bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The organization of tropical convection by intraseasonal sea surface temperature anomalies
Authors: Woolnough S. J. , Slingo J. M. , Hoskins B. J.
Published: February 2007

The organization of convection by intraseasonal sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies is investigated to examine the role that atmosphere‐ocean coupling may play in the maintenance of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation. An atmospheric general‐circulation model with an ocean‐covered surface is used to investigate the response of tropical convection to idealized imposed intraseasonal SST anomalies, and the sensitivity of this response to their propagation speed. The convection is found to be organized on the spatial and temporal scales of the imposed SST anomalies and the location of the maximum in precipitation relative to the SST anomaly is in good agreement with observations, and different from that for a stationary SST anomaly. The magnitude of the precipitation anomalies increases with decreasing propagation speed of the SST anomalies. The role of the free‐tropospheric humidity is crucial for determining the location and magnitude of the precipitation response.
On a fundamental problem in implementing flux‐form advection schemes for tracer transport in 3‐dimensional general circulation and chemistry transport models
Authors: Jöckel P. , von Kuhlmann R. , Lawrence M. G. , Steil B. , Brenninkmeijer C. A. M. , Crutzen P. J. , Rasch P. J. , Eaton B.
Published: February 2007

A fundamental difficulty in 3‐D models is addressed which can arise due to inconsistencies between advection schemes and winds. It is shown that a model will fail to meet certain basic criteria, desired of 3‐D transport models, when the density field computed by the advection scheme from the winds differs from the implied density field based on the surface pressure and the sigma (or hybrid) coordinates. To allow a rigorous mathematical formulation, the focus is on the example of a mass flux advection scheme in a model where the winds and surface pressure are derived from different advection schemes (e.g. a spectral scheme in a climate model or a weather centre model); however, in principle the discussion applies to nearly any situation in which the pressure levels change in a model. To illustrate the potential severity of such problems, a mass conserving gridto‐grid transformation scheme is constructed which only uses the current tracer mass mixing‐ratio distribution. It is shown that only one solution exists that is comprehensively valid for any arbitrary tracer distribution, and that this type of correction introduces an additional undesired artificial vertical diffusion component into the model transport that increases with increasing tracer mass mixing‐ratio gradients and may exceed the physical vertical transport itself. It is demonstrated that the results of any supplementary fix, either mass fixer or grid‐to‐grid transformation, are generally unacceptable for global modelling applications. From this, it is concluded that the only alternative which can produce reliable results for any arbitrary tracer is to maintain a consistent grid throughout the entire model time step, where all changes in pressure levels due to modelled advection exactly match the changes implied by the surface pressure at the next time step. Although this is already done in some models, this would require significant changes in the structure of the advection scheme or its input wind fields in several other contemporary general circulation and chemistry transport models.
Assessment of which scales of orography can be credibly resolved in a numerical model
Authors: Davies L. A. , Brown A. R.
Published: February 2007

Idealized simulations are performed in order to examine which scales of orography (relative to the grid scale) can credibly be represented in numerical models. A wide range of flow regimes is considered. These include neutral flow over small hills embedded in the boundary layer and highly stable flow over and around large mountains. In none of these cases do simulations with only two grid points per hill show any appreciable skill. Four and six points per hill give qualitatively reasonable results, but still tend to underestimate the drag relative to that obtained in the best resolved simulations. Implications for the smoothing of the resolved orography fields (and for the inputs to the sub‐grid parametrizations) in large‐scale models are discussed.
Observing‐system experiments in the ECMWF 4D‐Var data assimilation system
Authors: Bouttier F. , Kelly G.
Published: February 2007

A set of global observing‐system experiments is run by excluding classes of observations from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) four‐dimensional variational (4D‐Var) data assimilation and forecast system. This indicates how efficiently the observations are used in this particular system. The observing systems tested were mainly TIROS (Television Infra‐Red Observation Satellite) Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) radiances, SATellite OBservation (SATOB) atmospheric‐motion winds, radiosondes, aircraft, drifting buoys and Australian pseudo observations (PAOBs). The impact is assessed in both summer and winter 1999, over a total period of six weeks, in terms of the average objective quality of the deterministic forecast of tropospheric wind and geopotential height at medium (5–7 day) and short (1–3 day) ranges. It is shown that the choice of verification method matters in data‐poor areas such as the tropics and the southern hemisphere.

Some interesting conclusions can be drawn about the ECMWF 4D‐Var system. Each observing system tested has a notable positive impact on the medium‐range forecast performance. This is not always true at shorter ranges. The TOVS radiances have a large impact on all areas and ranges. Drifting buoys and PAOBs both have some impact in the southern hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere, the relative impact of TOVS, aircraft and radiosondes depends on the area considered. For Europe, the statistical significance of the results is limited, but the most important observing system among those tested appears to be the radiosondes.
The glaciation of a cumulus cloud over New Mexico
Authors: Phillips Vaughan T. J. , Blyth Alan M. , Brown Philip R. A. , Choularton Thomas W. , Latham John
Published: February 2007

The Met Office Cloud Resolving Model (CRM) and the UMIST Explicit Microphysics Model (EMM) have been employed in the analysis of data from airborne studies of a multi‐thermal cumulus cloud which developed over New Mexico in the summer of 1987. The principal goal was to establish a quantitative understanding of the observed development of glaciation of this cloud.

The EMM was utilized in a series of tests designed to assess the sensitivity of cloud glaciation via the Hallett‐Mossop (H‐M) process to cloud parameters such as the concentration of cloud condensation nuclei, the cloud‐base temperature, entrainment, and the freezing and splintering of supercooled raindrops. These tests with the EMM demonstrate that reductions in the mean droplet diameter can inhibit the rates of H‐M splinter production and auto‐conversion, reducing the rate of accumulation of precipitation at the ground and reducing the concentration of ice particles. The warm‐rain process in the EMM is fundamental to the production of graupel, H‐M splinters and precipitation.

Good agreement was found between the predictions of the CRM and the available dynamical and microphysical field observations. Analysis of results from both models indicated that the cloud glaciation is explicable in terms of the H‐M process, with ice production being dominated by the freezing of supercooled raindrops in the H‐M band, and the immediate and continuous production of ice splinters as supercooled droplets freeze onto them.
Wavelet analysis and the governing dynamics of a large‐amplitude mesoscale gravity‐wave event along the East Coast of the United States
Authors: Zhang Fuqing , Davis Christopher A. , Kaplan Michael L. , Koch Steven E.
Published: February 2007

Detailed diagnostic analyses are performed upon a mesoscale numerical simulation of a well‐observed gravity‐wave event that occurred on 4 January 1994 along the East Coast of the United States. The value of using wavelet analysis to investigate the evolving gravity‐wave structure and of using potential vorticity (PV) inversion to study the nature of the flow imbalance in the wave generation region is demonstrated. The cross‐stream Lagrangian Rossby number, the residual in the nonlinear balance equation, and the unbalanced geopotential‐height field obtained from PV inversion are each evaluated for their usefulness in diagnosing the flow imbalance. All of these fields showed clear evidence of strong imbalance associated with a middle‐to‐upper tropospheric jet streak, and tropopause fold upstream of the large‐amplitude gravity wave several hours before the wave became apparent at the surface.

Analysis indicates that a train of gravity waves was continuously generated by geostrophic adjustment in the exit region of the unbalanced upper‐level jet streak as it approached the inflection axis in the height field immediately downstream of the maximum imbalance associated with the tropopause fold. A split front in the middle troposphere, characterized by the advance of the dry conveyor belt above the warm front, was overtaken by one of these propagating waves. During this merger process, a resonant interaction resulted, which promoted the rapid amplification and scale contraction of both the incipient wave (nonlinear wave development) and the split front (frontogenesis). The gravity wave and front aloft became inseparable following this merger. The situation became even more complex within a few hours as the vertical motion enhanced by this front‐wave interaction acted upon a saturated, potentially unstable layer to produce elevated moist convection. An analysis of the temporal changes in the vertical profile of wave energy flux suggests that moist convective downdraughts efficiently transported the wave energy from the midlevels downward beneath the warm‐front surface, where the wave became ducted. However, pure ducting was not sufficient for maintaining and amplifying the waves; rather, wave‐CISK (Conditional Instability of the Second Kind) was crucial.

This complex sequence of nonlinear interactions produced a long‐lived, large‐amplitude gravity wave that created hazardous winter weather and disrupted society over a broad and highly populated area. Although gravity waves with similar appearance to this large‐amplitude wave of depression occasionally have been seen in other strong cyclogenesis cases involving a jet streak ahead of the upper‐level trough axis, it is unknown whether other such events share this same sequence of interactions.
A scattering phase function for ice cloud: Tests of applicability using aircraft and satellite multi‐angle multi‐wavelength radiance measurements of cirrus
Authors: Baran A. J. , Francis P. N. , Labonnote L.‐C. , Doutriaux‐Boucher M.
Published: February 2007

A parametrization of the Henyey‐Greenstein scattering phase function is presented for application to aircraft and satellite remote sensing of cirrus‐cloud bulk and microphysical properties at non‐absorbing and absorbing wavelengths. The phase function is based initially around a non‐absorbing laboratory‐measured phase function between scattering angles of 30° and 180°, although at scattering angles greater than 95° the phase function is made constant with scattering angle. This ‘analytic’ phase function has an asymmetry parameter value of 0.80 at non‐absorbing wavelengths. This analytic phase function is tested using aircraft‐based transmission radiance measurements at the wavelengths of 0.55 μm, 0.87 μm, 1.6 μm and 3.7 μm between scattering angles of 10° and 120°, and satellite retrievals of cirrus‐cloud spherical albedo at the wavelength of 0.67 μm between scattering angles of 60° and 180°. The analytic phase function reproduces both aircraft and satellite measurements well, and is shown to be a distinct improvement over single‐crystal model phase functions representing both small and large crystals in terms of angular scattering pattern and retrieved optical thickness.
A theory for the estimation of surface fluxes in simple katabatic flows
Authors: Grisogono Branko , Oerlemans Johannes
Published: February 2007

The classical Prandtl model describes the basic dynamics of katabatic flows, but it fails in determining the gradients near the surface because the eddy diffusivity, K, is independent of height, z. An improvement is proposed to the Prandtl model by using the WKB method to solve the dynamic equation for any prescribed, reasonably smooth, K(z) profile.

The surface fluxes are obtained by extrapolation from the katabatic jet down to the surface, thus the fluxes depend primarily on the jet which is well captured by the WKB method. The profiles of wind, temperature, momentum and heat fluxes, as well as the surface fluxes calculated using the model, are tested against observations from a meteorological field campaign on the Pasterze glacier, Austria, in 1994, and their numerical simulations. Generally there is a good agreement between observations and theory.
Water solvent and local anesthetics: A computational study
Authors: Bernardi R. C. , Gomes D. E. B. , Pascutti P. G. , Ito A. S. , Taft C. A. , Ota A. T.
Published: February 2007

There are various experimental studies regarding the toxicity and the time of action of local anesthetics, which contain general insights about their pharmacological and physicochemical properties. Although a detailed microscopic analysis of the local anesthetics would contribute to understanding these properties, there are relatively few theoretical studies about these molecules. In this article, we present the results from calculations performed for three local anesthetics: tetracaine, procaine, and lidocaine, both in their charged and uncharged forms, in aqueous environment. We have used the density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations to study the structural characteristics of these compounds. The radial distribution function g(r) was used to examine the structure of water molecules surrounding different regions of the local anesthetics. We demonstrated the nonhomogeneous character of the anesthetics with respect to their affinity to water solvent molecules as well as the modifications in their affinity to water caused by changes in their charge state. We also observed that the biological potency of the anesthetics is more related to the behavior of specific groups within the molecule, which are responsible for the interaction with the lipid phase of membranes, rather than the general properties of the molecule as a whole. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Non‐smooth structured control design with application to PID loop‐shaping of a process
Authors: Apkarian Pierre , Bompart Vincent , Noll Dominikus
Published: February 2007

Feedback controllers with specific structure arise frequently in applications because they are easily apprehended by design engineers and facilitate on‐board implementations and re‐tuning. This work is dedicated toH∞synthesis with structured controllers. In this context, straightforward application of traditional synthesis techniques fails, which explains why only a fewad hocmethods have been developed over the years. In response, we propose a more systematic way to designH∞optimal controllers with fixed structure using local optimization techniques. Our approach addresses in principle all those controller structures which can be built into mathematical programming constraints. We apply non‐smooth optimization techniques to compute locally optimal solutions, and provide practical tests for descent and optimality. In the experimental part we apply our technique toH∞loop‐shaping proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers for MIMO systems and demonstrate its use for PID control of a chemical process. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Demonstrating the utility of system dynamics for public policy analysis in New Zealand: the case of excise tax policy on tobacco
Authors: Cavana Robert Y. , Clifford Leslie V.
Published: February 2007

This paper summarises a system dynamics pilot study analysing the relationship of New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) outputs to desired government outcomes, in relation to the collection of tobacco excise duties and cigarette smoking in New Zealand. The study was done to demonstrate the utility of system dynamics in answering some questions of a type common in the New Zealand public sector during policy development and review. Group model‐building workshops addressed the organising question: “How does price influence the use and consequences of tobacco in New Zealand?” A prototype system dynamics simulation model using the ithink dynamic simulation software was developed, consisting of seven sectors: NZCS air and marine sector; duty‐paid cigarette imports; duty‐free cigarettes; New Zealand tobacco manufacturing sector; NZCS duty collection (from air passengers); New Zealand tobacco products market; and a health sector. The model simulates values of the model variables on an annual basis from 2000 to 2010. Policy experiments with the model include examining the effects of changes in excise duties. The model can be further developed to examine tobacco‐related public policy issues in New Zealand and complement modelling done in other countries. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is counter‐productive policy creating serious consequences? The case of highway maintenance
Authors: Friedman Sheldon
Published: February 2007

While regional development is seen by some as necessary for the growth of a town or city, the impact of such development may not have been carefully considered. The effect on local infrastructure, and in particular roadway conditions, can have varying economic impacts on a region. This same regional development has unintended consequences for small towns, creating damage to the infrastructure, increased pressure on existing budgets and, in some cases, vehicular accidents, which could have been avoided. The model, extracted from a larger study, is used to evaluate the effect of road conditions on accident development. A review of the literature revealed possible errors in some of the research upon which road maintenance policy is based. Specifically, where accidents are concerned, conflicting studies have made the development of policy difficult. A system dynamics model was developed to evaluate alternative views and their consequence on policy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable selection for proportional odds model
Authors: Lu Wenbin , Zhang Hao H.
Published: February 2007

In this paper we study the problem of variable selection for the proportional odds model, which is a useful alternative to the proportional hazards model and might be appropriate when the proportional hazards assumption is not satisfied. We propose to fit the proportional odds model by maximizing the marginal likelihood subject to a shrinkage‐type penalty, which encourages sparse solutions and hence facilitates the process of variable selection. Two types of shrinkage penalties are considered: the LASSO and the adaptive‐LASSO (ALASSO) penalty. In the ALASSO penalty, different weights are imposed on different coefficients such that important variables are more protectively retained in the final model while unimportant ones are more likely to be shrunk to zeros. We further provide an efficient computation algorithm to implement the proposed methods, and demonstrate their performance through simulation studies and an application to real data. Numerical results indicate that both methods can produce accurate and interpretable models, and the ALASSO tends to work better than the usual LASSO. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signal transduction by the Epstein‐Barr virus oncogene latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1)
Authors: Kieser Arnd
Published: February 2007

The latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) of Epstein‐Barr virus is a viral oncogene with the potential to antagonize apoptosis and senescence as well as to promote cellular survival and proliferation. LMP1 acts like a constitutively active receptor recruiting signalling molecules typically employed by the cellular tumour necrosis factor‐receptor (TNF‐R) and Toll‐like/interleukin‐1‐receptor (TIR) families. LMP1 activates the classical and alternative NF‐κB pathways, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), the JAK/STAT and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathways. In this article, interactions of LMP1 with host cell signal transduction pathways and their role in LMP1‐induced cell transformation are reviewed.
Partnerships from cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st‐century business
Authors: Elkington John
Published: February 2007

Editor's Note: John Elkington's new book, Cannibals with Forks: The Triple Bottom Line of 21st‐Century Business, has been hailed as “practical, compassionate and deeply informed, a brilliant synthesis of his genius for cutting through the thicket of tough issues–in the world of business and sustainability–and producing elegant solutions that can be applied today” (Paul Hawken). We are pleased to have the opportunity to publish a selection from this award‐winning book. In this discussion of partnerships, Elkington explores how effective, long‐term partnerships will be crucial for companies making the transition to sustainability and offers approaches and examples of keen interest. Special thanks to Capstone Publishers, U.K., for their gracious cooperation.
The use of 3D rendering, VCI‐C, 3D power Doppler and B‐flow in the evaluation of interstitial pregnancy with arteriovenous malformation treated by selective uterine artery embolization
Authors: Valsky D. V. , Hamani Y. , Verstandig A. , Yagel S.
Published: February 2007

Cornual pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. We describe a case of cornual pregnancy suspected by two‐dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS) and confirmed by three‐dimensional volume contrast imaging in the C‐plane. Three‐dimensional power Doppler showed a particularly rich blood supply and two‐dimensional color Doppler mapping demonstrated arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The feeding vessel originating from the right uterine artery and AVM were demonstrated with B‐flow spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) modality. Conservative management was chosen to preserve the uterus. Angiography confirmed the diagnosis of AVM; embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles and embolization coils was performed through the right uterine artery until occlusion of the AVM and feeding vessels had occurred. Postprocedure color Doppler mapping and B‐flow STIC modalities demonstrated absence of flow in the AVM. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels gradually fell to non‐pregnant levels during the ensuing 5 weeks. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of cornual pregnancy with AVM. We demonstrate here the value of new three‐dimensional ultrasound modalities in the diagnosis of cornual pregnancy and the use of embolization as an effective therapeutic option when conservative treatment with uterine preservation is desired. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of reproductive modes and environmental heterogeneity in the population dynamics of a geographically widespread clonal desert cactus
Authors: Mandujano María C. , Golubov Jordan , Huenneke Laura F.
Published: February 2007

The dynamics of plant populations in arid environments are largely affected by the unpredictable environmental conditions and are fine‐tuned by biotic factors, such as modes of recruitment. A single species must cope with both spatial and temporal heterogeneity that trigger pulses of sexual and clonal establishment throughout its distributional range. We studied two populations of the clonal, purple prickly pear cactus, Opuntia macrocentra, in order to contrast the factors responsible for the population dynamics of a common, widely distributed species. The study sites were located in protected areas that correspond to extreme latitudinal locations for this species within the Chihuahuan Desert. We studied both populations for four consecutive years and determined the demographic consequences of environmental variability and the mode of reproduction using matrix population models, life table response experiments (LTREs), and loop and perturbation analyses. Although both populations seemed fairly stable (population growth rate, λ∼1), different demographic parameters and different life cycle routes were responsible for this stability in each population. In the southernmost population (MBR) LTRE and loop and elasticity analyses showed that stasis is the demographic process with the highest contributions to λ, followed by sexual reproduction, and clonal propagation contributed the least. The northern population (CR) had both higher elasticities and larger contributions of stasis, followed by clonal propagation and sexual recruitment. Loop analysis also showed that individuals in CR have more paths to complete a life cycle than those in MBR. As a consequence, each population differed in life history traits (e.g., size class structure, size at sexual maturity, and reproductive value). Numerical perturbation analyses showed a small effect of the seed bank on the λ of both populations, while the transition from seeds to seedlings had an important effect mainly in the northern population. Clonal propagation (higher survival and higher contributions to vital rates) seems to be more important for maintaining populations over long time periods than sexual reproduction.
Preparation, surface‐active and antielectrostatic properties of multiple quaternary ammonium salts
Authors: Wçgrzyńska Joanna , Chlebicki Jan
Published: February 2007

A series of new cationic surfactants, bis‐quaternary ammonium salts and tris‐ammonium salts, were prepared from N,N‐dimethyldodecylamine and a product of the reaction of epichlorohydrin with ethyl‐, propyl‐, butyl‐, pentyl‐, hexyl‐, and octylamine (in the xase of bis‐ammonium salts) or the hydrochloride of diethyl‐, dipropyl‐, dibutyl‐, or dihexylamine (in the case of tris‐ammonium salts). The obtained multiple salts were examined with respect to their surface‐active properties: Critical micelle concentrations (CMC), effectiveness of surface tension reductions (γCMC), and adsorption efficiencies (pC20) were measured. All these surfactants showed good water solubility and low CMC of more than one order of magnitude lower than those of corresponding monoalkylammonium salts. They also showed good foaming properties, but worse wetting capability. The obtained multiple salts showed excellent antielectrostatic properties.
Primary aerobic biodegradation of linear and oxo alcohol alkylpolyglucosides (APG)
Authors: Qin Yong , Zhang Gaoyong , Zhang Jian , Zhao Yumei , Zhao Jianliang
Published: February 2007

Alkylpolyglucosides (APG) prepared on the basis of renewable raw materials have been proven ultimately readily biodegradable. They are completely green surfactants. With the development of the petrochemical industry, APG prepared by oxo alcohol have been widely used recently. They have equal physicochemical properties with those prepared with renewable raw materials, but there is little information about their environmental compatibility. Primary aerobic biodegradability of linear alcohol and oxo alcohol APG was compared in this study. The results showed that oxo APG had similar good blodegradability with linear alcohol APG. In a shaking‐flask test, more than 87% APG could be degraded after 21 d and are therefore completely green surfactants. The relationship between structure and biodegradability was studied. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups affected their biodegradation. Biodegradability deteriorated with increasing chain length and size of head groups. Branching did not affect their biodegradation. The degradation rate decreased with increasing head group size. Monoglucoside degraded faster than diglucosides, and diglucosides degraded faster than polyglucosides. Accordingly, a potential degradation pathway was proposed. APG were hydrolyzed to alcohol and polysaccharide in the first step, then the alcohol was oxidized to CO2 and H2O by β or α oxidation. The polysaccharide was hydrolyzed to glucose, and then the glucose was degraded by a glucose metabolism mechanism. This pathway provided a good explanation of the experiment results.
Synthesis and characterization of antimicrobial cationic surfactants: Aminopyridinium salts
Authors: Zhao Tao , Sun Gang
Published: February 2007

Three antimicrobial 4‐aminopyridinium salts were synthesized using two different processes in an effort to develop antimicrobial surface treatment agents for wool fibers. The structures of the salts were fully characterized using Fourier transform infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and 13C NMR analysis. In addition, their thermal stability was determined using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The antimicrobial efficacy of these compounds was evaluated using minimum inhibitory concentration as an indicator. All of the synthesized aminopyridinium salts showed antimicrobial activity against gram‐negative bacteria, but in different levels depending on their structures. The salts possessing longer alkyl chains demonstrated better antimicrobial function. The melting points of the salts decreases as the alkyl chain length increases.
Phase diagram, viscosity and conductivity of α‐sulfonate methyl esters derived from palm stearin/1‐butanol/alkane/water systems
Authors: Lim Wen Huei
Published: February 2007

Phase diagrams of sodium salt α‐sulfonate methyl esters derived from palm stearin (α‐SMEPS)/1‐butanol/alkane/water systems were constructed at 30.0±0.1°C. The presence and changes in the isotropic region of the quaternary mixtures of surfactant, co‐surfactant, alkane (oil) and water were mapped with different oil compound (different hydrocarbon chain lengths). An attempt to elucidate the self‐association behavior of α‐SMEPS in the presence of butanol as co‐surfactant and the effect of different alkane chain lengths was conducted by studying the viscosity and electrical conductivity behavior. Preliminary investigation suggested that the formation of oil‐in‐water (o/w) microemulsion, bicontinuous structure and water‐in‐oil microemulsion were based on the composition of mixtures in the isotropic region.
Surface activity of mixtures of dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide with sodium perfluorooctanoate and sodium octanoate
Authors: Acosta Edgar J. , Mesbah Ahmed , Tsui Tony
Published: February 2007

In this study, the surface tension of mixtures of cationic surfactant dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and anionic surfactant sodium perfluorooctanoate (SPFO) was evaluated as a function of DTAB‐SPFO composition and total surfactant concentration, with and without added electrolyte. It was found that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of these mixtures was reduced by more than two orders of magnitude when compared to the CMC of SPFO and DTAB alone. The surface tension, after CMC, of the mixtures was close to that of SPFO with added electrolyte and even lower than that of SPFO without added electrolyte. Using the appropriate, combination of SPFO and DTAB, surface tensions near 18 mJ/m2 were obtained using a concentration 1/500 of that required for SPFO alone. When these results were compared to those obtained for DTAB‐sodium octanoate (SOCT) mixtures, it was evident that the DTAB‐SPFO system shows a larger degree of synergism than the DTAB‐SOCT system. Contact angle measurements on Teflon® surfaces corroborates that the lower surface tension of DTAB‐SPFO mixtures improves wetting on these hydrophobic surfaces. Using the regular solution theory to interpret the data of CMC and C45mJ/m2 (monolayer formation) versus DTAB‐SPFO composition, it was concluded that even when small concentrations of SPFO are introduced in the mixture, the composition of the micelles (at the CMC) and monolayer adsorbed at the air‐water interface tends to be equimolar in SPFO and DTAB.
Systemic corticosteroids for allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: A comparative study
Authors: Landsberg Roee , Segev Yoram , DeRowe Ari , Landau Tali , Khafif Avi , Fliss Dan M.
Published: February 2007

Objectives

To compare the effect of preoperative high‐dose systemic corticosteroids on the radiographic and endoscopic appearance of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP).

Study Design and Setting

Eight AFRS and 10 CRSwNP patients underwent computed tomographic (CT) scans and then received preoperative 1 mg/kg prednisone for 10 days. CT scans were repeated 1 day before surgery and compared with pretreatment scans (Lund‐MacKay radiologic scoring system). The endoscopic appearance was recorded intraoperatively.

Results

The score dropped from 16 (66.4%) to 4.75 in the AFRS group and from 18.4 (23%) to 14.1 in the CRSwNP group (P = 0.0064). Intraoperatively, most sinus mucosal surfaces appeared normal in the AFRS patients but were markedly edematous in the CRSwNP patients.

Conclusion

Radiographic response of AFRS to systemic corticosteroids is significantly greater compared with CRSwNP. This finding is supported by endoscopic observation.
Clinical significance of SNAP somnography test acoustic recording
Authors: Galer Chad , Yonkers Anthony , Duff Wallace , Heywood Barbara
Published: February 2007

Objective

To examine the clinical significance of acoustic data recorded by the SNAP home polysomnography system (SNAP Laboratories, Glenview, IL).

Study Design and Setting

Retrospective analysis of SNAP data from 59 patients undergoing evaluation for sleep apnea at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and an associated private practice in Omaha, NE.

Results

Snoring did not correlate with anthropometric variables such as body mass index and neck circumference. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between respiratory disturbance index and the maximum or average loudness of snoring. Average loudness was predictive of the presence of sleep apnea. Spectral analysis of snoring sonography found that the proportion of snoring events associated with a palatal source correlated strongly with the loudness of snoring.

Conclusion

These data suggest that analysis of snoring has limited utility in the evaluation of the patient with sleep apnea but may be able to select patients who would benefit from palatal procedures to reduce snoring.
A grading scale for pediatric vocal fold nodules
Authors: Shah Rahul K. , Feldman Henry A. , Nuss Roger C.
Published: February 2007

Objective

To design a grading scale for vocal fold nodules in pediatric patients.

Study Design and Setting

We conducted a prospective study in which a grading scale for vocal nodule size and contour based on static fiberoptic images of pediatric larynges was developed to achieve the scale presented here.

Results

Twenty‐eight health care professionals each rated 28 images of pediatric vocal fold nodules. The intraclass correlation for nodule size was strong (0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.87). The κ statistic for nodule contour was mild (0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–0.37). Agreement between experienced and other raters found no significant difference for the nodule size or contour grade of a given image.

Conclusions

A grading scale for pediatric vocal fold nodules is presented. Interrater reliability for nodule size is high and can be reliably used by health care professionals with varying levels of experience.

Significance

A validated grading scale facilitates objective analysis of outcomes when studying and following patients with vocal nodules.
The denial syndrome and its consequences: Serbian political culture since 2000
Authors: Ramet Sabrina P.
Published: February 2007

Since the outbreak of the War of Yugoslav Succession in 1991 and the subsequent atrocities, a significant portion of Serbian society, including the upper echelons of the government, has displayed symptoms of the denial syndrome, in which guilt is transposed onto the Croats, Bosniaks, and Kosovar Albanians. This syndrome is also associated with a veneration for the victimized hero, with sinister attribution error, and with tendencies toward dysphoric rumination. In the Serbian case, it has also been associated with efforts to whitewash the role played by Serbs such as Milan Nedić and Draža Mihailović during World War Two and has reinforced feelings of self-righteousness in Belgrade’s insisting on its sovereignty over the disputed province of Kosovo.
CHAPTER 3 Pathology of HPV infection at the cytologic and histologic levels: Basis for a 2‐tiered morphologic classification system
Authors: Wright Thomas C.
Published: February 2007

Over the last 2 decades the pathogenesis and natural history of cervi‐cal cancer has become clearer. As a result, the cytologic and histologic terminol‐ogy used to refer to cervical cancer precursors has needed to change. Today we recognize that almost all cervical cancers are due to infection with specific high‐risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Most women become infected with these viruses within several years of initiating sexual intercourse and a productive HPV in‐fection frequently results in characteristic morphologic changes within the infected cervical squamous cells. Cells demonstrating the morphologic changes associated with a productive HPV infection are referred to as low‐grade squamous intraepi‐thelial lesions (LSIL) when observed in cytologic specimens and low‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 1) when observed in histologic specimens. In some women, HPV gene expression becomes unlinked to the state of differentiation of the infected epithelial cells and deregulated expression of the early region of the viral genome results in a dramatic increase in expression of two HPV oncoproteins (E6 and E7). This results in loss of normal cell cycle control of the epithelium and genetic instability. When this occurs the epithelium develops characteristic mor‐phologic features, with immature “basaloid‐type” squamous cells and mitotic fig‐ures in the upper half of the cervical epithelium. Such lesions are felt to represent “true” neoplasia and are referred to as high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) when observed in cytologic specimens and high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2,3) when observed in histologic specimens.
CHAPTER 8 HPV vaccines
Authors: Frazer Ian H.
Published: February 2007

Vaccines to prevent infection with high‐risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) will help protect women against cervical cancer, and some are likely to be available within the next year. One vaccine, a quadrivalent vaccine against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 and known as Garadsil ©(Merck &Co., Inc), was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of cervical cancer, cervical cancer precursors and vulval and vaginal cancer precursors associated with HPV 16 and 18 in June 2006. In addition, the vaccine has been approved for the prevention of genital warts and low grade cervical lesions e.g. cervical intraepithelial neoplasia1. The main vaccines components are recombinant viral capsid proteins assembled into virus‐like particles and alum‐based adjuvants. If given before HPV infection, the vaccines, which induce HPV type‐specific, virus‐neutralizing antibodies, have proven safe and highly effective at preventing HPV infection and its clinical consequences, including high‐grade cervical lesions. Their use should not immediately alter existing screening programs for cervical cancer, however. Because they incorporate only the 2 HPV types most commonly associated with cervical cancer (HPV‐16 and HPV‐18), they can only prevent about 70% of cervical cancers. Vaccines to treat existing HPV infection are under development but are unlikely to become clinically available in the near future.
Current status of vaccine development againstTheileriaparasites
Authors: MORRISON W. I. , McKEEVER D. J.
Published: February 2007

The tick-borne protozoan parasitesTheileria parvaandTheileria annulatacause economically important diseases of cattle in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Because of shortcomings in disease control measures based on therapy and tick control, there is a demand for effective vaccines against these diseases. Vaccines using live parasites have been available for over two decades, but despite their undoubted efficacy they have not been used on a large scale. Lack of infrastructure for vaccine production and distribution, as well as concerns about the introduction of vaccine parasite strains into local tick populations have curtailed the use of these vaccines. More recently, research has focused on the development of subunit vaccines. Studies of immune responses to different stages of the parasites have yielded immunological probes that have been used to identify candidate vaccine antigens. Immunisation of cattle with antigens expressed in the sporozoite, schizont or merozoite stages has resulted in varying degrees of protection against challenge. Although the levels of protection achieved have not been sufficient to allow exploitation for vaccination, there are clearly further lines of investigation, relating to both the choice of antigens and the antigen delivery systems employed, that need to be pursued to fully explore the potential of the candidate vaccines. Improved knowledge of the molecular biology and immunology of the parasites gained during the course of these studies has also opened up opportunities to refine and improve the quality of live vaccines.
Musik bei blinden und sehbehinderten Menschen
Authors: Prause-Weber Manuela-Carmen
Published: February 2007

Zusammenfassung. Musik spielt heutzutage bei blinden und sehbehinderten Menschen einerseits in ihrer Erziehung und Rehabilitation, d.h. als musikalisch-heilpädagogische Arbeit, andererseits aber auch im Rahmen von Musiktherapie eine Rolle. Darüber hinaus erscheint bei dieser Personengruppe trotz der Behinderung auch eine Erlangung hervorragender musikalischer Fertigkeiten möglich. Inhalt des vorliegenden Beitrages ist die Darstellung und Diskussion diesbezüglicher Möglichkeiten unter Einbeziehung von hiesigen und im Ausland konzipierten Ansätzen.
Structures and Processes in Personality Psychology
Authors: Caprara Gian Vittorio
Published: February 2007

Personality psychology may play a critical role in redirecting the focus of psychological research on the complex patterning of elements which characterize individual development and functioning. Conceiving of personality as an emergent self-regulatory system provides new hints for understanding the coherent patterns of affect, cognition, and behavior which distinguish each person across time and situation. Thus it is crucial to explain how elementary components gradually cluster into functional units as personality develops. This leads to clarifying how processes (that transform elements) end in structures (that organize processes), and how processes and structures serve reciprocally as causes and effects. Recent findings from research on aggression are reported to substantiate this line of thought.
Risk Perception and Self-Protective Behavior
Authors: van der Pligt Joop
Published: February 2007

Most models of health-related behaviors are based on the assumption that people estimate the seriousness of a risk, evaluate the costs and benefits of action, and then select a course of action that will maximize their expected outcome. Risk refers to the possibility of loss and is generally conceived as consisting of two components: the probability and the severity of negative outcomes. This article focuses on the probability component. First the role of perceived risk in models of health-behavior will be discussed. Possible biases in risk-perception and the role of perceived risk as a determinant of protective behavior are the next issue. This is followed by some methodological considerations about how to measure perceived risk and investigate its role as a behavioral determinant. Next we turn to optimistic biases in comparative risk appraisal and briefly discuss both antecedents and consequences of optimism. Finally we discuss some implications of these findings for programs aiming to change health-related behavior and increase protective action.
European Roots of the First Psychology Clinic in North America
Authors: Routh Donald K. , Barrio Victoria del
Published: February 2007

Lightner Witmer (1867-1956) founded the first psychology clinic in Philadelphia 100 years ago, in March 1896. Even though he was an American, he readily acknowledged some European roots of his work. Witmer earned his Ph.D. at the University of Leipzig, Germany, under Wilhelm Wundt. He was encouraged by his Philadelphia mentor, James McKeen Cattell, to focus on individual differences in the tradition of Francis Galton of England. Witmer modeled his clinical interventions after the previous efforts of J.R. Pereira, J.M.G. Itard, and Edouard Seguin of France and Maria Montessori of Italy. The consequences for modern psychology of Witmer's idea that psychologists should use their knowledge to help people individually were noteworthy. Clinical psychology is today the most common psychology specialty in Europe and, indeed, in much of the world. However, Witmer's concept that clinical psychologists should be trained at the doctoral level is as yet far better accepted in North America than it is elsewhere.
Tropospheric adjustment: The response of two general circulation models to a change in insolation
Authors: Lambert F. Hugo , Faull Nicholas E.
Published: February 2007

The responses of the HadSM3 and NCAR CCM3 general circulation models to a change in solar insolation are compared to their responses to a doubling of CO2 concentration. In both models, it is found that the important difference is a rapid adjustment of the troposphere in the solar case that reduces the value of effective radiative forcing by about 25%. Clear‐sky warming appears to make the major contribution. Subsequent warming of the coupled troposphere, land‐surface, ocean mixed‐layer system occurs with a very similar sensitivity to that expected under a CO2 forcing of the reduced value. Because of adjustment, the overall precipitation response to solar forcing is similar to, or less than the response to CO2 forcing, despite being smaller per unit temperature change.
Dynamic coupling of volcanic CO2 flow and wind at the Horseshoe Lake tree kill, Mammoth Mountain, California
Authors: Lewicki J. L. , Hilley G. E. , Tosha T. , Aoyagi R. , Yamamoto K. , Benson S. M.
Published: February 2007

We investigate spatio‐temporal relationships between soil CO2 flux (FCO2), meteorological variables, and topography over a ten‐day period (09/12/2006 to 09/21/2006) at the Horseshoe Lake tree kill, Mammoth Mountain, CA. Total CO2 discharge varied from 16 to 52 t d−1, suggesting a decline in CO2 emissions over decadal timescales. We observed systematic changes in FCO2 in space and time in association with a weather front with relatively high wind speeds from the west and low atmospheric pressures. The largest FCO2 changes were observed in relatively high elevation areas. The variations in FCO2 may be due to dynamic coupling of wind‐driven airflow through the subsurface and flow of source CO2 at depth. Our results highlight the influence of weather fronts on volcanic gas flow in the near‐surface environment and how this influence can vary spatially within a study area.