bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war’: the US, UN and the violence of security
Authors: SHEPHERD LAURA J.
Published: April 2008

This investigation explores the ways in which discourses of security functioned to allow military intervention in Iraq to become ‘thinkable’, and how these actions serve to reconfigure not only the identities of states – the US and Iraq – but also the characteristics of the international as a spatial and conceptual domain. In the weeks preceding the military intervention in Iraq, significant negotiations were conducted between the US government and the UN that were commented on extensively in press statements and other documents released by both parties. Drawing on UNSC Resolutions, public debates and academic analyses, in this article I analyse the relations between the US and the UN in the build-up to the Iraq war, making two related claims.

First, I argue that each discourse is organised around a particular logic of security. By ‘logics of security’, I mean the ways in which various concepts are organised within specific discourses of security. That is, each competing conceptualisation of security has a distinct primary focus, referent object and perspective on the arrangement of the international system. The ways in which these claims are made, the assumptions that inform them, and the policy prescriptions that issue from them, are what I refer to as ‘logics of security’. Second, I argue that the intervention in Iraq, a violence undertaken in the name of ‘security’, has functioned to reproduce the international as a spatial and conceptual domain according to the logic of a highly conventional narrative of sovereigneity, and, ultimately, of state identity.
Cost-effectiveness of pressure-relieving devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers
Authors: Fleurence Rachael L.
Published: April 2008

Objectives:The cost-effectiveness of alternating pressure-relieving devices, mattress replacements, and mattress overlays compared with a standard hospital (high-specification foam mattress) for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in hospital patients in the United Kingdom was investigated.

Methods:A decision-analytic model was constructed to evaluate different strategies to prevent or treat pressure ulcers. Three scenarios were evaluated: the prevention of pressure ulcers, the treatment of superficial ulcers, and the treatment of severe ulcers. Epidemiological and effectiveness data were obtained from the clinical literature. Expert opinion using a rating scale technique was used to obtain quality of life data. Costs of the devices were obtained from manufacturers, whereas costs of treatment were obtained from the literature. Uncertainty was explored through probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Results:Using £30,000/QALY (quality-adjusted life year) as the decision-maker's cut off point (the current UK standard), in scenario 1 (prevention), the cost-effective strategy was the mattress overlay at 1, 4, and 12 weeks. In scenarios 2 and 3, the cost-effective strategy was the mattress replacement at 1, 4, and 12 weeks. Standard care was a dominated intervention in all scenarios for values of the decision-maker's ceiling ratio ranging from £5,000 to £100,000/QALY. However, the probabilistic sensitivity analysis results reflected the high uncertainty surrounding the choice of devices.

Conclusions:Current information suggests that alternating pressure mattress overlays may be cost-effective for the prevention of pressure ulcers, whereas alternating pressure mattress replacements appears to be cost-effective for the treatment of superficial and severe pressure ulcers.
Impact of uncertainty on cost-effectiveness analysis of medical strategies: The case of high-dose chemotherapy for breast cancer patients
Authors: Marino Patricia , Siani Carole , Roché Henri , Moatti Jean-Paul ,   for the PEGASE group
Published: April 2008

Objectives:The object of this study was to determine, taking into account uncertainty on cost and outcome parameters, the cost-effectiveness of high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) compared with conventional chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer patients.

Methods:An analysis was conducted for 300 patients included in a randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the benefits, in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival, of adding a single course of HDC to a four-cycle conventional-dose chemotherapy for breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node invasion. Costs were estimated from a detailed observation of physical quantities consumed, and the Kaplan–Meier method was used to evaluate mean survival times. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were evaluated successively considering disease-free survival and overall survival outcomes. Handling of uncertainty consisted in construction of confidence intervals for these ratios, using the truncated Fieller method.

Results:The cost per disease-free life year gained was evaluated at 13,074€, a value that seems to be acceptable to society. However, handling uncertainty shows that the upper bound of the confidence interval is around 38,000€, which is nearly three times higher. Moreover, as no difference was demonstrated in overall survival between treatments, cost-effectiveness analysis, that is a cost minimization, indicated that the intensive treatment is a dominated strategy involving an extra cost of 7,400€, for no added benefit.

Conclusions:Adding a single course of HDC led to a clinical benefit in terms of disease-free survival for an additional cost that seems to be acceptable, considering the point estimate of the ratio. However, handling uncertainty indicates a maximum ratio for which conclusions have to be discussed.
Test–retest reliability of health utilities index scores: Evidence from hip fracture
Authors: Jones C. Allyson , Feeny David , Eng Ken
Published: April 2008

Objectives:There is relatively little evidence on the test–retest reliability of utility scores derived from multiattribute measures. The objective was to estimate test–retest reliability for Health Utilities Index Mark 2 (HUI2) and Mark 3 (HUI3) utility scores in patients recovering from hip fracture.

Methods:We enrolled an inception cohort of hip fracture patients within 3 to 5 days of surgery. Baseline assessments included the Functional Independence Measure (FIM™), Folstein Mini-Mental State Examinations, and the HUI2 and HUI3 questionnaire. Follow-up assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months also included a global change question. Test–retest reliability was assessed as agreement between 3- and 6-month scores using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Two approaches were used to classify patients as stable; a third approach based on the generalizability theory was also used. Patients were classified as stable if their FIM™ overall scores changed by 10 points or fewer and if they classified themselves as having experienced no or only a little change according to their global change question.

Results:Complete data at both the 3- and 6-month assessments based on self-report were available for 196 patients; 141 patients with complete data were classified as stable. The ICCs for HUI2 and HUI3 for stable patients were 0.71 and 0.72; the ICCs derived from the generalizability theory were 0.76 and 0.77.

Conclusions:Test–retest reliability for HUI in this cohort was similar to reliability estimates for other preference-based multiattribute and generic health-profile measures—in the acceptable range for making valid group-level comparisons.
TESTING HYPOTHESES ABOUT ABSOLUTE CONCENTRATION CURVES AND MARGINAL CONDITIONAL STOCHASTIC DOMINANCE
Authors: Schechtman Edna , Shelef Amit , Yitzhaki Shlomo , Zitikis Ričardas
Published: April 2008

We consider statistical tests concerning various relationships between two absolute concentration curves (ACCs). In particular, we consider tests for determining if the two ACCs coincide, if one is above another in a specified order, or if they do not intersect without specifying which one is above/below the other one. These problems are of interest in the context of marginal conditional stochastic dominance (MCSD). Constructing statistical tests for the MCSD relies on ideas and also on their modifications developed by Linton, Maasoumi, and Whang (2005, Review of Economic Studies 72, 735–765) in the context of stochastic dominance for distribution functions. Our theoretical considerations are supplemented with a simulation study.
Effect of different dosage and administration schedules of folic acid on blood folate levels in a population of Honduran women of reproductive age
Authors: Rosenthal J , Milla G , Flores A , Yon M , Pfeiffer C , Umaña E , Skerrette N , Barahona F ,   The Cooperative Folic Acid Research Group†
Published: April 2008

Background

Observational studies and clinical trials have shown conclusive evidence that periconceptional folic acid supplementation prevents up to 70 % of neural tube defects (NTD). The Honduran government wanted to implement a supplementation programme of folic acid but needed to assess the relative effects of two dosages of folic acid.

Objective

To determine the effect of two dosages of folic acid on blood folate levels in Honduran female factory workers aged 18 to 49 years.

Design

This was a randomized, double-blind control supplementation trial conducted in Choloma, Honduras. A total of 140 eligible women were randomly assigned to two dosage groups and followed up for 12 weeks. One group received a daily dosage of 1 mg folic acid and the other a once weekly dosage of 5 mg. Serum folate and red blood cell folate levels were determined by radioassay at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks.

Results

Serum folate levels increased from 6·3 (se 0·2) to 14·9 (se 0·6) ng/ml (P < 0·0001) in women assigned to the 1 mg/d group and from 6·9 (se 0·3) to 10·1 (se 0·4) ng/ml (P < 0·0001) in those assigned to the 5 mg/week group. Red blood cell folate concentrations also increased significantly in both groups, albeit more slowly. Educational level, age and BMI were not associated with the changes in serum and red blood cell folate levels during the supplementation period. However, a differential effect on serum folate levels by dosage group and time was observed.

Conclusions

Although both folate supplementation regimens increased serum and red blood cell folate levels significantly among the women studied, blood folate levels that are considered to be protective of NTD were reached faster with the daily dosage of 1 mg folic acid.
The role of mentoring in public health nutrition workforce development. Perspectives of advanced-level practitioners
Authors: Palermo Claire , McCall Louise
Published: April 2008

Objective

To explore the nature, role and utility of mentoring in the development of competence in advanced-level Australian public health nutritionists.

Design

Qualitative study using in-depth interviews.

Subjects and setting

Eighteen advanced-level public health nutritionists working in academic and practice settings in Australia.

Results

The attributes and career pathways of the subjects were consistent with previous findings. Dissatisfaction with clinical practice was a key reason for choosing a career in public health. Experiential learning, postgraduate education and mentoring from both peers and senior colleagues were the most significant contributors to competency development. The subjects supported mentoring as an important strategy for public health nutrition workforce development and articulated the characteristics and models important for mentoring relationships in public health nutrition.

Conclusions

The present study suggests mentoring was an important part of competency development for advanced-level public health and community nutritionists in Australia. Mentoring programmes based on experiential learning may assist in developing public health nutrition workforce competence.
A Five-Factor Theory Perspective on the Rorschach
Authors: Costa Paul T. , McCrae Robert R.
Published: April 2008

Many of the constructs the Rorschach is used to assess are related to personality traits included in the Five-Factor Model, but studies to date have not shown convergence between Rorschach and self-report measures of these traits. This poses a problem for the Rorschach, because recent research on the universality, stability, heritability, and consensual validity of traits demonstrate that self-report measures cannot be dismissed. In an effort to understand these issues, we examine the Rorschach from the perspective of Five-Factor Theory (FFT), a systems model of the person. FFT is compatible with the projective hypothesis, but would generally lead to the expectation that Rorschach signs and self-reports should be correlated. Where they are not, the validity of Rorschach measures of personality traits would need to be confirmed by demonstrations of their heritability, stability, and convergence with observer ratings. The Rorschach may be more useful when interpreted in the context of a global psychodynamic assessment. Clinicians who use the Rorschach should gather the data necessary to test its validity as a measure of personality traits and related constructs, and clinicians and researchers should consider the possible use of Rorschach responses in assessing dynamic processes.
Rorschach Characteristics in Adolescents with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Santoantonio J. , Yazigi L. , Sato E. I.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the personality characteristics in adolescents with SLE. The research design is a case-control study by means of the Rorschach Method and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale. Study group: 30 female adolescents with lupus, 12–17 years of age. The SLE Disease Activity Index was administered during the period of psychological evaluation. Control group: 32 nonpatient adolescents were matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic level. In the Wechsler Intelligence Scale the mean IQ of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group (77 and 98, respectively, p < .001). In the Rorschach, the lupus patients showed greater difficulty in interpersonal interactions, although they displayed the resources to process affect and to cope with stressful situations. A positive moderate correlation (p = .069) between the activity index of the disease and the affect constriction proportion of the Rorschach was observed: the higher the SLEDAI score, the lower the capacity to process affect. There is a negative correlation between the activity index of the disease and the IQ (p = .001): with a higher activity index of the disease, less intellectual resources are available.
Rebellion in the Top Music Charts
Authors: Knobloch-Westerwick Silvia , Musto Paige , Shaw Katherine
Published: April 2008

Abstract. In spite of great public concern about offensive messages in hip-hop/rap and rock, actual quantitative prevalence is rarely examined. This investigation analyzed 260 rap/hip-hop and rock songs from the top-charts of 1993 and 2003 for rebellious messages about impulsive and hostile behaviors. Results show that the majority of top songs contain rebellious messages. Songs with messages about impulsiveness are more common than those about hostility in the rap/hip-hop genre and have increased.
Positive Parasocial Relationships with Drivers Affect Suspense in Racing Sport Spectators
Authors: Hartmann Tilo , Stuke Daniela , Daschmann Gregor
Published: April 2008

Abstract. The present study examines determinants of suspense on viewers observing sports on television. As an explanatory framework, an integrated model is proposed, linking the concept of (positive and negative) parasocial relationships (PSR) to the concept of affective dispositions as used in the affective disposition theory of drama. In the context of the popular sport of “Formula 1” racing, the hypothesized causal structure of the formation of suspense was tested in an empirical survey study. A structural equation model was calculated. Results show a significant influence of positive forms of PSR toward a favorite driver, either mediated by viewers' hopes for a positive outcome or influenced directly by the experienced level of suspense. While negative forms of PSR toward a disliked driver affect viewers' hopes for a negative outcome, they do not add to the level of suspense.
Seasonal temperature dynamics of the upper ocean in the Southern California Bight
Authors: Gelpi Craig G. , Norris Karen E.
Published: April 2008

Long‐duration temperature measurements from a variety of sources, including island thermographs, CalCOFI cruise archives, NOAA buoys, and coastal piers are analyzed to determine the seasonal dynamics of the upper ocean (0–30 m) in the Southern California Bight. Dynamics in the Bight differ significantly from those found either to the north or south, with seasonal temperatures in the Bight having greater amplitude and peaking earlier in the year. The time of the seasonal peak varies with depth within the inner Bight such that the maximum temperature at 30 m occurs six weeks after the 5‐m maximum. In contrast, the water column outside the Bight changes temperature uniformly with depth. A simple diffusion equation is employed to model this change in the inner Bight and estimate the vertical eddy‐diffusion coefficient, determined to be 10−4 m2s−1. The CalCOFI data also indicate the seasonal dynamics vary with the phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation; during the cold phase there is a smaller seasonal amplitude and later time for maximum temperature.
Subpolar Mode Water in the northeastern Atlantic: 1. Averaged properties and mean circulation
Authors: Brambilla Elena , Talley Lynne D.
Published: April 2008

Subpolar Mode Waters (SPMW) in the eastern North Atlantic subpolar gyre are investigated with hydrographic and Lagrangian data (surface drifters and isopycnal floats). Historical hydrographic data show that SPMWs are surface water masses with nearly uniform properties, confined between the ocean surface and the permanent pycnocline. SPMWs represented by densities 27.3σθ, 27.4σθ, and 27.5σθ are present in the eastern subpolar gyre and are influenced by the topography and the regional circulation. Construction of an absolute surface stream function from surface drifters shows that SPMWs are found along the mean path of each of the several branches of the North Atlantic Current (NAC) and their density increases gradually downstream. The Rockall Trough branch of the NAC carries 27.3σθ, 27.4σθ, and 27.5σθ SPMW toward the Iceland‐Faroe Front. In the Iceland Basin, the Subarctic Front along the western flank of the Rockall Plateau carries a similar sequence of SPMW. The western side of the Central Iceland Basin branch of the NAC, on the other hand, veers westward and joins the East Reykjanes Ridge Current, feeding the 27.5σθ SPMW on the Reykjanes Ridge. The separation among the various NAC branches most likely explains the different properties that characterize the 27.5σθ SPMW found on the Reykjanes Ridge and on the Iceland‐Faroe Ridge. Since the branches of the NAC have a dominant northeastward direction, the newly observed distribution of SPMW combined with the new stream function calculation modify the original hypothesis of McCartney and Talley (1982) of a smooth cyclonic pathway for SPMW advection and density increase around the subpolar gyre.
U‐Th‐Pb dating of monazite by single‐collector ICP‐MS: Pitfalls and potential
Authors: Kohn Matthew J. , Vervoort Jeffery D.
Published: April 2008

Methods are presented for in situ determination of Pb/U, Pb/Th, and Pb/Pb ages in monazite by laser ablation, single‐collector, magnetic sector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Analytical precisions for individual spot analyses are ±2–3% for 206Pb/238U and 207Pb/235U, 4% for 208Pb/232Th, and 1–2% for 207Pb/206Pb (2σ, SD). For pooled analyses these precisions are ∼ ± 1–2% for 206Pb/238U, 207Pb/235U, and 208Pb/232Th and ≤1% for 207Pb/206Pb (2σ, SE). When normalized to Trebilcock, LA‐ICP‐MS ages on other monazite standards can deviate from their thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID‐TIMS) ages by up to 1% for 207Pb/206Pb and up to 5% for 206Pb/238U, 207Pb/235U, and 208Pb/232Th ages. This variability has also been observed for secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) Th‐Pb dating. The source(s) of these inaccuracies remains unknown. Although there are significant uncertainties inherent in this technique, U‐Th‐Pb monazite dating by LA‐ICP‐MS has important applications where this higher level of uncertainty is acceptable. Application to a large vein monazite from the Llallagua tin district of Bolivia suggests mineralization at 17–21 Ma, consistent with 21 Ma K‐Ar ages from wallrock minerals but distinct from ∼45 Ma ages from apatite (Sm/Nd) and zircon (Pb/Pb).
Effect of solar wind variation on low‐energy O+ populations in the magnetosphere during geomagnetic storms: FAST observations
Authors: Yao Y. , Seki K. , Miyoshi Y. , McFadden J. P. , Lund E. J. , Carlson C. W.
Published: April 2008

The relationship between solar wind conditions and variations in low‐energy (<28 keV) O+ ions during magnetic storms was investigated based on Fast Auroral Snapshot (FAST) observations. We selected four magnetic storms in 2000 using the following criteria: 1. the time profile of the Dst is simple (no multiple main phase), 2. the FAST orbit has a good coverage in the midnight and/or dusk side sector, and 3. middle‐latitude (ILAT > 45°) particle data are available. For each orbit in the course of the four magnetic storms, the simultaneous solar wind data are compiled and the effects of each solar wind parameter such as the dynamic pressure, the dawn‐dusk electric field, the velocity, and the density are investigated. The results indicate a strong correlation between the pressure and density of low‐energy O+ ions in the ring current region and the storm intensity, which is consistent with previous studies on high‐energy (>50 keV) O+ ions. The solar wind dynamic pressure also plays an important role in O+ pressure and density enhancement in the ring current and plasma sheet regions.
Spin‐down circulation of high‐latitude ion drag‐driven gyres
Authors: Walterscheid R. L. , Brinkman D. G.
Published: April 2008

We have used a model of thermospheric gyres with simplified geometry (azimuthally symmetric cylindrical coordinates) to study the spin‐down of high‐latitude gyres spun‐up into rapid motion by ion drag. Winds are spun‐up for an hour subject only to circumgyre ion‐drag forcing from strong radial electric fields with peak values of ±75 mV m−1 centered at a radial distance of 1500 km. The winds in the core of the jets approach 500 ms−1. After the forcing ceases the winds begin to diminish owing to viscous forces. Ekman forcing drives a strong divergent circulation in the radius‐height plane that continues for several hours after ion‐drag forcing has ceased. This radial circulation is opposite to the circulation driven by agradient forcing during spin‐up. The circulation is significantly stronger for cyclonic rather than anticyclonic gyres. This caused peak wind for the circumgyre flow to be different for cyclonic and anticyclonic gyres, but the difference is not too marked. However, the location of the maximum and the wind at fixed altitudes below the peak can be quite different. The jet in the cyclonic gyre peaks higher, and the gradients in the anticyclonic gyre below the jet core are much better maintained.
Pairs of solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling functions: Combining a merging term with a viscous term works best
Authors: Newell P. T. , Sotirelis T. , Liou K. , Rich F. J.
Published: April 2008

We investigated the behavior of 10 different characterizations of the magnetosphere, including traditional geomagnetic indices such as Kp and AE. We also used satellite based data such as global auroral power from Polar UVI, cusp latitude from DMSP, and magnetotail stretching from GOES. Multiyear data (typically a solar cycle) was studied at relatively high cadence (usually 1 h) to provide better statistical consistency. Simple two parameters best fits to a wide variety of candidate solar wind coupling functions were considered, with no hidden variables or adjustable parameters. Previously we showed that the best performing solar wind coupling functions all proved to be various estimators of the global merging rate, with the best results from dΦMP/dt = v4/3BT2/3sin8/3(θc/2). Here we investigate the best performing viscous candidates, and the best performing pairs of solar wind coupling functions, in predicting these same 10 characterizations of the magnetosphere. The top viscous functions all are closely related to the solar wind pressure, but n1/2v2 performs best, accounting for 22.3% of the variance, versus 14.7% for v and 12.5% for p. Altogether we considered 32 different candidate solar wind magnetosphere coupling functions, and all 496 unique pairs of functions. Because of the large number of function pairs, some statistical fluctuations are expected, and indeed observed, in predicting individual indices. Nonetheless, certain patterns emerged. The best performing overall pair (predicting 61.0% of variance across all indices) was dΦMP/dt coupled with n1/2v2, i.e., the best individual merging and best viscous terms make the best combination. All the top pairs consisted of one merging and one viscous term. Combining two distinct estimators of the merging rate always has less predictive power than combining a viscous and merging term. However, any merging term, such as Bs, vBs, or EKL, when coupled with almost any viscous term, such as v, p, n1/3v2, p1/2, etc, performs reasonably well, with the merging term invariably accounting for much the greater fraction of variance.
Annual cycle of the South Indian Ocean (Seychelles‐Chagos) thermocline ridge in a regional ocean model
Authors: Hermes J. C. , Reason C. J. C.
Published: April 2008

The presence of an upwelling “dome”‐like feature in the thermocline depth at 55°E–65°E, 5°S–12°S in the southwest tropical Indian Ocean (SWTIO) has been suggested in earlier work. However, the position, shape, and forcing mechanisms behind this upwelling region are not well understood. In this study, a regional ocean model is applied to the tropical South Indian Ocean. Experiments with monthly climatological winds from both Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) and the National Centers for Environmental Protection (NCEP) reanalyses are performed. An annual and semiannual signal is present in the depth of the model thermocline. The model results suggest that SWTIO upwelling is focused in the west during austral spring and summer and forms a zonally elongated ridge during austral autumn and winter, termed here the Seychelles‐Chagos thermocline ridge. Although the large‐scale wind stress curl plays a major role in maintaining this upwelling ridge, local divergence between the southeasterly trade winds and the monsoon westerlies are shown to impact this region, as well as remote forcing through the arrival of both upwelling and downwelling annual Rossby waves from the eastern Indian Ocean.
Mitigating the atmospheric CO2 increase and ocean acidification by adding limestone powder to upwelling regions
Authors: Harvey L. D. D.
Published: April 2008

The feasibility of enhancing the absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere by adding calcium carbonate (CaCO3) powder to the ocean and of partially reversing the acidification of the ocean and the decrease in calcite supersaturation resulting from the absorption of anthropogenic CO2 is investigated. CaCO3 could be added to the surface layer in regions where the depth of the boundary between supersaturated and unsaturated water is relatively shallow (250–500 m) and where the upwelling velocity is large (30–300 m a−1). The CaCO3 would dissolve within a few 100 m depth below the saturation horizon, and the dissolution products would enter the mixed layer within a few years to decades, facilitating further absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere. This absorption of CO2 would largely offset the increase in mixed layer pH and carbonate supersaturation resulting from the upwelling of dissolved limestone powder. However, if done on a large scale, the reduction in atmospheric CO2 due to absorption of CO2 by the ocean would reduce the amount of CO2 that needs to be absorbed by the mixed layer, thereby allowing a larger net increase in pH and in supersaturation in the regions receiving CaCO3. At the same time, the reduction in atmospheric pCO2 would cause outgassing of CO2 from ocean regions not subject to addition of CaCO3, thereby increasing the pH and supersaturation in these regions as well. Geographically optimal application of 4 billion t of CaCO3 a−1 (0.48 Gt C a−1) could induce absorption of atmospheric CO2 at a rate of 600 Mt CO2 a−1 after 50 years, 900 Mt CO2 a−1 after 100 years, and 1050 Mt CO2 a−1 after 200 years.
Regional and seasonal variations in aerosol optical characteristics and their frequency distributions over India during 2001–2005
Authors: Ramachandran S. , Cherian Ribu
Published: April 2008

Regional and temporal variations in aerosol characteristics in 35 locations spread over seven different regions in India are studied during 2001–2005 from the daily mean MODIS Terra aerosol optical depth (AOD) and fine mode fraction (FMF) data. Northeast India has the lowest annual mean AOD of 0.28 while south comes next with 0.35. In the other regions AODs are higher than 0.35. Annual mean variations in AOD and FMFs in different regions do not show any noticeable increase or decrease during the 5‐year period. High altitude locations are found to have lower AODs while densely populated, urban and industrialized locations have high AODs. Many locations show a winter low and summer high in AODs. Locations/regions dominated by pollution are found to have high FMF and high AODs, while regions in which natural (biogenic) aerosols are dominant had high FMF and range of AODs. The abundance of mechanically generated aerosols over a region results in low FMF and range of AODs. These features suggest that in addition to AOD variations knowledge on sources over a region are essential in understanding the FMF variations. Frequency distribution histograms of AODs and FMFs are consistent with the fact that aerosol sources exhibit seasonal and spatial variations over India. Dust activity peaks over north and west India during March‐May which results in low FMFs as the aerosol distributions are influenced by large size dust aerosols. In Northeast FMFs are found to be higher than 0.8 throughout the year indicating the dominance of fine mode aerosols.
Development of precipitation retrievals at millimeter and sub‐millimeter wavelengths for geostationary satellites
Authors: Defer E. , Prigent C. , Aires F. , Pardo J. R. , Walden C. J. , Zanifé O.‐Z. , Chaboureau J.‐P. , Pinty J.‐P.
Published: April 2008

We study the potential of millimeter and sub‐millimeter wavelengths for precipitation retrieval from geostationary sensors based on mesoscale cloud modeling and radiative transfer computation. Hydrometeor profiles simulated with the Meso‐NH cloud resolving model for five European midlatitude situations are used to compute the brightness temperatures at frequencies from 23.8 to 875 GHz with the Atmospheric Transmission at Microwaves (ATM). Performances of both rain detection and rain rate retrieval are analyzed for different frequency sets, over ocean and land separately, and compared to the user requirements. The performances of a frequency set such as that already planned for geostationary satellites (with channels in the O2 lines at 50, 118, and 424 GHz, and in the H2O lines at 183, 325, 380 GHz) satisfy the requirements for Numerical Weather Prediction and NoWCasting in terms of rain detection as well as for rain rate retrieval above 1 mm/h. Suppressing the 50 GHz O2 channels does not seriously degrade the performances, except for rain rate below 1 mm/h, and, in addition, limits the spatial resolution problem from a geostationary orbit. Adding the thermal infrared observations has a limited impact. The retrieval of other hydrometeor quantities (cloud, ice) is also tested as well as the possibility to retrieve rain and the other hydrometeor profiles. These theoretical results are evaluated at close‐to‐millimeter wavelengths with coincident AMSU‐B and radar observations (BALTEX and CAMRa). The results are degraded with respect to the theory, as expected, but are consistent with the observations.
Simulation of the evolution of aircraft exhaust plumes including detailed chemistry and segregation
Authors: Garmory A. , Britter R. E. , Mastorakos E.
Published: April 2008

The Field Monte Carlo or Stochastic Fields (SF) method for turbulent reacting flows has been applied to the chemical evolution of the early part of a hot jet with bypass flow producing 7kN of thrust, using a 23 species chemical mechanism. This is done to broadly approximate a turbofan engine at idle thrust setting. Much of the chemistry was found to take place inside the core of the jet before mixing occurs, as there is no reactant gradient there, considering segregation makes little difference. Radical concentrations, however, were found to be changed. The reaction between NO and ambient O3, which is slow compared to the fast mixing timescale of the turbulent jet, is unaffected by segregation. The local Damköhler number was calculated based on an estimate of the chemical timescale and the local large‐eddy timescale. It was found that only those species which had local Da greater than five were affected by segregation. In this work we have applied the SF method the early part of the plume, however the method developed here could equally be employed to study the plume over a longer distance.
Nonlinear interactions between gravity waves with different wavelengths and diurnal tide
Authors: Liu Xiao , Xu Jiyao , Liu Han‐Li , Ma Ruiping
Published: April 2008

By using a compressible nonlinear two‐dimensional gravity wave model, we simulate the nonlinear interactions between gravity waves (GWs) with three different vertical wavelengths and a meridional component of the diurnal tidal wind and temperature (30°N, September) calculated from GSWM‐00. We also compare the results with the simulation of GWs propagation in a background with zero wind. Consistent with the dispersion relation, the numerical experiments show that tidal wind reduces the vertical wavelengths of the GWs when it is in the same direction as the wave propagation, and thus increases the perturbative shear and the likelihood of instability and wave breaking, especially for waves with shorter vertical wavelengths. The breaking of GWs below the critical level can increase the amplitude of diurnal tidal wind due to the momentum deposition. Because the GW penetration height increases with vertical wavelength, the amplitude of diurnal tidal wave at higher altitudes is more likely to be affected by GWs with large vertical wavelengths. Therefore gravity wave breaking not only accelerates the mean winds, but also increases the amplitudes of the diurnal tide at various altitudes.
A laboratory investigation of light scattering from representative components of mineral dust aerosol at a wavelength of 550 nm
Authors: Curtis Daniel B. , Meland Brian , Aycibin Murat , Arnold Nathan P. , Grassian Vicki H. , Young Mark A. , Kleiber Paul D.
Published: April 2008

To test the applicability of Mie theory in climate models and remote sensing data retrievals, we have studied the scattering phase function and linear polarization of representative mineral dust aerosol components at a wavelength of 550 nm. The mineral components investigated include the silicate clays, kaolinite, illite, and montmorillonite, and non‐clay minerals, quartz, calcite, gypsum, and hematite, as well as Arizona road dust. In each case the aerosol size distribution was simultaneously monitored with an aerodynamic particle sizer. Particle diameters in this study fall in the accumulation mode size range characteristic of long‐range transport aerosols. Our results show significant discrepancies between the experimental and Mie theory phase functions. The model shortcomings are due to particle shape effects for these non‐spherical mineral dust particles. We find intriguing differences in the scattering between the silicate clay and non‐clay components of mineral dust aerosol in this size range. For the non‐clay minerals the most significant errors are found at large scattering angles where Mie theory substantially overestimates the backscattering signal. For the silicate clay minerals, there is more variability in the comparison to Mie theory. These findings have important consequences for the radiative forcing component of global climate models and remote sensing measurements that rely on Mie theory to characterize atmospheric dust. We also present experimentally based synthetic phase functions at 550 nm, for both silicate clay and non‐clay mineral dust aerosols in the size parameter range X = 2–5, which may be useful for empirical models of the scattering due to particles in the accumulation mode size range.
Frequent sexual reproduction and high intraspecific variation in Salix arctica: Implications for a terrestrial feedback to climate change in the High Arctic
Authors: Steltzer Heidi , Hufbauer Ruth A. , Welker Jeffery M. , Casalis Maxime , Sullivan Patrick F. , Chimner Rodney
Published: April 2008

Genetic variation at molecular loci may underlie important variation in the phenotypes of arctic plants. Such intraspecific variation may be a neglected but important component of biological diversity in the Arctic that could impact how arctic ecosystems respond to climate change. Here, we characterized genetic and phenotypic variation in Salix arctica and evaluated the effect of S. arctica on ecosystem CO2 exchange, a process by which terrestrial ecosystems in the Arctic feedback to the global climate system. We found high genetic variation at microsatellite loci of S. arctica collected from an inland and a coastal site in Greenland that indicates sexual reproduction has occurred frequently as the ice sheet has retreated. Across the North American range of S. arctica, ten chloroplast DNA haplotypes were identified. Haplotype diversity and allelic richness were high overall and similar across regions with different glacial histories. Phenotypic variation in ecologically important traits varied substantially in a High Arctic population of S. arctica. In a widespread High Arctic ecosystem, a net loss of CO2 to the atmosphere was observed except where S. arctica was present. We suggest that high genetic variation in S. arctica is in part a result of frequent sexual reproduction, and that the phenotypic variation we observed is likely to be at least partially genetic‐based. This would enable a productive High Arctic species to adapt and potentially prosper as climate changes, and thus affect the terrestrial feedback of the Arctic to the climate system.
Ecosystem‐scale carbon isotope ratio of respired CO2 in cool‐temperate deciduous forests under Asian monsoon climate
Authors: Uchida Masao , Kondo Miyuki , Nojiri Yukihiro , Mukai Hitoshi , Murayama Shohei , Machida Toshinobu , Koizumi Hiroshi , Ogura Norio , Ambe Yoshinari
Published: April 2008

The carbon isotopic ratio for ecosystem respiration (δ13CR) is an important parameter in isotopic mass balance models for the global carbon budget. Recent studies in North American and European temperate forests showed that δ13CR was controlled by stomatal regulation of gas exchange and associated changes in photosynthetic carbon isotope discrimination. In this model, δ13CR depends on the vapor pressure deficit (vpd) and precipitation (i.e., plant water availability). We investigated the monthly and annual variation in δ13CR and its controlling factors in two cool‐temperate deciduous forests in the monsoon climate area of Japan. The Keeling plot approach was used to evaluate variation in δ13CR. Overall, δ13CR varied from −24.1‰ to −29.7‰ and was most negative in late summer and autumn. The amplitude of the variation was 2.0‰ to 2.2‰ within a forest. In 1996, which had unusually little precipitation (63% of normal precipitation), δ13CR was correlated with vpd measured 7 d before sampling and monthly precipitation, consistent with predictions based on the stomatal regulation model. In contrast, δ13CR in 1995 was insensitive to vpd and precipitation, but was significantly correlated with air temperature, suggesting temperature control associated with variabilities in the decomposition of labile and recalcitrant pools of soil carbon and in the availability of recent photosynthate‐derived carbon for respiration. Variation in heterotrophic respiration rather than photosynthetic discrimination appeared to be the dominant factor governing δ13CR in our forests at near‐normal levels of precipitation. The results of our study can be used to better constrain future model estimates using δ13CR and ecosystem‐level discrimination in a temperate forest in the Asian monsoon region.
Refractive scattering evidence from multifrequency scintillation spectra observed at auroral latitudes
Authors: Forte B.
Published: April 2008

During October 2003 major geomagnetic storm, intensity scintillations on radio signals at 150 MHz and 400 MHz transmitted coherently from Tsykada beacon satellites have been observed. Through the analysis of intensity fluctuation spectra, evidence of refractive scattering from large scale ionospheric irregularities in the spatial plasma density distribution is found. The events can indeed be explained by using the refractive scattering theory developed by Booker and MajidiAhi (1981). The presence of refractive scattering is particularly evident in strong scintillation events, where spectral saturation may well occur. The observed intensity spectra fit the shape of theoretical predictions of the refractive theory. This provides useful insights about spectral slope, Fresnel scale, and the scale of irregularities producing the observed intensity scintillations actually present in the ionosphere.
Role of water vapor feedback on the amplitude of season cycle in the global mean surface air temperature
Authors: Wu Qigang , Karoly David J. , North Gerald R.
Published: April 2008

We have analyzed the seasonal variations of global mean surface air temperature (SAT) and surface energy budgets of 17 AR4 models. Considerable differences in the amplitude of seasonal cycle (A) in the global mean SAT in the pre‐industrial control simulations among the models have been traced, to a large degree, to differences in their simulated clear‐sky downward longwave radiation (LW↓) and latent heat flux (LH). We suggest that water vapor feedback process influence the seasonal changes of SAT through its roles on the seasonal variations of LW↓ and LH. This implies that the simulated seasonal change of global mean SAT might contain a clue about the sensitivity of water vapor feedback and the A of in SAT thus provides some constraint on climate sensitivity since both are subject to the same feedback process.
Global identification of warm cloud microphysical processes with combined use of A‐Train observations
Authors: Suzuki Kentaroh , Stephens Graeme L.
Published: April 2008

The layer‐mean radar reflectivity e observed by CloudSat and the columnar effective particle radius Re obtained from a combined microwave‐shortwave analysis are combined to investigate the joint relationships between e and Re for warm clouds. Global statistics for seasonally averaged data reveals that radar reflectivities e less than about −10 dBZ tend to relate to the effective radius via a sixth‐power dependency, corresponding to a constant number concentration implying that the condensation particle growth process mainly takes place within the cloud layer for e < −10 dBZ. For e > −10 dBZ, e depends on Re through a cubic relation, corresponding to a constant mass concentration implying coagulation as the dominant particle growth process. These microphysical regimes so identified are shown to be consistent with CloudSat‐inferred rainfall rate.
Thermal Carbon Dioxide Splitting: A Summary of the Peer-Reviewed Scientific Literature
Authors: Rayne Sierra
Published: April 2008

Increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO~2~) in the atmosphere have stimulated significant global research and development efforts regarding the reduction in CO~2~ emissions from all point and non-point sources. In addition to technologies that do not use carbon feedstocks or which capture and "permanently" store CO~2~ (i.e., sequestration), there is considerable worldwide interest among the academic, industrial, and government communities regarding methods for dissociating waste stream carbon dioxide molecules into their constituent carbon and oxygen ("CO~2~ splitting") atoms as a final "end-of-pipe" treatment option. The splitting of carbon dioxide has also been actively discussed and researched in the space exploration and extraterrestrial colonization programs for several decades. This document summarizes the peer-reviewed open source scientific literature regarding thermal methods for carbon dioxide splitting.
Growth-dependent repression of human adenine nucleotide translocator-2 (ANT2) transcription: evidence for the participation of Smad and Sp family proteins in the NF1-dependent repressor complex
Authors: Luciakova Katarina , Kollarovic Gabriel , Barath Peter , Nelson B. Dean
Published: April 2008

NF1 (nuclear factor 1) binds to two upstream elements of the human ANT2 (adenine nucleotide translocator-2) promoter and actively represses expression of the gene in growth-arrested diploid skin fibroblasts [Luciakova, Barath, Poliakova, Persson and Nelson (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 30624–30633]. ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation) and co-immunoprecipitation analyses of nuclear extracts from growth-arrested and growth-activated diploid cells demonstrate that NF1, when acting as a repressor, is part of a multimeric complex that also includes Smad and Sp-family proteins. This complex appears to be anchored to both the upstream NF1-repressor elements and the proximal promoter, Sp1-dependent activation elements in growth-arrested cells. In growth-activated cells, the repressor complex dissociates and NF1 leaves the promoter. As revealed by co-immunoprecipitation experiments, NF1–Smad4–Sp3 complexes are present in nuclear extracts only from growth-inhibited cells, suggesting that the growth-state-dependent formation of these complexes is not an ANT2 promoter-specific event. Consistent with the role of Smad proteins in the repression complex, TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) can fully repress ANT2 transcription in normally growing fibroblasts. Finally, pull-down experiments of in vitro transcribed/translated NF1 isoforms by GST (glutathione transferase)–Smad and GST–Smad MH fusion proteins indicate direct physical interactions between members of the two families. These findings suggest a possible functional relationship between the NF1 and Smad proteins that has not been previously observed.