bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the angle of attack from blade pressure measurements on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory phase VI rotor using a free wake vortex model: yawed conditions
Authors: Sant Tonio , van Kuik Gijs , van Bussel G. J. W.
Published: January 2009

Wind turbine design codes for calculating blade loads are usually based on a blade element momentum (BEM) approach. Since wind turbine rotors often operate in off‐design conditions, such as yawed flow, several engineering methods have been developed to take into account such conditions. An essential feature of a BEM code is the coupling of local blade element loads with an external (induced) velocity field determined with momentum theory through the angle of attack. Local blade loads follow directly from blade pressure measurements as performed in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) phase IV campaign, but corresponding angles of attack cannot (on principle) be measured. By developing a free wake vortex method using measured local blade loads, time‐dependent angle of attack and induced velocity distributions are reconstructed. In a previous paper, a method was described for deriving such distributions in conjunction with blade pressure measurements for the NREL phase VI wind turbine in axial (non‐yawed) conditions. In this paper, the same method is applied to investigate yawed conditions on the same turbine. The study considered different operating conditions in yaw in both attached and separated flows over the blades. The derived free wake geometry solutions are used to determine induced velocity distributions at the rotor blade. These are then used to determine the local (azimuth time dependent) angle of attack, as well as the corresponding lift and drag for each blade section. The derived results are helpful to develop better engineering models for wind turbine design codes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognostic Factors of Pulmonary Metastasectomy for Colorectal Carcinomas
Authors: Chen Fengshi , Hanaoka Nobuharu , Sato Kiyoshi , Fujinaga Takuji , Sonobe Makoto , Shoji Tsuyoshi , Sakai Hiroaki , Miyahara Ryo , Bando Toru , Okubo Kenichi , Hirata Toshiki , Date Hiroshi
Published: January 2009

Background

Pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal carcinoma is a well‐accepted procedure; however, reports on indications and prognostic factors are inconsistent. This study was designed to clarify a role for resection of pulmonary metastases for such tumors and to define the patients who benefit from pulmonary metastasectomy.

Methods

Between 1990 and 2007, 84 patients with pulmonary metastases from colorectal carcinomas underwent curative pulmonary resection. All patients had obtained or had obtainable locoregional control of their primary tumors. Various perioperative variables were investigated retrospectively to confirm a role for metastasectomy and to analyze prognostic factors for overall survival and disease‐free survival after metastasectomy.

Results

Overall survival rate after metastasectomy was 60.5% and 48.4% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Disease‐free survival rate was 34.4% and 30.6% at 5 and 10 years after pulmonary resection, respectively. On multivariate analysis, patients with unilateral pulmonary metastasis presented a significantly favorable overall survival (P = 0.045). In contrast, there was no significant prognostic factor for disease‐free survival.

Conclusions

Current practice of pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal carcinoma in our institution was well justified. Our study confirmed that unilateral pulmonary metastasis was significantly relevant to a better prognosis.
Uptake and Incorporation of Pinolenic Acid Reduces n‐6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid and Downstream Prostaglandin Formation in Murine Macrophage
Authors: Chuang Lu‐Te , Tsai Po‐Jung , Lee Chia‐Long , Huang Yung‐Sheng
Published: January 2009

Many reports have shown the beneficial effects of consumption of pine seeds and pine seed oil. However, few studies have examined the biological effect of pinolenic acid (PNA; ∆5,9,12–18:3), the main fatty acid in pine seed oil. In this study, using murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells as a model, we examined the effect of PNA on polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism, prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression. Results showed that PNA was readily taken up, incorporated and elongated to form eicosatrienoic acid (ETrA, ∆7,11,14–20:3) in macrophage cells. A small portion of this elongated metabolite was further elongated to form ∆9,13,16–22:3. The degree of incorporation of PNA and its metabolites into cellular phospholipids varied with the length of incubation time and the concentration of PNA in the medium. Incubation of PNA also modified the fatty acid profile of phospholipids: the levels of 18‐ and 20‐carbon PUFA were significantly decreased, whereas those of 22‐carbon fatty acids increased. This finding suggests that PNA enhances the elongation of 20‐carbon fatty acids to 22‐carbon fatty acids. The syntheses of PGE1 from dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (DGLA, ∆8,11,14–20:4) and PGE2 from arachidonic acid (ARA, ∆5,8,11,14–20:4) were also suppressed by the presence of PNA and its metabolite. As the expression of COX‐2 was not suppressed, the inhibitory effect of PNA on PG activity was attributed in part to substrate competition between the PNA metabolite (i.e., ∆7,11,14–20:3) and DGLA (or ARA).
Multiplanar supramalleolar osteotomy in the management of complex rigid foot deformities in children
Authors: Nelman Kyle , Weiner Dennis S. , Morscher Melanie A. , Jones Kerwyn C.
Published: January 2009

Purpose

Residual midfoot and hindfoot deformities in rigidly deformed feet present a very complicated surgical dilemma. A plantigrade foot is desirous for proper lower extremity mechanics in a child with ambulatory potential. In this group of patients, soft tissue procedures are no longer an appropriate option, and well-recognized hindfoot procedures, such as talectomy, have many disadvantages. This study reviews the results obtained using multiplanar supramalleolar osteotomy as a salvage procedure to correct deformities of the complex rigid foot in children.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of 27 multiplanar supramalleolar osteotomies in 18 children. The underlying diagnosis of the patients included seven severely rigid idiopathic clubfeet, five arthrogryposis, two myelodysplasia, one Ellis-van Creveld, one Streeter's, one cerebral palsy, and one severe burn contracture. The average age at surgery was 5.6 years, and follow-up averaged 8 years. A successful outcome was deemed a plantigrade foot on physical exam with follow-up of at least 2 years and no subsequent tibial surgeries. All failures were included regardless of the length of follow-up.

Results

A plantigrade attitude of the hindfoot was obtainable at the time of surgery in all cases. Eighteen of the 27 feet had a successful outcome. Nine of 27 (33%) feet had recurrence of the foot deformity requiring additional surgery. Time to recurrence averaged 5.7 years (9 months–13 years). Complications from the surgery included four minor wound healing problems, two delayed unions, and one screw recession, all of which healed without consequences. There was no evidence of nonunion, growth plate closure, infection, or fracture above or through screw holes.

Conclusion

The multiplanar supramalleolar osteotomy appears to be a reasonable salvage procedure for severely scarred and complex rigid foot deformities and can be reinstituted for failures due to remaining growth.
Pétrarque: l'écriture comme philosophie
Authors: Anheim Étienne
Published: January 2009

Pétrarque est souvent considéré comme le fondateur de l'humanisme et dès lors classé dans notre propre division des savoirs du côté de la littérature, bien qu'il se réclame à plusieurs reprises de la philosophie dans ses écrits. En reprenant le fil de la tradition historiographique pour comprendre comment Pétrarque s'est trouvé placé hors de la philosophie, on voudrait approfondir l'interrogation sur les rapports entre littérature et philosophie dans l'Occident du XIVe siècle, et essayer de montrer comment Pétrarque a tenté de faire exister une conception de la philosophie comme art de vivre et d'écrire, appuyée sur l'espace social des cours, proposant ainsi une alternative aux constructions savantes du monde universitaire.
Aspects de la fatigue dans l'anthropologie médiévale
Authors: Kônig-Pralong Catherine
Published: January 2009

Symptôme psychosomatique de la condition pécheresse de lâme humaine, processus d'usure naturel et progressif de la machinerie psychique ou corporelle, propriété exclusive du monde des corps ou lieu de la ligature obligée de l'intellect au corps, la fatigue traverse la littérature philosophique et théologique médiévale. Les divers traitements de la fatigue peuvent à leur tour valoir comme symptômes pour différencier les approches anthropologiques médiévales. Cet article en présente quatre figures: l'anthropologie du danger élaborée par Augustin, le diagnostic médical grec et arabe dont Constantin l'Africain est le passeur au XIe siècle, et les lectures de la psychologie d'Aristote par Albert le Grand et Thomas d'Aquin au XIIIe siècle.
Adult tonsillectomy: Current indications and outcomes
Authors: Hoddeson Elizabeth K. , Gourin Christine G.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

Limited data exist with respect to the current prevalence of indications for tonsillectomy in adults. We sought to determine the indications for adult tonsillectomy and to identify factors associated with postoperative complications.

METHODS

The medical records of 361 adult patients who underwent tonsillectomy from 2001 to 2007 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Indications for surgery were chronic infection in 207 (57%) patients, upper airway obstruction secondary to tonsillar hypertrophy in 98 (27%) patients, and suspected neoplasm in 56 (16%) patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 54 (15%) cases with hemorrhage in 19 (5%) patients, followed by dehydration in 16 (4%) patients, and admission for postoperative oxygen desaturations in 9 (3%) patients. Hospitalization beyond 24 hours occurred in 18 (5%) cases, with emergency room visits for pain and dehydration in 16 (4%) patients, and readmission for pain control in 17 (5%) cases. Patients who underwent tonsillectomy for upper airway obstruction had an increased incidence of prolonged hospitalization or readmission (19% vs 6%; P = 0.01), whereas patients who underwent tonsillectomy for infection had an increased incidence of postoperative bleeding (6% vs 4%; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic infection remains the most common indication for adult tonsillectomy in contrast to the pediatric population. Complication rates vary according to the indication for surgery.
Aminoglycoside Ototoxicity in Nicaraguan children: Patient risk Factors and Mitochondrial DNA Results
Authors: Saunders James E. , Greinwald John H. , Vaz Sharon , Guo Yinshi
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

Aminoglycoside ototoxicity remains a major problem in developing countries and accounts for 3 percent to 30 percent of hearing loss. This high prevalence rate may be related to genetic susceptibility from mitochondrial mutations in the 12S rRNA gene, comorbidity factors, or unregulated use of the medication. This study investigates the risk factors and prevalence of mtDNA mutations in serum from rural Nicaragua children with aminoglycoside‐related hearing loss.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross sectional study.

SUBJECTS

Deaf children from rural Nicaragua.

METHODS

Mitochondrial DNA isolated from serum collected from 31 deaf children with childhood or in utero exposure to gentamicin was amplified, sequenced, and analyzed for mutations in the 12S rRNA gene.

RESULTS

No known pathologic mutations of the 12S rRNA gene were identified in this subpopulation of deaf children. In addition, patients with gentamicin exposure were often likely to have other comorbidity factors.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that genetic susceptibility is not a major factor in the high rate of gentamicin ototoxicity in this population sample. The high prevalence of gentamicin ototoxicty in this population is presumed to be due to unrestricted access to the drug.
Impact of voice and swallowing problems in the elderly
Authors: Turley Richard , Cohen Seth
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES

1) Evaluate the prevalence and quality‐of‐life impact of voice and swallowing problems in the elderly; 2) determine treatment trends and barriers to treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study of independent‐living residents in two retirement communities. Prevalence of dysphonia and dysphagia, voice‐related quality of life (VRQOL), 7‐point Likert scale of dysphagia severity, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES‐D) scale, and barriers to treatment were collected. Spearman correlation and ANOVA statistics were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 248 residents responded with a mean age of 82.4 years; 19.8 percent had dysphonia, 13.7 percent dysphagia, and 6 percent both. Respondents with more severe swallowing difficulty had greater impairment on the VRQOL (P = 0.04, Spearman correlation = −0.4). Respondents with both dysphonia and dysphagia had greater depression scores than those with neither symptom (mean CES‐D score 15.5 vs 9.9, P = 0.009, ANOVA, P < 0.05, Bonferroni t test). Only 22.4 percent and 20.6 percent had sought treatment for dysphonia and dysphagia, respectively. Being unaware of treatment options and viewing voice and swallowing trouble as a normal part of aging were the most common reasons for not seeking treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Voice and swallowing problems are common in the elderly, but they are not realizing potential treatment benefits.
Decent colonialism? Pure science and colonial ideology in the Netherlands East Indies, 1910–1929
Authors: Goss Andrew
Published: January 2009

This article examines changes within the Dutch civilising mission ideology after the decline of the Ethical Policy. Support of pure science, scientific knowledge that supposedly transcended ideology and politics, allowed the colonial administration to continue to project their rule as decent and moral, even as conflict and repression dominated colonial politics in the 1920s. The argument starts with the construction of pure science after 1910, under the care of J.C. Koningsberger, out of the research traditions at the Department of Agriculture. It next examines the creation of institutions and agendas of pure science. And finally it analyses the absorption of pure science into the civilising mission of the 1920s. It concludes with a discussion of what this means for historical evaluations of the Dutch colonial project.
Semelai agricultural patterns: Toward an understanding of variation among indigenous cultures in southern peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Gianno Rosemary , Bayr Klaus J.
Published: January 2009

What were the indigenous agricultural and population patterns in peninsular Malaysia's southern lowlands? What factors produced these patterns? Based on our analysis of ethnographic and historical evidence, as well as aerial photographs taken in 1948 in the Tasek Bera and Sungai Bera watersheds, the Semelai, anOrang Asligroup, had a robust and productive subsistence agricultural system emphasising rice but insured by cassava. These photographs, from the P.D.R. Williams-Hunt Collection, provide an unusual record of Semelai agriculture prior to settlement in 1954 and contribute to our knowledge of indigenous economic patterns in the southern lowlands, which have received little ethnographic attention.
Garuḍa, Vajrapāṇi and religious change in Jayavarman VII's Angkor
Authors: Sharrock Peter D.
Published: January 2009

Ancient Cambodia turned definitively to state Buddhism under King Jayavarman VII at the end of the twelfth century, after four centuries of state Śaivism. This paper explores the motivation behind this momentous change and tries to establish the means by which it was achieved. It uncovers signs of a very large, politically motivated campaign of tantric Buddhist initiations that required a significant overhaul of the king's temples and the creation of a new series of sacred icons.
Effects of host characteristics and parasite intensity on growth and fecundity ofTrichostrongylus retortaeformisinfections in rabbits
Authors: CHYLINSKI C. , BOAG B. , STEAR M. J. , CATTADORI I. M.
Published: January 2009

Host-mediated responses and parasite density-dependent processes can have a major influence on the growth and fecundity of parasitic nematodes. However, host characteristics and parasite intensity consistently change during the course of an infection and these could affect worm length and number of eggs in a non-constant way. We used a free-living population of rabbits naturally infected withTrichostronglyus retortateformisand examined how adult nematode length and the number of eggsin uterowere affected by host characteristics (i.e. age, sex, breeding status) and parasite intensity, in a seasonal environment, between 2004 and 2007. Nematode length and number of eggsin uterodecreased exponentially with host age; in contrast, parasite intensity increased, peaked in juveniles and decreased in older hosts. These patterns were consistent between rabbit cohorts. A negative relationship was observed between parasite intensity and nematode length, as well as number of eggs. Nematode length was strongly affected by nematode sex and host age, while the number of eggs was mainly influenced by nematode length. The direct influence of host-mediated effects appeared quantitatively more important than parasite density dependence in controlling length and egg production in naturally infected wild rabbits. However, their relative contribution changed during the course of the infection such that, while host immunity still influenced worm numbers, the direct effect of density-dependent interactions contributed the most at high parasite intensities.
FVB/N mice are highly resistant to primary infection withNippostrongylus brasiliensis
Authors: KNOTT M. L. , HOGAN S. P. , WANG H. , MATTHAEI K. I. , DENT L. A.
Published: January 2009

Nippostrongylus brasiliensislarvae are particularly susceptible to immunological attack during the pre-lung stage of primary and secondary infections in mice. Whilst most of the common laboratory strains of mice are permissive hosts for the parasite, in this study we report for the first time, the strong resistance of naïve FVB/N mice toN. brasiliensis. Damage to larvae is evident within the first 24 h of infection and this may be critical to later larval development and reproductive success. Inflammatory responses in the skin, and larval escape from this tissue were comparable in susceptible CBA/Ca and resistant FVB/N mice, with most larvae exiting within 4 h of a primary infection. Lung larval burdens were also similar between strains, but larvae recovered from FVB/N mice were smaller and less motile. In FVB/N mice, larval colonization of the gut was impaired and worms produced very few eggs. However FVB/N mice did not show enhanced resistance toHeligmosomoides bakeri(also known asHeligmosomoides polygyrus), a nematode largely restricted to the gut. Damage done in the pre-lung or lung stages of infection withN. brasiliensisis likely to contribute to ongoing developmental and functional abnormalities, which are profoundly evident in the gut phase of infection.
Angiostrongylus vasorumfrom South America and Europe represent distinct lineages
Authors: JEFFERIES R. , SHAW S. E. , VINEY M. E. , MORGAN E. R.
Published: January 2009

Angiostrongylus vasorumis a nematode parasite of sylvan and domestic species of the family Canidae. It has a broad but patchy distribution worldwide, and there is evidence for geographical spread and increasing incidence of infection in recent years. While historicallyAngiostrongylus-like nematodes identified in dogs and foxes have been described asA. vasorumin Europe andAngiocaulus raillietiin South America, more recent taxonomic revision has amalgamated these into a single species,A. vasorum. Here we report, for the first time, the molecular characterization of isolates ofA. vasorumfrom Germany, Portugal, Denmark and the United Kingdom on the basis of the mitochondrial COI gene and the second ribosomal internal transcribed spacer. When compared with isolates from Brazil, sequence analysis revealed 2 distinct genotypes. Estimated rates of evolution based on COI sequences for both nematode and host are consistent with the hypothesis that the presence ofA. vasorumin South America is a result of an ancient evolutionary event.Angiostrongylus vasorumin South America potentially represents a separate species to that observed in Europe.
Gertrude Cox in Egypt: A Case Study in Science Patronage and International Statistics Education during the Cold War
Authors: Hunter Patti W.
Published: January 2009

Argument

Gertrude Cox, first chair of North Carolina State University's Department of Experimental Statistics, worked as a consultant for the Ford Foundation to Cairo University's Institute of Statistical Studies and Researches in 1964. An analysis of this work provides a case study in the internationalization of the statistics profession, the systems of patronage available to scientists in the second half of the twentieth century, and the history of women in science. It highlights some of the complexities in the process of internationalization in science, showing that even when scientists cross national boundaries to promote their discipline, they may have as a goal the advancement of their own nationalistic interests, or those of their patrons. In documenting Cox's commitment to serving her professional community, this case study will show that some particularly feminine qualities of Cox's approach to her work enabled her to accomplish what her male colleagues tried unsuccessfully to do.
Migrations and Boundary Work: Harvard, Radical Economists, and the Committee on Political Discrimination
Authors: Mata Tiago
Published: January 2009

Argument

In the late 1960s, in the midst of campus unrest, a group of young economists calling themselves “radicals” challenged the boundaries of economics. In the radicals' cultural cartography, economic science and politics were represented as overlapping. These claims were scandalous because they were voiced from Harvard University, drawing on its authority. With radicals' claims the subject of increasing media attention, the economics mainstream sought to re-assert the longstanding cultural map of economic science, where objectivity and advocacy were distinguishable. The resolution of the contest of credibility came with a string of cases of dismissals and denial of tenure for radicals. The American Economic Association's investigations of these cases, imposing the conventional cultural map, concluded that personnel decisions had not been politically motivated. Radicals were forced to migrate from the elite institutions from which they had emerged to less prestigious ones. “Place” became a marker of their marginalization within the profession.
Distribution, status and conservation of the Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis in Cambodia
Authors: GRAY THOMAS N. E. , COLLAR NIGEL J. , DAVIDSON PETER J. A. , DOLMAN PAUL M. , EVANS TOM D. , FOX HARRY N. , CHAMNAN HONG , BOREY RO , KIM HOUT SENG , VAN ZALINGE ROBERT N.
Published: January 2009

The Bengal Florican is a ‘Critically Endangered’ bustard (Otididae) restricted to India, Nepal and southern Indochina. Fewer than 500 birds are estimated to remain in the Indian subcontinent, whilst the Indochinese breeding population is primarily restricted to grasslands surrounding the Tonle Sap lake, Cambodia. We conducted the first comprehensive breeding season survey of Bengal Florican within the Tonle Sap region (19,500 km2). During 2005/06 and 2006/07 we systematically sampled 1-km squares for territorial males. Bengal Florican were detected within 90 1-km squares at a mean density of 0.34 males km−2 which, accounting for unequal survey effort across grassland blocks, provides a mean estimate of 0.2 males km−2. Based on 2005 habitat extent, the estimated Tonle Sap population is 416 adult males (333–502 ± 95% CI), more than half of them in Kompong Thom province. Tonle Sap grasslands are rapidly being lost due to intensification of rice cultivation and, based on satellite images, we document declines of 28% grassland cover within 10 grassland blocks between January 2005 and March 2007. Based on mean 2005 population densities the remaining grassland may support as few as 294 adult male florican, a decline of 30% since 2005. In response to these habitat declines almost 350 km2 of grassland have been designated as protected areas, set aside for biodiversity and local livelihoods. Conservation activities in these areas include participatory land-use zoning, patrols reporting new developments to government officials, awareness-raising and incentive-led nest protection schemes.
Use of trained dogs to determine the age structure and conservation status of kiwi Apteryx spp. populations
Authors: ROBERTSON HUGH A. , FRASER JAMES R.
Published: January 2009

Specially trained dogs are used to locate many threatened bird species in New Zealand during conservation management and research projects. Systematic searches were made in four forest patches in Northland where many Brown Kiwi Apteryx mantelli had been fitted with bands, wing tags, transponders or radio-transmitters over a 12-year period of experimental management. The percentage of subadult birds found by dogs increased in line with predictions from population models of the changing age structure of the population. The dogs independently found radio-tagged adults and subadults in close proportion to their known abundance. Dogs proved to be an excellent tool to determine the age structure of a kiwi population. With knowledge of the life history of the species involved, this information was used to make an accurate assessment of the conservation status of the study population of Brown Kiwi in Northland. Our results also support the recent downgrading of Little Spotted Kiwi Apteryx owenii from ‘Vulnerable’ to ‘Near Threatened’, which was based partly on healthy age ratios found during dog searches on Kapiti Island, rather than on results from a study of their breeding biology on the island which showed unsustainably low chick recruitment.
An assessment of land cover and threats in Important Bird Areas in Africa
Authors: BUCHANAN GRAEME M. , DONALD PAUL F. , FISHPOOL LINCOLN D. C. , ARINAITWE JULIUS A. , BALMAN MARK , MAYAUX PHILIPPE
Published: January 2009

Over 1,200 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) have been identified in Africa, each meeting at least one of four objective criteria that identify it as an area of high conservation importance for birds. Despite their biodiversity value, many IBAs are threatened by habitat degradation and a high proportion lack legal protection. We integrate an inventory of these IBAs with remote sensing data to identify patterns that could be used to assess priorities for monitoring and conservation. Land cover composition in IBAs differed significantly from that in buffer zones of the same area immediately surrounding them and was significantly more homogeneous. Agriculture and deforestation were the most prevalent threats to IBAs, particularly in IBAs containing a high proportion of dense forest or shrub. Human population density within IBAs was no lower than that immediately outside IBAs, and was around three times higher than the average for sub-Saharan Africa. However, projected human population growth was lower than the average for sub-Saharan Africa, with the projected increase greatest in IBAs with a high proportional cover of dense forest and mosaic woodland and lowest in IBAs with a higher grassland component. Fifty seven percent of IBAs fell within or overlapped Protected Areas, though this percentage differed between different categories of IBA. IBAs that were included within Protected Areas supported a greater number of globally threatened bird species and contained proportionally more dense forest, woodland and shrub than IBAs falling outside Protected Areas. IBAs outside Protected Areas contained a high proportion of mosaic woodland and open water, suggesting that such habitats are under-protected in Africa. We suggest that because the most prevalent threats to IBAs involve changes in land cover that could be detected from satellites, remote sensing could play an important role in the monitoring of African IBAs. This would permit monitoring of a wider range of sites than is possible solely by conventional, ground-based approaches.
Cumulus cell features and nuclear chromatin configuration of in vitro matured canine COCs and the influence of in vivo serum progesterone concentrations of ovary donors
Authors: Rodrigues B. A. , Silva A. E. F. , Rodriguez P. , Cavalcante L. F. , Rodrigues J. L.
Published: January 2009

Phenotype integrity is viewed as an indicator of cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) viability. The objectives of this study were: (a) to observe the influence of cumulus investment expansion on the nuclear chromatin configuration of canine oocytes matured in vitro; (b) to examine the relationship between cumulus cell (CC) expansion and its morphology after in vitro maturation (IVM); (c) to ascertain the influence of in vivo serum progesterone (SP) concentrations of ovary donors on oocyte nuclear maturation, CC phenotypes and degrees of CC expansion of in vitro matured COCs. After 48 h of IVM in modified TCM 199, CCs from grade 1 and 2 COCs were stained with propidium iodide. Oocyte chromatin configuration was visualized by Hoechst 33342 stain. Results showed that oocyte IVM was not influenced by degree of CC expansion (D1, D2 and D3) in COCs. From the CC types (C1, C2 and C3), number of C1 types was higher at D1 expansion and differed from those observed at D2 and D3 expansions. Additionally, rates of apoptosis in D1 CCs were lower than those observed in D2 CCs (p < 0.05). Oocyte nuclear maturation was not influenced by in vivo SP concentrations of ovary donors. On the other hand, D3 expansion prevailed in COCs from bitches at SP > 2.5 ng/ml (p < 0.001). Moreover, in vitro CC apoptosis was associated both with low (0–1 ng/ml) and with high (>5 ng/ml) in vivo SP levels. These findings indicate that morphology of CCs from in vitro matured dog oocytes gives valuable information on viability of COCs and could possibly be used as a parameter in predicting the quality of oocytes destined for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and their outcomes.
OIL PRICE SHOCKS, SYSTEMATIC MONETARY POLICY, AND THE “GREAT MODERATION”
Authors: Herrera Ana María , Pesavento Elena
Published: January 2009

The U.S. economy has experienced a reduction in volatility since the mid-1980s. In this paper we investigate the changes in the response of the economy to an oil price shock and the role of the systematic monetary policy response in accounting for changes in the response of output, prices, inventories, sales, and the overall decline in volatility. Our results suggest a smaller and more short-lived response of most macro variables during the Volcker-Greenspan period. It also appears that whereas the systematic monetary policy response dampened fluctuations in economic activity during the 1970s, it has had virtually no effect after the “Great Moderation.”
A NOTE ON INFLATION, ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND INCOME INEQUALITY
Authors: Jin Yi
Published: January 2009

This paper develops a monetary endogenous growth model with capital and skill heterogeneity to analyze the relationship among inflation, growth, and income inequality. In the model inflation, growth, and inequality are jointly determined. We show that an increase in the long-run money growth rate raises inflation and reduces growth, but its effect on income inequality depends on the relative importance of the two types of heterogeneity. Inequality shrinks with the rise of inflation when capital heterogeneity dominates and enlarges when skill heterogeneity dominates. Therefore, our model supports a negative (positive) inflation–inequality relationship and a positive (negative) growth–inequality relationship when capital (skill) heterogeneity dominates. In any event, inflation and growth are negatively related.
The Clitic-Affix Distinction, Historical Change, and Scandinavian Bound Definiteness Marking
Authors: Börjars Kersti , Harries Pauline
Published: January 2009

In the literature on grammaticalization, it is generally assumed that there are two categories of bound elements, clitics and affixes, and that a development from the former to the latter is an example of gram-maticalization. Frequently, this development in form is assumed to be associated with a change in function. In this paper, we argue that a simple dichotomy between clitic and affix does not do justice to the variation found between bound elements, nor to the changes they undergo over time. We also argue that changes in form are not always accompanied by a change in function. We illustrate our discussion with the history and current distribution of definiteness marking in Scandinavian.*
Simulating low streamflows with hillslope storage models
Authors: Matonse Adão H. , Kroll Chuck
Published: January 2009

In this study a deterministic approach is applied to estimate low‐streamflow series and statistics at a watershed scale. The kinematic wave hillslope storage (kw) and the hillslope storage Boussinesq (hsB) models are applied in conjunction with a simple conceptual framework to a small steep headwater catchment that is part of the Maimai watersheds in New Zealand. The models are compared on the basis of their ability to reproduce base flow series and low‐streamflow statistics. Variations in the number of hillslope partitions and the impact of homogeneous and variable model parameters across hillslopes are explored. Our results confirm findings from previous studies that have indicated that for steep hillslopes like those at Maimai the kw and hsB models produce similar results. More partitioning and variable parameters across the watershed can better capture hydrogeologic heterogeneity, resulting in improved model performance.
Hydraulic tomography in fractured granite: Mizunami Underground Research site, Japan
Authors: Illman Walter A. , Liu Xiaoyi , Takeuchi Shinji , Yeh Tian‐Chyi Jim , Ando Kenichi , Saegusa Hiromitsu
Published: January 2009

Two large‐scale cross‐hole pumping tests were conducted at depths of 191–226 m and 662–706 m in deep boreholes at the Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory (MIU) construction site in central Japan. During these two tests, induced groundwater responses were monitored at many observation intervals at various depths in different boreholes at the site. We analyze the two cross‐hole pumping tests using transient hydraulic tomography (THT) based on an efficient sequential successive linear estimator to compute the hydraulic conductivity (K) and specific storage (Ss) tomograms, as well as their uncertainties in three dimensions. The equivalent K and Ss estimates obtained using asymptotic analysis treating the medium to be homogeneous served as the mean parameter estimates for the 3‐D stochastic inverse modeling effort. Results show several, distinct, high K and low Ss zones that are continuous over hundreds of meters, which appear to delineate fault zones and their connectivity. The THT analysis of the tests also identified a low K zone which corresponds with a known fault zone trending NNW and has been found to compartmentalize groundwater flow at the site. These results corroborate well with observed water level records, available fault information, and coseismic groundwater level responses during several large earthquakes. The successful application of THT to cross‐hole pumping tests conducted in fractured granite at this site suggests that THT is a promising approach to delineate large‐scale K and Ss heterogeneities, fracture connectivity, and to quantify uncertainty of the estimated fields.
Thermal versus elastic heterogeneity in high‐resolution mantle circulation models with pyrolite composition: High plume excess temperatures in the lowermost mantle
Authors: Schuberth B. S. A. , Bunge H.‐P. , Steinle‐Neumann G. , Moder C. , Oeser J.
Published: January 2009

We study a new class of high‐resolution mantle circulation models and predict their corresponding elastic heterogeneity. Absolute temperatures are converted to seismic velocities using published thermodynamically self‐consistent models of mantle mineralogy for a pyrolite composition. A grid spacing of ∼25 km globally allows us to explore mantle flow at Earth‐like convective vigor so that modeled temperature variations are consistent with the underlying mineralogy. We concentrate on isochemical convection and the relative importance of internal and bottom heating in order to isolate the thermal effects on elasticity. Models with a large temperature contrast on the order of 1000 K across the core‐mantle boundary, corresponding to a substantial core heat loss of up to 12 TW, result in elastic structures that agree well with tomography for a number of quantitative measures: These include spectral power and histograms of heterogeneity as well as radial profiles of root‐mean‐square amplitudes. In particular, high plume excess temperatures of +1000–1500 K in the lowermost mantle lead to significant negative anomalies of shear wave velocity of up to −4%. These are comparable to strong velocity reductions mapped by seismic tomography in the prominent low‐velocity regions of the lower mantle. We note that the inference of a large core heat flux is supported by a number of geophysical studies arguing for a substantial core contribution to the mantle energy budget. Additionally, we find significant differences between the characteristics of thermal heterogeneity and the characteristics of elastic heterogeneity in the transition zone due to phase transformations of upper mantle minerals. Our results underline the necessity to include mineral physics information in the geodynamic interpretation of tomographic models.
Comparision of the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis II winds with those observed over a complex terrain in lower atmospheric boundary layer
Authors: Shravan Kumar M. , Anandan V. K.
Published: January 2009

NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis wind components at 1000 mb level in the grid of 12.5°–15°N and 77.5°–80°E has been investigated in comparison with National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) Doppler Sodar data in a complex terrain environment of an Indian Tropical Latitude station, Gadanki (13.45°N, 79.2°E) for a period of one year 2007. Influence of complex terrain effect on wind flow patterns derived by NCEP/NCAR reanalysis II in comparison with remote sensor (NARL Doppler Sodar) during stable and unstable conditions is discussed. Slope‐valley circulations and mountain wave activity may be the possible reasons for the deviation observed between both the systems. During unstable conditions, correlation co‐efficient of 0.78 in zonal and 0.66 in meridional wind components is reported high compared to 0.71 in zonal and 0.56 in meridional wind components for stable conditions. Zonal winds dominant over this station might be the cause for higher correlation in zonal case.
On the geographical distribution of induced time‐varying crustal magnetic fields
Authors: Thébault E. , Hemant K. , Hulot G. , Olsen N.
Published: January 2009

A long standing question in geomagnetism is whether the time variation of the induced crustal field is a detectable quantity and, if so, at which spatial wavelengths. We tackle this problem with the help of a forward modeling approach using a vertically integrated susceptibility (VIS) grid of the Earth's crust. For spherical harmonic degrees 15–90, we estimate the root mean square of the crustal magnetic field secular variation to amount 0.06–0.12 nT/yr at the terrestrial surface between epochs 1960–2002.5. The geographical distribution of the signal shows absolute values reaching 0.65–1.30 nT/yr over South America. Unfortunately, most of the world magnetic observatories currently lie on quasi‐stationary features where the crustal field signal variations are expected to be very low. However, this long sought signal could be detected over well chosen regions, provided that satellite, observatory, and repeat station measurements are available over several decades.
Models of the upper mantle beneath the central North Island, New Zealand, from speeds and anisotropy of subhorizontal P waves (Pn)
Authors: Seward A. M. , Henderson C. M. , Smith E. G. C.
Published: January 2009

The central North Island of New Zealand shows significant variations in Pn wave speeds over small distances, ranging from 8.5 ± 0.2 km/s to 7.4 ± 0.1 km/s over a distance of 150 km. A combination of national network seismometers, local volcanic seismic monitoring networks, and temporary deployments are used to collect arrival times from local events, during the period of 1990–2006. The data set consists of approximately 11,200 Pn observations from 3000 local earthquakes at 91 seismograph sites. We have created a method that allows us to model the predominant wavelength features of P wave speeds in the uppermost mantle, as well as estimating values of mantle anisotropy and irregularities in the crust beneath stations, using least squares collocation. The resulting model shows distinct variations in uppermost mantle Pn velocities. Velocities of less than 7.5 km/s are found beneath the back‐arc extension region of the Central Volcanic Region, and under the Taranaki Volcanic Region, indicating the presence of water and partial melt. The region to the east shows extremely high velocities of 8.3–8.5 km/s, where the P waves are traveling within the subducting Pacific slab. Slightly lower than normal mantle velocities of 7.8–8.1 km/s are found in the western North Island, suggesting a soft mantle. Pn anisotropy estimates throughout the North Island show predominately trench‐parallel fast directions, ceasing to nulls in the west. Anisotropy measurements indicate the strain history of the mantle. Null anisotropy measurements suggest an undisturbed mantle, suggesting that mantle beneath the western North Island is young.
Three interacting freshwater plumes in the northern California Current System
Authors: Hickey B. , McCabe R. , Geier S. , Dever E. , Kachel N.
Published: January 2009

The northern California Current System is impacted by two primary freshwater sources: the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Columbia River. The Columbia is frequently bidirectional in summer, with branches both north and south of the river mouth simultaneously. We describe the interaction of these two warm Columbia plumes with each other and with the colder plume originating from the strait. The interactions occurred when a period of strong downwelling‐favorable winds and high Columbia River discharge was followed by persistent and strong upwelling‐favorable winds. The northward plume that developed under the downwelling winds extended over 200 km along the coast to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and into the strait. The plume subsequently wrapped around Juan de Fuca Strait water in the counterclockwise seasonal eddy just offshore of the strait. Inspection for similar wind and outflow conditions (>0.15 N m−2 and 104 m3 s−1, respectively) suggest that these events might have occurred in roughly half the years since 1994. Surface drifters deployed in the Columbia plume near its origin tracked this plume water northward along the coast, then reversed direction at the onset of upwelling‐favorable winds, tracking plume water southward past the river mouth once again. “Recent” (∼1–2 day old) and “Aged” (>14 day old) plume water folded around the newly emerging southwest tending Columbia plume, forming a distinctive “sock” shaped plume. This plume was a mixture of ∼10% “New” (<1 day old) water and ∼90% Recent and Aged water from prior north tending plumes.
Photodissociation dynamics of propionyl chloride in the ultraviolet region
Authors: Wei Zheng-Rong , Zhang Xiao-Peng , Lee Wei-Bin , Zhang Bing , Lin King-Chuen
Published: January 2009

Velocity imaging technique combined with (2+1) resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) is used to detect primary photodissociation of propionyl chloride. In one-color experiments at 235 nm, the Cl and Cl∗ fragments are produced rapidly, leading to a fraction of translational energy release of 0.37 and 0.35, anisotropy parameters of 1.1 and 0.8, and quantum yield of 0.67 and 0.33, respectively, when initial excitation of the (n, π∗)1CO band is coupled to the (nCl, σC–Cl*)1 repulsive configuration. The resulting propionyl radical with sufficient internal energy may undergo secondary dissociation to yield CO that is characteristic of an isotropic distribution. The REMPI spectra of the CO (0,0) and (1,1) bands are measured, giving rise to a Boltzmann rotational temperature of 1200 and 770 K, respectively, and a Boltzmann vibrational temperature of 2800 K. A minor channel of HCl elimination is not detected, probably because of predissociation in two-photon absorption at 235 nm. In two-color experiments comprising an additional 248 nm photolyzing laser, Cl and Cl∗ are produced with a fraction of translational energy release of 0.43 and 0.40 and anisotropy parameters of 1.0 and 0.6, respectively. The secondary production of CO is not observed although the internal energy partitioned in the propionyl radical is in the proximity of the dissociation barrier. In either experimental scheme, a small component appearing in the center of the Cl and Cl∗ images is proposed to stem from ground state dissociation via internal conversion.
The (G′/G)-expansion method for finding traveling wave solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations in mathematical physics
Authors: Zayed E. M. E. , Gepreel Khaled A.
Published: January 2009

I the present paper, we construct the traveling wave solutions involving parameters of the combined Korteweg-de Vries–modified Korteweg-de Vries equation, the reaction-diffusion equation, the compound KdV–Burgers equation, and the generalized shallow water wave equation by using a new approach, namely, the (G′/G)-expansion method, where G=G(ξ) satisfies a second order linear ordinary differential equation. When the parameters take special values, the solitary waves are derived from the traveling waves. The traveling wave solutions are expressed by the hyperbolic functions, the trigonometric functions, and the rational functions.
Classical waves on nonlinear lattices. II. Qn
Authors: Mahan G. D.
Published: January 2009

Exact analytical solutions are found for classical vibrations of nonlinear oscillators with higher powers of spring constants, such as Q6 and Q8. The solutions are based on a new type of elliptic function that has been created to solve these problems.
Formation of air bubbles during compaction of a granular pack
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Smith Rachel , Jaeger Heinrich M. , Nagel Sidney R.
Published: January 2009

When loosely packed granular material in a long tube is tapped, the material collapses into a more dense state. For fine-grained material and with interstitial air present, this compaction occurs as waves of apparent avalanches transport the grains to a lower height. We find that these avalanches are due to a train of air bubbles rising within the material. We investigate how the formation of bubbles depends on the tilt angle of the tube, the size of granular particles, and the pressure of the interstitial gas between the particles. We estimate the interaction between the air and the granular medium that is necessary for the bubbles to form. The estimates are in quantitative agreement with our experimental observations.