bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid tranquilization: new approaches in the emergency treatment of behavioral disturbances
Authors: De Fruyt Jürgen , Demyttenaere Koen
Published: August 2004

Psychiatric emergencies are often accompanied by behavioral disturbances that interfere with normal assessment and call for immediate intervention. Different pharmacological treatment regimens have been used for this purpose. Most of these regimens are based upon common clinical practice and have limited evidence base. Recently, a major publication by experts in the field of emergency psychiatry has covered this topic and the therapeutic armamentarium has been extended with the atypical antipsychotics. However, research is still hampered by different methodological limitations: unclear definition of the agitated state and therapeutic goal, idiosyncratic measurement, small sample sizes. The perspective of the patient and the interaction between the emergency care setting and treatment regimen also need further attention. All these important, but often neglected issues are covered in a selective review of the literature.
Phosphate or phosphite addition promotes the proteolytic turnover of phosphate‐starvation inducible tomato purple acid phosphatase isozymes
Authors: Bozzo Gale G. , Singh Vinay K. , Plaxton William C.
Published: August 2004

Within 48 h of the addition of 2.5 mM phosphate (HPO4
2−, Pi) or phosphite (H2PO3
−, Phi) to 8‐day‐old Pi‐starved (−Pi) tomato suspension cells: (i) secreted and intracellular purple acid phosphatase (PAP) activities decreased by about 12‐ and 6‐fold, respectively and (ii) immunoreactive PAP polypeptides either disappeared (secreted PAPs) or were substantially reduced (intracellular PAP). The degradation of both secreted PAP isozymes was correlated with the de novo synthesis of two extracellular serine proteases having M
rs of 137 and 121 kDa. In vitro proteolysis of purified secreted tomato PAP isozymes occurred following their 24 h incubation with culture filtrate from Pi‐resupplied cells. The results indicate that Pi or Phi addition to −Pi tomato cells induces serine proteases that degrade Pi‐starvation inducible extracellular proteins.
bFGF rescues 423‐cells from serum starvation‐induced apoptosis downstream of activated caspase‐3
Authors: Schamberger Chantal J. , Gerner Christopher , Cerni Christa
Published: August 2004

Serum withdrawal rapidly induces apoptosis in rat 423‐cells, while addition of bFGF results in cell survival. However, surviving cells initially display morphological changes characteristic for apoptotic cells and even process caspases. Active caspase‐3 was detected at the single‐cell level in those finally bFGF‐rescued cells, while mitochondrial integrity was maintained. Generation of cleavage products of caspase targets was confirmed in surviving cells. Proteome analysis indicated multi‐faceted survival activities of bFGF including upregulation of inhibitor‐of‐apoptosis and heat shock protein family members directly interfering with caspases. Our data suggest that the “point‐of‐no‐return” in death‐induced cells has to be moved downstream of activated caspase‐3.
2.6 Å resolution crystal structure of the bacterioferritin from Azotobacter vinelandii
Authors: Liu He-Li , Zhou Hui-Na , Xing Wei-Man , Zhao Jian-Feng , Li Shu-Xing , Huang Ju-Fu , Bi Ru-Chang
Published: August 2004

The crystal structure of the bacterioferritin from Azotobacter vinelandii has been determined at 2.6 Å resolution. Both the low occupancy of one iron ion in the dinuclear iron center and the deviation of its adjacent residue His130 from the center suggest migration of the iron ion from the dinuclear iron site to the inner nucleation site. The concerted movement of His130 and Glu47 may admit a dynamic gating mechanism for shift of the oxidized iron ion. Ba2+ binding to the fourfold channel implicates that the channel bears Fe2+ conductivity and selectivity to provide a route for iron access to the inner cavity during core formation.
Mitochondrial phospholipid bilayer structure is ruined after liver oxidative injury in vivo
Authors: Megli Francesco M. , Sabatini Karen
Published: August 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether, after oxidative injury in vivo, liver mitochondrial phospholipids suffered from structural defects similar to those we have previously observed after either chemical oxidation or respiration state IV incubation of isolated mitochondria in vitro. Oxidative injury of the liver was simulated by endogastric administration of CCl4 to rats in variable amounts for different times, under various conditions. Measurements of the phospholipid bilayer packing order were carried out by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometry of oriented planar samples of phospholipids extracted from liver mitochondria, spin labeled with 5‐doxylstearoyl‐lecithin. Disordering of the bilayer was revealed by the anisotropy loss of EPR spectra and reached a maximum value 4.5 h after CCl4 administration, vanishing thereafter. The observed disorder also increased with the amount of CCl4 administered, showing distinct dose‐dependence, while administration of resveratrol soon after carbon tetrachloride decreased bilayer disordering by 50%. On the contrary, the order parameter S of spin labeled lecithin in isolated mitochondrial membranes from intoxicated rats revealed no change in membrane fluidity after oxidative stress. It is concluded that the phospholipid damage leading to disturbed bilayer geometry after oxidative attack already observed in model membranes and in isolated mitochondria in vitro also occurs in a simulated pathological state in vivo, indicating its possible occurrence also in real oxidative stress‐linked pathologies as a contribution to the onset/sustaining of related diseases.
Transgene overexpression with cognate small interfering RNA in tobacco
Authors: Tomita Rie , Hamada Tatsurou , Horiguchi Gorou , Iba Koh , Kodama Hiroaki
Published: August 2004

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are a key component of RNA silencing, including cosuppression. Here, we show an example in which siRNA does not serve in the downregulation of target genes. A tobacco endoplasmic reticulum ω‐3 fatty acid desaturase (NtFAD3) catalyzes the formation of α‐linolenate (18:3). Introduction of the NtFAD3 gene into tobacco plants caused strong reduction of 18:3 content in leaf tissues, which is associated with the production of the NtFAD3 siRNAs. However, this silencing effect was lacking in the root tissues. Both the introduced NtFAD3 and endogenous NtFAD3 genes were expressed successfully, and the roots showed increased 18:3 phenotype. Surprisingly, the NtFAD3 siRNAs were produced even in the root tissues. Expression of a hairpin double‐stranded RNA against the NtFAD3 gene caused efficient reduction of 18:3 content in root tissues. Therefore, cosuppression of the NtFAD3 gene in tobacco appears to include an as yet unidentified developmental stage and tissue‐specific mechanism of regulation of siRNA function.
Vitamin E protects against alcohol‐induced cell loss and oxidative stress in the neonatal rat hippocampus
Authors: Marino Melissa D. , Aksenov Michael Y. , Kelly Sandra J.
Published: August 2004

Oxidative stress has been proposed as a possible mechanism underlying nervous system deficits associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Current research suggests that antioxidant therapy may afford some level of protection against the teratogenic effects of alcohol. This study examined the effectiveness of antioxidant treatment in alleviating biochemical, neuroanatomical, and behavioral effects of neonatal alcohol exposure. Neonatal rats were administered alcohol (5.25 g/kg) by intragastric intubation on postnatal days 7, 8, and 9. A subset of alcohol‐exposed pups were co‐administered a high dose of Vitamin E (2 g/kg, or 71.9 IU/g). Controls consisted of a non‐treated group, a group given the administration procedure only, and a group given the administration procedure plus the Vitamin E dose. Ethanol‐exposed animals showed impaired spatial navigation in the Morris water maze, a decreased number of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells, and higher protein carbonyl formation in the hippocampus than controls. Vitamin E treatment alleviated the increase in protein carbonyls and the reduction in CA1 pyramidal cells seen in the ethanol‐exposed group. However, the treatment did not improve spatial learning in the ethanol‐exposed animals. These results suggest that while oxidative stress‐related neurodegeneration may be a contributing factor in FAS, the antioxidant protection against alcohol‐induced oxidative stress and neuronal cell loss in the rat hippocampus does not appear to be sufficient to prevent the behavioral impairments associated with FAS. Our findings underscore the complexity of the pathogenesis of behavioral deficits in FAS and suggest that additional mechanisms beyond oxidative damage of hippocampal neurons also contribute to the disorder.
Distraction osteogenesis in the Cbfa‐1+/− mouse
Authors: Isefuku S. , Joyner C. J. , Reed A. A. C. , Simpson A. H. R. W.
Published: August 2004

Distraction osteogenesis involves division of a bone and gradually pulling the bone ends apart. This delivers mechanical stimulation to mesenchymal cells in the distraction gap, where new bone is regenerated predominantly by intramembranous ossification. The transcription factor Cbfal has been reported to be essential for the differentiation of mesenchymal cells to osteoblasts. In homozygous Cbfal knockout mice, both intramembranous and endochondral ossification mechanisms are blocked and no bone formation occurs. In heterozygous Cbfal knockout mice, only the cranial bones and the clavicles, which form through intramembranous ossification, fail to develop properly as in the human condition of cleidocranialdysostosis. It has been suggested, therefore, that intramembranous ossification is affected by the absence of one of the paired Cbfal genes. We have assessed the potential for intramembranous ossification following distraction osteogenesis in heterozygous Cbfal knockout mice. Fourteen skeletally mature male heterozygous mice were used, together with 10 wild‐type controls. The tibia was distracted by 0.25 mm twice a day (0.5 mm/day) for 10 days using the half‐ring type fixator. Nine mice were kept for a further 28 days to observe the consolidation phase. In four out of five mice of the heterozygous group and in all three wild‐type mice, bony fusion within the distraction gap was observed on radiographs. Histological findings were almost the same in the two groups at various stages of the procedure and intramembranous ossification was predominant in both the groups. Despite the inhibition of intramembranous ossification during the foetal development of Cbfal+/− mice, distraction osteogenesis was as successful as in control mice. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Transduction of rabbit saphenous artery: A comparison of naked DNA, liposome complexes, and adenovirus vectors
Authors: Katsube Kousuke , Bishop Allen T. , Friedrich Patricia F.
Published: August 2004

The methods and efficiency of gene transfer into rabbit saphenous artery were examined in this study. The purpose was to develop an animal model capable of evaluating the use of angiogenic gene therapy to revascularize necrotic bone more rapidly and completely than by surgical implantation of blood vessels alone. The success of transduction using adenovirus vectors, liposome/DNA complexes, and naked DNA was evaluated with delivery to both intra‐luminal and adventitial sites. Intra‐luminal and adventitial (extra‐luminal) application was used for the viral and liposome methods. Naked DNA was evaluated only in the intraluminal site, based upon previous reports. Relative transduction success was expressed as the percentage of total cells with β‐galactosidase activity. A 20‐mm length of saphenous artery exposed surgically was targeted for lacZ gene transfer. Two days after transduction, the arteries were harvested and stained with X‐gal for β‐galactosidase activity. The percentage of endothelial, media and adventitial cells with β‐galactosidase activity was determined. Intra‐arterial injection of adenovirus vector transduced the largest amount of cells in all three areas of the vessel (endothelium, media and adventitia). The adenovirus vectors when applied to the adventitia only transduced adventitial cells. Following intra‐arterial injection of liposome/DNA complexes transduction was detected only in endothelium. Extra‐luminal liposome and intra‐arterial naked DNA delivery resulted in no detectable gene transfer. Intra‐arterial delivery of an adenovirus vector would likely provide optimal gene transfer for possible angiogenic gene therapy. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published y Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
A layered agarose approach to fabricate depth‐dependent inhomogeneity in chondrocyte‐seeded constructs
Authors: Ng Kenneth W. , Wang Christopher C.‐B. , Mauck Robert L. , Kelly Terri‐Ann N. , Chahine Nadeen O. , Costa Kevin D. , Ateshian Gerard A. , Hung Clark T.
Published: August 2004

Inspired by the depth‐dependent inhomogeneity of articular cartilage, it was hypothesized that a novel layered agarose technique, using a 2% (wt/vol) top and a 3% (wt/vol) bottom layer, would create an inhomogenous tissue construct with distinct material properties in conjoined regions. The biochemical and mechanical development of these constructs was observed alongside uniform 2% and 3% constructs. Initially, uniform 3% agarose disks had the highest bulk Young's modulus (EY ∼ 28 kPa) of all groups. After 28 days of culture in 20% FBS‐containing media, however, uniform 2% chondrocyte‐seeded constructs achieved the highest Young's modulus compared to bilayered and 3% agarose disks. Though all three groups contained similar GAG content (∼ 1.5% ww), uniform 2% agarose disks on day 28 possessed the highest collagen content (∼ 1% ww). Unlike in either homogeneous construct type, microscopic analysis of axial strain fields in bilayered constructs in response to applied static compression revealed two mechanically disparate regions on day 0: a softer 2% layer and a stiffer 3% layer. With time in culture, this inhomogeneity became less distinct, as indicated by increased continuity in both the local displacement field and local EY, and depended on the level of FBS supplementation of the feed media, with lower FBS concentrations (10%) more closely maintaining the original distinction of material properties. These results shed positive light on a layered agarose technique for the production of inhomogeneous bilayered chondrocyte‐seeded agarose constructs with applications for investigations of chondrocyte mechanotransduction and for possible use in the tissue engineering of inhomogeneous articular cartilage constructs. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Metabolism and composition of the canine anterior cruciate ligament relate to differences in knee joint mechanics and predisposition to ligament rupture
Authors: Comerford Eithne J. , Tarlton John F. , Innes John F. , Johnson Kenneth A. , Amis Andrew A. , Bailey Allen J.
Published: August 2004

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine whether differences in the composition and metabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in canine anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) might relate to mechanical properties of the canine knee. Variations in ACL biochemistry and knee mechanics could account for divergent predispositions to ligament rupture.

Methods: Eleven knee joints were obtained from both cadaveric Labrador Retrievers (rupture predisposed) and ex‐racing Greyhounds (non‐rupture predisposed). Anterioposterior laxity and tensile testing determined mechanical properties of the knee joints and ACL samples respectively. The thermal properties of the collagenous matrix were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the biochemical properties by measuring collagen content, collagen cross‐links, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP).

Results: The anterioposterior laxity was significantly greater (p= 0.04) in the Labrador Retriever knee joints, and their ACLs tended to be weaker (p= 0.06). Greater collagen turnover was demonstrated by significantly higher (p= 0.02) concentrations of pro‐MMP‐2, and lower enthalpy of denaturation (p= 0.05) in Labrador Retriever ACLs.

Conclusions: The different metabolism of the collagenous matrix in the ACLs of dogs predisposed to rupture was related to greater knee joint laxity and lower ligament material properties (ultimate tensile stress). This may be suggestive of a link between ligament rupture and eventual knee osteoarthritis in both dogs and humans. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The effect of radial head fracture size on elbow kinematics and stability
Authors: Beingessner Daphne M. , Dunning Cynthia E. , Gordon Karen D. , Johnson James A. , King Graham J. W.
Published: August 2004

This study determined the effect of radial head fracture size and ligament injury on elbow kinematics. Eight cadaveric upper extremities were studied in an in vitro elbow simulator. Testing was performed with ligaments intact, with the medial collateral (MCL) or lateral collateral (LCL) ligament detached, and with both the MCL and LCL detached. Thirty degree wedges were sequentially removed from the anterolateral radial head up to 120°. Valgus angulation and external rotation of the ulna relative to the humerus were determined for passive motion, active motion, and pivot shift testing with the arm in a vertical (dependent) orientation. Maximum varus–valgus laxity was calculated from measurements of varus and valgus angulation with the arm in horizontal gravity‐loaded positions. No effect of increasing radial head fracture size was observed on valgus angulation during passive and active motion in the dependent position. In supination, external rotation increased with increasing fracture size during passive motion with LCL deficiency and both MCL and LCL deficiency. With intact ligaments, maximum varus–valgus laxity increased with increasing radial head fracture size. With ligament disruption, elbows were grossly unstable, and no effect of increasing radial head fracture size occurred. During pivot shift testing, performed with the ligaments intact, subtle instability was noted after resection of one‐third of the radial head. In this in vitro biomechanical study, small subtle effects of radial head fracture size on elbow kinematics and stability were seen in both the ligament intact and ligament deficient elbows. These data suggest that fixation of displaced radial head fractures less than or equal to one‐third of the articular diameter may have some biomechanical advantages; however, clinical correlation is required. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Continuous observations of Asian dust and other aerosols by polarization lidars in China and Japan during ACE‐Asia
Authors: Shimizu Atsushi , Sugimoto Nobuo , Matsui Ichiro , Arao Kimio , Uno Itsushi , Murayama Toshiyuki , Kagawa Naoki , Aoki Kazuma , Uchiyama Akihiro , Yamazaki Akihiro
Published: August 2004

Continuous observations of aerosols in China and Japan were made by polarization lidars during March to May 2001, corresponding with the Asian Pacific Regional Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE‐Asia) field campaign period. Lidars in Beijing, Nagasaki, and Tsukuba were continuously operated regardless of weather conditions. Scatterers in the atmosphere were categorized for all vertical profiles, and occurrence frequencies of dust, spherical aerosols, and clouds up to 6 km were calculated. The frequency of dust was highest in Beijing for the whole height range. There was a peak of dust occurrence near the ground in Nagasaki. Dust was frequently detected in the free troposphere in Tsukuba. The contributions of dust and spherical aerosols to the total backscattering coefficient were estimated from the depolarization ratio with the assumption of the external mixture of both kinds of aerosols. Vertical profiles of backscattering by dust and by spherical aerosols represented the different characteristics of these aerosols. The monthly averaged backscattering coefficients by dust near the surface were 0.003/km/sr in Beijing, 0.001–0.002/km/sr in Nagasaki, and 0.0006/km/sr in Tsukuba. The backscattering coefficients by spherical aerosols near the surface were 0.002–0.004/km/sr at all three observatories. We compared the derived backscattering coefficients with aerosol mass concentrations calculated by a numerical model, Chemical Weather Forecasting System (CFORS). CFORS reproduced well the vertical structures of the tall dust events and the enhancements of spherical aerosols throughout the observation period. A specific dust event on 16–19 May 2001 was analyzed by using five lidars in Japan, and its fine structure is described.
Dust particles in the free atmosphere over desert areas on the Asian continent: Measurements from summer 2001 to summer 2002 with balloon‐borne optical particle counter and lidar, Dunhuang, China
Authors: Kim Y. S. , Iwasaka Y. , Shi G.‐Y. , Nagatani T. , Shibata T. , Trochkin D. , Matsuki A. , Yamada M. , Chen B. , Zhang D. , Nagatani M. , Nakata H.
Published: August 2004

Vertical changes of aerosol concentration and size in the free troposphere over the Asian desert areas were first observed using a balloon‐borne optical particle counter (17 August and 17 October 2001 and 11 January, 30 April, and 27 August 2002) at Dunhuang (40°00′N, 94°30′E), China. The concentration of particles with diameter larger than 0.1 μm was more than 1 particle/cm3 in the free troposphere in all seasons. The particle number‐size distribution in this free troposphere shows the possible effect of diffusion of soil particles from the lower atmosphere to the free troposphere, and a noticeable peak of particle concentration is found in the supermicron size range of the number‐size distribution pattern not only in the boundary mixing layer but also in the free troposphere. Trajectory analysis of air masses corresponding to aerosol layers in the free troposphere shows that the background aerosols could be transported far away. The scattering ratio and depolarization ratio measured with a lidar in May and August 2002 suggest the existence of nonspherical particles, possibly mineral particles, in the high free troposphere about 5–6 km over the Dunhuang area and showed good agreement, concerning distribution of particulate matter, with the balloon‐borne measurements.
Tidal height and frequency dependence of acoustic velocity and attenuation in shallow gassy marine sediments
Authors: Best Angus I. , Tuffin Michael D. J. , Dix Justin K. , Bull Jonathan M.
Published: August 2004

Remote prediction of gassy marine sediment properties is important for geohazard assessment. Gas bubble resonance theory suggests that gassy sediments exhibit acoustic wave velocity‐frequency and attenuation‐frequency relationships that depend on gas bubble size, gas content, and sediment elastic properties. An acoustic monitoring experiment to investigate gas bubble resonance effects was undertaken at an intertidal site at Dibden Bay, Southampton, United Kingdom. A vertical hydrophone array was positioned to straddle the top of the gassy zone identified on acoustic reflection profiles at about 1 m below the seabed. A miniboomer in the seabed above the array was used to generate broadband (600 Hz to 3000 Hz) acoustic signals every 10 min during a 24 hour period with water depths varying between 0 m (subaerial exposure) at low tide and 2.35 m at high tide. The calculated frequency spectra of compressional wave attenuation coefficient show an attenuation maximum (over 200 dB/m) that shifts in frequency from 1050 Hz at low tide to 1250 Hz at high tide, thus for the first time providing direct evidence of in situ gas bubble resonance in marine sediments. Modeling suggests that effective gas bubble radii of 11 mm to 13 mm are responsible for the attenuation maximum, supported by X‐ray computed tomography scan observations on a pressure core (which also indicate that bubble shape depends on sediment type). Modeling of bubble size fluctuations due to pressure equilibration cannot reproduce the observed frequency shift of the attenuation maximum, implying that gas diffusion and nonspherical bubbles are significant.
On the relationship between extension and anisotropy: Constraints from shear wave splitting across the East African Plateau
Authors: Walker Kristoffer T. , Nyblade Andrew A. , Klemperer Simon L. , Bokelmann Götz H. R. , Owens Thomas J.
Published: August 2004

East Africa is a tectonically complex region owing to the presence of a rigid craton, paleothrust belts and shear zones, active magmatism and rifting, and possibly even a mantle plume. We present new splitting results of teleseismic shear phases recorded by 21 broadband seismic stations in Tanzania, seven broadband stations in Kenya, and three permanent broadband Global Seismic Network stations in Kenya and Uganda. Inconsistent apparent splitting is observed beneath the craton and along its southern and southeastern flank in Tanzania. Splitting at stations elsewhere in the rifts and orogenic belts is more consistent. We test between different models of anisotropy for stations with inconsistent splitting (single layer with horizontal fast axis, single layer with dipping fast axis, and two layers with horizontal fast axes). However, we show that these more complicated models do not reasonably explain the data. The data are explained better by a laterally (and/or in some places vertically) varying single‐layer model with a horizontal fast axis. We arrive at a conceptual model of anisotropy in Tanzania and Kenya that is controlled by (1) active shear along the base of the plate associated with asthenospheric flow beneath and around the moving craton keel, (2) asthenospheric flow from a plume north of central Kenya, (3) fossilized anisotropy in the lithosphere due to past orogenic events, and possibly (4) aligned magma‐filled lenses beneath the rifts. Our most robust conclusion is that we can rule out an extension‐induced lattice preferred orientation of olivine as a dominant factor, which is surprising given the long history of extension in the region. This indicates that mantle‐lithospheric extension in East Africa occurs via dike intrusion and/or ductile thinning within narrow rift zones and is possibly facilitated by a mechanical lithospheric anisotropy imparted by fossilized north/south structural or mineralogical fabrics.
Seasonal variability of the South Equatorial Countercurrent
Authors: Chen Shuiming , Qiu Bo
Published: August 2004

Using the 1.5‐layer long Rossby wave model forced by the seasonal European Remote Sensing (ERS) satellite scatterometer wind, we demonstrate that the seasonal variability of the South Equatorial Countercurrent (SECC) is due to the interplay of two types of forced Rossby waves: the resonantly forced Rossby waves north of 10°S and the locally forced Rossby waves south of 10°S. The resonantly forced Rossby waves north of 10°S are due to the annually varying tropical Pacific wind, and the locally forced Rossby waves south of 10°S in the western basin are associated with the Western Pacific Monsoon. Both types of waves are intensified westward in the SECC region but have different phases across the SECC; this latitudinal phase jump results in the seasonal variability of the SECC, which reaches its maximum in March and its minimum in August. Favorable agreement between the seasonal SECC signals from the model and from the satellite sea surface height measurements confirms this new insight about the seasonal modulation of the SECC.
Physicochemical characteristics and radiative properties of Asian dust particles observed at Kwangju, Korea, during the 2001 ACE‐Asia intensive observation period
Authors: Kim Kyung W. , He Zhuanshi , Kim Young J.
Published: August 2004

Optical properties of atmospheric extinction, scattering, and absorption coefficients were measured continuously with a transmissometer, an integrating nephelometer, and an aethalometer, respectively. Three Asian dust storm events had been observed at Kwangju on 22 March, 11–13 April, and 25–26 April 2001. The physicochemical and optical properties of Asian dust aerosols were analyzed for those three cases and compared with those observed under clean, marine, and hazy urban atmospheric conditions. Their chemical composition varied depending on the source region and the transport path of the air mass. The first Asian dust storm particles, which originated from the northwestern Chinese desert regions, showed typical dust aerosol characteristics of high loading of mineral dust. The second one, which originated initially from the northwestern Chinese desert regions, had been impacted by long‐range‐transported air pollutants, resulting in increased concentrations of sulfate and organic carbon particles. The third one, which originated from the northeastern Chinese sandy areas, had traveled south to Kwangju, resulting in increased elemental carbon and organic carbon concentrations. Aerosol chemical and optical properties under clean continental, southeastern marine, and stagnant local pollution conditions were also analyzed. The mass scattering coefficient and single‐scattering albedo in the fine and coarse modes were determined for three Asian dust event days. The concentration of black carbon (BC) aerosol in the fine and coarse modes was measured with an aethalometer by alternately switching between a particulate‐matter‐smaller‐than‐2.5‐μm (PM2.5) and a PM10 inlet to it. It was found that BC mass concentration in the coarse mode measured by an aethalometer (BCac) increased because of agglomerated black carbon particles and high loading of dust particles. Single‐scattering albedo ω increased to 0.93, 0.90, and 0.84 for the three Asian dust events, respectively, while it was 0.85 for mean ω during other times.
Interpreting the style of faulting and paleoseismicity associated with the 1897 Shillong, northeast India, earthquake: Implications for regional tectonism
Authors: Rajendran C. P. , Rajendran Kusala , Duarah B. P. , Baruah S. , Earnest Anil
Published: August 2004

The 1897 Shillong (Assam), northeast India, earthquake is considered to be one of the largest in the modern history. AlthoughOldham's [1899]classic memoir on this event opened new vistas in observational seismology, many questions on its style of faulting remain unresolved. Most previous studies considered this as a detachment earthquake that occurred on a gently north dipping fault, extending from the Himalayan front. A recent model proposed an alternate geometry governed by high‐angle faults to the north and south of the plateau, and it suggested that the 1897 earthquake occurred on a south dipping reverse fault, coinciding with the northern plateau margin. In this paper, we explore the available database, together with the coseismic observations from the region, to further understand the nature of faulting. The geophysical and geological data examined in this paper conform to a south dipping structure, but its location is inferred to be in the Brahmaputra basin, further north of the present plateau front. Our analyses of paleoseismic data suggest a 1200‐year interval between the 1897 event and its predecessor, and we identify the northern boundary fault as a major seismic source. The Shillong Plateau bounded by major faults behaves as an independent tectonic entity, with its own style of faulting, seismic productivity, and hazard potential, distinct from the Himalayan thrust front, a point that provides fresh insight into the regional geodynamics.
Analytical solution of the linearized hillslope‐storage Boussinesq equation for exponential hillslope width functions
Authors: Troch Peter A. , van Loon Arnaut H. , Hilberts Arno G. J.
Published: August 2004

This technical note presents an analytical solution to the linearized hillslope‐storage Boussinesq equation for subsurface flow along complex hillslopes with exponential width functions and discusses the application of analytical solutions to storage‐based subsurface flow equations in catchment studies.
Density and size segregation in deposits of pyroclastic flow
Authors: Mitani Noriko K. , Matuttis Hans‐Georg , Kadono Toshihiko
Published: August 2004

The main portion in the deposits of pyroclastic flow shows various characteristic features such as density and size segregation of large fragments in the vertical direction. To understand the mechanism which produces these features, we numerically study granular flows on an inclined rough surface with impurities that are different in density and size from the matrix particles. The simulation shows the occurrence of density and size segregation of large impurities, and the impurities finally concentrate at the top and the bottom. Based on these results, we discuss the mechanism of the segregation. It is found that the behavior of impurities is governed by gravity, buoyancy and the viscosity of the randomly moving matrix.
Stochastic modeling of climatic variability in dendrochronology
Authors: Lavallée Daniel , Beltrami Hugo
Published: August 2004

Climatic variability can be characterized by invariant quantities arising from the analysis of scaling properties of paleoclimatic records. In this paper we discuss a stochastic model that reproduces the variability and the long‐range correlation observed in dendrochronological time series. We have found that non‐Gaussian distributions are better suited to describe the climatic variability embedded in these data. Our results indicate that Gaussian distribution fails to capture the large fluctuation —extreme events— that characterized climatic variability in these time series. This might have applications on the study of extreme weather events on future climate scenarios.
Variations in shear‐wave splitting in young Pacific seafloor
Authors: Harmon Nicholas , Forsyth Donald W. , Fischer Karen M. , Webb Spahr C.
Published: August 2004

Analysis of SKS phases recorded by ocean‐bottom seismometers in the GLIMPSE Experiment has expanded the region of in situ measurements of shear‐wave splitting in young seafloor near the southern East Pacific Rise. Average splitting times at individual GLIMPSE sites range from 1.1 to 2.2 s with fast direction azimuths trending approximately in the direction of absolute plate motion and fossil spreading for the Pacific plate. The GLIMPSE study area at 12 to 14°S is adjacent to the MELT Experiment. The new observations demonstrate that splitting delays are not uniform on the Pacific plate and that the contrast between the Nazca and Pacific plates is not a fundamental consequence of the asymmetric plate motion. The variations in degree of splitting could be caused by small‐scale convection, variations in water content, or rate of deformation in the asthenospheric return flow to the East Pacific Rise.
An InSAR‐based survey of volcanic deformation in the southern Andes
Authors: Pritchard M. E. , Simons M.
Published: August 2004

We use Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to search for surface deformation in the southern Andes (40°S–46°S and 49°S–53°S) associated with magmatic processes. Although the available data are not optimal, we can constrain the amount of volcanic deformation at about 27 Holocene volcanoes between the years 1993–1999. We detect inflation of Cerro Hudson volcano following its 1991 eruption, and use spherical and non‐spherical models to constrain the source of deformation to be between 4 and 8 km below sea level. We measure the rate of deformation to be about 5 cm/year in the radar line‐of‐sight, and infer that the maximum deformation could exceed 10 cm/year in the center of the caldera. Within the errors of the measurements, the rate of deformation is constant from 1993–1998 (10–30 × 106 m3/year). At this rate, 100–200 years is required to accumulate the volume of material erupted in 1991.
Prediction performance of space weather forecast centers following the extreme events of October and November 2003
Authors: Oler Cary
Published: August 2004

A review and analysis of the five strongest interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) events of late October and early November 2003 (the strongest events of the “Halloween” epoch) are studied with respect to the prediction performance of five space weather forecast centers. Accurate time‐of‐arrival predictions and rapid responses to the upstream detection of strong ICMEs are of paramount importance to critical infrastructures such as power companies. Prediction and performance analysis results indicate that (1) the average time‐of‐arrival error for all forecast centers was 9.26 hours, which is consistent with the guidance errors associated with the leading shock propagation prediction models; (2) time‐of‐arrival predictions from Solar Terrestrial Dispatch (STD) surpassed all others in accuracy, with an average time‐of‐arrival prediction error of 1.22 hours; (3) overall, the strongest ICME impact events of 29 and 30 October were the most poorly predicted; (4) the most accurate shock propagation prediction model operated by the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks was the HAFv.2 model; and (5) STD provided the most rapid notification to the Northeast Power Coordinating Council concerning the detection and imminent arrival of most of the ICMEs. A better method of conveying time‐of‐arrival prediction information is presented that may be more easily digested by consumers of space weather services.
Estimation of historical groundwater contaminant distribution using the adjoint state method applied to geostatistical inverse modeling
Authors: Michalak Anna M. , Kitanidis Peter K.
Published: August 2004

As the incidence of groundwater contamination continues to grow, a number of inverse modeling methods have been developed to address forensic groundwater problems. In this work the geostatistical approach to inverse modeling is extended to allow for the recovery of the antecedent distribution of a contaminant at a given point back in time, which is critical to the assessment of historical exposure to contamination. Such problems are typically strongly underdetermined, with a large number of points at which the distribution is to be estimated. To address this challenge, the computational efficiency of the new method is increased through the application of the adjoint state method. In addition, the adjoint problem is presented in a format that allows for the reuse of existing groundwater flow and transport codes as modules in the inverse modeling algorithm. As demonstrated in the presented applications, the geostatistical approach combined with the adjoint state method allow for a historical multidimensional contaminant distribution to be recovered even in heterogeneous media, where a numerical solution is required for the forward problem.
Effect of common root rot (Cochliobolus sativus) on yields of barley under experimental conditions in northern Syria
Authors: van Leur J. A. G. , Alamdar M. Z. , Khawatmi S.
Published: August 2004

The impact of Cochliobolus sativus on grain yield of
different barley cultivars was studied for 3 seasons in northern Syria by
comparing plots with and without artificial inoculation. Distributing oat
kernels infested with C. sativus next to barley seed and
inoculating seed with C. sativus conidia in a peat
carrier resulted in an increase in common root rot symptoms on the subcrown
internode. Subcrown internodes were shorter in inoculated than uninoculated
plots. The effect of inoculation differed greatly among cultivars and years.
Highest losses from the common root rot occurred under dry growing conditions,
whereas a significant yield increase was noted on 2 susceptible lines grown
under adequate moisture. As common root rot can reduce barley yield in
unfavourable environments, the disease should be considered by crop
improvement programs aimed at low-rainfall zones in Mediterranean
environments.
Effect of nutrients and elemental sulfur particle size on elemental sulfur oxidation and the growth of Thiobacillus thiooxidans
Authors: Sholeh  , Lefroy Rod D. B. , Blair Graeme J.
Published: August 2004

Elemental sulfur (S) has many attractions as a fertiliser but it must be oxidised to sulfate before it is plant available. Two laboratory incubation experiments with a high S sorbing basaltic soil (Haplohumult) from Walcha, New South Wales, are reported here. The first experiment was conducted to study the effect of ? P and other nutrients on the oxidation of elemental S and the growth of Thiobacillus thiooxidans. The second experiment studied the effect of phosphorus (P) rate, elemental S particle
size, and elemental S form on the oxidation of elemental S at different times.

There were significant differences between treatments in the percentage and amount of elemental S oxidised, with the lowest oxidation occurring during the 6-week incubation in the P treatment, which represented 1�8% of the applied S compared with 16�0% when all nutrients were supplied. There was a significant linear relationship between T. thiooxidans population at the end of the incubation period and the amount of elemental S oxidised.

The oxidation of elemental S was higher when fine (50?150 �m) particle size elemental S was used, compared with coarse (150?250
�m) elemental S. There was no clear difference in oxidation rate between ground and recrystallised elemental S. The S oxidation rates recorded in these experiments were compared with those predicted by an S oxidation model and found to be in close agreement.
Variation in duration of pre-anthesis phases of development in barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Authors: Kernich G. C. , Halloran G. M. , Flood R. G
Published: August 2004

The first of 2 studies reported in this paper investigated the variation in 15
barley genotypes for the durations of 3 periods of pre-anthesis development
[leaf initiation (LI), spikelet initiation (SI), and spikelet growth (SG)
phases], and the degree of independence of the duration of the SG phase
from each of the LI and SI phases. There were differences between genotypes in
the duration of the SI and SG phases which were not closely correlated
(r = – 0·58, P
< 0·05) across genotypes, indicating the feasibility of genetically
combining different durations of the 2 phases while maintaining a constant
time to anthesis. The duration of the LI phase was closely correlated with
time to anthesis (r = 0·82,
P < 0·001) but not with the duration of either
the SI or SG phase. The rate and duration of spikelet initiation were
negatively correlated across genotypes (r =
– 0·75, P < 0·01). There was
little variation in the number of spikelet primordia formed over the range of
genotypes but there was considerable variation in the number of aborted
spikelet primordia. The study indicated the likelihood that in breeding to
increase the yield potential of the spike in barley, there is more potential
for reducing the level of spikelet primordia abortion during the SG phase than
increasing the number of spikelet primordia per spike. The second study
investigated whether 3 photoperiod regimes (15·5, 14, and 12–13
h), imposed for the duration of the LI and SI phase, had any subsequent effect
on the duration of the SG phase in 2 cultivars, Bandulla and Galleon. There
were no major effects, suggesting that the duration of the SG phase was
largely independent of the duration of the 2 previous phases.
Fertiliser use effciency by containerised nursery plants 2. Nutrient leaching
Authors: Huett D. O.
Published: August 2004

Nutrient losses from controlled-release fertilisers (CRFs) and an
organic-based fertiliser derived from dehydrated poultry manure applied at
planting were investigated under a range of irrigation conditions. The CRFs
were Osmocote NPK (3–4 month) (Osm), Nutricote NPK (90-day) (Nut), and
Nut+40-day, and the organic based fertiliser was Dynamic Lifter (DL).
They were applied pre-planting at a standard rate equivalent to 800 g
N/m3 and at double this rate to pots containing
sand, composted pinebark, and hardwood sawdust medium that had received
nutrient amendment during formulation.
A pot containing medium without a plant was included to estimate the
contribution of the medium to nutrient leaching from fertiliser treatments. In
all experiments, leachate was collected weekly, the volume was recorded, and
nutrient concentrations were determined.
The largest losses of N, K, Ca, and Mg occurred in the first week, and of P in
the second week, after potting up for both fertilised and control pots. Over a
10-week period, with the exception of the Nut+40-day treatment, P and K
leaching from equivalent rates of DL exceeded (P <
0·05) Osm = Nut. The percentages of fertiliser leached (after
adjusting fertiliser treatment for control) were Osm 20–38% N,
2–8% P, 12–42% K; Nut 10–43% N,
12–18% P, 22–45% K; and DL 1–14% N,
4–15% P, 78–91% K. In a laboratory experiment where
each fertiliser was incubated at 35C with moist potting medium and volatilised
ammonia was trapped in dilute acid, a further 33% was recovered from DL
and <1% from the CRFs. The inclusion of the 40-day formulation to
Nut increased (P < 0·05) the percentage of N,
P, and K leached, to 52, 39, and 69%.
In leachate, nitrate was the main form of N from CRFs and ammonium the main
form from DL. The maximum nitrate-N concentrations (mg/L) at the standard
fertiliser rate were Osm 55, Nut 56, and DL 46. These increased
(P < 0·05) to 78 and 165 mg/L when the
rate of Osm and Nut was doubled. A concentration of 279 mg/L was recorded
with the Nut+40-day formulation. The maximum leachate ammonium-N
concentrations (mg/L) at the standard fertiliser rate were Osm 64, Nut 51,
and DL 125. Leachate was diluted 1 : 4 in nursery runoff water by irrigation
runoff, and concentrations exceeded the 10 mg/L limit imposed by the Clean
Waters Act of NSW.
In a further 2 experiments, an increase in leachate volume increased
(P < 0·05) nutrient leaching from pots
fertilised with the 2 CRFs over 4 weeks. When the leaching fraction was
increased from 0 to 56%, leaching of N, K, Ca, and Mg increased more
than 4-fold. The low leaching fractions were associated with high nutrient
concentrations, and at a 12% leaching fraction, maximum concentrations
(mg/L) were 864 nitrate-N, 127 K, and 248 Ca.
Nutrient runoff from nurseries can be reduced by adopting efficient irrigation
design, by scheduling irrigation, and by minimising the use of soluble
fertiliser sources.
Prediction of ear emergence in winter wheats grown at Temora, New South Wales
Authors: Penrose L. D. J.
Published: August 2004

This study examined factors that determine ear emergence in winter wheats
grown at Temora, New South Wales. Three development factors were considered:
degree of winter habit, response to photoperiod, and intrinsic earliness.
The effect of winter habit was first examined by using 3 pairs of related
wheats that differed for spring–winter habit. Wheats were sown under
irrigation from mid February to June, for up to 4 consecutive years. Ear
emergence was recorded in days of the year for ease of field interpretation,
and in photo-thermal time to measure delay in development. Winter habit was
found to delay ear emergence throughout this sowing range. Ear emergence was
then studied in 23 winter wheats that as a group encompassed a broad range for
each of the 3 development factors, and these winter wheats were grouped on the
basis of combinations of development factors. Differences in ear emergence
between these groups guided the construction and testing of regression
equations that described ear emergence as a function of sowing date and of the
3 development factors. Many combinations of factors were associated with the
time of ear emergence (i.e. 1 October) at Temora that best optimises the
balance between frost risk and yield potential. Combinations of development
factors also influenced the flexibility of sowing time for winter wheats grown
at Temora. These findings may assist the breeding of new winter wheats that
can be sown over a longer period than current winter cultivars.