bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A reevaluation of cosmogenic 36Cl production rates in terrestrial rocks
Authors: Phillips Fred M. , Zreda Marek G. , Flinsch Montgomery R. , Elmore David , Sharma Pankaj 
Published: February 2004

We have measured 36Cl in a suite of 33 rock samples having well‐constrained exposure histories and ages. The 36Cl production parameters were estimated by minimizing the squared deviations between the 36Cl and independent ages, yielding the following production parameters: spallation and muon production from Ca 2940±200 atoms 36Cl (mole Ca)−1 yr−1, spallation from K 6020±400 atoms 36Cl (mole K)−1 yr−1, and neutron production in air 586±40 fast neutrons (g air)−1 yr−1. The new production constants for spallation on Ca and thermal neutron activation are in good agreement with previous results, but that for spallation on K is about 50% larger.The past decade has seen a rapid growth in the application of terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides produced by cosmic‐ray particles within rocks at the earth surface. Nuclear cross sections, particularly for reactions initiated by neutrons and muons, are not known with sufficient accuracy so production rates for these nuclides must be empirically calibrated using independently dated geological samples. Direct production estimates for 36Cl were first obtained by Zreda et al. (1991), who measured 36C1 in mineral separates from granitic boulders on moraine crests at Chiatovitch Creek in the eastern White Mountains of California and Nevada. This data set was the best available at the time, but since then several factors have prompted a reevaluation of the 36Cl production rates. One is that Zreda et al. (1994) have shown that there can be significant scatter of the cosmogenic ages of individual glacial boulders toward ages younger than that of the moraine, due to soil erosion. A second factor is that a much wider range of samples is now available for this purpose. Finally, recent theoretical advances in calculating production by thermal neutron absorption (Liu et al., 1994) now permit more realistic calibration of this reaction.
Summary of the five principles suggested by Varotsos et al. [1996] and the additional questions raised in this debate
Authors: Varotsos P. , Eftaxias K. , Lazaridou M. , Antonopoulos G. , Makris J. , Poliyiannakis J. 
Published: February 2004

The present paper cannot be considered, either as a rebuttal to any participant, or our overview of the debate. Its publication became necessary due to the fact that various participants raised additional questions, i.e., beyond the points suggested by Varotsos et al. [1996]. We clarify these questions that concern the noise discrimination from our electrical recordings, the recent laboratory experiments which support the emission of electrical precursors, and the question on whether, or not, a retroactive adjustment of the VAN prediction parameters was made, after the period 1987–1989 discussed in this debate. We draw attention to the fact that a continuous 9 year (i.e., 1987–1995) sample of VAN predictions is now available.For the benefit of the reader, the present paper also summarizes the essence of the five Principles suggested by Varotsos et al. [1996] (as a consequence, attention is drawn to a correct definition of the success rate). This essence remains exactly the same as it was initially suggested, because we do not feel, after the debate, that the various contributions cast a sound doubt on the correctness of any of these Principles. The calculations which claim that VAN predictions can be ascribed to chance strongly violate these Principles; the incorrectness of these calculations is beyond any doubt, because they “reject” even an ideal earthquake prediction method. On the other hand, several well founded calculations convince that the VAN's success (and alarm) rate is very far beyond chance. The study of this paper is highly recommended to the reader before going through the details of each of our individual Replies.
Reply to “The VAN Method: Contradictory and misleading results since 1981,” by G. Stavrakakis and J. Drakopoulos
Authors: Varotsos P. , Eftaxias K. , Lazaridou M. 
Published: February 2004

Even a simple comparison of what Stavrakakis and Drakopoulos [1996] (hereafter referred to as SD) report as VAN‐statements with the exact contents of the VAN‐papers immediately shows that their criticism is incorrect. Indicative examples are:(i) The VAN predictions discussed by SD belong to the same small segment (March–April 1988) which was also selected and discussed by Drakopoulos et al. [1993]. However, Varotsos et al. [1993b] have simultaneously replied in detail and noted that Drakopoulos et al. [1993] in four out of seven cases did not consider one of the two alternative epicenters mentioned in the VAN telegrams and, surprisingly, the one which was emphasized as being the most probable. Similar major alterations to the true content of VAN predictions are repeated here by SD.(ii) SD select for discussion only cases in which the deviations of the VAN‐predictions were large.(iii) SD cast doubt on some predictions by stating that they were preceded by some seismic activity in the candidate area. However, we show that these predictions referred to areas far away from those that were earlier active. In both SD examples of VAN predictions they say that they correspond to aftershocks. However we show that the opposite is true.(iv) The lead‐time published by VAN for single SES and for SES electrical activities are altered by SD.(v) SD add (or delete) critical wording to the VAN‐statements and predictions and hence their true meaning is drastically changed.(vi) SD claim that criteria for recognizing SES have not been developed although such criteria have been published by VAN.(vii) The SD figures are wrong because they disregard earthquakes (EQs) with Ms=5.0 that occurred just in the predicted area but include EQs with Ms=4.0–4.2 at remote distances.(viii) SD claim that in “no case a mainshock was predicted.”. However, for the three largest mainshocks during the period 1987–1989 under investigation, VAN issued successful predictions with a deviation in the epicentral location less than 50 km.(ix) SD state that a (successful) prediction of an EQ with Ms > 5 is meaningless (irrespective of the small deviations Δr, ΔM achieved), if the prediction was preceded by a “foreshock” with Ms ≈ 4.0. This statement is not correct.(x) Although VAN clarified that predictions are issued only when the expected magnitude Ms is larger than (or equal to) 5.0 units, SD misinterpret the meaning of the experimental error ΔM=±0.7 and demand that all earthquakes with Ms ≥ 4.3 should have been predicted. This demand is not correct.Furthermore we show that the SD calculation for the “probability of a prediction's being successful by chance” is incorrect as it violates fundamental principles.
High‐pressure phase transition in Al(OH)3: Raman and X‐ray observations
Authors: Huang Eugene , Li Alice , Xu Ji‐an , Chen Rong‐Jer , Yamanaka Takamitsu 
Published: February 2004

High‐pressure Raman spectra and X‐ray diffraction patterns of gibbsite have been investigated up to 23.3 GPa and 8.7 GPa, respectively in diamond anvil cells at room temperature. More than 20 Raman‐active modes were observed at the ambient conditions and these modes were predominately distributed in two regions: the low‐wavenumber (LW, 200 to 1200 cm−1) and high‐wavenumber regions (HW, 3000 to 3700 cm−1). The wavenumber of Raman modes in LW region increases linearly with pressure while the wavenumber of those in the HW region decreases with pressure. The later observation indicates the enhancement of hydrogen bonds between octahedral layers in the lattice upon compression.A significant change in the diffraction patterns and Raman spectra was observed for Al(OH)3 above 3 GPa where a phase transition takes place. The high‐pressure phase of Al(OH)3 is quenchable and is tentatively determined as nordstrandite, a triclinic polymorph of gibbsite, on the basis of its diffraction pattern and Raman spectrum.
A parametric rule for planning and management of multiple‐reservoir systems
Authors: Nalbantis I. , Koutsoyiannis D. 
Published: February 2004

A parametric rule for multireservoir system operation is formulated and tested. It is a generalization of the well‐known space rule of simultaneously accounting for various system operating goals, in addition to the standard goal of avoiding unnecessary spills, including avoiding leakage losses, avoiding conveyance problems, taking into account the impacts of the reservoir system topology, and assuring satisfaction of secondary uses. Theoretical values of the rule's parameters for each one of these isolated goals are derived. In practice, parameters are evaluated to optimize one or more objective functions selected by the user. The rule is embedded in a simulation model so that optimization requires repeated simulations of the system operation with specific values of the parameters each time. The rule is tested on the case of the multireservoir water supply system of the city of Athens, Greece, which is driven by all of the operating goals listed above. Two problems at the system design level are tackled. First, the total release from the system is maximized for a selected level of failure probability. Second, the annual operating cost is minimized for given levels of water demand and failure probability. A detailed simulation model is used in the case study. Sensitivity analysis of the rule's parameters revealed a subset of insensitive parameters that allowed for rule simplification. Finally, the rule is validated through comparison with a number of heuristic rules also applied to the test case.Appendices are available on microfiche. Order from AmericanGeophysical Union, 2000 Florida Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20009. Document 97WR01034M; $2.50. Payment must accompany order.
Magnetic cloud field intensities and solar wind velocities
Authors: Gonzalez W. D. , de Gonzalez A. L. Clúa , Dal Lago A. , Tsurutani B. T. , Arballo J. K. , Lakhina G. K. , Buti B. , Ho C. M. , Wu S.‐T. 
Published: February 2004

For the sets of magnetic clouds studied in this work we have shown the existence of a relationship between their peak magnetic field strength and peak velocity values, with a clear tendency that clouds which move at higher speeds also possess higher core magnetic field strengths. This result suggests a possible intrinsic property of magnetic clouds and also implies a geophysical consequence. The relatively low field strengths at low velocities is presumably the cause of the lack of intense storms during low speed ejecta. There is also an indication that this type of behavior is peculiar for magnetic clouds, whereas other types of non cloud‐driver gas events do not seem to show a similar relationship, at least for the data studied in this paper. We suggest that a field/speed relationship for magnetic clouds, as that obtained in our present study, could be associated with the cloud release and acceleration mechanism at the sun.Since for magnetic clouds the total field tyically has a substantial southward component, Bs, our results imply that the interplanetary dawn‐dusk electric field, given by v×Bs (where v is the cloud's velocity), is enhanced by both factors. Therefore, the consequent magnetospheric energization (that is governed by this electric field) becomes more efficient for the occurrence of magnetic storms.
Long‐term evaluation of trabeculectomy in primary open angle glaucoma and chronic primary angle closure glaucoma in an Asian population
Authors: Sihota Ramanjit , Gupta Viney , Agarwal Harish C 
Published: February 2004

Abstract Purpose: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the long‐term results of trabeculectomy in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and chronic primary angle closure glaucoma (CPACG) in an Asian population. Methods: Yearly diurnal measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP), best‐corrected visual acuity, optic disc and visual field records of patients having primary adult glaucomas who had undergone trabeculectomy, without anti­mitotic agents, with a minimum of 5 years follow up were evaluated. Only one eye of each patient was studied. The success rates for IOP control in POAG and CPACG were statistically analysed. Results: Sixty‐four eyes of 64 patients were studied. The overall probability of success of trabeculectomy in controlling IOP to ≤21 mmHg with or without additional topical antiglaucoma medication was 0.94 and 0.88 at 5 and 10 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the qualified and absolute success rates for IOP control between POAG and CPACG eyes (log rank test P= 0.6, 0.88, respectively). Twelve of 38 CPACG eyes had a two‐line decrease in visual acuity as compared to four of 26 POAG eyes (P = 0.17). Progression or development of a cataract was the most common cause of visual decline. Conclusions: Trabeculectomy without antimetabolite use appears to be efficacious in lowering IOP and in visual field preservation over a period of 10 years in both POAG and CPACG. Development/progression of cataract especially in eyes with chronic angle closure glaucoma after trabeculectomy must be considered an important issue.
Evaluation of contact versus non‐contact diode laser cyclophotocoagulation for refractory glaucomas using similar energy settings
Authors: Agarwal Harish C , Gupta Viney , Sihota Ramanjit 
Published: February 2004

Abstract Purpose: To compare the efficacy of contact and non‐contact techniques of diode transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) in patients with refractory glaucoma in a prospective randomized manner. Methods: Sixty eyes with refractory glaucoma were randomly treated with either the contact or non‐contact technique of diode TSCPC and followed up for a minimum of 12 months. A standard protocol of 1500 mW for 2 s per spot, with 40 spots over the entire 360° circumference was followed for all eyes in both groups. Results: The reduction of mean baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) from 44.5 ± 7.4 mmHg to 14.8 ± 1.8 mmHg with the contact mode was not significantly different from that in the non‐contact mode of 41.9 ± 8.8 mmHg reduced to 14.5 ± 1.5 mmHg (P = 0.34). The probability of IOP survival (<22 mmHg) at 1 year using the Kaplan−Meier plot was better using the contact mode, although the results did not achieve statistical significance. However, the average repeat treatments per eye with the non‐contact mode (1.6 ± 0.7) was significantly higher than with the contact method (1.2 ± 0.6; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Using an energy setting of 3 J per spot, both the contact and non‐contact methods of laser delivery were found to be equally effective in lowering IOP in eyes with refractory glaucoma.
Management of isolated orbital floor blow‐out fractures: a survey of Australian and New Zealand oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Authors: Lynham Anthony J , Chapman Patrick J , Monsour Frank NT , Snape Leslie , Courtney David J , Heggie Andrew A , Jones Robert H , McKellar Geoffrey M 
Published: February 2004

Abstract Background: This is the first report of involvement of Australian and New Zealand oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the management of isolated orbital floor blow‐out fractures and was conducted to obtain comparisons with the results from a recent similar survey of British oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Methods: A questionnaire survey was sent to all 113 practising members of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in April 2002 with a second mailout 1 month later. Results: Sixty‐nine per cent of the respondents were referred isolated orbital floor blow‐out fractures for manage­ment, and just over half of these respondents estimated that 50% or more of the cases went to surgery. The materials most commonly used in orbital floor reconstruction were resorbable membrane for small defects and autologous bone for large defects. Conclusion: As in Britain, management of isolated orbital floor blow‐out fractures comprises part of the surgical spectrum for many oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. The management protocol was observed to be very similar between the two groups.
Pattern of orbital exenteration in a tertiary eye care centre in India
Authors: Pushker Neelam , Kashyap Seema , Balasubramanya Ramamurthy , Bajaj Mandeep S , Sen Seema , Betharia Subhash M , Ghose Supriyo 
Published: February 2004

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to determine the clinical indications for orbital exenteration, profile of these patients and clinicopathological correlations, and to compare these results with previous published data. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of exenterations performed in adults at a tertiary eye care centre in India over a period of 10 years (January 1990 to December 2000). Patient records were reviewed to obtain demographic data, presenting symptoms and their duration, laterality, and clinical and histopathological diagnosis. Results: A total of 26 cases were identified. Patients ranged in age from 32 to 72 years (mean ± SD 58.7 ± 9.23 years). No sex predilection was observed. Classification of cases on histopathological criteria showed that exenterations were performed mostly for squamous cell carcinoma (10 cases), followed by sebaceous gland carcinoma (six cases) and basal cell carcinoma (two cases) of the eyelid. Conjunctival malignant melanoma contributed to 5 of 26 cases of exenteration. Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland (one case), neurofibroma (one case) and orbital fungal infection (one case) were the other indications of exenteration. The clinicopathological correlation was 100% for squamous cell carcinoma, 100% for basal cell carcinoma, 80% for malignant melanoma and 75% for sebaceous gland carcinoma. Conclusion: Exenteration is mainly performed as a life‐saving treatment for advanced malignant tumours with epithelial tumours being the commonest. In comparison to previous published data, the indications of surgery in India differed, as squamous cell carcinoma and sebaceous gland carcinoma were the commonest indications for exenteration.
Review of the effect of the dosing interval for inhaled corticosteroids in asthma control
Authors: Singer R. , Wood‐Baker R. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract Background: Asthma is recognized as an inflammatory disease of the airways and treatment includes anti‐inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are widely prescribed for long‐term prophylaxis, yet their optimal dosing interval is not clear. Aims: To determine whether the dosing interval of ICS affects asthma control. Methods: We performed an electronic search of the literature to identify studies on the dosing interval of ICS in asthmatic subjects. Data were extracted from suitable studies by two independent researchers and, where possible, a meta‐analysis performed. Results: A total of 4267 titles were retrieved, of which 13 met inclusion and exclusion criteria and 11 had extractable data. There were no significant differences between outcomes for: (i) once daily vs twice daily administration (7 trials, 810 subjects), (ii) once daily vs four times daily administration (2 trials, 68 subjects) and (iii) twice daily vs four times daily administration (4 studies, 111 subjects). There was a variety of outcomes used to assess differences between dosing intervals. These included symptom scores, lung function, use of rescue medication and adverse drug effects. The number of subjects that could be included in the statistical analysis of any of such outcomes was small, much smaller than the total sample size. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in measures of asthma control between the assessed dosing intervals of ICS. Current evidence indicates that single daily administration of ICS produces equivalent asthma control to multiple daily administration. (Intern Med J 2002; 32: 72–78)
Implication of Rho‐associated kinase in the elevation of extracellular dopamine levels and its related behaviors induced by methamphetamine in rats
Authors: Narita Minoru , Takagi Misa , Aoki Kazue , Kuzumaki Naoko , Suzuki Tsutomu 
Published: February 2004

AbstractA growing body of evidence suggests that several protein kinases are involved in the expression of pharmacological actions induced by a psychostimulant methamphetamine. The present study was designed to investigate the role of the Rho/Rho‐associated kinase (ROCK)‐dependent pathway in the expression of the increase in extracellular levels of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens and its related behaviors induced by methamphetamine in rats. Methamphetamine (1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) produced a substantial increase in extracellular levels of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, with a progressive augmentation of dopamine‐related behaviors including rearing and sniffing. Methamphetamine also induced the decrease in levels of its major metabolites, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanilic acid (HVA). Both the increase in extracellular levels of dopamine and the induction of dopamine‐related behaviors by methamphetamine were significantly suppressed by pretreatment with an intranucleus accumbens injection of a selective ROCK inhibitor Y‐27632. In contrast, Y‐27632 had no effect on the decrease in levels of DOPAC and HVA induced by methamphetamine. Under these conditions, there were no changes in protein levels of membrane‐bound RhoA in the nucleus accumbens following methamphetamine treatment. It is of interest to note that the microinjection of Y‐27632 into the nucleus accumbens failed to suppress the increases in extracellular levels of dopamine, DOPAC, and HVA in the nucleus accumbens induced by subcutaneous injection of a prototype of µ‐opioid receptor agonist morphine (10 mg/kg). Furthermore, perfusion of a selective blocker of voltage‐dependent Na+ channels, tetrodotoxin (TTx) into the rat nucleus accumbens did not affect the increase in extracellular levels of dopamine in the rat nucleus accumbens by methamphetamine, whereas the morphine‐induced dopamine elevation was eliminated by this application of TTx. The extracellular level of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens was also increased by perfusion of a selective dopamine re‐uptake inhibitor 1‐[2‐[bis(4‐fluorophenyl)methoxy]‐4‐(3‐phenylpropyl)piperazine (GBR‐12909) in the nucleus accumbens. This effect was not affected by pretreatment with intranucleus accumbens injection of Y‐27632. These findings provide first evidence that Rho/ROCK pathway in the nucleus accumbens may contribute to the increase in extracellular levels of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens evoked by a single subcutaneous injection of methamphetamine. In contrast, this pathway is not essential for the increased level of dopamine in this region induced by morphine, providing further evidence for the different mechanisms of dopamine release by methamphetamine and morphine in rats.