bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the crystal structure of the high Tc superconductor (Hg,Re)–1223
Authors: Martinez L. G. , Rossi J. L. , Corrêa H. P. S. , Passos C. A. C. , Orlando M. T. D.
Published: May 2008

Samples of the superconducting compound (Hg,Re)–1223 of nominal composition Hg0.82Re0.18Ba2Ca2Cu3O8+δ and different oxygen contents were studied using X-ray absorption and diffraction techniques. In the synthesis process, treatments under different ratio oxygen/argon gas mixtures of 5%, 10%, and 15% O2 resulted in samples named as Sample A, Sample B, and Sample C, respectively. It was determined by using the XANES technique that in these compounds the Re cation has valence +7. The study by EXAFS determined that the octahedral coordination is distorted and the distances of Re–O bonds are of the order of 1.85 A˚ for equatorial oxygen and 2.10 A˚ for the apical ones. The Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder diffraction data revealed that the studied samples presented segregation of two superconducting phases with space group P4/mmm and distinct lattice parameters, also confirmed by anomalous X-ray scattering. The main phase was associated to the phase (Hg,Re)–1223 with higher oxygen content and the secondary superconducting phase was associated with the undoped Hg–1223 phase. Measurements of ac magnetic susceptibility showed that the sample treated under 10% O2 atmosphere presented the best superconducting properties.
Formation studies of NiO by X-ray powder diffraction
Authors: Remédios C. M. R. , Sasaki J. M.
Published: May 2008

Nickel oxide nanopowder was prepared by a simple method and analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction. A solution of gelatin and NiCl2⋅6H2O salt were prepared and sintered in sequence. Using a synchrotron light source for X-ray powder diffraction analysis, the synthesized material was characterized as a function of temperature in the interval of 375 to 600 °C. Results from thermogravimetric analysis confirm the temperature loss of the organic substance during the sintering process and show that the temperature for NiO attainment is 600 °C.
Characterization of a new solid lipid nanoparticle formulation containing retinoic acid for topical treatment of acne
Authors: Castro Gisele A. , Ferreira Lucas A. M. , Oréfice Rodrigo L. , Buono Vicente T. L.
Published: May 2008

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder diffraction. The DSC thermograms showed a slight reduction in the melting point of lipid matrix and a broadening of its melting peak, indicating an increased number of lattice defects in SLNs. X-ray powder diffraction data also revealed a slightly broader reflection for SLNs and the presence of X-ray peaks of the all-trans retinoic acid (RA) crystals outside of the lipid matrix of SLNs without stearylamine (STE). These data suggest the presence of an extensive association of ion pairing components (RA and STE), and indicate that the utilization of some specific types of compounds containing amine groups is an interesting approach to improve the encapsulation efficiency of RA in SLNs. The formation of the ion pairing is an interesting alternative for RA encapsulation in SLNs, improving the benefits obtained by the drug incorporation in lipid matrix (increased stability, controlled release, and targeting effect), which are important for the topical treatment of acne.
Study of calcium oxalate monohydrate of kidney stones by X-ray diffraction
Authors: Orlando M. T. D. , Kuplich L. , de Souza D. O. , Belich H. , Depianti J. B. , Orlando C. G. P. , Medeiros E. F. , da Cruz P. C. M. , Martinez L. G. , Corrêa H. P. S. , Ortiz R.
Published: May 2008

X-ray powder diffraction was used to study the phase composition of human renal calculi. The stones were collected from 56 donors in Vitória, Espírito Santo state, southeastern Brazil. An XRD phase quantification revealed that 61% of the studied renal stones were composed exclusively of calcium oxalate [34% formed only by calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and 27% presents both monohydrate and dihydratate calcium oxalate]. The 39% multi-composed calculi have various other phases such as uric acid and calcium phosphate. Rietveld refinement of XRD data of one apparent monophasic (COM) renal calculus revealed the presence of a small amount of hydroxyapatite. The presence of this second phase and the morphology of the stone (ellipsoidal) indicated that this calculus can be classified as non-papillary type and its nucleation process developed in closed kidney cavities. In order to show some advantages of the X-ray powder diffraction technique, a study of the phase transformation of monohydrate calcium oxalate into calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was carried out by annealing of a monophasic COM calculi at 200, 300, and 400 °C for 48 h in a N2 gas atmosphere. The results of the XRD for the heat treated samples is in good agreement with the thermogravimetric analysis found in the literature and shows that X-ray powder diffraction can be used as a suitable technique to study the composition and phase diagram of renal calculi.
Rietveld refinement of transition metal doped ZnO
Authors: Santos D. A. A. , Rocha A. D. P. , Macêdo M. A.
Published: May 2008

Nanocrystals of Zn1−xMxO (M=Mn, Co, or Ni) were grown using proteic sol-gel process, and the crystalline phases were identified by X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. The nanocrystals have hexagonal wurtzite structure, with space group P63mc. The insertion of Mn2+ in the place of Zn2+ provoked an increase in the size of the nanocrystals, and the insertion of Co2+ or Ni2+ caused a reduction in the sizes of the nanocrystals, as compared to pure ZnO. This occurred because these three transition metals have very different ionic radii (Co2+=0.58 A˚, Mn2+=0.66 A˚, Ni2+=0.55 A˚, and Zn2+=0.60 A˚).
Understanding the comet Wild 2 mineralogy in samples from the Stardust mission
Authors: Rietmeijer Frans J. M.
Published: May 2008

The status of the solid materials and mineralogical and petrological results of the Stardust mission to comet 81P/Wild 2 are presented. This mission became the first successful sample-return mission since the Apollo project. This time the challenges were much less related to the availability of state-of-the-art analytical capabilities. Still, dedicated tools had to be developed to manipulate the samples that were all firmly embedded in the tracks they made when decelerating in the silica aerogel tiles of the collector. The comet particles were loosely bonded aggregates that shed their grains along the entire length of these tracks. It appears that most of the original comet minerals survived but interactions of debris with melted aerogel occurred and new minerals were made, adding to the incredibly, and unanticipated, diversity of the comet minerals, including some that so far were known only in meteorites. The latter alone showed that transport distances in the solar nebula extended all the way out to beyond Pluto into the Kuiper Belt of icy, comet-like, bodies. The full extent of the scientific yield of this mission is still unknown, promising but stressing current models of the formation of solar systems.
Analytical methods for discriminating stardust in aerogel capture media
Authors: Brennan Sean , Luening Katharina , Ignatyev Konstantin , Pianetta Piero , Ishii Hope A. , Bradley John P.
Published: May 2008

Methods using X-ray fluorescence have been developed to identify cometary material captured in aerogel during the NASA Stardust mission to Comet 81P/Wild 2. These analytical methods are necessitated by the levels of trace contaminants present in the aerogel. The cometary material disaggregates during deceleration in the aerogel, so fluorescence mapping of the entire track (which can be several millimeters long) is necessary. Distinguishing those pixels which have cometary material and aerogel from those which have only cometary material can be very challenging. We have chosen a “dual threshold” method, with some pixels clearly having only aerogel (plus contaminants) and other pixels clearly having cometary and aerogel material. Between these two threshold levels is a set of pixels which cannot be easily ascribed to one or the other. By leaving these pixels out of the analysis, the estimate of cometary material is improved.
The structure of celluloses
Authors: Wada Masahisa , Nishiyama Yoshiharu , Chanzy Henri , Forsyth Trevor , Langan Paul
Published: May 2008

X-ray and neutron fiber diffraction has been used to study cellulose as it is converted from its naturally occurring crystal phase, cellulose I, to an activated crystal phase, cellulose IIII, by ammonia treatment. The detailed crystal structures determined for cellulose Iβ, an intermediate ammonia-cellulose I complex, and cellulose IIII, reveal a structural transition pathway: hydrogen bonded sheets of chains in cellulose Iβ slip with respect to each other to accommodate the penetrating ammonia guest molecules in the intermediate complex. On evaporation of ammonia from the intermediate complex, there is a relative small change in chain packing as an inter-sheet ammonia bridge is replaced by an inter-sheet hydrogen bond in cellulose IIII. When cellulose IIII is heated it converts back to cellulose Iβ. Both ammonia-cellulose I and cellulose IIII have extended chains of cooperative hydrogen bonds in relatively open crystal structures that may add to their susceptibility to rapid change.
Development of a predictive life tool for tapered roller bearings using measured residual stress and retained austenite data
Authors: Wilson Brent M. , Dick Matthew G.
Published: May 2008

The development of a tool called the Service Load Factor (SLF) for railway tapered roller bearings using residual stress and retained austenite data is presented. Case-carburized tapered roller bearings used in the railroad industry are manufactured with a dual-phase microstructure that consists primarily of tempered martensite and retained austenite. The retained austenite phase is metastable, and will transform to martensite with sufficient thermal or mechanical energy during service. The increase in surface volume because of transformation, and the subsequent increase in compressive residual stress could indicate the onset of certain failure modes, including fatigue spalling. In addition, retained austenite transformation can lead to an increase in bore diameter, which could result in a loss of fit on the axle journal. Several bearing inner races with various service histories were measured with a Siemens X-ray diffractometer using chromium radiation. Results indicated that the transformation of retained austenite and resultant increase in compressive residual stress are interrelated with load and rolling cycles. Results indicate that the SLF is a useful tool that correlates well with current Association of American Railroads failure criteria.
In situ structural analysis of BPDA-PPD polyimide thin film using two-dimensional grazing incidence X-ray diffraction
Authors: Kikuma J. , Nayuki T. , Ishikawa T. , Matsuno S. , Asano G.
Published: May 2008

Structural development of BPDA-PPD polyimide thin film has been investigated by in situ grazing incidence X-ray diffraction at the BL24XU beamline of the SPring-8. Optimizing the sample shape, two-dimensional images were measured successfully without sacrificing angle resolution. It has been clearly shown that the crystallization first begins in the in-plane direction, at the curing temperature of 180 °C, in which the periodic structure of the molecular chain axis (c axis) is developed. The crystallization in the surface normal (out-of-plane) direction is observed later, at the curing temperature above 300 °C. A slight increase of the d spacing of the c axis during heating process has been observed, suggesting the stretching of the contracted molecular chain in accordance with the curing process. In the cooling process, the decrease of the d spacings for a and b axes was considerable, which indicates thermal expansion of the crystals at high temperatures. The increases in the peak intensities during the cooling process have been observed, which indicate the d spacing of each axis becomes close to the equilibrium value to produce higher periodicity.
A beryllium dome specimen holder for XRD analysis of air sensitive materials
Authors: Rodriguez Mark A. , Boyle Timothy J. , Yang Pin , Harris Damon L.
Published: May 2008

A specially designed specimen holder employing a beryllium dome has been fabricated for collection of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data from highly reactive materials. The specimen holder has a robust O-ring type seal (<10−9Torr) and no observed intensity artifacts in the 1° to 150° 2θ range. The design also minimizes specimen displacement errors and allows for analysis of both powders and bulk specimens (i.e., pellets). The simple design makes for straightforward assembly of the holder within the confines of a glove box. XRD analysis of hygroscopic LaBr3 powders collected with this holder are suitable for Rietveld structure refinement, yielding unit cell lattice parameters of a=7.9703(6) Å and c=4.5122(6) Å; cell volume=248.44(6) Å3; Rp=7.70%.
Next generation X-ray detectors for in-house XRD
Authors: Taguchi Takeyoshi , Brönnimann Christian , Eikenberry Eric F.
Published: May 2008

A novel type X-ray detector, called PILATUS, has been developed at the Paul Scherrer Institut in Switzerland during the last decade. PILATUS detectors are two-dimensional hybrid pixel array detectors, which operate in single-photon counting mode. PILATUS detectors feature a very wide dynamic range (1:1 000 000), very short readout time (<3.0 ms), no readout noise, and very high counting rate (>2×106counts/s/pixel). In addition, a lower energy threshold can be set in order to suppress fluorescence background from the sample, thus a very good signal-to-noise ratio is achieved. The combination of these features for area detectors is unique and thus the PILATUS detectors are considered to be the next generation X-ray detectors. The basic building block of all the detectors is the PILATUS module having an active area of 83.8×33.5 mm2. The PILATUS 100K is a complete detector system with one module. PILATUS detector systems can have other configurations, including large area systems consisting of 20 to 60 modules that can cover up to an area of 431×448 mm2. Such large systems are mainly used for macromolecular structure determination, such as protein crystallography and small angle X-ray scattering. The PILATUS 100K detector can be easily adapted to many systems; the single-module detector is integrated to an in-house X-ray diffraction (XRD) system. Examples of XRD measurements with the PILATUS 100K detector are given.
Full pattern comparison of experimental and calculated powder patterns using the Integral Index method in PDF-4+
Authors: Faber John , Blanton Justin
Published: May 2008

Quantitative comparisons between patterns from PDF-4 and experimental data using the Integral Index method are presented. The software integrated into the PDF-4 (DDView+) provides the ability to calculate fully digitized diffraction patterns for all 272,232 entries (PDF-4+ 2007). To provide a means of quantitative comparison between entries in the Power Diffraction File (PDF) and experimental data obtained in the laboratory, data filtering using Boolean logic has been used to reduce the size of the comparison set. Within this comparison set, we have used the Integral Index method to provide quantitative comparisons between digitized patterns obtained from the PDF-4 and experimental data. The quantitative aspects facilitate total pattern matching, that is, selecting the pattern in the PDF-4 that most closely matches input experimental data. Several examples will be used to illustrate the pattern matching process and the utility of this approach will be examined.
Effects of hydrogen on the interactions of fuel cell sealing glasses with interconnect alloys
Authors: Misture S. T.
Published: May 2008

In situ X-ray diffraction was used to study the interactions of the PNNL G18 fuel cell sealing glasses with the oxides that form on candidate interconnect alloys and with the ebrite alloy. Experiments under 4% hydrogen and air at temperatures up to 1000 °C showed that the sealant reacts rapidly with alumina and chromia, but not with NiO. The crystallization of the high-CTE phase BaCrO4 was noted for G18 in contact with chromia or ebrite under air, but reducing conditions inhibit the crystallization. The reactions in all cases begin within a few hours at temperatures above 800 °C and go to completion or near completion after ∼12 h.
Elaboration on the hexagonal grid and spiral trace schemes for pole figure data collection
Authors: Rizzie Anthony C. , Watkins Thomas R. , Payzant E. Andrew
Published: May 2008

A practical description of the mathematics required to implement the hexagonal grid and spiral trace pole figure data collection schemes is presented. Applying the concepts of stereographic and equal area projections with geometry, spreadsheets were created to calculate the angular settings of the goniometer. Using the generated settings, the hexagonal grid and spiral trace schemes were programmed into the existing X-ray software and employed to collect data for a sample of aluminum foil. The resulting (111) pole figures were similar to those collected with the conventional 5°χ×5°ϕ grid. The hexagonal grid has been shown by others to reduce the number of data points and time needed to complete a pole figure, while providing equal area sampling. Although not optimized, the spiral method was also investigated as another alternative to the 5°χ×5°ϕ grid.
Handy waveguide TXRF spectrometer for nanogram sensitivity
Authors: Kunimura Shinsuke , Kawai Jun
Published: May 2008

A specimen containing nanograms of sulfur, calcium, and 3d transition metal elements was measured by incident X-ray beams of various sizes restricted by a waveguide placed in a portable TXRF spectrometer. The signal to background ratios of spectra decreased with an increase in incident X-ray beam size. The portable spectrometer was also applied to rainwater and a specimen containing antimony and rare earth elements. Nanograms of elements in these specimens were detected by K-line or L-line excitation.
Ambrisentan for the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Galiè Nazzareno , Olschewski Horst , Oudiz Ronald J. , Torres Fernando , Frost Adaani , Ghofrani Hossein A. , Badesch David B. , McGoon Michael D. , McLaughlin Vallerie V. , Roecker Ellen B. , Gerber Michael J. , Dufton Christopher , Wiens Brian L. , Rubin Lewis J.
Published: May 2008

Background—

Ambrisentan is a propanoic acid–based, A-selective endothelin receptor antagonist for the once-daily treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Methods and Results—

Ambrisentan in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter, Efficacy Study 1 and 2 (ARIES-1 and ARIES-2) were concurrent, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that randomized 202 and 192 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, respectively, to placebo or ambrisentan (ARIES-1, 5 or 10 mg; ARIES-2, 2.5 or 5 mg) orally once daily for 12 weeks. The primary end point for each study was change in 6-minute walk distance from baseline to week 12. Clinical worsening, World Health Organization functional class, Short Form-36 Health Survey score, Borg dyspnea score, and B-type natriuretic peptide plasma concentrations also were assessed. In addition, a long-term extension study was performed. The 6-minute walk distance increased in all ambrisentan groups; mean placebo-corrected treatment effects were 31 m (
P
=0.008) and 51 m (
P
<0.001) in ARIES-1 for 5 and 10 mg ambrisentan, respectively, and 32 m (
P
=0.022) and 59 m (
P
<0.001) in ARIES-2 for 2.5 and 5 mg ambrisentan, respectively. Improvements in time to clinical worsening (ARIES-2), World Health Organization functional class (ARIES-1), Short Form-36 score (ARIES-2), Borg dyspnea score (both studies), and B-type natriuretic peptide (both studies) were observed. No patient treated with ambrisentan developed aminotransferase concentrations >3 times the upper limit of normal. In 280 patients completing 48 weeks of treatment with ambrisentan monotherapy, the improvement from baseline in 6-minute walk at 48 weeks was 39 m.

Conclusions—

Ambrisentan improves exercise capacity in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Improvements were observed for several secondary end points in each of the studies, although statistical significance was more variable. Ambrisentan is well tolerated and is associated with a low risk of aminotransferase abnormalities.
Phase 1b Randomized Study of Antidote-Controlled Modulation of Factor IXa Activity in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Chan Mark Y. , Cohen Mauricio G. , Dyke Christopher K. , Myles Shelley K. , Aberle Laura G. , Lin Min , Walder James , Steinhubl Steven R. , Gilchrist Ian C. , Kleiman Neal S. , Vorchheimer David A. , Chronos Nicholas , Melloni Chiara , Alexander John H. , Harrington Robert A. , Tonkens Ross M. , Becker Richard C. , Rusconi Christopher P.
Published: May 2008

Background—Whether selective factor IXa inhibition produces an appropriate anticoagulant effect when combined with platelet-directed therapy in patients with stable coronary artery disease is unknown. REG1 consists of RB006 (drug), an injectable RNA aptamer that specifically binds and inhibits factor IXa, and RB007 (antidote), the complementary oligonucleotide that neutralizes its anti-IXa activity.

Methods and Results—We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamic profile of REG1 in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, assigning 50 subjects with coronary artery disease taking aspirin and/or clopidogrel to 4 dose levels of RB006 (15, 30, 50, and 75 mg) and RB007 (30, 60, 100, and 150 mg). The median age was 61 years (25th and 75th percentiles, 56 and 68 years), and 80% of patients were male. RB006 increased the activated partial thromboplastin time dose dependently; the median activated partial thromboplastin time at 10 minutes after a single intravenous bolus of 15, 30, 50, and 75 mg RB006 was 29.2 seconds (25th and 75th percentiles, 28.1 and 29.8 seconds), 34.6 seconds (25th and 75th percentiles, 30.9 and 40.0 seconds), 46.9 seconds (25th and 75th percentiles, 40.3 and 51.1 seconds), and 52.2 seconds (25th and 75th percentiles, 46.3 and 58.6) (P<0.0001; normal 25th and 75th percentiles, 27 and 40 seconds). RB007 reversed the activated partial thromboplastin time to baseline levels within a median of 1 minute (25th and 75th percentiles, 1 and 2 minutes) with no rebound increase through 7 days. No major bleeding or other serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions—This is the first experience of an RNA aptamer drug-antidote pair achieving inhibition and active restoration of factor IXa activity in combination with platelet-directed therapy in stable coronary artery disease. The preliminary clinical safety and predictable pharmacodynamic effects form the basis for ongoing studies in patients undergoing elective revascularization procedures.
Accessory Atrioventricular Myocardial Connections in the Developing Human Heart
Authors: Hahurij Nathan D. , Gittenberger-De Groot Adriana C. , Kolditz Denise P. , Bökenkamp Regina , Schalij Martin J. , Poelmann Robert E. , Blom Nico A.
Published: May 2008

Background—

Fetal and neonatal atrioventricular (AV) reentrant tachycardias can be life-threatening but resolve in most cases during the first year of life. The transient presence of accessory AV myocardial connections during annulus fibrosus development may explain this phenomenon.

Methods and Results—

A total of 45 human embryonic, fetal, and neonatal sectioned hearts (4 to 36 weeks of development) were studied immunohistochemically. Accessory myocardial AV connections were quantified and categorized according to their specific location, and 3D reconstructions were made. Between 4 and 6 weeks of development, the atrial and ventricular myocardium was continuous at the primitive AV canal. At 6 to 10 weeks, numerous accessory myocardial AV connections were identified in the left (45%), right (35%), and septal (20%) regions of the AV junction. Most right-sided accessory connections comprised distinct myocardial strands, whereas left-sided connections consisted of larger myocardial continuities. At 10 to 20 weeks, all accessory AV connections comprised discrete myocardial strands and gradually decreased in number. The majority of accessory connections were located in the right AV junction (67%), predominantly in the lateral aspect (45%). Seventeen percent of the accessory connections were observed in the left AV junction, and 16% were observed in the septal region. 3D reconstructions of the developing AV nodal area at these stages demonstrated multiple AV node–related accessory connections. From 20 weeks until birth, and in neonatal hearts, no further accessory myocardial AV connections were observed.

Conclusions—

Isolation of the AV junction is a gradual and ongoing process, and right lateral accessory myocardial AV connections in particular are commonly found at later stages of normal human cardiac development. These transitory accessory connections may act as substrate for AV reentrant tachycardias in fetuses or neonates.
Prediction of Spring Elbe Discharge Based on Stable Teleconnections with Winter Global Temperature and Precipitation
Authors: Ionita Monica , Lohmann Gerrit , Rimbu Norel
Published: May 2008

The predictability of Elbe streamflow anomalies during spring is examined using previous winter sea surface temperature (SST), temperature over land (TT), and precipitation (PP) anomalies. Based on running correlation analysis, the authors identify several regions where the spring streamflow anomalies are stable correlated with SST, TT, and PP anomalies from the previous winter. During the period 1902–71 the Elbe spring streamflow is stable correlated with previous winter PP anomalies from its catchment area, with TT anomalies from the Black Sea–Caspian Sea region, northwestern Europe, and northern Canada as well as with SST anomalies from the tropical Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and several regions of the North Pacific and the North Atlantic. An index based on winter SST, TT, and PP anomalies from these regions is highly significantly correlated with spring streamflow anomalies during this period. Based on SST, TT, and PP anomalies from stable correlated regions, a forecast scheme is developed and applied to predict spring streamflow anomalies during the last decades. The prediction based on this statistical scheme represents a marked improvement relative to the forecast based on teleconnection indices that are traditionally used for streamflow prediction.
Comparison of Daily Precipitation Statistics for the United States in Observations and in the NCEP Climate Forecast System
Authors: Higgins R. W. , Silva V. B. S. , Kousky V. E. , Shi W.
Published: May 2008

An intercomparison of the statistics of daily precipitation within seasonal climate over the conterminous United States is carried out using gridded station data and output from the NCEP Climate Forecast System (CFS). Differences in the occurrence of daily precipitation between the observations and a set of CFS reforecasts are examined as a function of forecast lead time for 1982–2005. Difference patterns show considerable evolution depending on season and lead time, with positive biases in CFS at most locations and leads except along the southern tier of states during the spring and summer months.

An examination of differences in daily precipitation statistics by ENSO phase and in the frequencies of wet and dry spells is also conducted using a longer period of gridded daily station data (1948–2006) and a pair of 100-yr CFS coupled simulations. These comparisons expose additional details of the regional and seasonal dependence of the bias in the CFS simulations and reforecasts over the conterminous United States. The analysis motivates additional synoptic studies aimed at improving the linkage between daily precipitation and related circulation features in CFS. Prospects for using this information to develop more reliable ensemble-based probabilistic forecasts in real time at leads of 2–4 weeks (e.g., risks of heavy rain events) are also considered.
NASA Cold Land Processes Experiment (CLPX 2002/03): Ground-Based and Near-Surface Meteorological Observations
Authors: Elder Kelly , Goodbody Angus , Cline Don , Houser Paul , Liston Glen E. , Mahrt Larry , Rutter Nick
Published: May 2008

A short-term meteorological database has been developed for the Cold Land Processes Experiment (CLPX). This database includes meteorological observations from stations designed and deployed exclusively for CLPX as well as observations available from other sources located in the small regional study area (SRSA) in north-central Colorado. The measured weather parameters include air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, short- and longwave radiation, leaf wetness, snow depth, snow water content, snow and surface temperatures, volumetric soil moisture content, soil temperature, precipitation, water vapor flux, carbon dioxide flux, and soil heat flux. The CLPX weather stations include 10 main meteorological towers, 1 tower within each of the nine intensive study areas (ISA) and one near the local scale observation site (LSOS); and 36 simplified towers, with one tower at each of the four corners of each of the nine ISAs, which measured a reduced set of parameters. An eddy covariance system within the North Park mesocell study area (MSA) collected a variety of additional parameters beyond the 10 standard CLPX tower components. Additional meteorological observations come from a variety of existing networks maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research. Temporal coverage varies from station to station, but it is most concentrated during the 2002/03 winter season. These data are useful in local meteorological energy balance research and for model development and testing. These data can be accessed through the National Snow and Ice Data Center Web site.
Probabilistic Multisite Precipitation Downscaling by an Expanded Bernoulli–Gamma Density Network
Authors: Cannon Alex J.
Published: May 2008

A nonlinear, probabilistic synoptic downscaling algorithm for daily precipitation series at multiple sites is presented. The expanded Bernoulli–gamma density network (EBDN) represents the conditional density of multisite precipitation, conditioned on synoptic-scale climate predictors, using an artificial neural network (ANN) whose outputs are parameters of the Bernoulli–gamma distribution. Following the methodology used in expanded downscaling, predicted covariances between sites are forced to match observed covariances through the addition of a constraint to the ANN cost function. The resulting model can be thought of as a regression-based downscaling model with a stochastic weather generator component. Parameters of the Bernoulli–gamma distribution are downscaled from the synoptic-scale circulation, and unresolved temporal variability is generated via an autoregressive noise model. Demonstrated on a multisite precipitation dataset from coastal British Columbia, Canada, the EBDN is capable of specifying the conditional distribution of precipitation at each site, modeling the occurrence and the amount of precipitation simultaneously, reproducing observed spatial relationships between sites, randomly generating realistic synthetic precipitation series, and predicting precipitation amounts in excess of those in the observational record.
A Two-Season Impact Study of NOAA Polar-Orbiting Satellites in the NCEP Global Data Assimilation System
Authors: Jung James A. , Zapotocny Tom H. , Le Marshall John F. , Treadon Russ E.
Published: May 2008

Observing system experiments (OSEs) during two seasons are used to quantify the important contributions made to forecast quality from the use of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) polar-orbiting satellites. The impact is measured by comparing the analysis and forecast results from an assimilation–forecast system using one NOAA polar-orbiting satellite with results from using two and three polar-orbiting satellites in complementary orbits.

The assimilation–forecast system used for these experiments is the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Data Assimilation System–Global Forecast System (GDAS–GFS). The case studies chosen consist of periods during January–February and August–September 2003. Differences between the forecasts are accumulated over the two seasons and are analyzed to demonstrate the impact of these satellites.

Anomaly correlations (ACs) and geographical forecasts (FIs) are evaluated for all experimental runs during both seasons. The anomaly correlations are generated using the standard NCEP verification software suite and cover the polar regions (60°–90°) and midlatitudes (20°–80°) of each hemisphere. The rms error for 850- and 200-hPa wind vector differences are shown for the tropical region (20°N–20°S). The geographical distribution of forecast impact on geopotential heights, relative humidity, precipitable water, and the u component of wind are also examined.

The results demonstrate that the successive addition of each NOAA polar-orbiting satellite increases forecast quality. The use of three NOAA polar-orbiting satellites generally provides the largest improvement to the anomaly correlation scores in the polar and midlatitude regions. Improvements to the anomaly correlation scores are also realized from the use of two NOAA polar-orbiting satellites over only one. The forecast improvements from two satellites are generally smaller than if using three satellites, consistent with the increase in areal coverage obtained with the third satellite.
Dynamical Properties of MOS Forecasts: Analysis of the ECMWF Operational Forecasting System
Authors: Vannitsem S.
Published: May 2008

The dynamical properties of ECMWF operational forecasts corrected by a (linear) model output statistics (MOS) technique are investigated, in light of the analysis performed in the context of low-order chaotic systems. Based on the latter work, the respective roles of the initial condition and model errors on the forecasts can be disentangled. For the temperature forecasted by the ECMWF model over Belgium, it is found that (i) the error amplification arising from the presence of uncertainties in the initial conditions dominates the error dynamics of the “free” atmosphere and (ii) the temperature at 2 m can be partly corrected by the use of the (linear) MOS technique (as expected from earlier works), suggesting that model errors and systematic initial condition biases dominate at the surface. In the latter case, the respective amplitudes of the model errors and systematic initial condition biases corrected by MOS depend on the location of the synoptic station. In addition, for a two-observables MOS scheme, the best second predictor is the temperature predicted at 850 hPa in the central part of the country, while for the coastal zone, it is the sensible heat flux entering in the evolution of the surface temperature. These differences are associated with a dominant problem of vertical temperature interpolation in the central and east parts of the country and a difficulty in assessing correctly the surface heat fluxes on the coastal zone. Potential corrections of these problems using higher-resolution models are also discussed.
The Contrast Media Iohexol Causes Vasoconstriction of the Proximal Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery: Implications for Appropriate Stent Sizing
Authors: Kelly Robert V. , Gillespie Michael J. , Cohen Mauricio G. , McLaughlin David P. , Magnus Ohman E. , Stouffer George A.
Published: May 2008

The effect of the contrast agent iohexol on reference vessel size in patients with proximal left anterior descending disease is unknown. Quantitative coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound were performed in 15 patients with atherosclerotic disease of the proximal left anterior descending. Mean proximal reference vessel diameter was 2.95 ± 0.59 mm with quantitative coronary angiography and 4.65 ± 0.66 mm with intravascular ultrasound ( P < .05). Intracoronary injection of iohexol resulted in a significant decrease in intravascular ultrasound-measured proximal reference vessel diameter from 4.65 ± 0.66 mm to 4.47 ± 0.68 mm ( P = .002). Vasoconstrictive response to iohexol in the proximal reference vessel ranged from −0.04 mm to 0.5 mm with a mean of 0.18 ± 0.16 mm. This study shows that iohexol can cause significant vasoconstriction of the proximal reference vessel in patients with severe disease involving the proximal left anterior descending.
Vascular Effects of Estrogen and Progestins and Risk of Coronary Artery Disease: Importance of Timing of Estrogen Treatment
Authors: Gungor Funda , Kalelioglu Ibrahim , Turfanda Abdullah
Published: May 2008

The effects of estrogen and progestins on the vascular wall have drawn major medical attention, and significant controversy over various studies has been developed. Several experimental and observational studies have shown cardioprotective effects; however, prospective randomized trials showed an increase in cardiovascular events in postmenopausal women on estrogen/medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment. The most significant parameter for cardiovascular benefit of estrogen seems to be the interval since the onset of menopause. In the early postmenopausal years, estrogen has beneficial effects on the vascular wall by inhibition of atherosclerosis progression, whereas in the late postmenopause, adverse effects like upregulation of the plaque inflammatory processes and plaque instability may develop. The effects of progestins on the cardiovascular system are not as clear and may differ according to the choice of progestins that is used. The aim of this review is to summarize the effects of estrogen and progestins on the vascular wall and their clinical implications.
The Role of Smoking in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Development
Authors: Badger Stephen A. , O'Donnell Mark E. , Sharif Muhammed A. , McMaster Cyril , Young Ian S. , Soong Chee V.
Published: May 2008

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is common. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of smoking on prevalence and management. Patients attending the vascular unit and appropriate controls were prospectively recruited. A smoking history revealed tobacco exposure in pack years. Serum cotinine was assessed biochemically. Independent risk factors were statistically determined. In all, 202 (186 men) patients were recruited, with 202 (197 men) controls. A total of 69 patients tested positive for cotinine, whereas 39 controls were positive ( P = .001). Smoking and ischemic heart disease were significant predictors for aneurysm prevalence. Cardiac disease emerged as a more important predictor than smoking in symptomatic patients. In noncardiac patients, smoking and hypercholesterolemia were significant risk factors. Smoking is a significant predictor for aneurysm development. In high-risk patients, the cardiac disease process is the most important factor, with control of this imperative. However, in noncardiac patients, smoking cessation and lipid-lowering therapy are crucial.
Do Different Vascular Risk Factors Affect All Arteries Equally?
Authors: Paraskevas Kosmas I. , Bessias Nikolaos , Papas Theofanis T. , Gekas Christos D. , Andrikopoulos Vassilios , Mikhailidis Dimitri P.
Published: May 2008

Established vascular risk factors (ie, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia) play an important role in the development of vascular disease. Emerging evidence suggests that some of these risk factors may have a more intense effect on specific arterial beds, a finding that holds implications for a prognostic role for certain types of vascular disease.
C. H. Dodd and the Welsh Bible: A Fading Influence
Authors: Jones Iwan Rhys
Published: May 2008

The New Welsh Bible New Testament (1975) rendered hilastêrion (Rom 3:25) as `means of purification', reflecting the views of C.H. Dodd. Changes in the prominence accorded to Dodd's understanding are seen in the subsequent complete Bible (1988) and the later revised edition (2004), where the phrase was relegated to a footnote.
Minor Prophets with a Major Message: A Contemporary Introduction to Some of the Minor Prophets
Authors: Gilmore Alec
Published: May 2008

This article is an exploration into the contemporary relevance of the Minor Prophets in the light of Mark Daniel Carroll R's work on Amos and the need to suggest appropriate daily devotional reading for clergy and laity, with a little assistance from a Browning poem and an Indonesian poet's response to the tsunami in 2004.
Living Text or Exquisite Corpse?
Authors: Poirier John C.
Published: May 2008

David Parker's recent attempt to bring the fields of textual criticism and biblical theology closer together includes the surprising claim that New Testament text critics are not (and should not be) interested in reconstructing the `original text' of the Bible. Parker supports this claim with two arguments, one having to do with the logical dimensions of the issue, and the other dealing with the theological dimensions. The present article attempts to show that both these arguments are questionable.
Dose‐ and Time‐Dependent Pharmacokinetics of Midostaurin in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Yanfeng , Yin Ophelia Q. P. , Graf Peter , Kisicki James C. , Schran Horst
Published: May 2008

Midostaurin is a novel potent inhibitor of both protein kinase C and the major receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor involved in angiogenesis, presenting a rationale for its use in diabetic retinopathy. This study evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of midostaurin following multiple oral doses of midostaurin for 28 days at 4 dose levels (25 mg bid, 50 mg bid, 75 mg bid, 75 mg tid), as well as a single oral 100‐mg dose in patients with diabetes mellitus (n = 9–13 per dose cohort). Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined on days 1 and 28 based on the plasma concentrations of midostaurin and its metabolites, CGP62221 and CGP52421. The plasma exposures (Cmax and AUC0‐ẗ) of midostaurin and metabolites increased less than proportionally over the dose range of 25 to 100 mg, showing a 2.2‐fold increase after the first dose. Midostaurin concentrations increased during the first 3 to 6 days of dosing, then declined with time (by 30%‐50%) until a steady state was achieved, representing an average accumulation factor (R) of 1.7. CGP62221 showed a similar concentration‐time pattern as midostaurin (R = 2.5), but CGP52421 accumulated significantly (R = 18.8). A high‐fat meal was found to significantly increase the Cmax and AUC0–12 h of midostaurin by 1.5‐fold (P = .04) and 1.8‐fold (P = .01), respectively, compared with taking the drug after an overnight fast. Midostaurin administered at 50 to 225 mg/day appeared to be generally safe in this group of patients. The most common treatment‐related adverse events (eg, loose stools, nausea, vomiting, and headache) were found to be dose related, and the frequency increased markedly above the 150‐mg/day dose level.
Disgust as Embodied Moral Judgment
Authors: Schnall Simone , Haidt Jonathan , Clore Gerald L. , Jordan Alexander H.
Published: May 2008

How, and for whom, does disgust influence moral judgment? In four experiments participants made moral judgments while experiencing extraneous feelings of disgust. Disgust was induced in Experiment 1 by exposure to a bad smell, in Experiment 2 by working in a disgusting room, in Experiment 3 by recalling a physically disgusting experience, and in Experiment 4 through a video induction. In each case, the results showed that disgust can increase the severity of moral judgments relative to controls. Experiment 4 found that disgust had a different effect on moral judgment than did sadness. In addition, Experiments 2-4 showed that the role of disgust in severity of moral judgments depends on participants' sensitivity to their own bodily sensations. Taken together, these data indicate the importance—and specificity—of gut feelings in moral judgments.
“We Have No Rights, We Get No Help”
Authors: Letiecq Bethany L. , Bailey Sandra J. , Porterfield Fonda
Published: May 2008

Guided by an ecological perspective on family policy, this qualitative study used family life history interviews to document the legal and policy dilemmas faced by 26 grandparent caregivers residing in Montana. Most grandparents ( n = 18) were caring for their grandchildren in informal or private care arrangements. Findings revealed four legal or policy contexts that hindered informal grandparent caregiving, including the lack of a kinship care navigation system, the lack of legal rights, fear of the child welfare system, and disparities between informal and formal kinship care policies. Future policy directions, including expanding subsidized guardianship programs and granting informal grandparent caregivers' legal authority over their grandchildren, are discussed.
Selection Versus Structure
Authors: De Bruycker Trees
Published: May 2008

This article focuses on one aspect of family networks, namely, the frequency of contact with close kin for adults living in different traditional and new family types. Two mechanisms are hypothesized to account for the differences. The first focuses on structural factors such as the number and type of persons in the primary family network, availability of a second family network, and geographical proximity. The second is selection: Individuals with more postmodern (family) attitudes and relatively strong orientation to friends rather than to family may be selected into certain family types. Data from the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study ( N = 8,155) give little support for the selection hypothesis in explaining the differences in contact frequency found by family type. The structural hypothesis, however, yields significant results, with network size and geographical proximity being of key importance.
Introduction
Authors: Kingfisher Catherine , Maskovsky Jeff
Published: May 2008

Neoliberalism has emerged as one of the key concepts for studies of cultural and political-economic change on a global scale. Yet its enthusiastic adoption and application in recent anthropological work raises some significant theoretical and political problems. At the center of these is the challenge of discerning its limits. This Special Issue argues for the need to move beyond abstract and totalizing approaches that treat neoliberalism as a thing that acts in the world. We argue instead for approaches that stress its instabilities, partialities, and articulations with other cultural and political-economic formations, and that direct attention to the ways that culture, power and governing practices coalesce into concrete governmental regimes with their attendant patterns of inequality. Specific articles probe the limits and boundaries of neoliberalism as it plays out in different cultural and political-economic contexts.
Neoliberalism, Indigeneity and Social Engineering in Ecuador's Amazon
Authors: Wilson Patrick C.
Published: May 2008

This article examines a state-sponsored hacienda invasion by indigenous people in Amazonian Ecuador in the context of neoliberal state restructuring and decentralization. Studies have demonstrated how neoliberal reforms limit the delivery of social services by the state, but in the case examined, the municipal government offered increased access to basic infrastructural and social services to residents of the new community and encouraged the land invasion. This may indicate shifts in neoliberal policy in parts of Ecuador, where decentralization is accompanied by promises of enhanced state services. I argue, however, that Ecuador's changing neoliberal agenda may provide new mechanisms for state control in Amazonia while reinforcing enduring racist ideologies of modernizing nationalism.