bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in measuring obstetric fistula
Authors: Stanton C. , Holtz S.A. , Ahmed S.
Published: September 2007

Obstetric fistula is gaining visibility within national and international public health agencies. With increased attention to this dire condition comes the demand for better epidemiologic data. This article assesses the current state of knowledge regarding population‐based estimates of the incidence and prevalence of obstetric fistulas; proposes a method for better estimating these rates; and discusses the feasibility of this method. We show that there are no solid population‐based estimates of the numbers of obstetric fistulas anywhere (the estimate from the most rigorous study being based on only 2 reported fistula cases); and for advocacy purposes, we recommend using the estimates from the 1990 Global Burden of Disease report. To estimate the incidence and prevalence of obstetric fistula, we propose an adaptation of the sibling‐based method for direct estimation of maternal mortality. A series of questions are proposed for this use and sample size calculations are provided. The questions may require refinement, however, and we invite research groups to consider testing them.
A review of postoperative care for obstetric fistulas in Nigeria
Authors: Shittu O.S. , Ojengbede O.A. , Wara L.H.I.
Published: September 2007

Nigeria harbors an estimated 40% of all the women affected with obstetric fistulas today, and at the current rate of treatment in this country, it would take about 300 years to treat them if no new fistulas occurred. This situation obviously runs contrary to the ideals of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and needs to be reversed. We reviewed the literature on fistula treatment in Nigeria to identify strategies and practices that, if adopted, would likely accelerate the pace of fistula repair and improve postoperative fistula care in this country. A comprehensive nationwide survey, a stronger political will and commitment of resources, a systematic postoperative care and follow‐up, more fistula centers, and more fistula campaigns are necessary. Technically, the involvement of all surgeons trained in fistula repair and an experience‐based postoperative management protocol will relieve the disease burden carried by women living with fistulas in Nigeria.
Complex obstetric fistulas
Authors: Genadry R.R. , Creanga A.A. , Roenneburg M.L. , Wheeless C.R.
Published: September 2007

Obstetric fistulas are rarely simple. Most patients in sub‐Saharan Africa and parts of Asia are carriers of complex fistulas or complicated fistulas requiring expert skills for evaluation and management. A fistula is predictably complex when it is greater than 4 cm and involves the continence mechanism (the urethra is partially absent, the bladder capacity is reduced, or both); is associated with moderately severe scarring of the trigone and urethrovesical junction; and/or has multiple openings. A fistula is even more complicated when it is more than 6 cm in its largest dimension, particularly when it is associated with severe scarring and the absence of the urethra, and/or when it is combined with a recto‐vaginal fistula. The present article reviews the evaluation methods and main surgical techniques used in the management of complex fistulas. The severity of the neurovascular alterations associated with these lesions, as well as inescapable limitations in staff, health facilities, and supplies, make their optimal management very challenging.
Human papillomavirus is a favourable prognostic factor in tonsillar cancer and its oncogenic role is supported by the expression of E6 and E7
Authors: Lindquist David , Romanitan Mircea , Hammarstedt Lalle , Näsman Anders , Dahlstrand Hanna , Lindholm Johan , Onelöv Liselotte , Ramqvist Torbjörn , Ye Weimin , Munck-Wikland Eva , Dalianis Tina
Published: September 2007

From 1970 to 2002 in the Stockholm area, we revealed a parallel three‐fold increase in the incidence of tonsillar cancer and the proportion of human papillomavirus (HPV) positive tonsillar cancer cases, indicating a possible role of HPV infection in this disease. We have now examined whether HPV and viral load in pre‐treatment tonsillar cancer biopsies correlates to disease prognosis, and whether the presence of HPV‐16 E6 and E7 mRNA could be ascertained. The presence of HPV‐16, but not viral load, in tonsillar cancer was shown to be a favourable prognostic factor for clinical outcome. Moreover, E6 and/or E7 were expressed in almost all assessable HPV‐16 positive cases, supporting an oncogenic role of HPV‐16 in tonsillar cancer.
MALARIA-RELATED HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AND CHALLENGES FOR CARE PROVIDERS IN RURAL ETHIOPIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONTROL
Authors: DERESSA WAKGARI , ALI AHMED , HAILEMARIAM DAMEN
Published: September 2007

A range of activities are currently underway to improve access to malaria prevention and control interventions. As disease control strategies change over time, it is crucial to understand the health-seeking behaviour and the local socio-cultural context in which the changes in interventions operate. This paper reflects on how people in an area of seasonal malaria perceive the causes and transmission of the disease, and what prevention and treatment measures they practise to cope with the disease. It also highlights some of the challenges of malaria treatment for health care providers. The study was undertaken in 2003 in Adami Tulu District in south-central Ethiopia, where malaria is a major health problem. Pre-tested structured questionnaires and focus group discussions were conducted among men and women. Malaria, locally known as busa, was perceived as the most important cause of ill health in the area. Respondent’s perception and knowledge about the cause and transmission of the disease were relatively high. The newly introduced insecticide-treated nets were not popular in the area, and only 6·4% of households possessed at least one. The results showed that patients use multiple sources of health care for malaria treatment. Public health facilities, private clinics and community health workers were the main providers of malaria treatment. Despite higher treatment costs, people preferred to use private health care providers for malaria treatment due to the higher perceived quality of care they offer. In conclusion, effort in the prevention and control of malaria should be intensified through addressing not only public facilities, but also the private sector and community-based control interventions. Appropriate and relevant information on malaria should be disseminated to the local community. The authors propose the provision of effective antimalarial drugs and malaria prevention tools such as subsidized or free insecticide-treated nets.
Praziquantel and the benzodiazepine Ro 11-3128 do not compete for the same binding sites in schistosomes
Authors: PICA-MATTOCCIA L. , RUPPEL A. , XIA C. M. , CIOLI D.
Published: September 2007

The benzodiazepine Ro 11-3128 (methyl-clonazepam) presents several similarities with praziquantel with regard to its anti-schistosomal mode of action, since both drugs cause spastic paralysis, calcium influx and tegumental disruption in the parasites. In order to know whether the two compounds share the same binding sites in the schistosomes, we performed in vivo and in vitro competition experiments. We took advantage of the fact that Ro 11-3128 is active against immature Schistosoma mansoni (whereas praziquantel is inactive), and praziquantel is active against S. japonicum (which is insensitive to Ro 11-3128). An excess of praziquantel did not inhibit the activity of Ro 11-3128 against immature S. mansoni and an excess of Ro 11-3128 did not inhibit the activity of praziquantel against S. japonicum, suggesting that the schistosome binding sites of the two drugs are different. On the other hand, cytochalasin D, an agent known to perturb – among other things – calcium channel function, was capable of inhibiting the schistosomicidal activity of both praziquantel and Ro 11-3128, thus adding another element of similarity between the two anti-schistosomal agents. A similar, albeit partial, inhibition of the schistosomicidal activity of the two drugs was exerted by some of the classical calcium channel blockers. Taken together, these results suggest that praziquantel and Ro 11-3128, although binding to different schistosome receptor sites, may use the same basic anti-schistosomal effector mechanisms.
Inoculation of Balb/c mice with live attenuated tachyzoites protects against a lethal challenge ofNeospora caninum
Authors: BARTLEY P. M. , WRIGHT S. , CHIANINI F. , BUXTON D. , INNES E. A.
Published: September 2007

Neospora caninumtachyzoites attenuated through passage in tissue culture were tested for their ability to induce protective immunity against a lethal challenge dose of parasites. Balb/c mice were each inoculated with either 1×106live virulent tachyzoites (Group 1) or 1×106live attenuated tachyzoites (Group 2), while (Group 3) received a control inoculum. All mice were each challenged 28 days later with 5×106virulent parasites. Histopathological lesions in the brains including necrosis and microgliosis were observed following post-mortem on day 28 post-challenge (p.c.) in 71% of Group 1 and 56% of Group 2. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of these lesions showed tachyzoites andNeosporaantigens to be associated with moderate brain lesions in 17% of Group 1, while in 11% of Group 2N. caninumtissue cysts were detected, but these were not associated with lesions, Parasite DNA was detected by PCR in the brains of 86% of mice in Group 1 and 56% of mice in Group 2. Following challenge the mice in Group 3 showed high morbidity and 100% mortality within 17 days p.c. Positive IHC forN. caninumwas seen in 88% of the Group 3 mice and parasite DNA was detected in all brain samples. This study shows that it is possible to protect against a lethal challenge ofN. caninumthrough inoculation with attenuated or virulent tachyzoites. However, more severe pathology developed in mice initially inoculated with virulent parasites following a secondary challenge, compared to mice initially inoculated with attenuated parasites.
Changes in air quality and atmospheric deposition in the eastern United States: 1990–2004
Authors: Sickles Joseph E. , Shadwick Douglas S.
Published: September 2007

Data collected in the eastern United States (U.S.) between 1990 and 2004 at 34 dry and paired wet monitoring sites are examined. A goal is to evaluate the air quality impacts occurring between 1990 and 2004 resulting from legislatively mandated changes in emissions. Three 5‐year periods, 1990–1994 (P1), 1995–1999 (P2), and 2000–2004 (P3) are considered. Period‐to‐period changes in selected pollutant metrics are examined, focusing on P1‐to‐P3 changes. Data are composed from reported weekly measurements into estimates of means for year, site, and season. The mean squared error derived from analysis of variance applied to these means for atmospheric concentration, dry deposition velocity, precipitation rate, and dry, wet and total deposition is used to examine differences between periods for seasons and predefined regional groupings of sites. Results suggest that relationships exist at the current scale between changes in both concentration and deposition of relevant atmospheric pollutants and changes in SO2 emissions that are generally less than 1:1 and that these disparities are more pronounced for SO42− (a reaction product) than SO2 (the primary pollutant). Coincident timing and location suggest that legislatively mandated summertime reductions in estimated NOx emissions contributed strongly to observed reductions of atmospheric HNO3 concentration and dry deposition in the eastern U.S. Less than 1:1 relationships are also indicated at the current scale between changes in both concentration and deposition of the relevant measured secondary atmospheric pollutants, HNO3 and NO3−, and changes in NOx emissions. In the face of P1‐to‐P3 reductions in estimated emissions of both SO2 and NOx, wintertime changes in the sum of atmospheric SO42−, NO3−, and NH4+ concentrations, relative to those for corresponding SO42− concentrations, range from reductions that are less than 1:1 to actual increases.
Stream discharge database, Little River Experimental Watershed, Georgia, United States
Authors: Bosch D. D. , Sheridan J. M.
Published: September 2007

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory (SEWRL) initiated a hydrologic research program on the Little River Experimental Watershed (LREW) in 1967. Long‐term (up to 37 years) research quality streamflow data are currently available for up to eight flow measurement sites within the Gulf‐Atlantic Coastal Plain physiographic region. The LREW stream discharge research program provides fundamental data for research into hydrologic processes, precipitation‐runoff relationships, hydrograph characteristics, water yield, and interactive effects of climate, vegetation, soils, and land use for low‐gradient Coastal Plain streams. All data are available on the SEWRL anonymous ftp site (ftp://www.tiftonars.org/).
Hubble images asteroid that spacecraft dawn will visit
Authors: Anonymous
Published: September 2007

Images of the asteroid Vesta taken by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope in May will help astronomers plan for the 2011 visit by the spacecraft Dawn, which is scheduled to launch on 7 July Astronomers used the newly released images to map out the southern hemisphere of the 530‐kilometer diameter asteroid, which is dominated by a 456‐kilometer diameter impact crater that formed billions of years ago. The images also reveal characteristics that could indicate volcanic activity, such as differences in brightness in the east and west that may reflect changes in composition. The images, taken by the telescope's Wide Field Planetary Camera 2, resolve features as small as 60‐kilometers across. These new images as well as images taken in 2003 and 2004 of the dwarf planet Ceres, which Dawn will visit in 2015, are available at http://hubblesite.org. Hubble last imaged Vesta in 1994 and 1996.
Radiocarbon and ice‐core chronologies during glacial and deglacial times
Authors: Kromer Bernd , Wohlfarth Barbara , Turk Daniela
Published: September 2007

Accurate timescales are the backbone of palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. Detailed comparison between land, ocean, and ice archives and their respective climate proxies requires high‐resolution and accurate dating. For terrestrial and marine climate archives, calibration of radiocarbon (14C) dates provides a common timescale. However, for the time interval between 12.4 and 26 thousand calendar years B.P, i.e., beyond tree‐ring‐based calibration, the accepted radiocarbon calibration curve IntCal04 relies at present on marine 14C series, with associated uncertainties of the calendar scale. For ages older than 26 thousand calendar years B.P, there is no recommended calibration curve because of timescale discrepancies in the data sets covering that period. Dansgaard‐ Oeschger (D/O) and Heinrich events in ice cores provide useful templates for high‐latitude climate sequences during the last glacial period. Annual layer counting provides an independent timescale, with counting errors caused by false identification of annual layers being small (several decades) in the Holocene. However, such errors may add up to several thousand years during Oxygen Isotope Stage (OIS) 3.
Michael Mayhew receives 2007 AGU Excellence in Geophysical Education Award
Authors: Hall Michelle , Mayhew Michael
Published: September 2007

It is both an honor and a privilege to present Michael Mayhew as the 2007 recipient of the AGU Excellence in Geophysical Education Award. I do so on behalf of the geosciences community and the dozens of geoscientists who wrote letters documenting the sustained commitment and impact Mike has had on geoscience education. He is highly deserving of this recognition because his contributions to geophysical education have resulted in (1) a significant and long‐lasting cultural change in the community such that geophysical education is embraced and promoted by scientists across the discipline; and (2) the development of a vibrant and highly successful geophysical education research community dedicated to advancing understanding of how we teach and learn about Earth.
AmeriFlux Network aids global synthesis
Authors: Law Beverly
Published: September 2007

The carbon cycle science community has called for demonstrable progress in streamlining terrestrial‐atmosphere observations into a global network to enable syntheses and regional to global modeling of the role of terrestrial ecosystems in climate change. The AmeriFlux network of about 100 research sites is the primary research group and data provider for large syntheses on terrestrial carbon cycling in the Americas. To broaden the value of the network, AmeriFlux has developed a database design and new guidelines for the submission of micrometeorological, meteorological, and biological data to the archive.
Surface ocean CO2 variability and vulnerability workshop, Paris, France, 11–14 April 2007
Authors: Metzl Nicolas , Tilbrook Bronte , Bakker Dorothee , le Quéré Corinne , Doney Scott , Feely Richard , Hood Maria , Dargaville Roger
Published: September 2007

The oceans have taken up approximately half of the anthropogenic CO2 emissions. This uptake reduces climate change but also lowers ocean pH, with the potential to disrupt ecosystems. Climate change affects ocean biology and physics and could lead to reduced efficiency of the carbon sinks, a process that atmospheric data and ocean models indicate is already occurring in the Southern Ocean. Attempts to set a baseline stabilization target for the atmospheric CO2 concentration will ultimately depend on our understanding and prediction of oceanic CO2 sinks. While we are now close to monitoring oceanic CO2 uptake on decadal and regional scales, meaningful predictions of its future behavior are difficult. There is a critical and urgent need to better understand the ocean processes regulating CO2 uptake and to identify research and observational priorities for the future.
U.S. Congress considers hurricane research bills
Authors: Holle Kate Von
Published: September 2007

Legislation currently being considered by both the U.S. House and Senate would create a National Hurricane Research Initiative. The legislation was developed in response to a January 2007 U.S. National Science Board report,“Hurricane warning: The critical need for a National Hurricane Research Initiative.”

Both bills require the hurricane research initiative to set objectives in order to make recommendations to the National Science Board and to assemble U.S. science and engineering expertise through an interagency effort designed to bring together the latest research focusing on infrastructure, forecasting, and mitigating impacts on coastal populations. The bills also require the initiative to set objectives for making grants for hurricane research on a variety of topics, ranging from hurricane dynamics to improving emergency communications networks. Coordination of the interagency effort would fall under the jurisdiction of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Science in NASA's exploration strategy
Authors: Jolliff Bradley
Published: September 2007

The NASA Advisory Council held a work shop on science associated with lunar exploration planned for the Vision for Space Exploration. The workshop focused on science objectives in astrophysics, Earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, and planetary protection. The goal of the workshop was to assess and prioritize science objectives within the context of the developing exploration architecture. Science is one of six themes of the exploration strategy, and NASA wants to ensure that activities of highest priority to the science community are not precluded by the architecture to the extent that is feasible and affordable.

Key objectives from a planetary science perspective fall within four main themes. First is the Moon as a recorder of the impact history of the inner solar system and of events that might have occurred to perturb various impactor populations elsewhere. Second is the Moon as a recorder of early planetary differentiation processes through studies of its crust and interior. Key to understanding the Moon's interior is a geophysical network, especially to better deter mine global seismic structure. Third is the potential record of volatile deposition processes, especially near the poles, and the possibility of concentrated volatile‐element deposits in permanently shaded craters. Fourth is to better delineate the character and distribution of potential resources and to better understand potential hazards to sustained human presence. Some of these objectives can be accomplished at a polar outpost site whereas others require access to multiple locations and sample collection.
Peatlands and the carbon cycle: From local processes to global implications
Authors: Wieder Kelman , Canadell Josep , Limpen Juul , Moore Tim , Roulet Nigel , Schaepman‐Strub Gabriela
Published: September 2007

Boreal and subarctic peatlands cover about 3% of the Earth's land surface and store 15–30% of the world's soil carbon (200–400 petagrams) as peat. This large C pool, in addition to C in Arctic soils, lies at higher latitudes that are experiencing ongoing climate change. Tropical peatlands also contain large C reservoirs, the stability of which is threatened by ongoing land use change. In response to a call from PeatNet (a National Science Foundation‐supported research coordination network), Juul Limpens and Gabriela Schaepman‐Strub proposed a small workshop on peatland C cycling, an idea that morphed into a meeting with 180 participants from 18 countries,
Sahel climate change: Workshop on Sahel climate change, Columbia University, New York, 19–21 March 2007
Authors: Blasutti Michela , Glannini Alessandra , Sobel Adam H. , Held Isaac M. , Chiang John C. H.
Published: September 2007

The Sahel transition to persistent drought in the early 1970s is an archetypal example of recent abrupt climate change. This workshop assessed the mechanisms for variability at interannual and interdecadal timescales, and discussed mechanisms of future climate change and sources of model disagreement. Participating scientists brought a diverse range of expertise: mesoscale and paleo observationalists; atmospheric dynamicists; dust and vegetation modelers.

There was strong agreement that the main driver of the Sahel drought was sea surface temperature (SST) variations and not land use or cover changes associated with human activity. This conclusion stems from general circulation model studies reporting successful simulations of multidecadal Sahel rainfall variations given the long‐term history of observed SST. Attribution is uncertain, as possible ultimate causes of SST and rainfall variability include anthropogenic forcing by greenhouse gases and aerosols, variations to the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, and dust forcing from the Sahara. Specific atmospheric mechanisms connecting SST anomalies to the Sahel region remain uncertain, as do the relative roles of the Indo‐Pacific warming and North Atlantic SST anomalies. Atmospheric changes from aerosols may directly influence Sahel rainfall without mediation from SST.
Principles of Environmental Chemistry
Authors: Hathaway Ruth A.
Published: September 2007

Roy M. Harrison, Editor RSC Publishing; ISBN 0854043713; × + 363 pp.; 2006; $69.95

Environmental chemistry is an interdisciplinary science that includes chemistry of the air, water, and soil. Although it may be confused with green chemistry, which deals with potential pollution reduction, environmental chemistry is the scientific study of the chemical and biochemical principles that occur in nature. Therefore, it is the study of the sources, reactions, transport, effects, and fates of chemical species in the air, water, and soil environments, and the effect of human activity on them. Environmental chemistry not only explores each of these environments, but also closely examines the interfaces and boundaries where the environments intersect.
AGU cosponsors hurricane briefings
Authors: Von Holle Kate
Published: September 2007

Two briefings cosponsored by AGU on 10 July 2007 helped to inform U.S. congressional staff about the effects of hurricanes. The briefings—one each in the House and the Senate—were timed to inform staff about legislation before Congress that would implement the recommendations of the January 2007 National Science Board Report, Hurricane Warning, by creating a National Hurricane Research Initiative.

Speakers addressed different aspects of hurricanes, including improved forecasting, reducing coastal vulnerability, and developing better warnings and emergency responses in hurricane‐prone areas. Craig Fugate, director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management, emphasized that eight of the top 10 costliest disasters in U.S. history have been hurricanes. He also stressed that improved emergency response and preparedness can reduce loss of life and aid in reducing property damage.
Ecology of Harmful Algae
Authors: Roelke Daniel L.
Published: September 2007

Edna Graneli and Jefferson T.Turner, Editors; Ecological Studies Series, Vol. 189; Springer; ISBN 3540322094; 413 pp.; 2006; $195

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) affect commercially and recreationally important species, human health, and ecosystem functioning. Hallmark events are the visually stunning blooms where waters are discolored and filled with ichthyotoxin‐producing algae that lead to large fish kills. Of most concern, however, are HABs that pose a threat to human health. For example, some phycotoxins bioaccumulate in the guts and tissues of commercially and recreationally important species that when consumed by humans, may result in nausea, paralysis, memory loss, and even death. In addition to the deleterious impacts of phycotoxins, HABs can be problematic in other ways. For example, the decay of blooms often leads to low dissolved oxygen in subsurface waters. Blooms also reduce light penetration into the water column. Both processes disrupt ecosystems and in some cases have completely destroyed benthic communities.
Meshing American Indian concerns with goals of EarthScope's USArray
Authors: Semken Steven , Fouch Matthew , Garnero Edward , Zah Peterson , Lippert Donald
Published: September 2007

American Indian nations are not monolithic in their response to outsiders seeking access to their lands for scientific research, but certain factors can be expected to apply in all cases. First, homelands are considered to be sacred. Sacredness of land, frequently cited although not often defined simply, implies a kinship among people, landforms, biota, and natural phenomena, manifested as a complex system of beliefs linked directly to places [Kelley and Francis, 1994].

In particular, geoscientific research in these places may be regarded by many American Indians as inappropriate, disrespectful, or even sacrilegious—much as anyone might feel about intrusive medical or psychological research conducted on a loved one. An ongoing federal court battle over the use of reclaimed wastewater for snowmaking on the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Ariz., an extinct stratovolcano sacred to a number of tribes but outside of any official tribal jurisdiction, demonstrates that American Indian people will defend lands they hold sacred on the basis of religious freedom.
Database gathers oceanographic history
Authors: Siegel Eric
Published: September 2007

Project OceanograFacts, developed by NortekUSA, seeks input for its database of significant oceanographic events. This database aims to assemble at least 365 significant oceanographic events, one for each day of the year. Each event must be documented to be linked to a specific date.
Southern Africa moisture map
Authors: Showstack Randy , Kumar Mohi
Published: September 2007

The European Space Agency (ESA) announced on 16 July 2007 the availability of new soil moisture maps for southern Africa that could lead to better forecasting of weather and extreme events such as floods and droughts. The maps, based on data from ESA's Envisat satellite, have a spatial resolution of one kilometer. Soil moisture plays an important role in the global water cycle: with too little moisture, rain‐fed crops and vegetation can wilt; too much moisture increases the risk of flooding, flash floods, and erosion.

“This [mapping] brings hydrology into the 21st century and makes life better for people,” said Geoff Pegram of the University of KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Pegram served as the African technical partner and liaison to African user groups for the ESAbacked SHARE (Soil Moisture for Hydrometeorological Applications in the Southern African Development Community Region) project, which is demonstrating that spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar instruments can deliver soil moisture data at high spatial and temporal resolution. For more information, visit the Web site: http://www.ukzn.ac.za/sahg/share/.
1,000 wells for Darfur
Authors: Virji Hassan
Published: September 2007

A new humanitarian mission called “1,000 Wells for Darfur” grew out of the discovery from recent space data of an ancient megalake in a large basin in that region. Eman Ghoneim, a research professor at Boston University's Center for Remote Sensing, and Center director Farouk El‐Baz mapped the ancient lake's boundary using Landsat, RADARSAT, and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data.

The newly mapped lake once occupied 30,750 square kilometers and would have contained approximately 2530 cubic kilometers of water when full during historically humid climate phases.
Nordic ice edge data
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: September 2007

The NOAA program at the National Snow and Ice Data Center has released a data set of “March through August Ice Edge Positions in the Nordic Seas, 1750–2002.” “Ice edge” is defined as the outer boundary of ice having at least 30% ice concentration; the ice edge positions come from ship logbooks, diaries, satellite data products, and other sources. The data set provides information about ice edge variability through regional shifts in climate. The data set is available at http://nsidc.org/data/g02169.html.
Mine‐induced seismicity likely caused Utah mine event
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: September 2007

With six coal miners trapped in the Crandall Canyon Mine in east central Utah since 6 August, seismologists analyzing the estimated 3.9 magnitude event have indicated that it most likely was caused by an underground cavity collapse rather than by a tectonic earthquake.

“Most of the seismic wave energy is consistent with an underground collapse; however, the cause of the mine collapse is still unknown,” according to an analysis of the event by Douglas Dreger, assistant professor of geophysics with the Berkeley Seismological Laboratory (BSL) at the University of California, Berkeley, and colleagues at BSL and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (http://seismo.berkeley.edu/‐peggy/Utah20070806.htm).
Explaining the record US warmth of 2006
Authors: Hoerling Martin , Eischeid Jon , Quan Xiaowei , Xu Taiyi
Published: September 2007

This study explores origins for record setting 2006 temperatures over the conterminous United States. The efficacy of two mechanisms is quantified; one associated with sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the equatorial Pacific related to El Niño, and the other associated with increased greenhouse gas concentrations. We use historical records of US temperatures observed during past El Niños, model simulations subjected to El Niño SST conditions and to projections of the 2006 greenhouse gas concentrations. We use ensemble methods to yield probabilistic estimates of temperature anomalies related to each forcing. Neither historical data nor model simulations reveal a US warm response to El Niño indicating it was not a factor in elevating US temperatures. Instead, over half of the anomalous warmth in 2006 is attributed to greenhouse gas forcing, whose strength now exceeds the standard deviation of natural fluctuations. We conclude that the record warmth was primarily due to human influences.
TGFβ is responsible for skin tumour infiltration by macrophages enabling the tumours to escape immune destruction
Authors: Byrne Scott N , Knox Matthew C , Halliday Gary M
Published: September 2007

Infiltration of skin tumours by macrophages is an important step in tumour progression, although the mechanisms of macrophage recruitment to the tumour mass and the subsequent effects on tumour growth are poorly understood. Transfecting a murine regressing skin tumour with the gene for transforming growth factor (TGF)β enabled the tumours to grow progressively in vivo thus allowing us to study the role of this cytokine in tumour growth. Flow cytometry was used to show that TGFβ‐mediated tumour progression was accompanied by an increase in tumour‐associated macrophages (TAM) and a decrease in tumour‐infiltrating dendritic cells (DCs). TAM in TGFβ‐secreting tumours expressed lower levels of major histocompatibility complex II and CD86 compared to DC in control tumours and had a high phagocytic capacity as measured by uptake of latex beads in vivo. Indeed, TGFβ was directly responsible not only for the enhanced macrophage phagocytosis but also altering the ratio of antigen‐presenting cells to favour macrophages over DC. Our results demonstrate that TGFβ recruitment and retention of macrophages at the tumour site enable effective tumour evasion of the host immune system and reinforces the need to target TGFβ in human cancer immunotherapy trials.
Re-evaluation of the genus Babingtonia (Myrtaceae) in eastern Australia and New Caledonia
Authors: Wilson Peter G. , Heslewood Margaret M. , Quinn Christopher J.
Published: September 2007

The validity of the generic concept of Babingtonia Lindl. adopted by Bean (1997a) is tested in the light of molecular and morphological data. Molecular analyses support recognition of segregate genera, none of which is closely related to the type of the genus, Babingtonia camphorosmae, a western Australian species. Two genera, Sannantha and Kardomia, are described as new and a third genus, Harmogia, resurrected from synonymy; new combinations are provided in the new genera. A fourth group, consisting of ‘Babingtonia’ behrii and its allies, appears distinct but, as a predominantly southern group, with numerous western Australian representatives, is not treated further.
Cheiranthera (Pittosporaceae)
Authors: Cayzer Lindy W. , Crisp Mike D. , Donaldson Stuart
Published: September 2007

As part of a continuing revision of the family Pittosporaceae in Australia, we present here a monograph of the genus Cheiranthera. This treatment recognises 10 species, of which one is reinstated (C. parviflora Benth.), two are raised in rank (C. borealis, C. simplicifolia) and one is described for the first time (C. telfordii).
Construction and annotation of large phylogenetic trees
Authors: Sanderson Michael J.
Published: September 2007

Broad availability of molecular sequence data allows construction of phylogenetic trees with 1000s or even 10 000s of taxa. This paper reviews methodological, technological and empirical issues raised in phylogenetic inference at this scale. Numerous algorithmic and computational challenges have been identified surrounding the core problem of reconstructing large trees accurately from sequence data, but many other obstacles, both upstream and downstream of this step, are less well understood. Before phylogenetic analysis, data must be generated de novo or extracted from existing databases, compiled into blocks of homologous data with controlled properties, aligned, examined for the presence of gene duplications or other kinds of complicating factors, and finally, combined with other evidence via supermatrix or supertree approaches. After phylogenetic analysis, confidence assessments are usually reported, along with other kinds of annotations, such as clade names, or annotations requiring additional inference procedures, such as trait evolution or divergence time estimates. Prospects for partial automation of large-tree construction are also discussed, as well as risks associated with ‘outsourcing’ phylogenetic inference beyond the systematics community.
Australasian species of Macowanites are sequestrate species of Russula (Russulaceae, Basidiomycota)
Authors: Lebel Teresa , Tonkin Jennifer E.
Published: September 2007

Australian taxa of the sequestrate genus Macowanites were examined by using LSU and ITS regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA and found to be paraphyletic within the agaricoid genus Russula. The type of the genus Macowanites, M. agaricinus, is described here as a generic synonym of Russula and an emended description of the genus Russula is provided. Descriptions and illustrations of nine new species, Russula albidoflava T.Lebel, R. albobrunnea T.Lebel, R. brunneonigra T.Lebel, R. galbana T.Lebel, R. pumicoidea T.Lebel, R. reddellii T.Lebel, R. rostraticystidia T.Lebel, R. sinuata T.Lebel and R. variispora T.Lebel, from Australia, are presented. Nomenclatural changes for five previously published Australasian species are also proposed.
Entertainments East and West—Three Encounters between Iranians and Europeans during the Qajar Period (1786–1925)
Authors: Scarce Jennifer
Published: September 2007

The establishment of Qajar rule by Agha Muhammad Khan in 1786 initiated a period of relative stability in Iran which lasted through the nineteenth century to 1925. His two most important successors, Fath ‘Ali Shah (1797–1834) and Nasir al-Din Shah (1848–1896), during their long reigns, saw the stabilization of Iran's borders to their present limits and maintained a cautious balance in domestic policy with the religious, administrative, and commercial authorities, and in international relations with European powers. One of the main results of Qajar foreign policy was increased contact between Europeans—such as diplomats, military personnel, technical and educational experts, merchants, archaeologists, and curious travelers who spent long periods of time in Iran, and the Iranians who received them. As hospitality is one of the main features of Iranian social culture, receptions and entertainment played a major role in both formal diplomacy and at private picnics and parties.
The Jester and the Shadow of God: Nasir al-Din Shah and His Fools
Authors: Martin Vanessa
Published: September 2007

This paper will discuss the role of the jesters at the court of Nasr al-Din Shah, with more particular reference to Karim Shire′i, whose humor gained a lasting place in popular memory. It will look at the jesters in the context of their essential role, to remind the king that he was human. This poses a number of questions with regard to who the jester was and how he carried out his function. First, there is the question of the relationship between the Shah and jester, the degree to which it could become personal and why. Second, the paper will look at the jester's identity and the way it is defined by his relationship with the Shah. Third, it will consider the jester's relationship with the court as a whole and his function within a strictly related hierarchical environment. All of these required that the jester constantly maintain a delicate and sometimes dangerous balance, which could only be carried out by one who inherently possessed a particular kind of wit. Consideration will be given as to what the jester represented both to the court and to the public, specifically with reference to the widely held concept of the wise fool, and its religious implications. This relates to the issue of ‘innocence,’ (‘the mad have cast upon their tongues words from the unseen’) whether natural or assumed and its purpose in allowing freedom to the jester to draw the ruler's attention to unpalatable truths. Further points to explore are the relationship between the jester and chaos in an ordered environment and how far the jester pressed the boundaries, or even exerted political influence, and how far his function was in fact conservative and destined to help preserve the existing order. Last, the paper will look at the origins of the court jesters as far as they are known and consider their implications for the rise of these individuals. It will attempt to establish if each was characterized by a particular kind of buffoonery by comparing and contrasting them. In particular, the jokes attributed to Karim Shire'i will be discussed both in terms of how far it is possible to identify him as their author with any certainty and how far they may be considered as constituting a genre of humor. Finally, the legacy of this humor within the popular memory will be assessed.
Novellas as Morality Tales and Entertainment in the Newspapers of the Late Qajar Period: Yahya Mirza Eskandari's “‘Eshgh-e Doroughi” and “‘Arousi-e Mehrangiz”
Authors: Eskandari-Qajar Manoutchehr M.
Published: September 2007

The literary genre known as dastan-e ‘ebrat (morality tale or play) had already gained currency before the turn of the century and the awakening that preceded the Constitutional Revolution. It was, however, in the context of that Revolution and the impulses the Revolution brought forth, that this form of writing achieved greater popularity. Through the new medium of newspapers available now to a mass audience, the mode of delivery of the traditional morality tale in daily or weekly installments also took on the new role of entertainment while retaining the old role of socio-political commentary. Combining the tradition of his grandfather, Mohammad Taher Mirza Eskandari, who as translator, brought the romantic novels of Alexandre Dumas to the attention of the court and the Persian public, and that of his father and uncle who were pioneers and founders of the early humanist societies (anjoman) in the late Qajar era, Yahya Mirza Eskandari also used literature as a means of conveying his progressive social and political views. The two works,‘Eshgh-e doroughiand‘Arousi-e mehrangiz, in particular, capture the genre and the message of the dastan-e ‘ebrat well while taking it further to a level of political and social critique, particularly directed at the autocratic foundations of the government of the time. While focusing on the political critiques of tradition and traditionalism that these works represent, this article will also try to highlight their entertainment aspect, achieved through the process of serialization and publishing by installment, the publication format the papers Majjaleh-ye nesvan and Iran-e now chose for them.
Iraj, the Poet of Love and Humor
Authors: Katouzian Homa
Published: September 2007

Iraj was a leading poet of the late Qajar era, a major poet in the whole history of Persian poetry, and by far the greatest of the poets who descended from Fath'ali Shah. Two things in particular distinguish Iraj's poetry: eloquence and humor. It is difficult to describe him as a satirist in the strict sense of this term since satire in his works is normally incidental and a natural result of his unique humor when writing about most subjects. His best works are Aref-Nameh, Enqelab-e Adabi and Zohreh o Manuchehr, although there is hardly any piece by him which is less than delightful, especially those which he wrote during the Constitutional era.
Perceived exertion of physical activity: Negative association with self-rated fitness
Authors: Aadahl Mette , Kjær Michael , Jørgensen Torben
Published: September 2007

Introduction: In epidemiological studies information on physical activity is often obtained by self-report questionnaires, assessing the type of activities performed, the absolute metabolic demand (metabolic equivalents), and the duration and frequency of the activities. As health benefits from physical activity are coupled to the relative intensity of the physical effort, we wanted to relate perceived exertion to self-reported fitness. Aim: To use a questionnaire for obtaining information on perceived exertion of physical activity in a population sample and to evaluate whether perceived exertion is associated with self-reported fitness. Methods: A total of 42 specific physical activities were included in a perceived exertion questionnaire that was sent by mail to 2,543 randomly selected men and women between 19 and 60 years of age. The participants were asked to rate activities by degree of perceived exertion on an 11-point box-scale. General linear regression analyses were undertaken with perceived exertion of the specific physical activities as outcome variables and age and self-rated fitness as determinants. Results: The response rate was 61.7% (n=1,568) and 54.3% of the respondents were women. In men and women both, the perceived exertion of 40 out of 42 specific physical activities of low, moderate, and high absolute intensity was negatively associated with self-rated fitness level. Conclusion: Perceived exertion is significantly associated with self-rated fitness level in both genders after adjustment for age. Self-rated fitness level seems to determine perception of exertion in leisure time, occupation, household, and transportation activities, whether of low, moderate, or high absolute intensity.
Cardiovascular risk amongst migrant and non-migrant Greenland Inuit in a gender perspective
Authors: Bjerregaard Peter , Eika Jørgensen Marit , Borch-Johnsen Knut
Published: September 2007

Aims: The effects of migration on cardiovascular risk factors are often gender specific. The purpose of the present study was to analyse the association of migration from Greenland to Denmark with cardiovascular risk factors in a gender-specific perspective. Methods: Cross-sectional population surveys among adult Inuit in Greenland and Inuit migrants in Denmark (n=1542). General Linear Models adjusted for age, smoking, diet (seal, fish, and fruit), and alcohol consumption. Results:Blood pressure was significantly higher among Inuit migrants of either sex than among the Inuit in Greenland. Among women, HDL-cholesterol concentrations were 1.59 mmol/l in Greenland and 1.83 among migrants (p<0.001), while obesity and HbA1c were significantly lower among the migrants. Blood lipids, HbA1c, and obesity did not differ between men in Greenland and migrants. Smoking, diet, and alcohol consumption differed significantly among migrants and non-migrants. Adjusted for the consumption of seal meat and alcohol, the difference in HDL cholesterol for men (1.44 and 1.66 mmol/l; p=0.002) was of a similar magnitude to that of women. Conclusions: Migration was associated with cardiovascular risk factors in different ways among men and women. Some of the gender difference could be explained by dietary differences among male and female migrants and non-migrants, or in the case of HDL cholesterol by a different association with the consumption of seal meat for men and women, but a large unexplained residual remained. Overall cardiovascular risk was higher among migrant than non-migrant males, while for women some risk factors were better and some worse among the migrants.
On the extrapolation to ITER of discharges in present tokamaks
Authors: Peeters A.G. , Angioni C. , Sips A.C.C.
Published: September 2007

An expression for the extrapolated fusion gainG=Pfusion/5Pheat(Pfusionbeing the total fusion power andPheatthe total heating power) of ITER in terms of the confinement improvement factor (H) and the normalized beta (βN) is derived in this paper. It is shown that an increase in normalized beta can be expected to have a negative or neutral influence onGdepending on the chosen confinement scaling law. Figures of merit likeshould be used with care, since large values of this quantity do not guarantee high values ofG, and might not be attainable with the heating power installed on ITER.