bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultimobranchial gland of a freshwater teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis, in response to cadmium treatment
Authors: Rai Rubi , Mishra Diwakar , Srivastav Sunil Kumar , Srivastav Ajai Kumar
Published: December 2008

Heteropneustes fossilis were subjected to 288 mg/L (0.8 of 96 h LC50) and 72 mg/L (0.2 of 96 h LC50) of cadmium chloride for short‐term and long‐term experiments, respectively. After sacrificing the fish, the blood was collected on 24, 48, 72, and 96 h in short‐term and after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days in long‐term experiment and analyzed for plasma calcium levels. Also, ultimobranchial glands were fixed on these intervals. The plasma calcium levels of short‐term cadmium‐exposed fish remain unchanged after 24 h. The levels exhibit a progressive decrease from 48 h onwards. The fish exposed to cadmium for 7 days exhibit a decrease in the plasma calcium level. Thereafter, the levels progressively decrease till the end of the experiment (28 days). Up to 72 h exposure of the fish to cadmium, the ultimobranchial gland exhibits no histological change. After 96 h, a decrease in the staining response of the cytoplasm of ultimobranchial cells has been noticed. The nuclear volume of these cells records a slight decrease. Up to 14 days of cadmium exposure, there is no change in the histological structure of ultimobranchial gland. After 21 days following the exposure, the ultimobranchial cells exhibit a slight decrease in the staining response of the cytoplasm and the nuclear volume of these cells records a decrease. Following 28 days cadmium exposure the nuclear volume exhibits a further decrease, and degeneration and vacuolization sets in. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Calponin gene expression inChironomus ripariusexposed to di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate
Authors: Park Kiyun , Kwak Inn‐Sil
Published: December 2008

Di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate, which is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant because of its extensive use as a plasticizer, is a potential nongenotoxic carcinogen. To assess the effects of DEHP exposure on the cytoskeleton ofChironomus, we characterized full‐length cDNA sequences of the calponin gene fromChironomus riparius. The expression of the calponin gene was analyzed during different life‐history stages and under various DEHP concentrations for short and long periods. A phylogenetic investigation was then conducted to compare different orders of insects using sequence database analysis. The complete cDNA sequence of the calponin gene was found to be 555 bp in length. The results of phylogenetic analysis revealed thatC. ripariuscalponin is most closely related to that of beetles. The basal level of calponin mRNA was highly expressed during different life‐history stages. In addition, calponin gene expression decreased within 1 h of short‐term exposure to DEHP, regardless of the concentration. We also investigated expression of the calponin gene following long‐term exposure (10 days). Calponin gene expression was found to decrease significantly inC. ripariusthat were exposed to a low dose of DEHP, and this response was found to occur in a dose‐dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that DEHP affects the functions of Ca2+binding muscle proteins such as calponin inChironomusspecies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Myomectomy through the uterine cervix using forceps under sonographic guidance
Authors: Lin C. ‐C. , Ou M. ‐C. , Hsiao S. ‐M. , Lin H. ‐H.
Published: December 2008

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility of a novel method of forceps myomectomy under sonographic guidance.

Methods

Between June 2005 and August 2006, we performed a prospective study to evaluate the feasibility of forceps myomectomy under sonographic guidance in patients with submucosal myomas. Patients were enrolled into the study if, on transvaginal sonographic or hysteroscopic examination, their myomas were found to have an intramural extension < 75%, absence of ‘sinking’ and a mean diameter < 8 cm.

Results

There were 28 patients with submucosal myomas including Types 0 (n = 18), 1 (n = 6) and 2 (n = 4). In 26/28 (92.8%; 95% CI, 82.6–100) patients the myomas were removed completely. The mean operating time and intraoperative blood loss were 27.3 min and 33.5 mL, respectively. The median follow‐up time was 15 months. There were no perioperative complications. No patient subsequently underwent myomectomy or hysterectomy.

Conclusions

In our experience, this novel method of forceps myomectomy is feasible for the removal of Type 0 and Type 1 submucosal myomas as well as selected Type 2 myomas. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TV white‐space sensing prototype
Authors: Oh S. W. , Le T. P. Cuong , Zhang W. , Ahmed S. N. Altaf , Zeng Y. , Kua K. J. M.
Published: December 2008

Measurements performed at several locations clearly show that frequency spectrum is under‐utilized. Cognitive radio (CR) is a strong candidate to ensure better spectrum utilization by providing access in an opportunistic manner, i.e., when the spectrum is temporary or spatially unutilized (a.k.a. white‐space). The key enabling technology for realizing better frequency spectrum utilization in CR system is spectrum sensing. In particular, spectrum sensing in television (TV) bands is of great interest due to the potential availability of spectrum as a result of the planned migration of analog TV broadcasting to digital TV broadcasting. In this paper, we present the TV white‐space prototype that we developed to detect vacant spectrum in TV bands. The prototype is implemented on a real‐time platform and tested in practical environments. Results show that our prototype is able to detect vacant channels up to sensitivities from −116 to −120 dBm under realistic conditions. This confirmation will give the much needed confidence in the capability of CR systems to detect the operation of primary users and protect their use of spectrum. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pilot Postoperative Ileus Study of Escin in Cancer Patients After Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Xie Qiwei , Zong Xianglong , Ge Baoming , Wang Shan , Ji Jiafu , Ye Yingjiang , Pan Lili
Published: December 2008

Background

Postoperative ileus, a common complication in patients after abdominal surgery, brings no benefit to the recovery of postoperative patients, and treatment targeted at restoring gastrointestinal motility may shorten the hospital stay. Studies have shown that escin accelerates gastrointestinal transit in mice and improves gastrointestinal motility in patients after abdominal surgery. A pilot study of escin’s effect on the recovery of gastrointestinal motility was conducted in colorectal cancer patients in anticipation of a multiple‐center randomized controlled trial.

Methods

A total of 72 postoperative colorectal cancer patients were randomly assigned to four parallel groups on the basis of sealed envelopes—escin 5 mg group (E5 mg), escin 15 mg group (E15 mg), escin 25 mg group (E25 mg), and placebo group—with 18 patients in each group. Escin or placebo was diluted in 500 ml 5% dextrose injection, which was given once daily through the subclavian vein. The first injection took place 6 h after completion of the surgery. The treatment continued for 7 days or stopped at the time of the patient’s first bowel movement. Time to recovery of passage of gas (TRPG), time to recovery of gastrointestinal sounds (TRGS), and time to recovery of bowel movements (TRBM) were recorded to evaluate the efficacy of escin.

Results

The TRPGs of the three escin treatment groups were 76.78 + 28.81 h (E5 mg), 72.06 + 14.65 h (E15 mg), and 65.50 + 26.70 h (E25 mg), respectively, with differences of 6.03 ± 7.64 h (p = 0.436; E5 mg), 10.75 ± 4.92 h (p = 0.036; E15 mg), and 17.31 ± 7.20 h (p = 0.022; E25 mg) compared with the placebo group. The TRGSs of the three escin treatment groups were 45.28 ± 26.15 h (E5 mg), 41.22 ± 16.98 h (E15 mg), and 40.33 ± 14.09 h (E25 mg), respectively, with differences of 4.33 ± 7.12 h (p = 0.547; E5 mg), 8.39 ± 5.36 h (p = 0.127; E15 mg), and 9.28 ± 4.87 h (p = 0.065; E25 mg) compared with the placebo group. The TRBMs of the three escin treatment groups were 89.25 ± 23.77 h (E5 mg), 84.83 ± 27.91 h (E15 mg), and 84.44 ± 19.74 h (E25 mg), respectively, with differences of 19.03 ± 10.13 h (p = 0.069; E5 mg), 23.44 ± 10.70 h (p = 0.035; E15 mg), and 23.83 ± 9.63 h (p = 0.019; E25 mg) compared with the placebo group.

Conclusion

The results of this pilot Postoperative Ileus Study of Escin (PISE) showed that escin can shorten the time to recovery of gastrointestinal motility in cancer patients after colorectal surgery.
Fecal Urge Incontinence After Stapled Anopexia for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids: A Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Schmidt Johannes , Dogan Nevzat , Langenbach Ralf , Zirngibl Hubert
Published: December 2008

Background

Stapled anopexia was introduced as a surgical method in 1993. Long‐term data with special interest in functional results and relapse symptoms are rarely presented. Urinary discomfort and problems with fecal urge incontinence are addressed as severe side effects. We present our long‐term results (using data from a high‐volume center) with this technique and two surgeons’ experience.

Methods

During 4 years, a total of 546 patients entered the study. For long‐term evaluation, 452 patients (237 women and 215 men) were available (82.9%). Patients with recurrent hemorrhoidal prolapse and fecal incontinence were excluded. Postoperative reevaluation with physical condition was performed after 1, 6, and 24 months by means of manometry, rectoscopy, and SF‐36 Health Survey Test.

Results

Early postoperative urinary impairment was 7.3%. Early fecal urge incontinence rate was 3.3%. Overall perioperative complication rate was 11.1%. Within 1 month, the rate of fecal urge incontinence increased to 13.5% and decreased to 4% and 2.9% after a period of 6 and 24 months. Overall recurrence rate was 3.3%. Reoperation rate according to the primary indication was 2.9% after 24 months. The SF‐36 data showed a return to normal 1 month after the procedure was performed. Overall satisfaction rate was 95.4%.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that stapled anopexia is a safe and secure procedure for treatment of hemorrhoidal prolapse. Fecal urge incontinence is a self‐limiting side effect that with which patients need to be made familiar.
Value of Nonpalliative Resection as a Therapeutic and Pre‐Emptive Operation for Metastatic Gastric Cancer
Authors: Park Seong‐Heum , Kim Jong‐Han , Park Joong‐Min , Park Sung‐Soo , Kim Seung‐Joo , Kim Chong‐Suk , Mok Young‐Jae
Published: December 2008

Introduction

The value of nonpalliative resection in metastatic gastric cancer has not been clearly defined.

Methods

The survival and incidence of subsequent palliative interventions in 72 patients with metastatic gastric cancer who underwent nonpalliative resection were retrospectively compared with those of 56 patients that did not undergo resection.

Results

The median survival of patients who underwent resection was greater than that of patients who did not (12.0 months versus 4.8 months; p = 0.000). However, more patients in the resection group had a good performance status, no neighboring organ invasion, and only one metastatic site, and this might have caused the survival difference. Adjuvant chemotherapy was the only independent predictor of survival after resection. Incidences of subsequent palliative procedures were not significantly different in the two study groups (43.1% in resection group versus 39.3% in the nonresection group; p = 0.668). However, the mean interval between operation and the first procedure was significantly different in the two groups (287.3 days in the resection group versus 164.1 days in the nonresection group; p = 0.032).

Conclusions

The survival of the patients that underwent nonpalliative resection was poor, and nonpalliative gastrectomy did not decrease requirements for subsequent palliative procedures. Only a few patients with a favorable response to adjuvant chemotherapy survived longer after resection and benefited from a longer symptom‐free period until the subsequent palliative procedures were required. Nonpalliative resection should be reserved for selected patients based on performance status, resection feasibilities and metastatic tumor loads, and adjuvant chemotherapy should be combined as part of multimodality therapy.
Ipsilateral Fibular Transport Using Ilizarov–Taylor Spatial Frame for a Limb Salvage Reconstruction: A Case Report
Authors: Shafi Raheel , Fragomen Austin T. , Rozbruch S. Robert
Published: December 2008

Segmental bone defects of the tibia present a challenging problem, particularly when they are associated with soft tissue injuries or instability. Various techniques have been reported to treat bone loss in the tibia. This case report describes a patient with massive segmental bone loss associated with a soft tissue injury, which required a flap for coverage. The injury was treated with an ipsilateral fibular transport utilizing an Ilizarov/Taylor spatial frame. At one and a half year follow-up, the patient was able to walk without any support at home and wore a protective shell for outdoor activities. The outcome of this case study indicates that ipsilateral fibular transport using the Ilizarov method is a valuable technique for limb salvage reconstruction.
Ultrafast Carrier Relaxation in InN Nanowires Grown by Reactive Vapor Transport
Authors: Othonos Andreas , Zervos Matthew , Pervolaraki Maria
Published: December 2008

We have studied femtosecond carrier dynamics in InN nanowires grown by reactive vapor transport. Transient differential absorption measurements have been employed to investigate the relaxation dynamics of photogenerated carriers near and above the optical absorption edge of InN NWs where an interplay of state filling, photoinduced absorption, and band-gap renormalization have been observed. The interface between states filled by free carriers intrinsic to the InN NWs and empty states has been determined to be at 1.35 eV using CW optical transmission measurements. Transient absorption measurements determined the absorption edge at higher energy due to the additional injected photogenerated carriers following femtosecond pulse excitation. The non-degenerate white light pump-probe measurements revealed that relaxation of the photogenerated carriers occurs on a single picosecond timescale which appears to be carrier density dependent. This fast relaxation is attributed to the capture of the photogenerated carriers by defect/surface related states. Furthermore, intensity dependent measurements revealed fast energy transfer from the hot photogenerated carriers to the lattice with the onset of increased temperature occurring at approximately 2 ps after pulse excitation.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Titania Nanocubes, Nanospheres and Nanorods for Photocatalytic Dye Degradation
Authors: Suprabha T , Roy Haizel G , Thomas Jesty , Praveen Kumar K , Mathew Suresh
Published: December 2008

TiO2nanostructures with fascinating morphologies like cubes, spheres, and rods were synthesized by a simple microwave irradiation technique. Tuning of different morphologies was achieved by changing the pH and the nature of the medium or the precipitating agent. As-synthesized titania nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy (IR), BET surface area, photoluminescence (PL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Photocatalytic dye degradation studies were conducted using methylene blue under ultraviolet light irradiation. Dye degradation ability for nanocubes was found to be superior to the spheres and the rods and can be attributed to the observed high surface area of nanocubes. As-synthesized titania nanostructures have shown higher photocatalytic activity than the commercial photocatalyst Degussa P25 TiO2.
Super Light Car—lightweight construction thanks to a multi-material design and function integration
Authors: Goede Martin , Stehlin Marc , Rafflenbeul Lukas , Kopp Gundolf , Beeh Elmar
Published: December 2008

The Super Light Car (SLC) project is one of the most important research projects in the European Community for automotive lightweight construction with a multi-material approach. The paper shows the motivation and objective for a front structure designed with a light multi-material-mix.
Developmental exposure to methylmercury elicits early cell death in the cerebral cortex and long‐term memory deficits in the rat
Authors: Ferraro Luca , Tomasini Maria Cristina , Tanganelli Sergio , Mazza Roberta , Coluccia Addolorata , Carratù Maria Rosaria , Gaetani Silvana , Cuomo Vincenzo , Antonelli Tiziana
Published: December 2008

Experiments were performed to assess the neurotoxic effects induced by prenatal acute treatment with methylmercury on cortical neurons. To this purpose, primary neuronal cultures were obtained from cerebral cortex of neonatal rats born to dams treated with methylmercury (4 and 8 mg/kg by gavage) on gestational day 15, the developmental stage critical for cortical neuron proliferation. Prenatal exposure to methylmercury 8 mg/kg significantly reduced cell viability and caused either apoptotic or necrotic neuronal death. Moreover, this exposure level resulted in abnormal neurite outgrowth and retraction or collapse of some neurites, caused by a dissolution of microtubules. The severe and early cortical neuron damage induced by methylmercury 8 mg/kg treatment correlated with long term memory impairment, since adult rats (90 days of age) born to dams treated with this dose level showed a significant deficit in the retention performance when subjected to a passive avoidance task. Prenatal exposure to methylmercury 4 mg/kg significantly increased the neuronal vulnerability to a neurotoxic insult. This was determined by measuring the increment of chromatin condensation induced by glutamate, at a concentration (30 μM) able to induce an excitotoxic damage. This exposure level eliciting apoptotic death did not result in cognitive dysfunctions. In conclusion, the methylmercury‐induced disruption of glutamate pathway during critical windows of brain development may interfere with cell fate and proliferation resulting in a more or less severe cortical lesions associated or not with loss of function later in life, depending on the exposure levels. Therefore, the early biochemical effects and long‐term behavioral changes elicited by high methylmercury levels suggest that the developing brain is impaired in its ability to recover following toxic insult, and the initial effects on cortical neurons may lead to permanent cognitive dysfunctions.
Magnetic resonance imaging to identify risk of lymph node metastasis in patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Undurraga Manuela , Petignat Patrick , Pelte Marie‐Françoise , Jacob Sandrine , Dubuisson Jean‐Bernard , Loubeyre Pierre
Published: December 2008

Objective

To assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify endometrial cancer patients at risk of lymph node metastasis.

Methods

Retrospective review of data from 108 patients with clinical stage I endometrial cancer who underwent preoperative MRI and were treated surgically. Patients at risk of lymph node metastasis were defined as those who had more than 50% myometrial infiltration or cervical invasion. Preoperative MRI reports were compared with final pathologic results.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 69.5 years and most patients had endometrioid cancer. On final pathologic analysis, 59 patients had deep myometrial infiltration or cervical invasion. For diagnosis of deep myometrial infiltration, cervical invasion, or both, MRI sensitivity and specificity were 56% and 85%; 47% and 83%; and 67% and 77%, respectively.

Conclusion

MRI has limited value in identifying patients with endometrial cancer who are at risk of lymph node metastasis. Minimally invasive laparoscopic lymph node staging should be undertaken when it is feasible.
A latest Pleistocene and Holocene glacial history and paleoclimate reconstruction at Three Sisters and Broken Top Volcanoes, Oregon, U.S.A.
Authors: Marcott Shaun A. , Fountain Andrew G. , O'Connor Jim E. , Sniffen Peter J. , Dethier David P.
Published: December 2008

At least three sets of moraines mark distinct glacial stands since the last glacial maximum (LGM) in the Three Sisters region of the Oregon Cascade Range. The oldest stand predates 8.1 ka (defined here as post-LGM), followed by a second between ∼ 2 and 8 ka (Neoglacial) and a third from the Little Ice Age (LIA) advance of the last 300 years. The post-LGM equilibrium line altitudes were 260 ± 100 m lower than that of modern glaciers, requiring 23 ± 9% increased winter snowfall and 1.4 ± 0.5°C cooler summer temperatures than at present. The LIA advance had equilibrium line altitudes 110 ± 40 m lower than at present, implying 10 ± 4% greater winter snowfall and 0.6 ± 0.2°C cooler summer temperatures.
Paleoecological evidence for abrupt cold reversals during peak Holocene warmth on Baffin Island, Arctic Canada
Authors: Axford Yarrow , Briner Jason P. , Miller Gifford H. , Francis Donna R.
Published: December 2008

A continuous record of insect (Chironomidae) remains preserved in lake sediments is used to infer temperature changes at a small lake in Arctic Canada through the Holocene. Early Holocene summers at the study site were characterized by more thermophilous assemblages and warmer inferred temperatures than today, presumably in response to the positive anomaly in Northern Hemisphere summer insolation. Peak early Holocene warmth was interrupted by two cold reversals between 9.5 and 8 cal ka BP, during which multiple cold-stenothermous chironomid taxa appeared in the lake. The earlier reversal appears to correlate with widespread climate anomalies around 9.2 cal ka BP; the age of the younger reversal is equivocal but it may correlate with the 8.2 cal ka BP cold event documented elsewhere. Widespread, abrupt climate shifts in the early Holocene illustrate the susceptibility of the climate system to perturbations, even during periods of enhanced warmth in the Northern Hemisphere.
High-resolution chronology for the Mesoamerican urban center of Teotihuacan derived from Bayesian statistics of radiocarbon and archaeological data
Authors: Beramendi-Orosco Laura E. , Gonzalez-Hernandez Galia , Urrutia-Fucugauchi Jaime , Manzanilla Linda R. , Soler-Arechalde Ana M. , Goguitchaishvili Avto , Jarboe Nick
Published: December 2008

A high-resolution 14C chronology for the Teopancazco archaeological site in the Teotihuacan urban center of Mesoamerica was generated by Bayesian analysis of 33 radiocarbon dates and detailed archaeological information related to occupation stratigraphy, pottery and archaeomagnetic dates. The calibrated intervals obtained using the Bayesian model are up to ca. 70% shorter than those obtained with individual calibrations. For some samples, this is a consequence of plateaus in the part of the calibration curve covered by the sample dates (2500 to 1450 14C yr BP). Effects of outliers are explored by comparing the results from a Bayesian model that incorporates radiocarbon data for two outlier samples with the same model excluding them. The effect of outliers was more significant than expected. Inclusion of radiocarbon dates from two altered contexts, 500 14C yr earlier than those for the first occupational phase, results in ages calculated by the model earlier than the archaeological records. The Bayesian chronology excluding these outliers separates the first two Teopancazco occupational phases and suggests that ending of the Xolalpan phase was around cal AD 550, 100 yr earlier than previously estimated and in accordance with previously reported archaeomagnetic dates from lime plasters for the same site.
Instrumental Variables
Authors: Bowden Roger J. , Turkington Darrell A.
Published: December 2008

Recent advances in establishing the nature and scope of estimators in econometrics have shed more light on the importance of instrumental variables. In this book, the authors argue that such methods may be regarded as a strong organizing principle for a wide variety of estimation and hypothesis testing problems in econometrics and statistics. In support of this claim they present and develop the methodology of instrumental variables in its most general and explanatory form. They show, for instance, that techniques commonly used to handle simultaneity and related problems can be reduced to one of two generic variables of instrumental variables estimators, allowing them to explore further the conditions under which different proposed estimators are efficient.
Comparative evaluation of conventional versus endoscopic septoplasty for limited septal deviation and spur
Authors: Bothra R , Mathur N N
Published: December 2008

Objective:

To compare the procedure, results and complications of conventional septoplasty with those of endoscopic septoplasty, in cases of limited septal deviation and septal spurs.

Design:

Prospective study; interventional type; randomised block design; comparative clinical trial.

Methods:

We included in the study 80 patients presenting with limited septal deviation, septal spur with nasal obstruction, or deviated septum with septal correction was required in order to access the ostio-meatal complex (OMC) for functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Of these 12 were children with septal deviation producing significant nasal obstruction. All patients were divided into two groups- with one undergoing conventional and the other endoscopic septoplasty. Post-operative assessment was carried out one month, three months and one to two years after the procedure.

Result:

Post-operative complications such as haemorrhage, infraorbital oedema, nasal pain and in-patient hospital was slightly more in the conventional septoplasty group.

Conclusion:

No statistically significant difference was found between the conventional and endoscopic septoplasty groups, as assessed by subjective and objective evaluation.
Different responses to K-10 and CIDI suggest that complex structured psychiatric interviews underestimate rates of mental disorder in old people
Authors: O'Connor D. W. , Parslow R. A.
Published: December 2008

Background

Epidemiological surveys based on complex diagnostic interviews, such as the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), report very low rates of anxiety and depressive disorders in older age groups. Mental health checklists show much less change over the lifespan. This paper explores the possibility that complex interviews present a special challenge to older respondents and thereby exaggerate the decline in mental disorder with age.

Method

Analysis of data from an Australian national mental health survey with 10 641 community-resident adult respondents. Measures of interest included ICD-10 anxiety and depression diagnoses, scores on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), agreement between K-10 and CIDI anxiety and depressive questions, and changes in agreement with age.

Results

Levels of inconsistency between simple and complex questions about anxiety and depression rose with age.

Conclusions

Older people may have difficulty attending to and processing lengthy, complex questionnaires. When in doubt, their preferred response may be to deny having experienced symptoms, thus deflating rates of diagnosed mental disorder. We recommend that simple mental health scales be included in epidemiological studies involving older age groups.
Lottery puzzles and Jesus' ‘Return’
Authors: SMITH DONALD
Published: December 2008

This paper is about a puzzle – I'll call it ‘the Return’ – that puts considerable pressure upon Christians to accept a very robust scepticism about the future. Those familiar with work on so-called ‘lottery puzzles’ will notice much similarity between those puzzles and the Return. However, there is an important difference that renders the Return an especially difficult problem for a Christian who believes that he has much knowledge about the future. After introducing the Return, I'll argue that it is immune to the most promising non-sceptical approaches to more familiar lottery puzzles.
In Search of Security: Migrant Workers' Understandings, Experiences and Expectations Regarding ‘Social Protection’ in Ireland
Authors: TIMONEN VIRPI , DOYLE MARTHA
Published: December 2008

While both migration and welfare states are popular topics of research, the intersection between them is rarely studied. In this article, we present the findings of a study that explored migrant workers' conceptualisation of ‘social protection’ and their relationship with the Irish welfare state. The main foci of analysis for the purposes of this article are the migrant workers' understandings, experiences and expectations regarding their social protection and the welfare state. While our findings hint at the presence of many migrant workers who are very poorly anchored into and even completely detached from the Irish welfare state, they also reveal complex and ambivalent attitudes towards component parts of the social protection system. While the findings presented here stem from a qualitative study in a single country, we hypothesise that similar patterns can be identified among the migrant populations in other, particularly liberal, welfare states.
The euthycarcinoid arthropods from Montceau-les-Mines, France: functional morphology and affinities
Authors: Racheboeuf Patrick R. , Vannier Jean , Schram Frederick R. , Chabard Dominique , Sotty Daniel
Published: December 2008

New three-dimensionally preserved specimens of two euthycarcinoid arthropods, namely Schramixerxes gerem and Sottyxerxes multiplex, allow complete description of both the dorsal and ventral sides of the exoskeleton. The functional morphology is tentatively interpreted for the first time. In S. gerem, the ‘thirteenth somite’, or ‘monosomite’ is fully described and re-interpreted as the main articulatory process of the body, between the cephalic region and the preabdomen. The morphology and arrangement of the two parts of the process clearly indicate that the anterior cephalic region of the body could move laterally and bend ventrally, while posterior somites could only move ventrally. Unlike several other euthycarcinoid species, the ventral side of the head area exhibits one or two plates instead of mandibles; such distinct morphologies are indicative of different feeding mechanisms and behaviours among euthycarcinoid arthropods. Possible homologies with the labrum of Hexapoda support the hypothesis that euthycarcinoids have hexapod affinities.
Prägende Erlebnisse
Authors: Horn Benedikt
Published: December 2008

Berufliche Erlebnisse, «Engramme» sind oft nicht nur in fachlicher Aus-, Weiter- und Fortbildung, sondern weit über den beruflichen Alltag hinaus prägend. Das Einzelerlebnis steht zwar bezüglich evidenzbasierter Medizin (EBM) am Schluss der Skala, darf aber als permanente «Schule des Lebens» nicht unterschätzt werden. Aus hunderten von prägenden Erlebnissen werden hier acht Eindrücke geschildert: Eine Geburt in der Weihnachtsnacht in einem abgelegenen Weiler in den Bergen, ein anaphylaktischer Schock kurz vor Ende des Studiums, die Machtlosigkeit nach erfolgloser Reanimation von sieben jungen Lawinenopfern, Fehlhandlungen «am Rande» bei einem rupturierten Aortenaneurysma, die Dramatik des Schocks bei innerer Blutung, die eminent wichtige Diagnose der Neuro-Hypoglykämie, das diagnostische und therapeutische «Highlight» der Polymyalgie, (begleitet von einer Dehydratation), die Betroffenheit der Umgebung bei einer akuten Psychose.
Conscientiousness and Work Ethic Ideology
Authors: Christopher Andrew N. , Zabel Keith L. , Jones Jason R.
Published: December 2008

Prior research on work ethic ideology has tended to neglect the multidimensional nature of such ideology. To examine how different facets of work ethic ideology may be rooted in the basic personality construct of conscientiousness, 299 Americans completed a 133-item online survey that contained six facets of conscientiousness and seven different dimensions of work ethic ideology. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the conscientiousness facets of dutifulness and achievement striving were the two most consistent predictors of seven dimensions of work ethic ideology. Subsequent dominance analyses suggested that achievement striving, followed by dutifulness, tended to predict the most work ethic dimensions. Discussion focuses on the theoretical importance of using work ethic dimensions rather than global work ethic scores in future research.
An Investigation of the Structure of the Social Optimism Scale with Respect to the Dimensionality Problem
Authors: Schweizer Karl , Rauch Wolfgang
Published: December 2008

This paper reports an investigation of the structure of the social optimism scale. Research on structural homogeneity in other scales that are also composed of equal numbers of positively and negatively worded items suggests two alternative structures: a general optimism dimension or the combination of two specific dimensions representing social optimism and social pessimism. Since positively and negatively worded items can be regarded as two different observational methods, the combination of a general optimism dimension and two independent method dimensions needs to be considered. In order to achieve a satisfactory model fit, the three subscales of the social optimism scale have to be modeled as additional, uncorrelated dimensions. Investigating the different proposed models with structural equation modeling provides support for the position of a general optimism dimension and two independent method dimensions.
A Bayesian approach to the real‐time estimation of magnitude from the earlyPandSwave displacement peaks
Authors: Lancieri M. , Zollo A.
Published: December 2008

It has been shown that the initial portion ofPandSwave signals can provide information about the final earthquake magnitude in a wide magnitude range. This observation opens the perspective for the real‐time determination of source parameters. In this paper we describe a probabilistic evolutionary approach for the real‐time magnitude estimation which can have a potential use in earthquake early warning. The technique is based on empirical prediction laws correlating the low‐frequency peak ground displacement measured in a few seconds after thePand/orSphase arrival and the final event magnitude. The evidence for such a correlation has been found through the analysis of 256 shallow crustal events in the magnitude rangeMjma4–7.1 located over the entire Japanese archipelago. The peak displacement measured in a 2‐s window from the firstPphase arrival correlates with magnitude in the rangeM= [4–6.5]. While a possible saturation effect aboveM≃ 6.5 is observed, it is less evident in an enlarged window of 4 s. The scaling ofSpeaks with magnitude is instead also observed at smaller time lapses (i.e., 1 s) after the firstSarrival. The different scaling ofPandSpeaks with magnitude when measured in a 2‐s window is explained in terms of different imaged rupture surface by the early portion of the body wave signals. We developed a technique to estimate the probability density function (PDF) of magnitude, at each time step after the event origin. The predicted magnitude value corresponds to the maximum of PDF, while its uncertainty is given by the 95% confidence bound. The method has been applied to the 2007 (Mjma= 6.9) Noto Hanto and 1995 (Mjma= 7.3) Kobe earthquakes. The results of this study can be summarized as follows: (1) The probabilistic algorithm founded on the predictive model of peak displacement versus final magnitude is able to provide a fast and robust estimation of the final magnitude. (2) The information available after a few seconds from the first detection of thePphase at the network can be used to predict the peak ground motion at a given regional target with uncertainties which are comparable to those derived from the attenuation law. (3) The near‐sourceSphase data can be used jointly withPdata for regional early warning purposes, thus increasing the accuracy and reliability of magnitude estimation.
Tectonic evolution of the Selkirk fan, southeastern Canadian Cordillera: A composite Middle Jurassic–Cretaceous orogenic structure
Authors: Gibson H. Daniel , Brown Richard L. , Carr Sharon D.
Published: December 2008

The eastward transition from penetrative ductile deformation, metamorphism, and plutonism in the hinterland of the southern Canadian Cordillera to the “thin‐skinned” deformation of the foreland represents a significant change in tectonic style and process. The transition is also marked by a zone of structural divergence across which SW vergent hinterland structures pass into NE vergent foreland structures. The Selkirk fan within the Selkirk Mountains of the southern Canadian Cordillera is considered a type locality for this zone. This structure trends SE–NW for more than 120 km in greenschist to upper amphibolite facies rocks that have at least three generations of superposed deformation. The kinematic development of the Selkirk fan has been controversial, but its age generally has been inferred to be Middle to Late Jurassic. However, new U‐Th‐Pb dates obtained by ID‐TIMS and SHRIMP indicate a more protracted history. The data demonstrate that a protofan developed in the Middle Jurassic (172–167 Ma) and that the west flank of the fan was exhumed to upper crustal levels at this time. Conversely, the eastern flank was progressively buried to >25 km depth and pervasively overprinted by Cretaceous deformation (104–84 Ma) and Cretaceous‐Paleocene metamorphism (144–56 Ma). A new tectonic model is proposed to reconcile the composite nature and protracted development (>100 Ma) of the Selkirk fan within an orogenic system that evolved in response to periods of terrane accretion on the western margin of the North American craton.
Mexican Forest Inventory Expands Continental Carbon Monitoring
Authors: Uribe Alberto Sandoval , Healey Sean P. , Moisen Gretchen G. , Rivas Rigoberto Palafox , Aguilar Enrique Gonzalez , Tovar Carmen Lourdes Meneses , Davalos Ernesto S. Diaz Ponce , Mascorro Vanessa Silva
Published: December 2008

The terrestrial ecosystems of the North American continent represent a large reservoir of carbon and a potential sink within the global carbon cycle. The recent State of the Carbon Cycle Report [U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP), 2007] identified the critical role these systems may play in mitigating effects of greenhouse gases emitted from fossil fuel combustion. However, there are currently large uncertainties in continental carbon models, and the scientific community's understanding of relevant carbon sources and sinks has been much less complete in Mexico than in Canada and the United States [Birdsey et al., 2007].

One reason for this disparity has been a lack of systematic field data from throughout Mexico. Recently, though, new field and satellite inventory information has become available through two Mexican resource agencies, the Comisión Nacional Forestal (CONAFOR) and the Instituto Nacional de Estadstica y Geografa (INEGI). This information has the potential to support new types of analysis within Mexico and to significantly augment efforts to characterize carbon dynamics at the continental scale. Moreover, because many of the forest types and land use issues present in Mexico can be found throughout Latin America, Mexico's support of carbon monitoring may provide a relevant example as other counties within the region develop their own inventories.
Earth TV
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: December 2008

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is seeking participation from primary investigators working on science projects in geology, geomorphology, climate, and history for a new series, “How Earth Made Us.” According to the BBC, the aim of this follow‐up to the 2007 program “Earth: Power of the Planet” is to reveal the influence of planetary forces (geology, climate, and geomorphology) in shaping human history over the past 10,000 years. The BBC anticipates producing a series focusing on cutting‐edge science and dramatic locations that have been rarely filmed.

Program producers are looking for exciting science projects under way in remote or visually stunning parts of the world; major projects or expeditions of a geological/historical nature that will take place over the next 12 months; and/or information on locations that have been rarely documented.
In Memoriam
Authors: Anonymous
Published: December 2008

Mark E. Boris, 37, 30 October 2008, Near‐Surface Geophysics, 1999

Patrick M. Hayes, 52, Atmospheric Sciences, 2005
Oil, Water, and Climate: An Introduction
Authors: Hirsch Robert M.
Published: December 2008

What Earth science topics are critical to the education of today's college students? The answer can be found in the issues we read in our newspapers on an almost daily basis. We read about oil. We ponder questions like, “Are we running out of oil, or will more exploration increase supplies and return us to an era of plenty?” We read about water. We ponder questions like, “Are we running out of clean water, or are we simply not investing enough in our water infrastructure?” And we read about climate. We ponder questions like, “Is the greenhouse effect causing the spate of devastating hurricanes we had in 2005 and now again in 2008, or do we just have a limited perspective?”
Measurements and analysis of the turbulent Schmidt number in density stratified turbulence
Authors: Huq Pablo , Stewart Edward J.
Published: December 2008

Results are reported of measurements of the turbulent Schmidt number Sct in a stably stratified water tunnel experiment. Sct values varied with two parameters: Richardson number, Ri, and ratio of time scales, T*, of eddy turnover and eddy advection from the source of turbulence generation. For large values (T* ∼ 10) values of Sct approach those of neutral stratification (Sct ≈ 1). In contrast for small values (T* ∼ 1) values of Sct increase with Ri. The variation of Sct with T* explains the large scatter of Sct values observed in atmospheric and oceanic data sets as a range of values of T* occur at any given Ri. The dependence of Sct values on advective processes upstream of the measurement location complicates the development of an algebraic formulation of Sct = f (Ri, T*) from single point dynamical balances for use in turbulence closure models. Observations of values of T* ∼ O(1) for strong stratification argues against the existence of a critical Richardson number at which turbulence collapses to laminar flow.
Upper mantle seismic shear discontinuities of the Pacific
Authors: Bagley Brian , Revenaugh Justin
Published: December 2008

Shear wave impedance discontinuities are inventoried for eight paths connecting circum‐Pacific earthquakes with seismic stations on Hawaii and Oahu. In addition to the transition zone discontinuities, we observe a consistent impedance decrease at a depth of ∼80 km that marks the transition from the fast seismic lid to the low‐velocity zone. The interval over which this transition occurs is less than 30 km. The requisite impedance decrease, ascribed almost entirely to diminished velocities in the low‐velocity zone, exceeds predictions for peridotite chemistries of appropriate lithospheric age. In all cases, the transition is better matched by lithosphere of roughly half of the true age. Four paths show clear evidence of the X discontinuity, an impedance increase of 3–8% near 300 km depth. The only viable explanations would require extensive eclogite or basalt‐depleted mantle in the upper mantle of the western Pacific. The impedance contrast of the 410‐km discontinuity, which depends on the modal fraction of mantle olivine, does not signal the presence of either, although a mixture of the two remains a possibility. We find no evidence of a low‐velocity layer atop of the 410‐km discontinuity. If present, it is either consistently thin (≤15 km), highly variable in thickness (topography in excess of 60 km) or has little impedance contrast (≤2–3%) with overlying mantle. The apparent absence of melt atop the 410‐km discontinuity, an intermittent and weak 520‐km discontinuity, and a thinned transition zone are consistent with relatively dry conditions in the deep upper mantle of the central Pacific.
Using elemental ratios of calcium and strontium to track calcium availability in the freshwater zooplankton Daphnia pulicaria
Authors: Peters Stephen C. , Lockwood Ryan , Williamson Craig E. , Saros Jasmine E.
Published: December 2008

The assimilation of elements by an organism is dependent on both the environmental availability of the element and the processes of the organism. For some elements, organisms have a challenging time discriminating between nearly identical chemical analogs, for example, calcium and strontium. We tested the hypothesis that in environments where a desired element is scarce, the organism will assimilate a chemically similar analog at an increased rate. Populations of Daphnia pulicaria were manipulated using a microcosm in situ experiment and the results of that experiment tested with a field survey. Experimental results indicated a correlation between higher environmental calcium concentration and lower [Sr]/[Ca] ratios (R2 = 0.91, p < 0.05), suggesting that Daphnia in high calcium environments will assimilate more calcium relative to strontium. Field survey results across eight lakes confirmed that as lake calcium concentration increased, the value of [Sr]/[Ca] between the organism and the lake water decreased (R2 = 0.60, p < 0.05). Measurement of the elemental ratio of major and trace element analogs within organisms compared to their environments may be a useful tool for measuring the relative bioavailability of the major element, and provide insight into elemental limitation in other calcifying aquatic invertebrates.
A duct mapping method using least squares support vector machines
Authors: Douvenot Rémi , Fabbro Vincent , Gerstoft Peter , Bourlier Christophe , Saillard Joseph
Published: December 2008

This paper introduces a “refractivity from clutter” (RFC) approach with an inversion method based on a pregenerated database. The RFC method exploits the information contained in the radar sea clutter return to estimate the refractive index profile. Whereas initial efforts are based on algorithms giving a good accuracy involving high computational needs, the present method is based on a learning machine algorithm in order to obtain a real‐time system. This paper shows the feasibility of a RFC technique based on the least squares support vector machine inversion method by comparing it to a genetic algorithm on simulated and noise‐free data, at 1 and 5 GHz. These data are simulated in the presence of ideal trilinear surface‐based ducts. The learning machine is based on a pregenerated database computed using Latin hypercube sampling to improve the efficiency of the learning. The results show that little accuracy is lost compared to a genetic algorithm approach. The computational time of a genetic algorithm is very high, whereas the learning machine approach is real time. The advantage of a real‐time RFC system is that it could work on several azimuths in near real time.