bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for aneuploidies of ten different chromosomes in two rounds of FISH: a short and reliable protocol
Authors: Baart E. B. , Martini E. , Van Opstal D.
Published: December 2004

Objective

To develop a DNA labelling protocol for the simultaneous detection of five different fluorescent chromosomal DNA probes within one round of hybridisation. In combination with a commercial five‐colour probemix for the second round of hybridisation, this results in a fast and reliable Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) protocol, enabling the detection of 10 chromosomes within a working day. This is especially of use for Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS), when only single interphase nuclei are available for analysis and when time is restricted.

Method

DNA probes were labelled with four different fluorochromes (Pacific Blue, Alexa Fluor 350, Alexa Fluor 594 and Alexa Fluor 488) using an ARES labelling kit, based on a two‐step method. Aminoallyl‐dUTPs were incorporated by nick translation, followed by chemical linking of the amino‐modified fluorescent dye. The fifth colour was achieved by using two fluorescent dyes in the chemical reaction, resulting in dual labelling of the DNA probe and a fluorescence detectable with a specific filter set. These five probes were simultaneously hybridised in a first FISH round, followed by a second hybridisation with a commercial five‐colour probemix, thus allowing the detection of chromosomes 1, 7, 13, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, X and Y. The fixation and pre‐treatment procedures of the blastomere nuclei were further optimised.

Results

Using this labelling and FISH protocol, probe hybridisation efficiency, when tested on lymphocyte nuclei, is 95 to 99%. With the fixation protocol, blastomere nuclei maintain good morphology and show condensed and clear signals even after the second round of hybridisation.

Conclusion

This labelling method in combination with specific epifluorescence filters, enables an independent detection of five different chromosomes in one round of FISH. The whole process of biopsy, fixation and two rounds of hybridisation with the analysis of ten chromosomes can be completed within a day. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Segregation analysis in cystic fibrosis at‐risk family demonstrates that the M348K CFTR mutation is a rare innocuous polymorphism
Authors: D'Apice Maria Rosaria , Gambardella Stefano , Russo Silvia , Lucidi Vincenzina , Nardone Anna Maria , Pietropolli Adalgisa , Novelli Giuseppe
Published: December 2004

Objective

Cystic fibrosis (CF; OMIM# 219700) is caused by mutation in the CF transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene. We investigate whether the (paternal) M348K mutation is a benign polymorphism or a disease‐causing mutation in a patient clinically affected with CF, with the second (maternal) CFTR allele identified as N1303K.

Methods

The patient and his father were studied for the presence of mutations in the CFTR gene using the DHPLC system to analyze all CFTR exons. Amplicons showing an abnormal elution profile were sequenced.

Results

The CFTR gene from the healthy father has two mutations, M348K and G1244E. The affected son inherited only the G1244E paternal mutation from his father, and hence the two paternal mutations are trans and do not occur in the same CFTR gene. The patient's genotype is G1244E(paternal)/N1303K(maternal). This information was used to study an ongoing pregnancy of the couple, where the fetus inherited the same genotype as the affected proband and therefore is affected.

Conclusion

M348K in the CFTR gene is not a mutation causing CF, but a rare polymorphism. These data are important for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis and illustrate the importance of full sequence data when studying rare mutations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normal and abnormal fetal cardiac anatomy
Authors: Cook Andrew C. , Yates Robert W. , Anderson Robert H.
Published: December 2004

The heart is often perceived as a difficult organ to understand by ultrasound during fetal life. This is undoubtedly reflected in the low detection rate of cardiac abnormalities as compared to those of most other organ systems in the fetus. In this article we start by updating classical concepts of cardiac embryology, many of which were previously difficult to understand since they were overly simplistic or purely observational. We then lead on to the structure and growth of the fully formed fetal heart where we review the anatomy and ultrasound appearances in detail and provide comparisons with major abnormalities. We emphasise the fact that a solid understanding of cardiac anatomy can enable those involved in fetal medicine to make full use of the views of the heart that are obtained by ultrasound and which are often only transient. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac function in the fetus
Authors: Simpson John
Published: December 2004

The development of high‐resolution ultrasound has allowed detailed examination of the fetal heart. The accuracy of fetal echocardiography in the diagnosis of malformations of the fetal heart has been established in the second trimester and, more recently, at a much earlier stage in gestation (Allan et al., 1980; Allan et al., 1981; Simpson, 2000; Huggon et al., 2002). Confirmation of structural abnormalities has usually been by autopsy or by postnatal investigation. This is certainly sufficient for confirmation of structural malformations, but functional evaluation of the fetal heart is far more difficult to validate. Post‐mortem studies, by their very nature give little insight into cardiac function and postnatal studies, whilst permitting functional evaluation of the heart, do so under entirely different conditions compared to the circulation in utero. Prior to the advent of ultrasound, fetal data was drawn from invasive animal studies (Pohlman, 1909; Dawes et al., 1954; Barcroft, 1936; Rudolph, 1985). There have been very few invasive studies in the human fetus including some conducted on exteriorised fetuses undergoing termination by hysterotomy (Nyberg and Westin, 1962; Rudolph et al., 1971). Pressure data has been obtained from the human fetus for normal human hearts and in cardiac disease (Johnson et al., 2000; Johnson et al., 1992; Johnson, 1992). However, the vast majority of cardiac functional data in the human fetus has been obtained by non‐invasive means, which has almost exclusively been by echocardiography. This article will review some of the techniques that may be used to evaluate fetal cardiac function and will also emphasise some of the limitations of such techniques. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New fetal cardiac imaging techniques
Authors: Deng Jing , Rodeck Charles H.
Published: December 2004

Rapid advances in graphics computing and micro‐engineering have offered new techniques for prenatal cardiac imaging. Some of them can be non‐invasively applied to both clinical and laboratory settings, including dynamic three‐dimensional echocardiography, myocardial Doppler imaging, harmonic ultrasound imaging, and B‐flow sonography. With clinical constraints, a few others have been mainly used in laboratories, such as endoscopic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and biomicroscopy. Appropriate use and co‐use of these new tools will not only provide unique information for better clinical assessment of fetal cardiac disease but also offer new ways to improved understanding of cardiovascular development and pathogenesis. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Routine fetal cardiac screening: what are we doing and what should we do?
Authors: Sharland Gurleen
Published: December 2004

In many countries, ultrasound examination is used in the second trimester to look for congenital malformations as part of routine prenatal care. While tertiary centres scanning high‐risk pregnancies have reported a high degree of accuracy in the detection of congenital heart disease, many studies have shown that cardiac abnormalities are commonly overlooked during routine obstetric evaluation and there still remains a huge variation between centres. The majority of babies with congenital heart disease are born to mothers with no identifiable high‐risk factors and so will not be detected unless there is widespread screening of the low‐risk population. It is feasible to achieve widespread screening for fetal congenital heart disease in low‐risk groups, but this does need commitment and effort from those performing the scans and those teaching them how to examine the heart. Staff performing routine obstetric ultrasound scans should learn a simple technique for examining the fetal heart and to use this in all patients. Links to a tertiary centre can provide support for checking scans of concern as well as for providing training and for obtaining feedback. In addition, an audit system needs to be established in each centre to trace false‐positive and false‐negative cases as well as to confirm true positives and true negatives. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of prenatal diagnosis on postnatal outcome in patients with structural congenital heart disease
Authors: Yates Robert S.
Published: December 2004

Examination of the fetal heart has become an established part of mid‐trimester anomaly scanning. Along side this has emerged the ability to diagnose congenital heart disease in the fetus with accuracy. Despite this, the development of screening programmes to look for fetal cardiac disease has only been partially successful. Furthermore, when detected, there seems to be little survival advantage associated with prenatal diagnosis. Demonstrating such an advantage is complicated by the nature of fetal cardiac disease, which tends to be severe and is often associated with extra‐cardiac abnormalities. More selective studies, mostly involving small numbers of cases, are now beginning to demonstrate both improved survival and reduced morbidity in prenatally diagnosed infants presenting to cardiac intensive care units compared to those with a postnatal diagnosis. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uterine contractions might increase heart preload in the recipient fetus in early‐onset twin–twin transfusion syndrome: an ultrasound assessment
Authors: Takahashi Yuichiro , Iwagaki Shigenori , Nakagawa Yumiko , Kawabata Ichiro , Tamaya Teruhiko
Published: December 2004

Objectives

Uterine contractions (UC) in twin pregnancy are often experienced, yet the effects of UC in twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) remain to be clarified. The recipient heart preload condition and the effects of UC were evaluated and the final objective was to clarify the effects of tocolysis.

Methods

Firstly, the preload indexes (PLIs) and cardiothoracic area ratios (CTARs) were analyzed on both fetuses of 10 TTTS cases, aged from 14 to 28 gestational weeks in stage III/IV cases for evaluating the preload condition. Then, the PLIs in the presence and absence of UC in the recipient fetuses were determined to evaluate the difference.

Results

The PLIs of the recipient and the donor fetuses were 0.78 ± 0.34 (n = 163) and 0.35 ± 0.13 (n = 71) respectively. The CTARs were 30.2 ± 6.1 (n = 62) and 23.4 ± 5.4 (n = 62) respectively. The PLIs in the absence and presence of UC in the recipient fetuses were 0.69 ± 0.29 and 0.99 ± 0.38 (n = 35). All above comparisons showed highly significant differences (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The recipient fetuses have signs of cardiac dilatation and a high‐preload condition. UC transiently further raises high‐preload conditions of the recipient fetus. Thus, tocolysis may be necessary for management in cases of early‐onset severe TTTS. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal sonographic findings in a case of Varadi–Papp syndrome
Authors: Atahan Guven Melih , Ceylaner Serdar , Prefumo Federico , Uzel Murat
Published: December 2004

Objectives

We aim to describe a case with oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type VI (OFDS VI) or Váradi–Papp syndrome where the only prenatal findings were cleft lip and palate and a primum type atrial septal defect (ASD).

Methods

A 24‐year‐old pregnant woman, gravida 1 para 0, attended the prenatal clinic for a routine visit at 16 weeks of gestation. Her medical and family history was unremarkable. There was no history of consanguinity, drug or teratogen exposure. Her triple screening test and other routine biochemical and haematological blood tests did not reveal any abnormal results. During routine prenatal sonographic examination at the 16th gestational week, cleft lip and palate including secondary palate on the right side of the face was detected and ASD was suspected.

Results

After delivery, prenatally diagnosed cleft lip and palate and primum ASD were confirmed. Postnatally, minimal micrognathia, posteriorly rotated low‐set ears, minimal hypertelorism, epicanthal folds, nystagmus, esotropia, broad nasal tip, intraoral frenula and lobed tongue, shawl scrotum and duplicated nail of the index fingers of both hands were also observed. Radiological examination showed partial agenesis of the corpus callosum and partially duplicated terminal phalanx of the index fingers. A diagnosis of Váradi–Papp syndrome was formulated. At one year of age, there was short stature and delayed mental and motor development.

Conclusion

Understanding the limitations of prenatal ultrasound is very important for the genetic counselling of prospective parents, since major ultrasound findings can be associated with other minor or undetectable features. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post‐zygotic origin of isochromosome 12p
Authors: de Ravel Thomy J. L. , Keymolen Kathelijn , van Assche Elvire , Wittevronghel Ingrid , Moerman Philippe , Salden Ivo , Matthijs Gert , Fryns Jean‐Pierre , Vermeesch Joris R.
Published: December 2004

Objective

Advance knowledge about the mechanism of isochromosome formation.

Methods

Echographic examination of the foetus. G‐ and/or T‐banded chromosome and FISH analysis using chromosome 12p subtelomeric probes on short‐ and long‐term CVS cultures, amniocytes and foetal fibroblasts. Polymorphic CA repeat analysis on DNA from the foetus and both parents.

Results

Short‐term CVS cultures showed a 46,XX karyotype, whilst long‐term CVS cultures showed a 47,XX,+12 karyotype. FISH on amniocytes indicated 2, 3 and 4 signals. Foetal fibroblasts showed both 47,XX,+12 and 47,XX,+i(12)(p10) karyotypes. DNA analysis revealed the isochromosome to be paternal in origin, whilst the other two foetal chromosomes 12 were maternal, part iso‐ and part heterodisomy.

Conclusion

The cytogenetic and DNA constitution of the foetus indicated the isochromosome 12p to be of paternal origin, and implied post‐zygotic formation of the isochromosome 12p in the Pallister–Killian syndrome. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal search for UPD 14 and UPD 15 in 83 cases of familial and de novo heterologous Robertsonian translocations
Authors: Ruggeri Anna , Dulcetti Francesca , Miozzo Monica , Grati Francesca R. , Grimi Beatrice , Bellato Silvano , Natacci Federica , Maggi Federico , Simoni Giuseppe
Published: December 2004

Objectives

The presence in the conceptus of a Robertsonian translocation predisposes to UPD formation, mainly by post‐zygotic events of chromosome abnormality rescue. This is due to the increased risk of generating aneuploid zygotes because the rearranged chromosome and the respective homologues are prone to non‐disjunction errors. Given this, carriers and karyotypically normal individuals conceived from a parent with a Robertsonian translocation are at risk for UPD. Abnormal phenotypes due to an imprinting effect have been found to be associated with UPD 14 and 15.

The aim of the study was to refine, at the time of prenatal diagnosis, the risk for UPD 14 and 15 in a population with Robertsonian translocations involving these chromosomes.

Methods

Sixty‐five cases of familial and de novo heterologous Robertsonian translocations involving chromosomes 14 and 15 and 18 fetuses with a normal karyotype, but conceived by a Robertsonian translocation carrier were prenatally studied to investigate the presence of UPD for chromosomes 14 and 15.

Results

Of the 65 Robertsonian translocation carriers, one fetus with a de novo der(14;21) showed maternal UPD 14. None of the 18 fetuses with a normal karyotype had UPD.

Conclusion

Our data, combined with other previous prenatal investigations provide a general risk estimate for UPD 14 and 15 of 0.6%. Nevertheless, combining our data and those previously reported, all three fetuses with UPD had a de novo Robertsonian translocation, thus suggesting a risk of UPD formation of about 3% for this specific group of translocation carriers. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclosiloxane‐based networks: Synthesis, thermal characterization, and microstructure
Authors: Nugay Nihan , Erdodi Gabor , Kennedy J. P.
Published: December 2004

This article mainly concerns the synthesis of novel PD5/PDMS conetworks by the copolymerization of cyclic D5H and linear HOPDMSOH units, and the characterization of the product by DMTA, DSC, and TGA. The ultimate properties of the conetworks may be controlled by varying the relative composition of D5H and PDMS components. DMTA and DSC thermograms indicate compatibility between the PD5 and PDMS domains. Understanding of the polymer chemical transformations involved in conetwork formation combined with an analysis of DMTA and DSC thermograms led to a proposition of the microarchitecture of PD5/PDMS conetworks. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 630–637, 2005
Synthesis and characterization of saturated and unsaturated polysulfide polymers and their thermal degradation processes investigated by flash pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Sundarrajan Subramanian , Surianarayanan Mahadevan , Srinivasan Kalathur Sabdham Vangepuram
Published: December 2004

The synthesis of polysulfide polymers with unsaturated and saturated units in the backbone and their characterization by Fourier transform infrared, NMR, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry are reported. This is the first report on an analysis of the thermal degradation of an unsaturated polysulfide polymer [poly(2‐butene sulfide)] carried out by pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS). A unique phenomenon of exothermic degradation has been detected by differential thermal analysis and has been attributed to the energetics of the unsaturated polysulfide linkage during degradation. The thermal degradation products studied by Py–GC/MS indicate that the formation of sulfur‐containing products is more favored than the formation of non‐sulfur‐containing products. Furthermore, a comparative study of the thermal degradation of unsaturated and saturated polysulfide polymers has been conducted with thermogravimetry and Py–GC/MS analyses. These analyses have shown that the mechanisms of degradation of these polymers are different, and the lower number of pyrolysis products indicates a selective cleavage of the polymer during degradation in the saturated polysulfide polymers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 638–649, 2005
Facile approach to polyurea/malonamide dendrons via a selective ring‐opening addition reaction of azetidine‐2,4‐dione
Authors: Chen Chih‐Ping , Dai Shenghong A. , Chang Huey‐Ling , Su Wen‐Chiung , Jeng Ru‐Jong
Published: December 2004

A bifunctional compound [(4‐isocyanato‐4′(3,3‐dimethyl ‐2,4‐dioxo‐acetidino)diphenylmethane] (MIA) has been used as a building block for the synthesis of novel polyurea/malonamide dendrons. This is based on selectively sequential addition reactions of amines to isocyanato‐azetidine‐2,4‐diones. After incorporation of the MIA onto the growing dendrons, rapid entry into polyurea/malonamide dendrons was achieved via a convergent route with the processing advantages of easy purification, high yield, and rapid synthesis. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 682–688, 2005
The Triad approach: A catalyst for maturing remediation practice
Authors: Crumbling Deana M. , Hayworth Joel S. , Johnson Robert L. , Moore Marlene
Published: December 2004

Many individual scientific and technical disciplines contribute to the multidisciplinary field of remediation science and practice. Because of the relative youth of this enterprise, disciplinary interests sometimes compete and conflict with the primary goal of achieving protective, cost‐effective, efficient projects. Convergence of viewpoints toward a more mature, common vision is needed. In addition, cleanup programs are changing under the influence of Brownfields initiatives and the needs of environmental insurance underwriters. Investigations and cleanups increasingly need to be affordable, yet transparent and defensible. Disciplinary goals and terminology need to better reflect real‐world site conditions while being more supportive of project needs. Yet, technical considerations alone will not ensure project success; better integration of human factors into project management is also required. The Triad approach is well placed to catalyze maturation of the remediation field because it emphasizes (1) a central theme of managing decision uncertainty; (2) unambiguous technical communications; (3) shortened project life‐cycles and multidisciplinary interactions that rapidly build professional expertise and provide feedback to test and perfect programmatic and field practices; and (4) concepts from “softer” sciences (such as economics, cognitive psychology, and decision theory) to capture important human factors. Triad pushes the cleanup industry toward an integrated, practical, second‐generation paradigm that can successfully manage the complexities of today's cleanup projects. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systematic planning for Triad projects
Authors: Howe Robert , Lynch Kira
Published: December 2004

This article examines specific systematic planning steps that can be used for designing and controlling Triad projects. Triad work strategies act to limit decision uncertainty, expedite schedules to meet project milestones, and reduce costs associated with cleanup activities. As a result, the Triad approach is rapidly increasing in popularity. Good project planning has always been seen as the cornerstone of successful Triad projects. However, the specific steps in the systematic planning process have not been extensively published. Demands of Triad projects, which attempt to make maximum use of innovative technologies and sequencing of activities in a learn‐ as‐you‐go framework, put new demands on regulators and project managers alike. Specific activities and relationships are identified to assist project managers with dynamic work strategies and real‐time measurements to support improved decision making. These include: assembly of stakeholders, a core technical team, and key decisions; development and refinement of a site model; use of demonstrations of methods applicability; development of dynamic work strategies and project sequencing; real‐time data management assessment and presentation; and unitized procurement of technologies and services. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Triad case study: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Authors: Saboya Adrianne V. , Collins Karen G. , Shields Tim
Published: December 2004

The U.S. Navy Public Works Center (PWC) Environmental Department, San Diego, California, is home to the Navy West Coast Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS). SCAPS has been extensively used at several Navy sites since 1995 to provide real‐time, high‐density data sets. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Triad approach provided an ideal framework for optimizing the use of the Navy SCAPS during a volatile organic compound (VOC) source investigation at Installation Restoration Site 1114 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. All three elements of Triad—systematic planning, dynamic work strategy, and use of real‐time measurement tools—were implemented to manage decision uncertainty and expedite the site management process. The investigation was conducted using the Navy SCAPS, outfitted with a cone penetrometer, membrane interface probe, and a direct sampling ion trap mass spectrometry detector, which allowed for real‐ time collection of over 690 feet of continuous lithologic information and VOC concentration data. These data were used collaboratively with 24‐hour turnaround US EPA 8260B VOC groundwater results from temporary direct‐ push wells to support the conclusion of a limited source area. Implementation of the Triad approach for this investigation provided an expedited high‐density data set and a refined conceptual site model (CSM) in real time that resulted in cost savings estimated at $2.5M and reduction of the site characterization and cleanup schedule by approximately three years. This project demonstrates how the US EPA's Triad approach can be applied to streamline the site characterization and cleanup process while appropriately managing decision uncertainty in support of defensible site decisions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Triad case study: Former small arms training range
Authors: Puckett Gwyn , Shaw Travis C.
Published: December 2004

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (US ACE) used the Triad approach to expedite site characterization of contaminated soil at the Former Small Arms Evergreen Infiltration Training Range in Fort Lewis, Washington. The characterization was designed to determine if surface soils contain significant concentrations of metals, with the focus on collecting sufficient data for determining appropriate future actions (i.e., risk analysis or soil remediation). A dynamic sampling and analytical strategy based on rapid field‐based analytical methods was created in order to streamline site activities and save resources while increasing confidence in remediation decisions. Concurrent analysis of soil samples during the demonstration of method applicability (DMA) used both field portable X‐ray fluorescence (FPXRF) and laboratory methodologies to establish a correlation between FPXRF and laboratory data. Immediately following the DMA, contaminated soil from the impact berm was delineated by collecting both FPXRF data and fixed laboratory confirmation samples. The combined data set provided analytical results that allowed for revisions to the conceptual site model for the range and directed additional sample collection activities to more clearly determine the extent and distribution of soil contamination. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accelerating environmental cleanup at DOE sites: Monitored natural attenuation/enhanced attenuation—A basis for a new paradigm
Authors: Sink Claire H. , Adams Karen M. , Looney Brian B. , Vangelas Karen M. , Cutshall Norman H.
Published: December 2004

The U.S. Department of Energy is conducting a project to accelerate remediation through the use of monitored natural attenuation and enhanced attenuation for chlorinated ethenes in soils and groundwater. Better monitoring practices, improved scientific understanding, and an advanced regulatory framework are being sought through a team effort that engages technology developers from academia, private industry, and government laboratories; site cleanup managers; stakeholders; and federal and state regulators. The team works collaboratively toward the common goals of reducing risk, accelerating cleanup, reducing cost, and minimizing environmental disruption. Cutting‐edge scientific advances are being combined with experience and sound environmental engineering in a broadly integrated and comprehensive approach that exemplifies socalled “third‐generation R&D.” The project is potentially a model for other cleanup activities. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perturbing and evaluating numerical programs without recompilation—the wonglediff way
Authors: Eggert P. R. , Parker D. S.
Published: December 2004

wonglediff is a program that tests the sensitivity of arbitrary program executables or processes to changes that are introduced by a process that runs in parallel. On Unix and Linux kernels, wonglediff creates a supervisor process that runs applications and, on the fly, introduces desired changes to their process state. When execution terminates, it then summarizes the resulting changes in the output files. The technique employed has a variety of uses. This paper describes an implementation of wonglediff that checks the sensitivity of programs to random changes in the floating‐point rounding modes. It runs a program several times, ‘wongling’ it each time: randomly toggling the IEEE‐754 rounding mode of the program as it executes. By comparing the resulting output, one gets a poor man's numerical stability analysis for the program. Although the analysis does not give any kind of guarantee about a program's stability, it can reveal genuine instability, and it does serve as a particularly useful and revealing idiot light. In our implementation, differences among the output files from the program's multiple runs are summarized in a report. This report is in fact an HTML version of the output file, with inline mark‐up summarizing individual differences among the multiple instances. When viewed with a browser, the differences can be highlighted or rendered in many different ways. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A negotiation description language
Authors: Elfatatry Ahmed , Layzell Paul
Published: December 2004

As the software industry shifts towards a service‐oriented model of development and delivery, complex forms of interaction, such as negotiation, will become dominant. The design of a negotiation system in the context of an open service‐oriented model is a complex task and involves many interrelated issues. This paper presents a negotiation description language; the purpose of which is to provide a high‐level description of a negotiation situation in such a way that facilitates human reasoning about negotiation‐related aspects in a service‐oriented context. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compiler transformations for effectively exploiting a zero overhead loop buffer
Authors: Uh Gang‐Ryung , Wang Yuhong , Whalley David , Jinturkar Sanjay , Paek Yunheung , Cao Vincent , Burns Chris
Published: December 2004

A Zero Overhead Loop Buffer (ZOLB) is an architectural feature that is commonly found in DSP processors. This buffer can be viewed as a compiler managed cache that contains a sequence of instructions that will be executed a specified number of times without incurring any loop overhead. Unlike loop unrolling, a loop buffer can be used to minimize loop overhead without the penalty of increasing code size. In addition, a ZOLB requires relatively little space and power, which are both important considerations for most DSP applications. This paper describes strategies for generating code to effectively use a ZOLB. We have found that many common code improving transformations used by optimizing compilers on conventional architectures can be easily used to (1) allow more loops to be placed in a ZOLB, (2) further reduce loop overhead of the loops placed in a ZOLB, and (3) avoid redundant loading of ZOLB loops. The results given in this paper demonstrate that this architectural feature can often be exploited with substantial improvements in execution time and slight reductions in code size for various signal processing applications. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconstructing regional‐scale lead contamination of the atmosphere (1850–1980) in the United Kingdom and Ireland using lake sediments
Authors: Rippey Brian , Douglas Richard W.
Published: December 2004

A data set of 49 sediment cores from 41 lakes in the United Kingdom and Ireland was used to investigate how the variability of anthropogenic Pb concentration and accumulation rate affects using lake sediments to reconstruct Pb contamination of the atmosphere at the regional scale. The anthropogenic Pb concentration, when averaged over six to eleven lakes in subregions, was sufficient to isolate the trend in Pb contamination of the atmosphere since 1850 from lake‐specific influences. While the anthropogenic Pb accumulation rate varied considerably within subregions, as a result mainly of variable sediment focusing, the results showed that the maximum focusing factor is typically 1.5 to 3 and rarely above 4. Careful application of this finding may allow the history and geographical variation of Pb deposition from the atmosphere at the regional and global scales to be described using lake sediments. A model that relates anthropogenic Pb concentration in lake sediment to Pb flux from the atmosphere was developed and used to reconstruct Pb flux from the atmosphere in three subregions; the reconstructed flux varies from 2.7 ± 0.9 to 18.9 ± 5.2 mgPb m−2 yr−1 across the subregions in 1860–1870 to 7.4 ± 2.1 to 34.5 ± 6.0 mgPb m−2 yr−1 in 1940–1950.
Ultrahigh‐pressure metabasaltic garnets as probes into deep subduction zone chemical cycling
Authors: King Robert L. , Bebout Gray E. , Kobayashi Katsura , Nakamura Eizo , van der Klauw Sebastiaan N. G. C.
Published: December 2004

We demonstrate an approach to examining the metamorphic history of subducting oceanic crust that can complement records of subduction zone chemical cycling derived from studies of igneous rocks produced at volcanic arcs. By merging methods utilizing garnet zoning to establish prograde reaction histories with in situ high‐resolution trace element geochemistry, and application to coesite‐bearing mafic eclogites representing subduction to depths beneath arcs, we are able to directly identify geochemical manifestations of reactions contributing to element mobility in the subducting slab that are only inferred in studies of volcanic arcs or theoretical metamorphic models. Specifically, we identify a prograde metamorphic reaction, based solely on the zoning of geochemistry and mineral inclusions within garnet, and infer that these features are a record of the breakdown of coexisting clinozoisite + titanite and probable liberation of trace element–laden fluid from the rock during prograde metamorphism. We are then able to assign a specific depth interval for the reaction through calculation of the P‐T dependence of the reaction for these eclogites and comparison with a published P‐T trajectory. Because of the robust preservation of records of petrologic and geochemical processes by garnet, this methodology is particularly suited for study of ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) eclogites, in which severe retrograde alteration (generally related to exhumation) commonly obscures prograde history.
Magnetostratigraphy and environmental magnetism of two Quaternary deep‐sea gravity cores from the west Pacific Southern Ocean
Authors: Venuti A. , Florindo F.
Published: December 2004

We present new paleomagnetic data for Quaternary u channel samples from two deep‐sea gravity cores from the west Pacific Southern Ocean. These cores were recovered in the Antarctic summers 1995–1996 during the oceanographic cruise of the R/V Italica. One was recovered beneath the present‐day Antarctic Polar Front (Anta 95‐157), and the other is from within the Antarctic Zone (Anta 96‐16). The Matuyama‐Brunhes boundary has been identified in both cores, with a longer history of sedimentation available in Anta 96‐16. A detailed rock magnetic study shows discrete occurrences of ice rafted debris, which were influenced by 100‐kyr orbital eccentricity variations during the Brunhes Chron. This is consistent with the main periodicity of the climate system since the mid‐Pleistocene climate transition.
Recent dramatic thinning of largest West Antarctic ice stream triggered by oceans
Authors: Payne Antony J. , Vieli Andreas , Shepherd Andrew P. , Wingham Duncan J. , Rignot Eric
Published: December 2004

A growing body of observational data suggests that Pine Island Glacier (PIG) is changing on decadal or shorter timescales. These changes may have far‐reaching consequences for the future of the West Antarctic ice sheet (WAIS) and global sea levels because of PIG's role as the ice sheet's primary drainage portal. We test the hypothesis that these changes are triggered by the adjoining ocean. Specifically, we employ an advanced numerical ice‐flow model to simulate the effects of perturbations at the grounding line on PIG's dynamics. The speed at which these changes are propagated upstream implies a tight coupling between ice‐sheet interior and surrounding ocean.
Propagating features in the eddy field of the North Atlantic Current
Authors: Volkov Denis L.
Published: December 2004

The variations of eddy kinetic energy (EKE) can presumably be used as a proxy to identify changes in the position of currents. The interannual variability of EKE in the North Atlantic Current (NAC) has exhibited meridional displacements of EKE anomalies. This research aimed to detect propagating signals in the EKE field using Complex Singular Value Decomposition (CSVD) analysis. The analysis showed a quasi‐meridional propagation of the interannual EKE signal downstream the NAC core. Almost two EKE waves were identified between 1993 and 2003 with a period of about 6 years. The interannual change of EKE inside the Mann Eddy (ME) appeared to be dominated by standing oscillations. Large positive EKE anomalies south of 45°N appeared after the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) had changed from positive to negative phase in the winters of 1995/1996 and 2000/2001.
Reexamination of the interplate coupling in the Tokai region, central Japan, based on the GPS data in 1997–2002
Authors: Ohta Yusaku , Kimata Fumiaki , Sagiya Takeshi
Published: December 2004

We re‐examined the interplate coupling in terms of backslip rate at the Nankai‐Suruga trough beneath the Tokai region with a 3‐dimensional GPS time series and a refined plate boundary model. We reanalyzed the GPS data and reconstructed plate boundary configuration. Then we inverted GPS velocities to infer the interplate coupling during April 1997 to April 2000. Our results show that a maximum back slip rate of 2 cm/yr was found at the depth of 15–25 km around 137.42E, 34.32N. We also estimated interplate coupling for the period from January 2001 to December 2002. This time period coincides with a slow slip event found by Ozawa et al. [2002]. Forward slip up to 3 cm/yr was inferred beneath western region of Lake Hamana. And, we found that the epicenters of low frequency tremors are located there, suggestive of a close connection between the occurrences of the slow slip event (SSE) and low frequency tremors.
A case study to determine the relationship of relativistic electron events to substorm injections and ULF power
Authors: Hwang Junga , Min Kyoung Wook , Lee Ensang , Lee China , Lee Dae Young
Published: December 2004

We study the two storm events of 1997: one in May that was accompanied by a relativistic electron event (REE) and the other in September, with a more profound Dst decrease, but with no significant flux increase of relativistic electrons. We find that a larger amount of seed electrons was present in the May event compared to that of the September storm, whereas the ULF (ultra low frequency) power was more enhanced and the particle spectrum was harder in the September event. Hence, we demonstrate that a larger storm does not necessarily produce more seed electrons and that the amount of seed electrons is an important factor in an actual increase in REE flux levels. We note that whistler mode chorus was enhanced in the May event and could also contribute to the acceleration of electrons.
Investigation of porosity and permeability effects from microstructure changes during limestone dissolution
Authors: Noiriel Catherine , Gouze Philippe , Bernard Dominique
Published: December 2004

We studied experimentally the dissolution of a porous limestone core during CO2‐enriched water injection. We measured the changes in porosity and permeability arising from modifications of the pore network geometry and the fluid‐rock interface. A methodology based on periodic X‐ray microtomography imaging was implemented to record the evolution of the time‐ and scale‐dependent microstructures with a spatial resolution of 4.91 μm. Two processes were successively involved in the rapid permeability increase of the sample, as documented from microscale to core‐scale measurements. First, the microcrystalline phase was partially dissolved, associated with displacement of mineral particles. During this process, the exponent n of the power law k ∼ ϕn decreased continuously. Secondly the sparitic phase dissolved, accompanied by a decrease of the pore wall roughness and an increase of the pore connectivity. This second period was characterized by a constant value of n. The reactive surface decreased noticeably during the transition from the microcrystalline to the sparitic dissolution periods, whereas the effective porosity increased strongly.
Multiscale structure of the magnetic field and speed at 1 AU during the declining phase of solar cycle 23 described by a generalized Tsallis probability distribution function
Authors: Burlaga L. F. , F.‐Viñas A.
Published: December 2004

This paper describes the multiscale structure of fluctuations in the solar wind speedVand magnetic field strengthBat 1 AU in 2003, during the declining phase of the solar cycle 23. As expected, there was a corotating stream and a corotating interaction region (CIR) that recurred every 27 days, but the stream and CIR changed considerably from one solar rotation to the next. There were also other types of physical structures (intermittent turbulence at the smallest scales, compound streams and ejecta at intermediate scales, and the collection of streams and ejecta of different sizes and shapes at the largest scales). A multiscale description of these fluctuations is more appropriate than a model of a recurrent stream with small‐scale fluctuations superimposed. The probability distribution functions (PDFs) of changes ofVandBon scales from 1 hour to ≈171 days can be described by a generalization of the PDF derived by Tsallis from a nonadditive entropy function in the context of nonextensive statistical mechanics.
Earthquake scaling relations for mid‐ocean ridge transform faults
Authors: Boettcher M. S. , Jordan T. H.
Published: December 2004

A mid‐ocean ridge transform fault (RTF) of length L, slip rate V, and moment release rate can be characterized by a seismic coupling coefficient χ = AE/AT, where AE ∼ /V is an effective seismic area and AT ∝ L3/2V−1/2 is the area above an isotherm Tref. A global set of 65 RTFs with a combined length of 16,410 km is well described by a linear scaling relation (1) AE ∝ AT, which yields χ = 0.15 ± 0.05 for Tref = 600°C. Therefore about 85% of the slip above the 600°C isotherm must be accommodated by subseismic mechanisms, and this slip partitioning does not depend systematically on either V or L. RTF seismicity can be fit by a truncated Gutenberg‐Richter distribution with a slope β = 2/3 in which the cumulative number of events N0 and the upper cutoff moment MC = μDCAC depend on AT. Data for the largest events are consistent with a self‐similar slip scaling, DC ∝ AC1/2, and a square root areal scaling (2) AC ∝ AT1/2. If relations 1 and 2 apply, then moment balance requires that the dimensionless seismic productivity, ν0 ∝ 0/ATV, should scale as ν0 ∝ AT−1/4, which we confirm using small events. Hence the frequencies of both small and large earthquakes adjust with AT to maintain constant coupling. RTF scaling relations appear to violate the single‐mode hypothesis, which states that a fault patch is either fully seismic or fully aseismic and thus implies AC ≤ AE. The heterogeneities in the stress distribution and fault structure responsible for relation 2 may arise from a thermally regulated, dynamic balance between the growth and coalescence of fault segments within a rapidly evolving fault zone.
Permeability and storativity of binary mixtures of high‐ and low‐permeability materials
Authors: Bernabé Y. , Mok U. , Evans B. , Herrmann F. J.
Published: December 2004

As a first step toward determining the mixing laws for the transport properties of rocks, we prepared binary mixtures of high‐ and low‐permeability materials by isostatically hot‐pressing mixtures of fine powders of calcite and quartz. The resulting rocks were marbles containing varying concentrations of dispersed quartz grains. Pores were present throughout the rock, but the largest ones were preferentially associated with the quartz particles, leading us to characterize the material as being composed of two phases, one with high permeability and the second with low permeability. We measured the permeability and storativity of these materials using the oscillating flow technique, while systematically varying the effective pressure and the period and amplitude of the input fluid oscillation. Control measurements performed using the steady state flow and pulse decay techniques agreed well with the oscillating flow tests. The hydraulic properties of the marbles were highly sensitive to the volume fraction of the high‐permeability phase (directly related to the quartz content). Below a critical quartz content, slightly less than 20 wt %, the high‐permeability volume elements were disconnected, and the overall permeability was low. Above the critical quartz content the high‐permeability volume elements formed throughgoing paths, and permeability increased sharply. We numerically simulated fluid flow through binary materials and found that permeability approximately obeys a percolation‐based mixing law, consistent with the measured permeability of the calcite‐quartz aggregates.
Numerical modeling of windblown dust in the Pacific Northwest with improved meteorology and dust emission models
Authors: Sundram Irra , Claiborn Candis , Strand Tara , Lamb Brian , Chandler Dave , Saxton Keith
Published: December 2004

Soil erosion by wind is a serious consequence of dry land agriculture in eastern Washington, where the main adverse effects are loss of nutrient‐rich soil, reduced visibility during dust storms and degradation of air quality. A multidisciplinary research effort to study windblown dust in central and eastern Washington was initiated under the Columbia Plateau PM10 (CP3) program, which involved measuring wind erosion and windblown dust emissions at sites throughout the region and developing a transport and dispersion model for the area. The modeling system includes the prognostic meteorological model, Mesoscale Metorological Model Version 5 (MM5), coupled with the CALMET/CALGRID Eularian modeling pair and a new dust emission module (EMIT‐PM). Improvements to the modeling system included employing higher spatial resolutions for the meteorological models and improved parameterizations of emission factors in EMIT‐PM. Meteorological fields, dust emissions and the resulting dust concentrations were simulated for six historical regional dust storms: 23 November 1990, 21 October 1991, 11 September 1993, 3 November 1993, 30 August 1996 and 23–25 September 1999. For all the simulated events, with the exception of the August 1996 event, ratios of observed to predicted concentrations were favorable, within a range of 0.5–6.0 without calibration of the dust emission model; PM10 emissions averaged 22 Gg per 24‐hour event, representing approximately 1% of the daily dust flux on a global basis. These results showed that the model performed best for large, strong dust storms but did not simulate smaller storms as well.