bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental and tactile stimulation modulates the neonatal handling effect on adult rat spatial memory
Authors: Daskalakis Nikolaos P. , Kaperoni Maria , Koros Christos , de Kloet E. Ronald , Kitraki Efthimia
Published: August 2009

Handling of rat pups promotes their adult cognitive performance. However, new data suggest that individual components of the handling procedure, like exposure to novelty or tactile stimulation, have distinct lasting effects on behaviour. In this study we examined the interaction of early novelty exposure with a varying amount of tactile stimulation on spatial recognition memory and corticosterone secretion of adult male and female rats. A split litter design was used and the experimental animals were also compared to animal facility reared controls. The experiment was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, we examined the effect of novel or home environment during the 15‐min of neonatal handling, following 10 back‐strokes. Tactile stimulation of 10 back‐strokes combined with novelty exposure, enhanced novel arm discrimination in a Y‐maze task in adult rats of both sexes compared to their siblings that stayed at home, as well as to the animal facility reared controls. In the second phase, additional back‐stroking (total of 20 back‐strokes) reduced the Y‐maze performance of males neonatally exposed to novelty, while the same treatment enhanced the performance of their siblings that stayed at home. Basal corticosterone levels, determined 1 week post‐Y‐maze, were significantly increased only in the novelty exposed/10 back‐stroked females compared to same sex non‐handled controls. In contrast, 10 back‐strokes combined with the home cage environment increased corticosterone in males. Increase to 20 back‐strokes reversed the impact of neonatal environment on corticosterone levels.

These data suggest that the nature and intensity of the individual components of a mild early life manipulation, like handling, are critical in modifying aspects of adult memory performance and basal adrenocortical function.
Hymen reconstruction: Ethical and legal issues
Authors: Cook Rebecca J. , Dickens Bernard M.
Published: August 2009

A hymen may be ruptured by sexual intercourse and several other means. In cultures prizing unmarried women's virginity, premarital rupture may shame a woman, and her family. Women, including brides whose virginity is not proven at marriage, face humiliation, ostracism, divorce, and violence—at the extreme, “honor” killing. Nevertheless, gynecologists may oppose hymen reconstruction on grounds that it is deceptive, not medically required, or that the requirement of evidence of virginity discriminates against women and the procedure supports holding them to higher standards of virtue than are required of men. Gynecologists may justify the procedure, however, as serving health, which includes patients' mental and social well‐being and women's human rights to control their own bodies. Further, many adolescents lose their virginity innocently, by rape or coercion, and, without hymen reconstruction, women may face violence and even death. The procedure is usually lawful, and distinguishable from female genital cutting or mutilation.
The Effect of an Iranian Herbal Drug on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Clinical Controlled Trial
Authors: Nahid Khodakrami , Fariborz Moatar , Ataolah Ghahiri , Solokian Shahdan
Published: August 2009

Our objective was to examine the effect of an Iranian herbal drug in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot trial among 180 female students at Isfahan University dormitory aged 18 to 27 who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea was undertaken. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: herbal drug, mefenamic acid, and placebo. The herbal drug group was given 500 mg of highly purified saffron, celery seed, and anise (SCA) extracts three times a day for three days, starting from the onset of bleeding or pain. Participants were followed for two to three cycles from the beginning of menstruation through the three days of bleeding. Main outcome measures were the severity and duration of pain at 2 and 3 months. A visual analogue scale was used to record pain. There were statistically significant reductions in pain scores and pain duration scores in the groups that took SCA (P < .001) and mefenamic acid (P < .01). The decrease in pain score was reflected by a significant reduction in other drug use among the treatment groups compared with the women in the placebo group. The magnitude of the reduction was significantly greater in the SCA group than in the mefenamic acid and placebo groups. Both drugs effectively relieved menstrual pain as compared with the placebo. More clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy of this herbal drug.
Pregnancy‐Associated Breast Cancer: Significance of Early Detection
Authors: Ulery MaryAnn , Carter Linnette , McFarlin Barbara L. , Giurgescu Carmen
Published: August 2009

Pregnancy‐associated breast cancer (PABC) is defined as cancer of the breast diagnosed during pregnancy and up to 1 year postpartum. Delays in diagnosis are frequently associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this article is to determine the significance of early detection of PABC and to alert health care providers to include PABC in the differential diagnosis when evaluating a breast mass in the perinatal period. This integrative literature review evaluated 15 research studies by using the hypothetical deductive model of clinical reasoning to determine factors related to diagnosis of PABC. As women delay childbearing, the incidence of PABC increases with age. In the reviewed studies, breast cancer was diagnosed with greater frequency in the postpartum period than during any trimester in pregnancy. Delay in diagnosis is complicated by axillary lymph node metastasis, high‐grade tumors at diagnosis, and poor outcomes. Early detection is a significant predictor of improved outcomes. Diagnostic modalities such as ultrasound, mammography, and biopsy can be safely used for diagnostic purposes in the evaluation of potential cases of PABC during pregnancy.
The American Association of Birth Centers: History, Membership, and Current Initiatives
Authors: Phillippi Julia C. , Alliman Jill , Bauer Kate
Published: August 2009

The American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) is a multidisciplinary membership organization dedicated to the birth center model of care. This article reviews the history, membership, and current policy initiatives of the AABC. The history of AABC includes the promotion of research, education, and national and state policies that are supportive of birth center care. Current AABC priorities address three main pressures to birth center sustainability: high malpractice insurance rates, the lack of a federally mandated birth center facility fee, and low rates of certified nurse‐midwife/certified midwife reimbursement. The AABC is addressing these concerns through lobbying, collaborating with other national organizations, and the promotion of birth research.
Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations: Is Mammography the Only Answer?
Authors: Kearney Anne J. , Murray Michael
Published: August 2009

Early detection of breast cancer is important to reduce mortality and morbidity. Traditionally, three methods of breast screening were recommended: mammography, clinical breast examination (CBE), and breast self‐examination (BSE). At present, BSE and CBE are no longer widely recommended, while mammography is still broadly promoted in the Western world. The primary intent of this article is to examine whether current health policy recommendations related to breast cancer screening are informed by evidence. The issue of whether women are adequately aware of the potential benefits and risks of breast screening methods to make informed decisions is also discussed. It is argued that it is premature to caution women against BSE and CBE because the current evidence is inconclusive or incomplete. Moreover, women should be better informed about the potential harms associated with mammography screening. Recommendations for research and health policy are also discussed.
Comparison of Induction of Labour and Expectant Management in Postterm Pregnancy: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Hermus Marieke A. A. , Verhoeven Corine J. M. , Mol Ben W. , de Wolf Gideon S. , Fiedeldeij Cora A.
Published: August 2009

Randomized clinical trials have shown that induction of labour does not result in higher caesarean delivery rates in women who are postterm. Despite this evidence, the policy of inducing women who are postterm is not generally applied in the Netherlands. This provides us with the opportunity to assess whether the findings from randomized studies can also be observed in nonrandomized studies and to validate these findings in the Dutch obstetric population. We performed a retrospective matched cohort study (1:1 ratios for both age and parity) in women with uncomplicated pregnancies of 42 weeks' duration and compared induction of labour with a policy of serial antenatal monitoring. Analyses were made by the intention to treat principle. We studied 674 women. Among the 337 women in the expectant management group, 42 (12.5%) underwent caesarean delivery, compared to 46 (13.6%) of the 337 women in the induction group (relative risk [RR], 0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6–1.4). However, the incidence of shoulder dystocia (RR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.3–15) and meconium‐stained amniotic fluid (RR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4–2.3) were higher in the expectant management group. Induction of labour does not result in an increased risk of caesarean delivery in women who are postterm. Because epidemiologic studies suggest an increased risk of perinatal death and birth injury beyond 42 weeks' gestation, induction of labour should be offered to all women who are postterm.
Decision Making in Patient‐Initiated Elective Cesarean Delivery: The Influence of Birth Stories
Authors: Munro Sarah , Kornelsen Jude , Hutton Eileen
Published: August 2009

Patient‐initiated elective cesarean delivery is emerging as an urgent issue for practitioners, hospitals, and policy makers and for pregnant women. This exploratory qualitative study looks at the birth stories and cultural knowledge that women use to inform the decision about an elective cesarean without medical indication. Data collection consisted of exploratory qualitative in‐depth interviews with 17 primiparous women in British Columbia, Canada. Interviews revealed the influence of socially circulated birth stories and cultural narratives on their attitudes towards mode of delivery. Participants included in their decision making process both medical information and informal birth stories that were technologically inclined and confirmed their preference for cesarean delivery. Results indicate that women who participated in this study drew heavily from social and cultural knowledge in forming their decision to give birth by patient‐initiated elective cesarean delivery. Although the numbers of women who request a cesarean delivery for social reasons is still small, the persuasive influence on parturient women of positive cesarean stories and negative vaginal stories must be considered. Care providers and childbirth educators need to become familiar with the social influences impacting women's decisions for mode of delivery so that truly informed choice discussions can be undertaken.
Third Stage of Labour Care for Women at Low Risk of Postpartum Haemorrhage
Authors: Fahy Kathleen M.
Published: August 2009

In normal birth there should be a valid reason to interfere with normal processes. Yet, active management of third stage labor is being imposed on women who have no known risks of postpartum hemorrhage. This article examines the evidence from existing randomised trials comparing active and physiological third stage care for its relevance and validity to the effectiveness of physiological third stage care for women who are at low risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Consideration is given to midwifery and medical perspectives of the following definitions: ‘postpartum hemorrhage’; ‘low‐risk status’; ‘active’; ‘expectant’ and ‘physiological’ third stage care. A systematic search of the research literature regarding the third stage of labour is described. Four randomised trials and a meta‐analysis by Cochrane were considered. These studies are examined in terms of their potential generalisability to women who are at low risk of postpartum hemorrhage. All trials included women who were at high risk of postpartum hemorrhage. The existing research does not provide relevant and valid evidence about the effectiveness of physiological third stage care, as defined by midwives, for women who are at low risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Information–Seeking and its Predictors in Low‐Income Pregnant Women
Authors: Shieh Carol , McDaniel Anna , Ke Irene
Published: August 2009

This study examined information‐seeking and its predictors (information needs and barriers) in low‐income pregnant women. Eighty‐four pregnant women from a prenatal clinic were interviewed using three scales that measured the frequency of information‐seeking from eight different sources, information needs for 20 pregnancy health topics, and 15 barriers to seeking information, respectively. Most women were black, unmarried, between 20 and 29 years of age, high school educated or less, multigravidas, and in their third trimester of pregnancy. Information needs and barriers were significant predictors of information‐seeking. Together, they explained 26% of the variance in the seeking outcome. High information needs and low barriers predicted more frequent information‐seeking. First pregnancy and asthma during pregnancy were significant covariates for information‐seeking. Information needs and barriers are related to information‐seeking among low‐income pregnant women. To facilitate pregnant women's information‐seeking, health care providers may assess a woman's need for information and barriers that the woman experiences when seeking information, and factors such as first pregnancy and asthma.
The Costs and Benefits of Nurse‐Midwifery Education: Model and Application
Authors: Fagerlund Kathleen , Germano Elaine
Published: August 2009

To promote nurse‐midwifery education, it is important for educators to know the value students bring to clinical training sites and academic institutions, the value nurse‐midwifery graduates bring to taxpayers who help support nurse‐midwifery education, and the value an education in nurse‐midwifery brings to the graduate. The first purpose of this study was to develop a model to include all costs and benefits of nurse‐midwifery education to: 1) students; 2) clinical sites where nurse‐midwifery students obtain clinical experience; 3) academic institutions that house nurse‐midwifery education programs; and 4) others (most often taxpayers) who may contribute to nurse‐midwifery education. The second purpose of the study was to develop a prototype nurse‐midwifery education program to illustrate the use of the model. Considering the four entities together, the costs, benefits, and net benefits to society were estimated. Data were collected to estimate all costs and benefits to the four entities as they function within this prototypical program. For the prototype, all entities realize a net benefit from the investment in nurse‐midwifery education. For society, the benefit‐cost ratio is 1.57. Nurse‐midwifery students show the highest benefit‐cost ratio (2.05) of the four entities, followed by the clinical sites, others (primarily taxpayers), and academic institutions.
EXPLORING BED‐SHARING MOTHERS‘ MOTIVES AND DECISION‐MAKING FOR GETTING THROUGH THE NIGHT INTACT: A GROUNDED THEORY
Authors: Culver Elisabeth Donohoe
Published: August 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this grounded theory study was to understand mothers' motives for sleeping with their babies and to generate a theoretical model that explains mothers' decision‐making process. Background: Mother–infant bed sharing is a controversial practice that is poorly understood. Literature suggests routine bed sharing is underreported in the United States and that it is increasing in prevalence. Methods: Twenty‐four bed‐sharing mothers were interviewed in‐depth about their bed‐sharing practices, motivations, and experiences. Interview transcripts were qualitatively analyzed through constant comparison until theory from the data were generated. Results: Seven thematic motives emerged: (a) child's physical needs and safety, (b) child's emotional security, (c) child's sleep, (d) maternal sleep, (e) nighttime breastfeeding, (f) maternal psychological security, and (g) maternal pleasure. A grounded theory that described the decision‐making process utilized by mothers who bed share was presented. Mothers moved through the process of recognizing needs, making decisions, attending to needs through bed sharing, and evaluating effects in order to meet their children's needs as well as their own. A basic social process of getting through the night intact was described. Conclusion: Motives for mothers to bed share with their babies are interrelated and change over time. Within a complex context, mothers make either intentional or unintentional decisions to bed share in order to meet the needs of their babies and themselves.
‘BY THE TIME I WAS 13, I WAS OLD‘: EARLY CHILDBEARING NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN SHARE CHILDHOOD STORIES
Authors: Palacios Janelle
Published: August 2009

Purpose: This qualitative interpretive phenomenological study aimed to understand the lived experience of early childbearing (ECB), or teen pregnancy, among reservation‐based Native American women. Specifically, the context for becoming an ECB woman was examined. Background: ECB is common among Native American women. Despite ECB rates dropping for this population from 1993–2003, they are still higher (54.7 per 1,000 live births) than white (26.6 per 1,000 live births) and the total US average (41.9 per 1,000 live births). Little data have demonstrated what situates their lives that they become pregnant. Methods: This collaborative study with a rural Native American Tribe investigated the childhood context of 30 adult self‐identified ECB Native American women. Up to three, semi‐structured, digitally voice‐recorded interviews were conducted. Interview questions eliciting both reflective and narrative responses were used to uncover experiences. Interviews were transcribed. Transcriptions and field notes from participant observations were analyzed by uncovering paradigm cases, thematic analysis, and exemplars. Results: Two prevalent themes surfaced. Chaotic childhoods were marked by traumatic experiences such as death, parental divorce, neglect, and substance use and abuse, while diminished childhoods were characterized by a sense of maturing early through activities and responsibilities. Conclusion: Knowledge gained from these women's experiences demonstrates the need for clinicians to modify their interview to include further assessment questions.
Molecular and immunohistochemical studies on epidermal responses in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. induced by Gyrodactylus salaris Malmberg, 1957
Authors: Kania P. W. , Evensen O. , Larsen T. B. , Buchmann K.
Published: September 2009

Various strains of Atlantic salmon exhibit different levels of susceptibility to infections with the ectoparasitic monogenean Gyrodactylus salaris. The basic mechanisms involved in this differential ability to respond to this monogenean were elucidated using controlled and duplicated challenge experiments. Highly susceptible East Atlantic salmon allowed parasite populations to reach up to 3000 parasites per host within 6 weeks, whereas less susceptible Baltic salmon never reached larger parasite burdens than 122 parasites per host during the same period. The present study, comprising immunohistochemistry and gene expression analyses, showed that highly susceptible salmon erected a response mainly associated with an increased expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-10 and infiltration of CD3-positive cells in the epidermis of infected fins. Less susceptible salmon showed no initial response in fins but 3–6 weeks post-infection a number of other genes (encoding the immune-regulating cytokine IL-10, cell marker MHC II and the pathogen-binding protein serum amyloid A) were found to be up-regulated. No proliferation of epithelial cells was seen in the skin of less susceptible salmon, and IL-10 may play a role in this regard. It can be hypothesized that resistant salmon regulate the parasite population by restricting nutrients (sloughed epithelial cells and associated material) and thereby starve the parasites. In association with this ‘scorched-earth strategy’, the production of pathogen-binding effector molecules such as serum amyloid A (SAA) (or others still not detected) may contribute to the resistance status of the fish during the later infection phases.
Health research based on geospatial tools: a timely approach in a changing environment
Authors: Bergquist Robert , Rinaldi Laura
Published: September 2009

The possibilities of disease prediction based on the environmental characteristics of geographical areas and specific requirements of the causative infectious agents are reviewed and, in the case of parasites whose life cycles involve more than one host, the needs of the intermediate hosts are also referred to. The geographical information systems framework includes epidemiological data, visualization (in the form of maps), modelling and exploratory analysis using spatial statistics. Examples include climate-based forecast systems, based on the concept of growing degree days, which now exist for several parasitic helminths such as fasciolosis, schistosomiasis, dirofilariasis and also for malaria. The paper discusses the limits of data collection by remote sensing in terms of resolution capabilities (spatial, temporal and spectral) of sensors on-board satellites. Although the data gained from the observation of oceans, land, elevations, land cover, land use, surface temperatures, rainfall, etc. are primarily for weather forecasting, military and commercial use, some of this information, particularly that from the climate research satellites, is of direct epidemiological utility. Disease surveillance systems and early-warning systems (EWS) are prime examples of academic approaches of practical importance. However, even commercial activities such as the construction of virtual globes, i.e. computer-based models of the Earth, have been used in this respect. Compared to conventional world maps, they do not only show geographical and man-made features, but can also be spatially annotated with data on disease distribution, demography, economy and other measures of particular interest.
Florida Straits density structure and transport over the last 8000 years
Authors: Lynch‐Stieglitz Jean , Curry William B. , Lund David C.
Published: August 2009

The density structure across the Florida Straits is reconstructed for the last 8000 years from oxygen isotope measurements on foraminifera in sediment cores. The oxygen isotope measurements suggest that the density contrast across the Florida Current increased over this time period. The magnitude of this change corresponds to an increase in the geostrophic transport referenced to 800 m water depth of 4 sverdrups (Sv) over the last 8000 years. The spatial and seasonal distribution of incoming solar radiation due to changes in the Earth's orbit has caused systematic changes in the atmospheric circulation, including a southward migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone over the last 8000 years. These changes in atmospheric circulation and the associated wind‐driven currents of the upper ocean could readily account for a 4 Sv increase in the strength of the Florida Current. We see no evidence in our data for dramatic changes in the strength of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation over this time period.
Contribution of under‐ice primary production to an ice‐edge upwelling phytoplankton bloom in the Canadian Beaufort Sea
Authors: Mundy C. J. , Gosselin Michel , Ehn Jens , Gratton Yves , Rossnagel Andrea , Barber David G. , Martin Johannie , Tremblay Jean‐Éric , Palmer Molly , Arrigo Kevin R. , Darnis Gérald , Fortier Louis , Else Brent , Papakyriakou Tim
Published: August 2009

The Canadian Beaufort Sea has been categorized as an oligotrophic system with the potential for enhanced production due to a nutrient‐rich intermediate layer of Pacific‐origin waters. Using under‐ice hydrographic data collected near the ice‐edge of a shallow Arctic bay, we documented an ice‐edge upwelling event that brought nutrient‐rich waters to the surface during June 2008. The event resulted in a 3‐week long phytoplankton bloom that produced an estimated 31 g C m−2 of new production. This value was approximately twice that of previous estimates for annual production in the region, demonstrating the importance of ice‐edge upwelling to the local marine ecosystem. Under‐ice primary production estimates of up to 0.31 g C m−2 d−1 showed that this production was not negligible, contributing up to 22% of the daily averaged production of the ice‐edge bloom. It is suggested that under‐ice blooms are a widespread yet under‐documented phenomenon in polar regions, which could increase in importance with the Arctic's thinning ice cover and subsequent increase in transmitted irradiance to the under‐ice environment.
Satellite observations of changes in air quality during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics
Authors: Witte J. C. , Schoeberl M. R. , Douglass A. R. , Gleason J. F. , Krotkov N. A. , Gille J. C. , Pickering K. E. , Livesey N.
Published: August 2009

For the August‐September 2008 Olympic and the Paralympic Games held in Beijing, China, strict controls on pollutant emissions and motor vehicle traffic were imposed on Beijing and neighboring provinces to the South to improve the air quality in and around the city. Satellite measurements over Beijing between July and September showed 43% reductions of tropospheric column nitrogen dioxide, compared to the past three years. When neighboring provinces to the south are included in our analyses, satellite measurements show boundary layer sulfur dioxide reductions of 13% and carbon monoxide reductions of 12% at 700 hPa. Thus, based on satellites observations alone, noticeable reductions in these pollutant tracers were measured during both games.
Detection of a ULVZ at the base of the mantle beneath the northwest Pacific
Authors: Xu Yan , Koper Keith D.
Published: August 2009

We used the Yellowknife seismic array (YKA) to measure the slowness of 1,371 P and Pdiff waves from earthquakes occurring in the circum‐Pacific region. The corresponding anomalies in P‐velocity show a sharp reduction of up to 6% across a patch of the lowermost mantle beneath the Northwest Pacific with lateral dimensions of several hundred kilometers. The location of this ultra low velocity zone (ULVZ) correlates with a long‐wavelength compositional boundary revealed by probabilistic mantle tomography. We interpret the ULVZ as partial melt created by paleo‐slab material that is being swept laterally from northwestern Pacific subduction zones towards the large, chemically distinct province beneath the south‐central Pacific.
Variable oceanic influences on western North American drought over the last 1200 years
Authors: Conroy Jessica L. , Overpeck Jonathan T. , Cole Julia E. , Steinitz‐Kannan Miriam
Published: September 2009

Cool conditions in the eastern tropical Pacific often bring drought to western North America on interannual timescales. Recent syntheses of available paleoclimate records suggest that past intervals of persistent ‘megadrought’ may have also been due to a cool eastern tropical Pacific, but the strength of such conclusions is limited by a dearth of sea surface temperature (SST) records. We use a new 1200‐year record of eastern equatorial Pacific (EEP) SST to explore the context of past megadroughts in western North America. We find that most droughts occurred when EEP SST was below its 20th century mean, with the strongest and longest droughts of the past 1200 years occurring during the period of coolest EEP SST. However, droughts from AD 855–887, 943–1042, and 1375–1408 occurred during periods of both relatively warmer EEP SST and North Atlantic SST, highlighting the potential diversity of controls on drought in western North America.
MeV ion event observed at 0950 UT on 4 May 1998 at a quasi‐perpendicular bow shock region: New observations and an alternative interpretation on its origin
Authors: Anagnostopoulos G. C. , Tenentes V. , Vassiliadis E. S.
Published: August 2009

The region near the Earth's bow shock provides a chance to test and compare various charged particle acceleration models (magnetospheric versus bow shock acceleration processes). This kind of research attracted the interest of a large part of the space community in the last four decades. During the last decade, some ion events with spectrum extending to high energies (greater than ∼1.3 MeV) observed by Polar on 4 May 1998 provided the opportunity for a new debate. These ion events were analyzed in a large number of papers and were discussed in terms of acceleration processes in the cusp of the magnetosphere or at a quasi‐parallel region of the bow shock. In this paper, we reexamine in detail one of the ion events observed during the period of interest, around ∼0950 UT, and we provide new crucial information and interpretation by focusing on data obtained very close to the shock (not examined so far). At ∼0950 UT, Polar crossed a quasi‐perpendicular bow shock under special solar wind speed/bow shock conditions, which favor the efficient acceleration of the solar ambient energetic population via the shock drift acceleration (SDA) mechanism. We analyze in detail observations upstream and downstream from the bow shock crossing of 0945 UT, for instance, flux‐time profiles, energy spectra, ion composition, and pitch angle distributions, and we find them, as expected, in excellent agreement with the predictions of the SDA theory.
Gravity wave and orographic wave activity observed around the Antarctic and Arctic stratospheric vortices by the COSMIC GPS‐RO satellite constellation
Authors: Alexander S. P. , Klekociuk A. R. , Tsuda T.
Published: September 2009

Polar stratospheric gravity wave activity is studied using data from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) Global Positioning System Radio Occultation (GPS‐RO). Waves with vertical wavelengths of ∼2 to 15 km are considered. The temperature variance σ2 is used as a measure of wave activity and is studied on isentropic surfaces. Large intermittent orographic wave activity is identified during austral spring 2007 above the Patagonian Andes and the Antarctic Peninsula, where σ2 in the stratosphere increases by up to a factor of 5 for periods of 5 days to a few weeks. The σ2 are also investigated in equivalent latitudes to allow a direct comparison with the changing vortex structure. The October 2007 σ2 inside the Antarctic vortex boundary region at 400–600 K is one and a half times that outside the vortex. This region of enhanced σ2 descends in time and is not observed during the decay of the Arctic vortex. During the boreal winter of 2006/2007, orographic wave activity is observed above Scandinavia and Greenland. An analysis of the 400 K and the 450 K levels in both hemispheres shows a strong relationship between enhanced σ2 and the location of the vortex edge, suggesting that the waves observed are propagating poleward and are guided to higher altitudes by the vortex. The line of sight of the occultations shows a preference for north‐south alignment, indicating that COSMIC favors the detection of orographic waves above the north‐south oriented mountain ranges considered here.
On the remarkable Arctic winter in 2008/2009
Authors: Labitzke K. , Kunze M.
Published: September 2009

It is well known that the interannual variability of the stratospheric winters over the Arctic is very large. On the basis of data for more than 60 winters, this variability has been studied with the aim of understanding and possibly forecasting the type of the coming winter, in the stratosphere and also in the troposphere. Today, there is general agreement that the variability of the stratospheric circulation during the Arctic winters is influenced by different forcing mechanisms: by the tropospheric planetary waves which penetrate into the stratosphere, by the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) and the Southern Oscillation (SO) in the tropics which influence the stratospheric polar vortex, and by the 11‐year sunspot cycle which interacts with the QBO and probably also with the SO. For the winter 2008/2009, all of the known signals pointed to a stable, cold stratospheric polar vortex throughout the winter, but in the real atmosphere a major midwinter warming developed in January and February with record‐breaking temperatures. The synoptics of this winter will be discussed in the context of all of the above‐mentioned forcing mechanisms.
Thinking Critically about Critical Thinking Approaches: Comment on Yancher, Slife, and Warne (2008)
Authors: Bensley D. Alan
Published: August 2009

Yanchar, Slife, and Warne (2008) recently contrasted core assumptions of the method-centered, scientific analytic reasoning approach to critical thinking that is dominant in psychology with their own alternative approach emphasizing integration of information from multiple perspectives. They contended that emphasis on the scientific analytic approach is associated with justification and neglects other strategies such as more open-minded and respectful dialogue that could promote innovation and theory development. This commentary on their article examines these claims in light of research on critical-thinking dispositions and scientific discovery. Their claims received mixed support, prompting recommendations for additional research and using the research evidence to revise the psychological claims of their alternative approach.
Jewish Quotas in Clinical Psychology? The Journal of Clinical Psychology and the Scandal of 1945
Authors: Harris Ben
Published: August 2009

In 1945 Frederick Thorne, editor of the Journal of Clinical Psychology, proposed to limit the acceptance of Jewish applicants to clinical psychology graduate schools. A public scandal erupted over this proposed limit, which was modeled on Jewish quotas in medical education. Criticized by the mass media and most psychologists, Thorne's proposal was repudiated by the Eastern Psychological Association and the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. Using private correspondence, oral histories, and published articles, this mostly forgotten episode in the history of clinical psychology is recreated. It is argued that the 1945 campaign against Jewish quotas prepared activists for the 1950s campaign against racial segregation and the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case. Because the participants in 1945 came from all specialties in psychology, it is suggested that this story is of significance to the field as a whole, rather than just to historians of social issues.
Psychology and Epigenetics
Authors: Masterpasqua Frank
Published: August 2009

The Human Genome Project mapped the complete DNA sequence that exists in each human cell, but questions remain about how genes are expressed. Epigenetics is defined as mechanisms of gene expression that can be maintained across cell divisions, and thus the life of the organism, without changing the DNA sequence. Recent research has identified important epigenetic mechanisms that play essential roles in normal and abnormal development. Of special significance for psychology are the findings that environmental and psychosocial factors can change the epigenome. Research also suggests that some experiences and epigenetic changes of an individual can be passed down to more than one generation of descendants. Linkages between epigenetics and psychopathology are emerging that point to new possibilities for conceptualizing, preventing, and treating disorders.
Advancing Disciplinary Practice through Critical Thinking: A Rejoinder to Bensley
Authors: Yanchar Stephen C. , Slife Brent D. , Warne Russell
Published: August 2009

The authors respond to Bensley's (2009) comment on their alternative formulation of critical thinking in psychology. They argue that Bensley's defense of the traditional critical thinking approach—which they term scientific analytic reasoning (SAR)—fails to address their main objections to SAR and their reasons for presenting an alternative. In particular, the openness, fairness, and generativity that Bensley references as strengths of SAR are themselves informed by scientific analytic assumptions and values, which, they argue, illustrates their original contention—that SAR offers an insular and insufficiently critical approach to critical thinking. The authors conclude by calling for future developments in critical thinking that are not driven by an implicit SAR agenda.
Does the Density of Invasive Rusty Crayfish Affect Stream Macroinvertebrates?
Authors: Kuhlmann Mark , Prisciondaro Anthony , Irland Megan , Hamilton Greg , Caldwell Sara , Oliver Ryan
Published: August 2009

Rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) have invaded streams of the upper Susquehanna River catchment (New York, USA), replacing native crayfish and probably increasing overall crayfish density. Crayfish are important consumers and agents of disturbance in aquatic communities, so the introduction and expansion of rusty crayfish could affect the invaded community through the change in crayfish species composition, the increase in crayfish density, or some combination of the two. Other macroinvertebrates are prey of, competitors with, or subject to disturbance by crayfish and so are likely to be affected by changes in the crayfish assemblage. We conducted correlative field sampling and an enclosure experiment to investigate the effects of invading O. rusticus on the abundance, diversity, and composition of the stream macroinvertebrate assemblage. We sampled crayfish and macroinvertebrates at 13 sites on 4 streams in the upper Susquehanna River catchment that varied in crayfish species composition and density. Total macroinvertebrate abundance, taxon richness, diversity, and density of individual taxa were not significantly correlated to either total crayfish density or the relative abundance of O. rusticus. We also conducted an experiment in stream enclosures to test the effects of O. rusticus density on the macroinvertebrate assemblage. Increasing crayfish density caused a significant decrease in total macroinvertebrate density but did not significantly affect macroinvertebrate taxon richness or diversity. The density of some individual taxa were also significantly affected by crayfish density. Our experiment shows that rusty crayfish density can affect the stream community; the mechanism of these effects, and whether they differ from those of native species, remain to be determined.
Modelling and Forecasting Tourist Flows to Barbados Using Structural Time Series Models
Authors: Jackman Mahalia , Greenidge Kevin
Published: August 2009

This article builds on the work of Greenidge, employing structural time series model (STSM) to explain and forecast quarterly tourist flows from Barbados' primary source markets — the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada and CARICOM — for the period 1966:1-2007:4. Results show that the structure and nature of the individual time series components have evolved significantly since the work of Greenidge. Of particular interest, arrivals from the main source markets appear to be less income sensitive. The study also investigates the predictive power of STSM. A seasonal naive model is used for benchmark comparison purposes. We find that STSM outperforms the seasonal naive model in its both multivariate and univariate form.
The role of oxygen vacancy in the photoluminescence property at room temperature of the CaTiO3
Authors: Milanez Juliana , de Figueiredo Alberthmeiry T. , de Lazaro Sergio , Longo Valeria M. , Erlo Rafael , Mastelaro Valmor R. , Franco Roberto W. A. , Longo Elson , Varela José A.
Published: August 2009

In this paper, electron paramagnetic resonance, photoluminescence (PL) emission, and quantum mechanical calculations were used to observe and understand the structural order-disorder of CaTiO3, paying special attention to the role of oxygen vacancy. The PL phenomenon at room temperature of CaTiO3 is directly influenced by the presence of oxygen vacancies that yield structural order-disorder. These oxygen vacancies bonded at Ti and/or Ca induce new electronic states inside the band gap. Ordered and disordered CaTiO3 was obtained by the polymeric precursor method.
The magnetothermal behavior of mixed-valence Eu3O4
Authors: Ahn Kyunghan , Pecharsky V. K. , Gschneidner K. A.
Published: August 2009

The mixed-valence compound Eu3O4 was prepared by heating an equimolar mixture of EuO and Eu2O3 at 1800 °C for 30 h in a sealed tungsten crucible. Room temperature x-ray powder diffraction measurements showed that Eu3O4 is single phase. Magnetic measurements on polycrystalline Eu3O4 are in good agreement with the results reported previously. The heat capacity of Eu3O4 from ∼2 to 300 K was not reported in the past. The magnetocaloric effect in Eu3O4 was measured for different applied magnetic fields. The magnetic entropy change (−ΔSmag) calculated from heat capacity data of Eu3O4 is approximately 12.7 J/kg K at 6.5 K for a magnetic field change (ΔB) of 5 T. The adiabatic temperature change (ΔTad) in Eu3O4 at 7 K is about 7.0 K for a ΔB of 5 T. Also, the magnetic entropy change (−ΔSmag) calculated from magnetization data in Eu3O4 is approximately 13.6 J/kg K at 6.3 K for a magnetic field change (ΔB) of 5 T, which is slightly higher than that from the heat capacity data, but is within experimental error. A metamagnetic transition was observed between 0.3 and 0.5 T, however, some antiferromagnetic correlations appear to exist in the magnetically induced ferromagnetic phase at B>3 T.
An analytic characterization of the harmonic detection of resonance method
Authors: Dickel D. , Skove M. J. , Rao A. M.
Published: August 2009

While it has proven useful as a sensor and as a system for exploring and examining nonlinear oscillation, the harmonic detection of resonance (HDR) method has not been fully derived and explained analytically. We develop the equation of motion for the oscillation of a cantilever which is electrostatically driven into resonance and compared to experiment. The resonance signal is measured both by a photodetector (mechanical signal) and a charge amplifier (electrical signal) and is found to be in good agreement with the derived equation of motion. Finally, a few nonlinear phenomena observed in our HDR experiments will be examined analytically.
A multichannel, frequency-modulated, tunable Doppler backscattering and reflectometry system
Authors: Hillesheim J. C. , Peebles W. A. , Rhodes T. L. , Schmitz L. , Carter T. A. , Gourdain P.-A. , Wang G.
Published: August 2009

A novel multichannel Doppler backscattering system has been designed and tested for application on the DIII-D [J. L. Luxon, Fusion Sci. Technol. 48, 828 (2005)] and National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) [M. Ono et al., Nucl. Fusion 40, 557 (2000)] fusion plasma devices. Doppler backscattering measures localized intermediate wavenumber (k⊥ρi∼1–4,k⊥∼2–15 cm−1) density fluctuations and the propagation velocity of turbulent structures. Microwave radiation is launched at a frequency that approaches a cutoff layer in the plasma and at an angle that is oblique to the cutoff layer. Bragg backscattering occurs near the cutoff layer for fluctuations with k⊥≈−2ki, where ki is the incident probe wave vector at the scattering location. The turbulence propagation velocity can be determined from the Doppler shift in the return signal together with knowledge of the scattering wavenumber. Ray tracing simulations are used to determine k⊥ and the scattering location. Frequency modulation of a voltage-controlled solid state microwave source followed by frequency multiplication is used to create an array of finely spaced (Δf=350 MHz) frequencies spanning 1.4 GHz. The center of the array bandwidth is tunable within the range of ∼53–78 GHz. This article details the system design, laboratory tests, and presents initial data from DIII-D plasmas.
A compact molecular beam machine
Authors: Jansen Paul , Chandler David W. , Strecker Kevin E.
Published: August 2009

We have developed a compact, low cost, modular, crossed molecular beam machine. The new apparatus utilizes several technological advancements in molecular beams valves, ion detection, and vacuum pumping to reduce the size, cost, and complexity of a molecular beam apparatus. We apply these simplifications to construct a linear molecular beam machine as well as a crossed-atomic and molecular beam machine. The new apparatus measures almost 50 cm in length, with a total laboratory footprint less than 0.25 m2 for the crossed-atomic and molecular beam machine. We demonstrate the performance of the apparatus by measuring the rotational temperature of nitric oxide from three common molecular beam valves and by observing collisional energy transfer in nitric oxide from a collision with argon.
Mechanical to electrical energy conversion in a hybrid liquid-solid dielectric electrostatic generator
Authors: Crossland Andrew , Wyllie Peter , Ran Li
Published: August 2009

The authors are studying the effect of the dielectric choice in electrostatic generators on the energy yield. Despite having high permittivities, solid dielectrics are shown to have a lower performance than is first apparent, due to the effect of the air gap. Liquid dielectrics are found to offer higher overall equivalent permittivities compared to solid dielectrics with air gaps but the conductivity of liquids limits their performance. Experimental work has been conducted using a hybrid generator which incorporates both solid and liquid layers. The solid polyvinylidene fluoride layer is used to limit the conduction between the plates and the liquid dielectric is withdrawn or injected for the necessary change in capacitance. The experimental work has demonstrated a number of design considerations for such generators and is ultimately used to show that energy conversion is possible using this electrostatic generator configuration.
Electron attachment to halomethanes at high temperature: CH2Cl2, CF2Cl2, CH3Cl, and CF3Cl attachment rate constants up to 1100 K
Authors: Miller Thomas M. , Friedman Jeffrey F. , Schaffer Linda C. , Viggiano A. A.
Published: August 2009

We have used a high-temperature flowing-afterglow Langmuir-probe apparatus to measure rate constants for electron attachment to halomethanes which attach electrons very inefficiently at room temperature, yielding Cl− ion product. We studied CH2Cl2 (495–973 K), CF2Cl2 (291–1105 K), and CF3Cl (524–1004 K) and include our recent measurement for CH3Cl (700–1100 K) in the discussion of the electron attachment results. The measured attachment rate constants show Arrhenius behavior in the temperature ranges examined, from which estimates of rate constants at 300 K may be made: CH2Cl2 (1.8×10−13 cm3 s−1), CH3Cl (1.1×10−17 cm3 s−1), and CF3Cl (4.2×10−14 cm3 s−1), all of which are difficult to measure directly. In the case of CF2Cl2, the room temperature rate constant was sufficiently large to be measured (1.6×10−9 cm3 s−1). The Arrhenius plots yield activation energies for the attachment reactions: 390±50 meV (CH2Cl2), 124±20 meV (CF2Cl2), 670±70 meV (CH3Cl), and 406±50 meV (CF3Cl). Comparisons are made with existing data where available. G3 calculations were carried out to obtain reaction energetics. They show that the parent anions of CH2Cl2 CF2Cl2, CH3Cl, and CF3Cl are stable, though CH3Cl− exists only as an electrostatically bound complex.