bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A directive patch antenna with metamaterial structure
Authors: Weng Zi‐bin , Wang Nai‐biao , Jiao Yong‐chang , Zhang Fu‐shun
Published: December 2006

A new method to improve the gain of patch antenna with metamaterial composed of ring aperture lattice is presented. The influences of the number of metamaterial layers and a comparison of electromagnetic characteristics between the conventional patch antenna and the new metamaterial patch antenna are studied by using numerical simulation method. Then, a patch antenna with the metamaterial is fabricated and measured. The simulation and experimental results show that this method is effective and this structure can realize congregating the radiation energy, thus the gain of the antenna with metamaterial can greatly increase when compared with the conventional one. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 456–459, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22146
A compact and low‐loss sub‐millimeter‐wave ultra‐wideband bandpass filter
Authors: Cai Peng , Ma Zhewang , Guan Xuehui , Zheng Guoxin , Anada Tetsuo , Hagiwara Gen
Published: December 2006

This paper presents a new compact, low‐loss sub‐millimeter‐wave ultra‐wideband (UWB) bandpass filter (BPF) designed for vehicular radar systems. A dual‐mode ring resonator loaded with two 3λ0/4 open stubs is used in the filter to realize a passband width of about 30%. In order to widen the stopbands of the filter significantly, a multiple‐mode parallel‐coupled line structure is introduced at the output of the ring resonator. Due to the transmission zeros in the lower and upper stopbands of the filter produced by the dual‐mode ring resonator and the multiple‐mode parallel‐coupled line structure, the filter exhibits good performance including sharp attenuations near the passband, and an extremely wide stopband, together with low insertion and return losses in the passband. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 481–484, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22149
Single mode optical waveguides based on photodefinable benzocyclobutene (BCB 4024–40) polymer
Authors: Ibrahim M. H. , Lee Shuh‐Ying , Chin Mee‐Koy , Kassim N. M. , Mohammad A. B.
Published: December 2006

The fabrication and characterization process of BenzoCyclobutene (BCB 4024–40) polymer waveguides are described. The polymer film thickness for various coating speed and refractive index are measured by the method of prism coupling. A cost effective chemical etching technique is used in the waveguide fabrication process to take advantage of the photosensitive nature of the polymer. The waveguide loss is measured using the conventional cut back method which results on an average loss of 3.5 dB/cm. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 479–481, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22150
Generation of low jitter single mode ultrashort optical pulse at arbitrary repetition rate
Authors: Wang Yun‐Cai , Wang An‐Bang
Published: December 2006

A modified injection seeding setup, which can generate low jitter single mode picosecond optical pulses independent of the repetition rate in principle, was presented in this article. With a gain‐switched DFB laser diode employed as the external injection seeding, a gain‐switched Fabry–Perot laser diode can generate single mode ultrashort optical pulses with 0.76 ps jitter and 24.5 dB side‐mode‐suppression ratios. The time window of jitter decrease for the DFB laser injection pulses, in which the FP laser pulses are insensitive to its repetition rate, is numerically simulated and experimentally demonstrated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 447–450, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22157
Formulation of resonant frequency for compact rectangular microstrip antennas
Authors: Deshmukh Amit A. , Kumar Girish
Published: December 2006

The approximate equations to calculate the resonant length of various compact rectangular microstrip antennas like, C‐shaped, H‐shaped, and rectangular ring microstrip antenna, are proposed. The error in the calculated resonance frequency is <5%. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 498–501, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22161
Octaveband slant polarized square slot loop antenna
Authors: Rao Patnam Hanumantha , Naragani Lenin
Published: December 2006

A printed square slot loop antenna capable of radiating slant 45‐degree polarized signals over a wideband is presented. A radial wideband stub feeds the square slot loop at the diagonal and the antenna exhibits an impedance and radiation bandwidth of more than octaveband (1.7 to 3.5 GHz). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 470–473, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22164
Problem of singularity in Ludwig's algorithm
Authors: Meng Wang , Nan Wang , Changhong Liang
Published: December 2006

Ludwig's algorithm is an algorithm that is widely used in physical optics method. However, the problem of singularity always exist both in the original Ludwig's algorithm and the Ludwig's algorithm based on triangular mesh. Because of this, the problem of singularity is studied further in this paper and a more logical solution to the problem is presented. The validity of the solution given can be seen from the numerical results. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 400–403, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22168
Frequency agile active microstrip antenna
Authors: Gautam A. K. , Vishvakarma B. R.
Published: December 2006

A new technique for designing the frequency agile microstrip antenna is presented. The frequency agility is achieved by symmetrical loading of two identical MOS capacitors at the radiating edge of the patch, in which the operating frequency of the rectangular microstrip antenna is electronically controlled by the bias voltage of MOS capacitors. Theoretical model for the antenna is developed using modal cavity model approach and results are also simulated with MOM based simulator. The tuning range is found to be 1.527 GHz (61.09%), which is much better than earlier reported data and the unloaded patch radiator. Antenna shows consistent return loss and radiation pattern for the entire tunable frequency range. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 431–434, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22174
An essential role for CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β in bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Hu B , Ullenbruch MR , Jin H , Gharaee‐Kermani M , Phan SH
Published: December 2006

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by inflammation, genesis of myofibroblasts, and abnormal tissue repair. Despite extensive research, its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Previously, the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) was found to be a key regulator of myofibroblast differentiation in vitro, and to be involved in the acute phase and inflammatory responses. In an attempt to test the role of C/EBPβ in the development of pulmonary fibrosis, experiments using C/EBPβ null mice and their wild‐type littermates were conducted. Our findings indicated that, compared to wild‐type mice, animals deficient in C/EBPβ showed significantly reduced fibrotic lesions and collagen deposition in the lung upon endotracheal injection of bleomycin. Further studies on the mechanisms by which C/EBPβ regulates fibrosis indicated that knockout of C/EBPβ attenuates inflammatory cytokine expression in bleomycin‐treated mice. The reduced α‐smooth muscle actin gene expression in either isolated lung fibroblasts or lung tissue from bleomycin or saline‐treated C/EBPβ deficient mice suggests that C/EBPβ regulates myofibroblast differentiation during fibrosis. Consistent with this finding, cells from C/EBPβ deficient mice exhibited higher proliferative rates than those from wild‐type mice. These data suggest that C/EBPβ plays an essential role in pulmonary fibrosis and that this role appears to be multifactorial with respect to cytokine expression, cell differentiation, and proliferation. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pressure–volume–temperature of molten and glassy polymers
Authors: Utracki L. A.
Published: December 2006

The pressure–volume–temperature (PVT) dependencies of several amorphous polymers (PS, PC, PPE, and PPE/PS 1:1 blend) in the glassy and molten state were studied. The Simha–Somcynsky (S–S) lattice‐hole equation of state (EOS) was used. Fitting the PVT data in the molten state to the EOS yielded the free volume quantity, h = h(T, P), and the characteristic reducing parameters, P*, V*, and T*. The data within the glassy region were interpreted assuming that the latter parameters are valid in the molten and vitreous state, than calculating h = h(T, P) from the experimental values of V = V(T, P). Next, the frozen free volume fraction in the glass was computed as FF = FF(P). The FF values of polystyrene (PS) resins at ambient pressure showed little scattering (FFP=1 = 0.691 ± 0.008), while their P‐dependencies varied, reflecting the thermodynamic history of the glass formation as well as the PVT measurements protocol. The pressure gradient of Tg was compared with the Ehrenfest relation for the second‐order transition; here also agreement depended on the method of vitrification. The experimental values of FF at ambient pressure decreased with increasing values of the characteristic temperature reducing parameter, T*. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 270–285, 2007.
Partially pyrolyzed poly(dimethylsiloxane)‐based networks: Thermal characterization and evaluation of the gas permeability
Authors: José Nádia M. , de Almeida Prado Luis A. S. , Schiavon Marco A. , Redondo Simone U. A. , Yoshida Inez V. P.
Published: December 2006

In this investigation, the preparation and characterization of partially pyrolyzed membranes based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) are described. These membranes were obtained by the crosslinking of silanol‐terminated PDMS with multifunctional nanoclusters derived from the reaction of pentaerythritoltriacrylate with 2‐aminoethyl‐3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and the in situ polycondensation of tetraethylortosilicate, followed by the thermal treatment of the resulting membranes at different temperatures. The partially pyrolyzed membranes were characterized with infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, elemental analyses, dynamic mechanical analysis, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. The membranes exhibited improvements in the thermal stability and mechanical strength. Even with distinct compositions with respect to the Si/O and Si/C ratios, the flexibility of these materials was maintained. The flux rates of the gases through the membranes were measured for N2, H2, O2, CH4, and CO2, at 25 °C. The permeability of the membranes changed with increases in the pyrolysis and oxidation temperatures. These membranes could be described as PDMS chains separated by inorganic clusters. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 299–309, 2007.
Assessing unmet supportive care needs in partners of cancer survivors: the development and evaluation of the Cancer Survivors' Partners Unmet Needs measure (CaSPUN)
Authors: Hodgkinson K. , Butow P. , Hobbs K. M. , Hunt G. E. , Lo S. K. , Wain G.
Published: December 2006

Background: Partners of cancer patients typically provide the majority of patients' emotional and physical care. Partners may be profoundly affected by the cancer and may experience ongoing supportive care needs across the survivorship continuum. Research has been restricted by a lack of psychometrically evaluated measures and in this study, a self‐report measure of partners' needs was developed and empirically evaluated.

Methods: Questionnaire items generated from a qualitative study were constructed into a 47‐ item unmet need measure (Cancer Survivors' Partners Unmet Needs measure, CaSPUN). The psychometric properties of the CaSPUN were evaluated in 212 partners of patients who had been diagnosed with cancer 1–11 years earlier and were currently disease‐free.

Results: The CaSPUN was modified to include 35 unmet need items, 6 positive change items and an open ended item. The CaSPUN demonstrates a high level of acceptability, internal consistency and construct validity, although test–retest reliability was moderate. Factor analysis identified five discrete factors: (1) Relationships, (2) Information, (3) Partner Issues, (4) Comprehensive Care and (5) Emotional Support.

Conclusions: The CaSPUN permits the identification of long‐term supportive care needs in generic populations of cancer survivors' partners and will assist with the formulation of recommendations regarding required supportive care services. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transformation of an α‐helix peptide into a β‐hairpin induced by addition of a fragment results in creation of a coexisting state
Authors: Araki Mitsugu , Tamura Atsuo
Published: December 2006

Intrinsic rules of determining the tertiary structure of a protein have been unknown partly because physicochemical factors that contribute to stabilization of a protein structure cannot be represented as a linear combination of local interactions. To clarify the rules on the nonlinear term caused by nonlocal interaction in a protein, we tried to transform a peptide that has a fully helical structure (Target Peptide or TP) into a peptide that has a β‐hairpin structure (Designed Peptide or DP) by adding seven residues to the C terminus of TP. According to analyses of nuclear magnetic resonance measurements, while the β‐hairpin structure is stabilized in some DPs, it is evident that the helical structure observed in TP is also persistent and even extended throughout the length of the molecule. As a result, we have produced a peptide molecule that contains both the α‐helix and β‐hairpin conformation at an almost equally populated level. The helical structures contained in these DPs were more stable than the helix in TP, suggesting that stabilizing one conformation does not result in destabilizing the other conformation. These DPs can thus be regarded as an isolated peptide version of the chameleon sequence, which has the capability of changing the secondary structure depending on the context of the surrounding environment in a protein structure. The fact that the transformation of one secondary structure caused stabilization of both the original and the induced structure would shed light on the mechanism of protein folding. Proteins 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stabilization of an excess electron on molecular surfaces by a pair of HF molecules
Authors: Jalbout Abraham F.
Published: December 2006

This work presents the results of solvation of electrons on several hypothetical cyclooctane and cyclohexane molecular surfaces, using the hydrogen fluoride (HF) dimer. These complexes were constructed with extensive OH groups on one side of a hydrocarbon surface (i.e., cyclohexane sheets), which creates hydrogen‐bonded networks that can form, increasing the dipole moment of the system. Concurrently, the hydrogen atoms on the opposite side of the surface form a pocket of positive charge that can attract excess electrons. Two possible orientations for HF dimer solvation on eight molecular surfaces that have been demonstrated to be stable toward electron detachment are examined. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Variation in digestive efficiency of captive North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) on various diets
Authors: White Steffany C. , Clark David W. , Day Carrie D. , Sikes Robert S.
Published: December 2006

Energy content, proximate nutrient values, passage rate, and digestive efficiency associated with various diet types and factors affecting these parameters have not been quantified for the North American river otter (Lontra canadensis). We measured energy digestive efficiency (DEff) and intestinal passage rate of three captive river otters on their regular diet (a combination of polar bear diet, cat food, and feline diet) and on test diets consisting of the constituent components of their regular diet. Gross energy, crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber varied appreciably among diet components. Caloric DEff values were high (cat food and polar bear diet combination: 83.11%; regular diet: 86.62%; feline diet: 90.22%) indicating diets high in fat and protein permit greater energy absorption. Passage rates ranged from 167–188 minutes and were influenced by level of activity such that passage rate was more rapid at higher levels of activity. Coefficients of variation (CV) from DEff (CV=1.51) and digesta passage rates (CV=7.35) were dissimilar, indicating that a direct measure may yield a more precise estimate of absorption over digesta passage rates. To further understand energy handling by river otters on diets used in zoologic institutions and to better provide the nutrient dense diets this active species requires, additional studies quantifying energetic parameters for captive otters of various genders, ages, and reproductive conditions on other diet types are needed. Zoo Biol 0: 1–10, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessments of Anal Canal Sensitivity in Patients with Soiling 5 Years or More after Colectomy, Mucosal Proctectomy, and Ileal J Pouch‐Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Tomita Ryouichi , Igarashi Seigo
Published: December 2006

Introduction

To clarify the significance of anal canal sensitivity contribution to soiling in patients after ileal J pouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC), we studied the sensory function of the anal canal.

Methods

Forty patients with UC who had undergone IPAA with ileostomy closure at least 60 to 132 months (mean 103.6 months) previously, and who had no preoperative or postoperative complications were recruited. They were divided into two groups: group A [n = 26; patients without soiling (16 males, 10 females; ages 15–49 years, mean 36.6 years)] and group B [n = 14; patients with soiling (10 men, 4 women; ages 24–56 years, mean 40.9 years)] compared with group C [n = 28; control subjects (18 men, 10 women; aged 19–49 years, mean 38.5 years)]. Patients with soiling were also divided into three groups (B1, rare soiling; B2, occasional soiling; B3, frequent soiling). The anal canal sensitivity threshold was measured using an anal canal electrosensitivity test (ACEST). The measurement point of anal canal was divided into three parts: lower part [1 cm below the dentate line (DL), middle part (just on the DL), and upper part (1 cm above the DL]. A small electric current from a constant‐current generator was passed between the electrodes until the patient felt a sensation often described as tingling or pulsing. The threshold of sensitivity was assessed in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the anal canal.

Results

In patients of group C, recording at the middle part of the anal canal showed the best results. The anal canal sensitivity threshold of group B was significantly higher than those of groups A and C at the upper and middle parts (P < 0.0001, respectively). There were no significant differences at the lower part among groups. The anal canal sensitivity threshold of subgroup B3 was significantly higher than those of groups B1 or B2 at both the upper part (P = 0.0002, P = 0.0038, respectively) and middle part (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0480, respectively). There were no significant differences at the lower part among groups.

Conclusions

The ACEST shows significantly lower sensitivity in the proximal and middle anal canal in IPAA patients with soiling.
Posterior Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy: A Comparison between the Initial Experience in the Invention Phase and Introductory Phase of the New Surgical Technique
Authors: Barczyński Marcin , Konturek Aleksander , Gołkowski Filip , Cichoń Stanisław , Huszno Bohdan , Peitgen Klaus , Walz Martin K.
Published: December 2006

Background

Today, the posterior retroperitoneoscopic technique has become a standard procedure in adrenal surgery. The procedure allows direct access to the adrenal glands, but it seems to be difficult because of the uncommon anatomic view. This study compares the learning period of the new procedure of “posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy” in the primary invention phase and the secondary introductory phase in a different hospital 10 years later.

Materials and Methods

The analysis included 100 posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomies (PRA) and involved 50 procedures in each center. Group A consisted of 44 patients (14 males, 30 females; age: 48.7 ± 14.5 years) undergoing surgery between 07/1994 and 8/1996 (24 right, 26 left; 8 Cushing adenomas, 14 Conn adenomas, 11 pheochromocytomas, 7 nonfunctioning adrenocortical adenomas, 10 ACTH‐dependent adrenal hyperplasias). Group B consisted of 50 patients (12 males, 38 females; mean age 59.3 ± 10.7 years) operated between 01/2004 and 01/2006 (28 right, 22 left tumors; 5 Cushing adenomas, 12 Conn adenomas, 4 pheochromocytomas, 29 nonfunctioning adrenocortical adenomas). All PRAs were performed with the patient in the prone position with 3–4 trocars placed caudally in the region of the 11th and 12th ribs. In group A, the surgical team developed the technique of PRA themselves. Before their first PRA, the surgical team of group B was introduced to the technique by the group A surgeons and afterwards were supervised continuously.

Results

No serious intraoperative or postoperative complication occurred in either group. Group A experienced 7 conversions to open surgery, whereas group B had one conversion and one early reoperation due to bleeding (P = 0.03; χ2‐test). The mean operative time was 117 ± 41 minutes versus 83 ± 35 minutes (group A and B respectively; P < 0.001; t‐test). Estimated blood loss was similar in the two groups (47.2 ± 46.2 ml versus 54 ± 16.3 ml, group A versus B, respectively; P = 0.36; t‐test).

Conclusions

The study demonstrates the feasibility, safety, and reproducibility of the new surgical method of PRA both when it is employed in the early phase of invention, as well as when performed by surgeon‐learners. After comprehensive training, the operative time and conversion rate are dramatically reduced, allowing for a short learning period.
Surface properties of linear alkyl benzene sulfonates in hard river water
Authors: Zhu Yun‐Peng , Rosen Milton J. , Morrall Stephen W. , Tolls Johannes
Published: December 2006

Surface properties of a series of highly purified linear alkyl benzene sulfonates were extensively studied in hard river water. The effects of water hardness, alkyl chain length and position of the phenyl sulfonate group in the molecule on such surface properties as pC20, critical micelle concentration (CMC), γCMC, CMC/C20 ratio, and minimum area per molecule at the interface are discussed in detail. The position of phenyl sulfonate group in the molecule was found to have a pronounced effect on the CMC, γCMC value, CMC/C20 ratio, and, to the contrary, a relatively small effect on the pC20 value. The linear relationship between pC20 or‐log CMC, and m, the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, was found for surfactants with the phenyl sulfonate group either at the terminal position or at the more central position in the molecule. γCMC decreases but the CMC value increases, when the position of phenyl sulfonate group moves from the terminal toward a more central position of the molecule, reflecting the “Hartley Effect” resulting from the branched alkyl chain.
Structure and function of animal fatty acid synthase
Authors: Chirala Subrahmanyam S. , Wakil Salih J.
Published: December 2006

Fatty acid synthase (FAS; EC 2.3.1.85) of animal tissues is a complex multifunctional enzyme consisting of two identical monomers. The FAS monomer (∼270 kDa) contains six catalytic activities and from the N‐terminus the order is β‐ketoacyl synthase (KS), acetyl/malonyl transacylase (AT/MT), β‐hydroxyacyl dehydratase (DH), enoyl reductase (ER), β‐ketoacyl reductase (KR), acyl carrier protein (ACP), and thioesterase (TE). Although the FAS monomer contains all the activities needed for palmitate synthesis, only the dimer form of the synthase is functional. Both the biochemical analyses and the small‐angle neutron‐scattering analysis determined that in the dimer form of the enzyme the monomers are arranged in a head‐to‐tail manner generating two centers for palmitate synthesis. Further, these analyses also suggested that the component activities of the monomer are organized in three domains. Domain I contains KS, AT/MT, and DH, domain II contains ER, KR, and ACP, and domain III contains TE. Approximately one fourth of the monomer protein located between domains I and II contains no catalytic activities and is called the interdomain/core region. This region plays an important role in the dimer formation. Electron cryomicrographic analyses of FAS revealed a quaternary structure at approximately 19 Å resolution, containing two monomers (180×130×75 Å) that are separated by about 19 Å, and arranged in an antiparallel fashion, which is consistent with biochemical and neutron‐scattering data. The monomers are connected at the middle by a hinge generating two clefts that may be the two active centers of fatty acid synthesis. Normal mode analysis predicted that the intersubunit hinge region and the intrasubunit hinge located between domains II and III are highly flexible. Analysis of FAS particle images by using a simultaneous multiple model single particle refinement method confirmed that FAS structure exists in various conformational states. Attempts to get higher resolution of the structure are under way.
Transient confinement zones: A type of lipid raft?
Authors: Chen Yun , Yang Bing , Jacobson Ken
Published: December 2006

Many important signaling events are initiated at the cell membrane. To facilitate efficient signal transduction upon stimulation, membrane microdomains, also known as lipid rafts, are postulated to serve as platforms to recruit components involved in the signaling complex, but few methods exist to study rafts in vivo. Single particle tracking provides an approach to study the plasma membrane of living cells on the nano‐scale. The trajectories of single gold particles bound to membrane proteins and lipids are characterized in terms of both random and confined diffusion; the latter occurs in “transient confinement zones”. Here we review transient confinement zones and some of their implications for membrane structure and function.
Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) as precursors of a distinct family of PUFA
Authors: Banni Sebastiano , Petroni Anna , Blasevich Milena , Carta Gianfranca , Cordeddu Lina , Murru Elisabetta , Melis Maria Paola , Mahon Anne , Belury Martha A.
Published: December 2006

One of the possibilities for distinct actions of c9,t11‐ and the t10,c12‐conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers may be at the level of metabolism since the conjugated diene structure gives to CLA isomers and their metabolites a distinct pattern of incorporation into the lipid fraction and metabolism. In fact, CLA appears to undergo similar transformations as linoleic acid but with subtle isomer differences, which may account for their activity in lowering linoleic acid metabolites in those tissues rich in neutral lipids where CLA is preferentially incorporated. Furthermore, c9,t11 and t10,c12 isomers are metabolized at a different rate in the peroxisomes, where the shortened metabolite from t10,c12 is formed at a much higher proportion than the metabolite from c9,t11. This may account for the lower accumulation of t10,c12 isomer into cell lipids. CLA isomers may therefore be viewed as a “new” family of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) producing a distinct range of metabolites using the same enzymatic system as the other (i.e., n−3, n−6 and n−9) PUFA families. It is likely that perturbation of PUFA metabolism by CLA will have an impact on eicosanoid formation and metabolism, closely linked to the biological activities attributed to CLA.
Thermal regime from bottom simulating reflectors along the north Ecuador–south Colombia margin: Relation to margin segmentation and great subduction earthquakes
Authors: Marcaillou Boris , Spence George , Collot Jean‐Yves , Wang Kelin
Published: December 2006

The north Ecuador–south Colombia (NESC) margin has three transverse morphotectonic segments (the Manglares, Tumaco, and Patia segments), each with different tectonic and structural patterns. Following the 1906 subduction earthquake, the NESC margin has been the site of three megathrust events in 1942, 1958, and 1979 for which the rupture zones abut one another. We first investigated variations in heat flow derived from bottom simulating reflectors (BSR) observed along multichannel seismic lines sampling the three morphotectonic segments. Strong along‐strike variations of the BSR‐derived heat flow, just landward of the deformation front, suggest that each morphotectonic segment has a specific thermal regime. Finite element thermal models show that these variations are mainly produced by changes in the age and the dip of the oceanic plate and local hydrothermal cooling. We then examined the relationship between seismogenesis and thermal structure along the plate boundary. The updip limits of the 1942 and 1979 seismogenic zones, estimated from the aftershock area and rupture zone, reach the trench, where the temperature at the top of the subducting plate appears to be 50°–60°C. Between these events the seismogenic zone of the 1958 earthquake is restricted to a region landward of a prominent outer basement high where the temperature appears to be 100°–120°C. We propose that on the NESC margin the updip limit of the seismogenic zone is primarily controlled by low‐temperature processes except for the 1958 event for which the seismogenic updip limit appears to be related to a structural feature in the upper plate.
Wintertime buoyancy forcing, changing seawater properties, and two different circulation systems produced in the Adriatic
Authors: Orlić Mirko , Dadić Vlado , Grbec Branka , Leder Nenad , Marki Antun , Matić Frano , Mihanović Hrvoje , Beg Paklar Gordana , Pasarić Miroslava , Pasarić Zoran , Vilibić Ivica
Published: December 2006

Measurements performed in winter 2002/2003 and spring 2003 off the east Adriatic coast showed that the East Adriatic Current (EAC) peaked in January/February (as expected from previous findings) and again in May (not expected). The first maximum corresponded with the considerable cross‐shore variability of seawater properties, the colder, fresher water prevailing close to the coast, the warmer, saltier water dominating the open sea. The second maximum coincided with the massive intrusion of warm, saline water from the south Adriatic. Meteorological and hydrologic forcing was anomalous over the measurement interval: during winter 2002/2003 the cooling and river outflows were strong, during spring 2003 the pronounced warming coincided with exceptional dryness. In order to interpret the two EAC maxima a simple numerical model reproducing response of the Adriatic‐Mediterranean system to the wintertime forcing was developed. It was found that the first maximum could be related to the coastal freshwater input and offshore evaporation in the Adriatic area, and that the second maximum was probably due to the wintertime surface cooling of the Adriatic while warmer conditions prevailed above the Mediterranean. The resulting horizontal density gradients supported two different circulation systems, one within the Adriatic, the other between the Adriatic and east Mediterranean, and they differed not only in spatial but also in temporal scales, therefore supporting the occurrence of two distinctive EAC maxima.
A new clear‐sky downward longwave radiative flux parameterization for Arctic areas based on rawinsonde data
Authors: Jin Xin , Barber David , Papakyriakou Tim
Published: December 2006

An improved downward longwave clear‐sky radiative flux (LWd) parameterization was developed and evaluated with field measurements collected in two projects: the Collaborative Interdisciplinary Cryospheric Experiment in 2000 and the Canadian Arctic Shelf Exchange Study. The 722 operational upper air soundings collected in Resolute Bay in 2000 were used to develop this scheme. After comparing this new method with 11 previous schemes we conclude that our new scheme has the smallest mean bias error: −0.8 Wm−2 and −0.7 Wm−2 in two projects, while all of the schemes have similar correlation coefficients: 0.96 and 0.91. Our new method has a varying root‐mean square error, depending on the seasonal background of sampling period; it decreases with the extension of the sampling period and the inclusion of multiple sampling seasons.
Bulk composition and early differentiation of Mars
Authors: Taylor G. Jeffrey , Boynton W. , Brückner J. , Wänke H. , Dreibus G. , Kerry K. , Keller J. , Reedy R. , Evans L. , Starr R. , Squyres S. , Karunatillake S. , Gasnault O. , Maurice S. , d'Uston C. , Englert P. , Dohm J. , Baker V. , Hamara D. , Janes D. , Sprague A. , Kim K. , Drake D.
Published: December 2006

We report the concentrations of K, Th, and Fe on the Martian surface, as determined by the gamma ray spectrometer onboard the 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft. K and Th are not uniformly distributed on Mars. K ranges from 2000 to 6000 ppm; Th ranges from 0.2 to 1 ppm. The K/Th ratio varies from 3000 to 9000, but over 95% of the surface has K/Th between 4000 and 7000. Concentrations of K and Th are generally higher than those in basaltic Martian meteorites (K = 200–2600 ppm; Th = 0.1–0.7 ppm), indicating that Martian meteorites are not representative of the bulk crust. The average K/Th in the crust is 5300, consistent with the Wänke‐Dreibus model composition for bulk silicate Mars. Fe concentrations support the idea that bulk Mars is enriched in FeO compared to Earth. The differences in K/Th and FeO between Earth and Mars are consistent with the planets accreting from narrow feeding zones. The concentration of Th on Mars does not vary as much as it does on the Moon (where it ranges from 0.1 to 12 ppm), suggesting that the primary differentiation of Mars differed from that of the Moon. If the average Th concentration (0.6 ppm) of the surface is equal to the average of the entire crust, the crust cannot be thicker than about 118 km. If the crust is about 57 km thick, as suggested by geophysical studies, then about half the Th is concentrated in the crust.
Seasonal dissolved rare earth element dynamics of the Amazon River main stem, its tributaries, and the Curuaí floodplain
Authors: Barroux Gwénaël , Sonke Jeroen E. , Boaventura Geraldo , Viers Jérôme , Godderis Yves , Bonnet Marie‐Paule , Sondag Francis , Gardoll Sébastien , Lagane Christelle , Seyler Patrick
Published: December 2006

We present a comprehensive dissolved rare earth element (REE) data set for the Amazon River and its main tributaries, Rio Negro, Solimões, and Madeira, as well as the Curuaí floodplain. The two‐year time series show that REE vary seasonally with discharge in each of the tributaries, and indicate a hydrologically dominated control. Upper crust normalized REE patterns are relatively constant throughout the year, with Ce/Ce* anomalies being positively related to discharge. We propose revised annual dissolved REE fluxes to the surface Atlantic Ocean based on an integration of the seasonal data. For Nd (<0.22 μm) this results in an average flux of 607 ± 43 T/yr, which is at least 1.6 times larger than the previous estimate of 374 T/yr (<0.45 μm) based on low water stage data. Moreover, during the high water season the maximum Nd flux measures 1277 t.yr−1, constituting 30% of the required flux to the Atlantic Ocean (Tachikawa et al., 2003). Consequently, a smaller contribution of Nd from atmospheric and river particle desorption is required than was previously suggested. A mass balance of Amazon tributaries and observed fluxes at Óbidos indicates that dissolved LREE behave quasi‐conservatively. Conversely, the HREE mass balance presents a deficit during the high water stages, which could be related to the passage of water through the floodplain system accompanied by solid/dissolved phase transfer.
Importance of seasonal and annual layers in controlling backscatter to radar altimeters across the percolation zone of an ice sheet
Authors: Scott Julian B. T. , Nienow Peter , Mair Douglas , Parry Victoria , Morris Elizabeth , Wingham Duncan J.
Published: December 2006

Radar altimeters are one of the main tools for measuring elevation changes across the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets and larger ice caps. A ground‐based radar was deployed in autumn 2004 and spring 2006 in the percolation zone of the Greenland Ice Sheet. This radar is a high bandwidth system operating in the Ku band, the same frequency as several satellite altimeters. Measurements were made over an elevation range of 1795 to 2350 m, along with snow pit and shallow core studies. These measurements demonstrate the spatial and temporal variations in the backscatter. Relative strengths of surface and volume reflections change dramatically between spring and autumn and there is also high spatial variability across the percolation zone. The extent of percolation will affect elevation estimates made by radar altimeters.
The 1966 “century” flood in Italy: A meteorological and hydrological revisitation
Authors: Malguzzi P. , Grossi G. , Buzzi A. , Ranzi R. , Buizza R.
Published: December 2006

The widespread flood event that affected northeastern and central Italy in November 1966, causing severe damages to vast populated areas including the historical towns of Florence and Venice, is revisited with a modeling approach, made possible by the availability of the ECMWF global reanalysis (ERA‐40). A simulated forecasting chain consisting of the ECMWF global model, forcing a cascade of two mesoscale, limited area meteorological models apt to reach a convective resolving scale (about 2 km), is used to predict quantitative precipitation. A hydrological model, nested in the finer‐scale meteorological model, is used to reproduce forecasted flood hydrographs for different river basins of the investigated areas. Predicted precipitation is in general very sensitive to initial conditions, especially when associated with convective activity, such as over central Italy, in the Arno river basin. Orographically enhanced precipitation, e.g., the one predicted in the eastern Alps, is quite stable and in good agreement with observations. Hydrological forecasts, made separately in different river basins, reflect the accuracy of the simulated precipitation.
Coral growth bands: A new and easy to use paleothermometer in paleoenvironment analysis and paleoceanography (late Miocene, Greece)
Authors: Brachert Thomas C. , Reuter Markus , Kroeger Karsten F. , Lough Janice M.
Published: December 2006

Modern scleractinian corals are classical components of marine shallow warm water ecosystems. Their occurrence and diversity patterns in the geological record have been widely used to infer past climates and environmental conditions. Coral skeletal composition data reflecting the nature of the coral environment are often affected by diagenetic alteration. Ghost structures of annual growth rhythms are, however, often well preserved in the transformed skeleton. We show that these relicts represent a valuable source of information on growth conditions of fossil corals. Annual growth bands were measured in massive hemispherical Porites of late Miocene age from the island of Crete (Greece) that were found in patch reefs and level bottom associations of attached mixed clastic environments as well as isolated carbonate environments. The Miocene corals grew slowly, about 2–4 mm yr−1, compatible with present‐day Porites from high‐latitude reefs. Slow annual growth of the Miocene corals is in good agreement with the position of Crete at the margin of the Miocene reef belt. Within a given time slice, extension rates were lowest in level bottom environments and highest in attached inshore reef systems. Because sea surface temperatures (SSTs) can be expected to be uniform within a time slice, spatial variations in extension rates must reflect local variations in light levels (low in the level bottom communities) and nutrients (high in the attached reef systems). During the late Miocene (Tortonian–early Messinian), maximum linear extension rates remained remarkably constant within seven chronostratigraphic units, and if the relationship of SSTs and annual growth rates observed for modern massive Indo‐Pacific Porites spp. applies to the Neogene, minimum (winter) SSTs were 20°–21°C. Although our paleoclimatic record has a low resolution, it fits the trends revealed by global data sets. In the near future we expect this new and easy to use Porites thermometer to add important new information to our understanding of Neogene climate.
Southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone in the western Pacific during the late Tertiary: Evidence from ferromanganese crusts on seamounts west of the Marshall Islands
Authors: Kim Jonguk , Hyeong Kiseong , Jung Hoi‐Soo , Moon Jai‐Woon , Kim Ki‐Hyune , Lee Insung
Published: December 2006

Hydrogenetic ferromanganese crusts were dredged from four seamounts in the western Pacific, OSM7, OSM2, Lomilik, and Lemkein, aligned in a NW‐SE direction parallel to Pacific Plate movement. The crusts consist of four well‐defined layers with distinct textural and geochemical properties. The topmost layer 1 is relatively enriched in Mn, Co, Ni, and Mo compared to the underlying layer 2, which is relatively enriched in Al, Ti, K, and Rb and Cu, Zn, and excess Ba. Textural and geochemical properties of layer 2 suggest growth conditions under high biogenic and detrital flux. Such conditions are met in the equatorial Pacific (i.e., between the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and equatorial high‐productivity zone). Layer 2 likely formed when each seamount was beneath the equatorial Pacific along its back track path. On the other hand, layer 1 probably started to grow after seamounts moved northwest from the ITCZ. This interpretation is consistent with the thickness of layer 1 across the four crusts, which increases to the northwest. Ages of the layer 1–layer 2 boundary in each crust, a potential proxy for northern margin of the ITCZ, also increase to the northwest at 17, 11, 8, and 5 Ma for OSM7, OSM2, Lomilik, and Lemkein, respectively. Assuming Pacific Plate motion of 0.3°/Myr, the seamounts were located at 12°N, 11°N, 9°N, and 8°N at the time of boundary formation. This result suggests that the north edge of the ITCZ has shifted south since the middle Miocene in the western Pacific, which agrees with information from the eastern Pacific.
The Poynting vector applied to the complex refractive index in a hot plasma near the electron cyclotron frequency and to the cyclotron resonance observed on topside ionograms
Authors: Muldrew D. B.
Published: December 2006

The electron cyclotron resonance is the only fundamental resonance observed on topside ionograms that, up to the present, has not been understood. There is a solution to the hot plasma dispersion equations for the wave frequency f near the cyclotron frequency fH when the wave number k makes a small angle to the Earth's magnetic induction B. For this case, the magnitude of the imaginary part of k is more than half the real part. This means that the group velocity, dω/dk, where ω = 2πf, is complex. The real part of dω/dk is too large to explain the cyclotron resonance observations. In addition to the wave number, the dispersion relations for a hot magnetoplasma can be used to obtain the electric and magnetic fields of the cyclotron wave and hence the Poynting vector. Dividing the Poynting energy flux by the energy density of the wavefield, where the energy density is the sum of the electric, magnetic, and electron energy densities, gives the Poynting velocity VP, which is a good approximation to the actual wave energy velocity for f near fH. Cyclotron waves are strongly damped but can exist several milliseconds as observed. The waves radiate from the plane containing B and the dipole antenna L. The waves with f > fH beat with those with f < fH to produce the beat frequency observed on fixed‐frequency ionograms.
Rediscovering the Later Version of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Self-Transcendence and Opportunities for Theory, Research, and Unification
Authors: Koltko-Rivera Mark E.
Published: December 2006

The conventional description of Abraham Maslow's (1943 , 1954 ) hierarchy of needs is inaccurate as a description of Maslow's later thought. Maslow (1969a) amended his model, placing self-transcendence as a motivational step beyond self-actualization. Objections to this reinterpretation are considered. Possible reasons for the persistence of the conventional account are described. Recognizing self-transcendence as part of Maslow's hierarchy has important consequences for theory and research: (a) a more comprehensive understanding of worldviews regarding the meaning of life; (b) broader understanding of the motivational roots of altruism, social progress, and wisdom; (c) a deeper understanding of religious violence; (d) integration of the psychology of religion and spirituality into the mainstream of psychology; and (e) a more multiculturally integrated approach to psychological theory.
The Religious Mind and the Evolution of Religion
Authors: Rossano Matt J.
Published: December 2006

This article summarizes the literature on the religious mind and connects it to archeological and anthropological data on the evolution of religion. These connections suggest a three stage model in the evolution of religion: One, the earliest form of religion (pre-Upper Paleolithic [UP]) would have been restricted to ecstatic rituals used to facilitate social bonding; two, the transition to UP religion was marked by the emergence of shamanistic healing rituals; and, three, the cave art, elaborate burials, and other artifacts associated with the UP represent the first evidence of ancestor worship and the emergence of theological narratives of the supernatural. The emergence of UP religion was associated with the move from egalitarian to transegalitarian hunter-gatherers.
Surface and interface viscoelastic behaviors of thin polymer films investigated by nanoindentation
Authors: Zhou J. , Komvopoulos K.
Published: December 2006

Nanoindentation experiments were performed on poly(methyl methacrylate) films deposited on Si(100) substrates to investigate the effects of film thickness, loading rate, and molecular weight on the surface and interface viscoelastic behaviors. The film stiffness increased with the indentation depth due to the increase of the contact area and the effect of the rigid substrate. The film thickness and loading rate exhibited strong effects on the film stiffness, while the molecular weight effect was secondary. For film thickness greater than the unperturbed radius of gyration, the stiffness variation across the film thickness demonstrated the existence of three regimes of different viscoelastic behaviors. The loading rate effect on the viscoelastic behavior of the indented polymer films is interpreted in terms of the confinement between the indenter and the substrate surfaces that restricted the molecular chain mobility in the vicinity of the film/substrate interface. The through-thickness variation of the film stiffness (modified to exclude the viscous component) is examined in the context of a previous indentation model. The nanoscale viscoelastic behavior of the thin polymer films observed in this study has important implications in polymer nanostructuring and nanopatterning.