bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a clinical prediction rule to distinguish bacterial from viral pneumonia in children
Authors: Moreno Laura , Krishnan Jerry A. , Duran Pablo , Ferrero Fernando
Published: February 2006

Background

Distinguishing bacterial from viral pneumonia on admission to the hospital could guide the decision of whether or not to use antibiotics. We developed and validated a clinical prediction rule to distinguish bacterial from viral pneumonia in hospitalized children.

Methods

We enrolled consecutive children, aged 1 month to 5 years, admitted to two tertiary children's hospitals in whom a bacterial or viral etiology for pneumonia was identified. Data from 175 children at one hospital were used to develop a clinical prediction rule or Bacterial Pneumonia Score (BPS). Data from 136 children at the second hospital were used to validate it. Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and multivariable logistic regression, significant clinical and laboratory predictors, along with the radiographic score for each participant, were included as factors in the BPS. The main outcome measure was the sensitivity and specificity of the BPS for bacterial pneumonia.

Results

The BPS (possible range: − 3 to 15; auROCc = 0.996, 95%CI: 0.99–1.0) was developed by attributing 3 points for axillary temperature ≥ 8,000 cells/mm3, 1 point for bands ≥ 5%, and − 3 to 7 points for the chest X‐ray findings. A BPS ≥ 4 predicted bacterial pneumonia with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 93.8%, positive predictive value of 75.8%, and negative predictive value of 100%.

Conclusions

The BPS accurately identifies hospitalized children's risk of bacterial pneumonia, helping clinicians determine those not likely to benefit from antibiotic therapy. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lung function tests in neonates and infants with chronic lung disease: Lung and chest‐wall mechanics
Authors: Gappa Monika , Pillow J. Jane , Allen Julian , Mayer Oscar , Stocks Janet
Published: February 2006

This is the fifth paper in a review series that summarizes available data and critically discusses the potential role of lung function testing in infants and young children with acute neonatal respiratory disorders and chronic lung disease of infancy (CLDI). This review focuses on respiratory mechanics, including chest‐wall and tissue mechanics, obtained in the intensive care setting and in infants during unassisted breathing. Following orientation of the reader to the subject area, we focused comments on areas of enquiry proposed in the introductory paper to this series. The quality of the published literature is reviewed critically with respect to relevant methods, equipment and study design, limitations and strengths of different techniques, and availability and appropriateness of reference data. Recommendations to guide future investigations in this field are provided. Numerous different methods have been used to assess respiratory mechanics with the aims of describing pulmonary status in preterm infants and assessing the effect of therapeutic interventions such as surfactant treatment, antenatal or postnatal steroids, or bronchodilator treatment. Interpretation of many of these studies is limited because lung volume was not measured simultaneously. In addition, populations are not comparable, and the number of infants studied has generally been small. Nevertheless, results appear to support the pathophysiological concept that immaturity of the lung leads to impaired lung function, which may improve with growth and development, irrespective of the diagnosis of chronic lung disease. To fully understand the impact of immaturity on the developing lung, it is unlikely that a single parameter such as respiratory compliance or resistance will accurately describe underlying changes. Assessment of respiratory mechanics will have to be supplemented by assessment of lung volume and airway function. New methods such as the low‐frequency forced oscillation technique, which differentiate the tissue and airway components of respiratory mechanics, are likely to require further development before they can be of clinical significance. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pyrotechnic Countermeasures: II. Advanced Aerial Infrared Countermeasures
Authors: Koch Ernst‐Christian
Published: February 2006

This paper discusses the technology of advanced aerial infrared countermeasures and related work disclosed in the unclassified literature. Missile‐seeker head counter‐countermeasures include spectral discrimination, kinematical discrimination, rise‐time discrimination, UV/VIS discrimination and area temperature matching. Advanced flare payloads designed to counter dual color seekers contain selectively emitting compositions based primarily on high carbon fuels and perchlorates. Other advanced payloads consist of low temperature emitters like pyrophoric metal foils and gasless pyrotechnic compositions like Fe/KClO4. The optimization of black body flares, still considered essential to a successful countermeasure solution, make use of new fuels based on e.g. meta‐stable alloys and nanometer‐sized powders as well as high energetic oxidizers. Kinematic flares today use combined propellant and infrared grains. 116 references from the public domain are given. For part I see Ref. [1].
A Discussion of the Kamlet‐Jacobs Formula for the Detonation Pressure
Authors: Kazandjian Luc , Danel Jean‐François
Published: February 2006

The main features of the Kamlet‐Jacobs formula for the detonation pressure of CHNO explosives are analytically derived from a BKW (Becker‐Kistiakowsky‐Wilson) equation of state of the detonation products. In the derivation, well‐known typical values at the Chapman‐Jouguet state, in particular the nearly constant value of the relative volume of the detonation products, are used.
Calculation of the Energy of Explosives with a Partial Reaction Model. Comparison with Cylinder Test Data
Authors: Sanchidrián José A. , López Lina M.
Published: February 2006

The energy delivered by explosives is described by means of the useful expansion work along the isentrope of the detonation products. A thermodynamic code (W‐DETCOM) is used, in which a partial reaction model has been implemented. In this model, the reacted fraction of the explosive in the detonation state is used as a fitting factor so that the calculated detonation velocity meets the experimental value. Calculations based on such a model have been carried out for a number of commercial explosives of ANFO and emulsion types. The BKW (Becker‐Kistiakowsky‐Wilson) equation of state is used for the detonation gases with the Sandia parameter set (BKWS). The energy delivered in the expansion (useful work) is calculated, and the values obtained are compared with the Gurney energies from cylinder test data at various expansion ratios. The expansion work values obtained are much more realistic than those from an ideal detonation calculation and, in most cases, the values predicted by the calculation are in good agreement with the experimental ones.
Theoretical Studies on Molecular and Explosive Properties of 4,4′,5,5′‐Tetranitro‐2,2′‐bi‐1H‐imidazole (TNBI)
Authors: Cho Soo Gyeong , Goh Eun Mee , Cho Jin Rai , Kim Jeong Kook
Published: February 2006

We performed theoretical studies to predict the molecular structure, molecular properties, and explosive performance of 4,4′,5,5′‐tetranitro‐2,2′‐bi‐1H‐imidazole (TNBI). High levels of ab initio and density functional theories were employed to predict the molecular structure of TNBI. Predicted TNBI structure was in good agreement with that observed by X‐ray crystallography. Heat of formation in the solid phase at 298 K was predicted to be 270.3 kJ/mol. Density of TNBI was predicted to be 1.919–1.956 g/cm3 depending upon the parameter sets of group additivity method. By using these values as input data, we estimated detonation velocity and C–J pressure to be 8.69–8.80 km/s and 34.5‐36.1 GPa, respectively. Impact sensitivity of TNBI was predicted to be 33 cm.
Computational Investigation on 2,4,6‐Trinitrochlorobenzene Crystal
Authors: Ju Xue‐Hai , Qiu Ling , Xiao He‐Ming
Published: February 2006

Density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP level were performed on crystalline 2,4,6‐trinitrochlorobenzene. The carbon, oxygen, and chlorine atoms make up the narrow lower energy bands, while the nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms make up the higher energy bands. Besides, the contributions of these atomic orbitals to the frontier bands are somewhat well‐proportioned. The Mulliken populations obviously demonstrate that the C‐N bonds are the weakest, indicating that the C‐NO2 is prone to rupture upon stimuli. An anisotropic impact on the bulk makes the electron transfer from chlorine to its neighbor carbon atom and from nitrogen atoms to oxygen atoms. The crystal lattice energy is predicted to be −50.99 kJ/mol, after being corrected for basis set superposition error.
Radial Combustion Propagation in Iron(III) Oxide/Aluminum Thermite Mixtures
Authors: Durães Luísa , Campos José , Portugal António
Published: February 2006

The self‐sustained thermite reaction between iron oxide (Fe2O3) and aluminum is a classical source of energy. In this work the radial combustion propagation on thin circular samples of stoichiometric and over aluminized Fe2O3/Al thermite mixtures is studied. The radial geometry allows an easy detection of sample heterogeneities and the observation of the combustion behavior in their vicinity. The influence of factors like reactant mixtures stoichiometry, samples green density and system geometry on the rate of propagation of the combustion front is analyzed. The radial combustion front profiles are registered by digital video‐crono‐photography. Combustion thermograms are obtained for two sample radii. Theoretical calculations, based on the impurity levels reported by the reactants manufacturers and on the thermite reaction stoichiometry, were used to define the stoichiometric mixture with unitary equivalence ratio (E. R.). However, it was found from the experimental results that the excess of aluminum only starts for E. R. values between 1.12 and 1.27. This was explained by the further oxidation of aluminum during storage and/or by the reaction incompleteness. In the range studied, the combustion rates of the thermite mixtures did not show any significant dependence on the green density. Combustion rates obtained in this work were slightly higher than those obtained in an earlier work for long square channel geometry. A considerable dispersion of temperature values was observed and attributed to thermocouples sensitivity to micro‐scale variations.
Burning Characteristics of AP/HTPB Composite Propellants Prepared with Fine Porous or Fine Hollow Ammonium Perchlorate
Authors: Kohga Makoto
Published: February 2006

Fine porous and hollow ammonium perchlorate (AP) particles were prepared by the spray‐drying method. Propellants prepared with porous or hollow AP were found to have bubble contamination. The bubble in the propellant appeared inside the porous and hollow AP particles because the voids in porous and hollow AP cannot be completely filled with HTPB. The relationship between the burning rate and the weight mean diameter, Dw, and the specific surface area, Sw, is divided into two regions. The burning rate was almost constant above the critical Dw and increased with decreasing Dw below that. The burning rate was almost constant below the critical Sw and increased with increasing Sw above that. These critical points did not depend on the voids in the AP particles. The burning rate of the propellant prepared with spherical AP was dependent on Dw and Sw. The burning rates of the propellants prepared with porous or hollow AP were not associated with Dw or Sw alone and were greater than that of the propellant prepared with spherical AP at a constant Dw or Sw. The voids in porous and hollow AP particles thus had a positive effect on the burning rate.
On the Emitter of Blue Light in Copper‐Containing Pyrotechnic Flames
Authors: Sturman Barry T.
Published: February 2006

Thermodynamic modeling of eight copper‐containing pyrotechnic flames was carried out to investigate a suggestion that the emitter of blue light is Cu3Cl3. In seven of them the dominant Cu species was CuCl and in three, Cu3Cl3 was essentially absent (mole fraction <0.000005). This is consistent with previous spectroscopic studies showing that the blue light emitter is CuCl. The calculated adiabatic temperatures of flames from formulations reported to give good to excellent blue colors ranged from 1660 K to 2500 K. This is inconsistent with statements in the literature that the flame temperature has to be below 1500 K. An eighth formulation, specifically formulated to give a high temperature blue flame but reported to give a poor color, had a flame temperature of ~ 2900 K and the dominant Cu species was atomic Cu.
Adenovirus‐mediated CD40 ligand therapy induces tumor cell apoptosis and systemic immunity in the TRAMP‐C2 mouse prostate cancer model
Authors: Dzojic Helena , Loskog Angelica , Tötterman Thomas H. , Essand Magnus
Published: February 2006

Background

The interaction between CD40 ligand (CD40L) and CD40 on antigen presenting cells is essential for the initiation of antigen‐specific T‐cell responses, whereas CD40L stimulation of CD40+ tumor cells can induce cellular apoptosis. We investigated the anti‐tumor effects induced by CD40L gene transfer into the mouse prostate adenocarcinoma cell line TRAMP‐C2, both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

TRAMP‐C2 cells were transduced with an adenoviral vector encoding CD40L (AdCD40L). The induced expression of co‐stimulatory molecules and cell viability was analyzed. AdCD40L‐transduced TRAMP‐C2 cells were used in prophylactic vaccination studies, while therapeutic studies were performed using peritumoral injections of AdCD40L.

Results

AdCD40L yielded reduced TRAMP‐C2 cell viability and induced apoptosis in vitro. Vaccination with CD40L‐expressing TRAMP‐C2 cells induced anti‐tumor immunity and peritumoral AdCD40L injections induced tumor growth suppression.

Conclusions

Our observations highlight the therapeutic potential of using AdCD40L as a monotherapy or in combination with conventional chemotherapy or novel therapies (e.g., oncolytic viruses). The use of AdCD40L offers an attractive option for future clinical trials. Prostate © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro and in vivo prodrug therapy of prostate cancer using anti‐γ‐Sm‐scFv/hCPA fusion protein
Authors: Hao Xiao‐Ke , Liu Jia‐Yun , Yue Qiao‐Hong , Wu Guo‐Jun , Bai Yu‐Jie , Yin Ying
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

Raising selectivity to tumor cells is a major challenge for most chemotherapy drugs. One of approaches to realizing this goal is antibody‐directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). This study was done to investigate the curative effect of a new ADEPT system for the treatment of prostate cancer.

METHODS

Methotrexate (MTX) prodrugs were synthesized and anti‐seminoprotein (SM) single‐chain antibody/human carboxypeptidase‐A fusion protein (scFv/hCPA) was prepared. Therapeutic effects of this ADEPT system were evaluated.

RESULTS

The synthesis of prodrugs was successful and the prodrugs were confirmed no cytotoxicity, but hydrolysis with tumor‐targeted scFv/hCPA fusion protein gave 1,000‐fold higher cytotoxicity than MTX‐α‐Phe only. Cell cycle assays showed that tumor cells were arrested in the S phase after ADEPT treatment; furthermore, tumors were inhibited significantly in scFv/hCPA and MTX‐α‐Phe treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that targeted activation cytotoxicity against established prostate cancer by scFv/hCPA mediated ADEPT is tumor‐specific and has no systemic toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Prostate 66: 858–866, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Calmodulin signaling: Analysis and prediction of a disorder‐dependent molecular recognition
Authors: Radivojac Predrag , Vucetic Slobodan , O'Connor Timothy R. , Uversky Vladimir N. , Obradovic Zoran , Dunker A. Keith
Published: February 2006

Calmodulin (CaM) signaling involves important, wide spread eukaryotic protein–protein interactions. The solved structures of CaM associated with several of its binding targets, the distinctive binding mechanism of CaM, and the significant trypsin sensitivity of the binding targets combine to indicate that the process of association likely involves coupled binding and folding for both CaM and its binding targets. Here, we use bioinformatics approaches to test the hypothesis that CaM‐binding targets are intrinsically disordered. We developed a predictor of CaM‐binding regions and estimated its performance. Per residue accuracy of this predictor reached 81%, which, in combination with a high recall/precision balance at the binding region level, suggests high predictability of CaM‐binding partners. An analysis of putative CaM‐binding proteins in yeast and human strongly indicates that their molecular functions are related to those of intrinsically disordered proteins. These findings add to the growing list of examples in which intrinsically disordered protein regions are indicated to provide the basis for cell signaling and regulation. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conformational flexibility may explain multiple cellular roles of PEST motifs
Authors: Sandhu Kuljeet Singh , Dash Debasis
Published: February 2006

PEST sequences are one of the major motifs that serve as signal for the protein degradation and are also involved in various cellular processes such as phosphorylation and protein–protein interaction. In our earlier study, we found that these motifs contribute largely to eukaryotic protein disorder. This observation led us to evaluate their conformational variability in the nonredundant Protein Data Bank (PDB) structures. For this purpose, crystallographic temperature factors, structural alignment of multiple NMR models, and dihedral angle order parameters have been used in this study. The study has revealed the hypermobility of PEST motifs as compared to other regions of the protein. Conformational flexibility may allow them to participate in number of molecular interactions under different conditions. This analysis may explain the role of protein backbone flexibility in bringing about multiple cellular roles of PEST motifs. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystal structure of a consensus‐designed ankyrin repeat protein: Implications for stability
Authors: Binz H. Kaspar , Kohl Andreas , Plückthun Andreas , Grütter Markus G.
Published: February 2006

Consensus‐designed ankyrin repeat (AR) proteins are thermodynamically very stable. The structural analysis of the designed AR protein E3_5 revealed that this stability is due to a regular fold with highly conserved structural motifs and H‐bonding networks. However, the designed AR protein E3_19 exhibits a significantly lower stability than E3_5 (9.6 vs. 14.8 kcal/mol), despite 88% sequence identity. To investigate the structural correlations of this stability difference between E3_5 and E3_19, we determined the crystal structure of E3_19 at 1.9 Å resolution. E3_19 as well has a regular AR domain fold with the characteristic H‐bonding patterns. All structural features of the E3_5 and E3_19 molecules appear to be virtually identical (RMSDCα ≈ 0.7 Å). However, clear differences are observed in the surface charge distribution of the two AR proteins. E3_19 features clusters of charged residues and more exposed hydrophobic residues than E3_5. The atomic coordinates of E3_19 have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank. PDB ID: 2BKG. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of heat treatment on the damping behaviour of a Cu–Al–Mn shape memory alloy
Authors: Wang Qingzhou , Han Fusheng , Hao Gangling , Wu Jie
Published: February 2006

The effect of heat treatment on the damping behaviour of a Cu–11.9Al–2.5Mn (wt%) alloy was investigated and correlated with the martensite microstructures. It is found that elevated quenching temperature and rapid cooling can give rise to increased damping capacity due to the formation of favourable martensite microstructures characterized by coarse twin boundaries and a high twin content. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of oxygen ion implantation in spray‐pyrolyzed ZnO thin films
Authors: Vijayakumar K. P. , Ratheesh Kumar P. M. , Sudha Kartha C. , Wilson K. C. , Singh F. , Nair K. G. M. , Kashiwaba Y.
Published: February 2006

ZnO thin films, prepared using the chemical spray pyrolysis technique, were implanted using 100 keV O+ ions. Both pristine and ion‐implanted samples were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, optical absorption, electrical resistivity measurements, thermally stimulated current measurements and photoluminescence. Samples retained their crystallinity even after irradiation at a fluence of ∼1015 ions/cm2. However, at a still higher fluence of 2 × 1016 ions/cm2, the films became totally amorphous. The optical absorption edge remained unaffected by implantation and optical absorption spectra indicated two levels at 460 and 510 nm. These were attributed to defect levels corresponding to zinc vacancies (VZn) and oxygen antisites (OZn), respectively. Pristine samples had a broad photoluminescence emission centred at 517 nm, which was depleted on implantation. In the case of implanted samples, two additional emissions appeared at 425 and 590 nm. These levels were identified as due to zinc vacancies (VZn) and oxygen vacancies (VO), respectively. The electrical resistivity of implanted samples was much higher than that of pristine, while photosensitivity decreased to a very low value on implantation. This can be utilized in semiconductor device technology for interdevice isolation. Hall measurements showed a marked decrease in mobility due to ion implantation, while carrier concentration slightly increased. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spatial patterns of fish communities in the Upper Mississippi River System: assessing fragmentation by low‐head dams
Authors: Chick John H. , Pegg Mark A. , Koel Todd M.
Published: February 2006

We assessed the similarity of fish communities among river reaches to assess community‐level fragmentation by low‐head dams in the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS). The spatial coverage of standardized electrofishing sampling used in the Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP) was extended for three of the six regional trend areas (RTA; pools 4, 13, and the Open River Reach) to include river reaches (outpools) immediately upstream and downstream from the standard RTA from 15 June to 31 October 2000. Additionally, pools 19 and 20 were sampled in September 2000. Cluster analysis and non‐metric multidimensional scaling of community composition and structure data revealed two major groups, upper and lower reaches, and four (for composition) or five (for structure) sub‐groupings of river reaches. In general, all outpools grouped with the nearest RTA for both community composition (no exception) and community structure (one exception). This suggests that fragmentation of fish communities from low‐head dams is minimal. Mantel correlations demonstrated strong inverse association between the similarity of fish communities with the distance between reaches. Habitat variables measured during electrofishing collections were significantly correlated with spatial variation of fish composition and community structure, but provided only marginal improvements to correlations with distance between reaches alone. Furthermore, habitat variability among river reaches also was related to distance between reaches. Determining the extent to which variation of fish communities is related to habitat or demographic processes (e.g. migration, larval drift, source‐sink dynamics) will be challenging for this system. Although low‐head dams on the UMRS may restrict movements for individuals and populations of certain fish species, we found little evidence that these effects have led to substantial, community‐level fragmentation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of pre‐eclampsia by uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography and maternal serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A, free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin, activin A and inhibin A at 22 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks' gestation
Authors: Spencer K. , Yu C. K. H. , Savvidou M. , Papageorghiou A. T. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: February 2006

Objective

To investigate the potential value of combining uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography with the measurement of maternal serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A), free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG), activin A and inhibin A at 22 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks' gestation, in the prediction of pregnancies that subsequently develop pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

The maternal serum PAPP‐A, free β‐hCG, activin A and inhibin A concentrations at 22 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks' gestation were measured in samples obtained from women with singleton pregnancies who participated in a screening study for pre‐eclampsia by transvaginal color flow Doppler measurement of the uterine artery pulsatility index (PI). A search was made of the database to identify those who subsequently developed pre‐eclampsia (n = 24) and a group of controls with normal outcome (n = 144). Regression analysis was performed to establish any relationship between the biochemical markers themselves and between the biochemical markers and uterine artery mean PI. A multivariate Gaussian model combining various biochemical markers with uterine artery mean PI was developed using standard statistical modeling techniques and the performance of such models in discriminating cases with pre‐eclampsia was evaluated by receiver–operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis.

Results

In the pre‐eclampsia group, compared to the controls, the uterine artery mean PI and the maternal serum levels of PAPP‐A, free β‐hCG, activin A and inhibin A were significantly increased. The predicted detection rates of pre‐eclampsia, for a false positive rate of 5%, was 50% by uterine artery mean PI, 5% by PAPP‐A, 10% by free β‐hCG, 35% by inhibin A and 44% by activin A. Screening by a combination of uterine artery mean PI and maternal serum activin A and inhibin A could detect 75% and 92% of patients who subsequently developed pre‐eclampsia, for false positive rates of 5% and 10%, respectively.

Conclusion

Screening for pre‐eclampsia by uterine artery PI at 22 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks' gestation can be improved by measurement of activin A and inhibin A levels. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive significance of egg size plasticity in response to temperature in the migrant skipper, Parnara guttata guttata (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)
Authors: Seko Tomokazu , Nakasuji Fusao
Published: February 2006

Females of the migrant skipper, Parnara guttata guttata, that are reared under lower temperatures lay smaller eggs. The adaptive significance of egg size plasticity in response to temperature is unknown in this species. We suggest, based on the following experimental results, that P. g. guttata uses temperature as an indirect cue to predict the host condition (leaf toughness) of the next generation. First, larvae were reared under the typical conditions of temperature and photoperiod experienced during the immature stages in the first, second, and overwintering (third) generations (LD 16:8 at 25°C, LD 14:10 at 25°C and LD 14:10 at 20°C). Females reared under LD14:10 at 20°C produced more, smaller eggs than those reared under LD14:10 and LD16:8 at 25°C. Secondly, survival rates of first instar larvae derived from females reared under the three photoperiod/temperature treatments were measured on young soft rice leaves (“soft”), or tough, old rice leaves (“tough”). Survival rates of hatchlings reared on soft and tough leaves did not differ when females were reared under LD16:8 and LD14:10 at 25°C. However, hatchling survival was significantly higher on soft than on tough leaves when females were reared under LD14:10 at 20°C. Thirdly, we found that egg size plasticity in response to temperature in P. g. guttata may be a threshold response. Temperatures below 20°C experienced during the immature stages may be effective for production of smaller and more eggs in the overwintering generation of P. g. guttata.
Regulation of the transcription factor FOXM1c by Cyclin E/CDK2
Authors: Lüscher-Firzlaff Juliane M. , Lilischkis Richard , Lüscher Bernhard
Published: February 2006

The FOXM1 forkhead proteins, originally identified as M‐phase phosphoproteins, are proliferation‐associated transcriptional regulators involved in cell cycle progression, genetic stability and tumorigenesis. Here we demonstrate that Cyclin‐dependent kinases regulate the transcriptional activity of FOXM1c. This is independent of an N‐terminal negative regulatory domain and of the forkhead DNA binding domain. Instead we mapped the responsive sites in the transactivation domain. A combination of three phosphorylation sites mediates the Cyclin E and Cyclin A/CDK2 effects. Our findings provide evidence for a novel Cyclin E/CDK2 substrate that functions in cell cycle control.
The novel neurotrophin‐regulated neuronal development‐associated protein, NDAP, mediates apoptosis
Authors: Li Hui Li , Li Zhi , Qin Lu Ye , Liu Shuang , Lau Lok Ting , Han Ji Sheng , Yu Albert Cheung Hoi
Published: February 2006

We identified a novel gene and named it, “neuronal development‐associated protein (NDAP)”. We detected NDAP mRNA presence in most tissues including the brain where it was present in the area from the external granular layer to the multiform layer in the cerebral cortex, and in CA1, CA2, CA3 and the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus. Its expression increased transiently in primary cultures of 2–4 day neurons and 1–2 week astrocytes and was significantly reduced in older cultures. Treatment by the neurotrophin, NT‐3, significantly attenuated the decline of NDAP in neurons from days 2 to 10, whereas growth factors such as GDNF and insulin, and high potassium levels did not. To elucidate the effects of neurotrophins, we treated day 5 neurons with NT‐3, BDNF or NGF for 48 h. NT‐3 and BDNF both inhibited downregulation of NDAP mRNA levels but NGF slightly enhanced the already present downregulation; this effect of NGF was significant when examined in day 3 neurons. To investigate the potential function of NDAP, we over‐expressed an NDAP‐EGFP fusion protein in 4‐week‐old astrocytes. The newly expressed NDAP gradually aggregated into membrane‐bound structures and eventually led to cell death through apoptosis by 24 h. Significant levels of cell death were also observed in NDAP‐EGFP transfected HEK293 cells. Thus maintenance of high NDAP levels may cause apoptosis. The different regulations of NDAP expression by neurotrophins indicate that the expression of NDAP might be a checkpoint for apoptosis during neuronal development.
Cannabinoid derivatives induce cell death in pancreatic MIA PaCa‐2 cells via a receptor‐independent mechanism
Authors: Fogli Stefano , Nieri Paola , Chicca Andrea , Adinolfi Barbara , Mariotti Veronica , Iacopetti Paola , Breschi Maria Cristina , Pellegrini Silvia
Published: February 2006

Cannabinoids (CBs) are implicated in the control of cell survival in different types of tumors, but little is known about the role of CB system in pancreatic cancer. Herein, we investigated the in vitro antitumor activity of CBs and the potential role of their receptors in human pancreatic cancer cells MIA PaCa‐2. Characterization tools used for this study included growth inhibition/cell viability analyses, caspase 3/7 induction, DNA fragmentation, microarray analysis and combination index‐isobologram method. Our results demonstrate that CBs produce a significant cytotoxic effect via a receptor‐independent mechanism. The CB1 antagonist N‐(piperidin‐1‐1yl)‐5‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐1‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐4‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxamide (AM251) was the most active compound with an IC50 of 8.6 ± 1.3 μM after 72 h. AM251 induces apoptosis, causes transcriptional changes of genes in janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling network and synergistically interacts with the pyrimidine analogue, 5‐fluorouracil. These findings exclude the involvement of CB receptors in the regulation of MIA PaCa‐2 cell growth and put AM251 forward as a candidate for the development of novel compounds worthy to be tested in this type of neoplasia.
CHANGES IN THE BIOLOGICAL STATUS OF POLISH GIRLS FROM A RURAL REGION ASSOCIATED WITH ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL PROCESSES IN THE PERIOD 1967–2001
Authors: ŁASKA-MIERZEJEWSKA TERESA , OLSZEWSKA ELŻBIETA
Published: February 2006

The age at menarche, body height and weight of the daughters of farmers, farmer–workers and landless villagers in a rural region of Poland were studied. In the period 1967–1977, a time of economic development, a decrease in age at menarche (by 0.74 years) and a secular trend in body height (by 2.4 cm/decade) was observed. In 1977–1987, a period of acute economic crisis, age at menarche increased by 0.16 years and the secular trend in body height was only 1.1 cm/decade. In 1987–2001, age at menarche decreased and body height increased by 0.28 years and 2.9 cm respectively. The percentage of families owning a car, freezer and video increased during this period. These last results are indicative of an improvement in living conditions, but the villagers regard themselves as losers as a result of the political transformation (1989) in Poland.
Predictors of psychological distress in carers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a longitudinal study
Authors: GOLDSTEIN L. H. , ATKINS L. , LANDAU S. , BROWN R. , LEIGH P. N.
Published: February 2006

Background. The majority of people providing informal care for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are spouses. This prospective study set out to examine changes in and predictors of psychological distress in spouse carers of people with ALS.

Method. Fifty spouse carers of people with ALS underwent an initial interview and at least 21 underwent two further interviews, at median intervals of approximately 5–6 months. They rated the functional impact of their partner's ALS on everyday activities and everyday cognitive, emotional and behavioural changes that might have occurred in the person with ALS. They also rated their own social support and marital relationship, and completed measures of mood, burden and strain. The ALS Severity Scale was also completed for their partner with ALS.

Results. Over time, carers' psychological distress (a global measure combining mood, burden and strain) increased significantly. Initially carers' psychological distress was best predicted by the psychosocial impact of their spouse/partners' ALS, the extent to which their partner demonstrated emotional lability and how many other people were considered as dependents of the carer. Subsequently, carer distress was best predicted by an initial measure of negative social support and by their initial satisfaction with their social relationships.

Conclusions. Despite the significant physical impairment associated with ALS, psychosocial factors appear important in determining short- and longer-term psychological well-being in carers of people with ALS and may help clinicians to predict which carers are likely to experience psychological difficulties as part of their caring role.
A shape constraint based visual positioning method for a humanoid robot
Authors: Xu De , Tan Min , Jiang Zemin , Hu Huosheng
Published: February 2006

This paper proposes a new visual positioning method for a humanoid robot to approach and grasp a valve based on colour and shape constraints. The robot has two cameras in its head and uses constraints of colour rectangle marks to determine the valve's position and pose. When the hands are near the valve, an image-based visual servoing method is employed to catch the handle of the valve via cameras in end-effectors. Experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Methods for monitoring hydroacoustic events using direct and reflected T waves in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Hanson Jeffrey A. , Bowman J. Roger
Published: February 2006

The recent installation of permanent, three‐element hydrophone arrays in the Indian Ocean offshore Diego Garcia and Cape Leeuwin, Australia, provides an opportunity to study hydroacoustic sources in more detail than previously possible. We developed and applied methods for coherent processing of the array data, for automated association of signals detected at more than one array, and for source location using only direct arrivals and using signals reflected from coastlines and other bathymetric features. During the 286‐day study, 4725 hydroacoustic events were defined and located in the Indian and Southern oceans. Events fall into two classes: tectonic earthquakes and ice‐related noise. The tectonic earthquakes consist of mid‐ocean ridge, trench, and intraplate earthquakes. Mid‐ocean ridge earthquakes are the most common tectonic events and often occur in clusters along transform offsets. Hydroacoustic signal levels for earthquakes in a standard catalog suggest that the hydroacoustic processing threshold for ridge events is one magnitude below the seismic network. Fewer earthquakes are observed along the Java Trench than expected because the large bathymetric relief of the source region complicates coupling between seismic and hydroacoustic signals, leading to divergent signal characteristics at different stations. We located 1843 events along the Antarctic coast resulting from various ice noises, most likely thermal fracturing and ice ridge forming events. Reflectors of signals from earthquakes are observed along coastlines, the mid‐Indian Ocean and Ninety East ridges, and other bathymetric features. Reflected signals are used as synthetic stations to reduce location uncertainty and to enable event location with a single station.
Assessment of ionosphere tomographic modeling performance using GPS data during the October 2003 geomagnetic storm event
Authors: Liu Zhizhao , Skone Susan , Gao Yang
Published: February 2006

Precise ionospheric modeling is important for single‐frequency Global Positioning System (GPS) users to achieve optimal positioning accuracy because the ionospheric signal delay is now the largest error source for positioning and navigation with GPS. The ionospheric modeling during ionospheric storms is particularly critical since the signal delay may be higher than normal and may differ significantly from the broadcast ionosphere model (currently employed by single‐frequency users). In this study, a tomographic technique is used to model the ionosphere over North America using data collected from a network of dual‐frequency GPS receivers. In support of real‐time applications of the ionosphere model, short‐term (5‐min) forecasts of ionospheric total electron content (TEC) are also performed. To validate the accuracy of the forecast ionospheric TEC, a comparison of the TEC predictions with the observed TEC data (which are inferred from dual‐frequency GPS observations) is carried out. Analyses are conducted using GPS data recorded during a 2003 geomagnetic storm event (29–31 October). Results indicate that under less disturbed conditions, an average accuracy of 5 ∼ 6.5 total electron content units (TECU, 1 TECU = 1016 el m−2) can be obtained for the vertical TEC prediction and that 80% of slant TEC can be recovered by the model predictions. During extreme ionospheric storm periods (Kp = 9), the vertical TEC forecasting accuracy has a degradation of 2 ∼ 3 TECU from the 3‐day mean value, and the relative error is several percent to 10% larger than the 3‐day average level.
Real‐time monitoring and massive inversion of source parameters of very long period seismic signals: An application to Stromboli Volcano, Italy
Authors: Auger Emmanuel , D'Auria Luca , Martini Marcello , Chouet Bernard , Dawson Phillip
Published: February 2006

We present a comprehensive processing tool for the real‐time analysis of the source mechanism of very long period (VLP) seismic data based on waveform inversions performed in the frequency domain for a point source. A search for the source providing the best‐fitting solution is conducted over a three‐dimensional grid of assumed source locations, in which the Green's functions associated with each point source are calculated by finite differences using the reciprocal relation between source and receiver. Tests performed on 62 nodes of a Linux cluster indicate that the waveform inversion and search for the best‐fitting signal over 100,000 point sources require roughly 30 s of processing time for a 2‐min‐long record. The procedure is applied to post‐processing of a data archive and to continuous automatic inversion of real‐time data at Stromboli, providing insights into different modes of degassing at this volcano.
Submillisecond imaging of sprite development and structure
Authors: Cummer Steven A. , Jaugey Nicolas , Li Jingbo , Lyons Walter A. , Nelson Thomas E. , Gerken Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2006

We report intensified high speed video observations of two mesospheric transient luminous events acquired at 5000 and 7200 frames per second. Downward streamers appear to initiate either spontaneously or from brightening inhomogeneities at the bottom of a halo, and branch as they propagate downward. Simultaneously, a brighter column expands upward and downward from the initiation point. This expansion is usually followed by the development of bright upward propagating streamers that originate from the bottom of the expanding bright column and that terminate in diffuse emissions. The lower portions of these upward streamers are typically brighter and more persistent and form the bright core of the sprite. A new phenomenon is observed in which the tips of downward‐moving sprite streamers are attracted to and, in some cases, collide with adjacent streamer channels. The points of streamer collision appear to become long‐persisting sprite beads, which have been suggested previously to affect mesospheric chemistry. Other persistent beads appear to form spontaneously on the downward streamer channels near the lower edge of the bright upper portion of the sprite.
Initiation and propagation of strain localization in circumferentially notched samples of two porous sandstones
Authors: Tembe Sheryl , Vajdova Veronika , Wong Teng‐fong , Zhu Wei
Published: February 2006

To investigate how strain localization develops from a structural and stress heterogeneity, we introduced a V‐shaped circumferential notch in cylindrical samples of Bentheim and Berea sandstones and conducted triaxial compression tests at confining pressure optimum for compactive failure. The critical stresses for initial yield map out a cap with a negative slope in the stress space, and the presence of the notch enhanced the local stress which induced damage to occur at remote stresses significantly lower than in the unnotched sample. Our mechanical and microstructural data demonstrate the spectrum of failure modes and depict the initiation and propagation of a localized structure. In the Bentheim sandstone we observed discrete compaction bands that propagated through the sample cross section with episodic force drops, and in the Berea sandstone, we observed diffuse bands accompanied by strain hardening. Compactive yield was marked by an upsurge in acoustic emissions, corresponding to the formation of a process zone at the notch tip. To probe the initial yield behavior and geometry of the process zone, we developed a micromechanical model using linear elastic fracture mechanics, which predicts a process zone extending 0.3–0.5 of the notch depth, in accord with the microstructural observations. Analysis of the stress path reveals the potential activation of multiple localization modes around the notch tip. The energy required to develop a compactive deformation band was inferred to range from 6 to 43 kJ m−2. In the Bentheim sandstone the energy was observed to be inversely dependent on the confining pressure.
Observation and modeling of thermoelastic strain in Southern California Integrated GPS Network daily position time series
Authors: Prawirodirdjo Linette , Ben‐Zion Yehuda , Bock Yehuda
Published: February 2006

We suggest that strain in the elastic part of the Earth's crust induced by surface temperature variations is a significant contributor to the seasonal variations observed in the spatially filtered daily position time series of Southern California Integrated GPS Network (SCIGN) stations. We compute the predicted thermoelastic strain from the observed local atmospheric temperature record assuming an elastically decoupled layer over a uniform elastic half‐space and compare the seasonal variations in thermoelastic strain to the horizontal GPS position time series. We consider three regions (Palmdale, 29 Palms, and Idyllwild), each with one temperature station and three to six GPS stations. The temperature time series is used to compute thermoelastic strain at each station on the basis of its relative location in the temperature field. For each region we assume a wavelength for the temperature field that is related to the local topography. The depth of the decoupled layer is inferred from the phase delay between the temperature record and the GPS time series. The relative amplitude of strain variation at each GPS station, calculated to be on the order of 0.1 μstrain, is related to the relative location of that station in the temperature field. The goodness of fit between model and data is evaluated from the relative amplitudes of the seasonal signals, as well as the appropriateness of the chosen temperature field wavelength and decoupled layer depth. The analysis shows a good fit between the predicted strains and the GPS time series. This suggests that the model captures the key first‐order ingredients that determine the thermoelastic strain in a given area. The results can be used to improve the signal/noise ratio in GPS data.
Interannual variation of persistent organic pollutants over the Great Lakes induced by tropical Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies
Authors: Ma Jianmin , Li Yi‐Fan
Published: February 2006

The linkage between decadal monitored air concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) around the Great Lakes from 1992 to 2002 and the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) in the tropical Pacific was studied on a year‐to‐year basis. It is shown that interannual fluctuation of air concentrations of α‐hexachlorocyclohexane (α‐HCH), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) measured in the Great Lakes basin in spring and summer are highly correlated with the tropical Pacific SSTA. Spatial correlation patterns between the air concentrations of POPs over the Great Lakes and SSTA exhibit a feature of the characteristic SST signature associated with the occurrence of an El Niño event and SSTA forcing in atmospheric circulation teleconnections. The relations between air concentration of these POPs and the tropical Pacific SSTA are consistent with the response of midlatitude atmospheric circulation to the Pacific SSTA, showing that air concentration of the POPs in spring and summer seasons is related to tropical Pacific SSTA in preceding winter and spring months. The up to 6 month lag response of the POP air concentration to the SSTA provides a basis for forecasting the temporal trend of POPs in the atmosphere over the Great Lakes basin. The connection of the SSTA and the changes in the POP air concentration with the atmospheric circulation suggests that the atmospheric circulation associated with the tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) forcing plays a major role in the reemission of POPs from sources and long‐range transport of POPs in the atmosphere.