On Equatorial Dynamics, Mixed Layer Physics and Sea Surface Temperature

We describe a new numerical model designed to study the interactions between hydrodynamics and thermodynamics in the upper ocean. The model incorporates both primitive equation dynamics and a parameterization of mixed layer physics. There is a consistent treatment of mixed layer structure for all physical processes. In order to study interplay between dynamics and mixed layer physics in the equatorial ocean, we carried out a series of numerical experiments with simple patterns of wind stress and surface heating. In some cases stratification and/or mixed layer physics were suppressed. On the basis of these experiments we reached the following conclusions: The vertical circulation at the equator is so vigorous that surface heating is essential if stratification is to be maintained for periods longer than a few months. Without stratification to inhibit mixed layer deepening momentum will be mixed uniformly to the main thermocline and the equatorial undercurrent will disappear. Vertical transfers of momentum due to vertical advection and mixed layer entrainment are essential features of equatorial dynamics. These process influence currents, SST and upwelling rates more than changes in sea surface elevation. Consequently, the overall mass field adjustments of equatorial oceans are more nearly linear than are the currents or SST variations. The connection between changes in SST and dynamical quantities such as sea surface topography need not be straightforward. For example, increased upwelling will make the mixed layer shallower but will not reduce SST unless it induces increased entrainment of colder water. The influences of upwelling and down-welling on SST are highly asymmetric so that the influence of perturbations cannot be predicted without considering the mean vertical velocity. The asymmetry in the interaction between vertical velocity and mixed layer physics can result in the formation of surface fronts. On the upwelling side of a w = 0 line the surface layer is cold and shallow while on the downwelling side it is warm and deep. Differential advection creates a temperature discontinuity at the depth discontinuity. It is suggested that the Galapagos Front has this character

In search of phylogenetic congruence between molecular and morphological data in bryozoans with extreme adult skeletal heteromorphy

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Panspermia, Past and Present: Astrophysical and Biophysical Conditions for the Dissemination of Life in Space

Astronomically, there are viable mechanisms for distributing organic material throughout the Milky Way. Biologically, the destructive effects of ultraviolet light and cosmic rays means that the majority of organisms arrive broken and dead on a new world. The likelihood of conventional forms of panspermia must therefore be considered low. However, the information content of dam-aged biological molecules might serve to seed new life (necropanspermia).Comment: Accepted for publication in Space Science Review

German evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of Psoriasis vulgaris (short version)

Psoriasis vulgaris is a common and chronic inflammatory skin disease which has the potential to significantly reduce the quality of life in severely affected patients. The incidence of psoriasis in Western industrialized countries ranges from 1.5 to 2%. Despite the large variety of treatment options available, patient surveys have revealed insufficient satisfaction with the efficacy of available treatments and a high rate of medication non-compliance. To optimize the treatment of psoriasis in Germany, the Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft and the Berufsverband Deutscher Dermatologen (BVDD) have initiated a project to develop evidence-based guidelines for the management of psoriasis. The guidelines focus on induction therapy in cases of mild, moderate, and severe plaque-type psoriasis in adults. The short version of the guidelines reported here consist of a series of therapeutic recommendations that are based on a systematic literature search and subsequent discussion with experts in the field; they have been approved by a team of dermatology experts. In addition to the therapeutic recommendations provided in this short version, the full version of the guidelines includes information on contraindications, adverse events, drug interactions, practicality, and costs as well as detailed information on how best to apply the treatments described (for full version, please see Nast et al., JDDG, Suppl 2:S1–S126, 2006; or http://www.psoriasis-leitlinie.de)