bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
United States trials of conservative surgery
Authors: Fisher Bernard
Published: April 2005

From August 1971 to August 1974, almost 1700 patients with clinically curable breast cancer in 34 institutions in the United States and Canada were entered into the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast Project (NSABP) trial comparing the results of total (simple) mastectomy with those of radical mastectomy. Patients with clinically negative axillary nodes in the total mastectomy group were further randomized to receive postoperative regional radiotherapy or no radiotherapy, but the latter patients underwent an axillary dissection if clinically positive axillary nodes developed after operation. Patients with clinically positive axillary nodes in the total mastectomy group automatically received postoperative regional radiotherapy. After a follow‐up period of 2 to 5 years, there are no significant differences in the results of the various types of treatment in either the groups of patients with clinically negative axillary nodes or those with clinically positive axillary nodes.

In June 1976 the NSABP initiated a new study comparing total mastectomy plus axillary dissection, segmental mastectomy plus axillary dissection, and segmental mastectomy plus axillary dissection plus postoperative radiation of the involved breast. All patients with histologically positive axillary nodes receive adjuvant chemotherapy. In the two segmental mastectomy groups, subsequent appearance of cancer in the involved breast is treated by total mastectomy.
The role of topically applied dexamethasone in preventing peritoneal adhesions: Experimental and clinical studies
Authors: Shikata Jun‐ichi , Yamaoka Ikuo
Published: April 2005

In an experimental study, the serosa of the ileum of rats was injured with silver nitrate, and the effect of topical application of a dexamethasone solution on subsequent formation of intraperitoneal adhesions was compared to the effect of saline irrigation (controls). There was a highly significant difference (p<0.01) in the incidence and grade of adhesions observed 1 and 4 weeks postoperatively between the control and dexamethasone‐treated rats. Furthermore, adhesive intestinal strictures were observed in the control rats, but not in the animals that received dexamethasone. Administration of dexamethasone at the time of laparotomy and again 1 week postoperatively was most effective in preventing adhesions.

In a clinical trial, topical application of dexamethasone at the time of laparotomy for recurrent adhesive intestinal obstruction in 34 patients was associated with a 9% incidence of further recurrence of adhesive obstruction over a 1–6 year follow‐up period, compared to a 31% incidence of recurrent obstruction in 13 similar patients who received only saline irrigation. Intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone at the time of laparotomy and for the first 2 days postoperatively in 5 patients was followed by no recurrence of obstruction.
Selection of patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease for arterial surgery
Authors: Fields William S.
Published: April 2005

The selection of patients with transient ischemic symptoms or stroke for arterial surgery should be based on an understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the clinical manifestations. A thorough clinical evaluation of the neurologic and vascular status by history and physical examination is essential. Noninvasive methods for detecting alterations in cerebral or ophthalmic arterial blood pressure and flow are useful in screening patients for arteriography. However, complete and detailed angiography is an absolute requisite prior to surgery to delineate the exact location, extent, and morphologic characteristics of any lesions that may be present. The aim of extracranial vascular surgery is the prevention of irreversible neurologic deficit or, in some patients, the extension of an already existing deficit. Extracranial vascular surgery should be done only by surgeons who have demonstrated that they can achieve an acceptably low level of mortality and severe morbidity (overall less than 1%). This is particularly imperative since the most suitable candidates are individuals who are neurologically intact or neurologically stable at the time of surgery.
Role of gastric mucosal pepsin in the pathogenesis of acute stress ulceration
Authors: Nagamachi Yukio , Nakamura Takuji
Published: April 2005

Measurements of acid and pepsin in gastric juice and the pepsin concentration in the fundic mucosa were performed in 4 patients who underwent partial gastrectomy for bleeding from acute gastric mucosal erosions (“stress ulcers”) and in 30 patients who underwent partial gastrectomy for chronic gastric or duodenal ulcers. The most striking finding was a significantly higher level of fundic mucosal pepsin in the patients with acute gastric erosions than the chronic ulcer patients. This finding was associated with a significantly lower concentration of pepsin in gastric juice, a low level of acid secretion, and the expected high plasma level of corticosteroids associated with stress. As a result, the ratio of gastric mucosal pepsin to gastric juice pepsin was significantly higher in patients with acute gastric erosions than in those with chronic ulcers. It is possible that a rapid increase in endogenous corticosteroid levels induces an increase in intracellular pepsin in the fundic mucosa, and that this sequence of events plays a role in the pathogenesis of stress ulcer.
The treatment of hyperthyroidism
Authors: Crile George
Published: April 2005

Whenever there are alternative methods of treatment, one surgical and the other nonsurgical, and when each method is equally effective, the nonsurgical method invariably prevails. Patients dislike surgery and so do the internists whom they first consult. There seems to be no question that thyroidectomy for Graves' disease and its complications of vocal cord paralysis, tetany, hypothyroidism, recurrent hyperthyroidism, unsightly scar, and accidental death will soon be things of the past.131I involves no risk, and the only side effect or complication is preventable hypothyroidism. If the facts of the case were explained to the patients, none of them would choose thyroidectomy over treatment with131I. It is the responsibility of the physician to tell the patient the facts.
Influence of the abdominal vagi and gastric antrum on humoral control of gastric acid secretion
Authors: Watanabe Hideo , Kinoshita Mahito , Kondo Toshihiko , Konishi Masatoshi , Miyamoto Hideyuki , Kano Yoshiaki , Kushida Toshiaki , Komi Nobuhiko
Published: April 2005

The influence of the abdominal vagi (especially the gastric antral branch), the antrum, and the duodenum on humoral control of gastric acid secretion was studied in 9 dogs with Heidenhain pouches (HP). The dogs were divided into 2 groups and subjected to the following sequential operations:

Group I: (6 dogs) The first operation was section of the antral branch of the vagus nerve. The second operation was antrectomy with Billroth I gastroduodenostomy. The third operation was transthoracic truncal vagotomy.

Group II: (3 dogs) The first operation was antrectomy and Billroth II gastrojejunostomy and the second operation was transthoracic truncal vagotomy. During the control period when the dogs had only an HP, pouch acid secretion and serum gastrin level increased after feeding. After antral vagotomy, both pouch secretion and the serum gastrin level after feeding were significantly lower. The second operation of antrectomy with Billroth I gastroduodenostomy in Group I resulted in a further significant decrease in both pouch acid secretion and serum gastrin level. Similar decreases occurred after the first operation of antrectomy with Billroth II gastrojejunostomy in Group II. In both groups, after the final operation of transthoracic truncal vagotomy, pouch acid secretion tended to increase, while the serum gastrin level increased slightly in Group I but not in Group II. It is concluded that vagal innervation of the antrum plays a role in gastrin release and gastric acid secretion.
Plasma glucagon in acute and chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Buch Annette , Holst Jens , Schmidt Arne , Buch Jan
Published: April 2005

The increased use of glucagon in the treatment of acute pancreatitis led us to study plasma glucagon in 26 patients with acute pancreatitis and 33 patients with chronic pancreatitis. In all patients simultaneous measurements of plasma glucagon, serum amylase, and serum calcium were performed. In acute pancreatitis there was a tendency toward elevated plasma glucagon and low serum calcium levels, but there was no significant correlation between the concentrations of plasma glucagon, serum calcium, and serum amylase. The plasma glucagon concentrations were found to be low in only 2% of the measurements during the first week of the acute attack. These findings do not support the use of glucagon in the treatment of pancreatitis.
Prevention and treatment of recurrent bile duct stones by choledochoduodenostomy
Authors: Johnson Alan G. , Rains Anthony J. Harding
Published: April 2005

Choledochoduodenostomy is a procedure to be used as an option in certain circumstances and the decision often has to be made at the time of operation. The 2 essential criteria are a dilated common bile duct and an obstruction at its lower end. It may be used at a first operation to prevent recurrent stones if there is clear evidence of a primary duct problem, or at a second operation for recurrent stones when the existence of a duct problem is usually more certain. There are some situations in which choledochoduodenostomy is a genuine alternative to sphincteroplasty. We favor choledochoduodenostomy in obese patients, if there is difficult access to the sphincter, if there is a long stricture as in chronic pancreatitis, when there is suppurative cholangitis, or when the duct is already being explored from above. There is a variety of operative techniques using continuous or interrupted sutures, but it is inadvisable to put nonabsorbable sutures into the lumen of the bile duct. The incision in the duodenum can be longitudinal or transverse, but the duodenum must be rolled up on to the bile duct without tension. The only diet restriction after operation involves avoidance of indigestible particles such as tomato and apple skins and grape pips which may become lodged in the distal bile duct. In the worldwide experience with follow‐up periods of up to 20 years, “ascending” cholangitis has been very rare (about 1%) when the operation was performed correctly with an initial stoma size of at least 2.5 cm.
Extremity replantation
Authors: Chung‐Wei Chen , Yun‐Qing Qian , Zhong‐Jia Yu. ,   The Research Laboratory for Replantation of Severed Limbs
Published: April 2005

From January, 1963 to June, 1976, replantation of severed limbs and digits was performed in 438 patients at the Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital. The survival rate of replanted limbs was 83.2%, and 57.5% for replanted digits. Since 1973, the survival rate of replanted digits using microsurgery has been 92.3%. There were no postoperative deaths and few systemic complications. Local complications were responsible for failure of the replantation in 122 patients. Follow‐up for more than 1 year of 214 patients showed only 3.9% with little or no functional recovery, despite survival of the replanted limb, while 34.1% were able to resume their original work with complete or nearly complete recovery of sensation. Replantation has been used successfully in severed extremities that experienced up to 36 hours of ischemia, in transpositional replantation of multiple severed digits, and with resection of the tumorbearing segment of a malignant upper extremity. In order to improve the rate of success, we believe that popularization of the replantation technique is most important.
Effect of fat on meal‐stimulated gastric and pancreatic secretion
Authors: Llanos Osvaldo L. , Swierczek Janusz S. , Miller Thomas A. , Said Sami I. , Rayford Phillip L. , Thompson James C.
Published: April 2005

In 5 dogs with chronic gastric and pancreatic fistulas, gastric secretion was continuously stimulated with a 10% liver extract meal, kept at a constant pH 7 by intragastric titration. After the first hour of stimulation, intraduodenal sodium oleate was infused in graded doses. Gastric acid and pancreatic secretion (volume, bicarbonate and protein) were measured. Plasma gastrin, secretin, VIP, and GIP were determined by radioimmunoassay. The liver extract meal evoked a gastric acid output of 12±1.4 mEq/30 min and a rise in plasma gastrin from 90 ± 20 to 250±50 pg/ml. Sodium oleate produced inhibition of acid secretion by 40% and 70% at doses of 8 and 16 mmol/hr, respectively. Sodium oleate produced a dose‐dependent increase in volume of pancreatic juice, bicarbonate and protein output. Meal‐stimulated plasma gastrin levels were not affected by sodium oleate. Plasma secretin and VIP levels remained unchanged during the infusion of sodium oleate. GIP was released by liver extract meal and, in addition, in a dose‐related fashion by graded doses of sodium oleate. It is concluded that VIP and secretin are not released by fat and they are not involved in the inhibition of gastric secretion. GIP may be one of the mediators in the inhibition of gastric acid secretion by fat. The inhibition of acid secretion by fat is not mediated by suppression of gastrin release.
Arterial epigastricocavernous anastomosis for the treatment of sexual impotence
Authors: Michal Václav , Kramář Rudolf , Pospíchal Jan , Hejhal Libor
Published: April 2005

Previous histologic and phalloarteriographic studies that we have performed suggest that stenoses and occlusions of the arteries supplying the penis play a very important role in the etiology of sexual impotence in many patients. This report describes the results of direct arterial anastomosis to the cavernous bodies of the penis, using the inferior epigastric artery and microsurgical technique, in 21 impotent males ranging in age from 40 to 63 years. The objective of the operation was to increase basal penile blood flow to a level, determined by preoperative studies, just below that necessary to maintain an effective erection. A limited capacity to increase blood flow in response to an erotic stimulus could then suffice to produce an erection. The anastomosis became occluded in 6 patients, and the complication of priapism developed in 3. The bypass remained patent in 13 patients, 11 of whom experienced improved erection. Nine patients resumed normal sexual activity that, prior to operation, was impossible.
Exceptional performance in heart preservation with an amino acid—Containing perfusion fluid
Authors: Păuşescu Exacustodian , Mendler Nikolaus , Gebhardt Klaus , Sebening Fritz
Published: April 2005

This is a report of a study aimed at putting into practice a new theory for hypothermic preservation of viable organs. A perfusion fluid elaborated according to this theory was applied in preservation of the heart, and resulted in storage of the heart for up to 72 hours with preservation of its functions (rhythm, presystolic ventricular pressure, systolic ventricular pressure, cardiac work, coronary blood pressure, sensitivity to drugs) and its morphology. An important finding was that repeated heart storage for 24 hours alternating with functional testing for 5–7 hours could be performed without irreversible alterations of cardiac function and fine structure. Furthermore, during functional testing following storage the hearts consistently demonstrated improvement of function in time, suggesting that the preserved myocardial tissues were able to rapidly achieve metabolic reequilibration. The results of this study provide the possibility of developing a system for efficient ex vivo heart conditioning before transplantation.
HAPEX-Sahel: a large-scale study of land-atmosphere interactions in the semi-arid tropics
Authors: Goutorbe J.-P. , Lebel T. , Tinga A. , Bessemoulin P. , Brouwer J. , Dolman A. J. , Engman E. T. , Gash J. H. C. , Hoepffner M. , Kabat P. , Kerr Y. H. , Monteny B. , Prince S. , Said F. , Sellers P. , Wallace J. S.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. The Hydrologic Atmospheric Pilot EXperiment in the Sahel (HAPEX-Sahel) was carried out in Niger, West Africa, during 1991 - 1992, with an intensive observation period (IOP) in August - October 1992. It aims at improving the parameterization of land surface atmosphere interactions at the Global Circulation Model (GCM) gridbox scale. The experiment combines remote sensing and ground based measurements with hydrological and meteorological modelling to develop aggregation techniques for use in large scale estimates of the hydrological and meteorological behaviour of large areas in the Sahel. The experimental strategy consisted of a period of intensive measurements during the transition period of the rainy to the dry season, backed up by a series of long term measurements in a 1° by 1° square in Niger. Three "supersites" were instrumented with a variety of hydrological and (micro) meteorological equipment to provide detailed information on the surface energy exchange at the local scale. Boundary layer measurements and aircraft measurements were used to provide information at scales of 100 - 500 km2. All relevant remote sensing images were obtained for this period. This programme of measurements is now being analyzed and an extensive modelling programme is under way to aggregate the information at all scales up to the GCM grid box scale. The experimental strategy and some preliminary results of the IOP are described.
Southern hemisphere low level wind circulation statisticsfrom the Seasat scatterometer
Authors: Levy Gad
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Analyses of remotely sensed low-level wind vector data over the Southern Ocean are performed. Five-day averages and monthly means are created and the month-to-month variability during the winter (July-September) of 1978 is investigated. The remotely sensed winds are compared to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (ABM) and the National Meteorological Center (NMC) surface analyses. In southern latitudes the remotely sensed winds are stronger than what the weather services' analyses suggest, indicating underestimation by ABM and NMC in these regions. The evolution of the low-level jet and the major stormtracks during the season are studied and different flow regimes are identified. The large-scale variability of the meridional flow is studied with the aid of empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. The dominance of quasi-stationary wave numbers 3, 4, and 5 in the winter flow is evident in both the EOF analysis and the mean flow. The signature of an exceptionally strong blocking situation is evident in July and the special conditions leading to it are discussed. A very large intraseasonal variability with different flow regimes at different months is documented.
The solar causes of major geomagnetic storms
Authors: Bravo S. , Rivera A. L.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. In this paper we reanalyse the set of ten major geomagnetic storms which occurred between August 1978 and December 1979. We relate them to the characteristics of the solar wind disturbances which caused them and the solar sources of such disturbances as tracked by means of interplanetary scintillation. It seems to us that the shock causing the sudden commencement and the plasma behind it with an important long-lasting Bz south component (Bz.
Solar wind contribution to the average population of energetic He+ and He++ ions in the Earth's magnetosphere
Authors: Kremser G. , Rasinkangas R. , Tanskanen P. , Wilken B. , Gloeckler G.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Measurements with the ion charge-energy-mass spectrometer CHEM on the AMPTE/CCE spacecraft were used to investigate the origin of energetic He+ and He++ ions observed in the equatorial plane at 3 ≤ L ≤ 9. Special emphasis was laid on the dependence of long-term average distributions on magnetic local time (MLT) and the geomagnetic activity index Kp. The observations are described in terms of the phase space densities f1 (for He+) and f2 (for He++). They confirm preliminary results from a previous study: f1 is independent of MLT, whereas f2 is much larger on the nightside than on the dayside. They show, furthermore, that f1 increases slightly with Kp on intermediate drift shells, but decreases on high drift shells (L ≥ 7). f2 increases with Kp on all drift shells outside the premidnight sector. Within this sector a decrease is observed on high drift shells. A simple ion tracing code was developed to determine how and from where the ions move into the region of observations. It provides ion trajectories as a function of the ion charge, the magnetic moment and Kp. The ion tracing enables a distinction between regions of closed drift orbits (ring current) and open convection trajectories (plasma sheet). It also indicates how the outer part of the observation region is connected to different parts of the more distant plasma sheet. Observations and tracing show that He++ ions are effectively transported from the plasma sheet on convection trajectories. Their distribution in the observation region corresponds to the distribution of solar wind ions in the plasma sheet. Thus, energetic He++ ions most likely originate in the solar wind. On the other hand, the plasma sheet is not an important source of energetic He+ ions. Convection trajectories more likely constitute a sink for He+ ions, which may diffuse onto them from closed drift orbits and then get lost through the magnetopause. An ionospheric origin of energetic He+ ions is unlikely as well, since the source mechanism should be almost independent of Kp. There is considerable doubt, however, that a plausible mechanism also exists during quiet periods that can accelerate ions to ring current energies, while extracting them from the ionosphere. It is concluded, therefore, that energetic He+ ions are mainly produced by charge exchange processes from He++ ions. This means that most of the energetic He+ ions constituting the average distributions also very likely originate in the solar wind. Additional ionospheric contributions are possible during disturbed periods.
The equatorial ionospheric anomaly in electron content from solar minimum to solar maximum for South East Asia
Authors: Walker G. O. , Ma J. H. K. , Golton E.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Median hourly, electron content-latitude profiles obtained in South East Asia under solar minimum and maximum conditions have been used to establish seasonal and solar differences in the diurnal variations of the ionospheric equatorial anomaly (EIA). The seasonal changes have been mainly accounted for from a consideration of the daytime meridional wind, affecting the EIA diffusion of ionization from the magnetic equator down the magnetic field lines towards the crests. Depending upon the seasonal location of the subsolar point in relation to the magnetic equator diffusion rates were increased or decreased. This led to crest asymmetries at the solstices with (1) the winter crest enhanced in the morning (increased diffusion rate) and (2) the same crest decaying most rapidly in the late afternoon (faster recombination rate at lower ionospheric levels). Such asymmetries were also observed, to a lesser extent, at the equinoxes since the magnetic equator (located at about 9°N lat) does not coincide with the geographic equator. Another factor affecting the magnitude of a particular electron content crest was the proximity of the subsolar point, since this increased the local ionization production rate. Enhancements of the EIA took place around sunset, mainly during the equinoxes and more frequently at solar maximum, and also there was evidence of apparent EIA crest resurgences around 0300 LST for all seasons at solar maximum. The latter are thought to be associated with the commonly observed, post-midnight, ionization enhancements at midlatitudes, ionization being transported to low latitudes by an equatorward wind. The ratio increases in crest peak electron contents from solar minimum to maximum of 2.7 at the equinoxes, 2.0 at the northern summer solstice and 1.7 at northern winter solstice can be explained, only partly, by increases in the magnitude of the eastward electric field E overhead the magnetic equator affecting the [E×B] vertical drifts. The most important factor is the corresponding increase in ionization production rate due to the increase in solar radiation flux. The EIA crest asymmetries observed at solar maximum were less significant, and this is probably due to the corresponding increase in ionization densities leading to an increase of the retarding effect of ion-drag on the daytime meridional winds.
A note on the Klein-Gordon equation and its solutions with applications to certain boundary value problems involving waves in plasma and in the atmosphere
Authors: Robinson T. R.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Certain algebraic solutions of the Klein-Gordon equation which involve Bessel functions are examined. It is demonstrated that these functions constitute an infinite series, each term of which is the solution of a boundary value problem involving a combination of source functions which comprise delta functions and their derivatives to infinite order. In addition, solutions to the homogeneous equation are constructed which comprise a continuous spectrum over non-integer order. These solutions are discussed in the context of wave propagation in isotropic cold plasma and the atmosphere.
The simulation of the transport of aircraft emissions by a three-dimensional global model
Authors: Velders G. J. M. , Heijboer L. C. , Kelder H.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. A three-dimensional off-line tracer transport model coupled to the ECMWF analyses has been used to study the transport of trace gases in the atmosphere. The model gives a reasonable description of their general transport in the atmosphere. The simulation of the transport of aircraft emissions (as NOx) has been studied as well as the transport of passive tracers injected at different altitudes in the North Atlantic flight corridor. A large zonal variation in the NOx concentrations as well as large seasonal and yearly variations was found. The altitude of the flight corridor influences the amount of tracers transported into the troposphere and stratosphere to a great extent.
Evaluation of infrared emission spectra of aircraft exhaust with the FitFas software
Authors: Lindermeir E.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. A Fourier transform spectrometer was used to measure infrared spectra of the exhaust gas of an aircraft's jet engine. The measured spectra were modelled by use of the program FASCODE. For this simulation, the inhomogeneous gas mixture is divided into several homogenous layers which are characterized by their geometrical extents, temperatures, pressures and chemical compositions. To obtain values for the temperatures and the CO, NO, H2O and CO2 concentrations of the layers a nonlinear least-squares algorithm was implemented. The program (FITFAS) not only changes the parameters to find the minimum of the squared differences between measurement and calculation; it also provides the variances and covariances of the parameters. Thus information is obtained to which parameters (besides the interesting ones) must be fitted (or be accurately known). It also tells us whether or not another spectral interval is more suitable for the determination of a specific parameter.
Temperature variability over the tropical middle atmosphere
Authors: Mohanakumar K.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. A study on the variability of temperature in the tropical middle atmosphere over Thumba (8 32' N, 76 52' E), located at the southern part of India, has been carried out based on rocket observations for a period of 20 years, extending from 1970 to 1990. The rocketsonde-derived mean temperatures over Thumba are corrected prior to 1978 and then compared with the middle atmospheric reference model developed from satellite observations and Solar Mesosphere Explorer (SME) satellite data. Temperature variability at every 1 km interval in the 25-75 km region was analysed. The tropical stratosphere is found to be highly stable, whereas considerable variability is noted in the middle mesosphere. The effect of seasonal cycle is least in the lower stratosphere. Annual and semi-annual oscillations in temperature are the primary oscillations in the tropical middle atmosphere. Annual temperature oscillations are dominant in the mesosphere and semi-annual oscillations are strong in the stratosphere. The stratopause region is noted to be the part of the middle atmosphere least sensitive to the changes in solar activity and long-term variability.
On the use of wind profilers in meteorology
Authors: Monna W. A. A.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. As an introduction to this special issue of Annales Geophysicae a review is given of the applicability and performance of wind profilers. In meteorology, wind profilers play an increasingly important role. They can provide upper-wind measurements with an accuracy comparable to radiosonde data, but with a significantly higher temporal resolution. Height coverage and vertical resolution depend on the operating frequency, which, depending on the application, is usually chosen to be around 50, 400 or 1000 MHz. Measurements from stand-alone profilers in sparse data areas as well as data from wind profiler networks - which have increased the spatial resolution of an existing radiosonde network - have shown a positive impact on numerical weather forecasting. Information from nearby profilers can help the individual meterologist to optimize local short-term weather forecasts. In atmospheric research, wind profilers have been used for various boundary layer studies. In several mesoscale monitoring experiments wind profilers have played an important role. In Europe the development and implementation of wind profiler networks have been supported since 1987 by the CEC-sponsored COST-74 project. A follow-up project will probably start in 1994. Several topics deserve attention. A further assessment of the quality of wind profiler measurements is important. Automatic quality control procedures should be refined. Improved data assimilation techniques in numerical models will enable a better use of the high temporal resolution of wind profiler data. For a cost-effective development and use of wind profilers, the realization of frequency allocations, as globally harmonized as possible, is essential. Finally, the integration of wind profilers with other complementary measuring techniques is important.
Complementary wind sensing techniques: sodar and RASS
Authors: Peters G. , Kirtzel H. J.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Radioacoustic sounding (RASS), normally used for temperature profiling, can also be applied for wind measurements. The RASS detects echoes of radar waves, which have been scattered at acoustic waves, and derives the sound velocity from the frequency shift. From the difference of sound velocities measured under different beam directions windprofiles can be determined. Ground clutter does not principally interfere with RASS echoes due to their big frequency shift. Therefore, RASS can supplement radar wind profilers at lower levels where clear-air echoes may be not detectable due to ground clutter. The upper measuring altitude of RASS is limited to a few thousand radar wavelengths by the sound absorption and by the drift of the focal spot of the RASS echo. A further alternative for low-level wind measurements is the Doppler sodar. It is less sensitive to ground clutter than radar, but the measuring height is also limited by sound absorption. It requires no frequency allocation and may therefore be the only choice at some locations. In Germany, Doppler sodars have been operating successfully on a routine basis for more than 10 years at several sites for environmental monitoring purposes.
The association between giant pulsations (Pgs) and the auroral oval
Authors: Chisham G. , Orr D.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Two features of giant pulsations (Pgs) which still require an explanation are firstly, why Pgs occur mainly in the early morning sector (i.e. 03:00-07:00 MLT) and not at other times of day, and secondly, why Pgs occur preferentially in a narrow latitudinal band (approximately 63°-68° geomagnetic latitude). Using statistics from 34 Pg events observed by the EISCAT magnetometer cross, a comparison has been made between the location of the Pg resonant field lines and the equatorward edge of the auroral oval. The majority of these Pg events appear to occur just poleward of this boundary. Using these results, an explanation of the two features of Pgs as detailed above is made. This explanation involves the interaction of protons, which may be responsible for the Pg events, with the inner edge of the plasma sheet or with its ionospheric equivalent, the equatorward edge of the auroral oval.
Upper wind observing systems used for meteorological operations
Authors: Nash J.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Methods of upper wind measurements used in operational meteorology have been reviewed to provide guidance to those developing wind profiler radar systems. The main limitations of the various methods of tracking weather balloons are identified using results from the WMO radiosonde comparisons and additional tests in the United Kingdom. Costs associated with operational balloon measurements are reviewed. The sampling and quality of operational aircraft wind observations are illustrated with examples from the ASDAR system. Measurement errors in horizontal winds are quantified wherever possible. When tracking equipment is functioning correctly, random errors in southerly and westerly wind component measurements from aircraft and weather balloons are usually in the range 0.5-2 m s-1.
Improvement of ERS-1 orbits using along-track accelerations from DORIS data on SPOT2
Authors: Ehlers S. , Moore P.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. In long-arc precise orbit determinations of altimetric satellites such as ERS-1, large errors may occur from mismodelling of aerodynamic drag and solar radiation pressure. Such surface forces for non-spherical satellites require accurate modelling of the effective area and particle-surface interactions, but the dominant source of error is neutral air density as derived from thermospheric models for aerodynamic drag. Several techniques can be employed to alleviate air-drag mismodelling but all require the solution of additional parameters from the tracking data. However, for ERS-1 the sparsity of laser range data limits the application of such empirical techniques. To overcome this, use can be made of the dense DORIS Doppler tracking for SPOT2 which is in a similar orbit to ERS-1. A recent investigation by CNES examined the use of drag scale factors from SPOT2 to constrain the ERS-1 orbit. An improvement to that methodology is to consider along-track mismodelling as observed by timing errors in the Doppler data for each pass of SPOT2. The along-track correction to the acceleration as derived from SPOT2 can then be applied to ERS-1 orbits, solving for a scale factor to absorb systematic errors - particularly that arising from the 50 km altitude difference. Results are presented of the associated improvement in ERS-1 orbits as derived from concurrent SPOT2 arcs. It will be seen that the procedure not only improves the laser range fit, but more importantly, leads to more precise radial positioning as evident in the altimeter and crossover residuals.
Behaviour of auroras during the Spörer minimum (1450-1550)
Authors: Schröder W.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. It is shown that such data that exist on auroral activity in the period between 1450 and 1550 do not provide conclusive evidence that some authors have claimed for the existence of the so-called "Spörer minimum" in solar activity during this interval.
Impact on ozone of high-speed stratospheric aircraft: effects of the emission scenario
Authors: Pitari G. , Palermi S. , Visconti G.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. A photochemical-transport two-dimensional model has been used to assess the impact of a projected fleet of high-speed stratospheric aircraft using different emissions scenarios. It is shown that the presence in the background atmosphere of nitric acid trihydrate aerosols is responsible for a lower stratospheric denoxification in addition to that caused by the sulfate aerosol layer. This has the effect of further decreasing the relative role of the odd nitrogen catalytic cycle for ozone destruction, so that the lower stratosphere is primarily controlled by chlorine species. The effect of aircraft injection of nitric oxides is that of decreasing the level of ClO, so that the lower stratospheric ozone (below about 20-25 km altitude) increases. The net effect on global ozone is that of a small increase even at Mach 2.4, and is enhanced by adopting emission scenarios including altitude restriction at 15 or 18 km. Reductions of the emission index (EI) of nitric oxides below relatively small values (about 15) are shown to reduce the aircraft-induced ozone increase, because of the associated smaller decrease of ClO. This conclusion is no more valid when the emission index is raised at the present values (about 45).
CRRES/Ground-based multi-instrument observations of an interval of substorm activity
Authors: Yeoman T. K. , Lühr H. , Friedel R. W. H. , Coles S. , Grandé M. , Perry C. H. , Lester M. , Smith P. N. , Singer H. J. , Orr D.
Published: April 2005

Abstract. Observations are presented of data taken during a 3-h interval in which five clear substorm onsets/intensifications took place. During this interval ground-based data from the EISCAT incoherent scatter radar, a digital CCD all sky camera, and an extensive array of magnetometers were recorded. In addition data from the CRRES and DMSP spacecraft, whose footprints passed over Scandinavia very close to most of the ground-based instrumentation, are available. The locations and movements of the substorm current system in latitude and longitude, determined from ground and spacecraft magnetic field data, have been correlated with the locations and propagation of increased particle precipitation in the E-region at EISCAT, increased particle fluxes measured by CRRES and DMSP, with auroral luminosity and with ionospheric convection velocities. The onsets and propagation of the injection of magnetospheric particle populations and auroral luminosity have been compared. CRRES was within or very close to the substorm expansion phase onset sector during the interval. The onset region was observed at low latitudes on the ground, and has been confirmed to map back to within L=7 in the magnetotail. The active region was then observed to propagate tailward and poleward. Delays between the magnetic signature of the substorm field aligned currents and field dipolarisation have been measured. The observations support a near-Earth plasma instability mechanism for substorm expansion phase onset.
Magnetic resonance techniques in the assessment of myelin and myelination
Authors: Barkovich A. J.
Published: April 2005

Leukodystrophy is a common central nervous system manifestation of inborn errors of metabolism. Until magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) emerged as a clinical tool, the diagnosis of leukodystrophy was difficult and imprecise; MRI has allowed new understandings and classifications of leukodystrophies that have greatly enhanced both our diagnostic ability and our understanding of these complex disorders. However, optimal use of MRI in this setting requires a fundamental understanding of myelin structure, myelin development, and the changes seen on MRI with myelination and demyelination. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with the necessary tools for the use of MRI to diagnose and follow patients with leukodystrophies.
Acute metabolic encephalopathy: An introduction
Authors: Leonard J. V.
Published: April 2005

Acute encephalopathy is a common and potentially serious problem in patients with inborn errors of metabolism. There are many causes and the diagnosis and treatment are both urgent. However, the pathogenesis is rarely well understood and, as a result, treatment of the complications is often problematic.
Prior Distributions on Symmetric Groups
Authors: Gupta Jayanti , Damien Paul
Published: April 2005

Fully and partially ranked data arise in a variety of contexts. From a Bayesian perspective, attention has focused on distance-based models; in particular, the Mallows model and extensions thereof. In this paper, a class of prior distributions, the Binary Tree, is developed on the symmetric group. The attractive features of the class are: it provides a closed-form solution to the posterior distribution; and a simple way to interpret the parameters of the prior distribution. The advantages of the proposed method are illustrated by comparing it to metric-based models using data analyzed by other researchers in this context.
Cronbach’s α, Revelle’s β, and Mcdonald’s ωH: their Relations with Each Other and Two Alternative Conceptualizations of Reliability
Authors: Zinbarg Richard E. , Revelle William , Yovel Iftah , Li Wen
Published: April 2005

We make theoretical comparisons among five coefficients—Cronbach’s α, Revelle’s β, McDonald’s ωh, and two alternative conceptualizations of reliability. Though many end users and psychometricians alike may not distinguish among these five coefficients, we demonstrate formally their nonequivalence. Specifically, whereas there are conditions under which α, β, and ωh are equivalent to each other and to one of the two conceptualizations of reliability considered here, we show that equality with this conceptualization of reliability and between α and ωh holds only under a highly restrictive set of conditions and that the conditions under which β equals ωh are only somewhat more general. The nonequivalence of α, β, and ωh suggests that important information about the psychometric properties of a scale may be missing when scale developers and users only report α as is almost always the case.
On Muthén’s Maximum Likelihood for Two-Level Covariance Structure Models
Authors: Yuan Ke-Hai , Hayashi Kentaro
Published: April 2005

Data in social and behavioral sciences are often hierarchically organized. Special statistical procedures that take into account the dependence of such observations have been developed. Among procedures for 2-level covariance structure analysis, Muthén’s maximum likelihood (MUML) has the advantage of easier computation and faster convergence. When data are balanced, MUML is equivalent to the maximum likelihood procedure. Simulation results in the literature endorse the MUML procedure also for unbalanced data. This paper studies the analytical properties of the MUML procedure in general. The results indicate that the MUML procedure leads to correct model inference asymptotically when level-2 sample size goes to infinity and the coefficient of variation of the level-1 sample sizes goes to zero. The study clearly identifies the impact of level-1 and level-2 sample sizes on the standard errors and test statistic of the MUML procedure. Analytical results explain previous simulation results and will guide the design or data collection for the future applications of MUML.
A Note on Item Information in Any Direction for the Multidimensional Three-Parameter Logistic Model
Authors: Bryant Damon U.
Published: April 2005

The purpose of this note is twofold: (a) to present the formula for the item information function (IIF) in any direction for the Multidimensional 3-Parameter Logistic (M3-PL) model and (b) to give the equation for the location of maximum item information (θmax) in the direction of the item discrimination vector. Several corollaries are given. Implications for future research are discussed.
FRACTURE AND FORM, ARCHITECTURE AND MUSIC: GUINJOAN'S ‘GAUDÍ’
Authors: Davies Benjamin K.
Published: April 2005

Joan Guinjoan's opera Gaudí: el trencadís i l'absolut was commissioned as part of the cultural programme parallel to the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992. Guinjoan completed the work in June of that year, but it was not staged until November 2004, the delay due in part to the fire of January 1994 that completely destroyed Barcelona's Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house (this had happened before, in April 1861). The rebuilding was completed in late 1999, though Guinjoan had to wait a further five years to see the opera staged. Librettist Josep Maria Carandell was not so lucky: he died in 2003.
Paris, Théâtre du Châtelet: Péter Eötvös's ‘Angels in America’
Authors: Willson Rachel Beckles
Published: April 2005

Tony Kushner's play Angels in America is now secure in the canon of 20th-century US (and probably world) drama, but its subject-matter has not often been explored in the opera house. The play centres around questions about racial identity, connubial relationships and politics (that's all very operatic, of course); but also a type of intolerance and spiritualism that is peculiar to parts of the USA; and, most dramatically and provocatively, homosexual partnerships and AIDS. Aside from the historical examples provided by certain operas by Benjamin Britten (among others), the only operas on gay themes known to this writer are Matthias Pintscher's Thomas Chatterton (1994–97), Stewart Wallace's Harvey Milk (premièred 1995), Paula M. Kimper's Patient and Sarah (premièred 1998) and Estele Pizer's Perverse (premièred 2002) – and none addresses AIDS. So Péter Eötvös's new opera, to a libretto by Mari Mezei, directed by Philippe Calvario and premiered under the composer's baton on 29 November, seems nothing if not an intervention.
Milken Archive of Jewish Music
Authors: Johnson Bret
Published: April 2005

THE MILKEN ARCHIVE OF AMERICAN JEWISH MUSIC. Naxos American Classics 8.559400 through 8.559425 and upwards.
Warsaw Autumn Festival, 2004
Authors: Rutherford-Johnson Tim
Published: April 2005

By any measure Rafał Augustyn's Symphony of Hymns is a big piece. It clocks in at 100 minutes; requires forces of more than 170 performers, including two solo singers, electronics and solo flugelhorn; sets texts from 20 sources by 17 authors in five languages; and took its composer 20 years to write. But for all its scale, what is perhaps most impressive about the work is that across these dimensions Augustyn has written a score that is always inventive and enjoyable.
Sorabji Piano Music
Authors: Rapoport Paul
Published: April 2005

SORABJI: Two Piano Pieces; Fantaisie espagnole; Valse-Fantaisie: Hommage à Johann Strauss; Three Pastiches; Le jardin parfumé; Nocturne Jami; Gulistan; Introito and Preludio corale from Opus clavicembalisticum; Prelude, Interlude, and Fugue; Fragment for Harold Rutland; Fantasiettina sul nome illustre dell'egregio poeta Christopher Grieve ossia Hugh M'Diarmid; Quære reliqua hujus materiei inter secretiora; St. Bertrand de Comminges: ‘He was Laughing in the Tower’. HABERMANN: À la manière de Sorabji: ‘Au clair de la lune’. Michael Habermann (pno). BMS 427CD–429CD (3-CD set).

SORABJI: Piano Sonata No. 4. Jonathan Powell (pno). Altarus AIR-CD-9069(1)–9069(3) (3-CD set priced as 2).
Wexford: Brauenfels and Foerster
Authors: Dunnett Roderic
Published: April 2005

Listening to Luigi Ferrari, the Wexford Opera Festival's outgoing Artistic Director, one cannot understand why many of the rare operas Wexford is famous for reviving are not staples of an often rather repetitive repertoire. Perhaps their problem is that, to a degree, they require an audience to think, rather than merely emote. That was Wagner's problem.
St. Albans and London: Cecilia McDowall's ‘Stabat Mater’ and ‘Night Trumpeter’
Authors: Barlow Jill
Published: April 2005

Cecilia McDowall is noted for her ‘practical’ approach to composing choral music to suit the needs and capabilities of local amateur choirs, and she has a growing association with several, notably the St Albans Choral Society, by whom she was commissioned to write a new setting of the Stabat Mater, which duly received its world première in St Albans on 23 October 2004. It was written to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of St Albans Choral Society, and they duly rose to the occasion lustily in fine spirits.