bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Übersetzung und Validierung der Skala zur Erfassung übermäßiger Communion von Helgeson und Fritz
Authors: Jacobs Ingo , Scholl Wolfgang
Published: April 2007

Zusammenfassung. Übermäßige Communion (UC) ist durch Überinvolvierung in die Probleme anderer Menschen und Vernachlässigung eigener Bedürfnisse zu Gunsten der Bedürfnisse anderer gekennzeichnet. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die UC-Skala von Helgeson und Fritz (1998) ins Deutsche übertragen und in drei Studien validiert. Die deutsche UC-Skala war zur Originalskala konvergent und vergleichbar konsistent, jedoch faktoriell komplexer. In der interpersonalen Konstruktanalyse wurde die vorherrschende thematische Qualität der UC-Skala im interpersonalen Eigenschafts- und Problem-Circumplex als submissiv-freundlich ausgewiesen. Überinvolvierung in die Probleme anderer und Vernachlässigung eigener Bedürfnisse ließen sich auf Item-Ebene im interpersonalen Eigenschafts-Circumplex differenzieren. Das Fünf-Faktoren-Modell klärte 22% der UC-Skalenvarianz auf und hing differenziell mit Überinvolvierung und Vernachlässigung eigener Bedürfnisse zusammen.
Konstruktion und Analyse von C-Tests mit Ratingskalen-Rasch-Modellen
Authors: Eckes Thomas
Published: April 2007

Zusammenfassung. C-Tests sind schriftliche Tests der allgemeinen Sprachkompetenz. Sie bestehen aus einer Reihe von Lückentexten. Testpersonen haben die Aufgabe, die Lücken in jedem Text korrekt zu ergänzen. In dieser Untersuchung bearbeiteten 476 Personen 10 Texte mit je 20 Lücken. Zwei polytome Rasch-Modelle lieferten detaillierte Analysen dieser Texte: (a) das diskrete Ratingskalenmodell ( Andrich, 1978 , 1982 ) und (b) das kontinuierliche Ratingskalenmodell ( Müller, 1987 , 1999 ). Modellkontrollen zeigten übereinstimmend, dass 5 der 10 Texte den strengen psychometrischen Anforderungen nicht genügten. Die verbliebenen 5 Texte dagegen erwiesen sich als Rasch-homogen und erlaubten bei einer Reliabilität von .96 eine hohe Differenzierung zwischen den Fähigkeitsmaßen der Testpersonen. C-Tests lassen sich nach diesen Ergebnissen auf fundierte und effiziente Weise mittels Ratingskalen-Rasch-Modellen konstruieren und evaluieren.
Teststatistische Prüfung und Normierung der deutschen Versionen des EUROHIS-QOL Lebensqualität-Index und des WHO-5 Wohlbefindens-Index
Authors: Brähler Elmar , Mühlan Holger , Albani Cornelia , Schmidt Silke
Published: April 2007

Zusammenfassung. Der Beitrag berichtet über die teststatistische Prüfung und Normierung der deutschen Versionen des EUROHIS-QOL 8 Item Index (EUROHIS-QOL) zur Erfassung der generischen Lebensqualität und des Wohlbefindens-Index der WHO (WHO-5) zur Erfassung der Wohlbefindens aus Sicht der Befragten. Datengrundlage bildet eine repräsentative Stichprobe der bundesdeutschen Bevölkerung aus dem Jahr 2004. Die teststatistische Prüfung verweist auf gute psychometrische Eigenschaften des EUROHIS-QOL Index. Obgleich Modifikationsmöglichkeiten bestehen, wird die Selektion von Items ausgeschlossen, weil dies den komzeptuellen Vorgaben der Indexkonstruktion widersprechen würde. Die Ergebnisse der teststatistischen Prüfung des WHO-5 sind hinsichtlich der psychometrischen Eigenschaften als ausgezeichnet einzuschätzen. Erstmals werden geschlechts- und altersgruppenspezifische Normwerte für die deutschsprachigen Versionen der beiden Instrumente vorgelegt.
Die Nutzung psychologischer Verfahren der externen Personalauswahl in deutschen Unternehmen
Authors: Schuler Heinz , Hell Benedikt , Trapmann Sabrina , Schaar Hagen , Boramir Ilkay
Published: April 2007

Zusammenfassung. Die vorliegende Untersuchung bietet eine aktuelle Aufstellung der Einsatzhäufigkeiten verschiedener Personalauswahlverfahren. Mit Angaben von 125 deutschen Unternehmen unterschiedlicher Größe und Branche stellt diese Erhebung eine Fortsetzung der Studien aus den beiden vergangenen Jahrzehnten dar ( Schulz, Schuler & Stehle, 1985 ; Schuler, Frier & Kauffmann, 1993 ). Das Einstellungsinterview und die Analyse von Bewerbungsunterlagen bestätigen sich als verbreitetste Auswahlverfahren, der Einsatz graphologischer Gutachten ist in den letzten Jahren auf ein Minimum zurückgegangen. Verstärkte Verwendung finden vor allem strukturierte Interviews und Assessment Center. Die Nutzung von Online-Verfahren ist mit Ausnahme der Online-Bewerbungsunterlagen noch nicht sehr verbreitet. Es werden detaillierte Betrachtungen der Verwendung von Personalauswahlverfahren für die einzelnen Bewerbergruppen angestellt. Alle Verfahren wurden darüber hinaus von den Personalverantwortlichen hinsichtlich ihrer Validität, Praktikabilität und Akzeptanz bei den Bewerbern eingeschätzt.
Labor Market Influences on Personality Scale Scores among Job Applicants
Authors: Ones Deniz S. , Viswesvaran Chockalingam
Published: April 2007

Abstract. Four studies investigating labor market influences on personality scale scores of job applicants are presented. The first three studies examined whether or not job applicants from internal vs. external labor markets scored similarly on multi-scale personality inventories used for personnel selection. Across three samples, data from external job applicants (total N = 11,147) and internal job applicants (total N = 10,468) for managerial positions indicated that on average external job applicants scored slightly higher (by an average of .10 to .20 standard deviation units). A variety of control variables had no influence on comparisons. The fourth study examined integrity test scores of job applicants in a buyer’s labor market (selection ratio = .03). Job applicants (N = 1,002) in this labor market scored .52 SD units above general job applicant norms. The variability for this group was markedly smaller. There may be small, but consistent, labor supply and demand influences on personality scale responses among job applicants.
Tests und Tools
Authors: Hossiep Rüdiger , Bräutigam Sabine
Published: April 2007

Zusammenfassung. Vorgestellt wird das IBES (Inventar berufsbezogener Einstellungen und Selbsteinschätzungen), das erste publizierte deutschsprachige Verfahren der Gattung “Integrity Test”. Ziel des Instrumentes ist die Vorhersage kontraproduktiven Verhaltens in Unternehmen (z. B. Absentismus, Diebstahl, Aggression). Die Konstruktion erfolgte in enger Anlehnung an Inhalte prominenter amerikanischer Integrity Tests. Das IBES besteht aus einem einstellungsorientierten Teil mit 60 Items, die den vier Skalen “Vertrauen”, “Geringe Verbreitung unerwünschten Verhaltens”, “Nicht-Rationalisierung” und “Verhaltensabsichten” zugeordnet sind sowie einem eigenschaftsorientierten Teil mit 55 Items, unterteilt in die fünf Skalen “Gelassenheit/Selbstwertgefühl”, “Zuverlässigkeit/Voraussicht”, “Vorsicht”, “Zurückhaltung” und “Konfliktmeidung”. Die Anwendbarkeit des Verfahrens in der Praxis wird insbesondere vor dem Hintergrund der Datenbasis und des Itemmaterials kritisch diskutiert.
Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and Lateralization for Basic Numerical Quantification
Authors: Brookes Helen , Neave Nick , Hamilton Colin , Fink Bernhard
Published: April 2007

Abstract. The ratio between the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D) is supposed to serve as a putative indicator of prenatal testosterone (PT). Significant associations between 2D:4D, children's basic numerical ability, and the Spatial Numerical Associations of Response Codes (SNARC) effect have recently been reported. The present study explored potential relationships between 2D:4D and the basic numerical ability of subitizing (the rapid enumeration of small quantities) in 80 right-handed adult volunteers. Participants completed a short battery of computerized subitizing and color recognition control tasks with both left and right hands, independently (order counterbalanced). Findings revealed a significant interaction between sex and 2D:4D on reaction time differences for right vs. left hand responses to the subitizing task. While 2D:4D in women showed a significant negative association with a right-hand advantage for the task, a nonsignificant trend in the opposite direction was observed for men. Results are discussed with respect to the possible effect of PT on sex differences in lateralization for basic quantification.
Behavioral Aggression Is Associated with the 2D:4D Ratio in Men but Not in Women
Authors: Kuepper Yvonne , Hennig Jürgen
Published: April 2007

Abstract. Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between testosterone (T) and aggression but yielded inconsistent findings in healthy subjects. One possible reason for this might be the measurement of actual T-levels, ignoring that its role in neurodevelopment seems to be of predominant importance. The aim of our study was to further elucidate the effects of T availability during early phases of gestation, operationalized by the measurement of the 2nd to 4th digit ratio (2D:4D), on behavioral aggression in healthy volunteers. A low 2D:4D (indicating a long ring finger relative to the index finger) relates to high levels of prenatal T. A total number of 171 healthy subjects (98 men, 73 women) ranging in age from 20 to 30 years were tested. Participants were subjected to a modified version of a competitive reaction-time task, a commonly used and well-established tool to elicit and measure aggression (Taylor paradigm). They also completed self-report scales on trait aggression. Ventral surface scans of both hands were used to determine the 2D:4D ratio. As expected, the 2D:4D was lower in men as compared to women for both hands. Moreover, in contrast to questionnaire data, men reveal higher levels of aggression in the computer task compared to women. Finally, a negative correlation between 2D:4D and aggression was found in males but not in females. Results are discussed with respect to the usefulness of the 2D:4D construct as well as to sex differences in organizational effects of T.
Association of Digit Ratio (2D:4D) with Self-Reported Attractiveness in Men and Women
Authors: Manning J.T. , Quinton S.
Published: April 2007

Abstract. Prenatal testosterone (PT) may influence attractiveness such that high PT increases attractiveness in men. Here we are concerned with self-perceptions of attractiveness, rather than ratings of attractiveness by others. Our sample was 255,116 participants drawn from an Internet survey. We considered the relationship between self-reported attractiveness and the ratio of the length of the 2nd and 4th digits (digit ratio, 2D:4D), a putative negative correlate of PT. Participants reported ratings on their general attractiveness, and the attractiveness of their face, voice, and body. There were significant effects of sexual orientation on the ratings and we considered only heterosexuals in all subsequent analyses. We found that 2D:4D was negatively correlated with general, facial, and body attractiveness, with the strongest association for body attractiveness. There was no relationship for voice attractiveness. General, facial, and body attractiveness were negatively associated with age and positively related to height (a possible correlate of adult testosterone, AT). However, the 2D:4D relationships were independent of age and height. 2D:4D differs across ethnic groups, but a consideration of only white Caucasians gave essentially the same results. We conclude that (1) high PT, as measured by low 2D:4D, is associated with self-perception of high attractiveness in men and women, and (2) the relationships between height and attractiveness indicate that AT is also positively correlated to self-perceptions of attractiveness in men and women. Thus, high PT and AT may increase body esteem in both men and women.
Crustal thickness estimates for Baja California, Sonora, and Sinaloa, Mexico, using disperse surface waves
Authors: López‐Pineda Leobardo , Rebollar Cecilio J. , Quintanar Luis
Published: April 2007

Dispersed surface waves of regional events recorded at Network of Autonomously Recording Seismographs (NARS)‐Baja and Red Sísmica de Banda Ancha (RESBAN) networks located over the Baja California Peninsula, Sonora, and Sinaloa, Mexico, were used to estimate shear wave elastic models and crustal thickness. We analyzed fundamental modes of surface waves with period between 10 and 40 s. Multiple filter analysis and the inversion method described by Herrmann and Ammon (2003) was used. Crustal thickness estimates for the Peninsular Ranges of Northern Baja California agree with those obtained by previous studies in the Peninsular Ranges of Northern Baja California. We analyzed dispersion of surface waves with northwest‐southeast travel paths along the east and west sides of the Baja California Peninsula as well as a northwest‐southeast travel path along the western sides of the Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa. It was found that the crustal structure east of the Baja California Peninsula is similar to the structure of Sonora and Sinaloa. The correlation between those two structures suggests dextral offset of the order of 275 ± 25 km if we consider Baja California Peninsula as a rigid body moving toward the northwest relative to the North America plate. This displacement between the structures is in agreement with the displacement determined by the dating of Miocene deposits located in San Felipe on the Baja California Peninsula (Pacific plate), and Isle Tiburon located west of Sonora (North America plate).
Sediment dynamics in tidally dominated environments controlled by transport and turbulence: A case study for the East Frisian Wadden Sea
Authors: Stanev E. V. , Brink‐Spalink G. , Wolff J.‐O.
Published: April 2007

Various tide‐related sediment transport mechanisms near a barrier island coast are addressed on the basis of analytical theory and numerical simulations carried out with a three‐dimensional (3‐D) numerical model. The theory proposed gives an explanation of the observed “twin peaks” in the concentration of suspended sediment; however, it does not adequately describe the whole variety of sediment responses. The major idea in this paper assumes that it is not only the change of the level of turbulence and advection individually but also the correlation between the two which controls the concentration of sediment. Because the horizontal gradients of sediment concentration are created not only by sources at the coast (e.g., fluxes from rivers) but also by the transport and turbulence, the system is highly nonlinear. Several simulations have been carried out aimed at revealing the nonlinear mechanisms in the sediment transport and individual contribution of turbulence and velocity field. An experiment in which the sediment model is driven only by turbulent kinetic energy fails to simulate most of the characteristic temporal and spatial sediment patterns. With another experiment it is demonstrated that the velocity gradient in the vertical gives an important mechanism shaping the patterns of temporal and spatial variability (and tidal asymmetries). Without shear diffusion, the sediment dynamics are largely governed by the “displacement mechanism”; that is, the system is more linear. One practical conclusion from the numerical simulations is that using simplified (2‐D) dynamics in sediment transport modeling along with externally prescribed turbulence characteristics could lead to large artifacts.
Geochemical evidence for African dust inputs to soils of western Atlantic islands: Barbados, the Bahamas, and Florida
Authors: Muhs Daniel R. , Budahn James R. , Prospero Joseph M. , Carey Steven N.
Published: April 2007

We studied soils on high‐purity limestones of Quaternary age on the western Atlantic Ocean islands of Barbados, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas. Potential soil parent materials in this region, external to the carbonate substrate, include volcanic ash from the island of St. Vincent (near Barbados), volcanic ash from the islands of Dominica and St. Lucia (somewhat farther from Barbados), the fine‐grained component of distal loess from the lower Mississippi River Valley, and wind‐transported dust from Africa. These four parent materials can be differentiated using trace elements (Sc, Cr, Th, and Zr) and rare earth elements that have minimal mobility in the soil‐forming environment. Barbados soils have compositions that indicate a complex derivation. Volcanic ash from the island of St. Vincent appears to have been the most important influence, but African dust is a significant contributor, and even Mississippi River valley loess may be a very minor contributor to Barbados soils. Soils on the Florida Keys and islands in the Bahamas appear to have developed mostly from African dust, but Mississippi River valley loess may be a significant contributor. Our results indicate that inputs of African dust are more important to the genesis of soils on islands in the western Atlantic Ocean than previously supposed. We hypothesize that African dust may also be a major contributor to soils on other islands of the Caribbean and to soils in northern South America, central America, Mexico, and the southeastern United States. Dust inputs to subtropical and tropical soils in this region increase both nutrient‐holding capacity and nutrient status and thus may be critical in sustaining vegetation.
A tomographic model for ionospheric imaging with the Global Ultraviolet Imager
Authors: Comberiate J. M. , Kamalabadi F. , Paxton L. J.
Published: April 2007

A tomographic forward and inverse model is presented that enables the recovery of three‐dimensional ionospheric structures from space‐based optical observations. In this paper we apply the technique to the Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI) on board the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite. The forward model is based on GUVI observation geometry to simulate radiance observations of a model ionosphere. This model incorporates the physics of the 1356 Å emission and the pattern of line‐of‐sight measurements out of the plane of the orbit into a discrete matrix representation of the GUVI observation. The application of matrix inversion techniques to the discrete observation matrix allows a multidimensional electron density profile to be reconstructed from the GUVI brightness measurements. Appropriate regularization functionals are incorporated to constrain the reconstructed solution. A smoothness constraint with a nonconvex penalty function ensures smoothness while preserving edges in the reconstructed image, an attribute which is crucial for the reconstruction of sharp ionospheric gradients. Results using GUVI data are shown to demonstrate the applicability of this technique.
Impact of thin water vapor layers on CHAMP radio occultation measurements
Authors: von Engeln Axel , Teixeira João , Beyerle Georg
Published: April 2007

Challenging Minisatellite Payload for Geophysical Research and Application (CHAMP) radio occultation data are analyzed to determine causes for signal tracking loss at altitudes above the planetary boundary layer (PBL). This frequently happens within the Intertropical and South Pacific Convergence zones. We focus on events with a sudden full spectrum inversion (FSI) amplitude drop over a narrow atmospheric layer, as caused, for example, by strong atmospheric refractivity gradients. Events show a clear distinction between land‐ and sea‐based observations. At high latitudes and mountainous regions, sudden FSI amplitude drops are caused by GPS satellite settings. Low‐latitude (midlatitude) sea‐based events also show maxima around 7 km (5 km) and 2.5 km. Events near 2.5 km are found at the upper range of the PBL, possibly involving ducting. Wave optics simulations applying CHAMP receiver characteristics and simulated refractivity profiles show that such events can readily be caused by strong refractivity gradients below the ducting conditions. Hence, around 7 km, events are caused by the relatively stable temperature lapse rate leading to enhanced water vapor layers and radiative cooling, associated with cumulus congestus clouds. The required signal carrier‐to‐noise density ratio sufficient to avoid tracking losses is 55 dB Hz for low‐latitude observations. In the lower atmosphere, near the PBL top, 60 dB Hz is required in the presence of strong vertical gradients in refractivity. CHAMP operates with about 50 dB Hz at low latitudes.
Atlantic Southern Ocean productivity: Fertilization from above or below?
Authors: Meskhidze Nicholas , Nenes Athanasios , Chameides William L. , Luo Chao , Mahowald Natalie
Published: April 2007

Primary productivity and the associated uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the Southern Ocean (SO) is thought to be generally limited by bioavailable iron (Fe). Two sources of Fe for the surface waters of the SO have been proposed: (1) oceanic input of nutrient‐rich (i.e., Fe) waters from upwelling and lateral flows from continental margins; and (2) atmospheric input from the deposition of mineral dust emanating from the arid regions of South America and Australia. In this work, analysis of weekly remotely sensed sea surface temperature (SST), ocean chlorophyll a content [Chl a] and model‐derived atmospheric dust‐Fe fluxes are used to identify the predominant source of Fe during phytoplankton blooms in the surface waters of the south Atlantic Ocean between 40°S and 60°S. The results of our study suggest that oceanic source through upwelling of nutrient‐rich waters due to mesoscale frontal dynamics is the major source of bioavailable Fe controlling biological activity in this region. This result is consistent with the idea that acidification of aeolian dust prior to its deposition to the ocean may be required to solubilize the large fraction of mineral‐iron and make it bioavailable.
On the association between northward turnings of the interplanetary magnetic field and substorm onsets
Authors: Morley S. K. , Freeman M. P.
Published: April 2007

We re‐examine whether substorms are triggered by solar wind fluctuations or an internal magnetospheric instability by comparing the statistical associations between substorm onsets and (1) an external trigger definition, (2) a simple internal trigger definition of only prior loading of solar wind energy that is a subset of the external trigger definition. Statistical associations are calculated both for observed substorm onsets and onsets generated by a Minimal Substorm Model in which substorms are purely internally triggered. Thence we argue that a minimum interval of prior loading is a necessary condition for substorm onset, a subsequent northward IMF turning is not necessary, and consequently that an internal trigger from a magnetospheric instability is a necessary and sufficient condition for substorm onset. We discuss how this result may explain a report that externally triggered substorms are systematically larger than non‐externally triggered substorms.
Role of the structural inheritance of the oceanic lithosphere in the magmato‐tectonic evolution of Piton de la Fournaise volcano (La Réunion Island)
Authors: Michon Laurent , Saint‐Ange Francky , Bachelery Patrick , Villeneuve Nicolas , Staudacher Thomas
Published: April 2007

La Réunion Island is located east of Madagascar, on the eastern rim of the tectonically inactive Mascarene Basin. This island is composed of three shield volcanoes of which only Piton de la Fournaise is currently active. Although the magmatic activity is restricted to Piton de la Fournaise, a scattered seismicity occurs on the whole 200 km wide volcanic edifice and in the underlying oceanic crust. We carried out a multiscale analysis to understand (1) the origin of the seismicity in the geodynamic context and (2) the role of the oceanic lithosphere in the deformation of Piton de la Fournaise and La Réunion Island. Analysis of the magmatic system suggests that the magma ascent is controlled by large N25–30 and N125–130 fracture zones located below the Enclos depression. We also show that the orientation difference between the eruptive fissures and the related dykes result from a rotation of the main principal stress σ1 from vertical to downslope through the surface. Combining a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) analysis, field observations and the geophysical data reveals that the volcano is affected by large fault zones. The fault distribution indicates the predominance of a main N70–80 trend. Magnetic data show the same N80 orientation characterizing the remnant part of the Alizés volcano. Such parallel alignment suggests a control exerted by the underlying Alizés volcano on Piton de la Fournaise. Furthermore, the alignment between the crustal orientations and the structures determined on the island suggests a control of the crustal structures in La Réunion's volcano‐tectonic activity. Contrary to several volcanic islands such as Hawaii and Tenerife, La Réunion volcanoes lie on an upbending crust. Then, we interpret the reactivation of the crustal faults as resulting from a crustal uplift related to the thermal erosion of the base of the lithosphere and/or to strong underplating. The upward deformation may prevent the spreading of the volcanoes, as no evidence of such a mechanism is observed in the bathymetry and the seismic data around the island.
Quantifying early aftershock activity of the 2004 mid‐Niigata Prefecture earthquake (Mw6.6)
Authors: Enescu Bogdan , Mori Jim , Miyazawa Masatoshi
Published: April 2007

We analyze the early aftershock activity of the 2004 mid‐Niigata earthquake, using both earthquake catalog data and continuous waveform recordings. The frequency‐magnitude distribution analysis of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) catalog shows that the magnitude of completeness of the aftershocks changes from values around 5.0, immediately after the main shock, to about 1.8, 12 hours later. Such a large incompleteness of early events can bias significantly the estimation of aftershock rates. To better determine the temporal pattern of aftershocks in the first minutes after the Niigata earthquake, we analyze the continuous seismograms recorded at six High Sensitivity Seismograph Network (Hi‐Net) stations located close to the aftershock distribution. Clear aftershocks can be seen from about 35 s after the main shock. We estimate that the events we picked on the waveforms recorded at two seismic stations (NGOH and YNTH) situated on opposite sides of the aftershock distribution are complete above a threshold magnitude of 3.4. The c value determined by taking these events into account is about 0.003 days (4.3 min). Statistical tests demonstrate that a small, but nonzero, c value is a reliable result. We also analyze the decay with time of the moment release rates of the aftershocks in the JMA catalog, since these rates should be much less influenced by the missing small events. The moment rates follow a power law time dependence from few minutes to months after the main shock. We finally show that the rate‐and‐state dependent friction law or stress corrosion could explain well our findings.
Numerical simulation of the October 2002 dust event in Australia
Authors: Shao Yaping , Leys John F. , McTainsh Grant H. , Tews Kenn
Published: April 2007

In comparison to the major dust sources in the Northern Hemisphere, Australia is a relatively minor contributor to the global dust budget. However, severe dust storms do occur in Australia, especially in drought years. In this study, we simulate the 22–23 October 2002 dust storm using an integrated dust model, which is probably the most severe dust storm in Australia in at least the past 40 years. The model results are compared with synoptic visibility data and satellite images and for several stations, with high‐volume sampler measurements. The model simulations are then used to estimate dust load, emission, and deposition, both for over the continent and for over the ocean. The main dust sources and sinks are identified. Dust sources include the desert areas in northern South Australia, the grazing lands in western New South Wales (NSW), and the farm lands in NSW, Victoria, and Western Australia, as well as areas in Queensland and Northern Territory. The desert areas appear to be the strongest source. The maximum dust emission is around 2000 μg m−2 s−1, and the maximum net dust emission is around 500 μg m−2 s−1. The total amount of dust eroded from the Australian continent during this dust event is around 95.8 Mt, of which 93.67 Mt is deposited on the continent and 2.13 Mt in the ocean. The maximum total dust load over the simulation domain is around 5 Mt. The magnitude of this Australian dust storm corresponds to a northeast Asian dust storm of moderate size.
Micromechanical properties and structural characterization of modern inarticulated brachiopod shells
Authors: Merkel C. , Griesshaber E. , Kelm K. , Neuser R. , Jordan G. , Logan A. , Mader W. , Schmahl W. W.
Published: April 2007

We investigated micromechanical properties and ultrastructure of the shells of the modern brachiopod species Lingula anatina, Discinisca laevis, and Discradisca stella with scanning electron microscopy (SEM, EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Vickers microhardness indentation analyses. The shells are composed of two distinct layers, an outer primary layer and an inner secondary layer. Except for the primary layer in Lingula anatina, which is composed entirely of organic matter, all other shell layers are laminated organic/inorganic composites. The organic matter is built of chitin fibers, which provide the matrix for the incorporation of calcium phosphate. Amorphous calcium phosphate in the outer, primary layer and crystalline apatite is deposited into the inner, secondary layer of the shell. Apatite crystallite sizes in the umbonal region of the shell are about 50 × 50 nm, while within the valves crystallite sizes are significantly smaller, averanging 10 × 25 nm. There is great variation in hardness values between shell layers and between the investigated brachiopod species. The microhardness of the investigated shells is significantly lower than that of inorganic hydroxyapatite. This is caused by the predominantly organic material component that in these shells is either developed as purely organic layers or as an organic fibrous matrix reinforced by crystallites. Our results show that this particular fiber composite material is very efficient for the protection and the support of the soft animal tissue. It lowers the probability of crack formation and effectively impedes crack propagation perpendicular to the shell by crack‐deviation mechanisms. The high degree of mechanical stability and toughness is achieved by two design features. First, there is the fiber composite material which overcomes some detrimental and enhances some advantageous properties of the single constituents, that is the softness and flexibility of chitin and the hardness and brittleness of apatite. Second, there is a hierarchical structuring from the nanometer to a micrometer level. We could identify at least seven levels of hierarchy within the shells.
Effects of methyl β‐cyclodextrin on EDHF responses in pig and rat arteries; association between SKCa channels and caveolin‐rich domains
Authors: Absi M , Burnham M P , Weston A H , Harno E , Rogers M , Edwards G
Published: April 2007

Background and purpose:

The small and intermediate conductance, Ca2+‐sensitive K+ channels (SKCa and IKCa, respectively) which are pivotal in the EDHF pathway may be differentially activated. The importance of caveolae in the functioning of IKCa and SKCa channels was investigated.

Experimental approach:

The effect of the caveolae‐disrupting agent methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MβCD) on IKCa and SKCa localization and function was determined.

Key results:

EDHF‐mediated, SKCa‐dependent myocyte hyperpolarizations evoked by acetylcholine in rat mesenteric arteries (following blockade of IKCa with TRAM‐34) were inhibited by MβCD. Hyperpolarizations evoked by direct SKCa channel activation (using NS309 in the presence of TRAM‐34) were also inhibited by MβCD, an effect reversed by cholesterol. In contrast, IKCa‐dependent hyperpolarizations (in the presence of apamin) were unaffected by MβCD. Similarly, in porcine coronary arteries, EDHF‐mediated, SKCa‐dependent (but not IKCa‐dependent) endothelial cell hyperpolarizations evoked by substance P were inhibited by MβCD. In mesenteric artery homogenates subjected to sucrose‐density centrifugation, caveolin‐1 and SK3 (SKCa) proteins but not IK1 (IKCa) protein migrated to the buoyant, caveolin‐rich fraction. MβCD pretreatment redistributed caveolin‐1 and SK3 proteins into more dense fractions. In immunofluorescence images of porcine coronary artery endothelium, SK3 (but not IK1) and caveolin‐1 were co‐localized. Furthermore, caveolin‐1 immunoprecipitates prepared from native porcine coronary artery endothelium contained SK3 but not IK1 protein.

Conclusions and Implications:

These data provide strong evidence that endothelial cell SKCa channels are located in caveolae while the IKCa channels reside in a different membrane compartment. These studies reveal cellular organisation as a further complexity in the EDHF pathway signalling cascade.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 332–340; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707222
Expression of Concern: Protective role of PI3‐kinase‐Akt‐eNOS signalling pathway in intestinal injury associated with splanchnic artery occlusion shock
Authors: Roviezzo F , Cuzzocrea S , Di Lorenzo A , Brancaleone V , Mazzon E , Di Paola R , Bucci M , Cirino G
Published: April 2007

Background and purpose:

Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is a dynamic enzyme tightly controlled by co‐ and post‐translational lipid modifications, phosphorylation and regulated by protein‐protein interactions. Here we have pharmacologically modulated the activation of eNOS, at different post‐translational levels, to assess the role of eNOS‐derived NO and of these regulatory mechanisms in intestinal injury associated with splanchnic artery occlusion (SAO) shock.

Experimental approach:

SAO shock was induced by clamping both the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk for 45 min followed by 30 min of reperfusion. During ischemia, 15 min prior to reperfusion, mice were given geldanamycin, an inhibitor of hsp90 recruitment to eNOS, or LY‐294002 an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), an enzyme that initiates Akt–catalysed phosphorylation of eNOS on Ser1179. After 30 min of reperfusion, samples of ileum were taken for histological examination or for biochemical studies.

Key results:

Either LY‐294002 or geldanamycin reversed the increased activation of eNOS and Akt observed following SAO shock. These molecular effects were mirrored in vivo by an exacerbation of the intestinal damage. Histological damage also correlated with neutrophil infiltration, assessed as myeloperoxidase activity, and with an increased expression of the adhesion proteins: ICAM‐I, VCAM, P‐selectin and E‐selectin.

Conclusions and implications:

Overall these results suggest that activation of the Akt pathway in ischemic regions of reperfused ileum is a protective event, triggered in order to protect the intestinal tissue from damage induced by ischaemia/reperfusion through a fine tuning of the endothelial NO pathway.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 377–383; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707233
More PKA independent β‐adrenergic signalling via cAMP: Is Rap1‐mediated glucose uptake in vascular smooth cells physiologically important?
Authors: Jensen J
Published: April 2007

The proteome characterising a specific cell type makes up a unique intracellular signalling network and signalling has to be studied in a cell specific manner. β‐Adrenergic receptors are coupled to production of cAMP and PKA was initially believed to be the only protein activated by cAMP. However, cAMP‐mediated signalling via Epac and Rap1 has emerged as an important contributor to cAMP signalling. In the current issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, Kanda and Watanabe report that adrenaline stimulates glucose uptake in vascular smooth muscle cells. With pharmacological methods, supplemented with small interfering RNA against Rap1, the authors demonstrate that adrenaline increases glucose uptake via Gs, adenylate cyclase, cAMP and Rap1 activation. The authors could document neither PKA nor Epac as the receptor for cAMP mediating the effect. Although there is no doubt that Rap1 mediates adrenaline‐stimulated glucose uptake in vascular smooth muscle cells, it may be too early to exclude PKA and Epac.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 423–425; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707248
Rules, institutions, and North's institutionalism: state and market in early modern England
Authors: Carruthers Bruce G.
Published: April 2007

Douglass North's influential institutional analysis argues that political institutions affect economic institutions, which influence economic growth. His definition of institutions assumes that rules function as constraints, and leads to an interpretation of capital market growth after the Glorious Revolution as resulting from new political constraints on the Crown. This definition is too restrictive, however. It fails to acknowledge the generative function of rules, and so overlooks other connections between political and economic institutions. I revisit the case of early modern England to show how new political rules generated new forms of economic action that accelerated capital market growth.
The emergence and growth of an improbable laboratory in economics and management: the case of BETA
Authors: Cohendet Patrick , Llerena Patrick
Published: April 2007

The aim of this contribution is to trace the process by which such an improbable research unit, the BETA at the University Louis Pasteur, has emerged and grown and to stress the interesting outcomes. The paper can be read as a case study on the emergence and development of a ‘knowledge creating community’. Such an analysis requires the understanding of the micro‐dynamics of the complex co‐evolution between four different elements in the production of research: small epistemic communities as active units of production of specialised knowledge in different domains of economics and management, the lab as a research institution, the University as the locus of collective representation, and key individuals as boundary spanners. In particular, the analysis of this evolution reveals the importance of the earliest stages of the collective effort that necessitates the interaction and coordination of dispersed actors. From these interactions progressively emerged a coherent unit of production of knowledge with shared codes, a common ‘code‐book’, and shared experiences. The real recognition of the lab as an institution came much later (recognition by the French CNRS ‐ 1985). From this moment, the lab as an institution had to show its capability to sustain both cumulative progress and some turnover of personnel.
Michael Rape: the biology of destruction
Authors: Wells William A.
Published: April 2007

Michael Rape says that ubiquitination's diversity and adaptability makes it an ideal entry point for understanding vast swaths of biology.
Regulation of the G2–M cell cycle progression by the ERK5–NFκB signaling pathway
Authors: Cude Kelly , Wang Yupeng , Choi Hyun-Jung , Hsuan Shih-Ling , Zhang Honglai , Wang Cun-Yu , Xia Zhengui
Published: April 2007

Elucidation of mechanisms regulating cell cycle progression is of fundamental importance for cell and cancer biology. Although several genes and signaling pathways are implicated in G1–S regulation, less is known regarding the mechanisms controlling cell cycle progression through G2 and M phases. We report that extracellular signal–regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinases, is activated at G2–M and required for timely mitotic entry. Stimulation of ERK5 activated nuclear factor κB (NFκB) through ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2)-mediated phosphorylation and degradation of IκB. Furthermore, selective inhibition of NFκB at G2–M phases substantially delayed mitotic entry and inhibited transcription of G2–M–specific genes, including cyclin B1, cyclin B2, Plk-1, and cdc25B. Moreover, inhibition of NFκB at G2–M diminished mitosis induced by constitutive activation of ERK5, providing a direct link between ERK5, NFκB, and regulation of G2–M progression. We conclude that a novel ERK5–NFκB signaling pathway plays a key role in regulation of the G2–M progression.
PtdIns(4,5)P2 turnover is required for multiple stages during clathrin- and actin-dependent endocytic internalization
Authors: Sun Yidi , Carroll Susheela , Kaksonen Marko , Toshima Junko Y. , Drubin David G.
Published: April 2007

The lipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns[4,5]P2) appears to play an important role in endocytosis. However, the timing of its formation and turnover, and its specific functions at different stages during endocytic internalization, have not been established. In this study, Sla2 ANTH-GFP and Sjl2-3GFP were expressed as functional fusion proteins at endogenous levels to quantitatively explore PtdIns(4,5)P2 dynamics during endocytosis in yeast. Our results indicate that PtdIns(4,5)P2 levels increase and decline in conjunction with coat and actin assembly and disassembly, respectively. Live-cell image analysis of endocytic protein dynamics in an sjl1Δ sjl2Δ mutant, which has elevated PtdIns(4,5)P2 levels, revealed that the endocytic machinery is still able to assemble and disassemble dynamically, albeit nonproductively. The defects in the dynamic behavior of the various endocytic proteins in this double mutant suggest that PtdIns(4,5)P2 turnover is required for multiple stages during endocytic vesicle formation. Furthermore, our results indicate that PtdIns(4,5)P2 turnover may act in coordination with the Ark1/Prk1 protein kinases in stimulating disassembly of the endocytic machinery.
Three microtubule severing enzymes contribute to the “Pacman-flux” machinery that moves chromosomes
Authors: Zhang Dong , Rogers Gregory C. , Buster Daniel W. , Sharp David J.
Published: April 2007

Chromosomes move toward mitotic spindle poles by a Pacman-flux mechanism linked to microtubule depolymerization: chromosomes actively depolymerize attached microtubule plus ends (Pacman) while being reeled in to spindle poles by the continual poleward flow of tubulin subunits driven by minus-end depolymerization (flux). We report that Pacman-flux in Drosophila melanogaster incorporates the activities of three different microtubule severing enzymes, Spastin, Fidgetin, and Katanin. Spastin and Fidgetin are utilized to stimulate microtubule minus-end depolymerization and flux. Both proteins concentrate at centrosomes, where they catalyze the turnover of γ-tubulin, consistent with the hypothesis that they exert their influence by releasing stabilizing γ-tubulin ring complexes from minus ends. In contrast, Katanin appears to function primarily on anaphase chromosomes, where it stimulates microtubule plus-end depolymerization and Pacman-based chromatid motility. Collectively, these findings reveal novel and significant roles for microtubule severing within the spindle and broaden our understanding of the molecular machinery used to move chromosomes.
Coupling Ca2+ store release to Icrac channel activation in B lymphocytes requires the activity of Lyn and Syk kinases
Authors: Chung S. Clare , Limnander Andre , Kurosaki Tomohiro , Weiss Arthur , Korenbrot Juan I.
Published: April 2007

Activation of the B cell receptor complex in B lymphocytes causes Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, which, in turn, activates ion channels known as Icrac. We investigated the mechanisms that link Ca2+ store release to channel gating in DT40 B lymphocyte cell lines genetically manipulated to suppress the expression of several tyrosine kinases: Btk, Lyn, Syk, and the Blnk adaptor molecule. The simultaneous but not the independent suppression of Lyn and Syk expression prevents the activation of Icrac without interfering with thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ store release. Icrac activation by Ca2+ is reversed in mutant cells by the homologous expression of the missing kinases. Pharmacological inhibition of kinase activity by LavendustinA and PP2 cause the same functional deficit as the genetic suppression of enzyme expression. Biochemical assays demonstrate that kinase activity is required as a tonic signal: targets must be phosphorylated to link Ca2+ store release to Icrac gating. The action of kinases on Icrac activation does not arise from control of the expression level of the stromal interaction molecule 1 and Orai1 proteins.
Analysis of the Clinical Variables Associated with Recrudescence after Malignant Hyperthermia Reactions
Authors: Burkman James M. , Posner Karen L. , Domino Karen B.
Published: April 2007

Background

Some patients develop recrudescence after a malignant hyperthermia (MH) reaction, but it is not clear which patients are at risk. The authors analyzed clinical variables associated with recrudescence after a clinical MH episode.

Methods

Data were obtained from Adverse Metabolic Reaction to Anesthesia reports in the North American Malignant Hyperthermia Registry. Patients who underwent general anesthesia and with an MH clinical grading score of 20 or greater, indicating a likely MH reaction, were included in this analysis. Patient characteristics, anesthetic agents, MH reaction clinical details, and postoperative outcomes were compared in the recrudescence and no recrudescence groups using chi-square tests and Z tests for categorical variables and the Student t test for continuous variables. Associations of clinical variables with recrudescence were assessed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Of 308 patients, 63 (20%) had recrudescence. The mean time from initial reaction to recrudescence was 13 h (SD = 13 h). Patients with recrudescence were more likely to have a muscular body type (P < 0.01), malignant hyperthermia score of 35 or greater (P < 0.01), a temperature increase (P < 0.01), and more than 150 min from induction to adverse reaction (P < 0.05). Muscular body type, a temperature increase, and a longer time from induction to initial malignant hyperthermia reaction were associated with recrudescence on multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

Recrudescence occurred in 20% of patients. Muscular body types had a higher rate of recrudescence, perhaps associated with increased muscle mass. The risk of recrudescence increased as time from induction to the initial MH reaction increased, perhaps as a result of greater muscle exposure to triggering agents.
Evaluating Teamwork in a Simulated Obstetric Environment
Authors: Morgan Pamela J. , Pittini Richard , Regehr Glenn , Marrs Carol , Haley Michèle F.
Published: April 2007

Background

The National Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths identified "lack of communication and teamwork" as a leading cause of substandard obstetric care. The authors used high-fidelity simulation to present obstetric scenarios for team assessment.

Methods

Obstetric nurses, physicians, and resident physicians were repeatedly assigned to teams of five or six, each team managing one of four scenarios. Each person participated in two or three scenarios with differently constructed teams. Participants and nine external raters rated the teams' performances using a Human Factors Rating Scale (HFRS) and a Global Rating Scale (GRS). Interrater reliability was determined using intraclass correlations and the Cronbach alpha. Analyses of variance were used to determine the reliability of the two measures, and effects of both scenario and rater profession (R.N. vs. M.D.) on scores. Pearson product-moment correlations were used to compare external with self-generated assessments.

Results

The average of nine external rater scores showed good reliability for both HFRS and GRS; however, the intraclass correlation coefficients for a single rater was low. There was some effect of rater profession on self-generated HFRS but not on GRS. An analysis of profession-specific subscores on the HFRS revealed no interaction between profession of rater and profession being rated. There was low correlation between externally and self-generated team assessments.

Conclusions

This study does not support the use of the HFRS for assessment of obstetric teams. The GRS shows promise as a summative but not a formative assessment tool. It is necessary to develop a domain specific behavioral marking system for obstetric teams.