bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of nitrite exposure on hematological parameters and blood respiratory properties in the sea bass Lates calcarifer
Authors: Woo N. Y. S. , Chiu S. F.
Published: October 2006

Changes in hematological parameters and blood respiratory properties of Lates calcarifer in response to nitrite exposure were studied. Exposure to 10 mg · L−1 NO2‐N for 8 days resulted in significant increases in blood nitrite and methemoglobin contents. Total hemoglobin was reduced resulting in an overall decline in functional hemoglobin. There was no significant change in hematocrit and red blood cell count.

In another set of experiments, hematological parameters and venous blood oxygen tension of L. calcarifer after exposure to 15, 20, 30, 50, and 80 mg · L−1 NO2‐N for 4 days were determined. Blood nitrite and methemoglobin content increased proportionally to the increase in ambient nitrite concentration. The methemoglobin content (as percent of total hemoglobin) of fish immersed in a nitrite concentration equivalent to the 96 h LC50 (93 mg · L−1 NO2‐N) was estimated to be 83%. Venous blood oxygen tension tended to decrease as nitrite concentration increased.

In a third set of experiments, sea bass were exposed to 50 mg · L−1 NO2‐N for 4 days. Exposure to nitrite resulted in lowered arterial and venous blood oxygen tensions, arterial and venous oxygen content, and blood oxygen capacity. However, no change in venous blood pH was observed between control and nitrite‐treated fish.

The blood of Lates has a relatively low oxygen affinity (P50 = 14.5 ± 2.3 mm Hg) with a Hill coefficient (n) of 1.46. Exposure of fish to 50 mg · L−1 NO2‐N resulted in a leftward and upward shift of the blood oxygen dissociation curve (P50 = 5.9 ± 1.6 mm Hg; n = 0.99). The increased blood oxygen affinity in nitrite‐treated fish probably facilitated oxygen loading from water to the blood stream at the respiratory surfaces so as to compensate for the decline in oxygen carrying capacity. © by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Response of laboratory ecosystems to environmental stress: Effect of phenol
Authors: Pratt J. R. , Bowers N. J. , Niederlehner B. R. , Cairns J.
Published: October 2006

Ecologically realistic laboratory and field simulated ecosystems (microcosms and mesocosms) are playing increasing roles in fate and effect testing of chemicals and mixtures. Controlled ecosystems allow evaluation of toxicant effects on collective and emergent ecosystem properties. Information is needed to evaluate the validity of test system responses, interpretability of results, and cost effectiveness of simulated ecosystem tests. We developed replicate microcosms using periphyton on polyurethane artificial substrates. Source communities were obtained from two ecosystems—a reservoir in Kentucky and a softwater pond in Virginia—and tested for effects of continuous inputs of phenol (up to 30 mg/L) over 21 days. System responses measured included several biomass estimators, net oxygen production, and protozoan species richness. Communities were generally insensitive to phenol input. Primary production in microcosms from both ecosystems was inhibited at phenol concentrations >10 mg/L and chlorophyll a concentrations were also depressed. Other biomass estimators (protein, hexosamine) were not affected or were stimulated at lower (⩽10 mg/L) phenol concentrations. Protozoan species numbers were not affected. Functional shifts in the communities preceded adverse structural effects. Effect levels were similar for both communities, although the more complex community with greater biomass (Kentucky) showed more significant responses than the simpler community (Virginia). Systems showed resistance to phenol levels that were actually toxic in standard single‐species tests, suggesting that ecosystems may differ in magnitude and rate of response to some nonpersistent toxicants.
The effect of reservoir‐induced circulation on numbers of indicator bacteria in freshwater swim embayments
Authors: Johnstone Donald L. , Babb Alan F. , Bailey Gary C.
Published: October 2006

The objectives of the investigation were to determine specific hydraulic exchange rates that provide water in swim embayments that will meet fecal coliform standards for swimming, and to determine the water quality parameters that reflect rates of exchange of main channel waters with swim embayment waters. Bacteriology, water chemistry and hydraulic exchange rates were determined on three test swim embayments of good, acceptable, or unacceptable water quality. It was concluded that: (1) fecal coliform numbers may increase 50–100% above background even with high hydraulic exchange; (2) 93% of the embayment water must be exchanged every 24 h to meet coliform standards; (3) the ratio of fecal coliforms, turbidity, and temperature in swim waters to those same parameters in exchange waters is the most accurate way of assessing exchange; and (4) sediments act as a repository for enteric bacteria.
A study of contamination of suspended stream sediments with Escherichia coli
Authors: Palmateer G. A. , McLean D. E. , Walsh M. J. , Kutas W. L. , Janzen E. M. , Hocking D. E.
Published: October 2006

Since stream bottom sediments indicate a history of the type and amount of pollution occurring in a watercourse, bacterial sediment analyses were conducted on samples from nine sites located along the length of the Desjardine Drain.

The bottom sediments below farms on the drain, from the headwaters to the mouth, were found to be contaminated with Escherichia coli and fecal Streptococci at 106 organisms per 100 g.

To determine if fecal wastes could reach the mouth of the drain at the Ausable River, a nalidixic acid resistant E. coli (NAR) was dispensed into the drain headwaters. The bacterium traveled the entire 17 km of the drain during a 5‐d period. As the level of E. coli (NAR) in the 100 L of inoculum simulated a single runoff event occurring at the first farm at the drain source, the potential of all downstream farms to affect stream water quality many kilometers from the point of entry of fecal waste is readily apparent.

To further elucidate the mechanism of transport of E. coli, which become sorbed to stream bottom sediments, detailed particle analyses of the suspended sediments of the drain are being conducted. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, specific particle‐size fractions are being examined to determine the number of E. coli and fecal Streptococci sorbed to the suspended particulates.

The fecal component of agricultural waste entering the Desjardine Drain was found to significantly contaminate sediments, causing impairment of the water quality. This is reflected in the reduction of usage of the stream for livestock watering and as well for human consumption and recreational activities.
Kinetics of decomposition of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by Alcaligenes eutrophus JMP134 and in soil
Authors: Stenström John
Published: October 2006

Data on the decomposition of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) by pure cultures of Alcaligenes eutrophus JMP134 and in soil were obtained to investigate the validity of the Eq. (1), c = c0 ‐ k1t1/2 for decomposition at a decreasing rate by a constant amount of enzymes, and Eq. (2), c = c0 ‐ k1t1/2, for decomposition at an increasing rate by an exponentially increasing amount of cells. In the equations, c is the concentration of 2,4‐D at time t, c0 is the initial concentration of 2,4‐D, q is the maximum metabolic rate, N0 is the initial amount of 2,4‐D‐degrading microorganisms, and k1 and k2 are rate constants. Equation 2 satisfactorily described the data on decomposition of 2,4‐D by A. eutrophus at c0 of 100–400 μg mL−1, with N0 of 0.33‐11.8 × 107 cells mL−1, and at initial pH values between 7.1 and 8.4. At an initial pH of 6.1 there was accumulation of 2,4‐dichlorophenol (DCP), and the pattern of decomposition of 2,4‐D was sigmoidal. When approximately 20 μg of DCP mL−1 had accumulated, the kinetics of decomposition switched from Eq. (2) to Eq. (1). Growth and DCP accumulation then also became linear with t1/2. Equation (1) was also valid for decomposition of 2,4‐D under conditions of nitrogen starvation. In soil, Eq. (1) was valid when the number of 2,4‐D degrading microorganisms was constant, and Eq. (2) was valid when the number increased exponentially. It is concluded that several occurring patterns of decomposition are described mathematically by Eq. (1), by Eq. (2), or by the sum of these equations. Sigmoidal curves are described by combining the equations in a sequence, thus providing an alternative to models where decomposition curves are treated by one continuous function.
Relationships between microtox test results, extraction methods, and physical and chemical compositions of marine sediment samples
Authors: True Christie J. , Heyward Andrew A.
Published: October 2006

Samples of marine subtidal sediments collected in 1985 and 1986 from Elliott Bay, Washington, were analyzed at the Environmental Laboratories of the Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle as part of a larger study. Interstitial water and solvent extracts of subtidal sediments were analyzed by the Microtox procedure to determine toxicity. Particle size distribution, and concentration of oil and grease, metals, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, were compared to toxicity of interstitial water and solvent extracts. Physical and chemical compositions of sediments affects the toxicities of solvent extracts and interstitial water extracts differently. Samples with smaller particle sizes had relatively high concentrations of oil and grease and metals, and less toxic interstitial water. Samples with larger particles had less oil and grease and metals, and more toxic interstitial water. The opposite was true for the solvent extracts: samples with smaller particle sizes with relatively higher concentrations of oil and grease and metals had more toxic solvent extracts. Samples containing larger particles with relatively lower concentrations of oil and grease and metals had less toxic solvent extracts. No correlations were found between the toxicity of the solvent extracts and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. The Microtox procedure has the potential to estimate toxicity of both water‐soluble and solvent‐soluble compounds in marine sediments if two different extraction procedures are used.
Toxicity of mixtures of aquatic contaminants using the luminescent bacteria bioassay
Authors: Ribo J. M. , Rogers F.
Published: October 2006

The toxic effect of single organic contaminants to aquatic biota is relatively easy to assess using classic aquatic toxicity bioassays. Unfortunately, contaminants are present in the aquatic environment in mixtures of unknown composition. Moreover, antagonistic and synergistic interactions make the prediction of the real environmental hazard posed by organic contaminants more complicated. A mathematical algorithm has been developed to predict the toxicity of mixtures of organic contaminants to aquatic biota using toxicity data for the individual components of the mixture. The Microtox® toxicity bioassay was used to obtain the toxicity data for a set of chlorinated phenols that were used as test compounds to validate the model. The unique characteristics of the Microtox bioassay make it a perfect tool to confirm experimentally the ability of the model to estimate the combined toxic effect of mixtures of organic contaminants.
Decolorization and biodegradation of methyl red by acetobacter liquefaciens
Authors: So K. O. , Wong P. K. , Chan Kwong‐Yu
Published: October 2006

Decolorization and biodegradation of the azo dye methyl red (2′‐carboxy‐4‐N,N‐dimethylamino‐azobenzene) in shaking and static cultures of the strict aerobe Acetobacter liquefaciens S‐1 were demonstrated by the disappearance of the brownish orange color of the methyl red containing medium (pH 7.5), by the decrease in absorption maximum of methyl red, and by the identification of two compounds 2‐aminobenzoic acid (anthranilic acid) and N,N′‐dimethyl‐p‐phenylene diamine (4‐N,N‐dimethylamino‐aniline) formed by reductive cleavage of methyl red in parallel with incubation time. Decolorization of methyl red was essentially completed within 17 h of incubation in both shaking and static cultures, which contained 1 g/L of (NH4)2SO4 as nitrogen source, 1% ethanol as carbon source, and up to 400 ppm of methyl red. Cells of A. liquefaciens S‐1 were able to metabolize methyl red as sole nitrogen source for growth, although the time required to achieve high decolorization efficiency (98%) of methyl red was considerably longer (72 h) under this condition.
A rapid and simple toxicity assay based on growth rate inhibition of Pseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: Paran J. H. , Sharma S. , Qureshi A. A.
Published: October 2006

A simple and rapid test, based on growth rate inhibition (GRI) of Pseudomonas fluorescens, is described for toxicity screening and assessment. The test involves challenging standardized suspensions [0.2 optical density (OD) at 600 nm] of exponentially growing cells with various concentrations of a toxicant at 33°C and monitoring changes in the growth rate by OD measurements after 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 h. The toxicity end point is measured as the effective concentration of a test sample that causes 50% inhibition of growth rate (EC50) during each designated time period. Several metal salt solutions, organic compounds, and complex effluents were screened using this test and data compared with those obtained using the Microtox® assay. Results indicated that the P. fluorescens GRI test could be used as a valuable part of a battery of short‐term bioassays for toxicity screening and assessment.
A systematic study of the aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation of 18 chlorophenols and 3 cresols
Authors: Liu D. , Pacepavicius G.
Published: October 2006

Aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation processes for 18 chlorophenols and 3 cresols were systematically evaluated under a controlled laboratory system, using an acclimatized mixed culture of pentachlorophenol‐degrading bacteria. The biodegradation processes were characterized based on the lag time (time in hours required to observe 10% degradation of the added test chemical against the control), t90 (time in hours required to degrade 90% of the added test chemical). The results indicate that nonspecific generalizations such as the degree of a chemical's chlorination cannot be reliably used to predict the persistence of chemicals in the environment. On the other hand, a systematic analysis of the molecular structure of analogues and related chemicals, in particular the positions of chlorine substitution on the phenolic ring, appears to be the logical approach to provide useful information for predicting the environmental fate of existing and new chemicals. The substitution effect in dictating a chlorophenol's biodegradability appears to follow in the descending order of 2,4 > 4 > 3,5 > 2,6 > 3, or 5, or 2. Microbial acclimation was found to be a distinct feature associated with the biodegradation of toxic substances and thus having the potential to be utilized in characterizing the biodegradation process of such chemicals. Ignorance of this acclimation period in kinetics study could nullify the usefulness of using mathematical models in predicting the environmental fate of chemical compounds.
Simple two‐step sediment extraction procedure for use in genotoxicity and toxicity bioassays
Authors: Kwan K. K. , Dutka B. J.
Published: October 2006

Three simple sediment extraction procedures, using Milli‐Q water, DMSO, and methanol, were applied to 16 sediment samples collected from the Thames River, Ontario, Canada. The three extracts were tested for the presence of toxicity and genotoxicity using the Microtox,® Toxi‐Chromotest,® and Mutatox® (with and without S9) procedures. Results of the study indicated that the Mutatox genotoxicity screening test was an extremely sensitive procedure responding to chemicals in all three types of extracts. Methanol was found to be more efficient than DMSO in extracting toxic and genotoxic chemicals from these sediments. Procedural details and results are discussed.
Defining the nutritional status and dietary intake of older heart failure patients
Authors: Price Rosemary J.G. , Witham Miles D. , Mcmurdo Marion E.T.
Published: October 2006

Background

Little information exists about diet in the management of heart failure.

Aims

To describe the nutritional and biochemical status, and the dietary intake of older heart failure patients.

Methods

Stable outpatients and patients with recent hospitalisation for decompensated heart failure were recruited. Anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength, biochemical values and echocardiography were recorded. Patients kept 7-day food diaries and completed questionnaires concerning food provision.

Results

Forty-five patients with a mean (S.D.) age of 80.8 (6.8) years were studied and classed according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) (11% Class I, 27% Class II and 62% Class III). Mean (S.D.) body mass index (BMI) was 27.1 (5.4) kg/m2 with 7% of patients having a BMI<20 kg/m2 and 56% with a BMI above 25 kg/m2. 64% of participants failed to achieve the estimated average requirements for energy intake; 82% took more than 2 mg of sodium daily; and 18% had a potassium intake above 3500 mg/day. Only 29% of individuals did not need assistance with food shopping, whilst 58% required assistance with meal preparation.

Conclusion

Possible targets for dietary intervention in older heart failure patients have been identified but whether such changes would be beneficial to patients is unknown.
Clinical trials update from the Heart Failure Society of America meeting: FIX‐CHF‐4, selective cardiac myosin activator and OPT‐CHF
Authors: Cleland John G.F. , Coletta Alison P. , Clark Andrew L.
Published: October 2006

This article provides information and a commentary on trials relevant to the pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of heart failure, presented at the Heart Failure Society of America meeting held in Seattle in September 2006. All reports should be considered as preliminary data, as analyses may change in the final publication.

Devices designed to improve cardiac contractility may have improved exercise tolerance and quality of life in the FIX‐CHF‐4 study; however, uncertainties in trial interpretation exist. The results of a study reporting the first administration of the selective myosin activator CK‐1827452 to human volunteers, support the initiation of clinical trials in heart failure patients. In OPT‐CHF, oxypurinol failed to show benefit compared to placebo for the treatment of heart failure, although a retrospective subgroup analysis suggests that it may be beneficial in patients with elevated serum uric acid levels.
Health‐related quality of life and its predictive role for analgesic effect in patients with painful polyneuropathy
Authors: Otto Marit , Bach Flemming W. , Jensen Troels S. , Sindrup Søren H.
Published: October 2006

Painful polyneuropathy is a common neuropathic pain condition. The present study describes health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in a sample of patients with painful polyneuropathy of different origin and the possible predictive role of HRQL for analgesic effect.

Ninety‐three patients with a diagnosis of painful polyneuropathy were included in the analysis. Data were obtained from three randomised, placebo‐controlled cross‐over studies testing the effect of different drugs on polyneuropathic pain (St. John's wort, venlafaxine/imipramine and valproic acid). Patients completed a HRQL questionnaire (SF‐36) after a drug‐free baseline period and at the end of each treatment period.

At baseline, all eight SF‐36 scores were lower than in the normal population. No significant differences were found between SF‐36 scales during placebo and treatment with valproic acid and St. John's wort. Those two drugs had not shown a pain relieving effect in former analysis. The SF‐36 scale of bodily pain (BP) was improved by venlafaxine treatment (p=0.023). General health (GH) and vitality (VT) were improved under treatment with imipramine (GH: p=0.006, VT: p=0.015). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, baseline SF‐36 scores predicted subsequent response to pharmacological treatment. Results show an impaired HRQL in painful polyneuropathy and suggest that HRQL may predict response to analgesic treatment.
Domain organization and metal ion requirement of the Type IIS restriction endonuclease MnlI
Authors: Kriukiene Edita
Published: October 2006

A two‐domain structure of the Type IIS restriction endonuclease MnlI has been identified by limited proteolysis. An N‐terminal domain of the enzyme mediates the sequence‐specific interaction with DNA, whereas a monomeric C‐terminal domain resembles bacterial colicin nucleases in its requirement for alkaline earth as well as transition metal ions for double‐ and single‐stranded DNA cleavage activities. The results indicate that the fusion of the non‐specific HNH‐type nuclease to the DNA binding domain had transformed MnlI into a Mg2+‐, Ni2+‐, Co2+‐, Mn2+‐, Zn2+‐, Ca2+‐dependent sequence‐specific enzyme. Nevertheless, MnlI retains a residual single‐stranded DNA cleavage activity controlled by its C‐terminal colicin‐like nuclease domain.
The single subunit NADH dehydrogenase reduces generation of reactive oxygen species from complex I
Authors: Seo Byoung Boo , Marella Mathieu , Yagi Takao , Matsuno-Yagi Akemi
Published: October 2006

Using rat dopaminergic and human neuroblastoma cell lines transduced with the NDI1 gene encoding the internal NADH dehydrogenase (Ndi1) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we investigated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation caused by complex I inhibition. Incubation of non‐transduced cells with rotenone elicited oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA as well as lipid peroxidation. In contrast, oxidative stress was significantly decreased when the cells were transduced with NDI1. Furthermore, mitochondria from the NDI1‐transduced cells showed a suppressed rate of ROS formation by the complex I inhibitors. We conclude that the Ndi1 enzyme is able to suppress ROS overproduction from defective complex I.
Evidence of underestimation of European hake growth in the Bay of Biscay, and its relationship with bias in the agreed method of age estimation
Authors: de Pontual Hélène , Groison Anne Laure , Piñeiro Carmen , Bertignac Michel
Published: October 2006

In 2002, a pilot experiment on hake tagging was carried out using methodology specifically developed to catch and handle fish in good condition. By the end of 2005, 36 hake and five tags had been returned to the laboratory (a 3.1% return rate) with a maximum time at liberty of 1066 days. The somatic growth of the recoveries proved to be twofold higher than that expected from published von Bertalanffy growth functions for the species in the Bay of Biscay. The growth underestimation was related to age overestimation, as demonstrated by two independent analyses. The first was based on a blind interpretation of marked otoliths conducted independently by two European experts involved in the routine age estimation of hake. The result shows that the age estimates were neither accurate (inconsistent with oxytetracycline mark positions) nor precise. The second approach compared the predicted otolith growth with the observed growth, and the discrepancy between the two data sets was large. Both types of analyses invalidate the internationally agreed age estimation method and demonstrate a need for further research. Although based on limited data, the study highlights the need to improve biological knowledge of the species in order to improve assessment and management advice. It also strengthens the argument for age validation.
Hospital visiting in obstetrics and gynecology: A tool for the advancement of training
Authors: Creatsas G. , Vrachnis N.
Published: October 2006

Objective: To assess the improvement of obstetric and gynecologic training brought about by peer influence in Europe.

Methods: In 1996, the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (EBCOG) initiated a visiting process by international and local peers to improve training and decrease differences in health care standards.

Results: A large number of visits of obstetrics and gynecology departments have been conducted across Europe at teaching hospitals by the Hospital Visiting Committee. Compliance with the structured approach of the visiting policy and problems met during these visits are reported.

Conclusion: The program focuses on the continuous improvement of the competencies of all persons trained in the obstetrics and gynecology departments of teaching hospitals throughout Europe. It also increases the understanding of diversity in training methods and can gradually lead to the convergence of training and health care standards in Europe.
Effect of an odor eliminator on feline litter box behavior
Authors: Cottam Nicole , Dodman Nicholas H.
Published: October 2006

Decreasing litter box odor may be an important treatment component in addressing feline inappropriate elimination. A three-phase study was conducted to determine if the use of Zero Odor litter box spray increases the preference of litter boxes to cats, presumably by its odor-eliminating quality. In the first phase, cats were given a litter box preference test between a litter box sprayed with Zero Odor and one without. In the second phase, the number of occurrences of behaviors indicative of a cat's dissatisfaction with the litter box (scratching at the sides of the box, floor or wall, hesitating when entering the litter box, balancing on the side of the box and eliminating outside of the litter box) was compared before and after the use of Zero Odor. Last, the frequency of eliminations that occurred outside the litter box was measured during a baseline phase and a test phase, in which Zero Odor was sprayed into all litter boxes in the home. Significantly fewer behaviors associated with feline litter box dissatisfaction and fewer undesirable eliminations were observed in phases 2 and 3, respectively. These findings suggest that use of Zero Odor litter box spray appears to decrease litter box odor and increases the attractiveness of litter box to cats.
Results of magnetic resonance imaging in 14 cats with meningoencephalitis
Authors: Negrin Arianna , Lamb Christopher R. , Cappello Rodolfo , Cherubini Giunio B.
Published: October 2006

Medical records and magnetic resonance (MR) images of 14 cats with inflammatory diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) were reviewed retrospectively. Cases included eight cats with feline infectious peritonitis and two cats with toxoplasmosis. Abnormalities affecting the CNS were observed in MR images in 10 (71%) cats. Intracranial lesions appeared as slightly hypointense foci in T1-weighted images in two (14%) cats, as hyperintense foci in T2-weighted images in seven (50%) cats and as hyperintense foci after intravenous administration of a gadolinium-based contrast medium in 10 (71%) cats. In six cats with lesions in T1- and/or T2-weighted images, additional lesions were visible in T1-weighted images obtained after gadolinium-based contrast medium administration. In three cats, lesions were visible only after contrast medium administration. In our study, MR imaging (MRI) did not appear to detect all cases of CNS inflammation in the population of cats with inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); however, MRI adds information about the sites and morphology of intracranial lesions that should help to distinguish between neoplasia and inflammatory conditions and, possibly, between different inflammatory conditions.
Trauma-induced growth abnormalities of the distal radius in three cats
Authors: Voss Katja , Lieskovsky Jurai
Published: October 2006

Three immature cats with growth abnormalities of the distal radius secondary to trauma were presented between July 2001 and July 2003. Initial injuries included a Salter–Harris type II fracture of the distal radial physis in one cat, fractures of the styloid process of the ulna in two cats, and metacarpal fractures in one cat. The cats were between 3.5 and 4.5 months of age at the time of injury. Damage to the distal radial physis resulted in a variable degree of shortening of the radius in all cats. Asymmetrical closure caused widening of the lateral aspect of the radiocarpal joint space in two cats. Elbow incongruity was not observed. One cat was treated with osteotomies of the radius and ulna and realignment of the radius, stabilised with external skeletal fixation. Another was treated by ulnar ostectomy alone. Radius and ulna osteotomies and distraction osteogenesis of the radius were performed in the third cat. Clinical outcome was satisfactory in all three cases.
Philip Quinn's contribution to the epistemic challenge of religious diversity
Authors: KRAFT JAMES
Published: October 2006

In this essay I describe seven central characteristics of Philip Quinn's approach to the epistemic challenge of religious diversity as they surface in his responses to other contemporary approaches. In the process an assessment is given of Quinn's contribution, and continued relevance, to the contemporary discussions about this topic. The first three sections describe Quinn's confrontations with Alvin Plantinga, William Alston, and John Hick. The next section presents critical comments on Quinn's unique notion of thinning.
On the position of adjectives in Middle English
Authors: FISCHER OLGA
Published: October 2006

The position of adjectives, and especially that of postnominal adjectives, in Middle English is compared to the adjective situation for Old English. Recently, Fischer (2000, 2001), followed to some extent by Haumann (2003), has proposed that in Old English there is a difference in meaning between certain types of preposed and postposed adjectives, which is related to a number of parameters such as definiteness vs indefiniteness of the NP, weak vs strong forms of the adjective, and given vs new information. This article will investigate to what extent the same or similar parameters still hold in Middle English, a period in which postposed adjective position began to decline due to, among other things, the loss of the strong vs weak distinction in adjectives, the rise of a new determiner system and the gradual fixation of word order on both a phrasal and a clausal level. Special attention will be paid to the postnominal and + adjective construction, which is here argued, pace Haumann for Old English, to be similar to postnominal adjectives without and.
Lagrangian perspectives of deep water export from the subpolar North Atlantic
Authors: Getzlaff K. , Böning C. W. , Dengg J.
Published: October 2006

Direct observations at the Grand Banks have raised a quandary concerning the pathways of the lower branch of the meridional overturning circulation: In contrast to moored current meters that depict an intense, narrow Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC), observations using different float types failed to show this continuous export path. Here, this issue is addressed by a Lagrangian analysis of synthetic particles in an eddy‐resolving circulation model. Due to intense eddy activity around the Grand Banks, about 40% of the deep water in the DWBC is diverted into the interior, spreading southward along the western flank of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge or with the eddying flow field in the basin interior. Imposing constraints on the vertical displacements of particles similar to those experienced by observational floats further reduces their adherence to the DWBC, particularly near the southern tip of the Grand Banks.
Relationship between cloud‐to‐ground lightning and precipitation ice mass: A radar study over Houston
Authors: Gauthier Michael L. , Petersen Walter A. , Carey Lawrence D. , Christian Hugh J.
Published: October 2006

Using seven summer‐seasons (1997–2003) of NEXRAD data (over 46,000 volumes), coincident climatologies of cloud‐to‐ground (CG) lightning flash densities and radar‐derived, column integrated precipitation ice mass (IM) were developed, extending global studies of IM and lightning to more regional and cell scales around Houston, TX. Results indicate that local maximums in CG lightning were indeed accompanied by peaks in IM. Extending previous global findings to cell‐scales, we establish a link between a storm's ability to generate enhanced concentrations of mixed‐phase IM, and its ability to generate lightning. Relative to the documented CG lightning “anomaly” over Houston, these results imply that unique aspects of the Houston urban area must first generate an anomaly in convective intensity and precipitation ice, thereby generating an anomaly in lightning; causal hypotheses must be capable of explaining either increased frequency and/or intensity of convection, and then relating these to the enhancement of IM and lightning production.
Daytime F region ion energy balance at Arecibo for moderate to high solar flux conditions
Authors: Nicolls Michael J. , Aponte Néstor , González Sixto A. , Sulzer Michael P. , Oliver William L.
Published: October 2006

Ion energy balance studies using incoherent scatter radar (ISR) data involve the estimation of the neutral density and exospheric temperature from the ISR‐measured parameters using theoretical collision cross sections. The ratio [O]radar/[O]MSIS in long‐term averages is an estimate of the so‐called Burnside factor and can be derived from these studies. This parameter is thought to be associated with errors in the O+‐O collision cross section. The most recent comparison between the Mass Spectrometer Incoherent Scatter (MSIS) neutral atomic oxygen densities and values derived from Arecibo ISR measurements using ion energy balance shows large discrepancies for high solar flux conditions. In contrast to ion momentum studies, which typically lead to a Burnside factor greater than 1 (usually near 1.2–1.3), the discrepancies between MSIS densities and radar‐derived values tend to result in low values (near 0.8) for the Burnside factor. Various interpretations of this discrepancy have been put forward. We have reanalyzed the Arecibo ISR World Day data from 1988 to 1994, corresponding to the moderate to high solar flux period of solar cycle 22. By extending the analysis to the upper F region/lower topside (and explicitly including the role of H+, which is often neglected) we obtain consistent results for the neutral density and exospheric temperature that show no significant long‐term discrepancy from the MSIS predictions. For this period, we obtain a median ratio [O]radar/[O]MSIS of 1.26 ± 0.02 using the O+‐O collision cross section from Banks (1966). The standard deviation of the data is about 0.35. This ratio is close to the most recently published theoretical simulations of the collision cross section within the uncertainties. Knowing the correct O+‐O collision cross section allows one to extract the neutral parameters from the radar data and study short‐term (day‐to‐day) variations in those parameters.
Characteristics of the storm‐induced big bubbles (SIBBs)
Authors: Kil Hyosub , Paxton Larry J. , Su Shin‐Yi , Zhang Yongliang , Yeh Hweyching
Published: October 2006

Large equatorial plasma depletions, referred to as storm‐induced big bubbles (SIBBs), are detected from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program F15 and from the first Republic of China Satellite during the large magnetic storms of 31 March 2001, 29 October 2003, and 20 November 2003. They occur in the equatorial region at night, are elongated in the north‐south direction, have steep walls, and always coexist with plasma bubbles. These observations are consistent with the SIBB characteristics described in the companion paper by Kil and Paxton [2006] and corroborate that the SIBBs are associated with bubbles. We discuss the common characteristics of the SIBBs and the role of the E × B drift for the formation of the SIBBs.
Solar wind polytropic index estimates based on single spacecraft plasma and interplanetary magnetic field measurements
Authors: Kartalev M. , Dryer M. , Grigorov K. , Stoimenova E.
Published: October 2006

We propose an approach for estimating the polytropic index in the solar wind. This is an artificially introduced parameter simplifying essentially the gasdynamic or magnetogasdynamic modeling of the interplanetary plasma. The problem in the straightforward utilization of the polytropic equation is to find sufficient homogeneous fragments of the solar wind flow, observed by single spacecraft only, where the application of this polytropic equation is correct. We propose an algorithm for following the plasma data time series to ensure the separation of data segments that belong, with high probability, to the same plasma flow flux tube. A linear regression model between logarithms of plasma density and temperature within such a segment provides an estimate for the polytropic index. Some preliminary applications of the algorithm to real data from spacecraft crossings of different solar wind structures are performed for the Bastille event of 14–16 July 2000.
Relativistic electron production during guide field magnetic reconnection
Authors: Pritchett P. L.
Published: October 2006

The production of relativistic electrons during guide field magnetic reconnection is investigated with two‐dimensional particle‐in‐cell simulations. The acceleration mechanism is found to consist of two important elements. The parallel electric field that exists in the low‐density cavities along two of the separatrices leads to the production of a cold electron beam. This beam is funneled into the near vicinity (of the order of a few ion inertia lengths) of the X line where the electrons are further accelerated by the parallel electric field to form the relativistic portion of the electron spectrum. This combined process is more efficient than for undriven magnetic reconnection without a guide field and produces a harder spectrum. Secondary islands which can appear as transient structures during the guide field reconnection process do not appear to play an important role in the production of the relativistic electrons.
“Shoulders” on the high‐latitude magnetopause: Polar/GOES observations
Authors: Ober D. M. , Maynard N. C. , Burke W. J. , Wilson G. R. , Siebert K. D.
Published: October 2006

MHD simulations predict that under strongly southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions the polar cap potential saturates and attendant Region 1 currents affect the dayside magnetosphere by weakening subcusp magnetic fields and enhancing them in the high‐latitude lobe. Consequently, “shoulder‐like” structures appear as sunward projections of the high‐latitude magnetopause relative to the location of the subsolar magnetopause that retreats earthward. We present observations from the Polar satellite, acquired during a period of strong southward IMF and saturated transpolar potential, which illustrate the predicted lobe field enhancement and resulting “shoulder” structure. At about the same time the GOES satellite observed weakening magnetic fields near the subsolar magnetopause. Similar types of observations, obtained under weakly and strongly driven magnetospheric conditions, are shown to be consistent with the MHD predictions. We demonstrate that including the Region 1 current generated magnetic field in the force balance equation at the magnetopause provides a quantitative basis for predicting magnetopause erosion during strongly southward IMF intervals.
Simultaneous radio and satellite optical measurements of high‐altitude sprite current and lightning continuing current
Authors: Cummer Steven A. , Frey Harald U. , Mende Stephen B. , Hsu Rue‐Ron , Su Han‐Tzong , Chen Alfred B. , Fukunishi Hiroshi , Takahashi Yukihiro
Published: October 2006

We report coordinated measurements of lightning and resulting sprites using ground‐level magnetic field sensors (<0.1 Hz to 30 kHz bandwidth) and the ISUAL instrument on the FORMOSAT‐2 satellite. These measurements demonstrate two distinct elements of the connection between the radio and optical emissions. First, the quasi‐static magnetic field signature is tightly correlated with the low‐altitude optical emissions from the lightning flash, indicating that this radio signature is produced by continuing lightning current. Second, in two events with strong postreturn stroke extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic pulses, the optical emissions demonstrate that there are no observable intensifications of low‐altitude optical emissions associated with those pulses. If they were produced by a lightning process, such as an M‐component, the connection between optical emissions and current seen in the return stroke and the continuing current suggests they should be visible. However, as has been observed previously, the bright, high‐altitude optical emissions associated with the sprite are simultaneous with the ELF pulse. This is strong evidence that these ELF pulses originate in high‐altitude electric current in the sprite itself and are not produced by a low‐altitude lightning process.
Heme Oxygenase-1 Stabilizes the Blood—Spinal Cord Barrier and Limits Oxidative Stress and White Matter Damage in the Acutely Injured Murine Spinal Cord
Authors: Lin Yong , Vreman Hendrik J , Wong Ronald J , Tjoa Tjoson , Yamauchi Toshihiro , Noble-Haeusslein Linda J
Published: October 2006

We hypothesized that heme oxygenase (HO)-1, the inducible form of HO, represents an important defense against early oxidative injury in the traumatized spinal cord by stabilizing the blood—spinal cord barrier and limiting the infiltration of leukocytes. To test this hypothesis, we first examined the immunoexpression of HO-1 and compared barrier permeability and leukocyte infiltration in spinal cord-injured HO-1-deficient (+/–) and wild-type (WT, +/+) mice. Heme oxygenase was expressed in both endothelial cells and glia of the injured cord. Barrier disruption to luciferase and infiltration of neutrophils were significantly greater in the HO-1 +/– than WT mice at 24 h postinjury ( P ≤ 0.019 and = 0.049, respectively). We next examined by Western immunoblots the generation of 4-hydroxynoneal (HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA), major products of lipid peroxidation, in the injured epicenter. There was a significant increase in 10 kDa HNE- and MDA-modified proteins in the HO-1 +/– as compared with WT mice ( P = 0.037 and 0.043, respectively). Finally, we compared the degradation of myelin basic protein (MBP), an indicator of white matter damage, in the HO-1 +/– and WT mice by Western immunoblots. There was significantly greater degradation of MBP in the HO-1 +/– compared with WT mice ( P = 0.049). Together, these findings show that HO-1 modulates oxidative stress and white matter injury in the acutely injured spinal cord. This modulation may be partially attributed to the ability of HO-1 to stabilize the blood—spinal cord barrier and limit neutrophil infiltration.
Thermographic calorimetry of the neutral beam injectors heating beams at TJ-II
Authors: Fuentes C. , Liniers M. , Guasp J. , Doncel J. , Botija J. , Wolfers G. , Alonso J. , Acedo M. , Sánchez E. , Marcon G. , Weber M. , Carrasco R. , Sarasola X. , Zurro B. , Tera J.
Published: October 2006

A new beam diagnostic based on infrared thermography has been developed for the neutral beam injectors of the stellarator TJ-II. A highly anisotropic movable target intercepts the beam at its entrance into the stellarator. The thermal print of the beam is captured with a high resolution infrared camera. The infrared images of the target can be translated, with the appropriate analysis, into power density patterns of the beam. The system is calibrated in situ with two thermocouples adiabatically mounted in the target. The two-dimensional beam power density distribution can be accurately characterized allowing beam optimization with respect to the different parameters involved in the beam formation and transport.
ATCA digital controller hardware for vertical stabilization of plasmas in tokamaks
Authors: Batista A. J. N. , Sousa J. , Varandas C. A. F.
Published: October 2006

The efficient vertical stabilization (VS) of plasmas in tokamaks requires a fast reaction of the VS controller, for example, after detection of edge localized modes (ELM). For controlling the effects of very large ELMs a new digital control hardware, based on the Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture™ (ATCA), is being developed aiming to reduce the VS digital control loop cycle (down to an optimal value of 10μs) and improve the algorithm performance. The system has 1 ATCA™ processor module and up to 12 ATCA™ control modules, each one with 32 analog input channels (12bit resolution), 4 analog output channels (12bit resolution), and 8 digital input/output channels. The Aurora™ and PCI Express™ communication protocols will be used for data transport, between modules, with expected latencies below 2μs. Control algorithms are implemented on a ix86 based processor with 6Gflops and on field programmable gate arrays with 80GMACS, interconnected by serial gigabit links in a full mesh topology.
Spatial structure analysis of direct-drive implosion cores at OMEGA using x-ray narrow-band core images
Authors: Welser L. A. , Mancini R. C. , Nagayama T. , Tommasini R. , Koch J. A. , Izumi N. , Delettrez J. A. , Marshall F. J. , Regan S. P. , Smalyuk V. A. , Golovkin I. E. , Haynes D. A. , Kyrala G.
Published: October 2006

The spectroscopic analysis of x-ray narrow-band images and space-integrated x-ray line spectra from argon-doped deuterium-filled inertial confinement fusion implosion experiments yields information about the spatial profiles in the compressed core. We discuss the analysis of direct-drive implosion experiments at OMEGA, in which images were obtained with a multimonochromatic imaging instrument. The analysis method considers data based on the argon Heβ and Lyβ spectral features and their associated Li- and He-like satellites. The temperature gradient structure is investigated by using the sensitivity of the Lyβ∕Heβ emissivity ratio to the temperature.
Multilayer vacuum window for wide-band microwave plasma diagnostic systems
Authors: Cavazzana Roberto , Moresco Maurizio
Published: October 2006

Microwave diagnostics, e.g., reflectometry and electron cyclotron emission in plasma machines, often require large windows displaying low attenuation and reflection on a wide band, in addition to some basic features such as vacuum tightness and mechanical robustness. Wide-band matching is usually achieved by coating the window with dielectric layers of suitable permittivity and thickness. On the vacuum side the coating must also be vacuum compatible and resistant to the thermal radiation coming from plasma. On the RFX machine, to satisfy these requirements, a boron nitride disk properly machined on the surface facing the plasma has been clamped to the existing fused silica window. The addition of a Teflon layer on the air side allowed to attain power reflection coefficients as low as 0.025 in the frequency ranges of 26.5–40, 40–56, and 56–75GHz and as low as 0.01 in the frequency ranges of 75–92 and 92–110GHz.
Focusing, adjustable spectrometer with temporal resolution for the Sandia Z facility
Authors: Sinars D. B. , Wenger D. F. , Keller K. L. , Rochau G. A. , Porter J. L.
Published: October 2006

Spherically bent focusing spectrometers with one- or two-dimensional spatial resolution (FSSR) are commonly used to obtain spectra with λ∕Δλ>1000 from laser and exploding-wire plasmas. The focal properties of such spectrometers make them ideally suited for coupling with x-ray streak cameras when imaging small sources. We discuss the design of a streaked FSSR system intended to measure time-resolved emission spectra with time resolutions <100ps and λ∕Δλ>2000 for source sizes ∼1mm. The narrow spectral range (∼0.04nm) can be adjusted between tests by varying the central Bragg angle (35°–55°) range and/or by exchanging the crystal type. The high spectral resolution is ideal for detailed line shape measurements. An example configuration for studying H- and He-like Ar emission is presented.