bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Room Temperature Detachment Nanolithography Using a Rigiflex Polymeric Mold
Authors: Kim Jae Kwan , Suh Kahp Y.
Published: July 2008

We report on detachment nanolithography of an organic thin film at room temperature mediated by ultraviolet (UV) exposure. A nanopatterned, UV curable polyurethane acrylate (PUA) mold was placed on a spin-coated organic film made of 4,4′-bis[N-1-napthyl-N-phenyl-amino]biphenyl
(NPB) under a low pressure (1–2 bar). A higher work of adhesion at the organic/mold interface induced detachment of the contacting layer on silicon or gold substrate, resulting in well-defined nanopatterns without a residual layer. The detachment was highly improved by a short-term UV
exposure, rendering the film surface free from contaminant hydrocarbons with a lower cohesive force, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and measurements of contact angle of water.
Controlled Synthesis of Gold Nanostructures by a Thermal Approach
Authors: Zhou Min , Bron Michael , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: July 2008

Shape-controlled gold nanostructures were successfully synthesized in an aqueous solution by a one-step, non-templated thermal reduction method through heating of a poly(vinylpyrrolidone)/HAuCl4 aqueous solution. Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) serves as both the stabilizing
surfactant and reducing agent for the controlled synthesis of gold nanostructures with different shapes. Upon adjusting the chain-length and the concentration of the PVP, decahedral, icosahedral and platelike gold nanostructures with dominating distribution were fabricated, respectively, with
the ratio of terminating OH groups at the polymer to Au ions as an important experimental parameter. The results suggest that the morphology of the gold nanostructures could be tuned by this method. The successful preparation of gold nanostructures exemplifies a very facile, effective, and
generic strategy for fabrication of gold nanoparticles with various shapes.
Chemisorption of CO on Au/TiOx/Pt(111) Model Catalysts with Different Stoichiometry and Defectivity
Authors: Artiglia Luca , Rizzi Gian Andrea , Sedona Francesco , Agnoli Stefano , Granozzi Gaetano
Published: July 2008

Au/TiOx/Pt(111) model catalysts were prepared starting from well characterized TiOx/Pt(111) ultrathin films, according to an established procedure consisting in a reactive evaporation of Ti, subsequent thermal treatment in O2 or in UHV,
and final deposition of submonolayer quantities of Au. Temperature Programmed Desorption measurements were performed to compare the interaction of CO in the case of two reduced TiOx/Pt(111) substrates (indicated as w-TiOx and w′-TiOx,
being the former characterized by an ordered array of defects that can act as template for the deposition of a stable array of Au nanoparticles), with the case of a stoichiometric rect′-TiO2/Pt(111) substrate. It was found that in all cases CO is molecularly adsorbed
and two different desorption peaks are detected: one at ≈140 K corresponding to CO desorption from less active adsorption sites (terraces) of the Au nanoparticles and one at ≈200 K corresponding to CO desorption from Au nanoparticles step sites. After annealing at 770 K, the high temperature
CO desorption peak is still present in the case of the defective reduced w-TiOx phase, supporting the good templating and stabilizing effect of such phase. On the rect′-TiO2 stoichiometric phase, the CO uptake decreases after annealing but only
to a minor extent.
AC Dielectrophoresis Alignment of ZnO Nanowires and Subsequent Use in Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Lee Sang-Kwon , Lee Seung-Yong , Hyung Jung-Hwan , Jang Chan-Oh , Kim Dong-Joo , Suh Duk-Il
Published: July 2008

We report on the dielectrophoresis (DEP) characterization of single crystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires with variations of the AC electric field and frequency. The alignment yield rate of ZnO nanowires in the gap over the 200 metal electrodes increased with increasing AC electric
field and also changed by the applying frequency. Moreover, we demonstrated that the DEP prepared multi-ZnO nanowires field-effect transistors (FETs) exhibited excellent performance with a transconductance of ∼3 μS and a high drain current of ∼2.7 × 10−6
A (VDS = 5 V, VG = 20 V).
Climate, Extreme Heat, and Electricity Demand in California
Authors: Miller Norman L. , Hayhoe Katharine , Jin Jiming , Auffhammer Maximilian
Published: July 2008

Over the twenty-first century, the frequency of extreme-heat events for major cities in heavily air conditioned California is projected to increase rapidly. Extreme heat is defined here as the temperature threshold for the 90th-percentile excedence probability (T90) of the local warmest summer days under the current climate. Climate projections from three atmosphere–ocean general circulation models, with a range of low to midhigh temperature sensitivity forced by the Special Report on Emission Scenarios higher, middle, and lower emission scenarios, indicate that these increases in temperature extremes and variance are projected to exceed the rate of increase in mean temperature. Overall, projected increases in extreme heat under the higher A1fi emission scenario by 2070–99 tend to be 20%–30% higher than those projected under the lower B1 emission scenario. Increases range from approximately 2 times the present-day number of days for inland California cities (e.g., Sacramento and Fresno), up to 4 times for previously temperate coastal cities (e.g., Los Angeles and San Diego), implying that present-day “heat wave” conditions may dominate summer months—and patterns of electricity demand—in the future. When the projected extreme heat and observed relationships between high temperature and electricity demand for California are mapped onto current availability, maintaining technology and population constant for demand-side calculations, a potential for electricity deficits as high as 17% during T90 peak electricity demand periods is found. Similar increases in extreme-heat days are likely for other southwestern U.S. urban locations, as well as for large cities in developing nations with rapidly increasing electricity demands. In light of the electricity response to recent extreme-heat events, such as the July 2006 heat waves in California, Missouri, and New York, these results suggest that future increases in peak electricity demand will challenge current transmission and supply methods as well as future planned supply capacities when population and income growth are taken into account.
Evaluation of Cloud-Phase Retrieval Methods for SEVIRI on Meteosat-8 Using Ground-Based Lidar and Cloud Radar Data
Authors: Wolters Erwin L. A. , Roebeling Robert A. , Feijt Arnout J.
Published: July 2008

Three cloud-phase determination algorithms from passive satellite imagers are explored to assess their suitability for climate monitoring purposes in midlatitude coastal climate zones. The algorithms are the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-like thermal infrared cloud-phase method, the Satellite Application Facility on Climate Monitoring (CM-SAF) method, and an International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP)-like method. Using one year (May 2004–April 2005) of data from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) on the first Meteosat Second Generation satellite (Meteosat-8), retrievals of the methods are compared with collocated and synchronized ground-based cloud-phase retrievals obtained from cloud radar and lidar observations at Cabauw, Netherlands. Three aspects of the satellite retrievals are evaluated: 1) instantaneous cloud-phase retrievals, 2) monthly-averaged water and ice cloud occurrence frequency, and 3) diurnal cycle of cloud phase for May–August 2004. For the instantaneous cases, all methods have a very small bias for thick water and ice cloud retrievals (∼5%). The ISCCP-like method has a larger bias for pure water clouds (∼10%), which is likely due to the 260-K threshold leading to misdetection of water clouds existing at lower temperatures. For the monthly-averaged water and ice cloud occurrence, the CM-SAF method is best capable of reproducing the annual cycle, mainly for the water cloud occurrence frequency, for which an almost constant positive bias of ∼8% was found. The ISCCP- and MODIS-like methods have more problems in detecting the annual cycle, especially during the winter months. The difference in annual cycle detection among the three methods is most probably related to the use of visible/near-infrared reflectances that enable a more direct observation of cloud phase. The diurnal cycle in cloud phase is reproduced well by all methods. The MODIS-like method reproduces the diurnal cycle best, with correlations of 0.89 and 0.86 for water and ice cloud occurrence frequency, respectively.
An Evaluation of a Diagnostic Wind Model (CALMET)
Authors: Wang Weiguo , Shaw William J. , Seiple Timothy E. , Rishel Jeremy P. , Xie Yulong
Published: July 2008

A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved diagnostic wind model [California Meteorological Model (CALMET)] was evaluated during a typical lake-breeze event under fair weather conditions in the Chicago region. The authors focused on the performance of CALMET in terms of simulating winds that were highly variable in space and time. The reference winds were generated by the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) assimilating system, with which CALMET results were compared. Statistical evaluations were conducted to quantify overall model differences in wind speed and direction over the domain. Below 850 m above the surface, relative differences in (layer averaged) wind speed were about 25%–40% during the simulation period; wind direction differences generally ranged from 6° to 20°. Above 850 m, the differences became larger because of the limited number of upper-air stations near the studied domain. Analyses implied that model differences were dependent on time because of time-dependent spatial variability in winds. Trajectory analyses were made to examine the likely spatial dependence of CALMET deviations from the reference winds within the domain. These analyses suggest that the quality of CALMET winds in local areas depended on their proximity to the lake-breeze front position. Large deviations usually occurred near the front area, where observations cannot resolve the spatial variability of wind, or in the fringe of the domain, where observations are lacking. Results simulated using different datasets and model options were also compared. Differences between CALMET and the reference winds tended to be reduced with data sampled from more stations or from more uniformly distributed stations. Suggestions are offered for further improving or interpreting CALMET results under complex wind conditions in the Chicago region, which may also apply to other regions.
Asymptotic Analysis of Equilibrium in Radiation Fog
Authors: Zhou Binbin , Ferrier Brad S.
Published: July 2008

A vertical distribution formulation of liquid water content (LWC) for steady radiation fog was obtained and examined through the singular perturbation method. The asymptotic LWC distribution is a consequential balance among cooling, droplet gravitational settling, and turbulence in the liquid water budget of radiation fog. The cooling produces liquid water, which is depleted by turbulence near the surface. The influence of turbulence on the liquid water budget decreases with height and is more significant for shallow fogs than for deep fogs. The depth of the region of surface-induced turbulence can be characterized with a fog boundary layer (FBL). The behavior of the FBL bears some resemblance to the surface mixing layer in radiation fog. The characteristic depth of the FBL is thinner for weaker turbulence and stronger cooling, whereas if turbulence intensity increases or cooling rate decreases then the FBL will develop from the ground. The asymptotic formulation also reveals a critical turbulent exchange coefficient for radiation fog that defines the upper bound of turbulence intensity that a steady fog can withstand. The deeper a fog is, the stronger a turbulence intensity it can endure. The persistence condition for a steady fog can be parameterized by either the critical turbulent exchange coefficient or the characteristic depth of the FBL. If the turbulence intensity inside a fog is smaller than the turbulence threshold, the fog persists, whereas if the turbulence intensity exceeds the turbulence threshold or the characteristic depth of the FBL dominates the entire fog bank then the balance will be destroyed, leading to dissipation of the existing fog. The asymptotic formulation has a first-order approximation with respect to turbulence intensity. Verifications with numerical solutions and an observed fog event showed that it is more accurate for weak turbulence than for strong turbulence and that the computed LWC generally agrees with the observed LWC in magnitude.
Assessing the Errors in Shortwave Radiative Fluxes Inferred from the Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget (GERB) Instrument in the Presence of Dust Aerosol
Authors: Brindley Helen E. , Russell Jacqueline E.
Published: July 2008

The Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget (GERB) instruments flying on the Meteosat Second Generation series of satellites provide a unique tool with which to monitor the diurnal evolution of top-of-atmosphere broadband radiation fields. GERB products, which have recently been released to the scientific community, include aerosol information in addition to the observed radiances and inferred fluxes. However, no account of the anisotropic characteristics of aerosol has been incorporated in the radiance-to-flux conversion, which uses angular distribution models developed for clear or cloudy conditions. Here an attempt is made to quantify the impact of this omission in the shortwave (SW), focusing on dust-contaminated scenes. An observationally based representation of dust is used to develop a theoretical angular distribution model, which is tested through comparison with observed GERB radiances. For dusty scenes that have been processed as clear ocean, applying the dust model to convert GERB radiances to fluxes reduces the SW reflected flux by an average of approximately 12 W m−2 relative to the original GERB fluxes. This value ranges from −4 to +55 W m−2, depending on observation geometry and dust loading. For dusty scenes that the GERB processing has treated as cloudy, GERB fluxes are generally smaller than values obtained using the dust-specific model. On average, over the time period studied here, the two effects partially cancel, and the overall mean difference is 2.5 W m−2. However, it is shown that this cancellation is highly sensitive to the location and time period under consideration.
Precipitating Snow Retrievals from Combined Airborne Cloud Radar and Millimeter-Wave Radiometer Observations
Authors: Grecu Mircea , Olson William S.
Published: July 2008

An algorithm for retrieving snow over oceans from combined cloud radar and millimeter-wave radiometer observations is developed. The algorithm involves the use of physical models to simulate cloud radar and millimeter-wave radiometer observations from basic atmospheric variables such as hydrometeor content, temperature, and relative humidity profiles and is based on an optimal estimation technique to retrieve these variables from actual observations. A high-resolution simulation of a lake-effect snowstorm by a cloud-resolving model is used to test the algorithm. That is, synthetic observations are generated from the output of the cloud numerical model, and the retrieval algorithm is applied to the synthetic data. The algorithm performance is assessed by comparing the retrievals with the reference variables used in synthesizing the observations. The synthetic observation experiment indicates good performance of the retrieval algorithm. The algorithm is also applied to real observations from the Wakasa Bay field experiment that took place over the Sea of Japan in January and February 2003. The application of the retrieval algorithm to data from the field experiment yields snow estimates that are consistent with both the cloud radar and radiometer observations.
On the Relationship between North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperatures and U.S. Hurricane Landfall Risk
Authors: Dailey Peter S. , Zuba Gerhard , Ljung Greta , Dima Ioana M. , Guin Jayanta
Published: July 2008

In the recent literature, considerable attention has been paid to the relationship between climate signals and tropical cyclone activity. Much of the research has focused on Atlantic Ocean basin activity while less attention has been given to landfall frequency and the geographic distribution of risk to life and property. However, recent active seasons like 2004 and 2005 and the resulting damage and economic loss have generated significant interest in the relationship between climate and landfall risk. This study focuses on sea surface temperatures (SST) and examines modulation of landfall activity occurring in anomalously warm-SST seasons. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of warmer ocean conditions on U.S. landfall risk. The study is broken into two parts–—statistical and physical. The statistical analysis categorizes historical hurricane seasons as either warm or cool and then estimates shifts in landfall frequency under these two climate modes. The analysis is carried out for overall U.S. landfall risk and then for logical subregions along the U.S. coastline. The climatological behavior for warm-SST conditions is developed across the intensity spectrum, from weak tropical storms to major hurricanes, using wind speed as an intensity measure. The analysis suggests that landfall risk is sensitive to SST conditions but that sensitivity varies by region and intensity. The uncertainty associated with these estimates is discussed. The physical analysis is carried out to understand better why landfall risk is not affected uniformly along the U.S. coastline and to reinforce the reasonability of the statistical results. The study involves a detailed examination of the complete life cycle of historical storms. Results indicate that storms making landfall along the East Coast have different genesis and intensification characteristics relative to storms making landfall along the Gulf Coast. As SSTs warm, the genesis pattern shifts, greatly influencing regional landfall risk. Further, hurricane landfalls may react not only to warm-SST conditions, but also to the effect of ocean temperature anomalies on the atmosphere’s general circulation. There are implications that complex feedback mechanisms play a role in modulating the probability of landfall, especially from certain parts of the Atlantic basin. Such physical theories provide added confidence in statistical estimates of elevated risk for certain breeds of tropical cyclones.
A Toy Model of the Instability in the Equatorially Trapped Convectively Coupled Waves on the Equatorial Beta Plane
Authors: Andersen Joseph Allan , Kuang Zhiming
Published: July 2008

The equatorial atmospheric variability shows a spectrum of significant peaks in the wavenumber–frequency domain. These peaks have been identified with the equatorially trapped wave modes of rotating shallow water wave theory. This paper addresses the observation that the various wave types (e.g., Kelvin, Rossby, etc.) and wavenumbers show differing signal strength relative to a red background. It is hypothesized that this may be due to variations in the linear stability of the atmosphere in response to the various wave types depending on both the specific wave type and the wavenumber. A simple model of the convectively coupled waves on the equatorial beta plane is constructed to identify processes that contribute to this dependence. The linear instability spectrum of the resulting coupled system is evaluated by eigenvalue analysis. This analysis shows unstable waves with phase speeds, growth rates, and structures (vertical and horizontal) that are broadly consistent with the results from observations. The linear system, with an idealized single intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) as a mean state, shows peak unstable Kelvin waves around zonal wavenumber 7 with peak growth rates of ∼0.08 day−1 (e-folding time of ∼13 days). The system also shows unstable mixed Rossby–gravity (MRG) and inertio-gravity waves with significant growth in the zonal wavenumber range from −15 (negative indicates westward phase speed) to +10 (positive indicates eastward phase speed). The peak MRG n = 0 eastward inertio-gravity wave (EIG) growth rate is around one-third that of the Kelvin wave and occurs at zonal wavenumber 3. The Rossby waves in this system are stable, and the Madden–Julian oscillation is not observed. Within this model, it is shown that in addition to the effect of the ITCZ configuration, the differing instabilities of the different wave modes are also related to their different efficiency in converting input energy into divergent flow. This energy conversion efficiency difference is suggested as an additional factor that helps to shape the observed wave spectrum.
Key Dynamical Features of the 2005/06 European Winter
Authors: Croci-Maspoli Mischa , Davies Huw C.
Published: July 2008

A three-part study of the anomalously cold European winter of 2005/06 is undertaken. Climatological analysis indicates that the dominant pattern of climate variability in the Euro–Atlantic sector during this winter was not a negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), but a pattern with a “blocklike” center located immediately upstream of the continent. Synoptic-dynamical diagnosis of the winter indicates the frequent occurrence of long-lasting blocks in this region, and a Lagrangian trajectory analysis points to the significant role of cloud-diabatic effects in the dynamics of block inception. A series of heuristic numerical simulations lend credence to the hypothesis that the occurrence of the blocks was sensitive to, and significantly influenced by, the warm surface temperature anomalies upstream over the western Atlantic Ocean and North America. Brief comments are made on the significance of the foregoing results for seasonal numerical weather prediction and also their relevance to the consideration of interannual climate variability.
Adding Value to Public Schools
Authors: Konold Tim , Jablonski Brian , Nottingham Anthony , Kessler Lara , Byrd Stephen , Imig Scott , Berry Robert , McNergney Robert
Published: July 2008

This research investigated the value added to middle school public education by pedagogically trained college students. An experimental design was employed in which 680 middle school pupils were randomly assigned to instructional groups. University arts and sciences students were put into two groups on the basis of those with formal teacher training and those without. Each student taught four lessons to his or her instructional group. Pupils were administered pre- and posttest measures on the content delivered in the four lessons and a reflection scale on lesson difficulty. Teachers' behaviors were recorded and scored independently by two trained observers. Results indicated that pupils' achievement was influenced by their perceptions of task difficulty and that teaching behaviors had a statistically significant influence on adjusted pupil achievement outcomes among students with formal pedagogical training. These results support the contention that pedagogical preparation of teachers adds value to middle school public education when measured in terms of pupil academic learning.
The Reading Habits and Literacy Attitudes of Inservice and Prospective Teachers
Authors: Nathanson Steven , Pruslow John , Levitt Roberta
Published: July 2008

This article describes a questionnaire survey of 747 students enrolled in a graduate school of education, who are currently teachers or prospective teachers. The Literacy Habits Questionnaire, developed by Applegate and Applegate, was administered in September 2006. Findings suggest a high prevalence of aliteracy, the ability to read but a disinterest in personal reading. Although graduate students acknowledge the importance of reading for teachers, they do not themselves exhibit investment in personal reading. Also, the findings suggest that professors of literacy and education need to do more to encourage personal reading by incorporating strategies to promote reading among current and future literacy professionals.
Outcomes of an Intervention to Reduce Uncertainty Among African American Women with Diabetes
Authors: Amoako Emelia , Skelly Anne H. , Rossen Eileen K.
Published: July 2008

Poor adjustment to diabetes in older African American women may result from uncertainty, stemming from a lack of information about self-care activities, a complexity of self-care activities, comorbid conditions, and a lack of resources. This study evaluated a telephone intervention to reduce uncertainty (through problem-solving strategies, information, cognitive reframing, and improved patient—provider communication)—namely, to measure its effects on diabetes self-care and psychosocial adjustment. Sixty-eight older African American women were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received the intervention for 4 weeks, and the control group received usual care. Psychosocial adjustment and self-care were measured in all participants at baseline and 6 weeks postbaseline. The experimental group reported increased participation in exercise (self-care component; p < .001) and improvement in psychosocial adjustment ( p < .001). Thus, reducing the uncertainty related to diabetes self-care improves self-care exercise, as well as psychosocial adjustment.
Challenges Faced by School Teachers in Implementing Positive Behavior Support in Their School Systems
Authors: Chitiyo Morgan , Wheeler John J.
Published: July 2008

The 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act made major changes to the education of children with disabilities who exhibit challenging behavior. The law emphasized the use of positive behavior supports (PBS) and functional behavioral assessments (FBA) as a strategy to address challenging behavior. Since then, evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of PBS in reducing challenging behavior among school students has been widely disseminated in the research literature. In spite of the emergence of literature on the use of PBS practices, questions remain concerning the functional utility of PBS within schools and widespread adoption among school personnel. There are several factors that may be inhibiting the adoption of this relatively new evidence-based technology in schools. The purpose of this study was to examine difficulties that school teachers face in the implementation of PBS in their classrooms and schools.
Selective and Sustained Attention as Predictors of Social Problems in Children With Typical and Disordered Attention Abilities
Authors: Andrade Brendan F. , Brodeur Darlene A. , Waschbusch Daniel A. , Stewart Sherry H. , McGee Robin
Published: July 2008

Objective: Investigated the relationship between selective and sustained attention and social behavior in children with different degrees of attentional disturbance. Method: Participants were 101 6- to 12-year-old children, including 18 who were diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), 61 who were clinically referred for attentional difficulties but did not meet criteria for ADHD, and 22 typically developing children. Two groups of children completed either a sustained attention task or a selective attention task. Task performance was compared with teacher reported social behavior. Results: In support of the investigator's hypothesis poor performance on the sustained attention task correlated with social behavior problems. However, contrary to expectation, poor performance on the selective attention task was not correlated with teacher reported social problems. Results are discussed with specific emphasis on the need to identify underlying cognitive contributions to social dysfunction. Conclusion: The findings support a growing body of research highlighting the negative relationship between inattention and social functioning. (J. of Att. Dis. 2009; 12(4) 341-352)
Does EU Policy Challenge the Digital Future of Public Service Broadcasting?
Authors: Donders Karen , Pauwels Caroline
Published: July 2008

In this article the authors assess the impact of the European Commission's state aid policy on the public service remit of public broadcasting organizations in the digital age. The article consists of two parts. In the first part the authors give an overview of the policy and legal context in which state aid control of public service broadcasting evolves. Second, recent state aid cases that touch upon the issue of digitization and public service broadcasting are analysed. Whereas Member States fear too much Commission intervention, the European Commission, on the contrary, fears that Member States abuse the margins of the European Treaty in order to expand the digital public service remit in unauthorized ways, such as financing commercial digital activities. Whether the Commission is right to fear a `mission creep' on behalf of the public service broadcasters due to vague and overambitious digitilization plans, remains to be seen however.
Woman-friendly policies and state feminism
Authors: Borchorst Anette , Siim Birte
Published: July 2008

The overall aim of this article is to explore the analytical potential and normative value of Helga M. Hernes' concept about woman-friendly welfare states in analysis of Scandinavian countries. The first part discusses the underlying theoretical, political and normative assumptions about gender equality and social justice related to dimensions such as redistribution, recognition and representation. The second part addresses the analytical potential of the concepts for understanding gender equality developments in Scandinavia. The focus is on three themes related to the desirability, feasibility, and theoretical strength of the Scandinavian welfare and gender equality model and the underlying normative, empirical and theoretical premises. The analysis deals with debates about the public—private split in relation to woman-friendly policies, focusing on parental leave, childcare, and age restrictions in marriages involving foreigners. State feminism is explored in relation to women's political participation and representation and women's ability to influence gender equality policies. Furthermore, national variations in views about state feminism are identified. Finally, the article addresses the role of woman-friendly policies in debates about responses of Western welfare states to globalization, ageing and multiculturalism.
Inequalities in Reproductive Health
Authors: Blyth Eric
Published: July 2008

• Summary: The purpose of this article is to identify contemporary reproductive health issues and the role of social work in combating them. It draws on an extensive range of sources to overview key reproductive health concerns currently facing millions of people — primarily girls and women in the world's poorest countries: genital cutting; infertility; HIV/AIDS; antenatal sex selection; complications of pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy termination; and sexual violence.

• Findings: The article draws on the International Federation of Social Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work joint statement Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles, as a vehicle for providing both a mandate and the necessary value base for social work engagement with reproductive health issues.

• Application: Finally, the article considers the role of social work in challenging reproductive health disadvantage and inequality, locally, nationally and internationally, highlighting both constraints and suggestions for developing interventions.
The Interactive Effects of Centralization on the Relationship Between Justice and Satisfaction
Authors: Andrews Martha C. , Baker Thomas L. , Hunt Tammy G.
Published: July 2008

The current study examines the effects of centralization on the relationship between organizational justice and job satisfaction using referent cognitions theory as a theoretical foundation. The sample consists of 489 members of the National Association of Purchasing Managers. Results indicate that the relationships between procedural, distributive, and interactional justice and job satisfaction are stronger under conditions of high centralization. Directions for future research and implications for managers are discussed.
The functional nitrite reductase activity of the heme-globins
Authors: Gladwin Mark T. , Kim-Shapiro Daniel B.
Published: July 2008

Hemoglobin and myoglobin are among the most extensively studied proteins, and nitrite is one of the most studied small molecules. Recently, multiple physiologic studies have surprisingly revealed that nitrite represents a biologic reservoir of NO that can regulate hypoxic vasodilation, cellular respiration, and signaling. These studies suggest a vital role for deoxyhemoglobin- and deoxymyoglobin-dependent nitrite reduction. Biophysical and chemical analysis of the nitrite-deoxyhemoglobin reaction has revealed unexpected chemistries between nitrite and deoxyhemoglobin that may contribute to and facilitate hypoxic NO generation and signaling. The first is that hemoglobin is an allosterically regulated nitrite reductase, such that oxygen binding increases the rate of nitrite conversion to NO, a process termed R-state catalysis. The second chemical property is oxidative denitrosylation, a process by which the NO formed in the deoxyhemoglobin-nitrite reaction that binds to other deoxyhemes can be released due to heme oxidation, releasing free NO. Third, the reaction undergoes a nitrite reductase/anhydrase redox cycle that catalyzes the anaerobic conversion of 2 molecules of nitrite into dinitrogen trioxide (N2O3), an uncharged molecule that may be exported from the erythrocyte. We will review these reactions in the biologic framework of hypoxic signaling in blood and the heart.
Two nonsense mutations in the TMPRSS6 gene in a patient with microcytic anemia and iron deficiency
Authors: Guillem Flavia , Lawson Sarah , Kannengiesser Caroline , Westerman Mark , Beaumont Carole , Grandchamp Bernard
Published: July 2008

Genetic causes of hypochromic microcytic anemia include thalassemias and some rare inherited diseases such as DMT1 deficiency. Here, we show that iron deficiency anemia with poor intestinal absorption and defective iron utilization of IV iron is caused by inherited mutations in TMPRSS6, a liver-expressed gene that encodes a membrane-bound serine protease of previously unknown role that was recently reported to be a regulator of hepcidin expression.
Intra-abdominal pectus bar migration – a rare clinical entity: case report
Authors: Tahmassebi Ramon , Ashrafian Hutan , Salih Caner , Deshpande Ranjit P , Athanasiou Thanos , Dussek Julian E
Published: July 2008

We present the case of a 20-year-old male who underwent successful surgical correction of pectus excavatum with the Highly Modified Ravitch Repair (HMRR). At 29 months the attempted operative removal of the Ravitch bar was unsuccessful despite the impression of adequate bar location on chest x-ray. Subsequent imaging with computed tomography was unclear in determining whether the bar was supra or infra-diaphragmatic due to the tissue distortion subsequent to initial surgery. Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) successfully retrieved the bar and revealed that it was not in the thorax, but had migrated to the intra-abdominal bare area of the liver, with no evidence of associated diaphragmatic defect or hernia. Intra-abdominal pectus bar migration is a rare clinical entity, and safe removal can be facilitated by the use of the VATS technique.
Asymmetric histone modifications between the original and derived loci of human segmental duplications
Authors: Zheng Deyou
Published: July 2008

Background

Sequencing and annotation of several mammalian genomes have revealed that segmental duplications are a common architectural feature of primate genomes; in fact, about 5% of the human genome is composed of large blocks of interspersed segmental duplications. These segmental duplications have been implicated in genomic copy-number variation, gene novelty, and various genomic disorders. However, the molecular processes involved in the evolution and regulation of duplicated sequences remain largely unexplored.

Results

In this study, the profile of about 20 histone modifications within human segmental duplications was characterized using high-resolution, genome-wide data derived from a ChIP-Seq study. The analysis demonstrates that derivative loci of segmental duplications often differ significantly from the original with respect to many histone methylations. Further investigation showed that genes are present three times more frequently in the original than in the derivative, whereas pseudogenes exhibit the opposite trend. These asymmetries tend to increase with the age of segmental duplications. The uneven distribution of genes and pseudogenes does not, however, fully account for the asymmetry in the profile of histone modifications.

Conclusion

The first systematic analysis of histone modifications between segmental duplications demonstrates that two seemingly 'identical' genomic copies are distinct in their epigenomic properties. Results here suggest that local chromatin environments may be implicated in the discrimination of derived copies of segmental duplications from their originals, leading to a biased pseudogenization of the new duplicates. The data also indicate that further exploration of the interactions between histone modification and sequence degeneration is necessary in order to understand the divergence of duplicated sequences.
Taxonomic distribution of large DNA viruses in the sea
Authors: Monier Adam , Claverie Jean-Michel , Ogata Hiroyuki
Published: July 2008

Background

Viruses are ubiquitous and the most abundant biological entities in marine environments. Metagenomics studies are increasingly revealing the huge genetic diversity of marine viruses. In this study, we used a new approach - 'phylogenetic mapping' - to obtain a comprehensive picture of the taxonomic distribution of large DNA viruses represented in the Sorcerer II Global Ocean Sampling Expedition metagenomic data set.

Results

Using DNA polymerase genes as a taxonomic marker, we identified 811 homologous sequences of likely viral origin. As expected, most of these sequences corresponded to phages. Interestingly, the second largest viral group corresponded to that containing mimivirus and three related algal viruses. We also identified several DNA polymerase homologs closely related to Asfarviridae, a viral family poorly represented among isolated viruses and, until now, limited to terrestrial animal hosts. Finally, our approach allowed the identification of a new combination of genes in 'viral-like' sequences.

Conclusion

Albeit only recently discovered, giant viruses of the Mimiviridae family appear to constitute a diverse, quantitatively important and ubiquitous component of the population of large eukaryotic DNA viruses in the sea.
Age-associated changes in immune and inflammatory responses: impact of vitamin E intervention
Authors: Wu Dayong , Meydani Simin Nikbin
Published: July 2008

Aging is associated with dysregulated immune and inflammatory responses. Declining T cell function is the most significant and best-characterized feature of immunosenescence. Intrinsic changes within T cells and extrinsic factors contribute to the age-associated decline in T cell function. T cell defect seen in aging involves multiple stages from early receptor activation events to clonal expansion. Among extrinsic factors, increased production of T cell-suppressive factor PGE2 by macrophages (Mφ) is most recognized. Vitamin E reverses an age-associated defect in T cells, particularly naïve T cells. This effect of vitamin E is also reflected in a reduced rate of upper respiratory tract infection in the elderly and enhanced clearance of influenza infection in a rodent model. The T cell-enhancing effect of vitamin E is accomplished via its direct effect on T cells and indirectly by inhibiting PGE2 production in Mφ. Up-regulated inflammation with aging has attracted increasing attention as a result of its implications in the pathogenesis of diseases. Increased PGE2 production in old Mφ is a result of increased cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression, leading to higher COX enzyme activity, which in turn, is associated with the ceramide-induced up-regulation of NF-κB. Similar to Mφ, adipocytes from old mice have a higher expression of COX-2 as well as inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, which might also be related to elevated levels of ceramide and NF-κB activation. This review will discuss the above age-related immune and inflammatory changes and the effect of vitamin E as nutritional intervention with a focus on the work conducted in our laboratory.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Stream Habitat and Smallmouth Bass Populations in Eastern Oklahoma
Authors: Dauwalter Daniel C. , Fisher William L.
Published: July 2008

The spatial and temporal dynamics of stream habitat and fish populations are important considerations for the conservation and management of stream fishes. We determined how stream habitat and populations of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu varied among third‐order to fifth‐order stream reaches in two regional streams in eastern Oklahoma from 2003 to 2005. Eastern Oklahoma represents the southwestern edge of the species' range and is where the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation focuses its stream habitat management efforts. Water temperature, streamflow, and habitat differed between Baron Fork Creek (northeast) and the Glover River (southeast) and changed longitudinally within each stream. Smallmouth bass abundance was highest downstream in Baron Fork Creek and lowest downstream in the Glover River. Recruitment was poor and variable in the upstream reaches of both streams and was strong and stable downstream in Baron Fork Creek. The survival of age‐1 and older smallmouth bass was higher in Baron Fork Creek than in the Glover River. The relative weights of smallmouth bass were higher in Baron Fork Creek than in the Glover River upstream, and they decreased downstream in Baron Fork Creek. Growth was highest from summer to fall, and relative weights were lowest in spring and highest in summer. Survival was typically lowest from summer to fall. Movement among channel units was highest from fall to winter, and there was evidence that older individuals moved more often. Smallmouth bass used different habitats for overwintering versus spring spawning, and they used most deep habitats in summer and fall. Integrating population dynamics with stream habitat helped to identify habitat management strategies that can best enhance smallmouth bass populations at the edge of their native distribution, where they provide important recreational fishing opportunities to anglers.
Induced Fracturing in Reservoir Simulations: Application of a New Coupled Simulator to a Waterflooding Field Example
Authors: Hustedt B. , Zwarts D. , Bjoerndal H.-P. , Masfry R. , van den Hoek P. J.
Published: July 2008

Water-injection-induced fractures are key factors influencing successful waterflooding projects. Controlling dynamic fracture growth can lead to largely improved water-management strategies and, potentially, to increased oil recovery and reduced operational costs (well-count and water-treatment-facilities reduction), thereby enhancing the project economics.

The primary tool that reservoir engineers require to guarantee an optimal waterflood field implementation is an appropriate modeling tool, which is capable of handling the dynamic fracturing process in complex reservoir grids.

We have developed a new modeling strategy that combines fluid flow and fracture growth in one reservoir simulation. Dynamic fractures are free to propagate in length and height-direction with respect to poro-and thermoelastic stresses acting on the fracture. A prototype simulator for contained fractures was tested successfully.

We have extended the coupled simulator to incorporate non-contained fractures. The new simulator, called FRAC-IT, handles fracture-length and -height growth by evaluating a fracture-propagation criterion on the basis of a Barenblatt (1962) condition. The solution of the 5D problem is computed by use of a tuned Broyden (1965) approach.

We demonstrate the capabilities of the coupled simulator by showing its application to a complex reservoir-simulation model. The fracture modeling is used to history match an injectivity test in a five-spot injection pattern using produced water. The coupled-simulation results and the field-data interpretation show a very good match. The outcome of the injection test led to an appropriate waterflood-management strategy adapted to the specific reservoir conditions and, in terms of production, to a net oil-production increase of 50 to 100%. The field example shows how the coupled-simulator technology can be used to achieve optimized waterfloodmanagement strategies and increased oil recovery.
Analytical Steady-State Solution of Single-Probe Tests in a Horizontal Well and Its Application to Estimate Horizontal and Vertical Permeabilities
Authors: Sheng James J.
Published: July 2008

During a single-probe test in a vertical well, the probe of a formation tester is set horizontally against a sidewall of the borehole. In a horizontal well, the probe can be set either horizontally against a sidewall or vertically against the top or bottom wall of the borehole. When the probe is set horizontally against a sidewall, the solution for a horizontal well is the same as that for a vertical well, if the wellbore curvature is not considered (in other words, the wellbore radius is considered to be much larger than the probe radius). However, when the probe is set vertically against the top or bottom wall, the solution for a horizontal well is not available in the literature. This paper presents an analytical solution to the described problem.

The solution shows that the relationship between the pressure drop and flow rate for a single-probe test in a horizontal well depends on the geometric average of horizontal and vertical permeabilities when the probe is set vertically against the borehole. One of the important applications of the solution is to estimate horizontal and vertical permeabilities from two probe tests. If two tests are conducted at the same measured depth, with the probe set vertically in one test and horizontally in the other, two permeabilities are obtained. Then the horizontal and vertical permeabilities at the measured depth can be estimated by combining these two permeabilities.

The analytical solution is validated by numerical simulation, and the solution is shown to be the same as a published analytical solution for a vertical well in an isotropic formation. Examples to estimate horizontal and vertical permeabilities from synthetic tests are presented.