bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of hunger level on predation dynamics in the spiderNesticodes rufipes: a functional response study
Authors: Rossi Marcelo N. , Reigada Carolina , Godoy Wesley A.C.
Published: May 2006

It is well known that a predator has the potential to regulate a prey population only if the predator responds to increases in prey density and inflicts greater mortality rates. Predators may cause such density‐dependent mortality depending on the nature of the functional and numerical responses. As spiders are usually faced with a shortage of prey, the killing behavior of the spiderNesticodes rufipesat varying densities ofMusca domesticawas examined here through laboratory functional response experiments where spiders were deprived of food for 5 (well‐fed) or 20 days (hungry). An additional laboratory experiment was also carried out to assess handling time of spiders. The number of prey killed by spiders over 24‐ and 168‐h periods of predator–prey interaction was recorded. Logistic regression analyses revealed the type II functional response for both well‐fed and hungry spiders. We found that the lower predation of hungry spiders during the first hours of experimentation was offset later by an increase in predation (explained by estimated handling times), resulting in similarity of functional response curves for well‐fed and hungry spiders. It was also observed that the higher number of prey killed by well‐fed spiders over a 24‐h period of spider–prey interaction probably occurred due to their greater weights than hungry spiders. We concluded that hungry spiders may be more voracious than well‐fed spiders only over longer time periods, since hungry spiders may spend more time handling their first prey items than well‐fed spiders.
Soil composition affects the nesting behavior of blue‐tailed bee‐eaters (Merops philippinus) on Kinmen Island
Authors: Yuan Hsiao‐Wei , Wang Ming‐Kuang , Chang Wen‐Lian , Wang Lee‐Ping , Chen Yue‐Min , Chiou Chyi‐Rong
Published: May 2006

The blue‐tailed bee‐eater (Merops philippinus) is a summer migrant that breeds on Kinmen Island, located off the west coast of Taiwan, about 5 km from the southern coast of mainland China. The aim of this study was to investigate why blue‐tailed bee‐eaters build their nests in sandy loam and sandy clay loam, but not in clay loam. Soil chemical and physical properties, and mineralogical composition were measured for the different soil types. Clay loam had a significantly lower pH, Na, and base saturation than did sandy loam or sandy clay loam. Clay loam had a significantly higher N, cation‐exchange capacity (CEC), K, and free iron (Fed) and aluminum oxide (Ald) contents than the other soil types. Clay loam had significantly lower sand and higher clay content, and higher bulk density and penetration resistance than the other soil types. The correlation coefficients (r 2) between penetration resistance and Fed, Ald, and clay contents were 0.997, 0.848, and 0.779, respectively. Soil strength and compaction are important criteria for bee‐eaters’ nesting‐site selection. The lower pH of clay loam would enhance the exchangeable Al and acidity, further increasing the soil aggregation. Thus, it might prevent the bee‐eaters from excavating nesting burrows.
Algal toxin yessotoxin signalling pathways involve immunocyte mussel calcium channels
Authors: Malagoli Davide , Casarini Livio , Ottaviani Enzo
Published: May 2006

A fragment of a putative L‐type Ca2+ channel has been identified by molecular biology experiments in immunocytes from the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Using the cell permeable and Ca2+‐specific fluorochrome FURA 2‐AM, we have demonstrated that the algal toxin yessotoxin (YTX) is able to increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration in M. galloprovincialis immunocytes. The YTX effect on Ca2+ increase is inhibited by the L‐type Ca2+ channel inhibitor, verapamil, which is cAMP‐ and cGMP‐dependent, but PKA‐ and nitric oxide‐independent. On the basis of these observations, a possible role for YTX as a potential disturber of mussel immune efficiency is suggested.
CD38 expression enhances sensitivity of lymphoma T and B cell lines to biochemical and receptor‐mediated apoptosis
Authors: Gregorini Armando , Tomasetti Marco , Cinti Cristina , Colomba Daniela , Colomba Stella
Published: May 2006

CD38 has been widely characterised both as an ectoenzyme and as a receptor. In the present paper, we investigated the role of CD38 as possible modulator of apoptosis. CD38‐positive (CD38+) and negative (CD38−) fractions, obtained by sorting CD38+ cells from lymphoma T (Jurkat) and lymphoma B (Raji) and by transfecting lymphoma LG14 and myeloid leukemia K562 cell lines, were used. Cellular subpopulations were exposed to different triggers (H2O2, UV‐B, α‐TOS and hrTRAIL) and the extent of apoptosis was determined by Annexin V‐FITC/PI assay. Our data showed that, in lymphoma cells, propensity to apoptosis was significantly linked to CD38 expression and that, remarkably, such response was independent of the nature of the trigger used. Inhibition of CD38 expression by antisense oligonucleotides treatment resulted in CD38‐silenced fractions which were as prone to apoptosis as CD38− ones. Notably, susceptibility of K562 to apoptosis‐inducing challenges was not affected by CD38 expression.
Genetic architecture of variation in sex-comb tooth number in Drosophila simulans
Authors: TATSUTA HARUKI , TAKANO-SHIMIZU TOSHIYUKI
Published: May 2006

The sex comb on the forelegs of Drosophila males is a secondary sexual trait, and the number of teeth on these combs varies greatly within and between species. To understand the relationship between the intra- and interspecific variation, we performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses of the intraspecific variation in sex-comb tooth number. We used five mapping populations derived from two inbred Drosophila simulans strains that were divergent in the number of sex-comb teeth. Although no QTLs were detected on the X chromosome, we identified four QTLs on the second chromosome and three QTLs on the third chromosome. While identification and estimated effects of the second-chromosome QTLs depend on genetic backgrounds, significant and consistent effects of the two third-chromosome QTLs were found in two genetic backgrounds. There were significant epistatic interactions between a second-chromosome QTL and a third-chromosome QTL, as well as between two second-chromosome QTLs. The third-chromosome QTLs are concordant with the locations of the QTLs responsible for the previously observed differences in sex-comb tooth number between D. simulans and D. mauritiana.
Can heterotopic gastric mucosa present as globus pharyngeus?
Authors: Lancaster J L , Gosh S , Sethi R , Tripathi S
Published: May 2006

We present a series of four patients presenting with symptoms leading to a provisional diagnosis of globus pharyngeus. On further investigation, they were all found to have small areas of abnormal mucosa in either their hypopharynx or proximal oesophagus, which on biopsy were reported as containing gastric-type mucosa. Following anti-reflux treatment, all patients eventually reported a cessation of symptoms. All but one patient was followed up with repeat endoscopies. We highlight the fact that biopsies reporting gastric epithelium at this anatomical site are in keeping with the diagnosis of heterotopic gastric mucosa. We review the literature and report the high incidence and natural history of this condition.

Heterotopic gastric mucosa can only be diagnosed on endoscopy and is easily missed, even during such an investigation. We raise the question of whether this condition may be one of a number of factors in the aetiology of globus pharyngeus.
Observational study of bone-anchored hearing aid infection rates using different post-operative dressings
Authors: Doshi J , Karagama Y , Buckley D , Johnson I
Published: May 2006

Introduction: Avoidance of infection at the implant site is a crucial element to the success of bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implantation. However, little evidence exists to suggest the best post-operative wound dressing to use.

Material and methods: We report our experience with 160 consecutive BAHA patients, using four types of post-operative BAHA wound dressing (Tri-adcortyl®, Mepitel®, Allevyn®, and Acticoat 7® with Allevyn). Patients were reviewed at week one and week two post-operatively. Infection was defined as a positive wound swab culture or evidence of cellulitis at the BAHA site.

Results: Post-operative BAHA infection rates were 16 per cent, 50 per cent, 10 per cent and 5 per cent, for each of the four dressings respectively, and the mean number of additional visits to wound care clinic were 1.5, 3.7, one and 0.4, respectively.

Discussion: Acticoat 7 with Allevyn produced the lowest infection rate and thus became the dressing of choice for our BAHA programme.
Firth's early phonological views and prosodic analysis: a reply to Coleman (2004)
Authors: Battaner-Moro Elena
Published: May 2006

In a previous issue of this journal, John Coleman (2004) reviewed the written-up version of a poster I presented at the 15th International Congress of Phonetic Sciences, Barcelona (Battaner-Moro 2003, henceforth BM). The aim of the poster was to discuss the evolution of Firthian prosodic analysis. In his review, Coleman derives from it ‘an ignorance or a neglect of Firth's publications prior to 1948' on my part (p. 211). He focusses his criticisms on the following three statements:

‘Firth never did prosodic analysis.’

‘There is a complete absence of programmatic work in Firth's works.’

‘Prosodic analysis was developed by the members of the London School and not at all by John Firth.’
Jamaican Creole
Authors: Harry Otelemate G.
Published: May 2006

Jamaican Creole is one of the major Atlantic English-lexifier creoles spoken in the Caribbean. In Jamaica, this creole is popularly labelled as ‘Patwa’ (Devonish & Harry 2004: 441). There is a widely-held view in Jamaica that a post-creole continuum exists. The continuum is between Jamaican English and Jamaican Creole (Meade 2001: 19). Many scholars holding this view find it necessary to distinguish among acrolectal, mesolectal and basilectal varieties (Irvine 1994, Beckford-Wassink 1999, Patrick 1999, Meade 2001, among others). Major phonological differences are found between the two extremes. However, a discussion of the phonological differences in the continuum and problems with the theoretical notion of a ‘post-creole continuum’ is beyond the scope of this paper. The aim of this paper is to provide an adequate description of some salient aspects of the synchronic phonetics and phonology of Jamaican Creole based on the speech forms of two native Jamaican Creole speakers, Stacy-Ann Watt, a post-graduate female student at the University of West Indies, Mona, and Racquel Sims, 22 year old female from the parish of St Catherine. Both come from the Eastern parishes of the island.
Jesus and the Rites of Repentance
Authors: HÄGERLAND TOBIAS
Published: May 2006

The question as to whether Jesus preached repentance has been discussed in historical Jesus research over the past twenty years, apparently without any scholarly consensus being at hand. This article seeks to eliminate some unnecessary confusion from the debate by investigating early Jewish conceptions of repentance and suggesting that a distinction should be maintained between moral and ritual repentance. It argues that Jesus, while most probably expecting moral repentance of his followers, did not uphold the customary rites of repentance. The article suggests some reasons for Jesus' avoidance of traditional penitential prayers and practices, which may account for the instances of strong criticism against him indicated by the synoptic Gospels.
The ‘Seven’ Last Words: A Numerical Motivation for the Insertion of Luke 23.34a
Authors: WHITLARK JASON A. , PARSONS MIKEAL C.
Published: May 2006

Luke 23.34a, ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do’, has been a textual conundrum in text criticism. The weight for the external evidence points to the probability that this logion of Jesus from the cross was not in the earliest manuscript of Luke. What motivation then led to this saying being added to the text of Luke? In this article, the argument is made that a numerical motivation is at the heart of the addition. Luke 23.34a was added in order that there be seven sayings and not six that Jesus spoke from the cross. This issue arose as the four Gospels were collected together and read as one narrative of the life, ministry, and passion of Jesus.
θεοδιδακτοι 1 Thessalonians 4.9: A Pauline Neologism
Authors: WITMER STEPHEN E.
Published: May 2006

This essay argues that the attempts of John Kloppenborg and several others to explain Paul's neologism θεοδιδακτος in 1 Thess 4.9 are unsuccessful. An alternative explanation is offered by taking into consideration available evidence regarding compound neologisms in Koine Greek and by drawing upon Emmanuel Tov's work on LXX translation tendencies. It is suggested that Paul draws upon Isa 54.13 in forming his neologism in a manner analogous to the ‘reverse and combine’ pattern of LXX compound-word formation noted by Tov. Paul creates a new word as part of his larger epistolary strategy of strengthening the communal identity of the troubled Thessalonian community.
Economic valuation of non-marketed wild edible plants in Thailand
Authors: DELANG CLAUDIO O.
Published: May 2006

Tropical forests can provide forest dwellers with a sizable proportion of their dietary needs. Yet, many development and conservation organizations tend to disregard these opportunities, promoting market-oriented reforms that aim at introducing cash crops and markets for non- timber forest products (NTFPs) in the name of poverty alleviation and/or biodiversity conservation. In so doing, they help relegate wild food plants to the position of food for the poor (De Beer & McDermott 1996; Neumann & Hirsch 2000), reserve food in case of famine (Takasaki et al. 2004), or food supplementing that produced on farm plots (Ousseynou & Tieguhong 2004). This comment discusses the economic rationale for the consumption of wild edible plants by forest-dwelling communities, comparing the results obtained from two methods of evaluation. The paper is based on one month of fieldwork during December 2004 carried out by the author together with Theresa Wong and two specially-trained research assistants in Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary (Western Thailand).
Contrasts in availability and consumption of animal protein in Bioko Island, West Africa: the role of bushmeat
Authors: ALBRECHTSEN LISE , FA JOHN E. , BARRY BRIGID , MACDONALD DAVID W.
Published: May 2006

Most protein in sub-Saharan Africa comes from animal sources, a significant proportion of this from wild species or bushmeat. Availability of protein sources to human populations in Africa has not been studied before, perhaps because most population centres are too large for data collection to be practicable. Assessment of the availability and consumption of animal protein within the city of Malabo (c. 60 000 inhabitants), Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, included estimation of the annual animal protein supply to the city from daily counts of small livestock meats (goat, pork, lamb, duck, chicken), beef, fish and bushmeat (December 2003–March 2004) in the city's central market and other selling points, and the animal protein consumption per adult male equivalent (AME) derived from a sample of around 200 households to explore influence of household income on consumption of different protein sources. Current animal protein production (bushmeat, small livestock meats, beef and fish) in Bioko, and potential production needed to supply adequate amounts of protein to the people of Malabo in the future were calculated. Annually around 2100 t of meat/fish (460 t of animal protein) was available, of which only 7% was produced on the island. Consumption patterns indicated that larger-sized households purchased more meat, but protein intake per AME fell significantly with household size. Income was positively correlated with volume of small livestock meats consumed per household, but negatively related with bushmeat eaten. Income did not influence beef or fish consumption per household. Although the island is capable of producing more alternative meats, it cannot sustain itself on local production and will therefore continue to be dependent on importing a large proportion of meat (and protein). There is no dependency on bushmeat species, but current rates of wild species use can still have a dramatic impact on wildlife populations on the island if left unabated. Alternative ways of ensuring sufficient protein supply for the Malabo population are crucial for wildlife conservation, and curbing consumption of bushmeat species is of highest conservation priority now.
Against Satisficing Consequentialism
Authors: BRADLEY BEN
Published: May 2006

The move to satisficing has been thought to help consequentialists avoid the problem of demandingness. But this is a mistake. In this article I formulate several versions of satisficing consequentialism. I show that every version is unacceptable, because every version permits agents to bring about a submaximal outcome in order to prevent a better outcome from obtaining. Some satisficers try to avoid this problem by incorporating a notion of personal sacrifice into the view. I show that these attempts are unsuccessful. I conclude that, if satisficing consequentialism is to remain a position worth considering, satisficers must show (i) that the move to satisficing is necessary to solve some problem, whether it be the demandingness problem or some other problem, and (ii) that there is a version of the view that does not permit the gratuitous prevention of goodness.
Interests, Universal and Particular: Bentham's Utilitarian Theory of Value
Authors: POSTEMA GERALD J.
Published: May 2006

The basic concept of Bentham's moral and political philosophy was public utility. He linked it directly with the concept of the universal interest, which comprises a distinctive partnership of the interests of all members of the community. The ultimate end of government and aim of all of morality is ‘the advancement of the universal interest’. This essay articulates the structure of Bentham's notion of universal interest and locates it in his theory of value.
Review of Rosen's Classical Utilitarianism from Hume to Mill
Authors: LYONS DAVID
Published: May 2006

Frederick Rosen, Classical Utilitarianism from Hume to Mill (London and New York, Routledge, 2003), pp. xiv + 289.
Epicureanism and Utilitarianism: A Reply to Professor Lyons
Authors: ROSEN FREDERICK
Published: May 2006

I am grateful to Professor Lyons for his comments on several aspects of Classical Utilitarianism from Hume to Mill and to the Review Editor of Utilitas for inviting me to reply. I hope that Professor Lyons will not object to my first pointing out to the reader that the book consists mainly of a series of substantial chapters on philosophers who have not always been regarded as utilitarian thinkers, such as Hume, Smith (three chapters) and Helvétius, or have been interpreted as utilitarians in different, if not opposing, ways, such as Paley, Bentham and J. S. Mill. A main feature of the book (besides its interdisciplinary character) is to show that what links their approaches to utility is the presence of Epicureanism in their writings, and I attempt to uncover a more coherent tradition employing the idea of utility than scholars have hitherto believed existed.
Towards an integrated model of expertise in medical imaging – Part II Three dimensions of expert practice
Authors: Yielder Jill
Published: May 2006

The nature of professional expertise has been widely debated in the literature. However it has been examined primarily from a dichotomy of perspectives – either from an experiential or a cognitive focus, without the attempt to integrate these, and other aspects of expertise into an integrated and coherent model. This article series explicates the nature of professional expertise specifically in the field of medical imaging. It represents a section of the outcomes of a larger study which formulated and illustrated an integrated model of professional expertise also applicable to other professions. It has been written in two parts, Part I of which overviews the study and presents two of the five aspects of expertise identified. Part II presents the other three aspects.

The study used data gathered from interviews and critical incident recording from expert medical imaging practitioners in Auckland, New Zealand, over an extended time frame.

Findings showed that while expertise is situated in the context of practice, it incorporates several dimensions working together in an integrated, seamless fashion through the medium of the individual practitioner. The participants identified and illustrated that expertise in medical imaging is a synthesis of a particular knowledge base, the cognitive processes, personality and internal processes of the practitioner. It manifests through, and builds on, interpersonal relationships with patients and other professionals, and is expressed through the actual doing of professional practice. It is through the reflexive examination of practice and management of change that professionals may transform these integrated aspects into the qualitative state of expertise.
The career of radiography: information on the web
Authors: Glennie E. , Kirby A.
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To establish whether or not the quantity and quality of information available on the internet about the career of diagnostic radiography is of a good or satisfactory standard.

Methods: Four search engines with four different search terms were used and the top twenty hits for each group were read. The applicable sites were scored to determine the quality of each site.

Results: Only 12% (37) of the 320 sites read were applicable. Out of the 37 there were 4 sites that gained a good score from the scoring sheet and therefore were classed as high quality, but 21 out of 37 sites did gain half marks or over.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the quantity and quality of sites about the career of radiography was not of a satisfactory standard and more attention from both the government and professional bodies is needed if the profession is to gain attention and the staff shortage problem is to be solved.
Progress in Neurotherapeutics and Neuropsychopharmacology 2007
Authors: Cummings Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT

There continues to be progress in neurotherapeutics and neuropsychopharmacology with each advancing year. Production of new molecular entities (NME's) remains small, but advances are being made in repurposing agents and extending their indications, obtaining more safety and tolerability data in long term and extension studies, introducing novel trial methodologies that provide insight into how to best to conduct trials and how best to treat diseases, and developing new formulations that improve adherence and decrease the barriers to patient compliance. Advances in how to test potential disease-modifying agents in patients with progressive neurological illnesses is advancing. Promising biomarkers have been identified in some neurological diseases.
Hostility and Perceptions of Support in Ambiguous Social Interactions
Authors: Vranceanu Ana-Maria , Gallo Linda C. , Bogart Laura M.
Published: May 2006

The present study investigated whether a social information processing bias contributes to the inverse association between trait hostility and perceived social support. A sample of 104 undergraduates (50 men) completed a measure of hostility and rated videotaped interactions in which a speaker disclosed a problem while a listener reacted ambiguously. Results showed that hostile persons rated listeners as less friendly and socially supportive across six conversations, although the nature of the hostility effect varied by sex, target rated, and manner in which support was assessed. Hostility and target interactively impacted ratings of support and affiliation only for men. At least in part, a social information processing bias could contribute to hostile persons' perceptions of their social networks.
Cognitive Abilities and Their Interplay
Authors: Buehner Markus , Krumm Stefan , Ziegler Matthias , Pluecken Tonja
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to confirm that coordination and storage in the context of processing are significant predictors of reasoning even if crystallized intelligence is controlled for. It was also expected that sustained attention and coordination would be highly correlated. Therefore, 20 working memory tests, 2 attention tests, and 18 intelligence subtests were administered to 121 students. We were able to replicate results indicating that storage in the context of processing and coordination are significant predictors of reasoning. Controlling for crystallized intelligence did not decrease the common variance between working memory and reasoning. The study also revealed that the factors coordination and sustained attention were highly correlated. Finally, a model is presented with the latent variables speed and g, which can explain almost all of the common variance of the applied aggregates. A detailed discussion of the results supports the view that working memory and intelligence share about 70% of the common variance.
The WAIS-III as a Nested Factors Model
Authors: Gignac Gilles E.
Published: May 2006

Past confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) research that has examined the factor structure of the WAIS-III has only investigated the more popular models, such as oblique factors and/or higher-order models. In contrast, CFA modeling based on nested factors modeling has been neglected. Consequently, this study investigated the model fit of various WAIS-III nested factors models, in comparison to the more traditional higher-order models. Based on the WAIS-III standardization sample, the results associated with the nested factors modeling indicated that Digit Span, Arithmetic, and Letter-Number Sequencing did not share any variance with VIQ, independently of “g.” Further, across all age groups, there was only very weak evidence in favor of the plausibility of a Perceptual Organization (PO) factor, independently of a general factor. The results are discussed in light of the distinction between modeling “g” as a higher-order factor and a first-order factor. Researchers are encouraged to model the subtests of intelligence batteries as nested factor models, because of their tendency to be associated with greater model fit, as well the possibility to obtain less ambiguous factor loading estimates and their associated statistical significance.
Intraseasonal variability near 10°N in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean
Authors: Farrar J. Thomas , Weller Robert A.
Published: May 2006

New in situ observations from 10°N, 125°W during 1997–1998 show strong intraseasonal variability in meridional velocity and sea surface temperature. The 50‐ to 100‐day oscillations in sea surface height (SSH) have long been recognized as a prominent aspect of oceanic variability in the region of 9–13°N in the eastern Pacific Ocean. We use in situ and satellite data to more fully characterize this variability. The oscillations have zonal wavelengths of 550–1650 km and propagate westward in a manner consistent with the dispersion relation for first baroclinic mode, free Rossby waves in the presence of a mean westward flow. Analysis of 9 years of altimetry data shows that the amplitude of the 50‐ to 100‐day SSH variability at 10°N is largest on 90–115°W, with peak amplitudes occurring around April. Some eddies traveling westward at 10–13°N emanate from near the gulfs of Tehuantepec and Papagayo, but eddies sometimes also appear to intensify well away from the coast while in the North Equatorial Current (NEC). The hypothesis that the intraseasonal variability and its annual cycle are associated with baroclinic instability of the NEC is supported by a spatiotemporal correlation between the amplitude of 50‐ to 100‐day variability and the occurrence of westward zonal flows meeting an approximate necessary condition for baroclinic instability. The notion that baroclinic instability may be involved is further corroborated by the tendency of the NEC to weaken while the eddies intensify, even as the wind works to strengthen the current.
Comparison of microphysical modeling of polar stratospheric clouds against balloon‐borne and Improved Limb Atmospheric Spectrometer (ILAS) satellite observations
Authors: Wang Xihong , Michelangeli Diane V.
Published: May 2006

A size‐segregated stratospheric aerosol model with detailed polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) microphysics has been developed to study the formation and evolution of PSCs. For comparison with satellite and balloon‐borne observations, one‐dimensional simulations have been performed in Esrange/Kiruna (67.93°N, 21.07°E), Sweden during the period of winter 1996/1997. The modeled proportions of PSCs are consistent with the observations of volume, number, size distributions, and extinction coefficients derived from the in situ balloon‐borne optical particle counter and the Improved Limb Atmospheric Spectrometer (ILAS) satellite sensor, demonstrating the capability of the model to capture PSC events. Model simulations successfully reproduce three major PSC events in the period from January to February 1997. The model is able to produce particle size distribution and number densities typical of the field observations in the Arctic stratosphere. Large HNO3‐containing particles with a median radius of 6 μm and number densities in the range of 10−5 to 10−3 cm−3 are predicted to occur over a broad range of altitudes. Model simulations suggest that the homogeneous nucleation mechanism of type Ia PSCs out of type Ib PSCs plays a critical role in the formation of large HNO3‐containing particles. The present model shows good potential for interpreting and validating the balloon‐borne and satellite observations.
The phase boundary between CaSiO3 perovskite and Ca2SiO4 + CaSi2O5 determined by in situ X‐ray observations
Authors: Sueda Yuichiro , Irifune Tetsuo , Yamada Akihiro , Inoue Toru , Liu Xi , Funakoshi Ken‐ichi
Published: May 2006

The phase transition between CaSiO3 perovskite and Ca2SiO4 larnite + CaSi2O5 titanite has been investigated using a Kawai‐type multianvil apparatus (KMA) combined with synchrotron radiation. This phase boundary is located by our experiments as P (GPa) = 9.8(4) + 0.0017(3) × T (°C), which is 2–4 GPa lower than the most recent results using laser heated diamond anvil cell and those based on thermodynamic calculations, but is consistent with earlier studies based on quench experiments using KMA. The present results suggest some diamond inclusions recently found in Kankan distinct, Guinea, may originate from depth of 240–360 km in the upper mantle.
Trends in global tropical cyclone activity over the past twenty years (1986–2005)
Authors: Klotzbach Philip J.
Published: May 2006

The recent destructive Atlantic hurricane seasons and several recent publications have sparked debate over whether warming tropical sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are causing more intense, longer‐lived tropical cyclones. This paper investigates worldwide tropical cyclone frequency and intensity to determine trends in activity over the past twenty years during which there has been an approximate 0.2°–0.4°C warming of SSTs. The data indicate a large increasing trend in tropical cyclone intensity and longevity for the North Atlantic basin and a considerable decreasing trend for the Northeast Pacific. All other basins showed small trends, and there has been no significant change in global net tropical cyclone activity. There has been a small increase in global Category 4–5 hurricanes from the period 1986–1995 to the period 1996–2005. Most of this increase is likely due to improved observational technology. These findings indicate that other important factors govern intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones besides SSTs.
Shear stress along the conduit wall as a plausible source of tilt at Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat
Authors: Green D. N. , Neuberg J. , Cayol V.
Published: May 2006

Surface deformations recorded in close proximity to the active lava dome at Soufrière Hills volcano, Montserrat, can be used to infer stresses within the uppermost 1000 m of the conduit system. Most deformation source models consider only isotropic pressurisation of the conduit. We show that tilt recorded during rapid magma extrusion in 1997 could have also been generated by shear stresses sustained along the conduit wall; these stresses are a consequence of pressure gradients that develop along the conduit. Numerical modelling, incorporating realistic topography, can reproduce both the morphology and half the amplitude of the measured deformation field using a realistic shear stress amplitude, equivalent to a pressure gradient of 3.5 × 104 Pa m−1 along a 1000 m long conduit with a 15 m radius. This shear stress model has advantages over the isotropic pressure models because it does not require either physically unattainable overpressures or source radii larger than 200 m to explain the same deformation.
Identification of norharman as the cytotoxic compound produced by the sponge (Hymeniacidon perleve)‐associated marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas piscicida and its apoptotic effect on cancer cells
Authors: Zheng Li , Yan Xiaojun , Han Xiaotian , Chen Haimin , Lin Wei , Lee Frank S. C. , Wang Xiaoru
Published: May 2006

Marine invertebrates harbour a wealth of micro‐organisms in their bodies. Most of these micro‐organisms can catabolize antibiotic compounds as chemical‐defence compounds. These compounds not only play an important protective role for their producer and for their hosts, but also have high potential in medicinal applications. In order to discover natural anticancer products, 29 marine bacterial strains have been isolated from the sponge Hymeniacidon perleve, samples of which were collected from the intertidal zone during low tide off Nanji island in Eastern China. By means of a cytotoxicity bioassay, one strain, NJ6‐3‐1, with significant cytotoxic activity, was selected for culture in a 30‐litre fermentation tank. The major cytotoxic compound in the metabolites of NJ6‐3‐1, separated by means of a bioassay‐guided fractionation process, has been identified as norharman (a β‐carboline alkaloid) by electron‐impact MS and NMR analyses. Norharman showed cytotoxicity towards both the HeLa cervical‐cancer cell line and the BGC‐823 stomach‐cancer cell line, with an IC50 of 5 μg/ml. Several methods were used to study the mechanism by which norharman is cytotoxic to HeLa cells. By means of an Acridine Orange/ethidium bromide dual‐staining assay, condensation of chromatin was observed. A TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labelling) assay showed degradation of DNA. Flow‐cytometric analysis indicated that norharman could arrest cells at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. These results demonstrate the cytotoxic mechanism of norharman involves the induction of apoptosis in HeLa cells.
Effects of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides on the generation of reactive oxygen species in different biological systems
Authors: Radman Romeo , Bland Elliot James , Sangworachat Nuntaka , Bucke Christopher , Keshavarz Tajalli
Published: May 2006

Use of carbohydrates as elicitors is a novel technique for enhancement of the production of industrially important microbial products. The relation between the levels of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and overproduction of antibiotics in microbial cultures has already been established. In the present study, we aimed to exploit the ROS response to develop a fast technique to assess the potential of oligosaccharides [oligoguluronate, oligomannuronate and MO (mannan oligosaccharides)] and polysaccharides [alginate and LBG (locust‐bean gum)] as elicitors for overproduction of secondary metabolites in Streptomyces rimosus and Penicillium chrysogenum. We have also investigated changes in the production of ROS in neutrophils as a result of the action of the same elicitors. LBG‐derived oligosaccharides (MO) were most potent inhibitors of ROS in all systems investigated. This correlates with overproduction of secondary metabolites in microbes and enhancement of a number of mammalian systems. We believe that the effects of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides on ROS production by mammalian and microbial cells can be correlated predicatively with overproduction. The underlying methodology offers a fast screening of elicitors that can be applied across the different systems.
Rho/ROCK‐dependent pseudopodial protrusion and cellular blebbing are regulated by p38 MAPK in tumour cells exhibiting autocrine c‐Met activation
Authors: Jia Zongjian , Vadnais Julie , Lu Michael L. , Noël Josette , Nabi Ivan R.
Published: May 2006

Background information. The c‐Met‐dependent, β‐actin‐rich, blebbed pseudopodia of MSV‐MDCK‐INV (invasive Moloney‐sarcoma‐virus‐transformed Madin—Darby canine kidney) cells are induced by Rho/ROCK (Rho kinase) activation, and are morphologically distinct from flat extended lamellipodia.

Results. Microtubules were shown to extend to these actin‐rich pseudopodial domains, and microtubule depolymerization by nocodazole treatment resulted in progressive cellular blebbing, initiating in the pseudopodial domains and resulting in transient cellular rounding and blebbing after 30 min. The blebbing response was dependent on autocrine HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) activation of c‐Met and prevented by inhibition of RhoA, ROCK and p38 MAPK (p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase), but not ERK (extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase) or PI3K (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase). Phospho‐p38 MAPK was present in pseudopodia, localizing activation of this signalling pathway to this protrusive membrane structure. In serum‐starved cells, LPA (lysophosphatidic acid) activation of RhoA induced p38 MAPK‐dependent pseudopodial protrusions, and inhibition of p38 MAPK prevented pseudopodial protrusion and displacement of MSV‐MDCK‐INV cells. MSV‐MDCK‐INV cells exhibited intermittent blebbing and rounding, which may represent an integral part of their motile behaviour.

Conclusions. The localized activation of an autocrine HGF/c‐Met loop regulates Rho/ROCK activation of p38 MAPK signalling to stimulate both membrane blebbing and pseudopod formation.
Nuclear architecture in the light of gene expression and cell differentiation studies
Authors: Bártová Eva , Kozubek Stanislav
Published: May 2006

It is evident that primary DNA sequences, that define genomes, are responsible for genome functions. However, the functional properties of chromatin are additionally regulated by heritable modifications known as epigenetic factors and, therefore, genomes should be also considered with respect to their ‘epigenomes’. Nucleosome remodelling, DNA methylation and histone modifications are the most prominent epigenetic changes that play fundamental roles in the chromatin‐mediated control of gene expression. Another important nuclear feature with functional relevance is the organization of mammalian chromatin into distinct chromosome territories which are surrounded by the interchromatin compartment that is necessary for transport of regulatory molecules to the targeted DNA. The inner structure of the chromosome territories, as well as the arrangement of the chromosomes within the interphase nuclei, has been found to be non‐randomly organized. Therefore, a specific nuclear arrangement can be observed in many cellular processes, such as differentiation and tumour cell transformation.
Subcellular translocation signals regulate Geminin activity during embryonic development
Authors: Boos Aline , Lee Amy , Thompson Dominic M. , Kroll Kristen L.
Published: May 2006

Background information. Geminin (Gem) is a protein with roles in regulating both the fidelity of DNA replication and cell fate during embryonic development. The distribution of Gem is predominantly nuclear in cells undergoing the cell cycle. Previous studies have demonstrated that Gem performs multiple activities in the nucleus and that regulation of Gem activation requires nuclear import in at least one context. In the present study, we defined structural and mechanistic features underlying subcellular localization of Gem and tested whether regulation of the subcellular localization of Gem has an impact on its activity in cell fate specification during embryonic development.

Results. We determined that nuclear localization of Gem is dependent on a bipartite NLS (nuclear localization signal) in the N‐terminus of Xenopus Gem protein. This bipartite motif mapped to a Gem N‐terminal region previously shown to regulate neural cell fate acquisition. Microinjection into Xenopus embryos demonstrated that import‐deficient Gem was incapable of modulating ectodermal cell fate, but that this activity was rescued by fusion to a heterologous NLS. Cross‐species comparison of Gem protein sequences revealed that the Xenopus bipartite signal is conserved in many non‐mammalian vertebrates, but not in mammalian species assessed. Instead, we found that human Gem employs an alternative N‐terminal motif to regulate the protein's nuclear localization. Finally, we found that additional mechanisms contributed to regulating the subcellular localization of Gem. These included a link to Crm1‐dependent nuclear export and the observation that Cdt1, a protein in the pre‐replication complex, could also mediate nuclear import of Gem.

Conclusions. We have defined new structural and regulatory features of Gem, and showed that the activity of Gem in regulating cell fate, in addition to its cell‐cycle‐regulatory activity, requires control of its subcellular localization. Our data suggest that rather than being constitutively nuclear, Gem may undergo nucleocytoplasmic shuttling through several mechanisms involving distinct protein motifs. The use of multiple mechanisms for modulating Gem subcellular localization is congruent with observations that Gem levels and activity must be stringently controlled during cell‐cycle progression and embryonic development.
The ultraviolet spectrum of the CoCl2 radical, studied at vibrational and rotational resolution
Authors: Hodges Philip J. , Brown John M. , Varberg Thomas D.
Published: May 2006

The laser excitation spectrum of the 327nm band system of CoCl2, formed in a free-jet expansion, has been recorded at a rotational temperature of approximately 10K. The spectrum is congested and suffers extensive perturbations. A progression in the excited state symmetric stretching vibration has been identified. The decrease in the symmetric stretching vibrational wave number on excitation is considerable [ν1′=195.7(12), ν1″=358.1(17)cm−1]. Despite widespread perturbations in the rotational structure of these vibronic bands, they can be confidently assigned to a parallel Ω=7∕2−7∕2 transition, consistent with an inverted Δg4 ground electronic state. The rotational constant for CoCl235 in the ground state is determined to be 0.05665(11)cm−1, which corresponds to a value for the zero-point averaged Co–Cl bond length r0 of 2.0628(40)Å. The perturbations are found to be strongly isotopomer dependent.
Local Cauchy problem for the nonlinear Dirac and Dirac-Klein-Gordon equations on Kerr space–time
Authors: Melnyk Fabrice
Published: May 2006

We prove the local existence of solutions of nonlinear Dirac and Dirac-Klein-Gordon equations in Kerr metric with regular Cauchy initial datas.
Dynamical pruning of static localized basis sets in time-dependent quantum dynamics
Authors: McCormack Drew A.
Published: May 2006

We investigate the viability of dynamical pruning of localized basis sets in time-dependent quantum wave packet methods. Basis functions that have a very small population at any given time are removed from the active set. The basis functions themselves are time independent, but the set of active functions changes in time. Two different types of localized basis functions are tested: discrete variable representation (DVR) functions, which are localized in position space, and phase-space localized (PSL) functions, which are localized in both position and momentum. The number of functions active at each point in time can be as much as an order of magnitude less for dynamical pruning than for static pruning, in reactive scattering calculations of H2 on the Pt(211) stepped surface. Scaling of the dynamically pruned PSL (DP-PSL) bases with dimension is considerably more favorable than for either the primitive (direct product) or DVR bases, and the DP-PSL basis set is predicted to be three orders of magnitude smaller than the primitive basis set in the current state-of-the-art six-dimensional reactive scattering calculations.
Advantages of a Lowe-Andersen thermostat in molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Koopman E. A. , Lowe C. P.
Published: May 2006

The Lowe-Andersen thermostat is a momentum conserving and Galilean invariant analog of the Andersen thermostat. Like the Andersen thermostat it has the advantage of being local. We show that by using a minimal thermostat interaction radius in a molecular dynamics simulation, it perturbs the system dynamics to a far lesser extent than the Andersen method. This alleviates a well known drawback of the Andersen thermostat by allowing high thermostatting rates without the penalty of significantly suppressed diffusion in the system.
Diode laser-induced fluorescence measurements of metastable argon ions in a magnetized inductively coupled plasma
Authors: Jun S. , Chang H. Y. , McWilliams R.
Published: May 2006

Velocity distribution functions of metastable argon ions (3d′4F7∕2) have been measured to obtain metastable ion density and temperature by the diode laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique in magnetized inductively coupled plasma as a function of pressure, rf power, and magnetic field strength. Calculated density from a rate equation agrees with the trends observed in the experimental data. From the calculation, the metastable ion density should be over 107cm−3 to obtain a LIF signal. From a dc bias experiment, it is suggested that the spatial potential can be the dominant ion heating source, and a simple global model for ion temperature is constructed. In this model, approximately 0.01% and 10% of total spatial potential energy can contribute to ion and neutral temperatures, respectively. The measured ion temperature agrees with the calculation.
Tearing mode stability in a low-beta plasma with sawteeth
Authors: Brennan D. P. , Sugiyama L. E.
Published: May 2006

The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and two-fluid growth rates of a low-β m=2∕n=1 tearing mode in the presence of well-separated central sawtooth oscillations are examined using new reconstructions of experimental equilibria in the DIII-D tokamak [J. L. Luxon and L. G. Davis, Fusion Technol. 8, 441 (1985)]. The linear resistive stability index Δ′ alone is insufficient for determining the mode stability in toroidal geometry. Coupling to other rational surfaces is important even at low β. For the cases considered here, coupling to the 1∕1 is stabilizing while coupling to the 3∕1 is destabilizing. Matching the outer ideal MHD solution to the inner tearing layer solutions can change the marginal point depending on the inner layer model. The PEST3 code [A. Pletzer, A. Bondeson, and R. L. Dewar, J. Comput. Phys. 115, 530 (1994)] is used to determine matrix solutions for the ideal MHD n=1 mode that have singular jumps at each of the rational surfaces q=1, 2, and 3. This outer region solution is matched asymptotically to the desired resistive MHD inner layer solutions of Glasser, Greene, and Johnson, where the interchange parameter H is small in the low-β DIII-D plasma, while the inverse β parameter G is large. The most important effects in the dispersion relation are found to be the resistive interchange parameter DR and the coupling to the 1∕1 surface. Two-fluid diamagnetic effects were examined only in the uncoupled case, and modify the growth rate significantly. Both electron and ion diamagnetic effects are important at large diamagnetic frequencies ω*i⪢γMHD and Te≃Ti.