bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maximum Monthly Rainfall Analysis Using L-Moments for an Arid Region in Isfahan Province, Iran
Authors: Eslamian S. Saeid , Feizi Hussein 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Developing methods that can give a suitable prediction of hydrologic events is always interesting for both hydrologists and statisticians, because of its importance in designing hydraulic structures and water resource management. Because of the computer revolution in statistical computation and lack of robustness in at-site frequency analysis, since early 1990 the application of regional frequency analysis based on L-moments has been considered more for flood analysis. In this study, the above-mentioned method has been used for the selection of parent distributions to fit maximum monthly rainfall data of 18 sites in the Zayandehrood basin, Iran, and as a consequence the generalized extreme-value and Pearson type-III distributions have been selected and model parameters have been estimated. The obtained extreme rainfall values can be used for meteorological drought management in the arid zone.
Atmospheric Circulation Effects on Wind Speed Variability at Turbine Height
Authors: Klink Katherine 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Mean monthly wind speed at 70 m above ground level is investigated for 11 sites in Minnesota for the period 1995–2003. Wind speeds at these sites show significant spatial and temporal coherence, with prolonged periods of above- and below-normal values that can persist for as long as 12 months. Monthly variation in wind speed primarily is determined by the north–south pressure gradient, which captures between 22% and 47% of the variability (depending on the site). Regression on wind speed residuals (pressure gradient effects removed) shows that an additional 6%–15% of the variation can be related to the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and Niño-3.4 sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. Wind speeds showed little correspondence with variation in the Pacific–North American (PNA) circulation index. The effect of the strong El Niño of 1997/98 on the wind speed time series was investigated by recomputing the regression equations with this period excluded. The north–south pressure gradient remains the primary determinant of mean monthly 70-m wind speeds, but with 1997/98 removed the influence of the AO increases at nearly all stations while the importance of the Niño-3.4 SSTs generally decreases. Relationships with the PNA remain small. These results suggest that long-term patterns of low-frequency wind speed (and thus wind power) variability can be estimated using large-scale circulation features as represented by large-scale climatic datasets and by climate-change models.
Parameterization of Convective Transport in a Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model and Its Evaluation
Authors: Forster Caroline , Stohl Andreas , Seibert Petra 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper presents the revision and evaluation of the interface between the convective parameterization by Emanuel and Živković-Rothman and the Lagrangian particle dispersion model “FLEXPART” based on meteorological data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The convection scheme relies on the ECMWF grid-scale temperature and humidity and provides a matrix necessary for the vertical convective particle displacement. The benefits of the revised interface relative to its previous version are presented. It is shown that, apart from minor fluctuations caused by the stochastic convective redistribution of the particles, the well-mixed criterion is fulfilled in simulations that include convection. Although for technical reasons the calculation of the displacement matrix differs somewhat between the forward and the backward simulations in time, the mean relative difference between the convective mass fluxes in forward and backward simulations is below 3% and can therefore be tolerated. A comparison of the convective mass fluxes and precipitation rates with those archived in the 40-yr ECMWF Reanalysis (ERA-40) data reveals that the convection scheme in FLEXPART produces upward mass fluxes and precipitation rates that are generally smaller by about 25% than those from ERA-40. This result is interpreted as positive, because precipitation is known to be overestimated by the ECMWF model. Tracer transport simulations with and without convection are compared with surface and aircraft measurements from two tracer experiments and to 222Rn measurements from two aircraft campaigns. At the surface no substantial differences between the model runs with and without convection are found, but at higher altitudes the model runs with convection produced better agreement with the measurements in most of the cases and indifferent results in the others. However, for the tracer experiments only few measurements at higher altitudes are available, and for the aircraft campaigns the 222Rn emissions are highly uncertain. Other datasets better suitable for the validation of convective transport in models are not available. Thus, there is a clear need for reliable datasets suitable to validate vertical transport in models.
New Categorical Metrics for Air Quality Model Evaluation
Authors: Kang Daiwen , Mathur Rohit , Schere Kenneth , Yu Shaocai , Eder Brian 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Traditional categorical metrics used in model evaluations are “clear cut” measures in that the model’s ability to predict an “exceedance” is defined by a fixed threshold concentration and the metrics are defined by observation–forecast sets that are paired both in space and time. These metrics are informative but limited in evaluating the performance of air quality forecast (AQF) systems because AQF generally examines exceedances on a regional scale rather than a single monitor. New categorical metrics—the weighted success index (WSI), area hit (aH), and area false-alarm ratio (aFAR)—are developed. In the calculation of WSI, credits are given to the observation–forecast pairs within the observed exceedance region (missed forecast) or the forecast exceedance region (false alarm), depending on the distance of the points from the central line (perfect observation–forecast match line or 1:1 line on scatterplot). The aH and aFAR are defined by matching observed and forecast exceedances within an area (i.e., model grid cells) surrounding the observation location. The concept of aH and aFAR resembles the manner in which forecasts are usually issued. In practice, a warning is issued for a region of interest, such as a metropolitan area, if an exceedance is forecast to occur anywhere within the region. The application of these new categorical metrics, which are supplemental to the traditional counterparts (critical success index, hit rate, and false-alarm ratio), to the Eta Model–Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) forecast system has demonstrated further insight into evaluating the forecasting capability of the system (e.g., the new metrics can provide information about how the AQF system captures the spatial variations of pollutant concentrations).
On the Evaporation Duct for Inhomogeneous Conditions in Coastal Regions
Authors: Geernaert G. L. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Evaporation ducts are ubiquitous phenomena over the oceans, and they are responsible for much of the over-the-horizon propagation occurring with millimeter and microwave radars. The height of the evaporation duct depends on meteorological parameters, most notably air and water temperature and relative humidity. In most cases, models that predict the height of the evaporation duct are based on Monin–Obukhov similarity (MOS) theory, and uncertainties in model predictions are often attributed to the simplifying assumptions behind MOS theory. In this paper, an extension to MOS theory is introduced that accommodates spatial variability of meteorological parameters in coastal regions. It is found that for even weakly varying meteorological conditions there are substantial differences in duct heights predicted when spatially varying conditions are invoked versus spatially homogeneous conditions.
Guru or Teacher? Shishya or Student? Pedagogic Shifts in South Asian Dance Training in India and Britain
Authors: Prickett Stacey 
Published: April 2007

The guru-shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition) has underpinned training in South Asian dance for generations. This article examines aspects of the tradition which make it problematic in today's society and global diasporic context, particularly the gurukula system, in which the disciple spends extensive time with the guru. Fundamental aspects of the parampara continue to be perpetuated, however, in diverse teaching contexts in India, particularly in the significance of lineage and the aims for a holistic dance education. Drawing on fieldwork in India, at Kathak Kendra and Kalakshetra, state-supported Kathak and Bharatanatyam academies, and among independent gurus, the article examines the extent to which aspects of the parampara are being perpetuated and/or transformed today. In Britain, at the same time, grappling with local, national and transnational multicultural environments, the South Asian dance community has begun to shape new dance pedagogies as it works to integrate Kathak and Bharatanatyam into the mainstream. Research highlights how teaching methodologies and conceptualisations of the body in South Asian dance are being influenced by western dance pedagogies, now spread through the UK-based dance journal Pulse and international exchanges.
Microwave-assisted Fabrication of PS@CdS Core–Shell Nanostructures and CdS Hollow Spheres
Authors: Wang Yongqiang , Wang Guozhong , Wang Hongqiang , Tang Chunjuan , Jiang Zhi , Zhang Lide 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
PS@CdS core–shell nanostructures were fabricated by microwave irradiation at 70 °C from the aqueous solution of CdCl2, TAA, and PVP with PS microspheres without surface modification. The products were investigated by XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, IR, and Raman. CdS hollow spheres were easily obtained by removing the PS cores in toluene solution. The method presented here can be used for the preparation of other PS@II–VI semiconductor core–shell nanostructures and hollow spheres.
Efficient Preparation of vic-Diacetates from Epoxides and Acetic Anhydride in the Presence of Iron(III)-substituted Polyoxometalate as Catalyst
Authors: Yadollahi Bahram , Esfahani Farhad Kabiri 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Iron(III)-substituted polyoxometalate (TBA)4PFeW11O39·3H2O, has been demonstrated as an efficient catalyst in the ring opening of 1,2-epoxides with acetic anhydride for the one-pot synthesis of 1,2-diol esters in high to excellent yields under solvent-free condition.
Selective Preparation of Zinc Oxide Nanostructures by Electrodeposition on the Templates of Surface-functionalized Polymer Particles
Authors: Watanabe Mitsuru , Aritomo Hiroki , Yamaguchi Ippei , Shinagawa Tsutomu , Tamai Toshiyuki , Tasaka Akimasa , Izaki Masanobu 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
A novel method of controlling zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures was developed. The sphere-like ZnO nanostructure was obtained from the electrodeposition on the polymer particle template having anionic surface groups, and under the same electrodeposition condition, microporous ZnO layer was obtained on the polymer particle template having cationic surface groups. These contrasting structures were attributed to the ZnO nucleation site selectivity derived from the specific binding between the polymer particle template surface and Zn2+ ion.
Acid–Base Property of Ethylammonium Nitrate Ionic Liquid Directly Obtained Using Ion-selective Field Effect Transistor Electrode
Authors: Kanzaki Ryo , Uchida Kuniaki , Hara Shota , Umebayashi Yasuhiro , Ishiguro Shin-ichi , Nomura Satoshi 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Ethylammonium nitrate (EAN) is a protic room-temperature ionic liquid and classified into an amphoteric solvent. The equilibrium constant KS = [EtNH2][HNO3] has directly been obtained for the first time by using an ion-selective field effect transistor (ISFET) electrode. The obtained KS value is of 10−10.0 mol2 dm−6, indicating that the neutral EAN involves HNO3 and EtNH2 molecules as much as 1.0 × 10−5 mol dm−3, or the pH (= −log[HNO3]) is 5 at 298 K.
Predicting change in epistemological beliefs, reflective thinking and learning styles: A longitudinal study
Authors: Phan Huy P. 
Published: April 2007

BackgroundAlthough extensive research has examined epistemological beliefs, reflective thinking and learning approaches, very few studies have looked at these three theoretical frameworks in their totality.AimsThis research tested two separate structural models of epistemological beliefs, learning approaches, reflective thinking and academic performance among tertiary students over a period of 12 months.SampleParticipants were first‐year Arts (N = 616; 271 females, 345 males) and second‐year Mathematics (N = 581; 241 females, 341 males) university students.MethodStudents' epistemological beliefs were measured with the Schommer epistemological questionnaire (EQ, Schommer, 1990). Reflective thinking was measured with the reflective thinking questionnaire (RTQ, Kember et al., 2000). Student learning approaches were measured with the revised study process questionnaire (R‐SPQ‐2F, Biggs, Kember, & Leung, 2001). LISREL 8 was used to test two structural equation models – the cross‐lag model and the causal‐mediating model.ResultsIn the cross‐lag model involving Arts students, structural equation modelling showed that epistemological beliefs influenced student learning approaches rather than the contrary. In the causal‐mediating model involving Mathematics students, the results indicate that both epistemological beliefs and learning approaches predicted reflective thinking and academic performance. Furthermore, learning approaches mediated the effect of epistemological beliefs on reflective thinking and academic performance. Results of this study are significant as they integrated the three theoretical frameworks within the one study.
Bullying and victimization at school: The role of mothers
Authors: Georgiou Stelios N. 
Published: April 2007

BackgroundSocial learning literature is used in order to describe the contextual parameters of peer aggression, and specifically bullying and victimization.AimThe aim of the present study was to examine the influence of maternal characteristics on their child's victimization or bullying experience at school.SampleThe participants were 252 elementary school students (mean age 11.5 years) and their mothers.MethodA theoretically driven model was developed and its ability to fit the data was tested. The main factors included in the model were the following: parental style as perceived by the child, self‐reported parental involvement, the mother's emotional state and the degree of victimization experienced by the child at school.ResultsThrough confirmatory factor analysis, it was shown that maternal responsiveness was positively related to the child's adjustment at school (i.e. achievement and social adaptation), while the same factor was negatively related to school aggression (bullying and disrupting behaviour). Overprotective mothering was associated with high degrees of victimization experienced by the child, whereas maternal depressiveness was related to both victimization and bullying behaviour on the part of the child.ConclusionsParents should be included in the design of intervention plans aiming at the elimination of bullying at school.
Natural Calcium Isotopic Composition of Urine as a Marker of Bone Mineral Balance
Authors: Skulan Joseph , Bullen Thomas , Anbar Ariel D , Puzas J Edward , Shackelford Linda , LeBlanc Adrian , Smith Scott M 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackground: We investigated whether changes in the natural isotopic composition of calcium in human urine track changes in net bone mineral balance, as predicted by a model of calcium isotopic behavior in vertebrates. If so, isotopic analysis of natural urine or blood calcium could be used to monitor short-term changes in bone mineral balance that cannot be detected with other techniques.Methods: Calcium isotopic compositions are expressed as δ44Ca, or the difference in parts per thousand between the 44Ca/40Ca of a sample and the 44Ca/40Ca of a standard reference material. δ44Ca was measured in urine samples from 10 persons who participated in a study of the effectiveness of countermeasures to bone loss in spaceflight, in which 17 weeks of bed rest was used to induce bone loss. Study participants were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: controls received no treatment, one treatment group received alendronate, and another group performed resistive exercise. Measurements were made on urine samples collected before, at 2 or 3 points during, and after bed rest.Results: Urine δ44Ca values during bed rest were lower in controls than in individuals treated with alendronate (P &lt;0.05, ANOVA) or exercise (P &lt;0.05), and lower than the control group baseline (P &lt;0.05, t-test). Results were consistent with the model and with biochemical and bone mineral density data.Conclusion: Results confirm the predicted relationship between bone mineral balance and calcium isotopes, suggesting that calcium isotopic analysis of urine might be refined into a clinical and research tool.
Treating Stuttering in a Preschool Child With Syllable Timed Speech: A Case Report
Authors: Trajkovski Natasha , Andrews Cheryl , O'Brian Sue , Onslow Mark , Packman Ann 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn this article we report the use of a simple, nonprogrammed, syllable timed speech procedure to treat stuttering in a 3-year-old boy with a 2-year history of stuttering. The treatment involved the boy and his parents visiting the clinic 7 times, and the parents modelling syllable timed speech 2 to 6 times per day for 5- to 10-minute intervals in and around the home. After 7 weeks, clinic measures and objective, blinded measures of speech beyond the clinic showed stuttering frequency below 1.0% syllables stuttered. Along with low severity ratings made by the parent each day, this meets the stuttering criteria of another, proven treatment for early stuttering intervention. However, in this study reduction in stuttering was achieved with a simpler and more cost efficient procedure. With the caveat that this is a nonexperimental case report, we discuss its potential implications.
Activity-Dependent Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Structural Plasticity in the Mature Cerebellum
Authors: Cesa Roberta , Scelfo Bibiana , Strata Piergiorgio 
Published: April 2007

Two models of spine formation have been proposed. Spines can derive from emerging dendritic filopodia that have encountered presynaptic partners, or presynaptic molecules may induce the spine maturation event directly from the dendritic shaft. The first model applies better to the Purkinje cell (PC), because numerous free spines have been described in several conditions, particularly when granule cells degenerate before parallel fiber (PF) synapses are formed. A large number of new spines, many of them being free, appear in the proximal dendritic domain after blockage of electrical activity by tetrodotoxin (TTX). A complete blockage of the AMPA receptors by NBQX (2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzoquinoxaline-7-sulfonamide), leading to a complete absence of PF- and climbing fiber (CF)-evoked EPSCs and of spontaneous glutamatergic quantal events, mimics the TTX effect. In contrast, metabotropic glutamate receptor blockage by MCPG [(S)-α-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine] is ineffective.In normal conditions, in the proximal dendritic domain of the PC, clusters of a few spines are present only under each CF varicosity. It has been proposed that the active CF is responsible for spine pruning in the territory surrounding the CF synapses. Here, we show that such a pruning is mediated by AMPA but not by metabotropic receptors. Finally, after AMPA receptor blockage, there is a reduced number of spines in each spine cluster underlying CF varicosity. In conclusion, PCs tend to express spines over the entire dendritic territory. CF activity reinforces the CF synaptic contacts and actively suppresses spines in the surrounding territory, which is an effect mediated by AMPA receptors.
Thyroid hormone deficiency and postmenopausal status independently increase serum osteoprotegerin concentrations in women
Authors: Botella-Carretero José I , Alvarez-Blasco Francisco , Millán José Luis San , Escobar-Morreale Héctor F 
Published: April 2007

Objective: To study the impact of thyroxine (T4) withdrawal on serum osteoprotegerin concentrations in women, using a healthy euthyroid control group matched for age and postmenopausal status as reference.
Subjects and design: Nineteen women with differentiated thyroid carcinoma were studied the last day on T4 suppressive treatment, 4–7 days after withdrawal and the day before whole body scanning. Eighteen women matched for age and postmenopausal status served as controls. Serum thyroid hormones, urinary bone markers and serum osteoprotegerin concentrations were measured. Statistical methods included repeated measures analysis of variance and one-way analysis of variance.
Results: Patients progressed from subclinical or mild hyperthyroidism at baseline to normal free T4 and triiodothyronine levels 4–7 days later, ending in overt hypothyroidism before scanning. Serum osteoprotegerin increased, and urinary deoxypyridolines/creatinine and pyridolines/creatinine ratios decreased, with acute hypothyroidism (P = 0.026, P = 0.003, and P < 0.001 respectively). Urinary deoxypyridolines/creatinine ratio, pyridolines/creatinine ratio, and serum osteocalcin during hypothyroidism were lower compared with those of healthy controls (P = 0.023, P = 0.019, and P = 0.011 respectively). Serum osteoprotegerin concentrations were higher in postmenopausal patients when compared with premenopausal ones, irrespective of the changes in thyroid function (P = 0.001).
Conclusion: Serum osteoprotegerin concentrations increase following acute hypothyroidism after T4 withdrawal in women with differentiated thyroid carcinoma, and also with postmenopausal status.