bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling correlated processes of Poisson counts
Authors: Weiß Christian H.
Published: June 2007

The class of INARMA models is well suited to model the autocorrelation structure of processes with Poisson marginals arising in context of statistical quality control. After reviewing briefly the basic principles and important members of this broad family of models, we concentrate on the INAR(1) model, which is of particular relevance for quality control. We suggest four approaches to control such count processes, and compare their run length performance in a simulation study. Results show that only some of the out‐of‐control situations considered can be controlled effectively with the discussed control schemes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Empirical Bayes approach to the problem of multiple testing
Authors: Bogdan Małgorzata , Ghosh Jayanta K. , Ochman Aleksandra , Tokdar Surya T.
Published: June 2007

We discuss the Empirical Bayes approach to the problem of multiple testing and compare it with a very popular frequentist method of Benjamini and Hochberg aimed at controlling the false discovery rate. Our main focus is the ‘sparse mixture’ case, when only a small proportion of tested hypotheses is expected to be false. The specific parametric model we consider is motivated by the application to detecting genes responsible for quantitative traits, but it can be used in a variety of other applications. We define some Parametric
Empirical Bayes procedures for multiple testing and compare them with the Benjamini and Hochberg method using computer simulations. We explain some similarities between these two approaches by placing them within the same framework of threshold tests with estimated critical values. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cospas–Sarsat LEO and GEO: Satellite distress and safety systems (SDSS)
Authors: Ilcev D. S.
Published: June 2007

Cospas–Sarsat Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) networks must provide enhanced service of Satellite Distress and Safety Systems (SDSS); to improve Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in all environments; and to increase safety and security at low cost for numbers of mobiles at sea, on land and in the air. This paper describes the concepts of integrated LEO and GEO space configurations in function of Cospas (space system for search of distress vessels and airplanes) and Sarsat SDSS, and SAR infrastructures. The paper also reviews satellite repeaters providing SDSS service for satellite beacons known as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons for Maritime, Personal Locator Beacons for land (road and rail), and Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) for aeronautical applications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hot‐deck multiple imputation procedure for gaps in longitudinal data on recurrent events
Authors: Little Roderick J. , Yosef Matheos , Cain Kevin C. , Nan Bin , Harlow Siobán D.
Published: June 2007

We consider the analysis of longitudinal data sets that include times of recurrent events, where interest lies in variables that are functions of the number of events and the time intervals between events for each individual, and where some cases have gaps when the information was not recorded. Discarding cases with gaps results in a loss of the recorded information in those cases. Other strategies such as simply splicing together the intervals before and after the gap potentially lead to bias. A relatively simple imputation approach is developed that bases the number and times of events within the gap on matches to completely recorded
histories. Multiple imputation is used to propagate imputation uncertainty. The procedure is developed here for menstrual calendar data, where the recurrent events are menstrual bleeds recorded longitudinally over time. The recording is somewhat onerous, leading to gaps in the calendar data. The procedure is applied to two important data sets for assessing the menopausal transition, the Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project and the TREMIN data. A simulation study is presented to assess the statistical properties of the proposed procedure. Some possible extensions of the approach are also considered. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A binless correlation measure reduces the variability of memory reactivation estimates
Authors: Kruskal Peter B. , Stanis Jessica J. , McNaughton Bruce L. , Thomas Peter J.
Published: June 2007

The standard procedure for measuring correlations between pairs of spike trains is to count the numbers of spikes occurring within a specified set of time intervals partitioning the continuous time line into discrete bins of width w (seconds). One then computes the Pearson correlation between pairs of the bin occupancy vectors. This method introduces a form of quantization noise, similar to that in analog‐to‐digital signal processing devices, due to the arbitrary positioning of bin boundaries relative to pairs of spikes. Small changes in bin width and small uniform shifts in bin boundaries typically produce large variations in the apparent correlation. An alternative method of determining a correlation between pairs of spike trains was recently introduced. Rather than discretize the data in time, the original spike trains are convolved with a Gaussian kernel with parameter σ chosen to give an effective width matching the bin width $ \omega= \sqrt{12} \sigma $. Calculating the Pearson correlation of the resulting smooth functions gives an estimate of the correlation between the spike trains matching that given by the bin‐based procedure, without introducing the significant variability of the bin‐based estimate. Measures of memory reactivation based on the partial correlations between ensembles of pairwise spike train correlations are biased downwards by the quantization noise present in the pairwise correlation estimates. Using a binless method to measure pairwise correlation, we find that the partial correlation (or explained variance) of rat hippocampal maze activity and post‐maze sleep, taking into account pre‐maze sleep correlations, increases significantly over estimates made with the standard bin‐based procedure. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global tests in the additive hazards regression model
Authors: Gandy Axel , Therneau Terry M. , Aalen Odd O.
Published: June 2007

In this article, we discuss testing for the effect of several covariates in the additive hazards regression model. Bhattacharyya and Klein (Statist. Med. 2005;24(14):2235–2240) note that anad hocweight function suggested by Aalen (Statist. Med. 1989;8:907–925) is inconsistent when used as a global test for comparing groups since the test statistic depends on which group is used as the baseline group. We will suggest a simple alternative test that does not exhibit this problem. This test is a natural extension of the logrank test. We shall also discuss an alternative covariance estimator. The tests are applied to a data set and a simulation study is performed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Restoration of mangrove plantations and colonisation by native species in Leizhou bay, South China
Authors: Ren Hai , Jian Shuguang , Lu Hongfang , Zhang Qianmei , Shen Weijun , Han Weidong , Yin Zuoyun , Guo Qinfeng
Published: June 2007

To examine the natural colonisation of native mangrove species into remediated exotic mangrove stands in Leizhou Bay, South China, we compared soil physical–chemical properties, community structure and recruitments of barren mangrove areas, native mangrove species plantations, and exotic mangrove species—Sonneratia apetala Buch.Ham—between plantations and natural forest. We found that severely degraded mangrove stands could not regenerate naturally without human intervention due to severely altered local environments, whereas some native species had been recruited into the 4–10 year S. apetala plantations. In the first 10 years, the exotic species S. apetala grew better than native species such as Rhizophora stylosa Griff and Kandelia candel (Linn.) Druce. The mangrove plantation gradually affected soil physical and chemical properties during its recovery. The exotic S. apetala was more competitive than native species and its plantation was able to restore soil organic matter in about 14 years. Thus, S. apetala can be considered as a pioneer species to improve degraded habitats to facilitate recolonisation by native mangrove species. However, removal to control proliferation may be needed at late stages to facilitate growth of native species. To ensure sustainability of mangroves in South China, the existing mangrove wetlands must be managed as an ecosystem, with long‐term scientific monitoring program in place.
Positive Affect Predicts Improved Lip Movement in Facial Movement Disorder
Authors: Merkel Kathryn E. , Schmidt Karen L. , Levenstein Rachel M. , VanSwearingen Jessie M. , Bentley Barbara C.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES

Positive affect in individuals with a facial movement disorder may promote lip corner movement (zygomaticus major) during smiling. We investigated whether a positive affect marker (orbicularis oculi activity) observed in an initial clinic visit of individuals with facial movement disorder (N = 28) predicted increased lip corner movement at a subsequent visit.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

In this clinical outcomes study, lip corner movement was assessed with the use of automated facial analysis. Asymmetry of movement was compared in individuals who smiled with or without the positive affect marker at an initial clinic visit.

RESULTS

The positive affect marker at the initial visit was associated with a reduction in the asymmetry of the lip corner movement at the second visit.

CONCLUSION

Positive affect predicts improved facial movement outcomes in patients with facial movement disorders.

SIGNIFICANCE

Positive emotion in facial movement patients may be an important factor in recovery of facial movement during therapy.
Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes after Stapedotomy with Implantation of a Self‐Crimping Nitinol Stapes Prosthesis
Authors: Sorom Abraham J. , Driscoll Colin L.W. , Beatty Charles W. , Lundy Larry
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To review hearing results after implantation of a self‐crimping stapes prosthesis.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Analysis of hearing results in patients implanted with a self‐crimping stapes prosthesis at two academic hospitals from 2000 to 2004.

RESULTS

Seventy‐nine ears were divided into short‐term and intermediate follow‐up groups. The mean postoperative air‐bone gap (ABG), preoperative minus postoperative ABG, and preoperative minus postoperative bone conduction values were 5.7, 21.4, and 4.1 dB, respectively, for the short‐term group, and 6.3, 22.3, and 4.7dB, respectively, for the intermediate group. The ABG was <10 dB in 88 percent of the short‐term group and in 79 percent of the intermediate group.

CONCLUSIONS

The self‐crimping Nitinol stapes prosthesis provides excellent short‐term and intermediate postoperative hearing results, and may overcome the limitations of stapes prostheses requiring manual crimping.

SIGNIFICANCE

This paper provides evidence for the use of a self‐crimping Nitinol stapes prosthesis, which may simplify hearing restoration surgery for stapes fixation.
Malignant Head and Neck Paragangliomas in SDHB Mutation Carriers
Authors: Boedeker Carsten Christof , Neumann Hartmut P. H. , Maier Wolfgang , Bausch Birke , Schipper Jörg , Ridder Gerd Jürgen
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

Three of four paraganglioma syndromes (PGLs) have been characterized on a molecular genetic basis. PGL 1 is associated with mutations of the succinate dehydrogenase subunit D (SDHD) gene, PGL 3 is caused by SDHC gene mutations, and PGL 4 is caused by SDHB gene mutations. The objective of this study was to investigate whether PGLs are associated with malignant head and neck paragangliomas (HNPs).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Through November 2005, we screened 195 HNP patients for mutations of the genes SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD.

RESULTS

We detected 5 SDHC, 13 SDHB, and 45 SDHD gene mutations. In seven SDHB mutation carriers, there were distant metastases. No signs of metastases were found in SDHC and SDHD patients. One patient with a sporadic HNP presented with locally metastatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

SDHB mutations are associated with a high rate of malignant HNPs.

SIGNIFICANCE

In SDHB patients, a three‐body region imaging and scintigraphy or DOPA‐PET must be performed to exclude metastases.
Intratympanic Steroids for Treatment of Sudden Hearing Loss after Failure of Intravenous Therapy
Authors: Plaza Guillermo , Herráiz Carlos
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

We sought to describe our experience with intratympanic steroid treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss after failure of intravenous steroid treatment.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a nonrandomized prospective clinical trial. Fifty patients presenting with sudden onset idiopathic hearing loss were treated intravenously over five days. After this period, patients with treatment failure (18 cases) were offered intratympanic steroid treatment. Nine patients refused, whereas the other nine patients received three weekly injections of methylprednisolone. Recovery of hearing was reported as improvement of more than 15 dB in pure tone average.

RESULTS

Intratympanic steroid treatment improved hearing loss in five patients (55%). This is significant compared with those patients who refused intratympanic treatment, who showed no further improvement (P < 0.05). No serious adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Intratympanic steroids significantly improve the recovery outcome of sudden hearing loss that had not recovered after intravenous steroid treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

Intratympanic steroids are an effective and safe therapy in sudden sensorineural hearing loss cases that are refractory to standard treatment.
Sinonasal Surfactant Protein A1, A2, and D Gene Expression in Cystic Fibrosis: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Woodworth Bradford A. , Wood Rachel , Baatz John E. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To measure alterations in SPA1, A2, and D gene expression in various forms of inflammatory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Sinus mucosal biopsies were performed in patients with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFS), CRS with nasal polyposis, cystic fibrosis (CF), and controls. SP mRNA was measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS: Patients with CF (n = 4) showed significantly increased SPA1 (82‐fold), SPA2 (100‐fold), and SPD (47‐fold) mRNA (P < 0.05) when compared with controls (n = 5). Patients with CRS with nasal polyposis (n = 5) also demonstrated elevated SPA1 (27‐fold), SPA2 (13‐fold), and SPD (13‐fold). Patients with AFS (n = 7) had increased SPA1 (5‐fold), SPA2 (9‐fold), and SPD (17‐fold), but were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

SPA1, A2, and D are upregulated in various forms of CRS, but are significantly elevated in cystic fibrosis CRS.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the role of SPs in CRS will help develop novel treatment approaches for sinonasal pathoses.
Long‐Term Efficacy of Intra‐Oral Surgery for Sialorrhea
Authors: Martin Timothy J. , Conley Stephen F.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy and quality of life impact of intra‐oral surgery for sialorrhea and to provide long‐term outcome measures.

METHODS

A retrospective review and telephone survey of patients seen in a multi‐disciplinary saliva control clinic who underwent surgery between 1999 and 2003.

RESULTS

Sixteen of 31 patients underwent 4‐duct ligation, 12 patients underwent submandibular gland duct ligation, and three patients underwent a 3‐duct ligation procedure. The mean presurgical drooling score (maximum 10) was 9.5, 8.8, and 9, respectively. Recurrence was seen in 68% of patients at a mean of four months. Additional surgery was required in five patients. Phone survey was accomplished in 10 patients. Two of 10 caregivers reported sustained improvement of sialorrhea at two and three years.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra‐oral surgery provides minimal longterm control of sialorrhea. Additional medical and surgical therapy was needed in a significant portion of patients in this long‐term review.
Additional Palatal Implants for Refractory Snoring
Authors: Catalano Peter , Goh Yao Hong , Romanow John
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate safety and efficacy of additional palatal implants for snoring treatment.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A prospective case series at two clinical sites in an office setting. Patients who did not have an acceptable reduction in snoring intensity after an initial 3 implant procedure received additional implants. Bed partners rated snoring intensity on a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and 90 days postprocedure.

RESULTS

Snoring intensity VAS decreased significantly from 6.4 ± 2.3 to 4.6 ± 2.9 (P < 0.01) for patients who received an additional fourth implant, and to 4.1 ± 2.8 after the 5th implant (P<0.01). Epworth sleepiness scale scores also decreased significantly for patients who received additional fourth or fifth implants. There were no adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional palatal implants for snoring treatment were safe and effective in this case series.

SIGNIFICANCE

Additional implants may offer relief for snorers not responding to the initial 3 implant procedure.
Past and Present Instrument Use in Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Walner David L. , Parker Noah P. , Miller Robert P.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

Examine changing trends/instrument usage for pediatric adenotonsillectomy.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Survey of 300 members of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology assessing instruments used in adenotonsillectomy currently and over the past 15 years.

RESULTS

A total of 120 surveys were returned. The most common total tonsillectomy instruments for obstruction/infection were: monopolar electrocautery (ME) (53.1%/54.5%) and coblation (CT) (16.0%/16.1%). The most common subtotal tonsillectomy instrument for obstruction/infection was microdebrider (51.4%/30.8%). Over the past 15 years, ME predominated, cold utilization declined, and CT rose. The most common adenoidectomy instruments were ME (25.0%/25.0%), curette with touch‐up ME (22.4%/22.4%), and microdebrider with touch‐up ME (19.0%/14.7%). Over the past 15 years, curette with touch‐up ME predominated early, curette utilization alone declined, and ME, microdebrider, and CT have risen.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric otolaryngologist technique/instrument use for adenotonsillectomy has changed over the past 15 years. This study may be limited by the low survey response rate.
Office‐Based Laryngeal Laser Surgery: A Review of 443 Cases Using Three Wavelengths
Authors: Koufman Jamie A. , Rees Catherine J. , Frazier William D. , Kilpatrick Lauren A. , Wright S. Carter , Halum Stacey L. , Postma Gregory N.
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND

Unsedated office‐based laser surgery (UOLS) of the larynx and trachea has significantly improved the treatment options for patients with laryngotracheal pathology including recurrent respiratory papillomas, granulomas, leukoplakia, and polypoid degeneration. UOLS delivered by flexible endoscopes has dramatically impacted office‐based surgery by reducing the time, costs, and morbidity of surgery.

OBJECTIVES

To review our experience with 443 laryngotracheal cases treated by UOLS.

METHODS

The laser logbooks at the Center for Voice and Swallowing Disorders were reviewed for UOLS, and the medical and laryngological histories were detailed, as were the treatment modalities, frequencies, and complications.

RESULTS

Of the 443 cases, 406 were performed with the pulsed‐dye laser, 10 with the carbon‐dioxide laser, and 27 with the thulium: yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet laser. There were no significant complications in this series. A review of indications and wavelength selection criteria is presented.

CONCLUSION

Unsedated, office‐based, upper aerodigestive tract laser surgery appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for many patients with laryngotracheal pathology.
Outcome of Adenotonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Obese and Normal‐Weight Children
Authors: Mitchell Ron B. , Kelly James
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES

1) To evaluate the relative severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese and normal‐weight children; 2) to compare changes in respiratory parameters after adenotonsillectomy in obese and normal‐weight children.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective controlled trial that included children aged 3 to 18 years. All study participants underwent pre‐ and postoperative polysomnography.

RESULTS

The study population included 33 obese children and 39 normal‐weight controls. Preoperatively, the median obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) was 23.4 (range 3.7‐135.1) for obese and 17.1 (range 3.9‐36.5) for controls (P < 0.001). Postoperatively, the AHI was 3.1 (range 0‐33.1) for obese and 1.9 (range 0.1‐7.0) for controls (P < 0.01). Twenty‐five obese children (76%) and 11 controls (28%) had persistent OSA.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

AHI scores are higher in obese than in normal‐weight children with OSA. Both groups show a dramatic improvement in AHI after adenotonsillectomy, but persistent OSA is more common in obese children.
Intestinal parasitism and Vibrio cholerae infection among diarrhoeal patients in Kolkata, India
Authors: SAHA D. R. , RAJENDRAN K. , RAMAMURTHY T. , NANDY R. K. , BHATTACHARYA S. K.
Published: June 2007

In this study, we have analysed the epidemiological significance of the concurrent infections caused by Vibrio cholerae and intestinal parasites among different age groups of hospitalized diarrhoeal patients in Kolkata. A total of 3556 stool samples collected during 1996–2004 were screened for vibrios and parasites. The seasonality of V. cholerae and parasitic infections were studied in detail. The detection rates for Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia lamblia infection were more than for the hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Entamoeba histolytica. V. cholerae O1 was identified as the predominant serogroup among diarrhoeal patients. The highest rates for V. cholerae infection were in the 2–5 years age group and combined infection of V. cholerae and parasites was recorded among children aged between 2 and 10 years.
Photoreceptor distribution in the retina of adult Pacific salmon: Corner cones express blue opsin
Authors: CHENG CHRISTIANA L. , FLAMARIQUE IÑIGO NOVALES
Published: June 2007

The retina of salmonid fishes has two types of cone photoreceptors: single and double cones. At the nuclear level, these cones are distributed in a square mosaic such that the double cones form the sides of the square and the single cones occupy positions at the centre and at the corners of the square. Double cones consist of two members, one having visual pigment protein maximally sensitive to green light (RH2 opsin), the other maximally sensitive to red light (LWS opsin). Single cones can have opsins maximally sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) or blue light (SWS1 and SWS2 opsins, respectively). In Pacific salmonids, all single cones express UV opsin at hatching. Around the time of yolk sac absorption, single cones start switching opsin expression from UV to blue, in an event that proceeds from the ventral to the dorsal retina. This transformation is accompanied by a loss of single corner cones such that the large juvenile shows corner cones and UV opsin expression in the dorsal retina only. Previous research has shown that adult Pacific salmon have corner cones over large areas of retina suggesting that these cones may be regenerated and that they may express UV opsin. Here we usedin-situhybridization with cRNA probes and RT-PCR to show that: (1) all single cones in non-growth zone areas of the retina express blue opsin and (2) double cone opsin expression alternates around the square mosaic unit. Our results indicate that single cone driven UV sensitivity in adult salmon must emanate from stimulation of growth zone areas.
The Rediscovery of Babylonia: European Travellers and the Development of Knowledge on Lower Mesopotamia, Sixteenth to Early Nineteenth Century
Authors: Ooghe Bart
Published: June 2007

Since the creation of its first disciplinary histories in the late nineteenth century, Near Eastern archaeology has perceived its origins largely in terms of individual breakthroughs, following the common precepts of a pre-Annales historiography. The founding figures mentioned in the works of Rogers, Hilprecht, Budge or Parrot were either great explorers, great scholars or, most importantly, great excavators. From Della Valle's first tentative explorations at Babylon in 1616 to the major excavations at Nineveh and Babylon three centuries later, Near Eastern archaeology saw itself as the fruit of individual discovery. ‘Real’ archaeology was furthermore perceived as a natural rather than a human science and subsequently taken to have originated in nineteenth-century positivism; earlier accounts were hinted at in only the briefest fashion.
IMPOSSIBLE CHOICES
Authors: Hu Minghui
Published: June 2007

Huang Yi-long. Liangtoushe: mingmo qingchu de diyidai tianzhu jiaotu (Two-headed Snakes: The First Generation of Catholic Converts in Late Ming and Early Qing China). Xinzhu: Guoli qinghua daxue chubanshe, 2005. The simplified Chinese version, Shanghai: Shanghai guji chubanshe, 2006.
Chemical data assimilation estimates of continental U.S. ozone and nitrogen budgets during the Intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiment–North America
Authors: Pierce Robert B. , Schaack Todd , Al‐Saadi Jassim A. , Fairlie T. Duncan , Kittaka Chieko , Lingenfelser Gretchen , Natarajan Murali , Olson Jennifer , Soja Amber , Zapotocny Tom , Lenzen Allen , Stobie James , Johnson Donald , Avery Melody A. , Sachse Glen W. , Thompson Anne , Cohen Ron , Dibb Jack E. , Crawford Jim , Rault Didier , Martin Randall , Szykman Jim , Fishman Jack
Published: June 2007

Global ozone analyses, based on assimilation of stratospheric profile and ozone column measurements, and NOy predictions from the Real‐time Air Quality Modeling System (RAQMS) are used to estimate the ozone and NOy budget over the continental United States during the July–August 2004 Intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiment–North America (INTEX‐A). Comparison with aircraft, satellite, surface, and ozonesonde measurements collected during INTEX‐A show that RAQMS captures the main features of the global and continental U.S. distribution of tropospheric ozone, carbon monoxide, and NOy with reasonable fidelity. Assimilation of stratospheric profile and column ozone measurements is shown to have a positive impact on the RAQMS upper tropospheric/lower stratosphere ozone analyses, particularly during the period when SAGE III limb scattering measurements were available. Eulerian ozone and NOy budgets during INTEX‐A show that the majority of the continental U.S. export occurs in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere poleward of the tropopause break, a consequence of convergence of tropospheric and stratospheric air in this region. Continental U.S. photochemically produced ozone was found to be a minor component of the total ozone export, which was dominated by stratospheric ozone during INTEX‐A. The unusually low photochemical ozone export is attributed to anomalously cold surface temperatures during the latter half of the INTEX‐A mission, which resulted in net ozone loss during the first 2 weeks of August. Eulerian NOy budgets are shown to be very consistent with previously published estimates. The NOy export efficiency was estimated to be 24%, with NOx + PAN accounting for 54% of the total NOy export during INTEX‐A.
A comparison of Magic and FORTE ionosphere measurements
Authors: Minter C. F. , Robertson D. S. , Spencer P. S. J. , Jacobson A. R. , Fuller‐Rowell T. J. , Araujo‐Pradere E. A. , Moses R. W.
Published: June 2007

To date, no formal validation of the new ionosphere nowcast system, United States–Total Electron Content (US‐TEC), at the Space Environment Center in Boulder, Colorado, has been published. This paper therefore lays part of the validation groundwork by comparing solutions from Magic, the analysis version of US‐TEC, with total electron content (TEC) data from the Fast Onboard Recording of Transient Events (FORTE) satellite. The Magic system uses ground‐based GPS observations to reproduce a four‐dimensional model of the electron density in the ionosphere. From this model, the TEC between any two points at any time can be obtained. The FORTE satellite, on the other hand, detects the arrival time versus frequency of a broadband signal from a transmitter at Los Alamos. The FORTE‐observed group delay provides the TEC along the line of sight between the transmitter and the satellite. These FORTE line‐of‐sight observations can be compared with TEC values over the same lines of sight in the Magic model. A root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) calculation statistically compares 178 lines of sight. The RMSE indicates a statistical error of 2.87 total electron content units (1 TECU = 1016 el/m2) between FORTE and Magic, using the current operational GPS station list in US‐TEC. How much FORTE and Magic individually contribute to this error remains indeterminable, although the errors are expected to be unique to either system and uncorrelated. Individual contributions of each method to the RMSE are estimated by eliminating observations most affected by raypath bending in FORTE and by varying the number of stations in Magic.
Contemporary stress orientations in the Andean retroarc between 34°S and 39°S from borehole breakout analysis
Authors: Guzmán C. , Cristallini E. , Bottesi G.
Published: June 2007

In this paper we present the results of the analysis of borehole breakouts from 115 wells drilled within Neuquén Basin in the Andean retroarc between 34° and 39°S (Argentina). The first‐order present‐day stress orientation in the Andean retroarc is expected to be mainly controlled by the plate boundary forces (azimuth 80°) and the topographic forces (E–W). The obtained maximum horizontal stress (SHmax) has a preferred trend with a resultant direction of azimuth 88.7° and a 95% confidence interval of 13.3° consistent with the expected trend. The horizontal stress trajectory map achieved for this region shows that the SHmax along the study area is not completely uniform. To the north of Colorado River, the SHmax shows an ESE tendency interpreted as significant influenced by the topographic forces. To the south of Colorado River, SHmax has an ENE trend similar to the expected based on plate boundary forces. To the southeast of the region, a NE direction was found, probably showing a basement structural control in the stress field geometry. The stress orientations obtained for the whole region show that plate boundary forces, drag basal, and topographic forces are strongly controlling the stress direction distribution.
Newly launched satellite to study ice clouds
Authors: Zielinski Sarah
Published: June 2007

A new satellite to study clouds of water ice that form at the edge of the atmosphere successfully launched on 25 April.

Over at least the next 2 years, NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) mission will investigate polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs, also known as noctilucent or ‘night shining’ clouds), which form about 80 kilometers above the Earth's surface in the mesosphere over the polar regions during the polar summer. The clouds are visible only at night when illuminated by sunlight from beyond the horizon. Since PMCs were discovered in 1885, they have increased in brightness and prevalence and have been forming at lower latitudes.
Evolving plans for the USA National Phenology Network
Authors: Betancourt Julio L. , Schwartz Mark D. , Breshears David D. , Brewer Carol A. , Frazer Gary , Gross John E. , Mazer Susan J . , Reed Bradley C. , Wilson Bruce E.
Published: June 2007

Phenology is the study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events, how these are influenced by seasonal and interannual variations in climate, and how they modulate the abundance, diversity, and interactions of organisms. The USA National Phenology Network (USA‐NPN) is currently being organized to engage federal agencies, environmental networks and field stations, educational institutions, and citizen scientists. The first USA‐NPN planning workshop was held August 2005, in Tucson, Ariz. (Betancourt et al. [2005]; http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/Geography/npn/; by 1 June 2007, also see http://www.usanpn.org). With sponsorship from the U.S. National Science Foundation, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and NASA, the second USA‐NPN planning workshop was held at the University of Wisconsin‐Milwaukee on 10–12 October 2006 to (1) develop lists of target species and observation protocols; (2) identify existing networks that could comprise the backbone of nationwide observations by 2008; (3) develop opportunities for education, citizen science, and outreach beginning in spring 2007; (4) design strategies for implementing the remote sensing component of USA‐NPN; and (5) draft a data management and cyberinfrastructure plan.
Correction [to “On the concept of moving magnetic field lines”]
Authors: Anonymous
Published: June 2007

In the 10 April 2007 issue (Eos, 88 (15), 2007), an equation was incorrectly printed in the article titled "On the Concept of Moving Magnetic Field Lines." Equation 2, which printed as "B x curl [B(ExB/B2)] = 0" should instead be "B x curl [B (E·B/B2)] = 0." Eos deeply regrets this error.
Impacts of wind energy assessed
Authors: Zielinski Sarah
Published: June 2007

By 2020, greater use of wind energy could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by the U.S. energy sector by about 4.5%. However, greater effort is needed to address potentially negative impacts of this growing energy source, according to a new report from a committee of the U.S. National Research Council. Potential impacts of wind energy projects include deaths of birds and bats, reduced value of property located near a turbine, and habitat loss and fragmentation. However, because these are generally local projects, there is little information available to determine the cumulative effects of wind turbines over a whole region.The report makes several recommendations on how to improve regulation at the local, state, and federal levels. The report also sets out a guide for evaluating wind‐energy projects, which includes questions about potential environmental, economic, cultural, and aesthetic impacts. The report,“Environmental Impacts of Wind‐Energy Projects,” is available at http://books.nap.edu/catalog.php7record_id=11935
Underwater volcano gets real‐time monitoring
Authors: Zielinski Sarah
Published: June 2007

A real‐time underwater earthquake monitoring system was installed on the top of Kick'em Jenny, an underwater volcano located off the north coast of Grenada, on 6 May. The Real Time Offshore Seismic Station (RTOSS) consists of an ocean‐bottom seismometer connected by a stretchy hose to a buoy on the ocean surface. The buoy is powered by solar panels and transmits seismic data by high‐frequency radio to an observatory in Sauteurs, Grenada. The RTOSS research team, led by scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, is coordinating with the Grenadian National Disaster Management Agency and the Seismic Unit of the University of the West Indies to incorporate the RTOSS data into existing regional monitoring. Kick'em Jenny, the only ‘live’ submarine volcano in the West Indies, last erupted in 2001.
IPY E‐mail alerts available for educators
Authors: Zielinski Sarah
Published: June 2007

The U.S. interagency Web portal for the International Polar Year (http://www.ipy.gov) has established a new RSS feed that will allow subscribers to receive e‐mail alerts that provide information about educational resources for IPY. These resources include classroom materials and resources and notices of opportunities to assist scientists in the field. A second RSS feed, “news and features,” is also available. Directions for subscribing to the feeds are available on the Web site. The IPY, which began in March 2007 and will continue into 2009, is a global research effort intended to advance understanding of the polar regions.
In Memoriam
Authors: Anonymous
Published: June 2007

The U.S. interagency Web portal for the International Polar Year (http://www.ipy.gov) has established a new RSS feed that will allow subscribers to receive e‐mail alerts that provide information about educational resources for IPY. These resources include classroom materials and resources and notices of opportunities to assist scientists in the field. A second RSS feed, “news and features,” is also available. Directions for subscribing to the feeds are available on the Web site. The IPY, which began in March 2007 and will continue into 2009, is a global research effort intended to advance understanding of the polar regions.
Useless Arithmetic: Why Environmental Scientists Can't Predict the Future
Authors: Lakshmi Venkat
Published: June 2007

The book, Useless Arithmetic: Why Environmental Scientists Can't Predict the Future, presents a series of examples on the failure of mathematical modeling of environmental problems. The problems dealt with in this book are dominated by coastal process issues and beach erosion (three chapters) and one chapter each on nuclear storage at Yucca Mountain, surface mining, and invasive plant species.
2006 Greenland Ice Sheet snowmelt from spaceborne microwave brightness temperatures
Authors: Tedesco Marco
Published: June 2007

Brightness temperatures over the Greenland ice sheet, as measured by the Special Sensor Microwave Imager radiometer (SSM/I) aboard the U.S. Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite (DMSP) Program's F13 satellite, have now been released (available at ftp://sidads.colorado.edu/pub/DATASETS/brightness‐temperatures/easegrid/ssmi/). These data support the quantification of the number of snow melting days in 2006 (Figure l a ) and the 2006 melting days anomaly (e.g., the difference between 2006 melting days and the average number of melting days between 1988 and 2005; Figure l b ). Updated results are fundamental to longterm trend analyses of snowmelt extent and duration.

The 2006 melting index (e.g., the number of melting days × melt extent) follows the trend derived from the analysis of 1988–2005 data, and ranks seventh when using the 19.35‐gigahertz data (with 2005, 2002, 1998, 2004, 1999, and 2003 in this order having a greater melting index). The 2006 melting index ranks fifth when using the 37‐gigahertz data, which are more sensitive to surface processes (with 1998, 2002, 2005, and 2004 in this order having a greater melting index).
Detailed Envisat Land Images now available
Authors: Zielinski Sarah
Published: June 2007

New detailed land cover images derived from the European Space Agency satellite Envisat are now being made available on the ESA's GlobCoverWeb site (http://ionia.terradue.com/index.asp). The images are 10 times sharper than any previous global satellite map. Bimonthly composites for May–June 2005 and March–April 2006 are already accessible, and additional composites will be made available on 19 June as the first part of a global land cover map of Eurasia. The composites, which are derived from Envisat's Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS),will support international efforts in modeling the extent and impacts of climate change, studying ecosystems, and plotting land‐use trends.
U.S. president proposes new fuel standards
Authors: Zielinski Sarah
Published: June 2007

U.S. President George W. Bush in a 14 May speech proposed several steps meant to decrease U.S. gasoline consumption by 20% over the next 10 years. Proposed legislation the administration sent to the U.S. Congress would increase the supply of renewable and alternative fuels to 35 billion gallons by 2017, which would displace about 15% of projected fuel use, and would set tighter fuel standards for cars. In addition, in response to the April U.S. Supreme Court ruling against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on regulating greenhouse gas emissions, the president instructed federal agencies to coordinate their activities when developing regulations that may affect greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.
International Conference on Challenges for Solar Cycle 24
Authors: Choudhary Debi Prasad
Published: June 2007

What will be the nature of magnetic fields at various spatial and temporal scales on the Sun during the next activity cycle? This and other outstanding questions of solar physics were the focus of discussion at the International Conference on Challenges for Solar Cycle 24. Observational solar research is equipped with ever advanced instrumentation during each solar cycle. The use of modern instrumentation for solar observations will yield better results when planned with prior knowledge gained during previous activity cycles. With this motivation, the goal of the conference was to consider the most effective strategies for studying and understanding the solar energetic events of cycle 24.
NOAA predicts busy hurricane season
Authors: Zielinski Sarah
Published: June 2007

Scientists at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center estimate that there is a 75% chance that the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season will be more active than average, with 13–17 named storms, 7–10 hurricanes, and 3–5 hurricanes reaching Category 3 or higher. An average hurricane season has 11 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. According to Gerry Bell, NOAA's lead seasonal hurricane forecaster, the 2007 season could be in the higher range of predicted activity if a La Niña forms, or even higher if the La Niña is particularly strong. Last year, NOAA also predicted an above‐normal Atlantic season; the actual season, however, was quiet, to which NOAA scientists credit an unexpected El Niño that developed rapidly and created an environment hostile to storm formation and strengthening.
Advances in the study of volcanic ash
Authors: Taddeucci Jacopo , Scarlato Piergiorgio , Andronico Daniele , Cristaldi Antonio , Büttner Ralph , Zimanowski Bernd , Küppers Ullrich
Published: June 2007

Every month, small‐scale explosive volcanic eruptions inject more than a million cubic meters of ash into Earth's atmosphere [Simkin and Siebert, 2000]. Of all the troubles caused by this relatively mild volcanic activity, ashfall is by far the longest‐reaching one, mantling the volcano slopes and surroundings with a slippery, heavy, unhealthy, and snow‐like but Sun‐resistant cover.

Volcanic ash is composed of pyroclasts (fragments generated and emplaced by explosive eruptions) smaller than 2 millimeters, which are easily transported by wind and have a high surface‐to‐volume ratio. These same features, however, also allow safe collection of the ash away from the volcano. Such pyroclasts bear the signature of the fragmentation and dispersal processes they have experienced during eruption and transport. Thus, volcanic ash provides sample material well suited for studying quasi time correlated eruption dynamics [Taddeucci et al, 2002].
[Comment on “Natural radioactivity, earthquakes, and the ionosphere” by S.A. Pulinets] Earthquake prediction: Facts versus hypotheses
Authors: Vidale John E.
Published: June 2007

I feel obligated to offer perspective on the article “Natural radioactivity, earthquakes, and the ionosphere,” by S. A. Pulinets, which headlined the 15 May issue of Eos. Contrary to the confident statements therein, there is no consensus, in fact there is considerable skepticism, within the seismological community about an “increased radon concentration in the vicinity of active tectonic faults a few weeks before strong seismic events,” “an increase in surface temperature…observed before earthquakes,” and an “earthquake preparation area…for large earthquakes…of the order of several hundred thousand square kilometers.” At least the last assertion is now being warmly debated in the community.
AGU members visit Capitol Hill
Authors: Holle Kate Von
Published: June 2007

More than 200 scientists and engineers from around the United States convened in Washington, D.C., on 1–2 May 2007 to participate in the annual Science Engineering and Technology (SET) Congressional Visits Day (CVD). The AGU Office of Public Affairs frequently helps to arrange for members' visits to their congressional delegations, but CVD is a unique event during which AGU members can team up with a larger group of scientists and engineers to promote federal funding of scientific research.
Downsized Weather Satellite Program on track, but uncertainty remains
Authors: Zielinski Sarah
Published: June 2007

The National Polar‐orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) was downsized after a review that was required when the program far exceeded its budget and schedule. A year later, NPOESS—a major civilian and military weather satellite program—appears to be proceeding well with its new schedule and budget. However, whether the program will remain on track is uncertain.

In July 2006, NPOESS was scaled back from six satellites in three orbits to four satellites in two orbits, and several climate and space weather sensors were cancelled (see Eos 87(25), 2006). Since then, NOAA and NASA held an internal review to determine which of the cancelled climate sensors were most important and to develop recommendations to ensure continuity of those data sets (the December 2006 internal white paper has now been posted at http://www.climatesciencewatch.org).
The importance of synthesis: A suggestion for international research efforts
Authors: Akasofu Syun‐Ichi
Published: June 2007

In a scientific discipline, it is common to deal with a system that consists of many elements or subsystems. Most of us engage in the study of system components and their elements by dividing and subdividing them, leading to the trend of infinite specialization. However, at a certain point during the course of the development of a scientific discipline, a grand synthesis enables the distillation and coalescence of disparate results into a coherent understanding of the system as a whole.

Synthesis also allows us to test and validate hypotheses, understand key processes, and better design future research efforts. Indeed, when a discipline succeeds in synthesis, it can make distinct, often epoch‐making progress, leading the discipline to higher levels of understanding of the system being studied. The concept of plate tectonics is an outstanding example of synthesis in the geosciences [Stewart, 1990].
A subsurface pathway for low potential vorticity transport from the central North Pacific toward Taiwan Island
Authors: Liu Qinyu , Hu Haibo
Published: June 2007

Analysis of the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation product reveals that the central North Pacific (28°N–35°N, 150°E–170°W) is one of the main formation regions for low potential vorticity water of density between 25.4σθ and 25.8σθ. It is found that the low potential vorticity water is transported from the central North Pacific toward the east of Taiwan Island along a subsurface pathway following the subtropical gyre circulation, and it takes approximately 12 years. Propagation of pycnocline thickness anomalies is detected along the pathway, in association with the decadal variability of the subduction rate.
Dendritic cell–regulatory T‐cell interactions control self‐directed immunity
Authors: Lange Christian , Dürr Michael , Doster Hong , Melms Arthur , Bischof Felix
Published: June 2007

In addition to their immunostimulatory capacity, dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms. In the absence of an infection, immature DCs constantly take up, process and present self‐antigens to specific T cells, which leads to the induction of T‐cell anergy or deletion. In recent years, several additional mechanisms have been identified by which DCs constantly downregulate immune responses to maintain immunological tolerance. Among these are the complex interactions between several DC subtypes and different types of regulatory T cells. In this review, we summarize recent key findings and concepts in this field.