bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro effect of biogenic amines on the hormone content of immune cells of the peritoneal fluid and thymus. Is there a hormonal network inside the immune system?
Authors: Csaba G. , Kovács P. , Pállinger Éva
Published: October 2006

Immune cells contain different hormones and hormone‐like molecules, such as insulin, endorphin, triiodothyronine (T3) histamine, serotonin. In earlier in vitro experiments insulin down‐regulated histamine, serotonin and T3 content of thymus cells. Now we studied the effect of biogenic amines on the endorphin, T3, serotonin and histamine content of rat peritoneal and thymic cells. Cells were obtained from male rats of 100 g body weight. 100 ng/ml serotonin or 300 ng/ml histamine was added for 30 min. After that the cells were prepared for flow cytometric analysis with antibodies to endorphin, T3, histamine and serotonin as primary antibodies and anti‐rabbit IgG as secondary antibody. Finishing the measurements the cells were also studied by confocal microscopy. T3 concentration (binding of anti‐T3 antibody) increased in peritoneal mast cells after serotonin treatment and in the monocyte‐macrophage‐granulocyte group after histamine treatment. Thymocytes' T3 content radically decreased after both treatments. Serotonin and histamine treatment also radically reduced the amine content of each other. Endorphin level was resistant to hormonal treatments. The results call attention to a possible hormonal network inside the immune system in which hormones produced by the immune cells themselves can influence each other.
Circulating gastrin is increased in hemochromatosis
Authors: Smith Kelly A. , Kovac Suzana , Anderson Gregory J. , Shulkes Arthur , Baldwin Graham S.
Published: October 2006

Gastric acid production is important in intestinal iron absorption. The peptide hormone gastrin exists in both amidated and non‐amidated forms, which stimulate and potentiate gastric acid secretion, respectively. Since non‐amidated gastrins require ferric ions for biological activity in vitro, this study investigated the connection between iron status and gastrin by measurement of circulating gastrin concentrations in mice and humans with hemochromatosis. Gastrin concentrations are increased in the plasma and gastric mucosa ofHfe−/−mice, and in the sera of humans with HFE‐related hemochromatosis. The discovery of a relationship between iron status and circulating gastrin concentrations opens a new perspective on the mechanisms of iron homeostasis.
Specialist services for older people: issues of negative and positive ageism
Authors: REED JAN , COOK MARGARET , COOK GLENDA , INGLIS PAMELA , CLARKE CHARLOTTE
Published: October 2006

This paper reports findings of a study in 2004 of the development of specialist services for older people in the National Health Service (NHS) in England, as recommended in the Department of Health's National Service Framework for Older People (NSF-OP). The study was funded by the Department of Health as part of a programme of research to explore the Framework's implementation. Information was collected through a questionnaire survey about the nature of specialist developments at three levels of the NHS: strategic health authorities (SHAs), provider Trusts, and service units. This produced an overview of developments and a frame from which to select detailed case studies. Analysis of the survey data showed that there were variations in the way that the NSF-OP was being interpreted and implemented. In particular, there was inconsistency in the interpretation of the NSF-OP's anti-ageism standard; some concluded that the strategy discouraged services exclusively for older people, others that it encouraged dedicated provision for them. The tension between creating age-blind and age-defined services was played out in the context of existing service structures, which had been shaped over decades by many local and national influences. These conceptual and historical factors need to be taken into account if services are to change, as developments are shaped by ‘bottom-up’ local processes as well as ‘top-down’ policy initiatives. In particular, the tension inherent in the NSF-OP between negative and positive ageism, and its varied interpretations at local levels needs to be taken into account when evaluating progress in implementation.
Studies on laser-driven generation of fast high-density plasma blocks for fast ignition
Authors: BADZIAK J. , GŁOWACZ S. , HORA H. , JABŁOŃSKI S. , WOŁOWSKI J.
Published: October 2006

The properties of plasma (proton) block driven by the laser-induced skin-layer ponderomotive acceleration (S-LPA) mechanism are discussed. It is shown that the proton density of the plasma block is about a thousand times higher than that of the proton beam produced by the target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) mechanism. Such a high-density plasma (proton) block can be considered as a fast ignitor of fusion targets. The estimates show that using the S-LPA driven plasma block, the ignition threshold for precompressed DT fuel can be reached at the ps laser energy ≤ 100 kJ.
Density gradient effects on beam plasma linear instabilities for
fast ignition scenario
Authors: BRET ANTOINE , DEUTSCH CLAUDE
Published: October 2006

In the fast ignition scenario for inertial fusion, a relativistic
electron beam is supposed to travel from the side of the fusion pellet to
its core. One one hand, a relativistic electron beam passing through a
plasma is a highly unstable system. On the other hand, the pellet core is
denser than its side by four orders of magnitude so that the beam makes
its way through a important density gradient. We here investigate the
effect of this gradient on the instabilities. It is found that they should
develop so early that gradient effects are negligible in the linear
phase.
The infrastructures of Autonomic Computing
Authors: EYMANN TORSTEN
Published: October 2006

The papers in this special issue represent an early view on different aspects of a new research field in computing science. They were presented as best papers in a series of European workshops called ‘Self-adaptive and autonomic systems’ (SAACS), which is co-located with the DEXA conference every year.
A health-check model for autonomic systems based on a pulse monitor
Authors: STERRITT ROY , BUSTARD DAVE
Published: October 2006

Like the autonomic responses in the human body, autonomic computing systems recognize their own health problems and, where possible, respond to correct them. Failing that, external help is required. The purpose of this paper is to consider how autonomic systems might be structured to facilitate health monitoring. The approach uses a ‘pulse’ monitor for each autonomic element, which provides a reflex reaction facility and basic information on the current state (health) of that element. The pulse mechanism extends the NASA beacon monitor concept. The different ways that pulse information might be communicated and used are examined. The discussion is illustrated with a personal computing example.
Effects of an oil spill on the soft-bottom macrofauna of Arthur Harbour, Antarctica compared with long-term natural change
Authors: Hyland Jeffrey , Laur David , Jones Jeffrey , Shrake Jay , Cadian Donald , Harris Leslie
Published: October 2006

The macroinfauna at depths 30–115 m was sampled in March–April 1989, c. two months after an oil spill that resulted from the grounding of the Bahia Paraiso. Stations consisted of the oil-spill site and a comparable control location, and two historical sites previously sampled in 1971. The historical sites were located at two distinct points along a known continuum of increasing physical stability with depth, attributed to disturbances from glacial calving. Macroinfaunal assemblages at most stations were characterized by very high densities and numbers of taxa. There were no significant differences (P<0.05) between the oil-spill and control sites in numbers of individuals, species, or families; nor were there any major differences in dominant fauna or overall community composition. The absence of a detectable impact on the fauna is consistent with results of hydrocarbon analyses, which showed that subtidal sediments were nearly devoid of contamination emanating from the Bahia Paraiso. The assemblage at the shallower of the two historical sites, however, showed a substantial change over the 18-yr period between studies. This change consisted of a shift toward a more species-rich and abundant macroinfauna characteristic of the more physically stable parts of the harbour. This change may be related to the fact that the glacier face near this site has retreated c. 250 m over the last 20 yrs, resulting in less physical disturbance of the adjacent seafloor.
Klinische Entscheidungsfindung: Förderung des kritischen Denkens im pflegediagnostischen Prozess durch Fallbesprechungen
Authors: Müller-Staub Maria , Stuker-Studer Ursula
Published: October 2006

Pflegediagnostische Fallbesprechungen, die sich auf reale Patientensituationen beziehen, sind eine Form klinischer Entscheidungsfindung, welche kritisches Denken von Pflegenden fördern. Der Artikel beschreibt Methode und Verlauf von Fallbesprechungen in der Weiterbildung von Pflegenden. Diese Methode der Fallbesprechung basiert auf der Fallsupervision nach Balint, wurde weiterentwickelt und mit dem pflegediagnostischen Prozess verbunden. Die Fallbesprechung weist verschiedene Arbeitsphasen auf: Vorphase, Aushandlung, Fallschilderung und Fallbearbeitung. Die Falleinbringerin schildert die Patientensituation durch freies Erzählen, was der Gruppe ermöglicht, Hinweise und Zeichen zu analysieren, thematisch zu bündeln, Pflegediagnosen zu stellen und Pflegeinterventionen abzuleiten. Durch Theoriebezug und kritische Stellungnahme der Falleinbringerin werden die Resultate der Fallbesprechung validiert. Lerneffekte der Fallbesprechungen wurden anhand schriftlicher, qualitativer Auswertungen evaluiert und in Anlehnung an Mayring analysiert. Die Analyse ergab folgende Kategorien: a) Pflegeprobleme werden aus Patientinnen und Patienten naher Sicht erkannt, treffende Pflegediagnosen gestellt und wirksame Pflegeinterventionen implementiert. b) Pflegerische Aufgaben werden gezielter betrachtet und klarer benannt. c) Beziehungsgestaltung, Kommunikation und würdiger Umgang mit Patientinnen werden differenzierter wahrgenommen. Die theoretischen Grundlagen sind im Artikel «Klinische Entscheidungsfindung und kritisches Denken im pflegediagnostischen Prozess» (Müller-Staub, 2006) beschrieben.
Biografieorientierte Diagnostik in der Beratung von Patienten mit chronischen Erkrankungen
Authors: Darmann-Finck Ingrid , Sahm Martina
Published: October 2006

In dem Beitrag werden zunächst zwei im deutschsprachigen Raum populäre Konzepte pflegerischer Beratung im Hinblick auf ihre wissenschaftlichen Grundpositionen und Wertvorstellungen sowie ihre Auswirkungen auf Beratungsprozess und -ergebnis untersucht. Die Autorinnen kommen zu dem Schluss, dass in beiden Konzepten die für den Umgang mit und die Verarbeitung von chronischen Erkrankungen bedeutsamen biografischen Konstruktionsprozesse ausgeblendet bleiben. Möglichkeiten einer biografischen Diagnostik im Rahmen von Pflegeberatung werden abschließend erörtert.
Bedürfnisse und Erwartungen von tamilischen Frauen in der Schwangerenvorsorge eines Schweizer Universitätsspitals
Authors: Büchi Simone , Cignacco Eva , Lüthi Damaris , Spirig Rebecca
Published: October 2006

Migrantinnen suchen infolge einer Reihe von Hindernissen die Vorsorgeuntersuchungen während der Schwangerschaft oft erst spät auf und können folglich ungenügend auf die Geburt vorbereitet werden; mit ein Grund, weshalb Migrantinnen deutlich schlechtere Perinataldaten aufweisen als Schweizerinnen. Frauen aus Sri Lanka bilden in der perinatalen Gesundheitsversorgung in einer Universitätsklinik der Schweiz zahlenmäßig die größte Migrantinnengruppe. Das Ziel der vorliegenden qualitativen Studie war deshalb die Untersuchung ihrer Bedürfnisse und Erwartungen in der Schwangerenvorsorge. Mit sieben tamilischen Frauen wurden prä- und postpartal problemzentrierte Interviews unter Einbezug von Dolmetscherinnen durchgeführt und mit der Methode der Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring ausgewertet. Das Resultat sind vier Hauptkategorienpaare, jeweils als ein Bedürfnis und eine daraus resultierende Erwartung dargestellt: 1) «Wertschätzung erfahren» – «Respekt und Aufmerksamkeit entgegenbringen», 2) «Sich austauschen können» – «Für Verständigung sorgen», 3) «Sorgen und Ängste mildern» – «Sicherheit vermitteln und Führung übernehmen» und 4) «Mangelnde Erfahrung und fehlendes Wissen ausgleichen» – «Erfahrungs- und Fachwissen weitergeben». Die Beziehungsqualität zur betreuenden Fachperson scheint von zentraler Bedeutung zu sein. Diese beeinflusst die Zufriedenheit und die Motivation der tamilischen Frauen die Schwangerenvorsorge rechtzeitig und regelmäßig zu konsultieren.
Hereditäre Pankreatitis
Authors: Simon  , Weiss  , Mayerle  , Kraft  , Lerch
Published: October 2006

Bei einer wesentlichen Anzahl von Patienten mit chronischer Pankreatitis lassen sich genetische und vererbbare Ursachen nachweisen. An eine hereditäre bzw. genetisch bedingte Pankreatitis sollte gedacht werden, wenn keine bekannten Risikofaktoren, z.B. ein chronischer Alkoholmissbrauch für eine chronische Pankreatitis bestehen und wenn eine positive Familienanamnese für eine akut rezidivierende bzw. eine chronische Bauchspeicheldrüsenentzündung oder ein Pankreaskarzinom vorliegt. Patienten mit chronischer Pankreatitis und einer Mutation im kationischen Trypsinogen-Gen haben ein erhöhtes Risiko, im Laufe ihres Lebens an einem Pankreaskarzinom zu erkranken – insbesondere, wenn sie rauchen. Deshalb ist eine engmaschige klinische Verlaufskontrolle in einem spezialisierten Zentrum anzustreben. Die häufigsten genetischen Veränderungen bei Patienten mit positiver Familienanamnese, die mit einer hereditären Pankreatitis assoziiert sind, sind die Punktmutationen R122H, R122C und N29I im kationischen Trypsinogen-Gen. Bei Patienten ohne positive Familienanamnese werden meist Punktmutationen im SPINK1-Gen (N34S-Mutation) oder im CFTR-Gen nachgewiesen. Deren klinische Konsequenzen sind allerdings zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt noch unsicher. Eine molekulargenetische Untersuchung von betroffenen Patienten sollte erwogen werden, wenn Patienten ohne Risikofaktoren vor dem 25. Lebensjahr an einer chronischen Pankreatitis leiden oder ein weiteres Familienmitglied ersten Grades ebenfalls an einer Pankreatitis oder an einem Pankreaskarzinom erkrankt sind. Genetische Untersuchungen nicht erkrankter Verwandter von Patienten mit hereditärer Pankreatitis sollten nur nach ausführlicher genetischer Beratung erfolgen. Eine pränatale Diagnostik wird nicht empfohlen.
Klatskin-Tumoren – Chirurgische Therapie
Authors: Königsrainer
Published: October 2006

Aufgrund der Schwierigkeiten in der Diagnostik des zentralen Gallengangstumors sollte frühzeitig ein erfahrener Chirurg in den Entscheidungsprozess miteinbezogen werden. Dies umsomehr als sich die erweiterte Gallengangsresektion mit 5-Jahresüberlebensraten bis zu 80% derzeit wohl als einzige kurative Therapieoption darstellt. Bei zu geringem Restlebervolumen kann zur Augmentation der Restleber eine kontralaterale selektive perkutane Pfortaderembolisation durchgeführt werden. Eine Lebertransplantation bleibt einem selektiven Patientenkollektiv mit lokaler Inoperabilität vorbehalten, gewinnt aber aufgrund der Möglichkeit der Leberlebendtransplantation in Verbindung mit neoadjuvanten Konzepten vermehrt an Bedeutung.
Vergleich kriteriumsbezogener Validitäten verschiedener Intelligenztests zur Vorhersage von Ausbildungserfolg in Deutschland
Authors: Hülsheger Ute R. , Maier Günter W. , Stumpp Thorsten , Muck Peter M.
Published: October 2006

Zusammenfassung. In dieser Metaanalyse wurden die Validitäten verschiedener Intelligenztests (z. B. IST-70, WIT, LPS, PSB, CFT-3, SPM) zur Vorhersage von Ausbildungserfolg in Deutschland ermittelt. Darüber hinaus wurde untersucht, ob sich die Validität kognitiver Fähigkeit je nach Operationalisierung des Ausbildungserfolgs (Noten vs. Leistungsbeurteilungen) unterscheidet. Die Analysen basierten auf 90 unabhängigen Stichproben, die 49 publizierten bzw. unpublizierten Beiträgen entnommen wurden. Obgleich zwischen einigen Testverfahren Validitätsunterschiede bestanden, erwiesen sich alle untersuchten Testbatterien als valide Prädiktoren von Ausbildungserfolg (ρ = .48-.54). Unterschiedlich hohe Validitäten je nach Ausbildungserfolgskriterium konnten größtenteils auf unterschiedliche Reliabilitäten dieser Kriterien zurückgeführt werden. Die Befunde werden hinsichtlich ihrer Implikationen für die eignungsdiagnostische Praxis diskutiert.
The volume of the solution is 1 kg: Pleading for scientific writing
Authors: Sander Rolf
Published: October 2006

“The volume of the solution is 1 kg.”

Something is wrong with this statement. Volume can be expressed in liters but not in kilograms. It doesn't help much to say that aqueous solutions have a density of about 1 kg/L and that it doesn't matter much whether you say “l kg” or “1 L.” The fact remains that the statement is wrong. Fortunately, none of us would write a sentence like this for publication. Tropospheric chemists, however, have a similar habit: “The ozone concentration is 40 ppb.”
Teaching evolution
Authors: Folger Peter
Published: October 2006

A newly revised position statement emphasizes evolution and continues to oppose the teaching of creationism as science. The revised statement, adopted by the AGU Council on December 16, 1999 underscores that teaching evolution is vital to science education. It expands upon AGU's previous statement opposing the teaching of creationism or any other religious tenets as science that was adopted in 1981.The revised statement contrasts scientific theories like evolution, plate tectonics, and relativity with “creation science,” which is not supported by scientific observations.
Lowering the stakes at the South Pole
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

“For certain, I will never forget where I was on New Years Day, January 1,2000,” Larry Hothem recently e‐mailed Eos from Antarctica. Hothem, who heads up the U.S. Geological Surveys (USGS) geodetic team that is deployed annually to the McMurdo Station‐South Pole region, that morning was piling a stake into the ice above the most recent and most accurate location of the mean South Pole (the Earth's mean axis of rotation).

At midnight, a makeshift band played, and several hundred scientists, construction workers, and support staff who normally devote their time to important research efforts and keeping the station operating smoothly sipped champagne in the −26°C temperature. At 4:30 a.m. local time, the revelers already had been awake for more than 22 hours as Hothem pounded in the marker and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) aired the event live.
Planetary science, astrobiology, and the role of science and exploration in society
Authors: Jakosky Bruce M. , Golombek Matthew P.
Published: October 2006

The basic research done by members of AGU plays an important role in society However, there is remarkably little discussion among AGU members or the greater scientific community about exactly how we as individual scientists and as a community of academicians and researchers contribute to society as a whole.

The role of science in today's society is both complex and poorly defined.This is seen in striking relief, for example, in the Kansas Board of Education's decision to remove evolution from its curriculum requirements, and in many other forums where the debate over creationism versus evolution continues. Certainly there is often a general lack of understanding by the public as to what exactly science is and what separates it from other activities.
AGU honors Macelwane Medalists
Authors: Turekian Karl K. , Farley Kenneth , Roberts Paul H. , Hollerbach Rainer , Gilbert J. Freeman , Tromp Jeroen
Published: October 2006

Kenneth A. Farley, Rainer Hollerbach, and Jeroen Tromp were awarded the 1999 James B. Macelwane Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, which was held on December 15, 1999, in San Francisco, California. The Macelwane Medal recognizes significant contributions to the geophysical sciences by a young scientist of outstanding ability.
El Niæo linked to increase in childhood diarrheal disease, a leading cause of premature death
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

William Checkley recalled plotting into his computer the data for the number of hospital admissions and the time of year.

When we did the analysis and started looking at the relative increase, thats when it hit us, said Checkley, a medical student at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.
Clinton Administration announces FY 2001 budget request
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

Blessed with a strong US. economy the Clinton Administration on February 7 released a fiscal year 2001 federal budget request totaling a whopping $1,835 billion. Most of the funding request is slated for big ticket items including Social Security defense spending, Medicaid, Medicare, and paying down the federal debt. However, within the 19% of the budget that funds non‐defense discretionary programs,science agencies receive fairly healthy increases.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) budget request would increase NSF funding by 17.3% $675 million and bring the total budget request to $4.6 billion. This includes significant increases for several initiatives: biocomplexity in the environment, information technology research, nanoscale science and engineering, and 21st century workforce. Among the major Earth science projects are launching the Earthscope initiative which includes the US Array and San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) and the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON).
Reply [to “Comment on ‘New findings about auroras confirm importance of ionosphere in space weather’”]
Authors: Newell Patrick T.
Published: October 2006

I thank Hargreaves for raising several interesting points. First, the comment states that instead of writing that riometer absorption events are more frequent in winter than summer, I should have written that they are more intense in winter than summer. Hargreaves is correct. In fact the same might be true of intense electron acceleration events seen in particle data (that is, the data show that there are more intense events in winter, but do not necessarily imply that events selected at a low threshold are not symmetric). Since it is agreed that absorption events are pronouncedly more intense in winter, inescapably a threshold selecting the most intense events would produce a seasonal asymmetry in frequency of occurrence of intense events, with more such in winter.
Clinton Administration federal budget proposal alternately described as dream and fantasy
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

Some federal science agency heads and advisors are pinching themselves to make sure the Clinton Administrations fiscal year 2001 federal budget request, announced on February 7, is not just a dream.

Neal Lane, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy calls the budget historic for its increases and commitment to science and technology. When asked what he thinks about the budget, NASA head Dan Goldin says, Look at the smile on my face. Rita Colwell, who leads the National Science Foundation (NSF), says, We couldn't ask for a better way to mark NSFs 50th anniversary Jim Baker, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), says the budget is a good one for his agency.
Comment on using auroral spectra to detect extraterrestrial life
Authors: Frey H. U.
Published: October 2006

Syun Akasofu,in an opinion published in Eos [1999], suggests using auroral spectra as a tool to detect extraterrestrial life. He argues that the green line of atomic oxygen at 557.7 nm wavelength is direct evidence for the existence of free oxygen in a planetary atmosphere. As the green line in the terrestrial aurora arises mostly from the fact that plants release abundant free oxygen into the atmosphere by the photosynthesis process, detecting an extraterrestrial aurora would indicate that the possibility of the presence of plant life is high. This idea is a good one because auroral spectra point to two key elements of the existence of life: atmospheric oxygen and a magnetic field. It also extends the search for extraterrestrial intelligence to the search for lower life forms.
Newly elected fellows of AGU for 2000
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2006

The Fellows Committee met on January 29, in Los Angeles, California, and elected the following members as Fellows for the year 2000
Three textbooks for introductory classes in planetary sciences
Authors: Lebofsky Larry
Published: October 2006

Today, teaching an introductory course in planetary sciences, geosciences, or astronomy is challenging. Instructors must ask themselves who is taking the class, non‐science or science majors? Are future majors in planetary sciences, etc. taking the class? What is the background of these students? Have they all had pre‐calculus or do they drop out of the class in droves as soon as scientific notation is used in class or in a homework assignment? If they are non‐science majors (or even future scientists) is it assumed that they know what causes the phases of the Moon or the seasons? These are all important questions to consider before choosing a textbook. Finally, if the class is purely a class on the Solar System, are the students required or assumed to have had an introductory astronomy class? Add individual teaching styles and preferences to the equation and choosing a textbook can be difficult at best.
Effectively responding to the threat of global warming
Authors: Dickinson William R.
Published: October 2006

Perspectives on future climate change highlight two truisms: 1) given the known greenhouse properties of CO2, its anthropogenic increase in the atmosphere is bound to influence global temperatures to some extent; and 2) the magnitude of the effect is uncertain because global climate models are imperfect.

However, consideration of data internal to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scientific assessment [Houghton et al., 1990] suggests that there is less uncertainty than current debates assume. I argue here that the high‐end estimate of future global temperature is unlikely, and that grassroots appeal to national economic interests might prove more effective in meeting the actual level of threat than coercive international regulations imposed in a topdown mode.
U.S. federal budget requests for science agencies on the rise
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

The Clinton Administration has proposed some significant increases for U.S. federal science agencies for fiscal year 2000. Last weeks issue of Eos provided an overview of the federal budget request and reported on some specific agencies NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and part of the National Science Foundation (NSF).In this issue, Eos continues its review of agency budgets, including the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of the Interior (DOI),the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other accounts within NSE

DOE has been besieged over the past year with reports concerning potential national security breaches. When Energy Secretary Bill Richardson announced the agency budget request in February, he tried to change that recent public image of the agency. Based on news stories last year, some people may think that the department is solely a national security agency, he said. But the fact is that the Department of Energy is at its heart a science agency.
Ocean data synthesis offers research opportunities
Authors: Chapman Piers , Nowlin Worth D.
Published: October 2006

The World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE),an international research effort aimed at understanding the role of ocean circulation in climate, recently completed its first observational phase. The second phase, which began in late 1997, is dedicated to analysis, interpretation, modeling, and synthesis (AIMS) of the different data sets into a coherent whole. A description of the objectives of AIMS is given in WOCE IPO Report 153 [WOCE, 1997] .While WOCE's position as a component of the World Climate Research Programme will end formally in 2002, the AIMS phase will certainly continue beyond that date.
Walcott receives 1999 Whitten Medal
Authors: McKenzie Dan P. , Walcott Richard I.
Published: October 2006

Richard I. Walcott was awarded the 1999 Charles A. Whitten Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremomy, which was held on December 15, 1999, in San Francisco, California. The medal recognizes outstanding achievement in research on the form and dynamics of the Earth and planets.
Albright promises more science at the U.S. State Department
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

Saying that the divide between the two cultures of science and diplomacy is real, U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on February 21 began to try to bridge that divide by outlining several proposals from an upcoming March policy statement on ensuring that the State Department and U.S. foreign policy tap into scientific and technological expertise during and after the Clinton Administration.

As part of her plan to build up the leadership and management structure for science and technology issues, Albright said she soon will appoint a science advisor within the department's Under Secretariat for Global Affairs, and establish a science directorate within the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.These moves, she said, would help to spread science competence throughout the department, and would not be limited to specific areas.
Operational oceanography: Shall we dance?
Authors: Mooers Christopher N. K.
Published: October 2006

With the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) currently in development, the worldwide oceanographic community is on the brink of “operational oceanography,” which essentially means provision of “operational ocean services” where “operational” means “routine” and “ocean services” means “marine environmental information.” GOOS is a joint campaign of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Environmental Program, and the International Council for Science. GOOS will integrate expanded real‐time in situ and satellite observations with numerical models to form model‐based information products for a multiplicity of societal needs, including scientific research [Stel, 1997].

Operational oceanography has become a popular tune without a copyright but with many bandmasters. While Europeans and northeast Asians are moving ahead aggressively with GOOS activities, the United States has been hesitant, lacking in foresight, and awash in planning activities. It is time to ask, What has happened?, What is happening?, and What should happen?
EarthScope: A look into our continent
Authors:   EarthScope Working Group
Published: October 2006

The close of the last millennium brought about rapid advances in seismology, satellite technology, micro‐electronics, computing, oil‐field techniques, and communication and information technology that open new opportunities for Earth scientists to probe our planet with greater precision and efficiency than ever before. In an effort to exploit these technologies, Earth scientists are working with the NSr‐USGS, and NASA to encourage the President and Congress to provide funding for a bold new initiative called EarthScope.

EarthScope is conceived as a distributed, multipurpose, state‐of‐the‐art set of linked instruments and observatories that will expand the bservational capabilities of the Earth sciences and bring real‐time data to our desktops. Data streams from these facilities integrated with new and existing geologic data will provide unprecedented opportunities to unravel the structure, evolution, and dynamics of the North American continent, and to better understand earthquakes and fault systems, volcanoes and magmatic processes, and links between tectonics and surficial processes. Following is a synopsis of the proposed EarthScope components.
Drought conditions in U.S. could last through June, say forecasters
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

U.S. federal forecasters on March 13 indicated that drought conditions in large parts of the country could intensify and persist through June, and that the nation needs to improve its drought readiness and response capabilities.

During an average year, droughts cost the U.S. economy more than $6 billion. But 2000 could be worse than average, due to the continued influence of La Niña in the Pacific Ocean that is displacing the position of the jet stream, and the lingering effects of the 1999 drought that include a soil moisture deficit, officials said.
Scientists and planners look for ways to stem future flood disasters in Mozambique
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

These are the images. A countryside under water. People wading through flooded urban centers. Families gathered on rooftops or clinging to tall tree branches that poke above the rising water as relief workers in helicopters hover to the rescue.

After slogging through an extended civil war that ended in 1992, the impoverished country of Mozambique last year actually outpaced much of the world in economic development, with a robust 9% increase in gross domestic product.
Outstanding student paper awards
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2006

The Seismology Section presented two outstanding student paper awards at the 1999 Fall Meeting in San Francisco, California, last December.
Three Recent Books in Planetary Science
Authors: Bell Jim
Published: October 2006

One of the joys of working in planetary science is that a diverse range of scientific disciplines must be used together in order to understand processes at work in the solar system. The training of a planetologist requires a broad understanding of geology, geophysics, celestial mechanics, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics, computers, and even biology in many cases. Narrow specialization is difficult and, as evidenced by the recent failures of several prominent NASA missions, possibly unwise for one's career. The wide sweep of planetary sciences is a challenge for those versed in its pedagogy and is perhaps one reason why so few institutions offer a distinct major in the field.
U.S EPA science and technology efforts come under scrutiny
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

Two US. Congressional hearings in mid‐March put the heat on some science and technology efforts of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). First, a March 22 House of Representatives Science Committee hearing focused on EPAs management of a ruling about sludge treatment and disposal. The hearing examined whether the agency has failed to foster sound science, while also allegedly harassing agency whistleblowers and some private citizens.

Then, a March 23 House Science Subcommittee hearing scrutinized the fiscal year 2001 budget authorization request for EPAs science and technology budget.
Outstanding student paper awards
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2006

The Hydrology Section presented fifteen outstanding student paper awards at the 1999 Fall Meeting in San Francisco, California, last December.
Sleuths break barrier in extrasolar planetology, finding two Saturn‐sized planets
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

Thirteen years ago, when Geoffrey Marcy and Paul Butler were just starting out on their seemingly quixotic quest to find planets outside of our own solar system, some colleagues laughed off their attempt. They said it was like looking for little green men, recalled Marcy, professor of astronomy at the University of California at Berkeley.

“We now know, in hindsight, that looking for planets is an astrophysical pursuit which can be attacked with very, very fine precision and lots of patience,” he said.
Water vapor's role in climate revisited at follow‐up Chapman Conference
Authors: Gaffen Dian J. , Ross Rebecca J. , Gille John
Published: October 2006

Water vapor is the most significant atmospheric trace constituent vis‐a‐vis climate, atmospheric chemistry, and hydrology. Without water vapor, the most important atmospheric greenhouse gas, the planet's surface temperature would be well below freezing.

Water vapor is the prime source of atmospheric hydroxyl radical (OH), which, as an oxidizing agent for many air pollutants, serves as the atmosphere's detergent. The large latent energy associated with water's phase changes significantly affects the vertical stability of the atmosphere, the structure and evolution of storm systems, and the energy balance of the atmosphere.Yet, despite recent advances, some essential aspects of the distribution and variability of atmospheric water vapor are poorly documented, and key areas of uncertainty in our understanding of the climate system and its potential changes hinge on a more complete understanding of the behavior of water vapor.
Robert A. Langel III (1937–2000)
Authors: Taylor Patrick T. , Purucker Michael E.
Published: October 2006

Robert (Bob) Langel died on February 9, 2000, in Blacksburg,Virginia, after a three‐month illness. Bob was a member of the AGU since 1968 and a Fellow since 1989. He pioneered measurement, separation, charting, and interpretation of the multitude of magnetic fields observed in near‐Earth space. His special gift was in bringing together workers in fields as diverse as rock magnetism, tectonics, core‐flow modeling, ionospheric physics, and applied mathematics, and in learning from them all. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1937), and raised in Ohio. He earned a B.S. in physics at Wheaton College, Illinois (1959), and subsequently spent his entire professional career as a federal scientist, first at the Naval Research Laboratory (1959–1962) and then with NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center until his retirement in 1997.
Sequence Stratigraphy—Concepts and Applications: Norwegian Petroleum Society, Special Publication No. 8
Authors: Karner Garry D.
Published: October 2006

As prefaced by the authors, this special publication of the Norwegian Petroleum Society (NPF) stems from a conference, titled “Predictive High Resolution Sequence Stratigraphy,” sponsored by the society. The first half of the book consists of six studies dedicated to a conceptual overview of sequence stratigraphy and stratigraphic simulation applications and philosophies, while the second half focuses on 12 studies covering high‐resolution sequence descriptions relating to the distribution and modeling of hydrocarbon reservoirs in the North Sea basin.While the high‐resolution theme is beautifully developed and illustrated in regards to conveying the characteristics of reservoir sands, the supporting modeling studies are somewhat limited, showing a strong emphasis on two‐dimensional geometric formulations. Simulations are presented for depositional stratigraphic systems in locales such as the United States, North and Barents Sea basins, and Bangladesh.
Science smarts
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

Saying that America's economic future depends on science and that U.S. schools are not adequately educating students, U.S. Rep.Vernon Ehlers (R‐Mich.) on April 11 introduced three pieces of Congressional legislation to reform science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education for children in kindergarten through grade 12.

The National Science Education Act would set up a working group of scientists and educators to investigate the scope, sequence, and content of curricula; the bill also would direct the National Science Foundation to establish a program for experienced teachers to train peers in inquiry‐oriented educational techniques. The National Science Education Enhancement Act would offer professional development opportunities for science and math teachers. The National Science Education Incentive Act would provide tax credits to new science and math teachers and to businesses that provide assistance to local schools.
Linton receives F. L. Scarf Award
Authors: Anonymous
Published: October 2006

Mark George Linton was awarded the 2000 FL. Scarf Award for his thesis titled “The Current Driven Kink Instability and Its Relationship to 6‐Spot Active Regions.” The award is given annually to a recent Ph.D. recipient for outstanding dissertation research that contributes directly to solarplanetary science.
Report on PIC Meeting
Authors: Leifert Harvey
Published: October 2006

The AGU Public Information Committee (PIC) met at Headquarters February 24–25. It discussed efforts to increase the amount of Earth and space science covered on television, one of its goals in the 2000–2002 period. In particular, the PIC reaffirmed its support for the American Institute of Physics (AIP) series, Discoveries and Breakthroughs Inside Science, to which local stations subscribe. A Council Project Fund proposal will request support to AIP until this program is self‐sustaining. PIC also heard a presentation on National Geographic Society's television programming and resolved to assist NGS as appropriate.
Antarctic Marine Geology
Authors: Domack Eugene W.
Published: October 2006

It is a distinct pleasure to have reviewed the recent synthesis produced by John Anderson on the marine geology of Antarctica because I have been aware of the growth of this literature since its inception nearly 30 years ago. Marine geology plays a much more significant role to our understanding of the continent of Antarctica than for any other continent. This is largely due to the glacial carapace that envelops more than 95% of the landmass. Hence an understanding of the surrounding marine geological context for Antarctica provides the clearest picture of the geologic evolution of the continent, especially for the Cenozoic period.
Analyses fail to find coupling between deformation and magmatism
Authors: Schmidt K. L. , Paterson S. R.
Published: October 2006

A growing perception within the geological sciences is that deformation and magmatism are related at a variety of scales and crustal levels, from regional faults and eruptive centers at the surface to regional faults and plutons in the mid‐upper crust, to shear zones and melt migration zones in the lower crust [e.g., Wagner and Cross, 1988; Hutton and Reavy, 1942. Brown et al., 1995]. These inferences are based on qualitative conclusions about close spatial, geometrical, and temporal relationships and are repeatedly cited as evidence that the ascent, emplacement, or eruption, and sometimes even the generation of magmas are controlled by tectonic structures [e.g., Hutton and Reavy, 1992; Roman‐Berdiel et al., 1997].
The Parker Challenge
Authors: Greene John M.
Published: October 2006

Editorial Note: The following article by J M. Greene discusses one view of “The Parker Challenge,” which asks whether magnetospheric plasma physics, for example, can best be understood in terms of magnetic fields and flows (the B,v paradigm), or in terms of electric fields and currents (the E,j paradigm). As with any such challenge, the resultant debate can be quite heated. Nevertheless, in my opinion, this type of debate will ultimately provide greater insight into the physics of space plasmas. This debate is not well suited for journals such as the Journal of Geophysical Research, since it is necessarily more anecdotal in nature, whereas Eos provides an appropriate forum. Motivated by J. M. Greene's article, I am therefore soliciting brief articles from members of the space physics and aeronomy community that demonstrate the usefulness of either paradigm. To this end, anyone who wishes to submit a brief contribution to this debate should send me an e‐mail message to that effect. I will coordinate such submissions for publication together in a future issue of Eos.
Reply [to “Comment on ‘That Dahm layer’”]
Authors: Chao Benjamin F.
Published: October 2006

It is gratifying to see insightful comments from distinguished members of our community about my plea to rename the D″ (double prime) [Eos Trans., AGU, 81, p.46, 2000]. Professors Ben Howell and Carl Kisslinger both point out an interesting slice of history that illuminates this discussion. They correctly mention that while the presently adopted name D″ originated with Keith Bullen's papers of the 1940s, the original description of this internal boundary should be credited to Cornelius Dahm's 1934 Ph.D. dissertation at St. Louis University. It is unfortunate that, instead, Bullen's nomenclature became widely accepted. We can speculate that Bullen was not aware of Dahm's work, something not uncommon in the early days, although unimaginable in today's Internet information age. The original purpose of my note was a suggestion that we rename the D″ layer. We can consider calling it the Dahm layer or Dahm‐Bullen layer.
U.S. unscrambles GPS signals, making them more accurate for scientific and public use
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

James Baker, administrator for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, announced the read‐out from his hand‐held global positioning system (GPS) device. Ground zero, in this case, he said, was pinpointed at 39°, 24 minutes north, and 77°, 58 minutes west: the White House press briefing room.

After years of intentional degradation of GPS location and timing information for national security reasons, Clinton Administration officials—including Baker—on May 1 announced the immediate curtailment of GPS' “selective availability” feature, and the worldwide unscrambling of GPS signals.
Confluence of natural hazards: A possible scenario
Authors: Baker D. N.
Published: October 2006

As society considers hazards that may affect human populations on a large scale, it is best to avoid the Chicken Little syndrome. Overreaction will serve no useful purpose. On the other hand, we should also recognize the increasing vulnerability that our society faces as it builds up dependencies on highly complex, and highly interconnected, technologies.
First Latin American school in ocean and climate modeling
Authors: Ribbe Joachim
Published: October 2006

The First Latin American School in Ocean and Climate Modeling is a new initiative by the Program for Regional Studies in Physical Oceanography and Climate (PROFC) at the University of Concepción (UdeC) in Chile. Under the direction of Dr. Joachim Ribbe, the school will be held from Monday, October 16, to Friday, October 27, 2000. The school will bring together graduate students and recent postdoctoral researchers from Latin American countries with internationally leading experts from research institutions and universities in Europe, the United States, and Australia.

The objectives of this first school are threefold: (1) to conduct training of Latin American graduate students, postdoctoral students, young academics, and other professionals; (2) to establish a Latin America‐wide network in ocean, atmospheric, and climate modeling; and (3) to develop local expertise in these areas in Chile and the Latin American region. The school aims to integrate the Latin America‐based research capacity into international research networks, and to contribute to the establishment of PROFC/UdeC as a center of expertise in the fields of ocean and climate modeling.
Agencies, organizations examine options for geoscience education during AGU Spring Meeting
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: October 2006

Our goal is no less than to induce Earth science education nationally, said Bill Houston, education project manager for the American Geological Institute (AGI), in outlining the organizations efforts to develop reform‐based Earth science curriculum programs.

Houston s presentation was part of a special session at the AGU Spring Meeting to highlight efforts by U.S. federal agencies and organizations and one project in Australia to support an integrated approach to geoscience education through a variety of partnerships.