Relationships between stratospheric clear air turbulence and synoptic meteorological parameters over the western United States between 12-20 km altitude

Procedures for forecasting clear air turbulence in the stratosphere over the western United States from rawinsonde data are described and results presented. Approaches taken to relate meteorological parameters to regions of turbulence and nonturbulence encountered by the XB-70 during 46 flights at altitudes between 12-20 km include: empirical probabilities, discriminant function analysis, and mountainwave theory. Results from these techniques were combined into a procedure to forecast regions of clear air turbulence with an accuracy of 70-80 percent. A computer program was developed to provide an objective forecast directly from the rawinsonde sounding data

Oregon's early peoples and their relation to the environment : an interpretive approach

The dramatic upsurge of contract-supported archaeological activity, generated by legislative action, has precipitated an increase in information about Oregon's prehistoric peoples. This information, however, has not been presented in a format which can be easily understood by the general public. This study presents an account of early peoples in Oregon, based on recent archaeological research. It focuses on early human populations in the state and their interaction with the environment. The information is presented in layman's terms and is supported by illustrations

Plant conservation in the Anthropocene - challenges and future prospects

Despite the massive efforts that have been made to conserve plant diversity across the world during the past few decades, it is becoming increasingly evident that our current strategies are not sufficiently effective to prevent the continuing decline in biodiversity. As a recent report by the CBD indicates, current progress and commitments are insufficient to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets by 2020. Threatened species lists continue to grow while the world's governments fail to meet biodiversity conservation goals. Clearly, we are failing in our attempts to conserve biodiversity on a sufficient scale. The reasons for this situation are complex, including scientific, technical, sociological, economic and political factors. The conservation community is divided about how to respond. Some believe that saving all existing biodiversity is still an achievable goal. On the other hand, there are those who believe that we need to accept that biodiversity will inevitably continue to be lost, despite all our conservation actions and that we must focus on what to save, why and where. It has also been suggested that we need a new approach to conservation in the face of the challenges posed by the Anthropocene biosphere which we now inhabit. Whatever view one holds on the above issues, it is clear that we need to review the effectiveness of our current conservation strategies, identify the limiting factors that are preventing the Aichi goals being met and at the same time take whatever steps are necessary to make our conservation protocols more explicit, operational and efficient so as to achieve the maximum conservation effect. This paper addresses the key issues that underlie our failure to meet agreed targets and discusses the necessary changes to our conservation approaches. While we can justifiably be proud of our many achievements and successes in plant conservation in the past 30 years, which have helped slow the rate of loss, unless we devise a more coherent, consistent and integrated global strategy in which both the effectiveness and limitations of our current policies, action plans and procedures are recognized, and reflect this in national strategies, and then embark on a much bolder and ambitious set of actions, progress will be limited and plant diversity will continue to decline

Nitrogen oxides, regional transport, and ozone air quality: Results of a regional-scale model for the midwestern United States

An overview of the role of NO x in the formation of rural O 3 , regional transport and its potential impact on urban air quality is presented. An analysis of a specific O 3 excursion in southeast Michigan (8-2-90) is performed based on a combined urban and regional-scale model. The regional component of the model represents transport and photochemistry from sources as far away as Texas. Results suggest that rural O 3 and regional transport sensitive to NO x emissions and relatively insensitive to changes in volatile organic carbon (VOC) emissions. This differs from the situation in urban areas, where O 3 is sensitive to both NO x and VOC. Regional transport and upwind NO x emissions have a significant impact on peak O 3 in Detroit. Implications for urban and regional-scale abatement strategies are discussed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/43908/1/11270_2004_Article_BF00480817.pd

Factors regulating ozone over the United States and its export to the global atmosphere

The factors regulating summertime O3 over the United States and its export to the global atmosphere are examined with a 3-month simulation using a continental scale, three-dimensional photochemical model. It is found that reducing NOx emissions by 50% from 1985 levels would decrease rural O3 concentrations over the eastern United States by about 15% under almost all meteorological conditions, while reducing anthropogenic hydrocarbon emissions by 50% would have less than a 4% effect except in the largest urban plumes. The strongly NOx-limited conditions in the model reflect the dominance of rural areas as sources of O3 on the regional scale. The correlation between O3 concentrations and temperature observed at eastern U.S. sites is attributed in part to the association of high temperatures with regional stagnation, and in part to an actual dependence of O3 production on temperature driven primarily by conversion of NOx to peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN). The net number of O3 molecules produced per molecule of NOx consumed (net O3 production efficiency, accounting for both chemical production and chemical loss of O3) has a mean value of 6.3 in the U.S. boundary layer; it is 3 times higher in the western United States than in the east because of lower NOx concentrations in the west. Approximately 70% of the net chemical production of O3 in the U.S. boundary layer is exported (the rest is deposited). Only 6% of the NOx emitted in the United States is exported out of the U.S. boundary layer as NOx or PAN, but this export contributes disproportionately to total U.S. influence on global tropospheric O3because of the high O3 production efficiency per unit NOx in the remote troposphere. It is estimated that export of U.S. pollution supplies 8 Gmol O3 d−1 to the global troposphere in summer, including 4 Gmol d−1 from direct export of O3 out of the U.S. boundary layer and 4 Gmol d−1 from production of O3 downwind of the United States due to exported NOx. This U.S. pollution source can be compared to estimates of 18–28 Gmol d−1 for the cross-tropopause transport of O3 over the entire northern hemisphere in summer

Analysis of the antiviral activity of IFITM-proteins

Virale Infektionen gehören zu den häufigsten Todesursachen weltweit. Da nur unzureichende Therapieoptionen vorhanden sind und die hohe Mutationsrate vieler Viren eine schnelle Resistenzentwicklung zur Folge hat, sind dringend neue Therapieansätze notwendig. Das Interferon-System hemmt Viren und ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil des angeborenen Immunsystems. Interferon-induzierte antivirale Effektoren blockieren verschiedene Schritte des viralen Lebenszyklus und die Aufklärung der zugrundeliegenden Mechanismen könnte wertvolle Hinweise für die Entwicklung neuer antiviraler Medikamente liefern. Zu diesen antiviralen Effektoren zählen die Interferon-induzierten Transmembranproteine (IFITMs), welche den Wirtszelleintritt von zahlreichen umhüllten Viren wie Influenza-A-Virus, Ebolavirus und humanes Immundefizienz-Virus inhibieren. Dabei wurde gezeigt, dass IFITMs die Fusion von Virushülle und zellulärer Membran blockieren und dass ihr Einbau in humane Immundefizienz-Viren deren Infektiosität reduziert. Außerdem wurde beschrieben, dass IFITMs die Spaltung des Glykoproteins des humanen Immundefizienz-Virus durch die zelluläre Protease Furin hemmen. Ein Ziel dieser Arbeit war es zu klären, ob IFITMs auch in andere Viruspartikel inkorporiert werden und deren Freisetzung sowie Infektiosität modulieren. Zudem sollte untersucht werden, ob IFITMs auch mit der Glykoproteinprozessierung anderer Viren interferieren. Mittels retroviraler Pseudoviren und transienter Transfektion konnte gezeigt werden, dass IFITM3 unabhängig von viralen Glykoproteinen in Viruspartikel inkorporiert wird und so deren Infektiosität reduziert. Außerdem konnte gezeigt werden, dass die transiente Expression vom IFITM3 nicht nur die Spaltung des Glykoproteins des humanen Immundefizienz-Virus, sondern auch die Spaltung anderer viraler Glykoproteine hemmt. Durch die Verwendung eines Plasmidsystems, das die Herstellung von vermehrungsfähigen Ebolavirus-ähnlichen Partikeln erlaubt, konnte kein Einfluss von IFITM3 auf die Replikation von Ebolavirus festgestellt werden, welcher die IFITM3-vermittelte Inhibition des Eintritts und die Freisetzung von Ebolavirus erklären könnte. Schließlich wurde untersucht, ob das Ebolavirus für Proteine kodiert, die die antivirale Wirkung vom IFITM3 blockieren. Expressionsanalysen und funktionellen Studien zeigten, dass keines der Ebolavirus-Proteine die Expression oder die antivirale Wirkung vom IFITM3 hemmt. Zusammengefasst zeigt diese Arbeit, dass IFITMs unabhängig vom viralen Glykoprotein in Viruspartikel inkorporiert werden, deren Infektiosität verringern und die Spaltung verschiedener viraler Glykoproteine hemmen. Außerdem konnte demonstriert werden, dass IFITM3 die Spaltung des Ebolavirus-Glykoproteins und die Infektiosität von Ebolavirus-ähnlichen Partikeln blockiert und dass Ebolavirus-Proteine nicht mit der antiviralen Wirkung vom IFITM3 interferieren. IFITM3 könnte daher die Ausbreitung von Ebolavirus in infizierten Personen reduzieren. Insgesamt erweitert diese Arbeit somit die Kenntnisse über die antivirale Wirkung von IFITMs und die weitere Erforschung dieser Mechanismen könnte wichtige Hinweise für die Entwicklung neuer antiviraler Therapiemaßnahmen mit breitem Wirkspektrum liefern.Viral infections are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Only a limited number of therapy options are available. Moreover, the high mutation rate of many viruses leads to the rapid development of resistance. In consequence, new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. The interferon system inhibits viruses and plays an essential role in the innate immune system. Interferon induced antiviral effectors block different steps of the viral cycle of life and the understanding of the underlying mechanisms could lead to the promotion of new antiviral drugs. Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are antiviral effectors, which inhibit entry of several enveloped viruses, including human and simian immunodeficiency virus, influenza A virus and Ebola virus. It has been proposed that IFITMs inhibit viral entry by preventing fusion of viral envelope and host membrane. In addition, research revealed that IFITMs are incorporated into HIV/SIV particles and that virion incorporation is associated with reduced viral infectivity. Furthermore, evidence was provided that IFITMs bind to HIV Env and interfere with priming of Env by the host cell protease furin. This doctoral thesis aimed to clarify whether IFITMs are also incorporated into other viral particles and modulate particle release and infectivity. Besides, it should be assessed whether Env binding and blockade of proteolytic processing extends to the Env proteins of other viruses. Using retroviral particles and transient transfection, an Env-independent incorporation into viral particles und consequently reduced infectivity were demonstrated. Additionally, transient expressed IFITM3 prevents not only the cleavage of HIV Env, but also other viral glycoproteins. With the aid of a plasmid system, enabling the production of Ebolavirus-like particles, it could be shown that IFITMs do not interfere with replication of Ebolavirus. Therefore, this does not explain the IFITM-mediated inhibition of Ebolavirus release and entry. Finally, it was investigated whether Ebolaviruses evolved countermeasures to hinder the antiviral action of IFITMs. However, none of the ebolavirus proteins inhibited the antiviral activity of IFITM3 in expression analysis and functional studies. In summary, the present work revealed that IFITMS are incorporated into viral particles ENV-independently, reduce their infectivity and inhibit the cleavage of various viral glycoproteins. Moreover, IFITM3 impairs the processing of Ebolavirus glycoprotein and reduces infectivity of Ebolavirus particles, having no Ebolavirus proteins antagonizing this. Hence, IFITM3 could limit the spread of Ebolavirus in infected patients. Overall, this work expands the knowledge about the antiviral activity of IFITMs. Further research is crucial to develop new therapeutic approaches with a broad antiviral spectrum.2022-09-0

The curvature of the wind profile as a factor in the formation of clear-air turbulence

Due to the character of the original source materials and the nature of batch digitization, quality control issues may be present in this document. Please report any quality issues you encounter to [email protected], referencing the URI of the item.Not availabl

Evaluation of Prognosticators and Treatment-Related Side Effects in Patients Irradiated Postoperatively for Endometrial Cancer

Numerous clinical trials sought to improve outcomes in endometrial cancer patients with multimodal treatment strategies. We tested the hypothesis that specific histopathological and clinical parameters are prognosticators for outcomes at our Gynecological Cancer Center. A total of 203 patients (median age, 69.5 years) was included. They were irradiated postoperatively (n = 184: Brachytherapy, n = 19: Teletherapy) between 05/2007 and 03/2020. The median follow-up was 37.2 months. As statistical methods, we used the univariable Cox proportional hazards regression, and log-rank statistics. First, we found a significant influence of grading and nodal stage on outcomes. These findings underline the recommendations of more intense treatment in these patient groups, as already reflected in current guidelines. Secondly, we found that patient age had a significant influence on survival be it due to comorbidities and/or due to too hesitant treatment regimen in the elderly. Thus, it should be aimed at particular strategies in treatment of these patients. Lastly, we found very low rates of treatment-related side effects in patients treated with brachytherapy and moderate rates of side effects in patients treated with teletherapy. Overall, our study serves as basis for further improvement of treatment strategies and for conceptualization of clinical trials

Postoperative Radiochemotherapy Using Modern Radiotherapy Techniques in Elderly Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Challenge of Weighing Up Benefits and Harms of Treatment Modalities in Clinical Practice

Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are often managed with surgery followed by postoperative radiochemotherapy (RCT). With the general increase in life expectancy, the proportion of elderly patients with HNSCC is expected to grow rapidly. Until now, a deeper understanding of specific management strategies for these patients in clinical routine was lacking. In the present study, we compared elderly patients (≥70 years, n = 52) and younger patients (n = 245) treated with postoperative RCT for HNSCC at our tertiary cancer center. All patients were irradiated with modern radiotherapy techniques (IMRT/VMAT). Patients ≥70 years of age had more comorbidities. Additionally, elderly patients less frequently received concomitant systemic treatment. The rates of mucositis and dermatitis were lower in patients ≥70 years. Elderly patients had significantly worse overall and progression-free survival. Locoregional and distant control were comparable in elderly and younger patients. In conclusion, postoperative RCT is a safe and effective treatment option in patients ≥70 years. In light of comorbidities and poor overall survival rates, benefits and harms of radiotherapy and concomitant systemic treatment should be weighed carefully. When exclusively applying up-to-date radiotherapy techniques with, at the same time, careful use of concomitant systemic therapy, favorable acute toxicity profiles are achieved