bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathways to War in Democratic Transitions
Authors: Mansfield Edward D. , Snyder Jack
Published: April 2009

We have argued in Electing to Fight and other writings that an incomplete democratic transition increases the risk of international and civil war in countries that lack the institutional capacity to sustain democratic politics. The combination of increasing mass political participation and weak political institutions creates the motive and the opportunity for both rising and declining elites to play the nationalist card in an attempt to rally popular support against domestic and foreign rivals.
Schistosomes in the southwest United States and their potential for causing cercarial dermatitis or ‘swimmer's itch’
Authors: Brant S.V. , Loker E.S.
Published: April 2009

Cercarial dermatitis or swimmer's itch results when cercariae of schistosomes penetrate human skin and initiate inflammatory responses. The parasites typically die in the skin but in some cases may persist and infect other organs. Cercarial dermatitis is caused by a complex and poorly known assemblage of schistosome species, and can occur in any location where people come in contact with water bodies harbouring schistosome-infected snails. In North America, most cases are reported from the upper Midwest. In south-western USA, this phenomenon has not been well studied, and it is not known which schistosome species are present, or if cercarial dermatitis occurs with any regularity. As part of our ongoing studies of schistosome diversity, using morphological traits and sequence data to differentiate species, we have thus far identified eight schistosome genetic lineages from snails from New Mexico and Colorado. We have investigated two cercarial dermatitis outbreaks, one occurring in Stubblefield Lake in northern New Mexico, and one in Prospect Lake in the heart of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The New Mexico outbreak involved either one or two different avian schistosome species, both transmitted by physid snails. The Colorado outbreak was due to Trichobilharzia brantae, a species transmitted by geese and the snail Gyraulus parvus. These outbreaks are in contrast to those in northern states where schistosomes infecting snails of the family Lymnaeidae are more often responsible for outbreaks. Our survey suggests that dermatitis-causing schistosomes are not rare in the southwest, and that there are plenty of opportunities for dermatitis outbreaks to occur in this region.
Triclabendazole progress report, 2005–2009: an advancement of learning?
Authors: Fairweather I.
Published: April 2009

Triclabendazole (TCBZ) remains the drug of choice for treating infections of the liver fluke,Fasciola hepaticain livestock and has become the main drug used to treat human cases of the disease as well. Cases of resistance in livestock continue to be reported, suggesting that the problem is increasing. In order to address the problem, there is a need for better understanding of drug action. A ‘state-of-play’ review on different aspects of TCBZ activity was published by the present author in 2005. The main purpose of the current review is to assess what progress has been made in the past four years towards understanding the main aspects of drug activity, including drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and an understanding of the mechanism(s) of resistance. Also, what advances have been made in identifying alternative compounds and using drug combinations to enhance TCBZ activity. Stemming from a number ofin vivostudies, it has become evident that fluke isolates of differing sensitivity to TCBZ differ in some of their biological parameters, and information on this interesting phenomenon will be presented. An update on the use of TCBZ for human fascioliasis is also given. The review will indicate what progress has been made, but will also highlight areas that remain inadequately understood and require greater research focus.
Morphological maturity and allometric growth in the squat lobster Munida rugosa
Authors: Claverie Thomas , Smith I. Philip
Published: April 2009

Size at the onset of sexual maturity was determined in Munida rugosa based on allometric growth of chelipeds and abdomen, and on the proportion of ovigerous females. The variability of three different measurements of carapace length (CL) used previously for M. rugosa was also evaluated to minimize measurement error. Both sexes had symmetrical cheliped length and allometric cheliped growth over the size-range investigated, but males showed increased allometry beyond 22 mm CL. Females had greater positive allometry in abdomen width than males, but their size at maturity could not be precisely determined because sampled females were too large.
Reproductive cycles of four species of Patella (Mollusca: Gastropoda) on the northern and central Portuguese coast
Authors: Ribeiro Pedro A. , Xavier Raquel , Santos António M. , Hawkins Stephen J.
Published: April 2009

The reproductive cycles of four limpet species, Patella depressa, Patella ulyssiponensis, Patella vulgata and Patella rustica are described for several locations in northern and central Portugal. Patella depressa and P. ulyssiponensis displayed almost continual gonad activity, with two main spawning periods, September–January and March–June, and minor spawning events dispersed throughout the year. Patella vulgata and P. rustica exhibited highly synchronized reproductive cycles, with well-defined breeding and resting periods. Gonad development in P. vulgata started in September and spawning took place from November–December to March. In P. rustica development started in June and spawning occurred from September–October to December–January. Compared to the 1980s these results suggest that breeding periods are becoming longer in southern species and shorter in northern species.
An overview of dolphin depredation in Italian artisanal fisheries
Authors: Lauriano G. , Caramanna L. , Scarnò M. , Andaloro F.
Published: April 2009

Conflict between dolphins and fisheries is an important management issue in many parts of the world. In 2002, we examined the extent of depredation in the Italian small scale fishery by means ofin situinterviews. Overall, 245 landing sites were investigated, representing 11.09% of the whole Italian artisanal fleet. The association between the commonly used artisanal fishing gear and the interacting fauna was investigated by means of correspondence analysis. Set gillnet and trammel nets were the types of the fishing gear most vulnerable to dolphin depredation; the interaction with these gear amounted to 66.4% while fish damage was reported in 72.2% of the cases. A regional ranking of the interactions in terms of both fishing gear alteration and fish damage, shows that the problem is most pressing in the Friuli, Campania, Sardinia and Apulia regions. This study is the first attempt to monitor dolphin–fisheries interactions and assess depredation rates in Italy, providing information on the areas where future investigation should be concentrated.
Feeding ecology, growth and sexual cycle of the sand sole, Solea lascaris, along the Portuguese coast
Authors: Teixeira Célia M. , Pinheiro Ana , Cabral Henrique N.
Published: April 2009

Sand sole, Solea lascaris, were collected along the Portuguese coast, between October 2002 and July 2003, to examine feeding habits, age and growth and sexual cycle. The most important prey items were Mysidacea, Amphipoda and Polychaeta. Differences in diet according to season and length size were found: Amphipoda were very important in diet during winter, while Echinodermata were consumed mostly in summer; smaller individuals feed on Amphipoda while larger feed on Decapoda. Age of S. lascaris was determined from sagittae otoliths. The length of fish analysed ranged from 61 mm to 340 mm. The von Bertalanffy growth equation parameters differed significantly between sexes (L∞ = 342.3 mm, k = 0.50, t0 = −0.87 and L∞ = 264.5 mm, k = 0.82, t0 = 0.13, females and males, respectively). The highest values of the gonadosomatic index were obtained in winter and spring, when the highest proportion of individuals at spawning stage was recorded.
Economic evaluation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug strategies in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Inotai András , Mészáros Ágnes
Published: April 2009

Objectives:Although disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the first choice drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, many patients still take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as well. These drugs may cause serious gastric adverse events with continuous usage. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) inhibitors were supposed to have a gastrointestinal (GI) friendly side effect profile. The aim of the study is to compare three therapeutic strategies: conventional NSAIDs, NSAID in combination with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and the selective COX2 inhibitor therapy (celecoxib).

Methods:A decision tree model was developed, for 1 year, to simulate cohorts within the three arms (NSAIDs, NSAID + PPI, celecoxib). The efficacy of the different active agents of NSAIDs in therapeutically relevant doses was assumed to be the same, consequently differences can be seen in the side effect profile of the drugs. Medical costs, the costs of the side effects (GI, cardiovascular [CV] events), and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were calculated to gain an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Evaluations were made from a third party payer's perspective. We performed one-way deterministic sensitivity analyses; the results were displayed in tornado diagrams.

Results:Our model indicates that NSAID + PPI offers extra health gain for extra costs compared with conventional NSAIDs (ICER:14,287 euro/QALY), while it dominates celecoxib because of celecoxib's higher costs and lower effectiveness. According to the sensitivity analyses, QALYs had the highest influence on ICER.

Conclusions:Although COX2 inhibitors have elevated GI efficacy compared with NSAIDs, celecoxib seems to be an adequate choice only for a limited group of patients with specific conditions because of the significantly higher price and CV risk profile.
Analyzing multiple learning effects in health care using multilevel modeling: Application to radiotherapy at an early stage of innovation
Authors: Morelle Magali , Remonnay Raphaël , Giraud Philippe , Carrère Marie-Odile
Published: April 2009

Objectives:Learning effects may have considerable influence on the performance of new health technologies, thereby on cost-effectiveness and ultimately on resource allocation. In the area of radiotherapy, equipment is becoming increasingly costly and the analysis of learning effects is complex given that sequential treatments are necessary, with multiple sessions for each patient. Our study aimed at analyzing learning effects in radiotherapy at an early stage of innovation.

Methods:We used multilevel analysis to separate out the different learning effects of the new technique. Statistical analysis of observational data collected in a French National prospective survey was performed using an individual growth model. Intrapatient learning was modeled at level 1, and two types of interpatient learning were considered at level 2, regarding possible influences of professional experience on (i) the duration of each patient's first session in a given setting and (ii) the rate of change of session duration over time for a given patient. Conventional radiotherapy was also considered for comparison.

Results:Our results demonstrate a substantial type-1 interpatient learning effect and an even higher intrapatient learning effect. No type-2 interpatient learning was at work: professional experience did not impact intrapatient learning. Moreover, some intrapatient learning was also reported with conventional radiotherapy and was not significantly modified by innovation. Session duration was in any case strongly influenced by disease.

Conclusions:Because professionals highly underestimated the learning phenomenon, assessment of learning cannot be based on professional statements and it requires careful analysis of observational data.
Two new proofs of the Erdös–Kac Theorem, with bound on the rate of convergence, by Stein's method for distributional approximations
Authors: HARPER ADAM J.
Published: April 2009

In this paper, we apply Stein's method for distributional approximations to prove a quantitative form of the Erdös–Kac Theorem. We obtain our best bound on the rate of convergence, on the order of log log log n (log log n)−1/2, by making an intermediate Poisson approximation; we believe that this approach is simpler and more probabilistic than others, and we also obtain an explicit numerical value for the constant implicit in the bound. Different ways of applying Stein's method to prove the Erdös–Kac Theorem are discussed, including a Normal approximation argument via exchangeable pairs, where the suitability of a Poisson approximation naturally suggests itself.
A converse to the Grace–Walsh–Szegő theorem
Authors: BRÄNDÉN PETTER , WAGNER DAVID G.
Published: April 2009

We prove that the symmetrizer of a permutation group preserves stability if and only if the group is orbit homogeneous. A consequence is that the hypothesis of permutation invariance in the Grace–Walsh–Szegő Coincidence Theorem cannot be relaxed. In the process we obtain a new characterization of theGrace-like polynomials, introduced by D. Ruelle, and prove that the class of such polynomials can be endowed with a natural multiplication.
The distribution of αp modulo one
Authors: MATOMÄKI KAISA
Published: April 2009

We prove that, for any irrational number α, there are infinitely many primes p such that ∥αp∥ < p−1/3+ε. Here ∥y∥ denotes the distance from y to the nearest integer. The proof uses Harman's sieve method with arithmetical information coming from bounds for averages of Kloosterman sums.
Weak Finsler structures and the Funk weak metric
Authors: PAPADOPOULOS ATHANASE , TROYANOV MARC
Published: April 2009

We discuss general notions of metrics and of Finsler structures which we callweak metricsandweak Finsler structures. Any convex domain carries a canonical weak Finsler structure, which we call itstautological weak Finsler structure. We compute distances in the tautological weak Finsler structure of a domain and we show that these are given by the so-calledFunk weak metric. We conclude the paper with a discussion of geodesics, of metric balls, of convexity, and of rigidity properties of the Funk weak metric.
Some remarks on a theorem of Parent and generalizing Ogg's conjecture
Authors: KAMIENNY S.
Published: April 2009

We carry out an Eisenstein prime descent to prove the finiteness of the Mordell-Weil group of the Eisenstein quotients ofJ1(p) for certain values ofpthat are relevant to torsion in elliptic curves over cubic fields. We then use this to recover some results of Parent. Our methods suggest a possible generalization of Ogg's conjecture for torsion in elliptic curves over number fields.
Surveillance for severe community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection
Authors: WIERSMA P. , TOBIN D'ANGELO M. , DALEY W. R. , TUTTLE J. , ARNOLD K. E. , RAY S. M. , LADSON J. L. , BULENS S. N. , DRENZEK C. L.
Published: April 2009

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has rapidly emerged in the USA as a cause of severe infections in previously healthy persons without traditional risk factors. We describe the epidemiology of severe CA-MRSA disease in the state of Georgia, USA and analyse the risk of death associated with three different clinical syndromes of CA-MRSA disease – pneumonia, invasive disease, and skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs). A total of 1670 cases of severe CA-MRSA disease were reported during 2005–2007. The case-fatality rate was 3·4%; sex and race of fatal and non-fatal cases did not differ significantly. While CA-MRSA pneumonia and invasive disease were less common than SSTIs, they were about 15 times more likely to result in death [risk ratio 16·69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 10·28–27·07 and 13·98, 95% CI 7·74–25·27, respectively]. When controlling for age and the presence of other clinical syndromes the odds of death in patients manifesting specific severe CA-MRSA syndromes was highest in those with pneumonia (odds ratio 11·34). Possible risk factors for severe CA-MRSA SSTI and pneumonia included the draining of lesions without medical assistance and an antecedent influenza-like illness.
Humoral immunity to respiratory syncytial virus in young and elderly adults
Authors: TERROSI C. , Di GENOVA G. , MARTORELLI B. , VALENTINI M. , CUSI M. G.
Published: April 2009

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been demonstrated to cause substantial disease in elderly and immunocompromised subjects. The relationship of serum antibody to RSV infection and the risk of infection in elderly subjects is controversial, thus we evaluated the presence of neutralizing antibodies to RSV in healthy people of different age groups and the correlation with viral protection. Baseline blood samples from 197 subjects aged 20–80 years were analysed for the presence of anti-RSV antibodies either by indirect immunofluorescence and microneutralization test. The percentage of people who had neutralizing antibodies to RSV was significantly higher (P=0·001) in the youngest group (92·51%) compared to the frail group (36·21%). The RSV antibody level tends to wane in some older people; this factor could determine proneness to RSV re-infections in the elderly who are at a greater risk of developing severe respiratory disease.
Finally tagless, partially evaluated: Tagless staged interpreters for simpler typed languages
Authors: CARETTE JACQUES , KISELYOV OLEG , SHAN CHUNG-CHIEH
Published: April 2009

We have built the first family of tagless interpretations for a higher-order typed object language in a typed metalanguage (Haskell or ML) that require no dependent types, generalized algebraic data types, or postprocessing to eliminate tags. The statically type-preserving interpretations include an evaluator, a compiler (or staged evaluator), a partial evaluator, and call-by-name and call-by-value continuation-passing style (CPS) transformers. Our principal technique is to encode de Bruijn or higher-order abstract syntax using combinator functions rather than data constructors. In other words, we represent object terms not in an initial algebra but using the coalgebraic structure of the λ-calculus. Our representation also simulates inductive maps from types to types, which are required for typed partial evaluation and CPS transformations. Our encoding of an object term abstracts uniformly over the family of ways to interpret it, yet statically assures that the interpreters never get stuck. This family of interpreters thus demonstrates again that it is useful to abstract over higher-kinded types.
The political economy of WTO accession: the unfinished business of universal membership
Authors: JONES KENT
Published: April 2009

While the WTO now represents most of the world's population, GDP, and trade, the accession process since its founding has been lengthy, and it is getting longer. Compared to its predecessor, the GATT, the WTO applies a much more detailed and legalistic approach to accession, due to its broader scope of policy coverage and the enforcement powers of the Dispute Settlement Understanding. In WTO accession cases, WTO incumbent members have a superior bargaining position. The present study provides evidence that the elapsed time from WTO application to accession has increased with the number of completed accessions, suggesting a process of learning by WTO members to bargain for more demanding concessions from applicants. Regarding the terms of accession, the number of rules commitments has increased, and the level of bound tariffs has fallen, as the number of completed accessions has increased. In view of the difficult cases remaining in order to complete universal WTO membership, the author proposes more flexibility in accession requirements, along the lines of the GATT tradition.
Why compensation cannot replace trade retaliation in the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding
Authors: MERCURIO BRYAN
Published: April 2009

Throughout the course of the DSU Review, Members and commentators alike have proposed numerous modifications to the WTO DSU covering a wide range of areas. One area which has received quite a bit of attention is that of retaliatory measures in the implementation phase of the dispute settlement process. This article does not attempt to recap the debate over the appropriateness of trade retaliation or even to discuss all potential amendments targeting this issue. It does, however, identify some of the key criticisms of trade retaliation before analyzing and evaluating the worthiness of trade and/or financial compensation as an alternative. The article finds that neither trade nor financial compensation will do much to resolve the prominent criticisms of trade retaliation while also finding both options would add several uncertainties to the system and, far from increasing compliance with the rulings and recommendations of the DSB, could in fact increase the instances of non-compliance.
‘Interim agreements’ under Article XXIV GATT
Authors: BARTELS LORAND
Published: April 2009

This note looks at the WTO rules and procedures applicable to the implementation period of regional trade agreements on trade in goods. In addition, it highlights some differences between law and practice and explores the implications of these divergences. Where the GATT and subsequent instruments draw a distinction between ‘full’ regional trade agreements and ‘interim’ agreements, in practice all agreements are notified as ‘full’ agreements with an implementation period. It analyses the possibility that this deviation from the law, now sanctioned in the 2006 Transparency Decision, might have some practical implications for the regulation of regional trade agreements in the WTO.
Keeling plots are non‐linear in non‐steady state diffusive environments
Authors: Nickerson Nick , Risk Dave
Published: April 2009

End‐member mixing models, such as the Keeling and Miller‐Tans plots, are frequently used to interpret isotopic data collected from environments where mass transfer occurs due to diffusive processes, however, researchers do not commonly consider the effect of diffusive kinetic fractionation on assumptions of linearity in these mixing models. Risk and Kellman (2008) recently showed the potential for non‐linearity in the Keeling plot approach, but their simplified model offers only a first order approximation of this effect in complex systems such as soils. Here we use 3‐D numerical simulations and measurements of soil δ13C‐CO2 flux accumulating in a static head space chamber to conclusively show that in diffusive environments Keeling plots are non‐linear, violating key assumptions of the technique and potentially creating a large source of error in data analysis and interpretation.
Argo profiles a rare occurrence of three consecutive positive Indian Ocean Dipole events, 2006–2008
Authors: Cai W. , Pan A. , Roemmich D. , Cowan T. , Guo X.
Published: April 2009

During 2006–2008, the Indian Ocean (IO) experienced a rare realization of three consecutive positive IO Dipoles (pIODs), including an unusual occurrence with a La Niña in 2007. Common to all three pIODs is an early excitation of equatorial easterly anomalies. Argo profiles reveal that for the 2008 and 2006 pIODs the wind anomalies are generated by the following process: upwelling Rossby waves propagating into the western IO and their subsequent reflection as equatorial upwelling Kelvin waves enhance the seasonal upwelling, changing sea surface temperature (SST) gradients. For the 2007 pIOD, coastal upwelling Kelvin waves off the Sumatra‐Java coast associated with the 2006 pIOD/El Niño, radiate into the IO as upwelling Rossby waves. They curve sharply equatorward to arrive at the central equatorial IO, inducing easterly anomalies, upwelling Kelvin waves, and the unusual pIOD. Our results suggest that real‐time Argo observations, when assimilated into predictive systems, will enhance IOD forecasting skills.
Reconstruction of two‐dimensional coherent structures in ideal and resistive Hall MHD: The theory
Authors: Sonnerup Bengt U. Ö. , Teh Wai‐Leong
Published: April 2009

We demonstrate that it is possible, in principle, to use data from a single spacecraft to produce reconstructions of two‐dimensional, time‐independent field and plasma structures in space, in circumstances where the Hall effect is important. Such reconstruction generates maps, in a limited region around the spacecraft path, of magnetic and electric fields, of flow field and current distributions, as well as of the various other plasma parameters that characterize the configuration. It is similar to recent work applicable to ideal MHD, but requires additionally that at least two components (usually the spacecraft spin‐plane components) of the electric field have been directly measured. Principal emphasis is on ideal Hall MHD. For this case we have developed and benchmarked a numerical code by use of an exact axisymmetric solution in which the Hall effect is significant. The case where electrical resistivity is present as well, for example, in resistive‐dispersive shocks, is discussed briefly to illustrate that reconstruction is possible in this case also. A principal target of Hall reconstruction, without or with resistivity, is the ion diffusion region around a reconnection site; applications to actual observed structures will be presented elsewhere.
Shifting surface currents in the northern North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Hakkinen Sirpa , Rhines Peter B.
Published: April 2009

Analysis of surface drifter tracks in the North Atlantic Ocean from the time period 1990 to 2007 provides evidence that warm subtropical waters have recently increased their penetration toward the Nordic seas. Prior to 2000, the warm water branches of the North Atlantic Current fed by the Gulf Stream turned southeastward in the eastern North Atlantic. Since 2001, these paths have shifted toward the Rockall Trough, through which the most saline North Atlantic waters pass to the Nordic seas. These surface drifters are able to overcome the Ekman drift, which would force them southward under the westerly winds dominating the subpolar Atlantic, yet the changes in path cannot be accounted for by changes in Ekman drift. Eddy kinetic energy from satellite altimetry shows increased energy along the shifted drifter pathways across the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge since 2001. These near‐surface changes have occurred during continual weakening of the North Atlantic subpolar gyre, as seen by altimetry. They are also consistent with the observed increase in temperature and salinity of the waters flowing northward into the Nordic seas. These findings suggest the changes in the vertical structure of the northern North Atlantic Ocean, its dynamics, and exchanges with the higher latitudes. Wind stress and its curl changes are discussed as a possible forcing of the changes in the pathways of the subtropical waters.
Improvements in land surface temperature retrieval from the Landsat series thermal band using water vapor and air temperature
Authors: Cristóbal J. , Jiménez‐Muñoz J. C. , Sobrino J. A. , Ninyerola M. , Pons X.
Published: April 2009

Land surface temperature (LST) is involved in many land surface processes such as evapotranspiration, net radiation, or air temperature modeling. In this paper we present an improved methodology to retrieve LST from Landsat 4 TM, Landsat 5 TM, and Landsat 7 ETM+ using four atmospheric databases covering different water vapor ranges (from 0 to 8 g cm−2) to build the LST retrieval models and using both water vapor and air temperature as input variables. We also compare this with LST retrievals using only water vapor or only air temperature, as well as with an existing LST retrieval algorithm. In order to validate the results, we have selected 77 Landsat images taken between 2002 and 2006 (Catalonia, northeast of the Iberian Peninsula) and two sources of water vapor (radiosounding data and remote sensing estimations) and air temperature (radiosounding data and air temperature modeling). The best results using radiosounding data are obtained when both air temperature and water vapor are present in the LST retrieval models with a mean RMSE of 0.9 K, followed by only water vapor models with a mean RMSE of 1.5 K and only air temperature models with a mean RMSE of 5.6 K. The results obtained using Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Level 2 water vapor product and at‐satellite‐pass air temperature modeling as input data also show that this kind of input data offers best results, with a mean RMSE of 0.9 K, followed by water vapor models with a mean RMSE of 2.1 K and only air temperature models with a mean RMSE of 5.6 K. Similar errors when using radiosounding or modeled water vapor and air temperature as input data suggest the avoidance of radiosounding data to retrieve LST over extensive areas. Finally, when comparing the presented methodology with another methodology also using water vapor and air temperature as input data, the improvement is of more than 0.5 K.
Anatomy of a Dansgaard‐Oeschger warming transition: High‐resolution analysis of the North Greenland Ice Core Project ice core
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth R. , Wolff Eric W. , Mulvaney Robert , Johnsen Sigfus J. , Steffensen Jorgen P. , Arrowsmith Carol
Published: April 2009

Large and abrupt temperature oscillations during the last glacial period, known as Dansgaard‐Oeschger (DO) events, are clearly observed in the Greenland ice core record. Here we present a new high‐resolution chemical (2 mm) and stable isotope (20 mm) record from the North Greenland Ice Core Project (NGRIP) ice core at the onset of one of the most prominent DO events of the last glacial, DO‐8, observed ∼38,000 years ago. The unique, subannual‐resolution NGRIP record provides a true sequence of change during a DO warming with detailed annual layer counting of very high depth resolution geochemical measurements used to determine the exact duration of the transition. The continental ions, indicative of long‐range atmospheric loading and dustiness from East Asia, are the first to change, followed by the snow accumulation, the moisture source conditions, and finally the atmospheric temperature in Greenland. The sequence of events shows that atmospheric and oceanic source and circulation changes preceded the DO warming by several years.
Cloud features and zonal wind measurements of Saturn's atmosphere as observed by Cassini/VIMS
Authors: Choi D. S. , Showman A. P. , Brown R. H.
Published: April 2009

We present an analysis of data about Saturn's atmosphere from Cassini's Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS), focusing on the meteorology of the features seen in the 5 μm spectral window. We present VIMS mosaics and discuss the morphology and general characteristics of the features backlit by Saturn's thermal emission. We have also constructed a zonal wind profile from VIMS feature tracking observation sequences using an automated cloud feature tracker. Comparison with previously constructed profiles from Voyager and Cassini imaging data reveals broad similarities, suggesting minimal vertical shear of the zonal wind. However, areas of apparent wind shear are present in the VIMS zonal wind profile at jet stream cores. In particular, our analysis shows that the equatorial jet reaches speeds exceeding 450 m s−1, similar to speeds obtained during the Voyager era. This suggests that recent inferences of relatively slower jet speeds of ∼275–375 m s−1 are confined to the upper troposphere and that the deep (>1 bar) jet has not experienced a significant slowdown. Our measurements of the numerous dark, spotted features seen in the VIMS mosaics reveals that most of these features have diameters less than 1000 km and reside in confined zonal bands between jet stream cores. We propose that these spot features are vortices and that VIMS and Imaging Science Subsystem are sensing the same vortices at two different pressure levels. The local structure at the zonal jet streams remains complex, as VIMS may be sensing cloud features that are deeper than the NH3 cloud deck.
Real‐time prediction of magnetospheric activity using the Boyle Index
Authors: Bala Ramkumar , Reiff P. H. , Landivar J. E.
Published: April 2009

We present a new algorithm with an improvement in the accuracy and lead time in short‐term space weather predictions by coupling the Boyle Index, Φ = 10−4ν2 + 11.7Bsin3(θ/2) kV, to artificial neural networks. The algorithm takes inputs from ACE and a handful of ground‐based magnetometers to predict the next upcoming Kp in real time. The model yields a correlation coefficient of over 86% when predicting Kp with a lead time of 1 hour and over 85% for a 2 hour ahead prediction, significantly larger than the Kp persistence of 0.80. The Boyle Index, available in near‐real time from http://space.rice.edu/ISTP/wind.html, has been in use for over 5 years now to predict geomagnetic activity. The logarithm of both 3‐hour and 1‐hour averages of the Boyle Index correlates well with the following Kp: Kp = 8.93 log10 < Boyle Index> –12.55. Using the Boyle Index alone, the algorithm yields a correlation coefficient of 85% when predicting Kp with a lead time of 1 hour and over 84% for a 3 hour ahead prediction, nearly as good as when using Kp in the history but without any possibility of “persistence contamination.” Although the Boyle Index generally overestimates the polar cap potential for severe events, it does predict that severe activity will occur. Also, 1‐hour  value less than 100 kV is a good indicator that the magnetosphere will be quiet. However, some storm events with Kp > 6 occur when the Boyle Index is relatively low; the new algorithm is successful in predicting those events by capturing the influence of preconditioning.
Examining Three‐Dimensional Crustal Heterogeneity in Finland
Authors: Korja Annakaisa , Hyvönen Tellervo , Tiira Timo , Heikkinen Pekka
Published: April 2009

The marriage of several high‐quality seismic experiments in Finland over the past 30 years has shown that the saying “something old, something new, something borrowed” can result in the cost‐efficient analysis of large‐scale, three‐dimensional (3‐D) seismic structures. Standing alone, each data set gives a partial view of complex 3‐D structures. When combined, they reveal a 3‐D block structure embedded in a layered crust and enable the analysis of dynamics involved in forming stable cratonic crust.

Efforts to collect large 3‐D data sets around the globe include EarthScope (funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)), the European Science Foundations (ESF) 4‐D Topography Evolution in Europe: Uplift, Subsidence and Sea Level Change (TOPO‐EUROPE), and the European Space Agency's Gravity Field and Steady‐State Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE). Such endeavors are fundamental to modern crustal research. Huge emphasis is placed on collecting and archiving these data, but often only a fraction of data are used in initial studies. Fortunately, new data sets can be complemented with vintage ones (e.g., the NSF‐funded Consortium for Continental Reflection Profiling (COCORP) and ESFs European GeoTraverse (EGT), as well as continent‐wide science programs on continental evolution in Canada (LITHOPROBE), Europe (ESF‐funded EUROPROBE), and the Himalayas (NSF‐funded International Deep Profiling of Tibet and the Himalaya (INDEPTH)). Because fieldwork and archiving have already been completed for these vintage projects, new information can be extracted by new methods, with considerably less effort and funding.
Comment on “Informatics and the 2007–2008 Electronic Geophysical Year”
Authors: Faller James E.
Published: April 2009

In the article by D. N. Baker et al. on informatics and the Electronic Geophysical Year (see Eos, 89(48), 25 November 2008), “informatics science” rather than “science” should have been noted on the horizontal beam in Figure 2 indicating “the pillars supporting state‐of‐the‐art science.” I stared in puzzlement at the figure before I realized that—although not stated—the figure applies to this narrow (the authors probably consider it as broad) area of science. My sensitivity about this matter is probably due to my having always felt that AGU—to the detriment of its scientific activities—downplays the importance of measurement science and technological advances, two essential pillars of support for its activities.
Reply to Comment on “Informatics and the 2007 ndash;2008 Electronic Geophysical Year”
Authors: Baker Daniel N. , Barton C. E.
Published: April 2009

We thank James E. Faller for his comment and this opportunity to emphasize one of the main points of our article. Our use of the title “science” on the lintel in Figure 2 was deliberate and pivotal. “Information science” is, of course, not excluded. We are trying to convey the view that information is changing fundamentally the conduct of science research, including observational science.
Heliophysics: A Field With Its Own Universal Laws?: AGU Chapman Conference on Universal Heliophysical Processes; Savannah, Georgia, 10–14 November 2008
Authors: Crooker Nancy U. , Galand Marina
Published: April 2009

If one might be so bold as to draw an analogy with the “spirit of Copenhagen”—the atmosphere created by Niels Bohr in which a small group of physicists developed the field of quantum mechanics—then the “spirit of Savannah” might describe the atmosphere at the Chapman Conference on Universal Heliophysical Processes, held there in November under the umbrella of the International Heliophysical Year. Whether or not the analogy will hold depends upon whether some subset of the Space Physics and Aeronomy community continues a movement to establish “heliophysics” as a field with universal laws of its own—a project that has become surprisingly controversial. Extensive, lively debate at the conference among researchers in very different fields who otherwise would rarely meet, along with uniformly excellent conference presentations tailored to communicate across disciplines, suggests a positive future for the project.
Effects of Extreme Climate on Mediterranean Societies: Climate Extremes During Recent Millennia and Their Impact on Mediterranean Societies; Athens, Greece, 13–16 September 2008
Authors: Xoplaki Elena
Published: April 2009

Climatic extremes in the past few thousand years have severely affected societies throughout the Mediterranean region and have changed the outcome of historical events in some instances. Climatic extremes—droughts, floods, prolonged cold and heat—affect society in a variety of ways, operating through famine, disease, and social upheaval.

These topics were discussed at an interdisciplinary symposium at the National and Kapodistrian University, in Greece, that brought together climatologists, paleoclimatologists, anthropologists, geologists, archaeologists, and historians working in the greater Mediterranean region.
Chen Receives 2008 Sunanda and Santimay Basu Early Career Award
Authors: Makela Jonathan J. , Chen Yao
Published: April 2009

Yao Chen received the Sunanda and Santimay Basu Early Career Award at the 2008 AGU Fall Meeting, held 17 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes an individual scientist from a developing nation for making outstanding contributions to research in Sun‐Earth systems science that further the understanding of both plasma physical processes and their applications for the benefit of society.
Impacts of initial conditions on monsoon intraseasonal forecasting
Authors: Fu Xiouhua , Wang Bin , Bao Qing , Liu Ping , Lee June‐Yi
Published: April 2009

Sensitivity of monsoon intraseasonal forecasting to different initial conditions is examined with the University of Hawaii Hybrid Coupled Model (UH_HCM). The target period is May to September 2004. We found that in the NCEP reanalysis the amplitudes of the convective activities associated with monsoon intraseasonal oscillation (MISO) are smaller than the observed counterparts by a factor of two to three. Motivated by this fact, we carried out a suite of forecasting experiments to explore the impacts of initial conditions on intraseasonal forecast skills. Our results reveal that with the original NCEP reanalysis as initial conditions the monsoon intraseasonal forecast skills of 850‐hPa zonal winds and rainfall are only about a week over the global tropics (30°S–30°N) and Southeast Asia (10°N–30°N, 60°E–120°E). The predictability increases steadily with increased amplitudes of MISO in the initial conditions. When the MISO signals in initial conditions are recovered to a level similar to that in the observations, monsoon intraseasonal forecast skills reach 25 days for 850‐hPa zonal winds and 15 days for rainfall over both the global tropics and Southeast Asia. It is also found that high‐frequency weather in initial conditions generally extends rainfall predictability by about 5 days.
Self‐limiting feedback between baroclinic waves and a NAO‐like sheared zonal flow
Authors: Watanabe Masahiro
Published: April 2009

The eddy‐mean flow interaction associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is examined by using the baroclinic wave life cycle experiments. When a sheared zonal flow perturbation akin to the NAO‐related dipole wind anomaly is added to the basic state, momentum fluxes due to baroclinic waves tend to reinforce the initial zonal flow dipole in the upper troposphere both for the anticyclonic and cyclonic shears. The eddy feedback is stronger for the anticyclonic shear because the node of the dipole flow is asymmetric about the basic jet, suggesting that the positive NAO is more favored by the eddy feedback. For the zonal wind anomaly with extremely large amplitude, the baroclinic wave breaking cannot efficiently intensify the zonal flow dipole, indicating a self‐limitation in the positive eddy feedback to the NAO‐like zonal flow anomaly.
Impact of observations from Arctic drifting buoys on the reanalysis of surface fields
Authors: Inoue Jun , Enomoto Takeshi , Miyoshi Takemasa , Yamane Shozo
Published: April 2009

We investigated the impact of Arctic ice‐drifting buoys on an experimental ensemble reanalysis called ‘ALERA’. The ALERA, where the buoy data are assimilated, includes the analysis ensemble mean and spread for each prognostic variable. In the data set, ensemble spreads of surface variables were found to be small only in the regions of densely aggregated buoys. Comparing the ALERA and the data set without the assimilation of surface pressure data observed by the buoys, differences in the ensemble mean and spread between two data sets were locally large, modifying air temperature and winds near the surface. Examining the effect of Arctic‐buoy distribution on long‐term reanalysis data sets, it was found that the amount of cross‐ensemble spreads derived from common reanalysis is very sensitive to the number of buoys. This suggests that data set accuracy might be more vulnerable to deterioration in the near future due to fewer opportunities for buoy deployments over the sea ice.
Exceptional atmospheric circulation during the “Dust Bowl”
Authors: Brönnimann S. , Stickler A. , Griesser T. , Ewen T. , Grant A. N. , Fischer A. M. , Schraner M. , Peter T. , Rozanov E. , Ross T.
Published: April 2009

The three‐dimensional, regional and large‐scale atmospheric circulation during the “Dust Bowl” is analyzed based on newly available historical upper‐air data and reconstructed upper‐level fields. The Great Plains Low Level Jet, transporting moisture into the region, was weakened on its eastern side, shallower, and penetrated less far north than during wet years. Nocturnal convection was likely suppressed by increased stability. Strong mid‐tropospheric ridging was found over the Great Plains, and upper‐tropospheric flow anomalies extended from the North Pacific across North America to the Atlantic. These findings provide a dynamical view of the “Dust Bowl” droughts, some aspects of which are distinct from other droughts. It is demonstrated that this is important for assessing predictive capabilities of current modeling systems.
MR Mismatch Profiles in Patients with Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stroke: A Comprehensive approach Comparing Stroke Subtypes
Authors: Kim Suk Jae , Seok Jin Myoung , Bang Oh Young , Kim Gyeong-Moon , Kim Keon Ha , Jeon Pyoung , Chung Chin-Sang , Lee Kwang Ho , Alger Jeffry R , Liebeskind David S
Published: April 2009

Most clinical trials have focused on the presence of perfusion- and diffusion-weighted imaging (PWI–DWI) mismatch by more than 20%, and different stroke subtypes were lumped together. We hypothesized that intracranial large artery atherosclerotic stroke (IC-LAA) would show different PWI–DWI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)–DWI mismatch profiles, compared with other stroke subtypes. Consecutive patients underwent pretreatment multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for the acute middle cerebral artery infarcts within 6 h of symptom onset. We assessed the difference in the DWI–PWI mismatch ratio, severity of hypoperfusion, and MRA–DWI mismatch among the stroke subtypes. Of 86 patients, 19 (22.1%) had IC-LAA; 42 (48.8%) cardioembolic stroke, 15 (17.4%) extracranial-LAA, and 10 (11.6%) had cryptogenic embolic stroke. Although the volume of the penumbra was not different among the groups, the mismatch ratio was higher (P=0.003) and the severity of hypoperfusion was lower in the IC-LAA group (P=0.001). The MRA–DWI mismatch was more prevalent in the IC-LAA group than in other groups ( P < 0.001). Collateral grading, assessed in 41 patients, was more likely to be intermediate/excellent in the IC-LAA group ( P < 0.001). Multivariate testing revealed that a larger mismatch ratio and less severe hypoperfusion, and MRA–DWI mismatch were independently associated with IC-LAA. Our data show that patients with IC-LAA had different mismatch profiles, which were related to better collaterals, compared with other subtypes.
P-Glycoprotein and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Restrict Apical-to-Basolateral Permeability of Human Brain Endothelium to Amyloid-β
Authors: Tai Leon M , Loughlin A Jane , Male David K , Romero Ignacio A
Published: April 2009

The clearance of amyloid beta (Aβ) from the brain represents a novel therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. Conflicting data exist regarding the contribution of adenosine triphosphatebinding cassette transporters to the clearance of Aβ through the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, we investigated whether Aβ could be a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and/or for breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) using a human brain endothelial cell line, hCMEC/D3. Inhibition of P-gp and BCRP increased apical-to-basolateral, but not basolateral-to-apical, permeability of hCMEC/D3 cells to 125l Aβ 1–40. Our in vitro data suggest that P-gp and BCRP might act to prevent the blood-borne Aβ 1–40 from entering the brain.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis PtkA is a novel protein tyrosine kinase whose substrate is PtpA
Authors: Bach Horacio , Wong Dennis , Av-Gay Yossef
Published: April 2009

In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, signal transduction is mediated by 11 serine/threonine kinases, but no tyrosine kinases have been identified thus far. The protein encoded by the ORF (open reading frame) Rv2232 has been annotated as a member of the HAD (haloacid dehydrogenase-like hydrolase) superfamily, which includes phosphatases, phosphomanno- and phosphogluco-mutases, and haloacid dehydrogenases. In the present paper, we report, on the basis of biochemical and mutational analyses, that the Rv2232-encoded protein, named protein tyrosine kinase A (PtkA) is a bona fide protein tyrosine kinase. The cognate substrate of PtkA is the secreted protein tyrosine phosphatase A (PtpA).