøy er en velegna studielokalitet fordi det fortsatt er aktivt landbruk der og det er mulighet for fortsatt og økt matproduksjon fra landbruket. Store deler av fôret hentes fra beite i utmarka, noe som bidrar til lavere klimagassutslipp på det kjøttet som produseres når en tar hensyn til nye beregningsmåter for metanutslipp fra drøvtyggere. Kystlyngheia: På Nerlandsøy er det et helt spesielt og verdifullt og godt kartlagt kulturlandskap. Her har en mulighet til å følge utviklinga på areal som er skjøtsla gjennom rydding og brenning. Studiet viser blant annet, med Ystevika som eksempel, at kystlyngheiene påvirkes av ekstremvær som vintertørke. Biologisk mangfold – sammensetning av insektsamfunnet: Mengde og artssammensetning av insekter er en viktig indikator på tilstanden når det gjelder biodiversitet i et område. Vi har kartlagt insektsamfunnet på en lokalitet mellom Kvalsvika og Ystevika, i samarbeid med NINA. Jordsmonn og produksjonspotensiale: Jordsmonnet på Nerlandsøy er relativt næringsfattig, men enkelte steder gir morene og rasmateriale med gode sigevannsforhold fruktbar jord. Jordsmonnet er fattig på en del essensielle mikromineraler, noe lokaliteten har til felles med resten av kysten. Det betyr at det er behov for å finne alternativer til gjødsling som tilfører jorda mineraler og dermed også økt mineralinnhold i beitegras og vinterfôr. Dyrehelse: Varmere klima kan gi økt mulighet for planteproduksjon, men også problemer med skadegjørere og smitte som vi ikke har i dag. For husdyr vet vi at sjukdom kan bli et problem og forårsake tap og dårlig dyrevelferd og økt risiko for sjukdommer som kan smitte fra dyr til mennesker. Parasitter kan bli et problem når samme husdyrart beiter på samme areal år etter år, og et mildere klima kan gi større problemer. På Nerlandsøy var sauene behandla mot parasitter, likevel fant vi overraskende mye parasitter hos dyra. Videre kartlegging av parasittbelastning og planlegging av beitebruk for å redusere problemet er viktige spørsmål å følge opp over lengre tid. En annen «skummel» parasitt er skogflåtten, Ixodes ricinus, som trives bedre under varmere og våtere klima. Alle dyr er utsatt for flått og kan bli smitta med sjodoggbakterien A.phagocytophilum eller andre bakterier som kan gi alvorlig sjukdom hos dyr og mennesker. I et av beiteområda fant vi at alle lamma var smitta med sjodoggbakterien