bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrogen-Related Receptor α Is Critical for the Growth of Estrogen Receptor–Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Stein Rebecca A. , Chang Ching-yi , Kazmin Dmitri A. , Way James , Schroeder Thies , Wergin Melanie , Dewhirst Mark W. , McDonnell Donald P.
Published: October 2008

Expression of estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) has recently been shown to carry negative prognostic significance in breast and ovarian cancers. The specific role of this orphan nuclear receptor in tumor growth and progression, however, is yet to be fully understood. The significant homology between estrogen receptor α (ERα) and ERRα initially suggested that these receptors may have similar transcriptional targets. Using the well-characterized ERα-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, we sought to gain a genome-wide picture of ERα-ERRα cross-talk using an unbiased microarray approach. In addition to generating a host of novel ERRα target genes, this study yielded the surprising result that most ERRα-regulated genes are unrelated to estrogen signaling. The relatively small number of genes regulated by both ERα and ERRα led us to expand our study to the more aggressive and less clinically treatable ERα-negative class of breast cancers. In this setting, we found that ERRα expression is required for the basal level of expression of many known and novel ERRα target genes. Introduction of a small interfering RNA directed to ERRα into the highly aggressive breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cell line dramatically reduced the migratory potential of these cells. Although stable knockdown of ERRα expression in MDA-MB-231 cells had no effect on in vitro cell proliferation, a significant reduction of tumor growth rate was observed when these cells were implanted as xenografts. Our results confirm a role for ERRα in breast cancer growth and highlight it as a potential therapeutic target for estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):8805–12]
Routine Diagnostic X-ray Examinations and Increased Frequency of Chromosome Translocations among U.S. Radiologic Technologists
Authors: Sigurdson Alice J. , Bhatti Parveen , Preston Dale L. , Doody Michele Morin , Kampa Diane , Alexander Bruce H. , Petibone Dayton , Yong Lee C. , Edwards Alan A. , Ron Elaine , Tucker James D.
Published: October 2008

The U.S. population has nearly one radiographic examination per person per year, and concern about cancer risks associated with medical radiation has increased. Radiologic technologists were surveyed to determine whether their personal cumulative exposure to diagnostic X-rays was associated with increased frequencies of chromosome translocations, an established radiation biomarker and possible intermediary suggesting increased cancer risk. Within a large cohort of U.S. radiologic technologists, 150 provided a blood sample for whole chromosome painting and were interviewed about past X-ray examinations. The number and types of examinations reported were converted to a red bone marrow (RBM) dose score with units that approximated 1 mGy. The relationship between dose score and chromosome translocation frequency was assessed using Poisson regression. The estimated mean cumulative RBM radiation dose score was 49 (range, 0–303). After adjustment for age, translocation frequencies significantly increased with increasing RBM dose score with an estimate of 0.004 translocations per 100 cell equivalents per score unit (95% confidence interval, 0.002–0.007; P < 0.001). Removing extreme values or adjustment for gender, cigarette smoking, occupational radiation dose, allowing practice X-rays while training, work with radioisotopes, and radiotherapy for benign conditions did not affect the estimate. Cumulative radiation exposure from routine X-ray examinations was associated independently with increased chromosome damage, suggesting the possibility of elevated long-term health risks, including cancer. The slope estimate was consistent with expectation based on cytogenetic experience and atomic bomb survivor data. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):8825–31]
Efficacy of Weekly Docetaxel and Bevacizumab in Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma: A New Theranostic Method Combining Xenografted Biopsies with a Mathematical Model
Authors: Gorelik Boris , Ziv Irit , Shohat Revital , Wick Michael , Hankins W. David , Sidransky David , Agur Zvia
Published: October 2008

The paucity of clinical treatment data on rare tumors, such as mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS), emphasizes the need in theranostic tools for these diseases. We put forward and validated a new theranostic method, combining tumor xenografts and mathematical models, and used it to suggest an improved treatment schedule for a particular MCS patient. Growth curves and gene expression analysis of xenografts, derived from a patient's lung metastasis, served for creating a mathematical model of MCS progression and adapting it to the xenograft setting. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of six drugs were modeled, with model variables being adjusted by patient-specific chemosensitivity tests. The xenografted animals were treated by various monotherapy and combination schedules, and the MCS xenograft model was computer simulated under the same treatment scenario. The mathematical model for xenograft growth was then up-scaled to retrieve the MCS patient's tumor progression under different treatment schedules. An average accuracy of 87.1% was obtained when comparing model predictions with the observed tumor growth inhibition in the xenografted animals. Simulation results suggested that a regimen containing bevacizumab applied i.v. in combination with once-weekly docetaxel would be more efficacious in the MCS patient than all other simulated schedules. Weekly docetaxel in the patient resulted in stable metastatic disease and relief of pancytopenia due to tumor infiltration. We suggest that the advantage of weekly docetaxel on the triweekly regimen is directly related to the angiogenesis rate of the tumor. Further validation of this conclusion, and the theranostic method we provide, may facilitate personalization of solid cancer pharmacotherapy. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):9033–40]
Just Say No to ATOH: How HIC1 Methylation Might Predispose Medulloblastoma to Lineage Addiction
Authors: Briggs Kimberly J. , Eberhart Charles G. , Watkins D. Neil
Published: October 2008

Hypermethylated in cancer-1 (HIC1) is a tumor suppressor frequently targeted for promoter hypermethylation in medulloblastoma, an embryonal tumor of the cerebellum. Recently, we showed that HIC1 is a direct transcriptional repressor of ATOH1, a proneural transcription factor required for normal cerebellar development, as well as for medulloblastoma cell viability. Because demethylating agents can induce reexpression of silenced tumor suppressors, restoring HIC1 function may present an attractive therapeutic avenue in medulloblastoma by exploiting an apparent addiction to ATOH1. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):8654–6]
Modulation of Orphan Nuclear Receptor Nur77-Mediated Apoptotic Pathway by Acetylshikonin and Analogues
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhou Wen , Li Shao-Shun , Sun Zhe , Lin Bingzhen , Lang Yuan-Yuan , He Jia-You , Cao Xihua , Yan Tingdong , Wang Li , Lu Jiongming , Han Young-Hoon , Cao Yu , Zhang Xiao-kun , Zeng Jin-Zhang
Published: October 2008

Shikonin derivatives, which are the active components of the medicinal plant Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exhibit many biological effects including apoptosis induction through undefined mechanisms. We recently discovered that orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 migrates from the nucleus to the mitochondria, where it binds to Bcl-2 to induce apoptosis. Here, we report that certain shikonin derivatives could modulate the Nur77/Bcl-2 apoptotic pathway by increasing levels of Nur77 protein and promoting its mitochondrial targeting in cancer cells. Structural modification of acetylshikonin resulted in the identification of a derivative 5,8-diacetoxyl-6-(1′-acetoxyl-4′-methyl-3′-pentenyl)-1,4-naphthaquinones (SK07) that exhibited improved efficacy and specificity in activating the pathway. Unlike other Nur77 modulators, shikonins increased the levels of Nur77 protein through their posttranscriptional regulation. The apoptotic effect of SK07 was impaired in Nur77 knockout cells and suppressed by cotreatment with leptomycin B that inhibited Nur77 cytoplasmic localization. Furthermore, SK07 induced apoptosis in cells expressing the COOH-terminal half of Nur77 protein but not its NH2-terminal region. Our data also showed that SK07-induced apoptosis was associated with a Bcl-2 conformational change and Bax activation. Together, our results show that certain shikonin derivatives act as modulators of the Nur77-mediated apoptotic pathway and identify a new shikonin-based lead that targets Nur77 for apoptosis induction. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):8871–80]
Conspirators in a Capital Crime: Co-deletion of p18INK4c and p16INK4a/p14ARF/p15INK4b in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Solomon David A. , Kim Jung-Sik , Jean Walter , Waldman Todd
Published: October 2008

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most dreaded cancer diagnoses due to its poor prognosis and the limited treatment options. Homozygous deletion of the p16INK4a/p14ARF/p15INK4b locus is among the most common genetic alterations in GBM. Two recent studies have shown that deletion and mutation of another INK4 family member, p18INK4c, also drives the pathogenesis of GBM. This minireview will discuss the known roles for p18INK4c in the initiation and progression of cancer and suggest opportunities for future studies. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):8657–60]
Milk Fat Globule EGF-8 Promotes Melanoma Progression through Coordinated Akt and Twist Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Jinushi Masahisa , Nakazaki Yukoh , Carrasco Daniel R. , Draganov Dobrin , Souders Nicholas , Johnson Matthew , Mihm Martin C. , Dranoff Glenn
Published: October 2008

The pathogenesis of malignant melanoma involves the interplay of tumor cells with normal host elements, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, we show that milk fat globule EGF-8 (MFG-E8), a secreted protein expressed at high levels in the vertical growth phase of melanoma, promotes disease progression through coordinated αvβ3 integrin signaling in the tumor microenvironment. In a murine model of melanoma, MFG-E8 enhanced tumorigenicity and metastatic capacity through Akt-dependent and Twist-dependent pathways. MFG-E8 augmented melanoma cell resistance to apoptosis, triggered an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stimulated invasion and immune suppression. In human melanoma cells, MFG-E8 knockdown attenuated Akt and Twist signaling and thereby compromised tumor cell survival, EMT, and invasive ability. MFG-E8–deficient human melanoma cells also showed increased sensitivity to small molecule inhibitors of insulin-like growth factor I receptor and c-Met. Together, these findings delineate pleiotropic roles for MFG-E8 in the tumor microenvironment and raise the possibility that systemic MFG-E8 blockade might prove therapeutic for melanoma patients. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):8889–98]
Zerumbone Down-regulates Chemokine Receptor CXCR4 Expression Leading to Inhibition of CXCL12-Induced Invasion of Breast and Pancreatic Tumor Cells
Authors: Sung Bokyung , Jhurani Sonia , Ahn Kwang Seok , Mastuo Yoichi , Yi Tingfang , Guha Sushovan , Liu Mingyao , Aggarwal Bharat B.
Published: October 2008

CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), initially linked with leukocyte trafficking, is now known to be expressed in various tumors including breast, ovary, prostate, gastrointestinal, head and neck, bladder, brain, and melanoma. This receptor mediates homing of tumor cells to specific organs that express the ligand CXCL12 for this receptor. Thus, agents that can down-regulate CXCR4 expression have potential against cancer metastasis. In this study, we report the identification of zerumbone, a component of subtropical ginger (Zingiber zerumbet), as a regulator of CXCR4 expression. This sesquiterpene down-regulated the expression of CXCR4 on HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The decrease in CXCR4 by zerumbone was found to be not cell type specific as its expression was abrogated in leukemic, skin, kidney, lung, and pancreatic cancer cell lines. The down-regulation of CXCR4 was not due to proteolytic degradation but rather to transcriptional regulation, as indicated by down-regulation of mRNA expression, inhibition of nuclear factor-κB activity, and suppression of chromatin immunoprecipitation activity. Suppression of CXCR4 expression by zerumbone correlated with the inhibition of CXCL12-induced invasion of both breast and pancreatic cancer cells. An analogue of zerumbone, α-humulene, which lacks the carbonyl group, was found to be inactive in inducing CXCR4 down-regulation. Overall, our results show that zerumbone is a novel inhibitor of CXCR4 expression and thus has a potential in the suppression of cancer metastasis. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):8938–44]
Lowering Bone Mineral Affinity of Bisphosphonates as a Therapeutic Strategy to Optimize Skeletal Tumor Growth InhibitionIn vivo
Authors: Fournier Pierrick G.J. , Daubiné Florence , Lundy Mark W. , Rogers Michael J. , Ebetino Frank H. , Clézardin Philippe
Published: October 2008

Bisphosphonates bind avidly to bone mineral and are potent inhibitors of osteoclast-mediated bone destruction. They also exhibit antitumor activity in vitro. Here, we used a mouse model of human breast cancer bone metastasis to examine the effects of risedronate and NE-10790, a phosphonocarboxylate analogue of the bisphosphonate risedronate, on osteolysis and tumor growth. Osteolysis was measured by radiography and histomorphometry. Tumor burden was measured by fluorescence imaging and histomorphometry. NE-10790 had a 70-fold lower bone mineral affinity compared with risedronate. It was 7-fold and 8,800-fold less potent than risedronate at reducing, respectively, breast cancer cell viability in vitro and bone loss in ovariectomized animals. We next showed that risedronate given at a low dosage in animals bearing human B02-GFP breast tumors reduced osteolysis by inhibiting bone resorption, whereas therapy with higher doses also inhibited skeletal tumor burden. Conversely, therapy with NE-10790 substantially reduced skeletal tumor growth at a dosage that did not inhibit osteolysis, a higher dosage being able to also reduce bone destruction. The in vivo antitumor activity of NE-10790 was restricted to bone because it did not inhibit the growth of subcutaneous B02-GFP tumor xenografts nor the formation of B16-F10 melanoma lung metastases. Moreover, NE-10790, in combination with risedronate, reduced both osteolysis and skeletal tumor burden, whereas NE-10790 or risedronate alone only decreased either tumor burden or osteolysis, respectively. In conclusion, our study shows that decreasing the bone mineral affinity of bisphosphonates is an effective therapeutic strategy to inhibit skeletal tumor growth in vivo. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):8945–53]
Moderate Expression of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen, a Tissue Differentiation Antigen and Folate Hydrolase, Facilitates Prostate Carcinogenesis
Authors: Yao Veronica , Parwani Anil , Maier Christoph , Heston Warren DeWayne , Bacich Dean John
Published: October 2008

Increased expression of PSMA, a differentiation antigen with folate hydrolase activity, is an independent marker of prostate cancer progression. Mice expressing moderate levels of human PSMA in their prostate develop PIN-like lesions by 9 months. The aim of this study was to determine whether PSMA is involved in prostate carcinogenesis and progression and, if so, the possible mechanism by which PSMA may exert its effects. Using prostates from PSMA-transgenic mice, we developed a tissue recombinant model that exhibits small atypical glands with features of adenocarcinoma. This was not observed in tissue recombinants that were composed of prostate tissues from the wild-type siblings. Cells from PSMA-transgenic tissue recombinants have the ability to form colonies in semisolid agar. PSMA may facilitate this phenotype by increasing the invasive ability of cells. Ectopic PSMA expression on PC-3 cells increased the invasive capacity of cells in in vitro invasion assays, which could be competed out by folic acid. These results suggest PSMA facilitates the development of prostate cancer, and the invasive ability of these cells may be modulated by folate levels. These findings show a novel mechanism that may contribute to the known role of folate in cancer prevention, and may lead to the use of PSMA inhibitors as novel chemopreventive agents for prostate cancer. Moreover, our model should prove useful for further dissecting pathways involved in prostate carcinogenesis and progression. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):9070–7]
A Novel Association between p130Cas and Resistance to the Chemotherapeutic Drug Adriamycin in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Ta Huy Q. , Thomas Keena S. , Schrecengost Randy S. , Bouton Amy H.
Published: October 2008

Resistance to chemotherapy remains a major obstacle for the treatment of breast cancer. Understanding the molecular mechanism(s) of resistance is crucial for the development of new effective therapies to treat this disease. This study examines the putative role of p130Cas (Cas) in resistance to the cytotoxic agent Adriamycin. High expression of Cas in primary breast tumors is associated with the failure to respond to the antiestrogen tamoxifen and poor prognosis, highlighting the potential clinical importance of this molecule. Here, we show a novel association between Cas and resistance to Adriamycin. We show that Cas overexpression renders MCF-7 breast cancer cells less sensitive to the growth inhibitory and proapoptotic effects of Adriamycin. The catalytic activity of the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c-Src, but not the epidermal growth factor receptor, is critical for Cas-mediated protection from Adriamycin-induced death. The phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) is elevated in Cas-overexpressing cells treated with Adriamycin, whereas expression of the proapoptotic protein Bak is decreased. Conversely, Cas depletion in the more resistant T47D and MDA-MB-231 cell lines increases sensitivity to Adriamycin. Based on these data, we propose that Cas activates growth and survival pathways regulated by c-Src, Akt, and ERK1/2 that lead to the inhibition of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in the presence of Adriamycin. Because Cas is frequently expressed at high levels in breast cancers, these findings raise the possibility of resensitizing Cas-overexpressing tumors to chemotherapy through perturbation of Cas signaling pathways. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):8796–804]
The Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Controls Cell Shape and Growth of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma through Cdc42 Activation
Authors: Ambrogio Chiara , Voena Claudia , Manazza Andrea D. , Martinengo Cinzia , Costa Carlotta , Kirchhausen Tomas , Hirsch Emilio , Inghirami Giorgio , Chiarle Roberto
Published: October 2008

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that originates from T cells and frequently expresses oncogenic fusion proteins derived from chromosomal translocations or inversions of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene. The proliferation and survival of ALCL cells are determined by the ALK activity. Here we show that the kinase activity of the nucleophosmin (NPM)-ALK fusion regulated the shape of ALCL cells and F-actin filament assembly in a pattern similar to T-cell receptor–stimulated cells. NPM-ALK formed a complex with the guanine exchange factor VAV1, enhancing its activation through phosphorylation. VAV1 increased Cdc42 activity, and in turn, Cdc42 regulated the shape and migration of ALCL cells. In vitro knockdown of VAV1 or Cdc42 by short hairpin RNA, as well as pharmacologic inhibition of Cdc42 activity by secramine, resulted in a cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of ALCL cells. Importantly, the concomitant inhibition of Cdc42 and NPM-ALK kinase acted synergistically to induce apoptosis of ALCL cells. Finally, Cdc42 was necessary for the growth as well as for the maintenance of already established lymphomas in vivo. Thus, our data open perspectives for new therapeutic strategies by revealing a mechanism of regulation of ALCL cell growth through Cdc42. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):8899–907]
ERRγ Mediates Tamoxifen Resistance in Novel Models of Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer
Authors: Riggins Rebecca B. , Lan Jennifer P-J. , Klimach Uwe , Zwart Alan , Cavalli Luciane R. , Haddad Bassem R. , Chen Li , Gong Ting , Xuan Jianhua , Ethier Stephen P. , Clarke Robert
Published: October 2008

One-third of all estrogen receptor (ER)–positive breast tumors treated with endocrine therapy fail to respond, and the remainder is likely to relapse in the future. Almost all data on endocrine resistance has been obtained in models of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). However, invasive lobular carcinomas (ILC) comprise up to 15% of newly diagnosed invasive breast cancers each year and, whereas the incidence of IDC has remained relatively constant during the last 20 years, the prevalence of ILC continues to increase among postmenopausal women. We report a new model of Tamoxifen (TAM)-resistant invasive lobular breast carcinoma cells that provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of endocrine resistance. SUM44 cells express ER and are sensitive to the growth inhibitory effects of antiestrogens. Selection for resistance to 4-hydroxytamoxifen led to the development of the SUM44/LCCTam cell line, which exhibits decreased expression of ERα and increased expression of the estrogen-related receptor γ (ERRγ). Knockdown of ERRγ in SUM44/LCCTam cells by siRNA restores TAM sensitivity, and overexpression of ERRγ blocks the growth-inhibitory effects of TAM in SUM44 and MDA-MB-134 VI lobular breast cancer cells. ERRγ-driven transcription is also increased in SUM44/LCCTam, and inhibition of activator protein 1 (AP1) can restore or enhance TAM sensitivity. These data support a role for ERRγ/AP1 signaling in the development of TAM resistance and suggest that expression of ERRγ may be a marker of poor TAM response. [Cancer Res 2008;68(21):8908–17]
Sleeping Our Way to Weight Normalization and Stable Learning
Authors: Sullivan Thomas J. , de Sa Virginia R.
Published: October 2008

The functions of sleep have been an enduring mystery. Tononi and Cirelli (2003) hypothesized that one of the functions of slow-wave sleep is to scale down synapses in the cortex that have strengthened during awake learning. We create a computational model to test the functionality of this idea and examine some of its implications. We show that synaptic scaling during slow-wave sleep is capable of keeping Hebbian learning in check and that it enables stable development. We also show theoretically how it implements classical weight normalization, which has been in common use in neural models for decades. Finally, a significant computational limitation of this form of synaptic scaling is revealed through computer simulations.
Analytical and Simulation Results for the Stochastic Spatial Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model Neuron
Authors: Tuckwell Henry C.
Published: October 2008

For the Fitzhugh-Nagumo system with space-time white noise, we use numerical methods to consider the generation of action potentials and the reliability of transmission in the presence of noise. The accuracy of simulated solutions is verified by comparison with known exact analytical results. Noise of small amplitude may prevent transmission directly, whereas larger-amplitude noise may also interfere by producing secondary nonlocal responses. The probability of transmission as a function of noise amplitude is found for both uniform noise and noise restricted to a patch. For certain parameter ranges, the recovery variable may be neglected to give a single-component nonlinear diffusion with space-time white noise. In this case, analytical results are obtained for small perturbations and noise, which agree well with simulation results. For the voltage variable, expressions are given for the mean, covariance, and variance and their steady-state forms. The spectral density of the voltage is also obtained. Numerical examples are given of the difference between the properties of nonlinear and linear cables, and the validity of the expressions obtained for the statistical properties is investigated as a function of noise amplitude. For given parameters, analytical results are in good agreement with simulation until a certain critical noise amplitude is reached, which can be estimated. The role of trigger zones in increasing the reliability of transmission is discussed.
Eastern Mediterranean chameleons (Chamaeleo chamaeleon, Ch. africanus) are distinct
Authors: Dimaki Maria , Hundsdörfer Anna , Fritz Uwe
Published: October 2008

Based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences, we suggest that the founder individuals of the introduced Greek population of Chamaeleo africanus originated in the Nile Delta region of Egypt. In Ch. chamaeleon, we discovered in the eastern Mediterranean new 16S rRNA haplotypes, being highly distinct from previously published western Mediterranean haplotypes. Eastern Mediterranean haplotypes were found in samples from northern Syria, Cyprus, Crete, Samos, Malta and Tunisia. The occurrence of an eastern Mediterranean haplotype in Tunisia and of distinct haplotypes in Morocco could argue for a phylogeographic break in northwestern Africa.
Seed dispersal, habitat selection and movement patterns in the Amazonian tortoise, Geochelone denticulata
Authors: Stevenson Pablo , Guzmán Adriana
Published: October 2008

The Amazonian tortoise Geochelone denticulata may play an important role in forest dynamics due to its highly frugivorous diet, ability to disperse viable seeds, and predilection for resting in forest gaps for thermoregulation. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the species' effectiveness as a seed disperser. We measured dispersal quantity (abundance of seeds in feces, frequency of droppings, and population density of the disperser) and dispersal quality (movement patterns, habitat use, germination rates of dispersed seeds, and recruitment probabilities of seedlings) in a SW Amazonian forest, in Peru. Population density was calculated by mark-recapture and line-transect methods. Eight individuals were radio-tracked to monitor habitat use. Diet was described from fecal samples, which were washed to count seeds and for germination experiments. Seedling survival in different environmental conditions was monitored for three plant species. Population densities with mark-recapture estimates (0.15-0.31 individuals/ha) were much higher than with line transects estimates (0.0025 individuals/ha). Diet included fruit of 55 different plant species. Dispersed seeds had high germination rates (average 76%). In spite of their low activity, we documented long seed dispersal distances (average 89.6 m). Tortoises showed a marked preference for the open-canopy swampy forest, where long term recruitment was not favorable for seedlings of the species examined. However, the high solar radiation in this forest type promoted survival of pioneer seedlings in the short term. In conclusion, while G. denticulata did not perform a very efficient role in terms of the quantity of seed dispersal, the species can be considered efficient in many aspects of dispersal quality.
Thermal preference of the yellow-margined box turtle (Cuora flavomarginata) (Testudines: Geoemydidae) inhabiting a mesic lowland forest, northern Taiwan
Authors: Chen Tien-Hsi , Lue Kuang-Yang
Published: October 2008

Thermal preference of free-living yellow-margined box turtle, Cuora flavomarginata, was studied in a mesic forested habitat using a combination of radiotransmitters and temperature dataloggers attached to individual turtles. Patterns of mean weekly shell surface temperature variation of selected individuals were highly related to seasonal change of environmental temperature, with a peak temperature of 24.5-25.1°C in males and 26.0-27.0°C in females during June and July. Minimum shell surface temperature occurred in late January (4.5-7.6°C). Despite a small sample size, there were significantly intersexual differences in mean weekly shell surface temperature during nesting season. Individual females of C. flavomarginata tended to maintain higher shell surface temperature during nesting season (May-July). This difference was mostly pronounced during the day. There were no obviously intersexual differences prior to and after nesting season. Our results do not support the previous predictions that gravid C. flavomarginata may select higher environmental temperatures prior to nesting season.
β-fibrinogen intron 7 variation in Discoglossus (Anura: Discoglossidae): implications for the taxonomic assessment of morphologically cryptic species
Authors: García-París Mario , Martínez-Solano Iñigo , Velo-Antón Guillermo
Published: October 2008

The generalized use of nuclear introns in combination with mitochondrial DNA data in molecular systematic and intraspecific phylogeographical studies is providing new insights into the complex evolutionary histories of taxa surviving the Quaternary glaciations. Previous studies have highlighted the suitability of the beta-fibrinogen intron 7 (β-fibint7) for phylogenetic and phylogeographic studies in a wide variety of taxa, including amphibians. Here we use sequences of this marker to assess inter- and intraspecific variation in Discoglossus (Discoglossidae), with special emphasis on geographic patterns of genetic structure in the Iberian Peninsula, where recent studies have questioned the taxonomic status of D. jeanneae. We obtained 81 sequences of β-fibint7 from samples including all currently recognized species except D. montalentii and 37 populations in the Iberian Peninsula and compared levels of genetic variation with those observed in a fragment of similar length of the mtDNA gene cytochrome b. The sequence of β-fibint7 in Discoglossus is the shortest described for amphibians so far, 378 base pairs. In general, we found low levels of variability (only 26 parsimony-informative sites in the dataset), with no alternatively fixed haplotypes in samples attributed to D. galganoi or D. jeanneae based on their mtDNA. Values of pairwise sequence divergence between non-Iberian species ranged from 1.1% to 4.5% (13.3% to 20.9% in mtDNA). The patterns observed in samples from the Iberian Peninsula are consistent with either incomplete lineage sorting or ongoing gene flow between D. galganoi and D. jeanneae. We conclude by reviewing the genetic evidence available to address the taxonomic status of Iberian species of Discoglossus.
Intersexual differences in chemosensory responses to selected lipids reveal different messages conveyed by femoral secretions of male Iberian rock lizards
Authors: López Pilar , Martín José
Published: October 2008

The effects of intrasexual selection (i.e., male-male competition) and intersexual selection (i.e., mate choice) may result on the evolution of different secondary sexual traits. We tested whether chemosensory responses of male and female Iberolacerta cyreni lizards to femoral secretion of conspecific males (a chemical sexual trait used in social behavior) were eliciting by different chemical traits. Tongue-flick essays showed that males and females had similar chemosensory responses to the femoral secretions of males, but males and females differed in the magnitude of their chemosensory responses to the different chemicals found in secretions. Moreover, responses to chemicals related to body size depended on the own body size of the responding male, but did not in females. These results might support that femoral secretions of males convey different messages for male or female I. cyreni lizards.
Assimilation of Altimeter Data in the ECMWF Ocean Analysis System 3
Authors: Vidard Arthur , Balmaseda Magdalena , Anderson David
Published: October 2008

The latest version of the ECMWF ocean analysis system was recently introduced into operational use. This not only provides initial conditions for the monthly and seasonal forecast systems but also creates a historical reanalysis. For the first time, altimeter data are used in the ECMWF operational ocean analysis. However, making good use of altimetric sea level information was not easy and several difficulties had to be overcome. Various strategies were tried and compared. Attempts to use mean sea level from gravimetric satellites were also tried, but no satisfactory method of using this data was found. The altimetric data used show a marked rising trend that cannot be directly represented in the model as the Boussinesq approximation is used. A strategy for dealing with the trend is given. Results of Observing System Experiments (OSEs) with and without altimeter data are described and results are compared to illustrate the benefits of using altimetry. Although the results are positive, further developments are needed to more fully utilize the data.
Model Error Representation in an Operational Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Houtekamer P. L. , Mitchell Herschel L. , Deng Xingxiu
Published: October 2008

Since 12 January 2005, an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) has been used operationally at the Meteorological Service of Canada to provide the initial conditions for the medium-range forecasts of the ensemble prediction system. One issue in EnKF development is how to best account for model error.

It is shown that in a perfect-model environment, without any model error or model error simulation, the EnKF spread remains representative of the ensemble mean error with respect to a truth integration. Consequently, the EnKF can be used to quantify the impact of the various error sources in a data-assimilation cycle on the quality of the ensemble mean.

Using real rather than simulated observations, but still not simulating model error in any manner, the rms ensemble spread is found to be too small by approximately a factor of 2. It is then attempted to account for model error by using various combinations of the following four different approaches: (i) additive isotropic model error perturbations; (ii) different versions of the model for different ensemble members; (iii) stochastic perturbations to physical tendencies; and (iv) stochastic kinetic energy backscatter.

The addition of isotropic model error perturbations is found to have the biggest impact. The identification of model error sources could lead to a more realistic, likely anisotropic, parameterization. Using different versions of the model has a small but clearly positive impact and consequently both (i) and (ii) are used in the operational EnKF. The use of approaches (iii) and (iv) did not lead to further improvements.
Profile of Adult Patients Attending a Marriage and Sex Clinic in India
Authors: Kendurkar Arvind , Kaur Brinder , Anil Kumar Agarwal  , Singh Harjeet , Agarwal Vivek
Published: October 2008

Background: Sexual disorders, which are usually influenced by multiple factors, are very prevalent across the globe but there are few studies which provide the pattern of help-seeking behavior in the Indian population.

Aims: The study aims to present the pattern of sexual dysfunction in the patients attending a marriage and sex clinic from 1979 to 2005.

Method: Details are obtained from the records of the patients who attended the clinic. In accordance with the change in diagnostic classification, the data are presented: ICD-IX (for period 1979—1992) and ICD-X (for period 1993—2005).

Results: Out of a total of 1,242 patients, 566 patients attended the clinic during 1979 to 1992, and 676 patients during 1993 to 2005. More than half of the clinic population during the period was aged 20—29 years. Premature ejaculation is the most common complaint and the most commonly diagnosed clinical entity, followed by male erectile problems and culturally induced sexual behaviors such as dhat syndrome.

Conclusion: Being more educated, married and from an urban background promotes help-seeking in tertiary care clinics but these findings may be due to selection bias. Sexual activity continues to be strongly influenced by culturally held beliefs. This influence is more troublesome for young and unmarried persons who have not changed over the period.
Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Medical Students and in Humanities Students: Relationship With Big-Five Personality Dimensions and Vulnerability To Stress
Authors: Bunevicius Adomas , Katkute Arune , Bunevicius Robertas
Published: October 2008

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in medical students and in humanities students. To assess the relationship between symptoms of anxiety, symptoms of depression and Big-Five personality dimensions and vulnerability to stress in medical students.

Methods: Randomly selected 338 medical students and 73 humanities students were evaluated for symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), for Big-Five personality dimensions using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI), and for vulnerability to stress using the Stress Vulnerability Scale (SVS).

Results: Symptoms of anxiety and symptoms of depression were prevalent in medical students (43% and 14%, respectively) and in humanities students (52% and 12%, respectively). In medical students the score on the HADS anxiety subscale and the score on the HADS depression subscale correlated negatively with the score on the TIPI Emotional Stability scale ( r = —0.39, p < 0.01 and r = —0.2, p < 0.01, respectively) and correlated positively with the score on the SVS ( r = 0.38, p < 0.01 and r = 0.44, p < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusions: Symptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent in medical students and in humanities students. Severity of symptoms of anxiety and symptoms of depression in medical students is negatively related to emotional stability and positively related to stress vulnerability.
Influence of Spirituality and Religiousness On Smoking Among Patients With Schizophrenia or Schizo-Affective Disorder in Switzerland
Authors: Borras Laurence , Mohr Sylvia , Brandt Pierre-Yves , Gillieron Christianne , Eytan Ariel , Huguelet Philippe
Published: October 2008

Background: The rates of cigarette smoking among patients with schizophrenia are two to four times the rates observed in the community. Spirituality and religiousness have been shown to be associated with lower smoking rates in the general population.

Aims: This study assessed the role of religion in cigarette smoking among patients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder.

Methods: Some 115 stabilized outpatients from Geneva's public psychiatric facilities were included. Interviews were conducted to investigate spiritual and religious beliefs, religious practices and religious coping. Cigarette smoking was assessed through interviews and medical records.

Results: Some 58% of patients were smokers. Two-thirds of the total sample considered spirituality as very important or essential in their every day life. Religiosity was negatively associated with tobacco use: there were more current smokers without religious affiliation than non-smokers ( p < 0.05). For non-smokers, the support of their faith community was significantly more important and they reported more frequent group religious practices than smokers ( p < 0.05). This relation persisted after controlling for demographic confounders (gender, age, ethnicity, education, civil status).

Conclusion: In patients with schizophrenia, religion and spirituality seem to be related to smoking behaviour. Similar results were previously found in the general population. These results underscore the need for a systematic exploration of religious issues in the care of smokers with schizophrenia.
Religious Affiliation and Psychiatric Morbidity in Brazil: Higher Rates Among Evangelicals and Spiritists
Authors: Dalgalarrondo Paulo , Marín-León Leticia , Botega Neury José , De Azevedo Barros Marilisa Berti , Bosco de Oliveira Helenice
Published: October 2008

Aims: To verify the association between the prevalence of mental symptoms and excessive alcohol intake with religious affiliation, church attendance and personal religiosity.

Methods: A household survey of 515 adults randomly sampled included the WHO SUPRE-MISS questionnaire, SRQ-20 and AUDIT. Weighted prevalences were estimated and logistic analyses were performed.

Results: Minor psychiatric morbidity was greater among Spiritists and Protestants/ Evangelicals than in Catholics and in the `no-religion' group. The latter had a greater frequency of abusive alcohol drinking pattern and Protestants/Evangelicals showed lower drinking patterns.

Conclusions: Although belonging to Protestant/Evangelical churches in Brazil may inhibit alcohol involvement it seems to be associated to a higher frequency of depressive symptoms. Processes of seeking relief in new religious affiliations among sub-groups with previous minor psychiatric symptoms may probably occur in the Brazilian society.
Measurements of Moisture Transport within Multi-layer Clothing Assemblies Consisting of Different Types of Batting: A Factorial Design Analysis
Authors: Huijun Wu  , Jintu Fan
Published: October 2008

A three-level two-factor (32) full factorial design was conducted to examine the effects of the batting constructions (e.g. batting types and positions) on moisture transport through multi-layer clothing assemblies consisting of different types of batting under subzero environmental conditions. The amounts of moisture accumulated within and transmitted through the different batting constructions during a 24 h period at —20oC were measured on a developed sweating guarded hot plate. The factorial analysis on the experimental results showed that the inner batting type had the most significant influence on moisture accumulation and transmission within the clothing assemblies, although the effects of the outer batting type and the interaction between the inner and outer batting types were also significant. The analysis showed that placing wool batting instead of down batting in the inner region could efficiently minimize the moisture accumulation within the batting constructions and consequently upgrade the thermal comfort of the cold protective clothing systems.
Design, Manufacture, and Experimental Analysis of 3D Honeycomb Textile Composites, Part II: Experimental Analysis
Authors: Xiaogang Chen  , Ying Sun  , Xiaozhou Gong
Published: October 2008

In the second part of this two-part paper, the experimental analysis of 14 systematically designed 3D honeycomb textile composites, using drop-weight impact tests, is described. Energy absorption and transmitted force were measured to determine the impact performance of the honeycomb composites. The influence of structural parameters, including cell opening angle, cell size, cell wall ratio, and the cell density for the same cross-sectional area, were studied to characterize the 3D honeycomb composites systematically. It was found that changes in structural parameters affect impact energy absorption and impact force attenuation. The effect of volume density of the honeycomb composites on impact characteristics was also investigated. The results indicate that while the volume density has little effect on the energy absorption, it has significant influence on the transmitted force. The analytical results provide useful data for the engineering and application of 3D honeycomb composites.
Effects of Topographic Structure on Wettability of Differently Woven Fabrics
Authors: Hasan M.M.B. , Calvimontes A. , Synytska A. , Dutschk V.
Published: October 2008

Optical analysis of roughness operating on the principle of chromatic aberration and dynamic wetting measurements have been used to investigate the surface properties of polyester fabrics with different woven structures. The results revealed differences in the two basic types of weave — plain and twill — with respect to the penetration behavior of water. Additionally, plain weave fabrics were manufactured using differently profiled fibers — round and cruciform. It was established that fabrics composed of fibers having a cruciform cross section are more hydrophobic than those that are round.

It was shown that topographical characteristics of the fabrics strongly depend on their construction parameters such as the type and fineness of filaments, yarn fineness, yarn density, and, consequently, the type of weave. The results provide further insight into the relationship between construction parameters of fabrics of the same chemical nature and their topographic and wetting properties.
A Comparative Study on Accelerated Weathering Tests of Wool Fabrics
Authors: Hu Zhang  , Cookson Peter , Xungai Wang
Published: October 2008

This work has used two lightboxes with Philips 500 W MBTF lamps for a comparative trial on the photoyellowing evaluation of untreated wool fabrics under dry and wet conditions. An investigation was made to account for different trends of photoyellowing of the same wool fabric when irradiated by the two lightboxes. The fabric specimens irradiated in one lamp experienced increasing yellowing with irradiation time while specimens from the same wool fabric but irradiated under the other lamp manifested no noticeable color change. These differences are attributed to the susceptibility of wool to small spectral differences between the two MBTF lamps. Furthermore, the color fading results obtained from the commonly used blue wool standard (BWS) references from L1 to L3 show that these reference materials could not effectively reveal changes caused by the spectral differences in two MBTF lamps. These results have important implications for conducting accelerated weathering tests on spectrum-sensitive textile materials, and considerable care should be taken when using BWSs to ensure reliable and consistent irradiation results.
Temperature Analysis for the Prediction of Steam Formation and Transfer in Multilayer Thermal Protective Clothing at Low Level Thermal Radiation
Authors: Keiser Corinne , Rossi Rene M.
Published: October 2008

It is important to understand the process of evaporation and steam transfer through firefighter protective clothing in order to be able to prevent steam burns. As humidity sensors are too slow to measure fast changes of humidity inside the clothing layers, temperature changes were used to analyze the evaporation of moisture. Temperature measurements turned out to be useful to predict the evaporation speed within the clothing layers, as temperatures remain constant during the evaporation. The measurements showed that the temperatures within the clothing layers containing a wet layer never rose higher than the temperatures within dry clothing. As soon as all moisture had evaporated, temperature increase followed exactly the curves of the measurements of dry samples.
A Central School Reform Program in Sweden and the Local Response: Taking the Long-Term View Works
Authors: Blossing Ulf , Ekholm Mats
Published: October 2008

This article reports the results of a longitudinal study of 35 Swedish comprehensive schools involving interviews with teachers, school leaders, students, and parents carried out in 1980, 1982, 1985, and 2001. During the 35-year period covered by the study, the schools experienced significant reforms. The most important of these reforms involved a shift from a system of highly centralized control of school activities to a system where a large degree of control over schools was devolved to local municipalities— kommuns—and to the schools themselves. These reforms are such that today, for example, local kommuns are responsible for school budgets where previously the state was in charge of them. This study makes a strong argument for the need for a process of progressive decentralization that puts the emphasis on local democracy as opposed to the alternative that tends to emphasize greater state control.
Variance Components and Related Methods for Mapping Quantitative Trait Loci
Authors: Cherny S.S.
Published: October 2008

Variance components methods have been used in various aspects of genetic analysis for many decades. This article discusses their application to data on quantitative traits for the estimation of polygenic and environmental variances as well as, for the detection of quantitative trait loci using methods of linkage and association. Multivariate approaches are discussed, along with regression-based related methods. Additionally, examples of the application of these methods from the literature are presented.