Synoptic Approach Research Articles

Room 220-222, 10/16/2000 9: 00 AM - 10: 30 AM (PD) A Multichannel TEG Based Synoptic Approach for Rapid Detection of Postoperative Coagulation Disorders in Pediatric Patients Following Cardiac Surgery

<b>Room 220-222, 10/16/2000 9: 00 AM - 10: 30 AM (PD) A Multichannel TEG Based Synoptic Approach for Rapid Detection of Postoperative Coagulation Disorders in Pediatric Patients Following Cardiac Surgery</b>

Lidar observations of the stratospheric aerosol during 1993 above McMurdo Station, Antarctica

Scattering ratios of stratospheric aerosol obtained by lidar at McMurdo Station, Antarctica (78°S, 167°E), during February–December 1993, have been analysed in relation to the stratospheric polar vortex. Seasonal changes in their properties are used to infer dynamic processes occurring in the Antarctic stratosphere during the year. Descent rates are calculated and compared to values obtained with different studies. Our analysis suggests that the apparent springtime cleansing of the Antarctic stratosphere is the result of subsidence of air masses inside the vortex and of sedimentation of larger particles. Below 20 km of height, an enhancement of the aerosol descent rates during July was associated with high occurrence of Polar Stratospheric Cloud events above McMurdo Station in that period. A synoptic approach using potential vorticity values at 425 K above the station has been employed to figure out the behaviour of the aerosol across the vortex boundary during its early formation.

The Role of Integrating Concepts in Watershed Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT Watershed rehabilitation affects a large array of variables: ecological, economic, cultural, and sociopolitical. Synoptic approaches aim at accounting for “everything” relevant by specifying the watershed and objectives for its development unambiguously. One could then calculate the optimal state of the watershed and use experts to specify the means for achieving this state. The development and use of integrating concepts such as “ecosystem health,” a “living river,” or “river health” that aim at describing the overall state of the watershed and general objectives for its improvement may appear to support the synoptic approach. The present study shows that the synoptic approaches and the integrating concepts are partly incompatible. The integrating concepts evolve continuously and cannot as such yield a complete objective calculation that would specify an optimal level of rehabilitation. The integrating concepts are mainly useful in a context of communicative planning that accepts and encourages their evolution as new knowledge is gained and as stakeholders interact. Large‐scale rehabilitation, therefore, must be supported by processes and institutional arrangements that facilitate specification of the desired states at the watershed level. The present study provides an example of such a process and the corresponding institutional arrangement.

A synoptic assessment for prioritizing wetland restoration efforts to optimize flood attenuation

The placement of wetland restoration projects in a landscape to optimize the functional performance of wetlands on a regional scale is often overlooked. To address this problem, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Landscape Function Project developed the synoptic approach to assign restoration priority to landscape subunits according to selected functional criteria. The approach provides a flexible, ecologically-based framework for allocating limited restoration-resources and preserving valued wetland functions on a landscape scale. We conducted a synoptic assessment of the Prairie Pothole Region of the northcentral U.S. to demonstrate application of the method for our assessment criterion—the marginal decrease in total downstream flood volume per restoration dollar. A criterion is often not directly measurable but can be represented by an index composed of measurements on related variables. In a synoptic assessment, these measured variables, referred to as indicators, are limited to variables for which data are existing, accessible, and uniformly available for the entire region. We developed a conceptual model to guide the development of an index of the assessment criterion. We then ranked landscape subunits based on index values and mapped the ranks to show relative priority for restoration among landscape subunits. We conducted a series of analyses to justify selection of indicators and some of our assumptions. The approach offers multiple options for processing and displaying information for use by wetland managers.

Histochemistry and morphometry on bone marrow biopsies in chronic myeloproliferative disorders - aids to diagnosis and classification.

The aim of this review is to evaluate morphological characteristics of the different subtypes of chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) derived by applying immunohistochemical and morphometric techniques to bone marrow biopsies and to combine these results with relevant clinical parameters. In comparison to control specimens, a significant decrease in erythroid precursors is determinable in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), while this cell lineage is most prominent in polycythemia vera (PV) and moderately to markedly reduced in idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF). On the other hand, neutrophilic granulopoiesis shows a predominance in CML and a relevant increase in PV, but no conspicuous changes are detectable in essential thrombocythemia (ET). CML is characterized by a prevalent growth of dwarflike micromegakaryocytes, occurring in particular in the so-called megakaryocyte-rich subtypes (about 30%). This finding differs significantly from the pleomorphous aspect, i.e. , clusters of small to giant-sized megakaryocytes in PV and the grossly abnormal (dysplastic) appearance of this cell lineage in patients with IMF. Similar cytological abnormalities of megakaryopoiesis consistent with maturation defects are never encountered in ET. The incidence of mature (resident) macrophages (phagocytic reticular cells) is significantly enhanced in IMF in comparison to the other MPDs and controls. Moreover, there is a striking difference in the density of reticulin-collagen fibers, ranging from normal (ET) to extreme values (IMF). In IMF more than 80% of the patients present with some degree of myelofibrosis-osteosclerosis at diagnosis, while the rest show an initial prefibrotic, hypercellular stage. This feature deserves special attention since, when accompanied by thrombocythemia, it may simulate ET. Sequential bone marrow biopsies in patients with IMF disclose that evolution of myelofibrosis is progressive, but occurs at a variable and unpredictable speed. A synoptical approach regarding clinical diagnosis and histological subtyping of MPDs is explicitly recommended and demonstrated by sets of diagnostic criteria. This rationale requires equal consideration of laboratory data and morphology by clinicians to include well-defined subtypes of MPDs into prospective management studies. Furthermore, it may even warrant follow-up studies and repeated bone marrow examinations in initially unclassifiable cases.

Focal lymphoid aggregates (nodules) in bone marrow biopsies: differentiation between benign hyperplasia and malignant lymphoma--a practical guideline.

AIMS: To provide practical guidelines for the differentiation between benign and malignant focal lymphoid aggregates (lymphoid nodules) in routinely referred bone marrow trephine biopsies, using a synoptic approach including clinical...

The pineal organ, its hormone melatonin, and the photoneuroendocrine system.

The vertebrate pineal organ rhythmically synthesizes and secretes melatonin during nighttime and forms an essential component of the photoneuroendocrine system which allows humans and animals to measure and keep the time. Regulation of the melatonin biosynthesis depends on signals from photoreceptors perceiving and transmitting environmental light stimuli and endogenous oscillators generating a circadian rhythm which is independent from any environmental time cue (zeitgeber). In nonmammalian species the photoreceptors responsible for regulating melatonin biosynthesis reside within the pineal organ itself. In several nonmammalian species (e.g., lamprey, zebra fish, house sparrow, chicken) the pineal organ is also capable of generating circadian rhythms and thus serves all key functions of the photoneuroendocrine system: photoreception, endogenous rhythm generation, and production of neurohormones. These may even be accomplished by a single "photoneuroendocrine" cell. In mammals the pineal organ has lost both the direct light sensitivity and the capacity of generating circadian rhythms, and melatonin biosynthesis is regulated by retinal photoreceptors and a circadian oscillator located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Due to this spatial separation the photoneuroendocrine system of mammals comprises neuronal and neuroendocrine pathways which interconnect its components. The neuronal pathways involve circuits of both the central and the peripheral nervous systems, and as an important final link noradrenergic sympathetic nerve fibers. The suprachiasmatic nucleus appears as a major target of melatonin in mammals. The pineal hormone may thus be involved in a feedback loop of the mammalian photoneuroendocrine system. The present comparative contribution considers, after a short survey of classical findings on the phylogenetic development and the gross anatomy of the pineal complex, cytoevolutionary and cell biological aspects of the various types of pinealocytes as well as the afferent and efferent innervation of the pineal organ (pinealofugal and pinealopetal neuronal pathways). Moreover, emphasis is placed on receptor mechanisms, second messenger systems (Ca2+ and cyclic AMP), transcription factors (e.g, CREB and ICER), and their roles for regulation of melatonin biosynthesis. Finally, the action, targets, and receptors of melatonin are dealt with. The synoptic approach of this contribution, which combines anatomical and ultrastructural findings with cell and molecular biological results, confirms the functional significance of the melatonin-synthesizing pineal organ as an important component of the photoneuroendocrine system and stresses the importance of this organ as a model to study signal transduction mechanisms both in photoreceptors and in neuroendocrine cells.

PROJECTING THE FUTURE RATIONALLY

Chemistry is a great launch pad to all types of interesting, nonbench careers. Ask Joseph F. Coates, who has managed to parlay a chemical background into a career of the furthest out dimensions—future studies, or how science and technology will affect life 10 to 50 years from now. Future studies is a field that attracts fuzzy dreamers and visionaries. But it also has a core of about 200 serious professionals like Coates who connect the trends and phenomena they study with the problems leaders will have to deal with tomorrow. Coates is one of only about 15 futurists who take what is called the synoptic approach to future studies. That is, he projects scientific and technological developments as part of future economic, political, and social scenarios. Coates has been doing future studies for almost 20 years as president of Coates & Jarratt, a consulting firm in Washington, D.C. He began futures work professionally at the ...

ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING: A Synoptic Approach for Assessing CumulativeImpacts to Wetlands

/ The US Environmental Protection Agency's Wetlands ResearchProgram has developed the synoptic approach as a proposed method forassessing cumulative impacts to wetlands by providing both a general and acomprehensive view of the environment. It can also be applied more broadly toregional prioritization of environmental issues. The synoptic approach is aframework for making comparisons between landscape subunits, such aswatersheds, ecoregions, or counties, thereby allowing cumulative impacts tobe considered in management decisions. Because there is a lack of tools thatcan be used to address cumulative impacts within regulatory constraints, thesynoptic approach was designed as a method that could make use of availableinformation and best professional judgement. Thus, the approach is acompromise between the need for rigorous results and the need for timelyinformation. It is appropriate for decision making when quantitative,accurate information is not available; the cost of improving existinginformation or obtaining better information is high; the cost of a wronganswer is low; there is a high demand for the information; and the situationcalls for setting priorities between multiple decisions versus optimizing fora single decision. The synoptic approach should be useful for resourcemanagers because an assessment is timely; it can be completed within one totwo years at relatively low cost, tested, and improved over time. Anassessment can also be customized to specific needs, and the results arepresented in mapped format. However, the utility of a synoptic assessmentdepends on how well knowledge of the environment is incorporated into theassessment, relevant to particular management questions.KEY WORDS: Cumulative impact assessment; Landscape ecology; Regionalprioritization

ChemInform Abstract: Solid State NMR in Inclusion Compounds. Synoptic Approaches to Structure Determination

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.

Decision making during organizational change: observations on disjointed incrementalism in an Australian local government authority

Examines the nature of managerial decision making during the process of a programme of workplace reform at a major local government authority in New South Wales, Australia. Draws parallells between the synoptic and disjointed incrementalist approach to decision making during organizational change. In particular shows that the synoptic approach is not applicable in this case, and instead stresses the prevalence of incremental, reconstructive, serial and remedial decision making, characteristic of the disjointed incrementalist model. Presents and analyses the reasons for this. In so doing also draws attention to the importance of four factors which are interwoven with the non‐synoptic approach throughout the case, namely: continuity of purpose, probing for openings, seizing opportunities and waiting (and pouncing).

T-Butylcalix[4]arene host-guest compounds: Structure and dynamics

Despite the proliferation of structural studies on calixarene host-guest compounds, some important structural details remain obscure. In particular, the ubiquitous disorder of the calixt-butyl group often hinders a detailed determination of the non-bonding interactions between host and guest. We propose and develop a synoptic approach in which several complementary characterization techniques (X-ray diffraction and NMR) provide a powerful means of assessing the interplay of structure and dynamics in calixarene-guest compounds. The simplet-butylcalix[4]arene-guest compounds (guest = toluene, nitrobenzene, cyclohexane,n-pentane, l-chlorobutane) are examined with this approach, and new structural and dynamic features are uncovered.

Fog Forecasting Objectively in the California Coastal Area Using LIBS

Abstract Weather forecasts and warnings are the most important services provided by the meteorological profession. As one aspect of these services, a year-round fog forecasting objective is selected for California coastal sites and their surrounding areas, both alongshore and offshore. The effort was to provide a simple, straightforward forecasting method using primarily data from the coastal site, which might be supplemented and improved using the forecaster's experience, any new technology, and new results of research. The meteorological objective is to forecast light, moderate, and dense fog, the probability of each occurring, and the expected times of beginning and ending of each period of reduced visibility, both for terminals and for limited nearby areas. Forecasts of five days' duration are sought using a frequently observed sequence of synoptic events. Methods in use were reviewed. The synoptic approach, emphasizing sea–air relationships, has produced the most promising results at this time. This ...

&gt;Gossip

Abstract This paper argues that the linguistic analysis of gossip reveals not only a great deal about the social role and function of gossip in our society and is therefore important to social theory, but that an analysis of the language of gossip can provide insights into the analysis of casual conversation in English. This paper provides a generic analysis of gossip. The analysis demonstrates that gossip is a culturally determined process with a distinctive structure which can be described. It argues that, in order to describe gossip and other forms of casual conversation, two perspectives are needed: a synoptic approach which looks for complete, static, unified products or texts (generic approach) and a dynamic approach to conversational analysis which focuses on the processes by which moves succeed moves. The latter perspective then focuses on the dynamic unfolding of the interaction which occurs in a gossip text. It allows us to describe how the interactants in conversation can expand, in principle, indefinitely move by move.

Synoptic weather patterns and wave conditions, Surfers Paradise Beach, south-eastern Queensland, 1988

Wave conditions experienced along the beaches of south‐eastern Australia are controlled by winds generated by synoptic scale weather systems over the Tasman and Coral Seas. A synoptic climatological approach provides a framework to establish relationships between these synoptic weather map patterns and daily wave conditions recorded at Surfers Paradise beach. This establishes frequently recurring synoptic weather map patterns (synoptic types) and wave conditions at Surfers Paradise associated with each type. Eight synoptic types, differentiated by isobar orientation and pressure gradient, are identified for a 12 month period. Moderate wave power conditions occurred most frequently and were produced by two anticyclonic types. Less frequent, low wave power conditions were produced by synoptic types with offshore, south‐west to westerly surface airflow over the southern Coral and northern Tasman Seas. Synoptic situations dominated by a tropical cyclone or extra‐tropical cyclone produced the highest, but least frequent wave power conditions. The results indicated that the synoptic climatological approach provides a viable framework to establish and examine links between weather systems and wave conditions.

A synoptic analysis of the meteorological conditions affecting dispersion of pollutants emitted from tall stacks in the coastal plain of Israel

The meteorological conditions affecting dispersion of pollutants emitted from tall stacks in the coastal plain of Israel were analysed according to a synoptic approach. The SO2 highest concentrations (episodes) measured around the largest power plant were first screened in order to characterize the associated synoptic configurations. Almost all the episodes were found to fall into three synoptic categories, all occurring during the warm season. According to the synoptic classification, the main elements influencing dispersion of pollutants were then analysed: the wind and temperature profiles and estimations of the plume rise and its partial penetration into the stable layer aloft. The following conclusions were reached: (a) horizontal wind shear is absent in the appropriate atmospheric layer; (b) for the shallow Persian trough synoptic category, in which the SO2 episodes are the most frequent (55% of the total number), the CBL is shallow (450 m) and over two-thirds of the plume volume is expected to penetrate into the stable layer; (c) for the deep Persian trough synoptic category, which is the second most frequent among the episodes (22% of the total number), plume rise would be unobstructed in the deep CBL (900 m). A prediction index defined as the ratio of the frequency of each synoptic category among the SO2 episodes to its annual frequency was developed. The marked differences obtained in the index values were tentatively explained by the different thermal stratification in the coastal CBL for each synoptic category. The synoptic classification was thus shown to be an efficient tool for predicting spells of SO2 high concentrations.

Hazardous Wastes Management in Brazil: The Need for a Regional Synoptic Approach

Hazardous wastes management in Brazil is a particularly difficult task to accomplish. The country's enormous area, the lack of tradition on dealing with this subject, few trained people, the high investment costs and the sophisticated technology involved make the regional management of hazardous wastes a mandatory approach to reduce costs and maximize benefits. In order to achieve this goal, a synoptic approach over an entire geographical region on all aspects of hazardous wastes management is proposed. On the other hand, several difficulties are foreseen, some of them in the socio-political arena, requiring a lot of an. environmental diplomacy and competent social communication in order to succeed. Despite the difficulties, there seem to be no options to deal with this problem when simultaneously considering its environmental, technical, and economic aspects.

THE HISTORY, STATUS AND FUTURE OF CLIMATIC CLASSIFICATION

As an integral part of the organization of knowledge and discipline development, climatic classification has a long history. Earliest classifications were based upon a single variable, often day-length. Increased availability of data in the late 19th century permitted more quantitative approaches and the use of more than one variable. Vegetation distribution strongly influenced classification system development, with that devised by Koppen proving the most durable. Formulation of climatic indices permitted the development of an applied empiric approach and the development of the moisture-balance concept. Modern taxonomists have used air mass and synoptic climatological approaches in attempts to incorporate atmospheric processes. Synoptic approaches have been of importance since the introduction of methods of numerical taxonomy. The availability of large data sets and computer-generated analytic techniques has helped numeric classification to be of major research importance today. In the future, knowledge ...

BIOCLIMATOLOGICAL RESEARCH: THE ISSUE OF CLIMATIC SENSITIVITY

This essay discusses the issue of climatic sensitivity and the problems inherent in its evaluation within the general context of bioclimatological research. Bioclimatologists subscribe to two general approaches when evaluating the climatic sensitivity of biota. The more conventional approach implies that repeated minor perturbations of climate have a significant impact on organism range and success. The extreme-event approach suggests that a few unique events have the greatest impact. A review of the literature seems to indicate a movement of bioclimatologists toward the extreme-event approach. It is suggested that the use of mean climatological variables probably represents an inadequate approach to explain organism success or ecotone boundaries. Rather, a small number of stressful events seems to exert a much greater influence on humans and other organisms. [Key words: bioclimatology, climatic sensitivity, synoptic approach, acclimatization.]

Some insights into the management of liquor in hotels

The article takes a critical look at the systems used to manage liquor from purchase to sale in hotels. It examines the traditional approaches taken and highlights the key requirements from an administrative and behavioural viewpoint focusing on the need for objectives to be assigned to various levels in organizations. The importance of comprehension of systems and synoptic approaches at corporate and unit level is propounded, and specific methods of addressing the tasks of purchasing, storing and sales are identified.