Diurnal Course Research Articles

The influence of cloudiness and atmospheric circulation on radiation balance and its components

The article contains an analysis of the influence of cloudiness and atmospheric circulation on the components of radiation balance (Q*) using the example of measurements taken in an extra-urban area of Koniczynka near Toruń (Central Poland) in the years 2011–2018. The average annual value of Q* was 1,818.5 MJ·m−2 with a maximum of 352.3 MJ·m−2 in June, and negative values from November to January (December: −27.4 MJ·m−2). The shortwave radiation balance (S*) amounted to 3,129.2 MJ·m−2 and the longwave radiation balance (L*) was ˗1,310.7 MJ·m−2. In June the average solar irradiance (S↓) at midday was 600 W·m−2. The natural annual and diurnal course of Q* components, determined by astronomical factors, is disturbed by changes in cloudiness and inflow of various air masses. It has been found that an increase in cloudiness causes the amount of incoming solar radiation (S↓) to fall, thus decreasing the S* balance. Moreover, clouds restrict longwave radiation balance (L*), in particular, downward atmospheric radiation (L↓) increases. The opposite relationships of S* and L* affect Q* in individual months. The components of Q* are influenced by atmospheric circulation; it has been observed that anticyclonic types, characterised by smaller cloud amounts, favour a greater influx of (S↓) and—at the same time—greater emittance (L↑); however, Q* is then greater than in the case of cyclonic circulation. A statistically significant trend of Q* and its components has not been ascertained. A notable great year-on-year variability of Q*, ranging from 1,640.4 MJ·m−2 (in 2011) to 2,081.6 MJ·m−2 (in 2018), affects the environment. The changes are related to the cloudiness and the frequency of occurrence of different atmospheric circulation types. The role of snow cover is also important as snow reflects solar radiation which leads to the decrease of S* and—as a result—to a negative value of Q* in winter.

Ice rains in the Middle Urals

This article is devoted to ice rains in the Urals. The occurrence of events in the cold period of 2019-2020 is considered. The diurnal course of an event is revealed, and the frequency of the accompanying ice is established. The physical and synoptic conditions of ice rain are studied. A comparison of the state of the atmosphere during a period of ice rain, freezing precipitation and in the absence of phenomena is carried out. Radar data of ice rain events which cause heavy ice and significant material damage are presented. It has been found that the ice rains in the Middle Urals are formed under the influence of a warm front and in the warm sector of a cyclone. This event is mainly recorded during the daytime. The duration of the event is 31 minutes on average. The prevailing air temperature near the earth’s surface is -2.3 °C on average.

On the performance of microlysimeters to measure non-rainfall water input in a hyper-arid environment with focus on fog contribution

The measurement of non-rainfall atmospheric water input (NRWI) in arid environments requires instruments that are capable to detect even smallest amounts of total daily water input of less than 0.1 mm. Microlysimeters yield robust and high precision data of such low NRWI. We provide a technical description of a self-constructed microlysimeter and demonstrate its excellent performance regarding the analysis of NRWI in the Central Namib Desert. Three stations of the FogNet measurement network have been equipped with microlysimeters in order to measure fog deposition. NRWI and evaporation for days/nights without fog shows a persistent diurnal course. Deviations from this baseline define the amount of fog deposition, intensity and duration of a fog events. A more detailed analysis of a five-day period reveals the complex nature and variation between individual fog events with respect to the different patterns of fog deposition and fog precipitation and the contribution of adsorption, dew and fog to NRWI. The relation between fog precipitation and fog deposition is not straightforward and a simple parameterization of the processes that quantifies the amount of the water sampled by fog collectors and its connection to NRWI is still lacking.

The impact of drought on total ozone flux in a mountain Norway spruce forest

In order to understand the impact of summer drought on dry deposition of tropospheric ozone (O<sub>3</sub>), we compared severe and mild drought periods of summer 2018 in a mountain Norway spruce forest at Bílý Kříž, Beskydy Mts. An eddy covariance technique was applied to measure diurnal courses of the ecosystem O<sub>3</sub> and CO<sub>2</sub> fluxes. Low O<sub>3</sub> deposition was recorded in the morning and evening, while the highest CO<sub>2</sub> and O<sub><sup>3</sup></sub> fluxes were recorded during the central hours of the day. Total O<sub>3</sub> deposition during severe drought (soil humidity 13%) was significantly higher than the deposition during the mild drought period (soil humidity 19%). Our data indicate that high vapour pressure deficit and low soil humidity during severe drought led to the stomatal closure, while non-stomatal O<sub>3</sub> deposition, associated with chemical reactions of O<sub>3</sub> with NO and volatile organic compounds, are responsible for higher total O<sub>3</sub> deposition during the severe drought period. Therefore, we assume that under severe drought stomatal O<sub>3</sub> uptake decreases but non-stomatal depositions to forest ecosystems substantially increase.

Methane Emissions and Milk Fatty Acid Profiles in Dairy Cows Fed Linseed, Measured at the Group Level in a Naturally Ventilated Housing and Individually in Respiration Chambers.

Simple SummaryCows emit the greenhouse gas methane (CH4) as a result of microbial feed digestion. Methane emissions can be reduced by adopting nutritional strategies, such as dietary supplementation of linseed. Additionally, the oil in linseed increases the proportion of favorable fatty acids in milk fat. This study evaluated the effect of linseed on CH4 emission and milk fatty acid composition measured in a group of cows in a naturally ventilated barn and in individual cows in respiration chambers. The substantially higher proportions of favorable fatty acids in the milk of linseed-fed cows were detected in individual milk samples and in the milk of the herd. Therefore, the analysis of bulk milk could be a suitable control instrument for retailers. Visualizing the course of CH4 emissions over a whole day showed slightly lower CH4 values in linseed-supplemented individuals and groups. However, we found no significant reduction of CH4 as a result of linseed supplementation. Feed supplements in concentrations that are effective in reducing CH4 must show whether the reduction potential is comparable when determined at the group and individual levels. The present study evaluated the effects of linseed supplementation on CH4 emission and milk fatty acid composition in dairy cows measured at the group level in an experimental dairy loose housing using a tracer gas technique and individually in tied stalls and respiration chambers. Cows (2 × 20) were maintained in two separate sections under loose-housing conditions and received a diet supplemented with extruded linseed (L) lipids (29 g·kg−1 dry matter) or a control (C) diet containing corn flour. Subsequently, 2 × 6 cows per dietary group were investigated in a tied-housing system and respiration chambers. Substantially higher proportions of favorable milk fatty acids were recovered in L cows when compared with C cows at the group level, making the analysis of bulk milk a suitable control instrument for retailers. Linseed supplementation resulted in a slightly lower diurnal course of CH4 emission intensity than the control at the group and individual levels. However, we found no more than a trend for a CH4 mitigating effect, unlike in other studies supplementing similar linseed lipid levels. Feed supplements in concentrations that lead to a significant reduction in CH4 emissions must show whether the reduction potential determined at the group and individual levels is comparable.

Sap flow characteristics in growing and non-growing seasons in three tree species in the semiarid Loess Plateau region of China

Year-round observation suggests that sap flow in growing season represents species-specific transpiration characteristics and sap flow of deciduous broadleaved species in non-growing season is related to daily changes in stem diameter. Year-round observation is necessary to investigate species-specific characteristics of sap flow and its possible contribution in non-growing season. The middle Loess Plateau in China is characterized by temperate climate and vegetation cover of generally drought-tolerant deciduous broadleaved and some evergreen coniferous trees. In this study, Granier-type thermal dissipation probes were applied to measure year-round xylem sap flow in three species from April 2017 to April 2018. Solar radiation, air temperature, relative air humidity, precipitation, and soil moisture were monitored continuously. The results showed that the peak time of sap flux density (Fd) in the diurnal courses of Robinia pseudoacacia was later than that of Quercus liaotungensis and Platycladus orientalis. The peak time of Fd for R. pseudoacacia was significantly postponed during the period with higher soil moisture when compared with that at lower soil moisture, whereas the peak time was reached slightly earlier in the other two species. Sap flow during the non-growing season was relatively higher in P. orientalis than in the two broadleaved species. The diurnal course of Fd in non-growing season showed high values at nighttime and low values in daytime, opposite to that in growing season. Daily variation in stem diameter was inverse of the change in sap flow in the two broadleaved species, whereas the daily change in stem diameter of P. orientalis was very small and showed no clear relation with sap flow. The results suggest that changes in transpiration characteristics with soil moisture conditions vary with tree species; sap flow in deciduous broadleaved trees in non-growing season is small and closely related to daily changes in stem diameter.

Biotic and Abiotic Contribution to Diurnal Soil CO2 Fluxes from Saline/Alkaline Soils

As the second largest carbon flux in terrestrial ecosystems, the soil CO2 flux is closely related to the atmospheric CO2 concentration. The soil CO2 flux is the sum of biotic respiration and abiotic geochemical CO2 exchange; however, little is known about abiotic CO2 fluxes in arid areas. To investigate the relative contribution of abiotic and biotic soil CO2 fluxes over a diurnal course, the abiotic CO2 flux was distinguished by autoclaving sterilization in both saline and alkaline soils at an arid site in northwestern China. The results demonstrated that: (1) Over the diurnal course, the abiotic CO2 was a significant component of the soil CO2 flux in both saline and alkaline soil, which accounted for more than 56% of the diurnal soil CO2 flux. (2) There was a dramatic difference in the temperature response between biotic and abiotic CO2 fluxes: the response curves of biotic respiration were exponential in the saline soil and quadratic in the alkaline soil, while the abiotic CO2 flux was linearly correlated with soil temperature. They were of similar magnitude but with opposite signs: resulting in almost neutral carbon emissions on daily average. (3) Due to this covering up effect of the abiotic CO2 flux, biotic respiration was severely underestimated (directly measured soil CO2 flux was only one-seventh of the biotic CO2 flux in saline soil, and even an order of magnitude lower in alkaline soil). In addition, the soil CO2 flux masked the temperature-inhibition of biotic respiration in the alkaline soil, and veiled the differences in soil biological respiration between the saline and alkaline soils. Hence, the soil CO2 flux may not be an ideal representative of soil respiration in arid soil. Our study calls for a reappraisal of the definition of the soil CO2 flux and its temperature dependence in arid or saline/alkaline land. Further investigations of abiotic CO2 fluxes are needed to improve our understanding of arid land responses to global warming and to assist in identifying the underlying abiotic mechanisms.

Seasonal and Diurnal Variations in the Priestley–Taylor Coefficient for a Large Ephemeral Lake

The Priestley–Taylor equation (PTE) is widely used with its sole parameter (α) set as 1.26 for estimating the evapotranspiration (ET) of water bodies. However, variations in α may be large for ephemeral lakes. Poyang Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in China, is water-covered and wetland-covered during its high-water and low-water periods, respectively, over a year. This paper examines the seasonal and diurnal variations in α using eddy covariance observation data for Poyang Lake. The results show that α = 1.26 is overall feasible for both periods at daily and subdaily scales. No obvious seasonal trend was observed, although the standard deviation in α for the wetland was larger than that for the water surface. The mean bias in evaporation estimations using the PTE was less than 5 W·m−2 during both periods, and the root mean square errors were much smaller than the average evaporation measurements at daily scale. U-shaped diurnal patterns of α were found during both periods, due partly to the negative correlation between α and the available energy (A). Compared to the vapor pressure deficit (VPD), wind speed (u) exerts a larger contribution to these variations. In addition, u is positively correlated with α during both periods, however, VPD was positively and negatively correlated with α during the high-water and low-water periods, respectively. Subdaily α exhibited contrasting clusters in the (u, VPD) plane under the same available energy ranges. Our study highlights the seasonal and diurnal course of α and suggests the careful use of PTE at subdaily scales.

Ambulatory Assessment of Psychological and Physiological Stress on Workdays and Free Days Among Teachers. A Preliminary Study.

ObjectiveTeachers are affected by high levels of job stress, leading to one of the highest rates of burnout. The purpose of our pilot study was to investigate the diurnal course of teachers’ psychological and physiological stress responses [cortisol levels, alpha-amylase, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV)]. Another aim of the project was to test the applicability of ambulatory assessment methods in daily teaching situations.MethodsIn a non-clinical sample of eight primary school teachers (mean age = 43, SD = 15.22, 6 females) in Switzerland, continuous biopsychological data on two workdays and a free day were assessed. The teachers’ HRs and HRV were measured continuously using an ambulatory ECG. Additionally, eight saliva samples were collected from the teachers repeatedly throughout the day to determine the diurnal course of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase (sAA). Perceived stress and anger ratings were assessed simultaneously.ResultsAs hypothesized, the teachers’ morning cortisol levels, perceived stress, and anger levels were significantly higher, and their overall HRV was significantly lower on workdays than on a free day. Conversely, sAA levels and HRs showed no significant differences between working and free days. Salivary markers exhibited the expected diurnal course, with decreasing cortisol and increasing sAA levels over the course of the day, while self-rated stress reached the maximum at midday during working days.ConclusionThe results of the present explorative study show that physiological and psychological parameters differ within working and free days for teachers. A comparison between working and free days resulted in differences in morning cortisol levels, HRV as well as stress and anger levels. The ambulatory assessment method was found to be applicable in daily teaching situations.

Air—Surface Turbulent Heat Exchange in the Antarctic Coastal Zone Derived from Instrumental Observations

The results of direct measurements of turbulent fluxes at Bellingshausen station (the Antarctic) in the summer of 2002, 2003, 2007, and 2009 are considered. The features of energy exchange are studied for these seasons. The interannual and intraseasonal variability of energy exchange characteristics is investigated. It is found that heat fluxes depend on the surface state and on the wind direction. Also, as a rule, they have a clear diurnal course with negative or near-zero values at night and with positive values in the daytime, when intensive convective fluxes are observed over open ground. The momentum flux is defined by the wind direction and wind speed and by stratification conditions. The main factors affecting energy exchange between the atmosphere and the surface in the Antarctic coastal zone are synoptic conditions and the surface state (snowless season duration and moss cover presence).

Diurnal Variability of the Radiative Impact of Atmospheric Aerosols in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: A Seasonal Approach

The objective of this work is to study the diurnal evolution of the radiative impact of atmospheric aerosols in an urban city located in the West African Sahel and the correlations with the main influencing factors of local climate dynamics. The simulation was performed using a treatment chain including the GAME code. In the methodology, the atmosphere is modeled by 33 plane parallel layers and the effects of absorption, multiple scattering by particles and gas are taken account. An hour-by-hour calculation of radiative forcing at the top of the atmosphere, in the atmospheric layer and at the earth’s surface was performed. The data used as input are the monthly averages of optical properties, radiosonde measurements, daily synoptic measurements and surface albedo. The results show a parabolic diurnal course of a negative radiative impact at the top of the atmosphere with an extremum at 12 o'clock. Maximum cooling is observed shortly after sunrise and shortly after sunset. The largest annual deviations are noted between the months of March and December with respective maximum cooling values of -34 W/m2 and -15.60 W/m2. On the earth’s surface, a cooling impact is observed with two diurnal peaks at sunrise and sunset, the greatest difference between the diurnal maximums is noted between March (-104.45 W/m2) and August (-54 W/m2). In the atmospheric layer, there is almost constant diurnal warming between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The maximum difference between the diurnal extremes is also noted between March (about 85 W/m2) and August (35 W/m2). Likewise, the study of the diurnal warming of the first atmospheric layer showed the extreme values in March (5.6°C) and August (2.4°C), these maximum values being always observed at around 12 o’clock. An analysis of similar works carried out in urban cities in various locations of the world has shown a relatively good accordance with the values obtained. This study highlights the radiative impact of Saharan desert dust, the effect of the local climate and the succession between dry season (November to May) and the rainy one (July to October), as well as the zenith solar angle and human activity.

Water tracks in the lower Lena River basin

In the permafrost regions, where water filtration zone is limited by the shallow active layer, the surface flow forms a network of hollows, called «water tracks», oriented along the slope gradient. Water tracks are clearly distinguished on satellite images, but poorly defined in the field. The pattern of the water tracks network depends on geomorphological position, permafrost and geological conditions and dominant cryogenic processes. Surface flow could occur in the water tracks during the snowmelt and heavy rains, when the soil is entirely frozen or fully saturated by water. In dry periods, the water tracks form retention zones due to low filtration rates and significant capacity of thawed soil beneath the troughs. Our study of water tracks in the north-western Yakutia showed the changes of their morphology from upstream towards downstream. The water levels in the water tracks have a pronounced diurnal course in reverse phase to the water temperature variation. They are related to diurnal ground thawing dynamics. Hydrology of water tracks depends on the peat thickness, active layer properties and lithology. Water tracks formed by rubble rocks respond to a storm event with rapidly increasing water level. The deeper thawing layer, the smoother water levels rise and decrease.

Methodological aspects and impact on grain weight of source reduction through shade meshes during grain filling of bread wheat

In crop studies, shading is a common approach for reducing source activity (i.e. assimilates produced by photosynthesis); however, if source reduction is not directly proportional to the degree of light attenuation, estimations could be flawed. We analysed the effects of shading at three levels on light transmittance, air and canopy temperatures, and actual photosynthetic activity at different times of day, and on grain weight in a modern genotype of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The treatments were imposed 10 days after anthesis and comprised three levels of shading with meshes: 80%, 50% and 10% transmittance during midday. The decrease in midday photosynthetic activity (electron transport rate, ETR; and CO2 assimilation, An) in the shading treatments compared with control plants did not fit a 1:1 relationship with light transmittance of the meshes; for example, the reduction in ETR and An was <50% under the mesh with 50% light transmittance. The decrease in light transmittance and photosynthesis caused by the meshes was higher during the morning and afternoon than midday. In the grain-filling period, midday ETR showed a progressive, age-dependent decrease in control plants compared with shading treatments. Initial differences in photosynthetic activity between treatments were attenuated throughout the grain-filling period. The diurnal course of air temperature showed a progressive decrease from control to shade treatments, mainly during midday. This pattern was confirmed by infrared thermometry of canopy temperature, with severe shade showing the lowest temperature. Greenness measurements at 19 days after anthesis showed delayed senescence in shaded plants, possibly due to the decrease in temperature under shade. Grain weight per ear was reduced in shading treatments (mainly with 50% and 10% light transmittance). The decrease in grain weight per ear plotted against the decrease in photosynthesis (evaluated through ETR or An) did not fit a 1:1 relationship. This could be explained in part by an observed increase in dry matter retranslocation from the stem. In summary, estimations of source reduction on the basis of light attenuation could be biased, because the photosynthesis decrease is less than proportional, and photosynthesis differences are attenuated throughout grain filling.

Modeling the incoming all-wave radiation in a planted trench system

Micro-catchment systems (MCs) are designed to harvest and utilize rainwater, with the aim of supporting crop growth in arid regions. While MCs were traditionally built with shallow infiltration basins, recent research indicates that MCs with deeper basins lose less water to the atmosphere than MCs with shallower basins. Consequently, we can expect more water to infiltrate the soil and be available to trees grown in deeper MCs than those grown in shallow MCs. The reduction in the direct water loss is owed, to a large extent, to the decreased flux of incoming shortwave radiation reaching the surface in deeper basins. The degree to which the incoming shortwave radiation reaching the floor of the MC is reduced, in turn, depends on the system’s dimensions and orientation, geographical location, canopy geometry, soil properties, date, and time. We present a model that calculates the incoming all-wave (short- and longwave) radiation flux densities reaching any point on the floor of a trench MC in which trees are planted. To add to previously developed models that considered direct radiation, diffuse radiation, and direct and diffuse radiation reflected downwards from the walls of the trench, the model accounts for possible shading and attenuation of the radiation caused by the presence of a canopy in the system. We have also added the component of longwave radiation, considering longwave radiation emitted from the atmosphere, from the canopy of trees planted within the system, and from the trench walls.We validated the model by comparing modeled results to field measurements inside a planted trench system. We used pyranometers to measure the incoming shortwave radiation and a 4-way net radiometer for the incoming longwave. Our results indicate that the model accurately depicts the diurnal course of shortwave and longwave radiation at different points on the floor of a N-S oriented trench MC and for different solar elevation angles. Simulations for the Negev Desert revealed that the presence of a canopy can strongly influence which trench configurations lead to the greatest decreases in incoming shortwave radiation. When a large canopy is present and the trench is wide, less radiation reaches the ground in N-S oriented trenches than in E-W oriented trenches. While the incoming longwave radiation at the bottom of the trench MC is higher than that on an equivalent horizontal surface at ground level, this increase is not enough to offset the decrease in shortwave radiation. The simulations indicate that the total incoming all-wave radiation (combined shortwave and longwave) inside trenches is less than that outside.

Long-term variability, source apportionment and spectral properties of black carbon at an urban background site in Athens, Greece

This study aims to delineate the characteristics of Black Carbon (BC) in the atmosphere over Athens, Greece, using 4-year (May 2015–April 2019) Aethalometer (AE-33) measurements. The average BC concentration is 1.9 ± 2.5 μg m−3 (ranging from 0.1 to 32.7 μg m−3; hourly values), with a well-defined seasonality from 1.3 ± 1.1 μg m−3 in summer to 3.0 ± 4.0 μg m−3 in winter. Pronounced morning and evening/night peaks are found in the BC concentrations in winter, while during the rest of the seasons, this diurnal cycle appears to flatten out, with the exception of the morning traffic peak. On an annual basis, the biomass-burning fraction (BB%) of BC accounts for 22 ± 12%, while the fossil-fuel combustion (BCff) component (traffic emissions and domestic heating) dominates during summer (83%) and in the morning hours. BCwb exhibits higher contribution in winter (32%), especially during the night hours (39%). BC levels are effectively reduced by precipitation, while they significantly build-up for wind speeds <3 m s−1 and mixing-layer height (MLH) < 500 m. Normalizing the BC diurnal course by the MLH variations on a seasonal basis reveals that the residential wood-burning emissions are mostly responsible for the large BC increase during winter nights, whereas the low BC levels during daytime in the warm season are mainly attributed to dilution into a deeper MLH. BCwb is highly correlated with other BB tracers during winter nights (e.g. levoglucosan, non-sea-salt-K+, m/z 60 fragment), as well as with the fine fraction (PM2.5) OC and EC. The Delta-C, which represents the spectral dependence of BC as the absorption difference between 370 and 880 nm, is analyzed for the first time in Athens. It exhibits a pronounced seasonality with maximum values in winter night-time, and it appears as a valid qualitative marker for wood combustion.

Soil Temperature Prior to Veraison Alters Grapevine Carbon Partitioning, Xylem Sap Hormones, and Fruit Set

To gain a better understanding of environmental effects on grapevines and the physiological regulation of acclimation, we determined the effects of soil temperature (14 or 24°C) between anthesis and veraison on growth, nonstructural carbohydrates, cytokinins, abscisic acid, and leaf function of potted Vitis vinifera cv. Shiraz. Plants of each regime were selected from two groups that had been grown in a glasshouse from three weeks prior to budbreak at an average soil temperature of either 13 or 23°C. Soil temperature between anthesis and veraison affected utilization and restoration of root and trunk nonstructural carbohydrates and changes in biomass of major plant organs. Soil warming promoted shoot growth via utilization of starch reserves, while soil cooling promoted starch storage in both the root and wood and shifted overall biomass partitioning to the roots. A change in soil temperature from warm to cool through flowering was also associated with reduced fruit set. Diurnal courses of photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance after fruit set were significantly affected by soil temperature. Phytohormones (cytokinin and abscisic acid) were measured in the xylem sap and leaves at fruit set and veraison. Differences between these two sample types during grapevine development highlight a phytohormone shift likely involved in postveraison fruit ripening. We conclude that soil temperature significantly affects grapevine growth and that the responses are mediated largely by an influence of temperature on mobilization of nonstructural carbohydrates from the roots.

Lyric's Diurnal Course: Reading with Geology

Lyric's Diurnal Course: Reading with Geology

Soil moisture regime and palm height influence embolism resistance in oil palm.

With the prospect of climate change and more frequent El Niño-related dry spells, the drought tolerance of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), one of the most important tropical crop species, is of major concern. We studied the influence of soil water availability and palm height on the plasticity of xylem anatomy of oil palm fronds and their embolism resistance at well-drained and seasonally flooded riparian sites in lowland Sumatra, Indonesia. We found overall mean P12 and P50 values, i.e., the xylem pressures at 12% or 50% loss of hydraulic conductance, of -1.05 and-1.86MPa, respectively, indicating a rather vulnerable frond xylem of oil palm. This matches diurnal courses of stomatal conductance, which in combination with the observed low xylem safety evidence a sensitive water loss regulation. While the xylem anatomical traits vessel diameter (Dh), vessel density and potential hydraulic conductivity (Kp) were not different between the sites, palms in the moister riparian plots had on average by 0.4MPa higher P50 values than plants in the well-drained plots. This could largely be attributed to differences in palm height between systems. As a consequence, palms of equal height had 1.3MPa less negative P50 values in the moister riparian plots than in the well-drained plots. While palm height was positively related to P50, Dh and Kp decreased with height. The high plasticity in embolism resistance may be an element of the drought response strategy of oil palm, which, as a monocot, has a relatively deterministic hydraulic architecture. We conclude that oil palm fronds develop a vulnerable water transport system, which may expose the palms to increasing drought stress in a warmer and drier climate. However, the risk of hydraulic failure may be reduced by considerable plasticity in the hydraulic system and the environmental control of embolism resistance, and a presumably large stem capacitance.

Time lag of stem sap flow and its relationships with transpiration characteristics in Quercus liaotungensis and Robina pseudoacacia in the loess hilly region, China

Using Granier-type thermal dissipation probes (TDP), we measured stem xylem sap flow of the natural dominant species Quercus liaotungensis and a reforestation species Robinia pseudoacacia from July to September in 2016 in the semiarid loess hilly region. Meteorological factors and soil water content were simultaneously monitored during the study period. Using cross-correlation analysis, time lag between diurnal patterns of sap flux density and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) was quantitatively estimated. Differences in the time lag between the two species and possible influence by different diameter classes and soil water contents were analyzed. The results showed that the diurnal courses of sap flux density were similar to those of meteorological factors, with daily peaks ear-lier than VPD. The peak of VPD lagged behind the sap flux densities of Q. liaotungensis and R. pseudoacacia 118.2 min and 39.5 min, respectively. The peak of PAR lagged behind the sap flux density of Q. liaotungensis 12.4 min, but was 68.5 min ahead of that for R. pseudoacacia. Time lag between sap flux density and VPD significantly varied between tree species and was affected by soil water content. Those during higher soil water content period were about 32.2 min and 68.2 min longer than those during the period with lower soil water content for the two species, respectively. There was no correlation between time lag and tree diameter classes. The time lag between VPD and sap flux density for R. pseudoacacia was about 21.4 min longer in smaller diameter trees than in larger trees, which was significantly different under the lower soil water content. Our results suggested that the time lag effect between VPD and sap flux densities in the two species reflected their sensitivities to driving factors of transpiration, and that higher soil water content was favorable to sap flux density reaching its peak early. The lower soil water content might lead to lower sensitivity of the trees to meteorological factors. R. pseudoacacia was more sensitive to changes of soil water content.

Exploring the Diurnal Course of Fatigue in Patients on Hemodialysis Treatment and Its Relation With Depressive Symptoms and Classical Conditioning

ContextFatigue is one of the most prevalent symptoms among hemodialysis (HD) patients. To design effective treatments, it is crucial to understand the diurnal pattern of fatigue in this population. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to assess diurnal changes in fatigue in patients undergoing hemodialysis and their relation with depressive symptoms and to explore whether fatigue may become a classically conditioned response to the hospital environment. MethodsA prospective, observational study was conducted in 51 HD patients. Subjects repeatedly rated their current fatigue on three different days during one week of hemodialysis treatment to capture changes in momentary fatigue. First, on an HD treatment day, fatigue was measured one hour before and immediately before dialysis, as well as immediately after dialysis and again at 22:00 pm Second, on the postdialysis day and on the seventh weekday (when patients had not received treatment on the previous day), fatigue was measured at the same moments in time as the two measurements before dialysis on the treatment day. Beck Depression Inventory-II and Fatigue Severity Scale were administered to evaluate depressive mood and fatigue severity in daily life. ResultsFatigue increased as a result of hemodialysis treatment over the entire sample. However, diurnal fatigue patterns differed significantly between individuals high and low in depressive symptoms, with the former being fatigued more constantly throughout the day, and the latter experiencing increases in fatigue due to treatment. Pretreatment fatigue experienced in the hospital environment followed a pattern consistent with the development of a classically conditioned response. ConclusionDiurnal fatigue patterns during hemodialysis treatment are associated with depressive symptoms, and classical conditioning may play a role in the experience of pretreatment fatigue.