bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative review of the mammalian toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis‐based pesticides
Authors: McClintock J. Thomas , Schaffer Cindy R. , Sjoblad Roy D.
Published: November 2006

The extensive mammalian toxicity studies performed to support the safety of Bacillus thuringiensis‐containing pesticides clearly demonstrate that the tested isolates are not toxic or pathogenic. Toxicity studies submitted to the US Environmental Protection Agency to support the registration of B. thuringiensis subspecies have failed to show any significant adverse effects in body weight gain, clinical observations, or upon necropsy. Infectivity/pathogenicity studies have shown that the intact rodent immune system responds as expected to eliminate B. thuringiensis gradually from the body after oral, pulmonary or intravenous challenge. Similar clearance patterns were observed with B. subtilis and B. sphaericus, which also were non‐toxic to test animals. The results also indicate that the currently used protocols for toxicity/pathogenicity evaluations of micro‐organisms in laboratory animals have provided useful and necessary information for risk assessment. The study results raise the issue, however, of whether some reduced set of toxicily/pathogenicity studies could be required for new B. thuringiensis isolates of already registered subspecies, and whether this reduced data set would also apply to subspecies not yet registered as pesticidal active ingredients.
The use of artificial intelligence systems for predicting toxicity
Authors: Combes Robert D. , Judson Philip
Published: November 2006

This review concentrates on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems for the prediction of toxic hazard via the establishment of structure‐activity correlations. Methods for the analysis of the structure and physicochemical properties of molecules referred to include topological analysis, molecular orbital calculations, input of chemical structures, molecular modelling, cluster analysis and pattern recognition. Emphasis is placed on the importance of identifying substructural fragments of sufficient size and physicochemical specificity to act as toxicophores. Procedures for processing structural information include decision‐tree and probabilistic systems, as well as algebraic and related statistical analyses for obtaining quantitative structure‐activity relationships (QSARs). The principal differences between knowledge‐based and automated rule‐induction expert systems, and their utilisation for predicting the activity of chemicals, are discussed by reference to the use of several methods, including DEREK, HAZARDEXPERT, COMPACT, CASE and TOPKAT. It is concluded that these AI expert approaches have an important role to play in predictive toxicity screening as alternatives to animal experiments. Also, knowledge‐based expert systems are being developed further for risk assessment.
Field validation of a decision support system for the control of pests and diseases in cereals in denmark
Authors: Secher Bo J. M. , Jørgensen Lise N. , Murali N. S. , Boll Peter S.
Published: November 2006

The decision in 1986, on an action plan to reduce pesticide use in Denmark by 50% led to increased research on the potential of reducing dosages. A decision support system (PC‐Plant Protection), developed by The Danish Institute for Plant and Soil Science, implements this research. It combines a detailed use of threshold values to support decisions on treatment need, choice of pesticides and the appropriate dosage for actual problems in cereals. The pest and disease module within the system has been available commercially since 1993 and up to the end of April 1995, 2000 licences have been issued for its use at agricultural schools and by advisers and farmers. The recommendation model for pest and disease control has been validated in field trials since 1990. The validation has shown that the model is able to provide recommendations for the control of pests and diseases to a satisfactory level, without affecting farmers' gross margins. The model was able to adjust pesticide use to large yearly variations and the average amount of pesticides in the plots treated according to the model was well below that in the reference plots and in the commonly used strategies in Denmark.
Enhancement of thiazopyr bioefficacy by inhibitors of monooxygenases
Authors: Rao S. Raja , Feng Paul C. C. , Schafer David E.
Published: November 2006

The preceding paper described inhibition of thiazopyr metabolism in plant seedlings by inhibitors of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, and the lack of inhibition by esterase inhibitors. We now describe greenhouse evaluation of the effects of these metabolic inhibitors on the bioefficacy of thiazopyr. Inhibitors of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), 1‐aminobenzotriazole (ABT), metyrapone (MET) and tetcyclacis (TET), all enhanced the bioefficacy of thiazopyr against pigweed and other plant species. In contrast, inhibitors of esterases, tributyl phosphate (TBP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP), produced only slight enhancement of thiazopyr activity. The effect of PBO was dose‐dependent and was demonstrated against barnyardgrass, grain sorghum, redroot pigweed, seedling johnsongrass, and giant foxtail. PBO demonstrated no enhancement of thiazopyr activity in velvetleaf, tall morningglory, cotton, or soybeans. Bioefficacy was most enhanced via exposure of seedling shoots to PBO and thiazopyr. The combination of results from the present and the preceding papers suggests that PBO enhances thiazopyr bioefficacy by effectively inhibiting thiazopyr metabolism in plants.
Control of a population of norway rats resistant to anticoagulant rodenticides
Authors: Quy Roger J. , Cowan David P. , Prescott Colin V. , Gill J. Erica , Kerins Gerard M. , Dunsford Gary , Jones Ainsley , Macnicoll Alan D.
Published: November 2006

For the first time, it has been unequivocally shown that multiple‐feed second‐generation anticoagulant rodenticides were ineffective against a population of rats in N.W. Berkshire, UK because of an unusually high prevalence and high degree of resistance. Use of the non‐anticoagulant rodenticide calciferol led to a substantial reduction in the population, although primary poisoning of small birds appeared to be greater than with anticoagulant baits. There was strong evidence that many of the surviving rats had developed an aversion towards calciferol‐treated bait. A reduction in the degree of anticoagulant resistance in the population was evident after a period of 17 months without anticoagulant use. The long‐term strategy to manage the resistant population should integrate non‐anticoagulant and anticoagulant rodenticide use to take advantage of possible pleiotropic costs of resistance.
Effect of fenvalerate on protein and amino acid contents and enzyme activities in the ostracod Chrissia halyi
Authors: Zeba  , Khan M. A.
Published: November 2006

The short‐term effect of fenvalerate on some metabolites and enzymes of protein metabolism in the ostracod Chrissia halyi was studied. The ostracods were subjected to two different concentrations of fenvaierate and the alterations in total proteins, total free amino acids, transaminases i.e. aspartate amino transferase (AAT)/glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and alanine amino transferase (ALAT)/glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) after one and three days were noted. Total protein and free amino acid contents in the organisms were found to be depleted, whereas both the transaminases and GDH levels were elevated. The results indicate that exposure of C. halyi to fenvalerate leads to metabolic adaptations to suit the functional need of the animal.
Absorption and fate of imazapyr in leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)
Authors: Nissen Scott J. , Masters Robert A. , Thompson W. Mack , Stougaard Robert N.
Published: November 2006

Imazapyr absorption, translocation, root release and metabolism were examined in leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.). Leafy spurge plants were propagated from root cuttings and [14C]imazapyr was applied to growth‐chambergrown plants in a water + 28% urea ammonium nitrate + nonionic surfactant solution (98.75 + 1 + 0.25 by volume). Plants were harvested two and eight days after herbicide treatment (DAT) and divided into: treated leaf, stem and leaves above treated leaf, stem and leaves below the treated leaf, crown, root, dormant and elongated adventitious shoot buds. Imazapyr absorption increased from 62.5% 2 DAT to 80.0% 8 DAT. Herbicide translocation out of the treated leaf and accumulation in roots and adventitious shoot buds was apparent 2 DAT. By the end of the eight‐day translocation period only 14% of applied 14C remained in the treated leaf, while 17% had translocated into the root system. Elongated and dormant adventitious shoot buds accumulated 3.2‐ and 1.8‐fold more 14C, respectively, 8 DAT than did root tissue based on Bq g−1 dry weight. Root release of 14C was evident 2 DAT, and by 8 DAT 19.4% of the 14C reaching the root system was released into the rooting medium. There was no metabolism of imazapyr in crown, root or adventitious shoot buds 2 DAT; however, imazapyr metabolism was evident in the treated leaf 2 and 8 DAT. Imazapyr phytotoxicity to leafy spurge appears to result from high imazapyr absorption, translocation to underground meristematic areas (roots and adventitious shoot buds), and a slow rate of metabolism.
Comparison of various loose fill cushioning materials based on protective and environmental performance
Authors: Singh S. Paul , Chonhenchob Vanee , Burgess Gary
Published: November 2006

This paper compares various loose fill packaging materials based on the amount of material required for a given level of protection. A methodology developed to evaluate and compare package cushioning materials on the basis of environmental concerns relative to disposal and recycling is used to compare seven different loose fill materials. The materials compared include recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS), starch and paper based materials, wood shavings and popcorn. The shock level G was related to the amount of cushion material needed both by weight and by volume. The results show that starch‐based loose fill materials (Naturpack and Eco‐Foam) and Fiberflow showed the best protective performance and minimum material utilization by volume. 100% recycled EPS showed the best performance in terms of percent weight utilization. Other materials tested, like popcorn and wood shavings, showed poor material utilization.
Identification of the novel thio‐arsenosugars DMThioAsSugarCarboxyl, DMThioAsSugarCarbamate and DMThioAsSugarAdenine in extracts of giant clam tissues by high‐performance liquid chromatography online with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Nischwitz Volker , Pergantis Spiros A.
Published: November 2006

Recently, the identification of four thio‐arsenosugars in extracts of marine samples was reported. The biosynthesis of these arsenic species is most likely closely related to the well known oxo‐arsenosugars. Due to their symbiotic algae giant clams contain oxo‐arsenosugars with Carboxyl‐, Carbamate‐ and Adenine‐aglycone in significant amounts. Now we provide evidence for the presence of the thio analogues of these three arsenosugars in tissue extracts of the giant clams Tridacna maxima and Tridacna derasa. Anion‐exchange high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) online with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry was applied for the identification of the thio‐arsenosugars and the indirect quantification via their oxo analogues. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties of Starches Isolated from Sorghum Floury and Corneous Endosperm
Authors: Cagampang G. B. , Kirleis A. W.
Published: November 2006

Decorticated grains of three sorghum cultivars of intermediate grain hardness were individually dissected to separate the floury and the corneous endosperm fractions. The starch and polymeric components (amylose and amylopectin) of each of the endosperm fractions were isolated and subsequently characterized. Results indicate that there exist major differences in the properties (granule size distribution, gelatinization temperature, iodine binding capacity, and rate of lintnerization) of the starch and starch components from the endosperm fractions. Close relationships between the starch properties and the strength of the alkali gel of the corresponding endosperm fraction were observed.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry of Air‐Classified Starch and Protein Fractions from Eight Legume Species
Authors: Sosulski F. W. , Hoover R. , Tyler R. T. , Murray E. D. , Arntfield S. D.
Published: November 2006

The thermodynamic parameters of eight legume flours were interpreted following differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of their air‐classified starch and protein fractions. Samples of legumes from different sources, and their air‐classified fractions, showed consistent peak gelatinization (TG) and peak denaturation/aggregation temperatures for each legume species. However, enthalpies of gelatinization and denaturation/aggregation were highly variable, were not specific to species, and appeared to be determined primarily by environmental conditions during seed development. The TG values for the starch fractions were closely correlated to the initial pasting temperatures but the viscosity characteristics of the starch slurries were not associated with DSC parameters or the amylose contents of the starch fractions. The amylograph viscosity curves lacked a distinct pasting peak and showed stable viscosities during the heating cycle.
Gelatinization of Crosslinked Potato Starch
Authors: Lelièvre J.
Published: November 2006

The gelatinization temperature of crosslinked potato starch suspended in water was measured as a function of the water content of the sample. The resultant data were analysed using the thermo‐dynamic theory of melting in polymer‐diluent systems. The dependence of the values of the thermodynamic parameters so obtained on the procedure used to analyse the data is discussed. Differences between gelatinization and melting transitions in synthetic polymer‐organic diluent mixtures are considered.
Analysis of Hydroxypropyl Starch Hydrolysates by High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Wootton M. , Kesavamoorthy S. , Azemi B. M. N. M.
Published: November 2006

Acid hydrolysates of hydroxypropyl derivatives of wheat, maize, waxy maize and high amylose maize starches were separated using four HPLC procedures. An amine treated silica column gave best resolution of glucose and six nonglucose components. The proportions of these varied depending on the native starch and the acid used for hydrolysis. There was a linear relationship between molar substitution and ratio of nonglucose to glucose peak areas which varied between the native starches.
Determination of the Degree of Branching in Normal and Amylopectin Type Potato Starch with 1H‐NMR Spectroscopy Improved resolution and two‐dimensional spectroscopy
Authors: Nilsson Gunilla S. , Gorton Lo , Bergquist Karl‐Erik , Nilsson Ulf
Published: November 2006

Starch from genetically modified potatoes was found to be highly branched compared with normal potato varieties through the use of 1H‐NRM spectroscopy. The average chain length, blue‐value, and the wavelength at maximum absorptivity clearly show that the new potato varieties produce amylopectin starch. Correlation between the degree of branching as determined by 1H‐NMR and starch‐iodine complexation, expressed as blue‐value, was good and the NMR‐method gives low standard deviation.

For the first time, the anomeric proton, H‐1, of a (1→4)‐α‐linked D‐glucose residue and the H‐1 of the glucose residue of a non‐reducing end have been assigned separate chemical shifts in starch. Assignments were made as determined from two‐dimensional homonuclear and 1H‐13C heteronuclear spectroscopy (COSY, HMQC, and HMBC).

The molecular weight in degraded starch and pullulan were determined by means of NMR‐spectroscopy. These results were in accordance with determinations by size exclusion chromatography and with the known molecular weights of pullulan standards.
New vectors for simplified construction of BrdU‐Incorporating strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Viggiani Christopher J. , Aparicio Oscar M.
Published: November 2006

The thymidine analogue BrdU is a powerful tool for analysing nucleotide incorporation in studies of DNA replication or repair. S. cerevisiae lacks the thymidine salvage pathway that enables efficient cellular uptake and incorporation of thymidine analogues into DNA. Recent in vivo reconstitution of this pathway in yeast by high‐level expression of Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV–TK) or combined expression of HSV–TK and human equilibrative nucleoside transporter (hENT1) has enabled analysis of BrdU incorporation in yeast. While the BrdU incorporation systems are highly valuable, the construction and use of strains utilizing these systems can be complicated by specific requirements of the available systems. We have created a set of vectors that simplify the construction and use of BrdU‐Incorporating (BrdU‐Inc) strains of budding yeast. Each vector in the set contains HSV–TK and hENT1 under the control of promoters that express constitutively, and one of four different selectable markers (HIS3, TRP1, LEU2 or URA3) for genomic integration. With these BrdU‐Inc vectors, one‐step integration of a single copy produces yeast that efficiently incorporate BrdU upon its addition to the medium. These vectors ease strain construction and maintenance, thereby facilitating routine use of BrdU for analysis in yeast. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microfluidics device for single cell gene expression analysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ryley James , Pereira‐Smith Olivia M.
Published: November 2006

We have measured single‐cell gene expression over time using a microfluidics‐based flow cell which physically traps individual yeast using µm‐sized structures (yeast jails). Our goal was to determine variability of gene expression within a cell over time, as well as variability between individual cells. In our flow cell system, yeast jails are fabricated out of PDMS and gene expression is visualized using fluorescently‐tagged proteins of interest. Previously, single‐cell yeast work has been done using micromanipulation on agar, or FACS. In the present device agar is eliminated, resulting in a superior optical system. The flow of media through the flow cell washes daughter cells away, eliminating the need for micromanipulation. Unlike FACS, the described device can track individual yeast over a time course of many hours. The flow cells are compatible with the needs of quantitative fluorescence microscopy, and allow simultaneous measurements to be done on a large number of individual yeast. We used these flow cells to determine the expression of HSP104‐GFPand RAS2‐YFP, genes known to affect yeast life span. The results demonstrate inter‐cell variation in expression of both genes that could not have been detected without this single‐cell analysis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The financial performance effects of IT‐based supply chain management systems in manufacturing firms
Authors: Dehning Bruce , Richardson Vernon J. , Zmud Robert W.
Published: November 2006

This paper examines the financial benefits of information technology investments around newly adopted IT‐based supply chain management (SCM) systems by 123 manufacturing firms over the period 1994–2000. We form hypotheses using the value chain to specify the expected financial impact of SCM systems. By examining the change in financial performance pre‐ and post‐adoption controlling for industry median changes in performance, we find that SCM systems increase gross margin, inventory turnover, market share, return on sales, and reduce selling, general, and administrative expenses. We also provide a model showing how process improvements around supply chain initiatives combine to improve overall performance. Finally, we show that contextual effects such as firms in the high‐tech industry and the scope of the supply chain implementation have dramatic effects on the overall financial performance resulting from supply chain implementations.
Survival rate of self-tapping implants for bone-anchored hearing aids
Authors: Tjellström A , Granström G , Odersjö M
Published: November 2006

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a new self-tapping implant for a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) had the same high frequency of osseointegration as previous implants requiring pre-tapping.

Method: Over a three-year period, 144 consecutive implants were placed in the mastoid for BAHA and evaluated.

Results: Two implants were lost; both were of the self-tapping type. One was in an 11-year-old boy, who lost his implant six weeks after surgery when the BAHA was fitted. The other was in an elderly man, a heavy smoker with diabetes. Using Fisher's exact test, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.30).

Conclusion: Self-tapping implants facilitate surgery and shorten operating time. Over a short follow up, we did not find any significant difference; however, it is important to follow these implants over a longer time period.
A prospective comparative study to examine the effects of oral diazepam on blood pressure and anxiety levels in patients with acute epistaxis
Authors: Thong J F , Lo S , Houghton R , Moore-Gillon V
Published: November 2006

Objective: To examine the effects of oral diazepam on blood pressure and anxiety in patients with acute epistaxis.

Study design and setting: A prospective comparative study in an otorhinolaryngology tertiary referral centre.

Participants: Patients with acute epistaxis requiring hospital admission.

Intervention: Oral diazepam.

Main outcome measures: Anxiety and blood pressure levels.

Results: 32 patients received diazepam and 45 did not (control). On average, patients were hypertensive on admission (mean [standard deviation (SD)] systolic blood pressure diazepam group=157 mmHg [26], control=152 mmHg [23]; diastolic blood pressure diazepam group=87 mmHg [16], control=87 mmHg [18]). Both groups showed significant blood pressure reduction on discharge (p<0.0001) but the difference in mean blood pressure reduction between the two groups was insignificant (systolic blood pressure p=0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]=–5 to +19 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure p=0.43, 95% CI=–8 to +10 mmHg). Anxiety was significantly lower on discharge (p<0.0001) but the difference in mean fall in anxiety scores between the two groups was insignificant (p=0.08, 95% CI=0 to +2). There was no significant correlation between total diazepam and changes in blood pressure (systolic blood pressure p=0.32; diastolic blood pressure p=0.65) or anxiety (p=0.73), nor between blood pressure and anxiety on admission (systolic blood pressure p=0.45; diastolic blood pressure p=0.72).

Conclusions: Elevated blood pressure and anxiety in acute epistaxis patients reduced on epistaxis resolution irrespective of oral diazepam use. The elevated blood pressure does not appear to be directly related to anxiety.
The epidemiology of atypical mycobacterial diseases in northern England: a space–time clustering and Generalized Linear Modelling approach
Authors: Rushton S. P. , Goodfellow M. , O'Donnell A. G. , Magee J. G.
Published: November 2006

The incidence of infection by mycobacteria, other than tubercle bacilli (MOTT) is increasing in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. These diseases increase morbidity and are an increasing public health concern. However, the epidemiology of disease due to these species is not well characterized. We used space–time clustering approaches and Generalized Linear Modelling to investigate the potential predictors of disease in cases of infection by organisms of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and M. malmoense recorded in the north of England during 2000–2005. There was significant spatial and temporal clustering in juvenile cases of infection by MAC but not for cases of infection in adults by either species. There were no significant predictors of infection by M. malmoense or juvenile cases of M. avium. Incidence of disease caused by M. avium in adults was significantly related to health deprivation and weakly related to rainfall. We consider possible reasons for the difference in epidemiology in infection by M. avium in adults and juveniles.
Early Results from an Aberration-Corrected JEOL 2200FS STEM/TEM
at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Authors: Blom Douglas A. , Allard Lawrence F. , Mishina Satoshi , O'Keefe Michael A.
Published: November 2006

The resolution-limiting aberrations of round electromagnetic lenses
can now be successfully overcome via the use of multipole element
“aberration correctors.” The installation and performance of a
hexapole-based corrector (CEOS GmbH) integrated on the probe-forming side
of a JEOL 2200FS FEG STEM/TEM is described. For the resolution of the
microscope not to be severely compromised by its environment, a new,
specially designed building at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been
built. The Advanced Microscopy Laboratory was designed with the goal of
providing a suitable location for aberration-corrected electron
microscopes. Construction methods and performance of the building are
discussed in the context of the performance of the microscope. Initial
performance of the microscope on relevant specimens and modifications made
to eliminate resolution-limiting conditions are also discussed.
Dynamic Monte Carlo Simulation on the Electron-Beam-Induced
Deposition of Carbon, Silver, and Tungsten Supertips
Authors: Liu Zhi-Quan , Mitsuishi Kazutaka , Furuya Kazuo
Published: November 2006

The process of electron-beam-induced deposition (EBID) was simulated
with a dynamic Monte Carlo profile simulator, and the growth of carbon,
silver, and tungsten supertips was investigated to study the dependence of
material composition on the spatial resolution of EBID. Because light
atoms have a smaller scattering angle and a longer mean free path, the
carbon supertip has the smallest lateral size and the highest aspect ratio
of a bottom tip compared to silver and tungsten supertips. Thus the best
spatial resolution of EBID can be achieved on materials of low atomic
number. The calculation also indicated a significant contribution of
primary electrons to the growth of a supertip in EBID, which is consistent
with the experimental observations. These results lead to a more
comprehensive understanding of EBID, which is a complex interaction
process between electrons and solids.
Ultrahigh-Vacuum Third-Order Spherical Aberration (Cs) Corrector for
a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope
Authors: Mitsuishi Kazutaka , Takeguchi Masaki , Kondo Yukihito , Hosokawa Fumio , Okamoto Kimiharu , Sannomiya Takumi , Hori Madoka , Iwama Takeshi , Kawazoe Muneyuki , Furuya Kazuo
Published: November 2006

Initial results from an ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV) third-order spherical
aberration (Cs) corrector for a dedicated scanning transmission electron
microscopy, installed at the National Institute for Materials Science,
Tsukuba, Japan, are presented here. The Cs corrector is of the dual
hexapole type. It is UHV compatible and was installed on a UHV column. The
Ronchigram obtained showed an extension of the sweet spot area, indicating
a successful correction of the third-order spherical aberration Cs. The
power spectrum of an image demonstrated that the resolution achieved was
0.1 nm. A first trial of the direct measurement of the fifth-order
spherical aberration C5 was also attempted on the basis of a
Ronchigram fringe measurement.
Pattern Recognition in High-Resolution Electron Microscopy of
Complex Materials
Authors: Niermann Tore , Thiel Karsten , Seibt Michael
Published: November 2006

Structural features like defects or heterointerfaces in crystals or
amorphous phases give rise to different local patterns in high-resolution
electron micrographs or object wave functions. Pattern recognition
techniques can be used to identify these typical patterns that constitute
the image itself, as was already demonstrated for compositional changes in
isostructural heterostructures, where the patterns within unit cells of
the lattice were analyzed. To extend such analyses to more complex
materials, we examined patterns in small circular areas centered on
intensity maxima of the image. Nonsupervised clustering, namely,
Ward's clustering method, was applied to these patterns. In two
examples, a highly defective ZnMnTe layer on GaAs and a tunnel magneto
resistance device, we demonstrate how typical patterns are identified by
this method and how these results can be used for a further investigation
of the microstructural properties of the sample.
Preliminary Results from the First Monochromated and Aberration
Corrected 200-kV Field-Emission Scanning Transmission Electron
Microscope
Authors: Walther Thomas , Stegmann Heiko
Published: November 2006

Experimental results from the first monochromated and
aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope operated at
200 kV are described. The formation of an electron probe with a diameter
of less than 0.2 nm at an energy width significantly under 0.3 eV and its
planned application to the chemical analysis of nanometer-scale structures
in materials science are described. Both energy and spatial resolution
will benefit from this: The monochromator improves the energy resolution
for studies of energy loss near edge structures. The Cs corrector allows
formation of either a smaller probe for a given beam current or yields, at
fixed probe size, an enhanced beam current density using a larger
condenser aperture. We also point out another advantage of the combination
of both components: Increasing the convergence angle by using larger
condenser apertures in an aberration-corrected instrument will enlarge the
undesirable chromatic focus spread. This in turn influences spatial
resolution. The effect of polychromatic probe tails is proportional to the
product of convergence angle, chromatic aberration constant, and energy
spread. It can thus be compensated for in our new instrument by decreasing
the energy width by the same factor as the beam convergence is increased
to form a more intense probe. An alternative in future developments might
be hardware correction of the chromatic aberration, which could eliminate
the chromatic probe spread completely.
NEW AND OLD DOCUMENTS CONCERNING MOZART’S PUPILS BARBARA PLOYER AND JOSEPHA AUERNHAMMER
Authors: LORENZ MICHAEL
Published: November 2006

Biographical research on Mozart’s pupils that is based on archival primary sources has been sadly neglected by scholars. Except for a short and highly entertaining article by Gustav Gugitz and two publications in the 1960s, Mozart scholarship still lacks a comprehensive study on a topic that is likely to provide us with a fascinating insight into Mozart’s social background, his pedagogical methods and performance practice in eighteenth-century Vienna. I think there are two reasons for this lacuna: first, the fashionable (and comfortable) assumption that all possible research has already been done, and second, the fact that this kind of archival work is basically restricted to the archives of Vienna. Delving into the lives and careers of Mozart’s pupils Barbara Ployer and Josepha Auernhammer soon leads us to areas that are not commonly associated with musicology: basic genealogy and the identification of private venues and apartments in which Mozart performed his piano concertos. After all, the actual size of these rooms, many of which do not exist any more, has never been the subject of research. Owing to the fragmentary state of the sources and the small number of plans from the eighteenth century that have been preserved, this difficult project is still in its early stages. I will therefore try to point to future directions for documentary research and give an overview of the new biographical data that I have found.
Mantle transition zone discontinuities beneath the Baikal rift and adjacent areas
Authors: Liu Kelly H. , Gao Stephen S.
Published: November 2006

Like most other major continental rifts, the Baikal rift zone (BRZ) in Siberia is presumably underlain by a hot and partially molten mantle, which has a reduced seismic velocity relative to surrounding areas. Recent seismic tomography studies, however, gave conflicting results about the depth extent and even the existence of the low‐velocity anomaly beneath the BRZ, suggesting that additional constraints are needed. Here we present results from stacking of about 1700 radial P‐to‐S receiver functions from a single long‐running seismic station, TLY, located at the SW tip of Lake Baikal. A clear uplift of the 410 km discontinuity (d410) with a magnitude of about 47 km relative to the south margin of the Siberian platform is observed beneath the rift. Currently available seismic results suggest that the uplift is unlikely to be caused by addition of water to mantle transition zone (MTZ) silicates but is the result of a 550°C reduction in temperature in the vicinity of the d410. In addition, the 660 km discontinuity (d660) shows a downward trend toward the rift from the south, suggesting that the entire MTZ might have a low temperature beneath the rift. The thickening of the MTZ suggests a high‐velocity anomaly of about 2% in the MTZ, and rules out the possibility that the rifting is caused by a mantle plume originated in or beneath the mantle transition zone.
Ionospheric effect of HF surface wave over‐the‐horizon radar
Authors: Gao Huotao , Li Geyang , Li Yongxu , Yang Zijie , Wu Xiongbin
Published: November 2006

The use of HF surface wave radar as an effective method for inspecting the environment of the ocean in the beyond‐the‐horizon area has been developing in recent years. However, because the radiating beam of the transmitting antenna is of a certain width and its electromagnetic radiating power propagates not only along the sea surface but also to the upper space, as a result, after interacting with the ionosphere or a scattering object on its path, the backscattered signal then returns to the radar along the radiative path. Thus, if we analyze the echo signal received by the radar, we can obtain some information about the ionosphere. This paper presents a method of sensing the ionosphere using HF ground wave radar, which can give information about the altitude of the ionosphere, Doppler, meteor showers, etc.
Pan‐oceanic response to increasing anthropogenic aerosols: Impacts on the Southern Hemisphere oceanic circulation
Authors: Cai W. , Bi D. , Church J. , Cowan T. , Dix M. , Rotstayn L.
Published: November 2006

Examinations of the impact of anthropogenic aerosols on oceanic heat content have focused largely on the global average response. Given that aerosol‐induced cooling is greater in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) than in the Southern Hemisphere (SH), do aerosols induce a greater impact on NH oceanic heat content? Sea level rise over the past 50 years has shown little hemispheric differentiation. Using a set of global climate model experiments forced with and without anthropogenic aerosols, we show that increasing aerosols in the 20th century induce a pan‐oceanic heat redistribution. This leads to a reduction in the SH oceanic heat content comparable to that in the NH oceans. The process includes a strengthening of the northward cross‐equatorial heat transport in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with the majority taking place in the Atlantic Ocean via the most effective pathway: the globally interconnected ocean current system associated with the Atlantic overturning.
High resolution altimetry reveals new characteristics of the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
Authors: Ablain Michaël , Dorandeu Joël , Le Traon Pierre‐Yves , Sladen Anthony
Published: November 2006

The Indian Ocean tsunami, which occurred on December 26, 2004, was the first to be clearly observed using satellite altimeters. The wave amplitude observed in deep‐ocean by TOPEX and Jason‐1 was close to 60 cm about 2 hours after the earthquake. Envisat crossed the tsunami wave 3h15 after the earthquake and measured a 35 cm wave. Even though it flew over the tsunami 7h20 after the earthquake, GFO still observed a wave close to 20 cm. To better extract the tsunami signal from altimeter measurements, a specific ocean variability mapping technique is used. This technique proves to be mandatory for discriminating tsunami waves from other ocean signals. Altimeter signals are then compared with those derived from the CEA (Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique) model outputs. For the first time with altimeter data, peculiar short wavelengths signals along Jason‐1 and Envisat profiles have been detected from the analysis of 20‐Hz altimeter measurements. Such high wavenumber signals can be explained by the dispersive propagation of tsunami waves. These observations highlight the essential role of satellite altimeter measurements to better understand and to improve models of tsunami wave propagation and dissipation.
Formation of dayside low‐latitude boundary layer under northward interplanetary magnetic field
Authors: Lin Y. , Wang X. Y.
Published: November 2006

A three‐dimensional (3‐D) global hybrid simulation is carried out to study the formation of the dayside low‐latitude boundary layer (LLBL) under a purely northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Magnetic reconnection in both northern and southern hemispheres leads to a continued formation of newly closed field lines on the dayside, and a subsequent formation of the LLBL by capture of the magnetosheath ions on the original magnetosheath field lines, as the newly closed field lines shorten. The formation of the LLBL is associated with the tailward spreading of the transmitted ions along the magnetopause as the newly closed flux tubes convect tailward. Meanwhile, compressional waves and transverse waves in magnetic field are generated in the magnetosphere. The ion distributions in the cusp and the boundary layer show the presence of multiple ion beams of the transmitted magnetosheath ions, as well as ion heating.
Vertical variations in the N2 mass mixing ratio during a thermospheric storm that have been simulated using a coupled magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐thermosphere model
Authors: Burns A. G. , Wang W. , Killeen T. L. , Solomon S. C. , Wiltberger M.
Published: November 2006

The Center for Integrated Space Weather Modeling's (CISM) suite of models was run together to simulate the passage of an idealized coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun's corona to geospace. The resulting interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) pattern included a period during which Bz was southward. The effects of this CME were then propagated through the Lyon‐Fedder‐Mobarry (LFM) model of the magnetosphere to study its influence on the Earth's ionosphere and thermosphere. The effect of these changes on the thermosphere ionosphere nested grid (TING) model was to drive a large ionospheric and thermospheric storm. This storm had higher potentials than one would expect from the magnitude of the southward excursion of Bz. Changes in N2 mmrs were analyzed to investigate their height variations rather than attempting to make any detailed comparison with data. Several conclusions were drawn from this study: (1) The results were consistent with previous data and modeling studies of composition changes on a horizontal surface; (2) neutral composition was severely affected by this storm with large increases in the relative densities of the molecular species first being seen in the high and middle latitudes of the night and early morning sectors and later at all local times; (3) the observed changes were larger than might be expected from the IMF; (4) most upwelling occurred in the dayside auroral oval; far less upwelling occurred in the nightside auroral oval; (5) the large‐scale circulation of the storm on the nightside created an overturning in the middle latitudes; (6) this overturning was primarily the result of molecular‐rich air being transported horizontally over air that was not as rich in the molecular species; (7) the overturning acted as a diffusive barrier that prevented molecular diffusion from driving recovery to the thermosphere's quiet time compositional distribution; (8) the large‐scale circulation has the potential to directly mix the thermosphere on relatively short timescales.
Transport of volcanic aerosol in the troposphere: The case study of the 2002 Etna plume
Authors: Villani M. G. , Mona L. , Maurizi A. , Pappalardo G. , Tiesi A. , Pandolfi M. , D'Isidoro M. , Cuomo V. , Tampieri F.
Published: November 2006

The transport of aerosol in the troposphere during the 2002 eruption of Mount Etna was investigated integrating lidar observations and numerical simulations. The case study concentrates on the period 30 October to 2 November. The lidar observations performed in Potenza, Italy, reveal the presence of aerosol layers made up of young sulfate particles and a low soot content, characteristic of the volcano's emission. Downward large‐scale motion was measured, with a velocity larger than that due to gravitational sedimentation. Forward trajectories from the volcano simulated from 27 October to 4 November show that particles released at the beginning of the period reached Potenza after traveling over the southern and western Mediterranean basin (partially including the Sahara region); direct northward transport occurred on 31 October and 1 November. The main result of this study is to highlight how the integrated use of observations and model simulations leads to understanding the main features of transport in this case study. Furthermore, some specific points are outlined. There is fair agreement between the simulated and observed presence of particles over Potenza. The vertical structure of the aerosol layers and the downward motion are also well evidenced. Time variations of the particle concentration deduced from measurements and approximately estimated from the numerical simulations also show qualitative agreement.
Promotion of meridional overturning by Mediterranean‐derived salt during the last deglaciation
Authors: Rogerson M. , Rohling E. J. , Weaver P. P. E
Published: November 2006

We demonstrate that changes in the behavior of the Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) prior to and through the last deglaciation played an important role in promoting Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC). Estimation of past MOW salt and heat fluxes indicates that they gradually increased through the last deglaciation. Between 17.5 and 14.6 thousand years ago (ka B.P., where B.P. references year 1950), net evaporation from the Mediterranean exported sufficient fresh water from the North Atlantic catchment to cause an average salinity increase of 0.5 psu throughout the upper 2000 m of the entire North Atlantic to the north of 25°N. Combined with rapid intensification and shoaling of the MOW plume, which we identify around 15–14.5 ka B.P., this deglacial MOW‐related salt accumulation preconditioned the North Atlantic for abrupt resumption of the MOC at 14.6 ka B.P.
Episodic interannual climate oscillations and their influence on seasonal rainfall in the Everglades National Park
Authors: Kwon Hyun‐Han , Lall Upmanu , Moon Young‐Il , Khalil Abedalrazq F. , Ahn Hosung
Published: November 2006

The restoration of the Everglades in Florida is an exemplary ecosystem project. A basic challenge of the restoration project is to operate the hydrologic control structures in a manner that allows the right quantity and quality of water to be delivered at the right times to the right locations. An understanding of long‐term variations in seasonal rainfall as well as prospects for the upcoming season are of interest for operational planning. This paper aims to characterize the interannual variability in seasonal rainfall in the Everglades and to identify regions of Pacific and Atlantic oceans whose sea surface temperatures (SSTs) may be the carriers of the low‐frequency information associated with Everglades rainfall. It is now known that interannual and interdecadal quasi‐oscillatory phenomena modulate continental rainfall in many places. The amplitudes of these “oscillations” vary with time, and they conform to activity in specific frequency bands. The dominant low‐frequency modes also vary by season. Identifying the climate modes that influence specific low‐frequency aspects of rainfall is a challenge that is addressed here using wavelet analysis to diagnose the time‐varying low‐frequency structure and independent component analysis to identify the spatial modes of variation of the low‐frequency signals. The combined approach is termed wavelet‐independent component analysis (WICA). In addition to identifying dominant timescales of quasi‐oscillatory phenomena that modulate interannual rainfall in the Everglades National Park, we investigate how the amplitude (power) associated with these interannual modes varies at decadal or longer timescales. The analyses presented motivate the need for the development of methods for the analysis and simulation of nonstationary hydroclimatic phenomena. The connection between the resulting low‐frequency rainfall modes and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) is then established using correlation analysis using concurrent and preceding season SSTs. The results provide the motivation for the development of a new generation of simulation and forecasting models for rainfall that could directly use such low‐frequency information.
Analysis of air‐launched ground‐penetrating radar techniques to measure the soil surface water content
Authors: Lambot Sébastien , Weihermüller Lutz , Huisman Johan A. , Vereecken Harry , Vanclooster Marnik , Slob Evert C.
Published: November 2006

We analyze the common surface reflection and full‐wave inversion methods to retrieve the soil surface dielectric permittivity and correlated water content from air‐launched ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) measurements. In the full‐wave approach, antenna effects are filtered out from the raw radar data in the frequency domain, and full‐wave inversion is performed in the time domain, on a time window focused on the surface reflection. Synthetic experiments are performed to investigate the most critical hypotheses on which both techniques rely, namely, the negligible effects of the soil electric conductivity (σ) and layering. In the frequency range 1–2 GHz we show that for σ > 0.1 Sm−1, significant errors are made on the estimated parameters, e.g., an absolute error of 0.10 in water content may be observed for σ = 1 Sm−1. This threshold is more stringent with decreasing frequency. Contrasting surface layering may proportionally lead to significant errors when the thickness of the surface layer is close to one fourth the wavelength in the medium, which corresponds to the depth resolution. Absolute errors may be >0.10 in water content for large contrasts. Yet we show that full‐wave inversion presents valuable advantages compared to the common surface reflection method. First, filtering antenna effects may prevent absolute errors >0.04 in water content, depending of the antenna height. Second, the critical reference measurements above a perfect electric conductor (PEC) are not required, and the height of the antenna does not need to be known a priori. This averts absolute errors of 0.02–0.09 in water content when antenna height differences of 1–5 cm occur between the soil and the PEC. A laboratory experiment is finally presented to analyze the stability of the estimates with respect to actual measurement and modeling errors. While the conditions were particularly well suited for applying the common reflection method, better results were obtained using full‐wave inversion.