bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid molecular prenatal diagnosis of ataxia‐telangiectasia by direct mutational analysis
Authors: Mancebo Esther , Bernardo Iván , Castro Maria J. , Fernández‐Martinez Francisco J. , Barreiro Emilia , De‐Pablos Paloma , Marin M.a Jesús , Cortezon Silvia , Paz‐Artal Estela , Allende Luis M.
Published: June 2007

Mutations of the ataxia‐telangiectasia‐mutated (ATM) gene are responsible for the autosomal recessive disorder ataxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T). This study reports the first A‐T prenatal diagnosis performed in Spain by direct molecular analysis. The pregnant woman had a previous child suffering from A‐T due to a deletion in the ATM gene. The ATM coding region was sequenced in the A‐T patient and her parents. Then, a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the deletion was performed for prenatal diagnosis. Additionally, polymorphic HLA loci were examined in order to exclude the possible contamination by maternal DNA. In this family of Gypsy origin, we carried out a rapid molecular diagnosis of A‐T. Then, a prenatal diagnosis was carried out, identifying the deletion in the fetal DNA. Additionally, we performed a population study in unrelated Spanish Gypsies and in unrelated controls, showing that the deletion described could be a hotspot in the Spanish Gypsy population. The size of the coding region and the genomic structure, together with the absence of hotspots, make the mutation screening of the ATM gene difficult. The ability to identify ATM mutations provides a tool that can be applied in confirmatory diagnosis, genetic counselling, carrier prediction and prenatal diagnosis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative evaluation of collagen type VI and SOD gene expression in the nuchal skin of human fetuses with trisomy 21
Authors: Quarello Edwin , Guimiot Fabien , Moalic Jean‐Marie , Simoneau Michel , Ville Yves , Delezoide Anne‐Lise
Published: June 2007

Objective To investigate the involvement of the genes encoding for COL6A1, COLA2 and super‐oxide dismutase (SOD) in the mechanism for the retention of subcutaneous fluid in fetuses with trisomy 21.

Methods During a 7‐month period (November 2004–May 2005), human fetal skin from the nuchal region was obtained from euploid fetuses and from fetuses with trisomy 21 following abortions and terminations of pregnancy. Cell cultures were performed from nuchal skin. Quantification of COL6A1, COL6A2, COL6A3 and SOD mRNAs were performed using real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR.

Results Twelve fetuses were studied between 13–15 and 19–20 weeks of gestation including 7 cases of trisomy 21. A significant overexpression of genes of interest was demonstrated in trisomy 21 fetuses when compared with euploid fetuses, in the first and in the second trimester of pregnancy (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion This study demonstrates a homogeneous overexpression of the genes encoding for α1 and α2 chains of Collagen type VI, and SOD in nuchal skin of human trisomy 21 fetuses. Persistence of this overexpression in the second trimester of pregnancy, despite the absence of an enlarged nuchal translucency (NT), may characterize some compensatory mechanisms. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Y chromosome detection by Real Time PCR and pyrophosphorolysis‐activated polymerisation using free fetal DNA isolated from maternal plasma
Authors: Boon Elles M. J. , Schlecht Hélène B. , Martin Peter , Daniels Geoff , Vossen Rolf H. A. M. , den Dunnen Johan T. , Bakker Bert , Elles Rob
Published: June 2007

Objectives To validate the use of Real Time PCR, a widely used technique that can detect very low levels of Y chromosomal sequence, and to assess the use of a highly sensitive PCR technique, pyrophosphorolysis‐activated polymerisation (PAP), for fetal sex determination using free fetal DNA (ffDNA).

Methods The fetal sex was determined by Real Time PCR in 58 pregnancies using ffDNA isolated from maternal plasma. In parallel with the Real Time PCR experiments, the presence of Y chromosome sequence was also determined using PAP on 54 isolated ffDNA samples.

Results Both techniques detected Y chromosome sequence at very low levels with 98% specificity and 100% sensitivity (Real Time n = 44, PAP n = 54). Furthermore, the PAP technique was shown to be more robust than the Real Time PCR as none of the samples tested failed to meet the acceptance criteria. Combining the two techniques for male fetal sex detection from maternal blood plasma increases the sensitivity and specificity to 100% in this series.

Conclusions This study shows that both Real Time PCR and PAP can be used for Y chromosome detection on ffDNA. Furthermore, by using PAP in combination with Real Time PCR more reliable early prenatal sexing can be performed using ffDNA. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptides as tools and drugs for immunotherapies
Authors: Beck Alain , Klinguer‐Hamour Christine , Bussat Marie‐Claire , Champion Thierry , Haeuw Jean‐François , Goetsch Liliane , Wurch Thierry , Sugawara Masae , Milon Alain , Van Dorsselaer Alain , Nguyen Thien , CorvaÏa Nathalie
Published: June 2007

Peptides are essential tools for discovery and pre‐clinical and pharmaceutical development of viral and cancer vaccines (‘active immunotherapies’) as well as for therapeutic antibodies (‘passive immunotherapies’). They help to trigger and analyze immune responses at a molecular level (B‐cell, T‐helper and CTL epitopes). They contribute largely to the design of new vaccine candidates and to the generation of monoclonal antibodies. They are also valuable analytical reference compounds for the structural characterisation by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry of recombinant proteins used as biopharmaceuticals. As for other therapeutic applications, formulation, solubilisation, batch consistency and stability, issues have to be addressed to allow the pre‐clinical and clinical development of this class of compounds as immunotherapeutic drugs. In the present review, three case studies dealing with (i) the design and the characterisation of Respiratory Syntycial Virus subunit vaccines, (ii) peptide‐based melanoma vaccines, and (iii) therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, all investigated in clinical trials, are reported and discussed. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraoral administration of a T‐cell epitope peptide induces immunological tolerance in Cry j 2‐sensitized mice
Authors: Yoshitomi Tomomi , Nakagami Yasuhiro , Hirahara Kazuki , Taniguchi Yoshifumi , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Yamashita Makoto
Published: June 2007

Sublingual immunotherapy using allergen‐derived peptides is feasible as a novel specific immunotherapy, but its efficacy has not yet been demonstrated in either humans or animals. In addition, it remains obscure whether the oral immune system is involved in the mechanism of sublingual immunotherapy. Here, we show that the intraoral administration of the T‐cell epitope peptide P2‐246‐259 derived from Cry j 2, a major Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen allergen, to Cry j 2‐sensitized mice induces immunological tolerance, and that ex vivo lymph node cell proliferation to P2‐246‐259 and Cry j 2 was inhibited. In addition, intraoral administration was shown to be superior to intragastric administration in terms of tolerance induction, suggesting that the oral immune system contributes to the induction of immunological tolerance. Therefore, the significant efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy using a peptide on allergen‐specific T‐cells was demonstrated in animals, and this may be potentiated by the oral mucosal immune system. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cathelicidin‐derived Trp/Pro‐rich antimicrobial peptides with lysine peptoid residue (Nlys): therapeutic index and plausible mode of action
Authors: Zhu Wan Long , Hahm Kyung–Soo , Shin Song Yub
Published: June 2007

Recently, we designed a novel cell‐selective antimicrobial peptide (TPk) with intracellular mode of action from Pro → Nlys (Lys peptoid residue) substitution in a noncell‐selective cathelicidin‐derived Trp/Pro‐rich antimicrobial peptide, tritrpticin‐amide (TP; VRRFPWWWPFLRR‐NH2) (Biochemistry 2006; 45: 13007–13017). In this study, to elucidate the effect of Pro → Nlys substitution on therapeutic index and mode of action of other noncell‐selective cathelicidin‐derived Trp/Pro‐rich antimicrobial peptides and develop novel short antimicrobial peptides with high cell selectivity/therapeutic index, we synthesized Nlys‐substituted antimicrobial peptides, TPk, STPk and INk, in which all proline residues of TP, symmetric TP‐analogue (STP; KKFPWWWPFKK‐NH2) and indolicidin (IN; ILPWKWPWWPWRR‐NH2) were replaced by Nlys, respectively. Compared to parent Pro‐containing peptides (TP, STP and IN), Nlys substituted peptides (TPk, STPk and Ink) had 4‐ to 26‐fold higher cell selectivity/therapeutic index. Parent Pro‐containing peptides induced a significant depolarization of the cytoplasmic membrane of intact Staphylococcus aureus at their MIC, whereas Nlys‐substituted antimicrobial peptides did not cause visible membrane depolarization at their MIC. These results suggest that the antibacterial action of Nlys‐substituted peptides is probably not due to the disruption of bacterial cytoplasmic membranes but the inhibition of intracellular components. Taken together, our results showed that Pro → Nlys substitution in other noncell‐selective Trp/Pro‐rich antimicrobial peptides such as STP and IN as well as TP can improve the cell selectivity/therapeutic index and change the mode of antibacterial action from membrane‐disrupting to intracellular targeting. In conclusion, our findings suggested that Pro → Nlys substitution in noncell‐selective Trp/Pro‐rich antimicrobial peptides is a promising method to develop cell‐selective antimicrobial peptides with intracellular target mechanism. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ground state behaviors of four‐sublattice ferromagnetic–antiferromagnetic double layers
Authors: Jiang Wei , Guo An‐Bang , Wei Guo‐Zhu
Published: June 2007

Within the framework of the spin‐wave theory and retarded Green's functions method, the magnetic properties of four‐sublattice ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic double layers at zero temperature have been investigated. Both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interlayer couplings are considered. The spin‐wave spectra, sublattice magnetizations and internal energy of the system in the ground state are studied. The numerical results are calculated for different sets of intra‐ and interlayer coupling interactions. All the exchange couplings are involved in the quantum competition of the system, but the effects of antiferromagnetic exchange couplings play an important role in the balance of the quantum competition. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Molecular beam epitaxy of IV–VI semiconductor hetero‐ and nano‐structures
Authors: Springholz Gunther , Bauer Günther
Published: June 2007

In this review, molecular beam epitaxy of IV–VI semiconductor hetero‐ and nanostructures is described. The properties of the IV–VI compounds differ in several respects from zinc‐blende III–V or II–VI semiconductors. This has significant consequences on the growth processes of molecular beam epitaxy. The main application of IV–VI or lead salt compounds is in mid‐infrared optoelectronic devices. As example, the growth of lead salt lasers is described with special emphasis on vertical cavity surface emitting lasers. Furthermore, it is shown that due to the large elastic anisotropy of IV–VI compounds, self‐organized quantum dot superlattices show remarkable ordering and vertical correlations. As a result, 3D ordered quantum dot crystals can be obtained. Thus, these materials are ideal model systems for the investigation of lateral, vertical and staggered dot ordering in multilayer structures. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microcavity modified spontaneous emission of single quantum dots
Authors: Solomon G. S. , Pelton M. , Yamamoto Y.
Published: June 2007

We summarize our earlier research showing how the radiative properties of an individual InAs quantum dot exciton state can be altered by their spatial and spectral position with respect to a discrete semiconductor microcavity mode. The InAs quantum dot is formed epitaxially in GaAs, and the microcavity is processed from a one‐wavelength distributed Bragg reflector planar microcavity of GaAs and AlAs to form a sub‐micrometer diameter pillar. Two states are tuned through a discrete cavity mode through sample temperature changes and show a spontaneous emission enhancement of 4. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluation of the cholinergic and adrenergic effects of two tropane alkaloids from Erythroxylum pervillei
Authors: Chin Young‐Won , Kinghorn A. Douglas , Patil Popat N.
Published: June 2007

Pervilleine A is an aromatic ester tropane alkaloid from Erythroxylum pervillei that has shown promising activity as a multidrug resistance inhibitor. Due to its structural similarity with the well known (‐)‐hyoscyamine and (‐)‐cocaine, the cholinergic and adrenergic activities of pervilleine A were evaluated. At 30 µm (±)‐pervilleine A hydrochloride exhibited non‐competitive inhibition of the cholinergic response in the guinea‐pig ileum and did not affect the carbachol‐induced contraction of the rat anococcygeus smooth muscle. (±)‐Pervilleine A hydrochloride blocked nonspecifically the vascular response of (‐)‐norepinephrine in the rat aorta ring, while the contractile response of rat vas deferens to (‐)‐norepinephrine was not affected significantly at a 100 µm concentration. An analogue of pervilleine A, (±)‐pervilleine H, without a 6‐O‐trans‐3,4,5‐trimethoxycinnamoyl ester substituent required for anti‐multidrug resistance activity, did not exhibit any effects in these experiments. The data suggest that (±)‐pervilleine A hydrochloride has weak nonspecific anticholinergic and vascular antiadrenergic activities. The lack of significant cholinergic and adrenergic receptor‐mediated activities may be considered advantageous for the further development of pervilleine A as a new adjuvant in cancer chemotherapy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of Phellinus linteus extract against Iron overload‐mediated oxidative stress in cultured rat hepatocytes
Authors: Ye She‐fang , Hou Zhen‐qing , Zhang Qi‐qing
Published: June 2007

Phellinus linteus (PL) mushroom has been reported to possess antioxidant activity. The present study was designed to investigate whether an ethanol extract obtained from PL might ameliorate oxidative stress and enhance antioxidant enzyme activities in primary rat hepatocytes, which were overloaded with iron using ferric nitrilotriacetate (FeNTA) complex. FeNTA enables hepatocytes to accumulate substantially redox‐active iron and stimulates the production of injurious hydroxyl radicals, which in turn, initiate oxidative stress‐mediated cytotoxicity. The results showed that pretreatment of hepatocytes with PL extract (50, 100 and 200 µg/mL) for 24 h significantly reversed FeNTA‐induced cell viability loss, lactate dehydrogenase leakage (LDH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl formation in a dose‐dependent manner. It was further observed that PL extract produced an inhibitory effect on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation caused by FeNTA. Concomitantly, the amount of GSH content and the activities of glutathione reductase (GSH Rd) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px) in hepatocytes pretreated with PL extract increased substantially compared with those treated with FeNTA alone. These results suggest that PL may be useful in protecting against FeNTA‐induced oxidative damage and also be capable of attenuating cytotoxicity of other oxidants. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of campesterol from Chrysanthemum coronarium L. and its antiangiogenic activities
Authors: Choi Jung‐Min , Lee Eun‐Ok , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Kim Kwan‐Hyun , Ahn Kyoo‐Seok , Shim Bum‐Sang , Kim Nam‐Il , Song Myoung‐Chong , Baek Nam‐In , Kim Sung‐Hoon
Published: June 2007

Campesterol, a plant sterol in nature, is known to have cholesterol lowering and anticarcinogenic effects. Since angiogenesis is essential for cancer, it was surmised that an antiangiogenic effect may be involved in the anticancer action of this compound. This study investigated the effect of campesterol on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)‐induced angiogenesis in vitro in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and an in vivo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Campesterol isolated from an ethylacetate fraction of Chrysanthemum coronarium L. showed a weak cytotoxicity in non‐proliferating HUVECs. Within the non‐cytotoxic concentration range, campesterol significantly inhibited the bFGF‐induced proliferation and tube formation of HUVECs in a concentration‐dependent manner, while it did not affect the motility of HUVECs. Furthermore, campesterol effectively disrupted the bFGF‐induced neovascularization in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in vivo. Taken together, these results support a potential antiangiogenic action of campesterol via an inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation and capillary differentiation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of several components of Gastrodia elata on lipid peroxidation in gerbil brain homogenates
Authors: Jung Tae‐Young , Suh Seong‐Il , Lee Hyung , Kim In‐Soo , Kim Hyun‐Joo , Yoo Ho‐Sang , Lee Seong‐Ryong
Published: June 2007

Gastrodia elata (GE) Blume, a traditional herbal agent, has been used mainly in anticonvulsive treatment in Asia. Recently, extracts of GE were evaluated for their potential as neuroprotectives and antioxidants. This study was designed to examine the antioxidant effect of the ether fraction of the methanol extract (EFME) of GE along with its major constituents vanillin, vanillyl alcohol, hydroxybenzaldehyde and hydroxybenzyl alcohol. In experiment 1, gerbils were treated with EFME of GE at a dosage of 500 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks. Oxidative stress was induced with H2O2 or ferrous ion, and lipid peroxidation was measured. In experiment 2, oxidative stress was induced with various concentrations of H2O2 or ferrous ammonium sulfate, and lipid peroxidation was measured. To compare the antioxidant potency, the inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) was determined. EFME of GE reduced auto‐peroxidation and H2O2‐induced lipid peroxidation. However, it did not significantly reduce ferrous ammonium sulfate‐induced lipid peroxidation. The order of antioxidation potency was as follows: hydroxybenzyl alcohol > vanillyl alcohol > vanillin > hydroxybenzaldehyde. In the case of hydroxybenzaldehyde, its antioxidant effect was more potent than that of melatonin. The excellent antioxidant effects of GE and its main constituents may have potential in the treatment of lipid peroxidation‐associated neurological disease. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topical antiinflammatory activity of an innovative aqueous formulation of actichelated® propolis vs two commercial propolis formulations
Authors: Sosa Silvio , Bornancin Anna , Tubaro Aurelia , Loggia Roberto Della
Published: June 2007

A novel aqueous commercial formulation of a new hydrophilic propolis product (Actichelated® Propolis, contained in ‘LeniGola PropolEffect Spray Senza Alcohol’; Pharbenia, Milan, Italy) was evaluated for its topical antiinflammatory activity in comparison with a hydroglyceric propolis spray solution (‘Propoli LeniGola Spray Senza Alcool’; Pharbenia, Milan, Italy) and a hydroalcohol preparation (‘Propoli LeniGola Spray Forte’; Pharbenia, Milan, Italy). Actichelated® propolis (Actimex, Trieste, Italy) is a multicomposite material obtained with a patented technology, mechano‐chemical activation, which application led to a new hydrosoluble form of propolis.

Each propolis preparation provoked a dose‐dependent inhibition of the croton oil‐induced ear oedema in mice. Considering the administered doses of flavonoids, ‘LeniGola PropolEffect Spray Senza Alcool’ (ID50 = 13.6 µL/cm2, corresponding to 13.6 µg flavonoids/cm2) is slightly more active than the hydroglyceric formulation ‘Propoli LeniGola Spray’ (ID50 = 13.7 µL/cm2, corresponding to 20.6 µg flavonoids/cm2) and six times more active than the hydroalcohol preparation ‘Propoli LeniGola Spray Forte’ (ID50 = 5.5 µL/cm2, corresponding to 82.5 µg flavonoids/cm2). As a reference, 15 µL/cm2 of the commercial sprays Tantum® Verde and Froben®, containing 37.5 or 45 µg of the non‐steroidal antiinflammatory drugs benzidamine hydrochloride or flurbiprofen, induced 18% and 35% oedema inhibition, respectively. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population quantile‐quantile plots for monitoring assay performance in newborn screening
Authors: Pollitt R. J. , Matthews A. J.
Published: June 2007

Immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) used in screening for cystic fibrosis is heterogeneous, poorly characterized, and displays marked matrix effects when incorporated into blood spots, making long‐term control of assay calibration difficult. The cut‐off required to select a fixed proportion of samples (0.5% for the UK protocol) for second‐tier mutation analysis varies over time, partly owing to slight differences in calibration of individual lots of assay kit. To investigate this and possible inter‐laboratory differences in analytical performance, we developed a monitoring system based on the distribution of measured IRT concentrations in the screened samples. Results were collected fortnightly from five UK screening laboratories in the form of numbers of samples in histogram ‘bins’ of IRT concentration. These data were converted to cumulative percentages and the IRT concentrations at fixed centiles then approximated by triangulation. The quantile‐quantile plot of any subset (by laboratory or by kit lot) of these data using pooled results (all‐laboratories all‐kit‐lots, approximately 270000 samples) as the reference distribution is analogous to a calibration curve and gives a measure of bias in terms of sensitivity (slope) and baseline (y‐intercept). This allows a revised 99.5th centile cut‐off for each subset to be calculated directly. A similar approach has allowed inter‐laboratory comparison of tandem‐mass spectrometric assays for free carnitine (with emphasis on low values) and phenylalanine and has demonstrated that apparently trivial differences in instrumentation and procedures have resulted in marked variation in resultant assay performance.
Limits on Log Odds Ratios for Unidimensional Item Response Theory Models
Authors: Haberman Shelby J. , Holland Paul W. , Sinharay Sandip
Published: June 2007

Bounds are established for log odds ratios (log cross-product ratios) involving pairs of items for item response models. First, expressions for bounds on log odds ratios are provided for one-dimensional item response models in general. Then, explicit bounds are obtained for the Rasch model and the two-parameter logistic (2PL) model. Results are also illustrated through an example from a study of model-checking procedures. The bounds obtained can provide an elementary basis for assessment of goodness of fit of these models.
Gas‐liquid chromatographic analysis of geometrical and positional octadecenoic and octadecadienoic acid isomers produced by catalytic hydrogenation of linoleic acid on Ir/Al2O3
Authors: Kitayama Yoshie , Takahashi Megumi , Sugiyama Hisashi , Kodama Tatsuya , Okamura Mutsuo
Published: June 2007

Catalytic hydrogenation of linoleic acid was studied on Ir/Al2O3. A detailed analysis of geometrical and positional isomers of octadecenoic acid (18:1) in the products was performed by capillary gas‐liquid chromatography with a new capillary column coated with isocyanopropyl trisilphenylene siloxane (TC‐70). Well‐resolved peaks of 10 species of 18:1 were observed in the product. In addition to monoenoic acid isomers, four species of trans‐dienoic isomers and conjugated dienoic isomers were found. From the distribution of 18:1 isomers, it was found that the double bond closer to the methyl end (Δ12) showed higher reactivity than that closer to the carboxyl end (Δ9) for hydrogenation. Because cis‐8 18:1 and trans‐8 18:1 were not observed but cis‐10 18:1 and trans‐10 18:1 were observed in the products, the double‐bond Δ9 did not migrate to the carboxyl end but migrated to the methyl end. On the other hand, the Δ12 bond migrated to both methyl and carboxyl ends. From the distribution of 18:1 isomers in the reaction pathway, the hydrogenation of linoleic acid proceeds via half‐hydrogenation states. Cis‐18:1 isomers were produced predominantly in the initial stage of the reaction, while trans‐18:1 isomers were produced during progress of the reaction. The cis/trans and positional isomerization took place by readsorption of 18:1 produced by the partial hydrogenation of linoleic acid.
Evaluation of tripalmitin crystallization in sesame oil through a modified avrami equation
Authors: Dibildox‐Alvarado Elena , Toro‐Vazquez Jorge F.
Published: June 2007

Tripalmitin (TP) crystallization in sesame oil solutions (0.98, 1.80, and 2.62%, wt/vol) was investigated by utilizing a modification of the Avrami equation. The modified equation retains the original correspondence to the nucleation process (i.e., n) and crystal growth and simply corrects the value of the crystallization rate constant (z) by eliminating the influence of n. The energy of activation (Ea) values for TP crystallization in sesame oil solution, calculated with the modified z, were quite similar to those calculated with the reciprocal of time required to achieve 50% of TP crystallization (tF=0.50−1). However, Eavalues calculated with z from Avrami’s original equation were quite different from those obtained with tF=0.50−1. Thus, z and Eavalues calculated through the Avrami equation yield erroneous results, especially when comparing crystallization processes having different magnitudes of n, as in this study. Additional analysis that considered the viscosity of the TP oil solutions concluded that, at equal supercooling conditions (e.g., 22.0–22.5), the magnitude of z and Eabecame more dependent upon the crystal growth process as oil viscosity decreased. In contrast, as viscosity of the oil phase increased, the main crystallization process, evaluated through z and Ea′was nucleation. Furthermore, within the supercooling interval achieved at the temperatures utilized, the increase in supercooling at constant viscosity conditions (e.g., 5.25–5.5 dynes/cm2) would produce a higher degree of nucleation without an appreciable effect on TP crystal size. The results obtained indicate that investigating the effects of supercooling, molecular diffusion (i.e., viscosity) and TP concentration on the magnitude of z and Eaduring TP crystallization in sesame oil requires a multiple variable statistical approach.
Proapoptotic histone H1.2 induces CASP‐3 and ‐7 activation by forming a protein complex with CYT c, APAF‐1 and CASP‐9
Authors: Ruiz-Vela Antonio , Korsmeyer Stanley J.
Published: June 2007

Cytochrome c (CYT c) is a protein that employs the caspase recruitment domain (CARD)‐containing proteins APAF‐1 and CASP‐9 to activate effectors CASP‐3 and ‐7. By using affinity labeling techniques and mass spectrometry analysis, we show that histone H1.2 is a regulator of caspases upon UV irradiation. We demonstrated that histone H1.2 forms a protein complex with APAF‐1, CASP‐9 and CYT c upon UV irradiation. In cell‐free systems, we show that histone H1.2 triggers activation of CASP‐3 and ‐7 via APAF‐1 and CASP‐9. We therefore conclude that upon DNA damage histone H1.2 acts as a positive regulator of apoptosome formation.
Community‐Based Situation Analysis of Maternal and Neonatal Care in South Africa to Explore Factors that Impact Utilization of Maternal Health Services
Authors: Tlebere Pulani , Jackson Debra , Loveday Marian , Matizirofa Lyness , Mbombo Nomafrench , Doherty Tanya , Wigton Alyssa , Treger Latasha , Chopra Mickey
Published: June 2007

This community situational analysis determined factors impacting the utilization of maternal health services in South Africa. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used, including semistructured household interviews, case studies of women with no antenatal care and/or home birth, and verbal/social autopsies of maternal and infant deaths, conducted in three diverse sites across the country. Data analysis used quantitative statistics for the semistructured interviews and a qualitative thematic content approach for the case studies and verbal/social autopsies. Each component was analyzed separately and then triangulated. The following themes emerged: 1) transport and distance to care were the biggest problems, particularly in rural areas; 2) providers' communication with families was very poor; 3) health‐seeking behavior was better than anticipated; 4) treatment by health providers and quality of care showed mixed results; 5) HIV/AIDS is a major issue; however, basic maternity and neonatal service quality cannot be overlooked; and 6) families and communities are an untapped resource for improving maternal and neonatal health. Implications for maternal and infant health care in developing countries are discussed, with a particular focus on barriers to utilization and involvement of communities and families in maternity care.
Dangerous Liaisons and other Tales from the Twilight Zone: Sex, Race, and Sorcery in Colonial Java
Authors: Wiener Margaret J.
Published: June 2007

I have only once seen witchcraft on its path. I had been sitting late in my hut writing notes. About midnight, before retiring, I took a spear and went for my usual nocturnal stroll. I was walking in the garden at the back of my hut, amongst banana trees, when I noticed a bright light passing at the back of my servants' huts towards the homestead of a man called Tupoi. As this seemed worth investigation I followed its passage until a grass screen obscured the view. I ran quickly through my hut to the other side in order to see where the light was going to, but did not regain sight of it. I knew that only one man, a member of my household, had a lamp that might have given off so bright a light, but next morning he told me that he had neither been out late at night nor had he used his lamp. There did not lack ready informants to tell me that what I had seen was witchcraft. Shortly afterwards, on the same morning, an old relative of Tupoi and an inmate of his homestead died. This event fully explained the light I had seen. I never discovered its real origin, which was possibly a handful of grass lit by some one on his way to defecate, but the coincidence of the direction along which the light moved and the subsequent death accorded well with Zande ideas (Evans-Pritchard 1937: 34).
Malagasy at the Mascarenes: Publishing in a Servile Vernacular before the French Revolution
Authors: Larson Pier M.
Published: June 2007

European expansion from the fifteenth century produced much writing on, and sometimes in, non-European languages that served a broad array of imperial interests. Most European ventures into what one scholar has termed “colonial linguistics” were based on investigations among speakers of native tongues in the regions in which those speakers normally resided, twining language studies with observed “native” cultural qualities and setting out territories of colonial interest defined by local language and culture. Fewer colonial linguists ventured into plural societies to study the linguae francae of trade and labor that enabled communication across broad cultural and language differences, in part because such zones were considered dangerous and unstable, or lacking in mother tongues. Fewer still elected destinations of forced migration such as slave societies or freedmen's towns and villages to examine the mother tongues of persons who had come coercively from afar, though many such settings in certain periods offered a rich menu of languages for study. Those interested in the linguistic characteristics of slave societies tended to concern themselves more with the emerging European creoles, languages they could more easily understand than the native tongues of slaves or the contact languages of non-European provenance that sometimes coexisted with or preceded widespread use of European creole speeches in such locations. Today, most linguistic studies in the former slave colonies are focused exclusively on European creoles. Even recent monographs on African culture in the Americas only mention the speaking of African languages in passing, though language is a fundamental element of culture and linked in key ways to the continuity of ethnic ideas and practices. Together with the relative paucity of colonial documentation on slaves' lives and languages, the sited and topical hierarchy of colonial linguistics continues to powerfully structure historical studies of language in the former slave colonies.
The representation of the mind as an enclosure in Old English poetry
Authors: Mize Britt
Published: June 2007

The frequent representation of the mind as a potentially secure enclosure in Old English poetry has unrecognized implications for interpretation. The mind as imagined by Anglo-Saxon poets exhibits both capabilities of an enclosure: containment and exclusion; but the most common image is one of containment, specifically of reified thoughts, knowledge or discourse as figurative treasure objects. This model's interaction with traditional value systems invests it with ethical meaning: what is inside or outside of the mind either should or should not be allowed to pass through its boundary. Mental valuables are closely analogous to material wealth and are subject to the same imperatives for their management and use. The poetry also reflects anxiety about the privacy of the individual mind, which allows the accumulation and concealment of a perverse hord of deceit, sin or folly that can cause social harm through a failure of containment.
The origin of the numbered sections in Beowulf and in other Old English poems
Authors: Fulk R.D.
Published: June 2007

Most observers now agree that the fitt numbers in Beowulf were not in the scribes' exemplar. A question less frequently addressed is whether the sectional divisions themselves are authorial or whether the poem was divided in the course of manuscript transmission. Several of the divisions in the portion of the poem copied by the second scribe make little narrative sense, while the divisions in the first scribe's work are sufficiently rational. The difference suggests that it is these scribes who are responsible for having introduced the divisions. A consideration of sectional divisions in other poems demonstrates that many of these divisions, too, are unlikely to be authorial.
Alfred's epistemological metaphors: eagan modes and scip modes
Authors: Wilcox Miranda
Published: June 2007

King Alfred's translations successively develop the metaphors of eagan modes and scip modes to render the implicit and explicit psychological contexts of nautical and ocular images in their Latin source-texts. The increasing complexity and independence of the metaphorical modification evident in the Old English translations suggest the order in which Alfred translated and reveal his maturing conception of epistemology, particularly the theory of illumination. In Pastoral Care, Consolations of Philosophy, Metres of Boethius, and, especially, Soliloquies, the interplay of these psychosomatic metaphors functions not as rhetorical flourish or stylistic ornamentation but as a means for Alfred to model his inferences about epistemological phenomena.
Canterbury and Flanders in the late tenth century
Authors: Vanderputten Steven
Published: June 2007

This paper provides an edition, translation and discussion of four letters written by Flemish abbots to the archbishops of Canterbury between the years 980 and 991 and preserved in two manuscripts drawn on the archiepiscopal archives in the early eleventh century (London, British Library, Cotton Tiberius A. xv and Cotton Vespasian A. xiv). The letters document the increasing importance of cross-Channel relations in the late tenth century and provide context for a number of hitherto unexplained indications of cultural, religious and financial exchanges between the county of Flanders and England.
Anthropogenic carbon distribution in the Ross Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Sandrini S. , Ait-Ameur N. , Rivaro P. , Massolo S. , Touratier F. , Tositti L. , Goyet C.
Published: June 2007

The Ross Sea is an area of dense water formation within the Southern Ocean, hence it potentially plays an important role for anthropogenic CO2 sequestration. In order to estimate the penetration of anthropogenic carbon in the Ross Sea from total inorganic carbon (TCO2) measurements carried out in 2002–03 Antarctic Italian Expedition, we applied two independent models. Anthropogenic carbon was present throughout the water column. The highest concentrations were associated with the recently ventilated shelf waters, namely High Salinity Shelf Water (HSSW) and Ice Shelf Water (ISW), due to their recent contact with the atmosphere. The lowest concentrations were observed for Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW), due to its relatively older ventilation age. This water mass intrudes onto the shelf in some parts of the Ross Sea and hence is observed in the sampled section, where it is recognizable for its low O2 and high TCO2 concentrations. The overflow of the dense High Salinity Shelf Water out of the continental slope was observed in the area off Cape Adare. Since this recently formed shelf water contributes to the formation of the Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW), this process represents a pathway for anthropogenic carbon export down to the deep ocean.
Short Note: First report of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in stool of Adélie penguin from the Antarctic using acid-fast stain
Authors: Fredes Fernando , Raffo Eduardo , Muñoz Pamela
Published: June 2007

Cryptosporidium is an intracellular parasite that belongs to the phylum Protozoa and subphylum Apicomplexa (Sporozoa). It was first described by from the digestive tract of laboratory mice (Garcia 2001), and has been found in several animal groups including fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals, including humans (Jellison et al. 2002).
New Quaternary sedimentary records from near the Larsen C and former Larsen B ice shelves; evidence for Holocene stability
Authors: Curry Philip , Pudsey Carol J.
Published: June 2007

Glacial and post-glacial shelf sedimentation near the Larsen C and former Larsen B ice shelves is compared to records from ice shelves farther north, which underwent mid-Holocene retreat. A core from Larsen C comprises a lower unit of deformation till, overlain by thick mud interpreted as water lain from suspension under the ice shelf. Iceberg-rafted debris occurs only in the top 50 cm, suggesting that prior to that layer's deposition, the ice shelf had not receded past the site since the last deglaciation. Subsequently the site appears to have been seasonally ice free, and the ice shelf has retreated further and is now 15 km landward of the site. A core from Larsen B also consists of a lower unit, interpreted as sub-glacial lodgement till. The overlying mud is thinner, more poorly sorted, with evidence of powerful winnowing of sediments suggesting strong currents. The absence of iceberg-rafted debris implies that this site was covered by an ice shelf continuously from the last deglaciation until its collapse in 2002. Strong currents could have facilitated basal erosion, contributing to its collapse. The Larsen C shelf is also thinning and historical records show retreat in the last hundred years. With continued rising temperatures, Larsen C may eventually retreat to a point at which it collapses.
Effects of variable rainfall intensity on the unsaturated zone response of a forested sandy hillslope
Authors: Tymchak Matthew P. , Torres Raymond
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of single‐storm rainfall variability on the timing of the unsaturated zone soil water content response. To investigate this, we monitored rainfall rate and soil water content at three soil profiles about 8 m apart along a downslope transect on a sandy forested hillslope. We also conducted one‐dimensional numerical simulations of soil water content response in order to compare observed and expected wetting velocities. Results show that during relatively low intensity storms, wetting rates were comparable in each soil profile and were adequately represented in the numerical results. However, storms with highly variable, high‐intensity rainfall rates produced an increase in wetting velocity with soil depth in two of three soil profiles, and the numerical simulations did not adequately replicate this response. Therefore it appears that variability in rainfall intensity, and in particular the sequence of rainfall variability, may cause all or part of the soil profile undergoing wetting to switch from a slow displacement process to a much faster accelerating process. We speculate that this transition is related to the initiation of preferential flow. This switching process may help reconcile the disparate findings of old versus new water in stormflow reported by Mosley (1979, 1982), Pearce et al. (1986), and Sklash et al. (1986), and it may help explain the rapid development of high pore pressures that lead to slope instability (e.g., Montgomery et al., 2002; Iverson, 2000).
Comparison of Canadian air quality forecast models with tropospheric ozone profile measurements above midlatitude North America during the IONS/ICARTT campaign: Evidence for stratospheric input
Authors: Tarasick D. W. , Moran M. D. , Thompson A. M. , Carey‐Smith T. , Rochon Y. , Bouchet V. S. , Gong W. , Makar P. A. , Stroud C. , Ménard S. , Crevier L.‐P. , Cousineau S. , Pudykiewicz J. A. , Kallaur A. , Moffet R. , Ménard R. , Robichaud A. , Cooper O. R. , Oltmans S. J. , Witte J. C. , Forbes G. , Johnson B. J. , Merrill J. , Moody J. L. , Morris G. , Newchurch M. J. , Schmidlin F. J. , Joseph E.
Published: June 2007

During July and August, 2004, balloon‐borne ozonesondes were released daily at 12 sites in the eastern USA and Canada, producing the largest single set of free tropospheric ozone measurements ever compiled for this region. At the same time, a number of air quality forecast models were run daily as part of a larger field experiment. In this paper, we compare these ozonesonde profiles with predicted ozone profiles from several versions of two of these forecast models, the Environment Canada CHRONOS and AURAMS models. We find that the models show considerable skill at predicting ozone in the planetary boundary layer and immediately above. Individual station biases are variable, but often small. Standard deviations of observation‐forecast differences are large, however. Ozone variability in the models is somewhat higher than observed. Most strikingly, none of the model versions is able to reproduce the typical tropospheric ozone profile of increasing mixing ratio with altitude. Results from a sensitivity test suggest that the form of the ozone lateral boundary condition used by all model versions contributes significantly to the large ozone underpredictions in the middle and upper troposphere. The discrepancy could be reduced further by adding a downward flux of ozone from the model lid and by accounting for in situ production of ozone from lightning‐generated NOx.
Hydration of the upper troposphere by tropical cyclones
Authors: Ray Eric A. , Rosenlof Karen H.
Published: June 2007

Tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and Pacific ocean basins are found to have a significant impact on the amount of water vapor in the tropical and subtropical upper troposphere. Measurements from AIRS on Aqua and MLS on Aura are used to reveal details of the water vapor and temperature structure of the upper troposphere in the vicinity of tropical cyclones that have been unavailable from previous satellite observations. These measurements show that the most intense tropical cyclones (categories 4 and 5) increase average water vapor mixing ratios between 300 and 150 hPa in a roughly 1500 km2 area around the cyclones by 10–50% over their lifetimes. Category 3 and weaker tropical cyclones hydrate the upper troposphere on average roughly half as effectively as the most intense cyclones. The most intense cyclones also increase average water vapor in the upper troposphere by 2–10% in the entire ocean basin in which they occur. This amount of hydration of the tropical upper troposphere suggests that tropical cyclones play a role in the water vapor budget, and associated climate feedbacks, in a region much larger than the cyclone vicinity.
Temporal and spatial temperature variability and change over Spain during 1850–2005
Authors: Brunet M. , Jones P. D. , Sigró J. , Saladié O. , Aguilar E. , Moberg A. , Della‐Marta P. M. , Lister D. , Walther A. , López D.
Published: June 2007

We analyze temporal and spatial patterns of temperature change over Spain during the period 1850–2005, using daily maximum (Tmax), minimum (Tmin), and mean (Tmean) temperatures from the 22 longest and most reliable Spanish records. Over mainland Spain, a significant (at 0.01 level) warming of 0.10°C/decade is found for the annual average of Tmean. Autumn and winter contributed slightly more than spring and summer to the annual warming over the 1850–2005 period. The overall warming is also associated with higher rates of change for Tmax than Tmin (0.11° versus 0.08°C/decade for 1850–2005). This asymmetric diurnal warming increased in the twentieth century (0.17° versus 0.09°C/decade during 1901–2005). Nevertheless, at many (few) individual stations, the difference between Tmax and Tmin is not statistically significant over 1850–2005 (1901–2005). Principal Component Analysis has been carried out to identify spatial modes of Spanish long‐term temperature variability (1901–2005). Three principal spatial patterns are found, Northern Spain, Southeastern and Eastern Spain, and Southwestern Spain. All three patterns show similar significant warming trends. The overall warming has been more associated with reductions in cold extremes, as opposed to increases in warm extremes. Estimated trends in the number of moderately extreme cold days (Tmax < 10th percentile) and moderately extreme cold nights (Tmin < 10th percentile) show significant reductions of 0.74 and 0.54 days/decade, respectively, over 1850–2005. Moderately extreme warm days and nights (Tmax and Tmin > 90th percentile) increased significantly but at lower rates of 0.53 and 0.49 days/decade.
Evolution of permafrost on the Qinghai‐Xizang (Tibet) Plateau since the end of the late Pleistocene
Authors: Jin H. J. , Chang X. L. , Wang S. L.
Published: June 2007

The present distribution of permafrost on the Qinghai‐Xizang (Tibet) Plateau (QTP) is largely a relict of the permafrost formed during the late Pleistocene. It has been degrading and shrinking in areal extent under the fluctuating climates, with a general trend of warming, during the Holocene. The major criteria for the occurrence of relict permafrost include the remnants of ancient buried permafrost, relict permafrost tables, thawed sandwiches (taliks), thick‐layered ground ice, and periglacial phenomena such as pingo scars, cryoturbations, primary sand and clayey silt wedges, ice wedge casts, aeolian sand dunes and loesses, thick layers of peat, and humic soils. On the basis of 14C dating of soils, comprehensive analyses, and comparisons of the spatiotemporal distribution of relict and modern permafrost and periglacial phenomena, the evolution of permafrost and periglacial environments since the late Pleistocene was divided into seven stages: (1) the cold period at the end of the late Pleistocene (35,000 to 10,800 years B.P.); (2) the period of significant climatic change during the early Holocene (10,800 to ∼8500–7000 years B.P.), (3) the Megathermal period in the middle Holocene (∼8500–7000 to ∼4000–3000 years B.P.), (4) the cold period in the late Holocene (∼4000–3000 to 1000 years B.P.), (5) the warm period in the later Holocene (1000 to 500 years B.P.), (6) the Little Ice Age (500 to 100 years B.P.), and (7) the recent warming period (100 years B.P. to present). The conditions for permafrost development, distribution, and the paleoclimates and paleoenvironments are discussed for each stage.