jewelry-ct.com

Modulation of the Period of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation by the Solar Cycle

Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, Aug 2009 by Kuai, Le, Shia, Run-Lie, Jiang, Xun, Tung, Ka Kit, Yung, Yuk L

ABSTRACT

The authors examine the mechanism of solar cycle modulation of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) period using the Two-and-a-Half-Dimensional Interactive Isentropic Research (THINAIR) model. Previous model results (using 2D and 3D models of varying complexity) have not convincingly established the proposed link of longer QBO periods during solar minima. Observational evidence for such a modulation is also controversial because it is only found during the period from the 1960s to the early 1990s, which is contaminated by volcanic aerosols. In the model, 200- and 400-yr runs without volcano influence can be obtained, long enough to establish some statistical robustness. Both in model and observed data, there is a strong synchronization of the QBO period with integer multiples of the semiannual oscillation (SAO) in the upper stratosphere. Under the current level of wave forcing, the period of the QBO jumps from one multiple of SAO to another and back so that it averages to 28 months, never settling down to a constant period. The “decadal” variability in the QBO period takes the form of “quantum” jumps; these, however, do not appear to follow the level of the solar flux in either the observation or the model using realistic quasi-periodic solar cycle (SC) forcing. To understand the solar modulation of the QBO period, the authors perform model runs with a range of perpetual solar forcing, either lower or higher than the current level. At the current level of solar forcing, the model QBO period consists of a distribution of four and five SAO periods, similar to the observed distribution. This distribution changes as solar forcing changes. For lower (higher) solar forcing, the distribution shifts to more (less) four SAO periods than five SAO periods. The record-averaged QBO period increases with the solar forcing. However, because this effect is rather weak and is detectable only with exaggerated forcing, the authors suggest that the previous result of the anticorrelation of the QBO period with the SC seen in short observational records reflects only a chance behavior of the QBO period, which naturally jumps in a nonstationary manner even if the solar forcing is held constant, and the correlation can change as the record gets longer.

(ProQuest: … denotes formula omitted.)

1. Introduction

The quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) is an internal oscillation of the equatorial zonal wind in the stratosphere involving wave-mean flow interactions (Holton and Lindzen 1972; Dunkerton 1997; Baldwin et al. 2001). There have been numerous observational studies of the QBO in the zonal wind, temperature, and ozone (e.g., Angel) and Korshover 1970; Oltmans and London 1982; Hasebe 1983; Zawodny and McCormick 1991; Randel and Wu 1996 Pawson and Fionno 1998). The period of the QBO averages about 28 months but is known to have interannual variations of a few months about the average. While it is not surprising for this phenomenon arising from wave-mean flow interaction to have a variable period, the possibility that it could be affected by external forcing such as the 11-yr solar cycle (SC) is intriguing.

Using radiosonde data from the Free University of Berlin (FUB) near the equator at 45 hPa between 1956 and 1996, Salby and Callaghan (2000) found that the duration of the equatorial westerly phase QBO (w-QBO) appears to vary with the SC and tends to be longer during the solar minima (SC-min). By comparison, the duration of the easterly phase of QBO (e-QBO) has little variability at that level but has a decadal variation above 30 hPa. Soukharev and Hood (2001) extended the work of Salby and Callaghan (2000) using composite mean analysis of a similar dataset but at 50-10 hPa from 1957 to 1999. Their analysis also indicated that the duration of both QBO phases is longer during the SC-min. Pascoe et al. (2005) examined the ERA-40 dataset (Uppala et al. 2005) from 1958 to 2001 to study the solar modulation of the mean descent rate of the shear zone

Ex-Ute Smith belts teammate

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Aug 2, 2008 | by Associated Press

Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith, a former University of Utah star, was sent home from training camp Friday after he punched teammate Ken Lucas during practice, causing the starting cornerback to be carted off the field holding an ice pack to his left eye.

Panthers coach John Fox said Smith and Lucas returned to Charlotte after the fight in Spartanburg, S.C. The team didn’t provide an update on the extent of Lucas’ injuries and club officials declined to say if the volatile Smith, the team’s top receiver, would be suspended.

“We’re going to handle this matter internally,” general manager Marty Hurney said.

Smith’s agent, Derrick Fox, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

The melee came after both players had taken off their helmets in a break for starters during a special teams drill. It was unclear what provoked the fight. While the two have routinely jawed at each other in practice since Lucas signed with Carolina in 2005, they’ve never come to blows in view of reporters.

“When that happens on the field usually guys have helmets on,” quarterback Jake Delhomme said. “But this happened on the sidelines, so it probably wasn’t a good idea.”

When attention turned from the field to the fight, several players and Fox rushed to the scene. Fox tried to separate the two, but it took linebacker Jon Beason to pull Smith off Lucas.

Lucas walked to a tent, holding his head while accompanied by a trainer. Smith was then escorted there by receiver Muhsin Muhammad to talk to Lucas.

“Steve was probably a little remorseful for what happened,” Muhammad said. “He was trying to apologize, so I was walking with him just to be there.”

After being treated for several minutes, Lucas walked to a nearby cart and was taken to the locker room.

Smith spent several minutes talking to kicker John Kasay on an adjacent field before he was escorted to the locker room by Hurney as practice continued.

“Anytime something like that happens you’re obviously disappointed,” Fox said. “It’s part of football and you deal with it.”

The coach had an extended talk with the team after the workout. Delhomme said Fox warned the players not to retaliate against Smith.

“I don’t anticipate this having any lingering effect on this team,” Delhomme said. “We were talked to and things were squashed. That’s it. That’s the way it is. It happened. There will be no retaliation by anybody on anything. When you look at the schedule we don’t play the Panthers this year. So we need to be smart when we’re out there.”

A three-time Pro Bowl pick, Smith has had trouble controlling his temper. He was suspended for a game in 2002 after punching teammate Anthony Bright during a film session. Smith received counseling for anger management, and a lawsuit filed by Bright was eventually settled out of court.

Despite a history of poorly timed penalties following angry outbursts, Smith signed a contract extension last year through the 2012 season that makes him one of the NFL’s highest-paid receivers.

A possible suspension to Carolina’s top playmaker cast a shadow over the team Friday afternoon.

“Obviously everybody is going to be waiting to see what the repercussions are from this event,” Muhammad said. “I’m just praying that we rally together as a team, because obviously there’s going to be some adversity here. The focus is not where it needs to be right now.

“I’m hoping we can all come together as a team, as a family, and are able to put this behind us.”

MCCARTHY: MARKETING DEAL GOOD FOR FAVRE, PACK: Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy says a potential marketing contract for Brett Favre could benefit the star quarterback and the team. More importantly, it also could resolve their standoff over Favre’s retirement.

The marketing deal, worth a reported $20 million over 10 years, might end Favre’s bid to return just months after retiring and presumably would keep him from reporting to Packers training camp when the team is not planning for him to start. Favre confirmed he was considering the marketing deal to ESPN Thursday.

“Brett needs to stay a part of football,” McCarthy said after practice Friday morning

Smart snacking

Dance Magazine, August, 2009 by Rebecca Breau

Students have a hard time resisting vending machines filled with chips, candy, and cookies. But high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils aren’t the best fuel for active, growing bodies. Luckily more companies now provide healthy options, like Vend Natural (www.vendnatural.com), which can stock your machine with organic snacks like CLIF bars.

Or, if you haven’t tried a snack machine yet, consider MyHealthyThing in Long Island, New York. Run by a group of marathoner/Ironman/triathlete parents, the company installs machines at no charge and offers a consultation session with their staff nutritionist (www.myhealthything.com)

The Drive for More Entertaining Products Leads to Great New in-Dash Audio Video Systems from Pioneer

Business Wire, Jan 8, 2007

LAS VEGAS — Consumers seeking great audio and video quality in the car have a solution for unlimited entertainment on the road with the introduction of two new multimedia systems from Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Both the AVH-P4900DVD and AVH-P5900DVD are packed with more audio, video and connectivity capabilities for the best in-car entertainment experience. The DIN units are sized to fit most vehicle dashboards and offer a choice of a 6.5- or 7-inch video screen, great audio quality and easy connectivity to either XM[R] or SIRIUS[R] satellite radio, iPod[R] and Bluetooth[R] cell phones.

“Today’s technophiles are looking for new ways to share the growing number of short, funny video clips available free from so many online sources. Adding a high-quality video screen to the dash of a car offers a great solution to share the latest videos with friends,” said Larry Rougas, vice president of marketing and product planning for the mobile entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “When a popular new video hits one of the social networking sites, you don’t want to be the last person to have seen it. A quick download to DVD or video iPod and you can bring it with you in the car and be first on the block with the ability to show it off.”

Video

Both units offer high-quality motorized LCD screens for playback of DVDs or downloaded DivX[R] video content. The AVH-P4900DVD has a 6.5-inch screen and the AVH-P5900DVD has a slightly larger 7-inch screen. Pioneer is known for its high-quality video products for home and in-car use, and consumers can be assured that its screens will offer best-in-class video reproduction.

Sound

Both systems offer high-power MOSFET50 amplification, pre-am outputs and two-way crossovers for great sound quality in the car. The processing includes Pioneer’s Bit Map Expander for compressed audio files to fill in the areas of music that are missing after compression. This adds a fuller, richer sound quality for MP3, WMA and AAC compressed audio.

Convenience

A rotary volume control on the AVH-P5900DVD makes it easy to scroll through play lists to find the perfect song for the occasion. Five different graphic user interface styles are offered to customize the look of the screen to match a mood. Different graphics can be selected for different times of day or a single style can be used to match the dash of the vehicle. Both units offer the choice of red or blue illumination.

Connectivity

The AVH-P5900DVD provides complete connectivity to satellite radio, portable music devices and Bluetooth cellular phones. At the back of the unit, an auxiliary input accepts connection to virtually any portable audio device with mini jack outputs.

The system features a built-in iPod Direct control feature utilizing an optional iPod cable (CD-I200), simplifying the connection of the popular player and eliminating the need for external devices. Music content and information from an iPod are accessed at high speed and displayed directly on the large touch screen monitor. Similar to the scroll wheel on an iPod, the search bar appears on screen to display play lists, genre, album and artist folders. The system is also compatible with iPod video players with basic controls on screen.

Consumers with Bluetooth cellular phones can take advantage of the AVH-P5900DVD’s Bluetooth hands-free capability. With the optional CD-BTB100 Bluetooth adapter, enabled cell phones can be synched to the system, letting users carry out phone conversations through the vehicle’s internal speakers and the microphone included with the adapter. The AVH-P5900DVD automatically mutes the audio when a cell phone is in use. Phone numbers can be stored and dialed through the unit’s touch display or pushed wirelessly directly from a cell phone

Letter of the law.

Australasian Business Intelligence, September, 2009

Byline: Anthony Sibillin

Sep 01, 2009 (BRW – ABIX via COMTEX) — Turner Freeman’s Foez Dewan says there is uncertainty about how to structure financial products so that they comply with both Australian and sharia law. Islamic financiers such as the Muslim Community Co-operative Australia and Islamic Co-operative grand rapids lawyers Finance Australia have their own sharia boards, who collaborate with lawyers and bankers on devising compliant products.

Publication Date: 27 August 2009

TURNER FREEMAN
MUSLIM COMMUNITY CO-OPERATIVE AUSTRALIA LIMITED
ISLAMIC CO-OPERATIVE FINANCE AUSTRALIA LIMITED

Copyright 2009 LexisNexis Australia. All Rights Reserved

Lents neighborhood home constructed by Portland YouthBuilders will

Daily Journal of Commerce (Portland, OR), Dec 26, 2008 by Tyler Graf

Portland YouthBuilders earlier this month unveiled the first energy-efficient home built by students of Energy Trust of Oregon’s Technical School Outreach program for clean building technologies.

With four bedrooms and 1,584 square feet of overall floor space, the Lents neighborhood home includes advanced energy-saving features that are part of Energy Trust of Oregon’s Beyond Energy Star program.

The house will eventually be sold to a low-income family.

It took the teenage builders about nine months to construct the house, said Bill Kowalczyk, construction manager with Portland YouthBuilders. The construction schedule was slightly longer than other projects due to the green building techniques involved.

Land for the home was donated through Multnomah County’s Affordable Housing Development Program. The Portland Development Commission partnered on the project by providing some of the financing.

Teens involved in the program sang its praises. Student builder Bryan Stinson said the program had given him purpose and direction.

“I used to get into a lot of trouble out in this neighborhood,” he said, “so it’s great to actually be part of the community now.”

Paola Vazquez added that seeing the project to its completion had given her pride.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve done,” she said. “It’s amazing.”

The YouthBuilders program is geared toward high-school dropouts and other kids who may be considered directionless and may not thrive following a typical high school regimen. It’s both accredited as a high school and licensed through the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, and works to provide apprenticeship programs for young people interested in getting involved in construction.

As the construction industry has gone greener, it has started generating more interest among contractors pacific palisades young people, said Warren Cook, an Energy Trust field technician for new construction. He has 25 years of experience helping teens enter the industry, and he has never seen as much enthusiasm as he does presently.

“It’s hard to teach old builders new tricks,” Cook said, “but it’s easy to teach new builders new tricks.”

Allowing at-risk kids to ply their newfound trade in the Lents neighborhood – the center of a city-sponsored flurry of redevelopment activity – helps foster better connections to the community, according to Nick Sauvie, the executive director of Rose Community Development.

The neighborhood has long been cited as an example of the city’s seedy underside, often going by the nickname “Felony Flats.”

He takes issue with that characterization. Building energy efficient houses in the Lents neighborhood, he added, will continue his program’s 20-year commitment to renovating rundown properties on the outer eastside.

Next on the agenda for Portland YouthBuilders will be a one- story house on Yukon Street

Air travel and COPD

CME: Your SA Journal of CPD, April, 2009 by L.P. Krige

Air travel increases markedly every year–it was predicted that by 2008 more than 2 billion people would have travelled by commercial airliner worldwide. (1)

A proportion of them have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of varying severity, some of whom may experience significant psychological and physiological stress owing to hypoxia while flying.

It is a concern, particularly in COPD patients who live at the coast where the P[O.sub.2] is high, whether they will be compromised when the P[O.sub.2] diminishes. Commercial aircraft travel between 10 000 m and 13 500 m. However, Federal Aviation Administration requirements specify that the partial pressure in an aircraft should not be less than the partial pressure at an altitude of 2 540 m. (2) The Gauteng region is about 1 600 m above sea level; therefore the cabin pressure difference will be much less for COPD patients departing from that region than for those departing from a region at sea level.

Physiological response to hyperbaric hypoxia

The steps required for oxygen transportation from ambient air to cellular metabolism are numerous, and include: (i) alveolar ventilation; (ii) matching perfusion of blood with alveolar ventilation; (iii) diffusion of oxygen through the alveolar capillary membrane; (iv) circulatory ability, i.e. cardiac output of the right ventricle; and (v) compensatory oxygen binding to haemoglobin. Changes take place at each of these levels, but should there be an inability to compensate, the patient may be adversely affected by hyperbaric hypoxia.

Hyperventilation is the first compensatory mechanism used by the body for hypoxia. (3) At sea level the tracheal P[O.sub.2] is about 149 mmHg, but at 2 450 m it is about 108 mmHg, which represents a decrease of about 27.5%. At this level patients with more severe COPD will already be hyperventilating and may not be able to increase their respiratory rate further. With hyperventilation the alveolar carbon dioxide will diminish

Plastic surgery; 2v

SciTech Book News, June, 2009

Plastic surgery; 2v. (DVD-ROM included)

Guyuron, Bahman et al.

Elsevier Saunders

2009

2038 pages

$599.00

Hardcover

RD118

Guyuron (plastic surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center), Eriksson (plastic and reconstructive surgery, Harvard Medical School), and Persing (plastic surgery and neurosurgery, Yale U. School of Medicine) present a two-volume medical text based on the Association of Academic Chairmen in Plastic Surgery curriculum. The primary audience intended for the text consists of residents and new and experienced surgeons “seeking a comprehensive, yet quickly accessed information base for their clinical practice.” The first volume contains 70 chapters organized into sections covering principles of plastic surgery, basic techniques, basic principles of craniomaxillofacial surgery, craniofacial surgery, plastic surgeons reno maxillofacial surgery, pediatric plastic surgery, and head and neck surgery. Hand surgery occupies the bulk of the second volume, with 32 chapters covering introductory matters, soft tissues repair, fractures and dislocations, the wrist, tendons, tenosynovytis and infections, contractures, nerve surgery, microsurgery, the thumb, arthritis of the hand and wrist, tumors, vascular disorders, and thermal injury

Puzzle-playing jurors sink Australian drugs trial

AFP, June, 2008

SYDNEY (AFP) — An Australian judge was forced to abandon a three-month drugs trial when jurors admitted they were doing sudoku puzzles to fight off boredom, reports said on Wednesday.

Sydney District Court Judge Peter Zahra aborted proceedings Tuesday after the jury forewoman admitted she and four others had been playing the popular numbers game since the second week of the hearing.

She told the judge the brain-teasers had helped “keep my mind busy” as she listened to testimony from the 105 witnesses at the trial, which has cost more than one million dollars (945,000 US) so far.

“Some of the evidence is rather drawn out and I find it difficult to maintain my attention the whole time and that (the puzzle) doesn’t distract me too much from proceedings,” she…

Teeth

Internet Bookwatch, July, 2007

Teeth

Aracelis Girmay

Curbstone Press

321 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT 06226

9781931896368, $13.00 www.curbstone.org

A writer, poet and educator, Aracelis Girmay brings a distinctive and creative voice to her free verse lyrics. Her poetry is energetic, original, and celebratory. She is also not afraid to express through her poetry views of the world and the human experience that are as thoughtful as they are thought-provoking. Very highly recommended to the attention of poetry enthusiasts who appreciate skill and imagination, “Teeth” is a compilation of Girmay’s poetry that also mesa orthodontist reflects her Eritrean, Puerto Rican, and African American heritage