bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining the effects of dams on subdaily variation in river flows at a whole‐basin scale
Authors: Zimmerman Julie K. H. , Letcher Benjamin H. , Nislow Keith H. , Lutz Kimberly A. , Magilligan Francis J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractRiver regulation can alter the frequency and magnitude of subdaily flow variations causing major impacts on ecological structure and function. We developed an approach to quantify subdaily flow variation for multiple sites across a large watershed to assess the potential impacts of different dam operations (flood control, run‐of‐river hydropower and peaking hydropower) on natural communities. We used hourly flow data over a 9‐year period from 30 stream gages throughout the Connecticut River basin to calculate four metrics of subdaily flow variation and to compare sites downstream of dams with unregulated sites. Our objectives were to (1) determine the temporal scale of data needed to characterize subdaily variability; (2) compare the frequency of days with high subdaily flow variation downstream of dams and unregulated sites; (3) analyse the magnitude of subdaily variation at all sites and (4) identify individual sites that had subdaily variation significantly higher than unregulated locations. We found that estimates of flow variability based on daily mean flow data were not sufficient to characterize subdaily flow patterns. Alteration of subdaily flows was evident in the number of days natural ranges of variability were exceeded, rather than in the magnitude of subdaily variation, suggesting that all rivers may exhibit highly variable subdaily flows, but altered rivers exhibit this variability more frequently. Peaking hydropower facilities had the most highly altered subdaily flows; however, we observed significantly altered ranges of subdaily variability downstream of some flood‐control and run‐of‐river hydropower dams. Our analysis can be used to identify situations where dam operating procedures could be modified to reduce the level of hydrologic alteration. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlations between the Volta potential and filiform corrosion on painted AA2024 aluminum alloy
Authors: Fedel M. , Deflorian F. , Rossi S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe susceptibility to filiform corrosion of painted AA2024 alloy has been widely demonstrated, but an analytical method to determine the filiform corrosion resistance is still under investigation. This work aims at analyzing the possible correlations between the chemical and electrochemical properties of coated AA2024 samples and their susceptibility to filiform corrosion. In particular, the different behaviors of three different primer coatings have been investigated. The work proposes a few hypotheses of possible correlations among the work function difference of the coated samples, the progress of the filiform corrosion and the barrier properties of the organic primers. The filiform corrosion resistance of the pretreated and primer‐coated samples has been evaluated following the procedure proposed in the EN 3665:1997 standard. The results have been compared with multiple scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) measurements performed on the intact primers before the beginning of the accelerated test. The electrochemical characterization has been completed by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The properties of the primer–metal interface have been investigated in order to find a direct correlation with the SKP results. A possible correlation between the work function difference measured on the intact sample and the resistance to filiform corrosion is proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disrupting the consultants: Could the advisers use some advice?
Authors: Thurston Thomas , Singh Virgilia 
Published: December 2009

AbstractManagement consulting is a relatively new profession. Such consulting firms have become revered as thought‐leading think tanks and cutting‐edge research organizations. Yet, as they teach their clients to grow, thrive, and innovate, is it possible that top management consulting firms are being disrupted themselves? Even the most seemingly unassailable businesses fall victim to disruption, while others benefit from it to enjoy tremendous growth. Top consultancies are keenly aware of rising competition from emerging‐market information technology firms. Therefore, many have taken countermeasures such as expanding their operations in emerging markets and designing outsourcing strategies to mitigate cost gaps. Time will tell if these efforts prove successful. This article attempts to illustrate how the business of consulting is—after all—a business itself that is subject to the forces and perils therein. Top consultants would be well advised to confront disruption head on, rather than robotically focusing up‐market or silently hoping themselves immune. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Yes, Virginia, there is an economic recovery
Authors: Lipsher Laurence E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMore factories seem to be at work in the Pearl River Delta than there have been in a recent eight‐month period. Maybe the economy is improving. If pollution means more work, then China just might be on an economic rebound. China has done a few things to speed a possible recovery; among them, it acted fast, engaging in a massive CNY 4 trillion stimulus package combined with bank lending at higher levels than ever by the state‐owned Chinese banks. But the news comes with some caveats, including the increased risk of corruption and triangular debt. China also continues to export but less than before, due to increasing consumer demand at home. Of course, you can create economic incentives to export (assuming there are importers available to the extent there were previously). But what you cannot do is change a culture that understands there is no more “iron rice bowl,” and therein lies the real dilemma for China and an economic recovery. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Broadcast based on layered diffusion in wireless ad hoc and sensor networks
Authors: Wang Bang , Lim Hock Beng , Ma Di 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBroadcast is a fundamental operation in wireless ad hoc and sensor networks. This paper proposes a simple and efficient broadcast protocol, called Broadcast based on Layered Diffusion (BLD), which is a stateless broadcast protocol with very low message overheads and very low computation requirements. In BLD, nodes do not need to exchange neighborhood information for building a broadcast backbone, but make their rebroadcast decisions locally. The design idea of BLD is to emulate the triangular tessellation for complete area coverage of the network field. It does not require nodes' location information for such tessellation emulation but only exploits the hop count information for each node to make local rebroadcast decision and timing. Simulation results show the effectiveness and efficiency of the BLD protocol and its robustness to localization errors and transmission errors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Target technology development for the research of high energy density physics and inertial fusion at the RFNC–VNIIEF
Authors: Izgorodin V.M. , Abzaev F.M. , Balyaev A.P. , Bessarab A.V. , Cherkesova I.N. , Chulkov V.V. , Fenoshin D.Yu. , Garanin S.G. , Gogolev V.G. , Golubinsky A.G. , Ignat'ev Yu.V. , Irinichev D.A. , Lachtikov A.E. , Morovov A.P. , Nazarov V.V. , Nikolaev G.P. , Pepelyaev A.P. , Pinegin A.V. , Rojz I.M. , Romaev V.N. , Solomatina E.Yu. , Vasin M.G. , Veselov A.V. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractResults in some directions of the target technology for research on high energy density and laser fusion at the Russian Federal Nuclear Centre–All-Russia Research Institute of Experimental Physics for the last three years are presented. The results of development of optical and X-ray methods of characterization and manufacturing techniques of targets for studying the equation-of-state at high pressures and the condensed rare gas targets for the influence of pulse-repeated laser irradiation are given.
A composite phase conjugator based on Brillouin-enhanced four-wave mixing combining with stimulated Brillouin amplification
Authors: Zhu C.Y. , Lu Z.W. , He W.M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA novel composite optical phase conjugator that combines Brillouin-enhanced four-wave mixing (BEFWM) and stimulated Brillouin amplification (SBA) in a compact structure is reported. A phase-conjugate wave seed is generated by BEFWM process with characteristics such as fast response, high conjugate fidelity and stability, then it is magnified by SBA with high energy-conversion efficiency. As a result, advantages of BEFWM and SBS can be realized at the same time. This composite conjugator has potentials for high-peak and high-average power laser applications, especially for short pulse or steep leading-edge pulse laser systems. Feasibility of this BEFWM-SBA mechanism is verified in theoretical simulations and demo experiments.
Indirect effects of timber extraction on plant recruitment and diversity via reductions in abundance of frugivorous spider monkeys
Authors: Gutiérrez-Granados Gabriel , Dirzo Rodolfo 
Published: December 2009

Abstract:The ecological effects of logging in the tropics have been analysed largely in terms of its impacts on species diversity and abundance. However, information is very limited regarding the impact of logging on ecological processes such as species interactions. Here we hypothesize that timber extraction per se, that is, in the absence of hunting, affects the abundance of the frugivorous spider monkey, Ateles geoffroyi, and that this has indirect effects on the recruitment of a predominant tree species, Manilkara zapota, and the diversity of the understorey plant community. We compared logged and unlogged sites, using a paired design. In each management condition we conducted line transects and interviews to evaluate spider monkey abundance and game preferences, respectively. Impact on plant recruitment and understorey diversity were evaluated using 2 × 2-m plots (N = 320) established under 40 M. zapota tree crowns. No spider monkeys were recorded in logged sites whereas they were abundant (15 ± 8 individuals per man-km) in unlogged sites. Interviews showed that spider monkeys are not hunted by local inhabitants. Logging was correlated with a reduction of the number of M. zapota fruits used by A. geoffroyi; an increase in the number of sites dominated by M. zapota; and a reduction in understorey plant diversity. Our results suggest that the absence of A. geoffroyi in logged sites can indirectly impact plant recruitment and diversity via the disruption of plant–frugivore interactions. Further work is needed to assess if these effects persist over the long term, to define if logging operations affect the overall diversity of tropical forests.
Scale relationships and linkages between woody vegetation communities along a large tropical floodplain river, north Australia
Authors: Petty Aaron M. , Douglas Michael M. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract:Riparian vegetation varies according to hydrogeomorphic processes operating across different scales over two didmensions: transversely (across-stream) and longitudinally (parallel to stream). We tested the hypothesis that vegetation patterns reveal the scale and direction of underlying processes. We correlated patterns of dominant woody vegetation with environmental variables at 28 sites located within four geomorphologically distinct regions along the length of the South Alligator River catchment of Kakadu National Park, northern Australia. Across the catchment there existed a strong transverse boundary between upland savanna vegetation and two zones of riparian vegetation: Melaleuca-spp.-dominated closed-forest vegetation along stream channels and mixed open-woodland vegetation adjacent to closed forest. We surmise that there is hierarchic constraint on smaller-scale catchment processes due to fire incursion into the riparian zone and access to water during the dry season. Within the closed-forest zone, vegetation did not vary transversely, but did longitudinally. Riparian woodlands also varied longitudinally, but in the upper reaches varied independently of stream variables. By contrast, in the lower reaches woodland was strongly correlated with stream variables. The observed pattern of weak transverse linkages in headwaters but strong linkages in lower reaches is analogous to models developed for in-stream patterns and processes, particularly the river continuum and flood-pulse concepts.
Challenges for a CBR framework for argumentation in open MAS
Authors: Heras Stella , Botti Vicente , Julián Vicente 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNowadays, Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) are broadening their applications to open environments, where heterogeneous agents could enter into the system, form agents’ organizations and interact. The high dynamism of open MAS gives rise to potential conflicts between agents and thus, to a need for a mechanism to reach agreements. Argumentation is a natural way of harmonizing conflicts of opinion that has been applied to many disciplines, such as Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) and MAS. Some approaches that apply CBR to manage argumentation in MAS have been proposed in the literature. These improve agents’ argumentation skills by allowing them to reason and learn from experiences. In this paper, we have reviewed these approaches and identified the current contributions of the CBR methodology in this area. As a result of this work, we have proposed several open issues that must be taken into consideration to develop a CBR framework that provides the agents of an open MAS with arguing and learning capabilities.
THE FATOU COMPLETION OF A FRÉCHET FUNCTION SPACE AND APPLICATIONS
Authors: DEL CAMPO R. , RICKER W. J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractGiven a metrizable locally convex-solid Riesz space of measurable functions we provide a procedure to construct a minimal Fréchet (function) lattice containing it, called its Fatou completion. As an application, we obtain that the Fatou completion of the spaceL1(ν) of integrable functions with respect to a Fréchet-space-valued measureνis the spaceL1w(ν) of scalarlyν-integrable functions. Further consequences are also given.
Governance Vote Results
Authors: Bamzai Anjuli , Robinson Robert , Shirey Steven 
Published: December 2009

Voting by the membership for proposed changes to AGU bylaws and articles of incorporation was completed on 13 November 2009. The proposed changes would expand AGU's Council to focus it on science; shift the business and fiduciary responsibility for AGU to a newly created, smaller Board of Directors, freeing the Council to focus on science policy and other science‐related matters; and modernize AGU's governing documents to reflect current practice in not‐for‐profit governance.All background information was provided in the 15 September 2009 issue of Eos and in subsequent issues.
Tomorrow's AGU: Seeking a New Executive Director
Authors: Grove Timothy L. , Finn Carol 
Published: December 2009

AGU has begun the search for a new executive director to serve in partnership with AGU's elected leadership to build tomorrow's AGU—the contemporary scientific society envisioned by our members and needed for 2010 and beyond.This is a rare opportunity to take the helm of a highly respected, financially strong membership organization in a moment of transformation and help us achieve our goals to grow in impact. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the executive director is responsible for providing strategic vision, leadership, and overall management to the organization according to the direction set by AGU's elected leaders.
Transvaginal repair of enterocele and vaginal vault prolapse using autologous fascia lata graft
Authors: Mølsted‐Pedersen Lars , Rudnicki Martin , Lose Gunnar 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. The aim was to describe the operative technique of transvaginal repair of enterocele and apical prolapse using autologous fascia lata and report intra‐ and postoperative complications and long‐term outcome.Methods. A retrospective chart review of 74 consecutive patients who had repair of a symptomatic enterocele and vaginal vault prolapse or uterine prolapse from January 1987 to August 1999. All patients were followed for a minimum of 3 months and 61 were available for long‐term evaluation at 18–106 months (median 52 months).Results. Intra‐ and postoperative complications were few. Pelvic examination at long‐term follow‐up disclosed a recurrence rate for enterocele of 1.7%, vaginal vault prolapse of 8.3%, and cystocele of 15%. Ninety‐one per cent were subjectively satisfied with the relief of mechanical vaginal symptoms. Only 35% (6/17) were cured of constipation. Out of the 22 women who were sexually active after the procedure, 12 (54%) experienced improved quality.Conclusion. Repair of the posterior compartment defect and suspension of the vaginal vault using autologous fascia lata graft provides acceptable intra‐ and postoperative complication and long‐term results.
Analysis of two polymorphisms in the promoter region of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 3 genes in women with endometriosis
Authors: FERRARI MARIA MADDALENA , BIONDI MARIA LUISA , ROSSI GABRIELA , GRIJUELA BARBARA , GAITA SARA , PERUGINO GIUSEPPE , VIGANÒ PAOLA 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. Matrix metalloproteinases are a family of proteolytic enzymes that can degrade extracellular matrix components and have been implicated in connective tissue remodeling associated with cancer invasion and metastasis. These proteins are also involved in the invasive events underlying endometriotic lesion formation and aggressive behavior. Given the established genetic background of endometriosis, the aim of this study was to examine the potential impact of two polymorphisms in the gene promoter region of two of these enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3, on predisposition and severity of the disease. Methods. Genomic DNA was obtained from 56 Italian Caucasian women with a surgical diagnosis of endometriosis and a control group of 71 age‐matched Caucasian healthy female blood donors. In control women, endometriosis was ruled out by evaluation of the medical history, gynecologic examinations, and ultrasound scanning. Two polymorphisms have been specifically investigated: 1. a single insertion polymorphism (2G) in the matrix metalloproteinase‐1 promoter region known to elevate transcriptional level of matrix metalloproteinase‐1; and 2. a single insertion/deletion polymorphism (5A/6A) located in the promoter of the matrix metalloproteinase‐3 gene with functional significance in the regulation of its expression. Genotypes were determined by PCR amplification and sequence analysis. Results. Allele and genotype frequencies of both polymorphisms did not significantly differ between endometriosis and control groups. Moreover, no significant difference for both polymorphisms was observed in relation to the clinical stage and recurrence status of the disease. Conclusions. This is the first study that has evaluated the possibility that gene variants of matrix metalloproteinases might be involved in the susceptibility to endometriosis. However, these results suggest that matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3 promoter polymorphisms do not constitute an important factor for the genetic predisposition to endometriosis and its invasive behavior in the Italian population.
Serum levels of activin A and inhibin A are not related to the increased susceptibility to pre‐eclampsia in type I diabetic pregnancies
Authors: EKBOM PIA , DAMM PETER , ANDERSSON ANNA‐MARIA , SKAKKEBÆK NIELS ERIK , FELDT‐RASMUSSEN ULLA , MATHIESEN ELISABETH R. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. Activin A and inhibin A have been found to be elevated in women without diabetes subsequently developing pre‐eclampsia. The aim was to investigate whether activin A and inhibin A in serum were elevated in type I diabetic women after developing pre‐eclampsia and, if so, were they clinically useful as predictors of pre‐eclampsia. Methods. In a prospective study, maternal serum was analyzed for activin A and inhibin A in 115 women with type 1 diabetes at 10, 14, 22, 28, and 33 weeks of gestation. Results. Fourteen women (12%) developed pre‐eclampsia (26–37 weeks of gestation) and 101 did not. The two groups were comparable regarding age, body mass index, and diabetes duration. There was no difference between serum concentrations of activin A and inhibin A in women developing pre‐eclampsia and women who did not at any gestational period. Conclusions. Serum concentrations of activin A and inhibin A could not predict pre‐eclampsia in type I diabetes.
What can be learned from the levormeloxifene experience?
Authors: RAVN PERNILLE , NIELSEN THERESE F. , CHRISTIANSEN CLAUS 
Published: December 2009

AbstractLevormeloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that was developed as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal bone loss. In animal models, levormeloxifene prevented increased bone turnover and vertebral bone loss following ovariectomy. Studies of healthy postmenopausal women showed that levormeloxifene 1.25–20 mg/day decreased bone turnover and increased bone mineral density to a comparable extent to that observed during conventional hormone replacement therapy. However, in the phase II and III studies, the effect on bone turnover and bone mineral density was similar for each dose of levormeloxifene and the minimal effective dose was never established. The development of levormeloxifene was discontinued during the phase III trial due to a significant incidence of gynecologic adverse events in the levormeloxifene‐treated groups. This article reviews the preclinical and clinical studies of levormeloxifene and the circumstances for the premature termination of the development of the drug. Other selective estrogen receptor modulators such as tamoxifen and raloxifene and the perspectives for selective estrogen receptor modulators in development are furthermore discussed.
Feminine life‐course of Estonian women born in 1937–47: A questionnaire survey
Authors: KIRSS FRED , LANG KATRIN , TUIMALA RISTO 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground. This study describes reproductive health, use of contraception, age at menopause, the prevalence of climacteric complaints, and hormone replacement therapy among Estonian women born in 1937–47. Methods. A sample of 800 Estonian women born in 1937–47 was composed at random from the Estonian population registry in 1997. A postal questionnaire was sent to all participants. Results. Curettage before menopause (16.6%, 95%CI = 13.5–20.0) and hysterectomy (11.7, 95%CI = 9.0–14.8) were the most common gynecological operations. 66.7% (95%CI = 62.5–70.6) of women had never used contraception, with the most popular method of contraception being intrauterine device (19.9%, 95%CI = 16.6–23.6). About three quarters of the respondents had had induced abortions, with 30.4% (95%CI = 26.5–34.4) having had three or more abortions. After exclusion of women with surgical menopause (57 cases, 10.6%, 95%CI = 8.1–13.5), women who were unable to assess the time of menopause (17 cases, 3.2%, 95%CI = 1.8–5.0), and those who were still menstruating (73 cases, 13.6%, 95%CI = 10.8–16.8), the average age of menopause (based on 388 study subjects) was 50.3 (95%CI = 49.9–50.6) years. The prevalence of climacteric complaints was as follows: hot flushes 51.0% (95%CI = 46.7–55.3), night sweats 44.1% (95%CI = 39.9–48.4%), depression/irritability 35.6% (95%CI = 31.5–39.8), bleeding problems 10.1% (95%CI = 7.6–12.9). Hormone replacement therapy was currently being used by 8 respondents (1.5%, 95%CI = 0.6–2.9). Previous hormone replacement therapy use was reported by 4 (0.7%, 95%CI = 0.2–2.9) of the women. Conclusions. The feminine life‐course of women born in Estonia in 1937–47 is characterized by a high number of induced abortions and hysterectomies, and relatively little contraceptive use. Hormone replacement therapy use is very low.