bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Chartography carbon monoxide total columns: Statistical evaluation and comparison with chemistry transport model results
Authors: de Laat A. T. J. , Gloudemans A. M. S. , Aben I. , Krol M. , Meirink J. F. , van der Werf G. R. , Schrijver H.
Published: June 2007

This paper presents a detailed statistical analysis of one year (September 2003 to August 2004) of global Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Chartography (SCIAMACHY) carbon monoxide (CO) total column retrievals from the Iterative Maximum Likelihood Method (IMLM) algorithm, version 6.3. SCIAMACHY provides the first solar reflectance measurements of CO and is uniquely sensitive down to the boundary layer. SCIAMACHY measurements and chemistry transport model (CTM) results are compared and jointly evaluated. Significant improvements in agreement occur, especially close to biomass burning emission regions, when the new Global Fire Emissions Database version 2 (GFEDv2) is used with the CTM. Globally, the seasonal variation of the model is very similar to that of the SCIAMACHY measurements. For certain locations, significant differences were found, which are likely related to modeling errors due to CO emission uncertainties. Statistical analysis shows that differences between single SCIAMACHY CO total column measurements and corresponding model results are primarily explained by random instrument noise errors. This strongly suggests that the random instrument noise errors are a good diagnostic for the precision of the measurements. The analysis also indicates that noise in single SCIAMACHY CO measurements is generally greater than actual variations in total columns. It is thus required to average SCIAMACHY data over larger temporal and spatial scales to obtain valuable information. Analyses of monthly averaged SCIAMACHY measurements over 3° × 2° geographical regions indicates that they are of sufficient accuracy to reveal valuable information about spatial and temporal variations in CO columns and provide an important tool for model validation. A large spatial and temporal variation in instrument noise errors exists which shows a close correspondence with the spatial distribution of surface albedo and cloud cover. This large spatial variability is important for the use of monthly and annual mean SCIAMACHY CO total column measurements. The smallest instrument noise errors of monthly mean 3° × 2° SCIAMACHY CO total columns measurements are 0.01 × 1018 molecules/cm2 for high surface albedo areas over the Sahara. Errors in SCIAMACHY CO total column retrievals due to errors other than instrument noise, like cloud cover, calibration, retrieval uncertainties and averaging kernels are estimated to be about 0.05–0.1 × 1018 molecules/cm2 in total. The bias found between model and observations is around 0.05–0.1 1018 molecules/cm2 (or about 5%) which also includes model errors. This thus provides a best estimate of the currently achievable measurement accuracy for SCIAMACHY CO monthly mean averages.
Response of glacial landscapes to spatial variations in rock uplift rate
Authors: Brocklehurst Simon H. , Whipple Kelin X.
Published: June 2007

The response of glaciated landscapes to rapid rock uplift, driven by tectonic convergence, is an important, often neglected, aspect of proposed interactions between plate tectonic processes and climate change. Rivers typically respond to more rapid rock uplift in part through increasing channel gradients. In contrast, the “glacial buzzsaw” hypothesis suggests that glaciers can erode as quickly as the fastest rock uplift rates (6–10 mm/yr) without any increase in mean elevations. However, it has not been established how this is achieved. We examined moving window maps, swath and longitudinal profiles, hillslope relief, and hypsometry for glacierized and formerly glacierized basins in areas of spatially variable rock uplift rate in the Southern Alps, New Zealand, and around Nanga Parbat, Pakistan, to determine whether glaciers have a specific response to rapid rock uplift. The response of these glaciated landscapes to rapid rock uplift (6–10 mm/yr) comprises (1) modest steepening of the longitudinal profiles in smaller glaciated basins, (2) maintenance of shallow downvalley slopes in larger glaciated basins (>∼30 km2, Southern Alps; >∼100 km2, Nanga Parbat), (3) development of tall headwalls, and (4) steepening of the basin as a whole, dominated by hillslope lengthening. Around Nanga Parbat, headwalls several kilometers high constitute >50% of the basin relief. At rapid rock uplift rates, although glaciers can incise the valley floor swiftly, they cannot prevent headwalls from reaching exceptional heights. The associated increase in mean distance between cirque heads (i.e., a decrease in drainage density) causes regional mean elevation to rise with increasing rock uplift rate. However, this is much less than the changes in elevation expected in unglaciated ranges.
A synthetic rain rate time series generator: A step toward a full space‐time model
Authors: Fontan F. P. , Nuñez A. , Fiebig U. , Machado F. , Mariño P.
Published: June 2007

Synthetic time series generators of signal attenuation due to rain are an important tool for radio‐communication system simulations. These generators must reflect both the long‐ and short‐term dynamics of signal attenuation due to rain, and have to rely on prolonged experimental observations of attenuation time series. Such prolonged observations are not always feasible, especially if a large number of different climates have to be covered. Fortunately, rain attenuation is well correlated with the rain rate above all when long term statistics are considered. Only for particular events the correlation may be lower in some cases, especially for intense rain events which have a limited spatial expansion. The advantage of using rain rate data instead of rain attenuation data as a basis for synthetic time series generators of signal attenuation is the following: there exist consistent sets of rain rate time series from numerous locations around the globe. In this paper, enhancements to an existing synthetic rain rate generative model are presented and discussed. These enhancements include (1) the modeling of fast variations of rain rate, (2) the grouping of rain events into episodes, and (3) the extension to the spatial domain (space‐time model).
Workshop report: 1st INCF Workshop on Large-scale Modeling of the Nervous System
Authors: Djurfeldt Mikael , Lansner Anders
Published: June 2007

The goal of this workshop was to survey current demands, ongoing activities, and plans relating to development of tools for scalable neural network simulation. Areas covered included software components for preprocessing/model setup, as well as for storage, analysis, and visualization of results. Participants discussed the need for coordinated action in the field with regard to model, method and tool development. The reports a description of the state-of-art in the field as well as recommendations for actions to facilitate infrastructure developments.
Monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of Thereva and therevine genus-groups (Insecta:Diptera:Therevidae) based on EF-1α, 28S rDNA and mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences
Authors: Holston Kevin C. , Irwin Michael E. , Wiegmann Brian M.
Published: June 2007

Phylogenetic analyses using 28S rDNA, elongation factor (EF)-1α, and mt 16S rDNA sequences were performed to test the monophyly of Thereva Latreille. Two of the three Afrotropical Thereva species groups lack the genitalia characters that unambiguously diagnose Thereva in the Holarctic Region, but phylogenetic relationships among Thereva species groups and therevine genera are poorly understood. Using an extensive taxonomic sample (39 of the 62 therevine genera) and Thereva, sensu lato (15 spp.), simultaneous analyses of all three gene partitions recovered Nearctic and Palaearctic Thereva species in a well supported clade that includes the Afrotropical seminitida-group but excludes the Afrotropical analis- and turneri-groups. Stronger phylogenetic signal from the EF-1α partition, measured by the skewness statistic and proportion of total parsimony informative characters, dominated conflicting signal from the 16S partition and weaker, but more congruent, signal from 28S. Reducing the taxonomic sample in analyses of Therevinae reduced homoplasy, increased phylogenetic structure and partitioned Bremer support values and reduced incongruence with 28S for the 16S partition. Although molecular analyses yielded partial recovery of informal therevine genus-groups, morphological diagnoses of higher-level groups are poorly supported with the exception of Cyclotelini. The ‘Holarctic radiation’ refers to a diverse clade of genera closely related to Pandivirilia Irwin & Lyneborg and Acrosathe Irwin & Lyneborg widely distributed throughout the Holarctic Region that is the sister-group to Thereva, sensu stricto. Results from these analyses underscore the importance of male and female genitalia characters in recognising monophyletic groups and regional endemism in therevine diversification.
Taxonomy and nomenclature of black nerites (Gastropoda:Neritimorpha:Nerita) from the South Pacific
Authors: Spencer Hamish G. , Waters Jonathan M. , Eichhorst Thomas E.
Published: June 2007

Members of the genus Nerita are abundant components of the intertidal fauna in many parts of the world and yet Nerita taxonomy remains unsettled. Here, the relationships among black-shelled Nerita populations from Australia, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Lord Howe Island, the Kermadec Islands and Easter Island are discussed. Four species are recognised: N. atramentosa Reeve, 1855 from the southern half of Australia; N. melanotragus E.A. Smith, 1884 from eastern Australia, northern New Zealand, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island and the Kermadec Islands; N. morio (G. B. Sowerby I, 1833) from Easter Island and the Austral Islands; and N. lirellata Rehder, 1980 from Easter Island alone. These species are of great importance in studies of intertidal community structure and yet two of them have been consistently confused in the ecological and taxonomic literature. Moreover, the relationships among the species are not at all as implied by recent subgeneric classifications; it is argued that all four species should be placed in the subgenus Lisanerita Krijnen, 2002. The superficially similar N. picea Récluz, 1841 is not closely related. An accurate taxonomy of the genus will almost certainly require considerable genetic analysis. The nomenclature for each species is herein established by complete synonymies, and lectotypes for both N. atramentosa and N. melanotragus are selected.
Defining functional distance using manifold embeddings of gene ontology annotations
Authors: Lerman Gilad , Shakhnovich Boris E.
Published: June 2007

Although rigorous measures of similarity for sequence and structure are now well established, the problem of defining functional relationships has been particularly daunting. Here, we present several manifold embedding techniques to compute distances between Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotations and consequently estimate functional distances between protein domains. To evaluate accuracy, we correlate the functional distance to the well established measures of sequence, structural, and phylogenetic similarities. Finally, we show that manual classification of structures into folds and superfamilies is mirrored by proximity in the newly defined function space. We show how functional distances place structure–function relationships in biological context resulting in insight into divergent and convergent evolution. The methods and results in this paper can be readily generalized and applied to a wide array of biologically relevant investigations, such as accuracy of annotation transference, the relationship between sequence, structure, and function, or coherence of expression modules.
The adhesion model considering capillarity for gecko attachment system
Authors: Kim Tae Wan , Bhushan Bharat
Published: June 2007

Geckos make use of approximately a million microscale hairs (setae) that branch off into hundreds of nanoscale spatulae to cling to different smooth and rough surfaces and detach at will. This hierarchical surface construction gives the gecko the adaptability to create a large real area of contact with surfaces. It is known that van der Waals force is the primary mechanism used to adhere to surfaces, and capillary force is a secondary effect that can further increase adhesive force. To investigate the effects of capillarity on gecko adhesion, we considered the capillary force as well as the solid-to-solid interaction. The capillary force expressed in terms of elliptical integral is calculated by numerical method to cope with surfaces with a wide range of contact angles. The adhesion forces exerted by a single gecko spatula in contact with planes with different contact angles for various relative humidities are calculated, and the contributions of capillary force to total adhesion force are evaluated. The simulation results are compared with experimental data. Finally, using the three-level hierarchical model recently developed to simulate a gecko seta contacting with random rough surface, the effect of the relative humidity and the hydrophobicity of surface on the gecko adhesion is investigated.
A strongly perturbed quantum system is a semiclassical system
Authors: Frasca Marco
Published: June 2007

We show that a strongly perturbed quantum system, being a semiclassical system characterized by the Wigner–Kirkwood expansion for the propagator, has the same expansion for the eigenvalues as for the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin series. The perturbation series is rederived by the duality principle in perturbation theory.
Palaeogenetic evidence supports a dual model of Neolithic spreading into Europe
Authors: Sampietro M.L , Lao O , Caramelli D , Lari M , Pou R , Martí M , Bertranpetit J , Lalueza-Fox C
Published: June 2007

The peopling of Europe is a complex process. One of the most dramatic demographic events, the Neolithic agricultural revolution, took place in the Near East roughly 10 000 years ago and then spread through the European continent. Nevertheless, the nature of this process (either cultural or demographic) is still a matter of debate among scientists. We have retrieved HVRI mitochondrial DNA sequences from 11 Neolithic remains from Granollers (Catalonia, northeast Spain) dated to 5500 years BP. We followed the proposed authenticity criteria, and we were also able, for the first time, to track down the pre-laboratory-derived contaminant sequences and consequently eliminate them from the generated cloning dataset. Phylogeographic analysis shows that the haplogroup composition of the Neolithic population is very similar to that found in modern populations from the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting a long-time genetic continuity, at least since Neolithic times. This result contrasts with that recently found in a Neolithic population from Central Europe and, therefore, raises new questions on the heterogeneity of the Neolithic dispersals into Europe. We propose here a dual model of Neolithic spread: acculturation in Central Europe and demic diffusion in southern Europe.
Real-valued algebro-geometric solutions of the Camassa–Holm hierarchy
Authors: Gesztesy Fritz , Holden Helge
Published: June 2007

We provide a detailed treatment of real-valued, smooth and bounded algebro-geometric solutions of the Camassa–Holm (CH) hierarchy and describe the associated isospectral torus. We employ Dubrovin-type equations for auxiliary divisors and certain aspects of direct and inverse spectral theory for self-adjoint Hamiltonian systems. In particular, we rely on Weyl–Titchmarsh theory for singular (canonical) Hamiltonian systems. We also briefly discuss real-valued algebro-geometric solutions with a cusp behaviour. While we focus primarily on the case of stationary algebro-geometric CH solutions, we note that the time-dependent case subordinates to the stationary one with respect to isospectral torus questions.
Bodyweight change during the first 5 days of chemotherapy as an indicator of cisplatin renal toxicity
Authors: Sekine Ikuo , Yamada Kazuhiko , Nokihara Hiroshi , Yamamoto Noboru , Kunitoh Hideo , Ohe Yuichiro , Tamura Tomohide
Published: June 2007

To determine whether bodyweight (BW) loss, daily urine volume (UV) or furosemide use are associated with cisplatin nephrotoxicity, performance status, serum chemistries before treatment, average daily UV, maximum BW loss and use of furosemide on days 1–5 of chemotherapy were evaluated retrospectively in chemotherapy‐naive patients with thoracic malignancies who had received 80 mg/m2 cisplatin. Associations between these parameters and the worst serum creatinine levels (group 1, grade 0–1; and group 2, grade 2–3) during the first cycle were evaluated. Of the 417 patients (327 men and 90 women; median age, 59 years), 390 were categorized into group 1 and 27 were categorized into group 2. More women and older patients were observed in group 2 than in group 1 (11.1 vs 5.2%, P = 0.044, and 65 vs 59 years, P = 0.041, respectively). The median average daily UV was 3902 mL in group 1 and 3600 mL in group 2 (P = 0.021). A maximum BW loss ≥2.1 kg was noted in 4.4% of patients in group 1 and 18.5% of patients in group 2 (P = 0.006). Furosemide was used in 206 (49.4%) patients. The median total dose of furosemide in groups 1 and 2 were 0 mg and 26 mg, respectively (P = 0.024). A multivariate analysis showed that a maximum BW loss ≥2.1 kg and the total furosemide dose were significantly associated with group category. In conclusion, BW loss and total furosemide dose were associated with cisplatin nephrotoxicity. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1408–1422)
Novel antiangiogenic pathway of thrombospondin‐1 mediated by suppression of the cell cycle
Authors: Yamauchi Mai , Imajoh‐Ohmi Shinobu , Shibuya Masabumi
Published: June 2007

We have recently reported that keratin 14‐promoter‐driven vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐ENZ‐7 transgenic mice have a significant number of capillary vessels in subcutaneous tissue. However, these vessels are generated in a layer some distance from the epithelial basal cells that express VEGF‐ENZ‐7, suggesting that one or more antiangiogenenic molecules may exist very near the basal cell layer. By screening keratinocyte‐conditioned medium, we found that thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) is produced from keratinocytes and suppresses human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) growth as well as tubular formation in a HUVEC–fibroblast coculture system. Different to the known mechanism of CD36‐dependent endothelial cell apoptosis, the HUVEC we used did not express CD36 at detectable levels, indicating a new mechanism for TSP‐1‐induced antiangiogenesis. We found that TSP‐1 induces little apoptosis of endothelial cells but causes cell‐cycle arrest, increasing the amounts of p21CIP/WAF‐1 and unphosphorylated retinoblastoma (Rb) in HUVEC. CD36‐binding peptide in TSP‐1 and CD36‐neutralizing antibody did not block the TSP‐1‐induced cell‐cycle arrest. Our results strongly suggest that TSP‐1 utilizes a novel pathway for its antiangiogenic effect independent of CD36, and suppresses the cell cycle. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1491–1497)
Carotid artery intima media thickness is inversely related to serum free thyroxine in euthyroid subjects
Authors: Dullaart Robin P. F. , De Vries Rindert , Roozendaal Carolien , Kobold Anneke C. Muller , Sluiter Wim J.
Published: June 2007

Objective  The effect of thyroid function on cardiovascular risk may extend to the euthyroid range. In euthyroid subjects, we determined whether carotid artery intima media thickness (IMT), a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis, is related to thyroid function.

Design and subjects  Cross‐sectional study in a cohort of 78 nonsmoking, predominantly middle‐aged, euthyroid subjects (44 men and 34 women, mean age 56 years, TSH between 0·5 mU/l and 4·0 mU/l and FT4 between 11·0 pmol/l and 19·5 pmol/l).

Measurements  IMT (mean of three segments in both carotid arteries by ultrasonography), clinical factors, insulin resistance (HOMAir), plasma lipids, C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum FT4, TSH and thyroid autoantibodies.

Results  In several multiple linear regression models, age‐ and sex‐adjusted IMT was found to be independently related to either pulse pressure and body mass index (BMI), to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or to FT4, but not to TSH, thyroid autoantibodies, HOMAir, CRP, non‐HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In a subsequent model which included age, sex, pulse pressure, body mass index (BMI), HDL cholesterol and FT4, IMT was independently and positively related to age (β = 0·43, P < 0·001), male sex (β = 0·34, P = 0·014), pulse pressure (β = 0·29, P = 0·002), BMI (β = 0·24, P = 0·007) and inversely related to FT4 (β = –0·19, P = 0·046). IMT was also inversely related to FT4 in a model which included HDL cholesterol, non‐HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Conclusions  In euthyroid subjects, IMT is associated with FT4, after controlling for clinical factors, lipid levels and thyroid autoantibodies. These findings raise the possibility that, even within the euthyroid range, low normal thyroid function may adversely affect cardiovascular risk.
A cyclic peptide that binds p75NTR protects neurones from beta amyloid (1–40)‐induced cell death
Authors: Yaar M. , Zhai S. , Panova I. , Fine R. E. , Eisenhauer P. B. , Blusztajn J. K. , Lopez‐Coviella I. , Gilchrest B. A.
Published: June 2007

The current study determined the ability of a p75NTR antagonistic cyclic peptide to rescue cells from beta amyloid (Aβ) (1–40)‐induced death. p75NTR‐, p140trkA‐NIH‐3T3 cells or E17 foetal rat cortical neurones were incubated with 125I‐NGF or 125I‐Aβ (1–40) and increasing concentrations of the cyclic peptide (CATDIKGAEC). Peptide ability to displace 125I‐NGF or 125I‐Aβ (1–40) binding was determined. Duplicate cultures were preincubated with CATDIKGAEC (250 nm) or diluent and then stimulated with Aβ (1–40). Peptide ability to displace Aβ (1–40) binding, interfere with Aβ (1–40)‐induced signalling and rescue cells from Aβ‐mediated toxicity was determined by immunoprecipitation and autoradiography, Northern blotting, JNK activation, MTT and trypan blue assays. The peptide inhibited NGF and Aβ (1–40) binding to p75NTR, but not to p140trkA. Aβ (1–40) induced c‐jun transcription (57.3% ± 0.07%) in diluent‐treated p75NTR‐cells, but not in cells preincubated with the cyclic peptide. Also, at 250 nm, the peptide reduced Aβ (1–40)‐induced phsophorylation of JNK by 71.8% ± 0.03% and protected neurones against Aβ‐induced toxicity as determined by: trypan blue exclusion assay (53% ± 11% trypan blue‐positive cells in diluent pretreated cultures vs. 28% ± 5% in cyclic peptide‐pretreated cultures); MTT assay (0.09 ±0.03 units in diluent‐pretreated cells vs. 0.12 ± 0.004 units in cyclic peptide‐pretreated cells); and visualization of representative microscopic fields. Our data suggest that a cyclic peptide homologous to amino acids 28–36 of NGF known to mediate binding to p75NTR can interfere with Aβ (1–40) signalling and rescue neurones from Aβ (1–40)‐induced toxicity.
McLeod syndrome: a neurohaematological disorder
Authors: Jung H. H. , Danek A. , Frey B. M.
Published: June 2007

The X‐linked McLeod syndrome is defined by absent Kx red blood cell antigen and weak expression of Kell antigens, and this constellation may be accidentally detected in routine screening of apparently healthy blood donors. Most carriers of this McLeod blood group phenotype have acanthocytosis and elevated serum creatine kinase levels and are prone to develop a severe neurological disorder resembling Huntington's disease. Onset of neurological symptoms ranges between 25 and 60 years, and the penetrance of the disorder appears to be high. Additional symptoms of the McLeod neuroacanthocytosis syndrome that warrant therapeutic and diagnostic considerations include generalized seizures, neuromuscular symptoms leading to weakness and atrophy, and cardiopathy mainly manifesting with atrial fibrillation, malignant arrhythmias and dilated cardiomyopathy. Therefore, asymptomatic carriers of the McLeod blood group phenotype should have a careful genetic counseling, neurological examination and a cardiologic evaluation for the presence of a treatable cardiomyopathy.
HOMOCYSTEINE INHIBITS POTASSIUM CHANNELS IN HUMAN ATRIAL MYOCYTES
Authors: Cai Ben‐Zhi , Gong Dong‐Mei , Liu Yu , Pan Zhen‐Wei , Xu Chao‐Qian , Bai Yun‐Long , Qiao Guo‐Fen , Lu Yan‐Jie , Yang Bao‐Feng
Published: June 2007

A large body of evidence indicates that elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels portend an increased risk for atrial fibrillation. However, little is known about the electrophysiological effects of Hcy on atrial myocytes. The present study was conducted to investigate the direct effects of Hcy on ion channels in human atria.

Whole‐cell patch‐clamp techniques were used to record potassium currents in human atrial cells.

In human atrial myocytes, transient outward potassium currents were significantly decreased by 24.8 ± 5.9 and 38.4 ± 10.4% in the presence of 50 and 500 µmol/L Hcy, respectively. The ultrarapid delayed rectifier potassium currents were decreased by approximately 30% when exposed to 500 µmol/L Hcy. The inward rectifier potassium currents were increased by approximately 40% in the presence of 500 µmol/L Hcy.

The results of the present study indicate that Hcy, an important risk factor for atrial fibrillation, could cause electrophysiological disturbances of potassium currents in human atrial myocytes.
CEREBROVASCULAR EFFECTS OF OESTROGEN: MULTIPLICITY OF ACTION
Authors: Duckles Sue P , Krause Diana N
Published: June 2007

Cerebral vessels express oestrogen receptors (ER) in both the smooth muscle and endothelial cell layers of cerebral blood vessels. Levels of ERα are higher in female rats chronically exposed to oestrogen, either endogenous or exogenous.

Chronic exposure to oestrogen, either endogenous (normally cycling females) or exogenous (ovariectomized with oestrogen replacement), results in cerebral arteries that are more dilated than arteries from ovariectomized counterparts when studiedin vitro. This effect is primarily mediated by an increase in the production of vasodilator factors, including nitric oxide (NO) and prostacylin. In contrast, oestrogen appears to suppress the production of endothelial‐derived hyperpolarizing factor. Oestrogen treatment increases cerebrovascular levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐1 and prostacyclin synthase. In addition, via activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt pathway, both acute and chronic oestrogen exposure increases eNOS phosphorylation, increasing NO production.

Oestrogen receptors have also been localized to cerebrovascular mitochondria and exposure to oestrogen increases the efficiency of energy production while simultaneously reducing mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species. Oestrogen increases the production of mitochondrial proteins encoded by both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, including cytochromec, subunits I and IV of complex IV and Mn‐superoxide dismutase. Oestrogen treatment increases the activity of citrate synthase and complex IV and decreases mitochondrial production of H2O2.

Oestrogen also has potent anti‐inflammatory effects in the cerebral circulation that may have important implications for the incidence and severity of cerebrovascular disease. Administration of lipopolysaccharide or interleukin‐1β to ovariectomized female rats induces cerebrovascular COX‐2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression and increases prostaglandin E2expression. Levels of COX‐2 and iNOS expression vary with the stage of the oestrous cycle, and the cerebrovascular inflammatory response is suppressed in ovariectomized animals treated with oestrogen. Interleukin‐1β induction of COX‐2 protein is prevented by treatment with a nuclear factor (NF)‐κB inhibitor, and oestrogen treatment reduces cerebrovascular NF‐κB activity.

Cerebrovascular dysfunction and pathology contribute to the pathogenesis of stroke, brain trauma, oedema and dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease. A better understanding of the action of oestrogen on cerebrovascular function holds promise for the development of new therapeutic entities that could be useful in preventing or treating a wide variety of cerebrovascular diseases.
Comparison of trap designs for use with aggregation pheromone and synthetic co‐attractant in a user‐friendly attract and kill system to control Carpophilus spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)
Authors: Hossain Mofakhar S , Williams David G , Hossain Mamun A B M , Norng Sorn
Published: June 2007

Abstract  Three field experiments were conducted in stone fruit orchards in the Goulburn Valley, northern Victoria, Australia to identify a user‐friendly trap for use in attract and kill stations for control of Carpophilus spp. (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). A funnel trap design was compared with two types of delta trap in one experiment and two types of Lucitrap in another experiment. All traps were baited with synthetic co‐attractant and synthetic pheromone. The funnel trap was the most effective type of trap tested. The funnel traps caught significantly more beetles than either the delta traps with bio‐attractant or delta traps wrapped with insecticide impregnated banana wrap. No difference was observed between catches in either delta trap design. Lucitraps without covers caught significantly more beetles than Lucitraps with covers but funnel traps caught significantly more beetles than either type of Lucitrap. Beetle numbers caught in the funnel traps were three to five times higher than in Lucitrap. The use of funnel traps in attract and kill stations to protect stone fruit crops by suppressing the Carpophilus spp. population gave superior control to ‘grower normal practice of spraying insecticides’ both in terms of Carpophilus spp. numbers and in terms of reduction in percentage of fruit damaged.
Intraspecific variation within Orosius argentatus Evans (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): colour polymorphisms, morphometric analyses and host associations
Authors: Larsen Michelle L , Walter Gimme H
Published: June 2007

Abstract  Orosius argentatus shows extreme colour variation and is reputedly highly polyphagous, circumstances that both warrant confirmation that the taxon comprises only one species. Because the species transmits phytoplasma pathogens between plants, information on species status is relevant to epidemiological studies. Replicated field samples, taken in Mareeba, North Queensland, over 2 years indicated that O. argentatus is the most abundant leaf‐hopper in stylo (Stylosanthes scabra) and is relatively host‐specific on cultivated stylo, at least locally. A priori groupings of colour types were established for morphometric analyses of head, prothorax, tibia, wing and genitalia characters. No consistent morphological differences were detected across the colour types, and results from colour heritability trials, although limited, revealed that females could produce progeny that belong to multiple colour types. The results from this study suggest individuals that key out to the species O. argentatus, despite being polymorphic in colour, cannot be clearly separated on any morphological basis and therefore are likely to belong to a single, interbreeding population. The colour variation in adults is therefore a polymorphism.
A rice promoter containing both novel positive and negative cis‐elements for regulation of green tissue‐specific gene expression in transgenic plants
Authors: Cai Meng , Wei Jun , Li Xianghua , Xu Caiguo , Wang Shiping
Published: June 2007

The tissue‐specific expression of transgenes is essential in plant breeding programmes to avoid the fitness costs caused by constitutive expression of a target gene. However, knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of tissue‐specific gene expression and practicable tissue‐specific promoters is limited. In this study, we identified the cis‐acting elements of a tissue‐specific promoter from rice, PD54O, and tested the application of original and modified PD54O and its cis‐elements in the regulation of gene expression. PD54O is a green tissue‐specific promoter. Five novel tissue‐specific cis‐elements (LPSE1, LPSE2, LPSRE1, LPSRE2, PSE1) were characterized from PD54O. LPSE1 activated gene expression in leaf and young panicle. LPSRE2 suppressed gene expression in leaf, root, young panicle and stem, and PSE1 suppressed gene expression in young panicle and stem. LPSRE1 and LPSE2 had dual roles in the regulation of tissue‐specific gene expression; both functioned as activators in leaf, but LPSRE1 acted as a repressor in stem and LPSE2 as a repressor in young panicle and root. Transgenic rice plants carrying cry1Ac encoding Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin, regulated by PD54O, were resistant to leaf‐folders, with no Cry1Ac protein found in endosperm or embryo. A reporter gene regulated by a series of truncated PD54O showed various tissue‐specific expression patterns. Different fragments of PD54O fused with the constitutive cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter suppressed 35S‐regulated gene expression in various tissues. PD54O, truncated PD54O and the tissue‐specific cis‐elements provide useful tools for the regulation of tissue‐specific gene expression in rice breeding programmes.
HEATH–JARROW–MORTON INTEREST RATE DYNAMICS AND APPROXIMATELY CONSISTENT FORWARD RATE CURVES
Authors: La Chioma Claudia , Piccoli Benedetto
Published: June 2007

We study a finite‐dimensional approach to the Heath–Jarrow–Morton model for interest rate and introduce a notion of approximate consistency for a family of functions in a deterministic and stochastic framework. This amounts to asking the decrease of the minimum distance in least squares sense. We start from a general linearly parameterized set of functions and extend the theory to a nonlinear Nelson–Siegel family. Necessary and sufficient condition to have approximately consistency are given as well as a criterion of stability for the approximation.
AN OLD‐NEW CONCEPT OF CONVEX RISK MEASURES: THE OPTIMIZED CERTAINTY EQUIVALENT
Authors: Ben‐Tal Aharon , Teboulle Marc
Published: June 2007

The optimized certainty equivalent (OCE) is a decision theoretic criterion based on a utility function, that was first introduced by the authors in 1986. This paper re‐examines this fundamental concept, studies and extends its main properties, and puts it in perspective to recent concepts of risk measures. We show that the negative of the OCE naturally provides a wide family of risk measures that fits the axiomatic formalism of convex risk measures. Duality theory is used to reveal the link between the OCE and the ϕ‐divergence functional (a generalization of relative entropy), and allows for deriving various variational formulas for risk measures. Within this interpretation of the OCE, we prove that several risk measures recently analyzed and proposed in the literature (e.g., conditional value of risk, bounded shortfall risk) can be derived as special cases of the OCE by using particular utility functions. We further study the relations between the OCE and other certainty equivalents, providing general conditions under which these can be viewed as coherent/convex risk measures. Throughout the paper several examples illustrate the flexibility and adequacy of the OCE for building risk measures.
Hospice Effect on Government Expenditures among Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Gozalo Pedro L. , Miller Susan C. , Intrator Orna , Barber Janet P. , Mor Vincent
Published: June 2007

Objective.To examine the effect of the Medicare hospice benefit on Medicare and Medicaid expenditures by dual‐eligible Medicare–Medicaid nursing home (NH) residents.

Data Sources/Study Setting.Secondary data for NH residents for 1998–1999.

Study Design.Retrospective cohort study of NH residents in the state of Florida who died between July and December 1999 (N=5,774). Medicare claims identified hospice enrollment, and Medicare and Medicaid claims identified expenditures by categories of care. Nursing home resident assessments were used to control for case‐mix differences. Geocoding of nursing homes, hospice providers and hospitals was used to identify and characterize local health care markets.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods.A file was constructed linking Medicare and Medicaid claims to Minimum Data Set assessments of NH residents, and NH provider (Online Survey and Certification Automated Record) and hospice provider files.

Principal Findings.Hospice enrollment results in substantial savings in government expenditures (22 percent) among all short‐stay (≤90 days) dying NH residents. For long‐stay (>90 days) dying NH residents, hospice provides some savings (8 percent) among cancer residents while it is cost‐neutral among dementia residents and adds some cost (10 percent) for residents with a diagnosis other than cancer or dementia. There is evidence of selection bias, particularly among residents with cancer (19 percent savings unadjusted versus 8 percent adjusted). Among short‐stay NH residents, hospice greatly reduces Medicare expenditures but increases Medicaid expenditures.

Conclusions.Hospice enrollment results in lower combined Medicare/Medicaid expenditures in the last month of life, particularly among short‐stay NH residents. This effect, however, varies by diagnosis and NH length of stay. In addition, for short‐stay NH residents, current payment policy creates a Medicare incentive and Medicaid disincentive for promoting residents' referral to hospice.
Long‐Term Effects of Cancer Survivorship on the Employment of Older Workers
Authors: Short Pamela Farley , Vasey Joseph J. , Moran John R.
Published: June 2007

Objective. To estimate the long‐term effects of cancer survivorship on the employment of older workers.

Data Sources. Primary data for 504 subjects who were 55–65 in 2002 and were working when diagnosed with cancer in 1997–1999, and secondary data for a comparison group of 3,903 similarly aged workers in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) in 2002.

Study Design. Three employment outcomes (working, working full time, usual hours per week) were compared between the two groups. Both Probit/Tobit regressions and propensity score matching were used to adjust for potentially confounding differences between groups. Sociodemographic characteristics, baseline employment characteristics, and the presence of other health conditions were included as covariates.

Data Collection Methods. Four telephone interviews were conducted annually with cancer survivors identified from tumor registries at four large hospitals in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Many of the questions were taken from the HRS to facilitate comparisons.

Principal Findings. Cancer survivors of both genders worked an average of 3–5 hours less per week than HRS controls. For females, we found significant effects of survivorship on the probability of working, the probability of working full‐time, and hours. For males, survivorship affected the probability of full‐time employment and hours without significantly reducing the probability of working. For both genders, these effects were primarily attributable to new cancers. There were no significant effects on the employment of cancer‐free survivors.

Conclusions. Survivors with recurrences or second primary tumors may particularly benefit from employment support services and workplace accommodation. Reassuringly, any long‐term effects on the employment of cancer‐free survivors are fairly small.
Is the Only Good Helicobacter a Dead Helicobacter?
Authors: Misiewicz J.J.
Published: June 2007

Background.

Vast numbers of therapeutic studies of various drug regimens used for the cure of H. pylori infection have been published. However, many of these studies have been uncontrolled, included small numbers of patients, were published only as abstracts, differed widely in dosage sizes, schedules and durations and were of insufficient statistical power to make meaningful statements concerning their efficacy. Furthermore, there are no clear or universally accepted guidelines for the treatment of H. pylori infection. Thus, there remains profound confusion among practitioners on whom and how to treat.

Objective.

To critically review the currently available management strategies for H. pylori infection.

Methods.

Review of the literature.

Results.

Treatment of H. pylori requires the use of multiple drug regimens (triple therapy) which can be expensive and is often associated with side effects. Bad choice of treatments, poor patient counseling and compliance will lead to the emergence of resistant H. pylori strains. Resistance to H. pylori to metronidazole is already widespread and resistance to other antimicrobial agents is increasing. The resource/financial implications are not negligible.

Conclusions.

The introduction of kits that will enable the identification of pathogenic strains of H. pylori in the office setting may decrease the number of patients being given H. pylori eradication therapy, but much more evidence is needed to establish the practical value of such tests. In the meantime, as many clinicians adhere to the idea that the only good H. pylori is a dead H. pylori, the best practical policy option is education concerning the correct diagnostic methodology, correct choice of patients and the correct choice of treatment regimens. The discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has revolutionized our concepts of etiology, pathophysiology and treatment of many foregut diseases. Gastritis, gastric ulcer (GU), duodenal ulcer (DU), gastric cancer, MALT gastric lymphoma and other conditions are now regarded as being dependent on the colonization of the stomach by H. pylori. Many aspects of pathophysiology, such as the abnormalities of gastric acid secretion in duodenal ulcer disease, now for the first time fall into a logical and comprehensible pattern.
Inflammatory Cytokine Imbalance after Coronary Angioplasty: Links with Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: BRUNETTI NATALE DANIELE , MUNNO IRENE , PELLEGRINO PIER LUIGI , RUGGIERO VINCENZO , CORREALE MICHELE , CUCULO ANDREA , DE GENNARO LUISA , CAMPANALE GIULIO , MAVILIO GIOVANNI , ZICCARDI LUIGI , DI BIASE MATTEO
Published: June 2007

Aim:

To investigate release of some inflammatory cytokines (Cys) after coronary angioplasty and its links with coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods:

Twenty‐seven consecutive subjects with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled in the study: serial blood samples were taken in order to evaluate plasma concentrations of Interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐10, IL‐18, TNFα, and IFNγ just before PCI at 12 and 24 hours. Patients were then divided, considering balance between each inflammatory Cy and IL‐10, an antiinflammatory Cy, into four groups, ranging from a prevalent antiinflammatory response (stable inflammatory Cy–increasing IL‐10 values) to a marked inflammatory imbalance (increasing inflammatory Cy–stable IL‐10 values).

Results:

All Cys showed significant increases in plasma concentrations if compared with baseline values. Release curves were not significantly different when comparing subjects with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) versus unstable angina–non‐STEMI (UA‐NSTEMI), diabetics versus controls
. Subjects with marked inflammatory response showed a higher incidence of stenosis on left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery (IL‐2 χ2 and IFNγ P < 0.05); Cy release was higher in patients with multivessel coronary disease (IL‐2 and IFNγ, ANOVA P < 0.01). Correlations were also referable between Cys and myocardial enzyme release. Subjects treated with sirolimus‐eluting stents (SES) showed significantly lower Cy periprocedure ratio if compared with those treated with bare metal stents.

Conclusions:

A significant Cy release is detectable after PCI: inflammatory response seems to correlate with both PCI due to plaque instabilization and coronary atherosclerosis. A blunted inflammatory response is detectable in subjects treated with SES.
Where Next in Victorian Literary Studies? – Revising the Canon, Extending Cultural Boundaries, and the Challenge of Interdisciplinarity
Authors: Shattock Joanne
Published: June 2007

This paper forms part of a Literature Compass cluster of articles which examines the current state of Victorian Literary Studies and future directions. This group of four essays was originally commissioned by Francis O’Gorman (University of Leeds), who also provides an introduction to the cluster.

The full cluster is made up of the following articles:

‘Where Next in Victorian Literary Studies? – Introduction’, Francis O’Gorman, Literature Compass 4 (2007), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2007.00467.x.

‘Where Next in Victorian Literary Studies? – Revising the Canon, Extending Cultural Boundaries, and the Challenge of Interdisciplinarity’, Joanne Shattock, Literature Compass 4 (2007), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2007.00468.x.

‘Where Next in Victorian Literary Studies? –“Interesting Times” and the Lesson of “A Corner in Lightning”’, David Amigoni, Literature Compass 4 (2007), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2007.00469.x.

‘Where Next in Victorian Literary Studies? – Historicism, Collaboration and Digital Editing’, Valerie Sanders, Literature Compass 4 (2007), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2007.00470.x.

‘Where Next in Victorian Literary Studies? – Historicism and Hospitality’, John Bowen, Literature Compass 4 (2007), 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2007.00471.x.

***

This article argues that the future of Victorian literary studies will include the continuous revision and expansion of the canon, and the extension of what we regard as ‘literary’ texts to include writing on science, philosophy, history, medicine and related areas. Meanwhile the process of reviewing and rehabilitating unfashionable or neglected writers and consigning others to the periphery will go on, although a core of major authors will continue to attract scholarly and critical attention. There will be an increasing focus on the new histories of the book, on authorship and readership. Research on print culture in its widest sense will expand in the wake of the ongoing digitisation of printed materials, a process which ultimately will transform the way we do research. The focus on writers and texts will move from a metropolitan‐centred one to embrace the literatures in English of the countries of the Empire and of North America, and more problematically, to include the literature and culture of Europe in the nineteenth century. The latter development poses a challenge to the hitherto monolingual nature of Victorian literary studies. Finally there will be a continued engagement in multi‐disciplinary, cross‐disciplinary if not truly interdisciplinary work that has been characteristic of Victorian Studies since its emergence in the 1950s.