bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Outcome in Follicular Lymphoma by Using Interactive Gene Pairs
Authors: LeBrun David , Baetz Tara , Foster Cheryl , Farmer Patricia , Sidhu Roger , Guo Hong , Harrison Karen , Somogyi Roland , Greller Larry D. , Feilotter Harriet
Published: January 2008

Purpose: Follicular lymphoma is a common lymphoma of adults. Although its course is often indolent, a substantial proportion of patients have a poor prognosis, often due to rapid progression or transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma. Currently available clinical prognostic scores, such as the follicular lymphoma international prognostic index, are not able to optimally predict transformation or poor outcome.

Experimental Design: Gene expression profiling was done on primary lymphoma biopsy samples.

Results: Using a statistically conservative approach, predictive interaction analysis, we have identified pairs of interacting genes that predict poor outcome, measured as death within 5 years of diagnosis. The best gene pair performs >1,000-fold better than any single gene or the follicular lymphoma international prognostic index in our data set. Many gene pairs achieve outcome prediction accuracies exceeding 85% in extensive cross-validation and noise sensitivity computational analyses. Many genes repeatedly appear in top-ranking pairs, suggesting that they reproducibly provide predictive capability.

Conclusions: The evidence reported here may provide the basis for an expression-based, multi-gene test for predicting poor follicular lymphoma outcomes.
Image-Guided Enzyme/Prodrug Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Cong , Penet Marie-France , Winnard Paul , Artemov Dmitri , Bhujwalla Zaver M.
Published: January 2008

Purpose: The success of enzyme/prodrug cancer therapy is limited by the uncertainty in the delivery of the enzyme in vivo. This study shows the use of noninvasive magnetic resonance (MR) and optical imaging to image the delivery of a prodrug enzyme. With this capability, prodrug administration can be timed so that the enzyme concentration is high in the tumor and low in systemic circulation and normal tissue, thereby minimizing systemic toxicity without compromising therapeutic efficiency.

Experimental Design: The delivery of a multimodal imaging reporter functionalized prodrug enzyme, cytosine deaminase, was detected by MR and optical imaging in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografts. Stability of the enzyme in the tumor was verified by 19F MR spectroscopy, which detected conversion of 5-fluorocytosine to 5-flurouracil. The optimal time window for prodrug injection determined by imaging was validated by immunohistochemical, biodistribution, and high-performance liquid chromatographic studies. The therapeutic effect and systemic toxicity of this treatment strategy were investigated by histologic studies and tumor/body weight growth curves.

Results: The delivery of the functionalized enzyme in tumors was successfully imaged in vivo. The optimal time window for prodrug administration was determined to be 24 h, at which time the enzyme continued to show high enzymatic stability in tumors but was biodegraded in the liver. Significant tumor growth delay with tolerable systemic toxicity was observed when the prodrug was injected 24 h after the enzyme.

Conclusion: These preclinical studies show the feasibility of using a MR-detectable prodrug enzyme to time prodrug administration in enzyme/prodrug cancer therapy.
Interactions between Bortezomib and Romidepsin and Belinostat in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Dai Yun , Chen Shuang , Kramer Lora B. , Funk Vanessa L. , Dent Paul , Grant Steven
Published: January 2008

Purpose: The goal of this study was to characterize interactions between the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACI) romidepsin or belinostat in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells.

Experimental Design: Primary and cultured (JVM-3 and MEC-2) CLL cells were exposed to agents alone or in combination, after which cell death was determined by 7-aminoactinomycin D staining/flow cytometry. Acetylation of target proteins, activation of caspase cascades, and expression of apoptosis-regulatory proteins were monitored by Western blot analysis. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity was determined by luciferase reporter assay. Cells were transiently transfected with wild-type and acetylation site-mutated (inactive) RelA(p65) (e.g., K221R, K310R, or K281/221/310R) and assessed for HDACI sensitivity.

Results: Combined exposure to very low concentrations of romidepsin or belinostat (i.e., low nanomolar and submicromolar, respectively) in combination with low nanomolar concentrations of bortezomib synergistically induced cell death in primary and cultured CLL cells. These events were likely associated with prevention of HDACI-mediated RelA acetylation and NF-κB activation by bortezomib, down-regulation of antiapoptotic proteins (i.e., Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, and XIAP), as well as up-regulation of the proapoptotic protein Bim, resulting in activation of caspase cascade. Finally, CLL cells transfected with inactive RelA displayed a significant increase in HDACI lethality.

Conclusions: Coadministration of the clinically relevant HDACIs romidepsin or belinostat with bortezomib synergistically induces cell death in CLL cells, likely through mechanisms involving, among other factors, NF-κB inactivation and perturbation in the expression of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins. A strategy combining HDAC with proteasome inhibition warrants further attention in CLL.
Advances in Targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/Erk Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascade with MEK Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Friday Bret B. , Adjei Alex A.
Published: January 2008

The identification of intracellular signaling cascades important for the growth and survival of cancer cells has led to the development of targeted cancer therapeutics aimed at blocking these signals. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway has a well-defined role in cancer biology and has been an important target in the development of targeted therapies. Recently, several small-molecule inhibitors of MAPK/extracellular signal–regulated kinase kinase (MEK), a key intermediary of MAPK signaling, have been developed and are currently being tested in clinical trials. Herein, we review the MAPK pathway, the development of small-molecule MEK inhibitors, and the results obtained to date with MEK inhibitors in human cancer trials.
Effect of Posture on Airway Resistance in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome by Means of Impulse Oscillation
Authors: Cao Ju , Que Chengli , Wang Guangfa , He Bing
Published: January 2008

Background: There is more than one mechanism which contributes to the increases in upper airway resistance in obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome. Impulse oscillation provides a convenient way of noninvasive monitoring and differentiating the contributions of airway resistance. Objective: To evaluate the effect of posture on airway resistance in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) by means of impulse oscillation. Methods: Ten subjects without OSAHS proved by polysomnography served as controls, 14 patients with mild or moderate OSAHS and another 20 severe OSAHS patients were studied. All subjects underwent an overnight sleep study. Airway resistance was measured by impulse oscillometry, and spirometry was performed in the seated position and then in the supine position while awake. Results: Compared with controls, the severe and the mild-moderate OSAHS groups had significantly bigger changes in Zrs, Rrs5, R20 and R35 due to posture. There were also significant differences in R10, R15 and R25 between the severe OSAHS and the control groups. Besides, the group differences between the severe and the mild-moderate groups regarding the magnitude of this change were not significant. The correlation coefficients between apnea/hypopnea index and Zrs, R5 and R20 in supine position were 0.487, 0.486 and 0.485, respectively. Conclusion: The magnitude of change in airway resistance due to posture is bigger in OSAHS than in non-OSAHS. Zrs, R5 and R20 in supine position were associated moderately with apnea/hypopnea index.
Alterations of the Beneficial Effect of Deep Inspiration in Scleroderma: Relationships between Lung Function and Imaging
Authors: Scichilone Nicola , Reitano Simona , Bellia Maria , Riili Maria , Togias Alkis , Midiri Massimo , Triolo Giovanni , Bellia Vincenzo
Published: January 2008

Background: It has been postulated that the beneficial effects of deep inspiration are dependent on the magnitude of airway distension by virtue of airway to parenchyma interdependence. Objective: This study was designed to examine whether the changes that occur in pulmonary fibrosis affect the beneficial effect of deep inspiration. Methods: Thirty-one subjects with scleroderma underwent lung volume and diffusion capacity assessment as well as high-resolution computed tomography. To assess the effect of deep inspiration, each subject underwent methacholine provocations in the absence of deep breaths. When the targeted change in lung function was achieved, subjects were asked to take 4 consecutive deep inspirations after which lung function measurements were repeated. The inspiratory vital capacity (IVC) was used as primary outcome. Results: Only 19 subjects attained the desired reduction in IVC in the absence of deep breaths. In those subjects, deep inspiration reversed the effect of methacholine on IVC by 48 ± 8.4%. The effect of deep inspiration correlated with DLCO% predicted (r = 0.55, p = 0.01), but not with high-resolution computed tomography abnormalities or baseline lung function measurements. When all subjects were considered, responsiveness to methacholine in the absence of deep inspiration was progressively lower with decreasing DLCO% predicted values (r = 0.51, p = 0.003). Conclusions: In systemic scleroderma, pulmonary abnormalities resulting in mild to moderate reduction in the diffusion capacity are associated with reduced ability of deep inspiration to reverse methacholine-induced early airway closure and bronchoconstriction. When diffusion capacity is severely affected, methacholine fails to produce obstructive airway changes.
Fatal Haemoptysis in a Young Man with Tuberculous Mediastinal Lymphadenitis
Authors: Krishnan B. , Shaukat A. , Chakravorty I.
Published: January 2008

A young man presented with a short febrile illness associated with signs of cough, sputum and haemoptysis (>200 ml/24 h) to his local hospital. The chest radiograph revealed a small cavity in the upper zone with patchy consolidation. He was kept in isolation awaiting a bronchoscopy for tuberculosis (TB). He developed sudden, severe haemoptysis and died as a result of exsanguination within a short space of time and could not be resuscitated. Post-mortem examination revealed dehiscence of the aortic wall from necrotising tubercular lymphadenitis. This illustrates the importance of recognising that patients with TB and haemoptysis have a high risk of massive haemoptysis and need to be closely monitored as early arterial embolisation and cardiothoracic surgical intervention back-up may be necessary to save lives.
Human C-Reactive Protein Activates Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells and Induces Dendritic Cell-Mediated T-Cell Activation
Authors: Van Vré Emily A. , Bult Hidde , Hoymans Vicky Y. , Van Tendeloo Viggo F.I. , Vrints Christiaan J. , Bosmans Johan M.
Published: January 2008

Objective—

Recent studies proposed a pathogenic role for C-reactive protein (CRP), an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), in atherosclerosis. Therefore, we tested whether CRP may modulate dendritic cell (DC) function, because these professional antigen-presenting cells have been implicated in atherogenesis.

Methods and Results—

Human monocyte-derived immature DCs were cultured with human CRP (0 to 60 μg/mL) for 24 hours. Thereafter, activation markers were measured by flow-cytometry and DCs were cocultured with CFSE-labeled lymphocytes to measure T-cell proliferation and interferon (IFN)-γ secretion after 8 days. Exposure to 60 μg/mL CRP (n=5) induced an activated cell morphology and significant (CD40 increase MFI 5.23±0.28,
P
<0.01 paired
t
test; CD80 6.18±0.51,
P
<0.01) to modest (CD83 1.38±0.17,
P
<0.05, CCR7 1.60±0.29,
P
=0.05) upregulation of DC activation markers. The expression of CD86 and HLA-DR was high, but not affected. T-lymphocytes incubated with CRP-pulsed DCs displayed increased IFN-γ secretion and proliferation (
P
<0.001). DC activation was concentration-dependent and detected from 2 μg/mL CRP; the maximum effect was equivalent to that seen with 0.1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Polymyxin B abolished the LPS response, without influencing CRP effects. Finally, immunohistochemistry could demonstrate DC/CRP colocalization in human atherosclerotic lesions.

Conclusions—

These findings suggest that CRP in plaques or found circulating in CVD patients can influence DC function during atherogenesis.
Leukocyte Activation by Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins
Authors: Alipour Arash , van Oostrom Antonie J.H. H.M , Izraeljan Alisa , Verseyden Caroline , Collins Jennifer M. , Frayn Keith N. , Plokker Thijs W.M. , Elte Jan Willem F. , Castro Cabezas Manuel
Published: January 2008

Objective—

Postprandial lipemia has been linked to atherosclerosis and inflammation. Because leukocyte activation is obligatory for atherogenesis, leukocyte activation by triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) was investigated.

Methods and Results—

The expression of CD11b and CD66b after incubation with glucose and native and artificial TRLs (NTRL and ATRL) in vivo and in vitro was evaluated by flowcytometry. Oral fat loading tests showed an increased expression of CD11b on monocytes and neutrophils and CD66b on neutrophils. In 11 volunteers, postprandial leukocytes became enriched with meal-derived fatty acids ([1-
13
C]16:0) suggesting uptake of exogenous fat. ApoB binding on leukocytes measured by flowcytometry in 65 subjects was highest on neutrophils and monocytes suggesting adherence of apoB-containing lipoproteins. Physiological concentrations of TRLs showed 62% increased neutrophil CD11b and a dose-dependent increased monocyte CD11b up to 84% in vitro. Incubations with lipid emulsions in the hypertriglyceridemic range showed a 5-fold increased monocyte CD11b expression, which was higher than the positive control (fMLP), and a dose-dependent 2- to 3-fold increased neutrophil CD11b and CD66b. The oxidative scavenger DMTU decreased the neutrophil CD66b expression by 36%.

Conclusion—

Acute hypertriglyceridemia is a leukocyte activator most likely by direct interaction between TRLs and leukocytes and uptake of fatty acids. TG-mediated leukocyte activation is an alternative proinflammatory and proatherogenic mechanism of hypertriglyceridemia in part associated to the generation of oxidative stress.
Vitamin K Epoxide Reductase Complex Subunit 1 (VKORC1) Polymorphism and Aortic Calcification
Authors: Teichert M. , Visser L.E. , van Schaik R.H.N. , Hofman A. , Uitterlinden A.G. , De Smet P.A.G. M. , Witteman J.C.M. , Stricker B.H.Ch.
Published: January 2008

Objective—

Besides effects on hemostasis, vitamin K-dependent proteins play a role in bone mineralization and arterial calcification. We investigated the association between the VKORC1 1173C>T polymorphism and calcification of the aortic far wall in a large population-based cohort.

Methods and Results—

Aortic calcification was diagnosed by radiographic detection of calcified deposits in the abdominal aorta. In all cohort members for whom DNA was available, the C1173T SNP of VKORC1 (rs9934438) was determined. With multivariable logistic regression analysis the association between this polymorphism and the risk of aortic calcification was calculated, adjusted for potential confounders. The T allele frequency of the VKORC1 1173C>T polymorphism was 38.8%. 1185 (37.2%) persons were homozygous CC, 1529 (48,0%) were heterozygous CT and 473 (14.8%) were homozygous TT. Persons with at least one T-allele had a statistically significant 19% (95% CI 2 to 40%) risk increase of calcification of the aortic far wall compared to CC homozygous persons, adjusted for age and gender.

Conclusion—

The T-allele of the VKORC1 1173C>T polymorphism was associated with a significantly higher risk of aortic calcification in Whites.
Long Pentraxin 3, a Key Component of Innate Immunity, Is Modulated by High-Density Lipoproteins in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Norata Giuseppe Danilo , Marchesi Patrizia , Pirillo Angela , Uboldi Patrizia , Chiesa Giulia , Maina Virginia , Garlanda Cecilia , Mantovani Alberto , Catapano Alberico Luigi
Published: January 2008

Objective—

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are endowed with cardiovascular protective activities. In addition to their role in reverse cholesterol transport, HDL exert several beneficial effects on endothelial cells, including the induction of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and prostacyclin release, and the control of the immune and inflammatory response.

Methods and Results—

To identify possible mechanisms involved in these effects we investigated the modulation of the expression of acute phase proteins of the pentraxin superfamily, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid P component protein (SAP), and the long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) by HDL in human endothelial cells. HDL induced PTX3 mRNA expression and protein release, whereas no effect was observed on CRP and SAP expression. This effect was mainly dependent on the activation of the lysosphingolipids receptors-PI3K/Akt axis and was mimicked by sphingosine 1 phosphate and other S1P mimetics. This observation was confirmed in vivo; indeed an increased expression of PTX3 mRNA was detected in the aorta of transgenic mice overexpressing human apoA-I, compared to apoA-I knock-out mice. Furthermore, plasma levels of PTX3 significantly increased in C57BL/6 mice injected with HDL.

Conclusions—

These data suggest that part of the atheroprotective effects of HDL could result from the modulation of molecules that act as sensors of the immunoinflammatory balance in the vascular wall.
Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5 SUMOylation Antagonizes Shear Stress–Induced Antiinflammatory Response and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Woo Chang-Hoon , Shishido Tetsuro , McClain Carolyn , Lim Jae Hyang , Li Jian-Dong , Yang Jay , Yan Chen , Abe Jun-ichi
Published: January 2008

Shear stress–induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)5 activation and the consequent regulation of Kruppel-like factor 2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression represents one of the antiinflammatory and vascular tone regulatory mechanisms maintaining normal endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction is a major initiator of atherosclerosis, a vascular pathology often associated with diabetes. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) covalently attaches to certain residues of specific target transcription factors and could inhibit its activity. We investigated whether H
2
O
2
and AGE (advanced glycation end products), 2 well-known mediators of diabetes, negatively regulated ERK5 transcriptional activity and laminar flow–induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression through ERK5 SUMOylation. H
2
O
2
and AGE induced endogenous ERK5 SUMOylation. In addition, ERK5 SUMOylation was increased in the aortas from diabetic mice. ERK5 transcriptional activity, but not kinase activity, was inhibited by expression of Ubc9 (SUMO E2 conjugase) or PIAS1 (E3 ligase), suggesting the involvement of ERK5 SUMOylation on its transcriptional activity. Point-mutation analyses showed that ERK5 is covalently modified by SUMO at 2 conserved sites, Lys6 and Lys22, and that the SUMOylation defective mutant of ERK5, dominant negative form of Ubc9 (DN-Ubc9), and small interfering RNA PIAS1 reversed H
2
O
2
and AGE–mediated reduction of shear stress–mediated ERK5/myocyte enhancer factor 2 transcriptional activity, as well as promoter activity of Kruppel-like factor 2. Finally, PIAS1 knockdown reversed the inhibitory effect of H
2
O
2
in shear stress–induced Kruppel-like factor 2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression. These data clearly defined SUMOylation-dependent ERK5 transcriptional repression independent of kinase activity and suggested this process as among the molecular mechanisms of diabetes-mediated endothelial dysfunction.
Reduced Nitric Oxide Causes Age-Associated Impairment of Circadian Rhythmicity
Authors: Kunieda Takeshige , Minamino Tohru , Miura Kentaro , Katsuno Taro , Tateno Kaoru , Miyauchi Hideyuki , Kaneko Shuichi , Bradfield Christopher A. , FitzGerald Garret A. , Komuro Issei
Published: January 2008

Impairment of circadian rhythmicity in the elderly has been suggested to cause age-associated diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) is a critical regulator of cardiovascular homeostasis, but its production declines with aging, thereby inducing vascular dysfunction. We show here that impaired circadian rhythmicity is related to a decrease of NO production with aging. Treatment with an NO donor significantly upregulated the promoter activity of the clock gene Period via the cAMP response element–dependent and the E-box enhancer element–dependent pathways. Both phosphorylation and
S
-nitrosylation by NO are involved in this upregulation. In aged animals, endothelial NO synthase activity was markedly decreased during the daytime, along with impairment of clock gene expression and the circadian variation in blood pressure. Treatment of aged animals with an NO donor significantly improved the impairments. Inhibition of NO synthase activity also led to impairment of clock gene expression and blood pressure rhythm. These results suggest that NO is a key regulator of the circadian clock in the cardiovascular system and may be a novel target for the treatment of age-associated alteration of circadian rhythms.
Tunnel Propagation of Postshock Activations as a Hypothesis for Fibrillation Induction and Isoelectric Window
Authors: Ashihara Takashi , Constantino Jason , Trayanova Natalia A.
Published: January 2008

Comprehensive understanding of the ventricular response to shocks is the approach most likely to succeed in reducing defibrillation threshold. We propose a new theory of shock-induced arrhythmogenesis that unifies all known aspects of the response of the heart to monophasic (MS) and biphasic (BS) shocks. The central hypothesis is that submerged “tunnel” propagation of postshock activations through shock-induced intramural excitable areas underlies fibrillation induction and the existence of isoelectric window. We conducted simulations of fibrillation induction using a realistic bidomain model of rabbit ventricles. Following pacing, MS and BS of various strengths/timings were delivered. The results demonstrated that, during the isoelectric window, an activation originated deep within the ventricular wall, arising from virtual electrodes; it then propagated fully intramurally through an excitable tunnel induced by the shock, until it emerged onto the epicardium, becoming the earliest-propagated postshock activation. Differences in shock outcomes for MS and BS were found to stem from the narrower BS intramural postshock excitable area, often resulting in conduction block, and the difference in the mechanisms of origin of the postshock activations, namely intramural virtual electrode–induced phase singularity for MS and virtual electrode–induced propagated graded response for BS. This study provides a novel analysis of the 3D mechanisms underlying the origin of postshock activations in the process of fibrillation induction by MS and BS and the existence of isoelectric window. The tunnel propagation hypothesis could open a new avenue for interventions exploration to achieve significantly lower defibrillation threshold.
Ca
2+
/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase IIδ and Protein Kinase D Overexpression Reinforce the Histone Deacetylase 5 Redistribution in Heart Failure
Authors: Bossuyt Julie , Helmstadter Kathryn , Wu Xu , Clements-Jewery Hugh , Haworth Robert S. , Avkiran Metin , Martin Jody L. , Pogwizd Steven M. , Bers Donald M.
Published: January 2008

Cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (HF) are associated with reactivation of fetal cardiac genes, and class II histone deacetylases (HDACs) (eg, HDAC5) have been strongly implicated in this process. We have shown previously that inositol trisphosphate, Ca
2+
/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and protein kinase (PK)D are involved in HDAC5 phosphorylation and nuclear export in normal adult ventricular myocytes and also that CaMKIIδ and inositol trisphosphate receptors are upregulated in HF. Here we tested whether, in our rabbit HF model, nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of HDAC5 was altered either at baseline or in response to endothelin-1, which would indicate HDAC5 phosphorylation and transcription effects. The fusion protein HDAC5–green fluorescent protein (HDAC5-GFP) was more cytosolic in HF myocytes (
F
nuc
/
F
cyto
3.3±0.3 vs 7.2±0.4 in control), and HDAC5 was more phosphorylated. Despite this baseline cytosolic HDAC5 shift, endothelin-1 produced more rapid HDAC5-GFP nuclear export in HF versus control myocytes. We also find that PKD and CaMKIIδ
C
expression and activation state are increased in both rabbit and human HF. Inhibition of either CaMKII or PKD in HF myocytes partially restored the HDAC5-GFP
F
nuc
/
F
cyto
toward control, and simultaneous inhibition restored
F
nuc
/
F
cyto
to that in control myocytes. Moreover, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of PKD, CaMKIIδ
B
, or CaMKIIδ
C
reduced baseline HDAC5
F
nuc
/
F
cyto
in control myocytes (3.4±0.5, 3.8±0.5, and 5.2±0.5, respectively), approaching that seen in HF. We conclude that chronic upregulation and activation of inositol trisphosphate receptors, CaMKII, and PKD in HF shifts HDAC5 out of the nucleus, derepressing transcription of hypertrophic genes. This may directly contribute to the development and/or maintenance of HF.
Nematodes of the order Dorylaimida from Romania. The genus Thonus Thorne, 1974. Part II
Authors: Ciobanu Marcel , Peña-Santiago Reyes , Popovici Iuliana , Abolafia Joaquin
Published: January 2008

Five Thonus species from Romania are described. Thonus montanus sp. n. is characterised by its body length of 1.56-1.90 mm, cuticle with coarse transverse striations, lip region 15-18 μm diam., odontostyle 20-22.5 μm long, plicate guiding ring, neck 400-553 μm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 49-56% of total neck length, uterus 1-1.5 body diam. long, pars refringens vaginae with two separate pieces, gland cells present near vagina-vulva junction, vulva a short post-equatorial (V = 54-59) longitudinal slit, and female tail conoid (25-33 μm, c = 54-73, c′ = 0.8-1.2) with abundant blister-like structures and distinct hyaline portion. Thonus tenuistylus sp. n. is characterised by its body length of 1.17-1.56 mm, lip region offset by a more or less, usually well, marked constriction and 16-17.5 μm diam., slender odontostyle 17-20.5 μm long or 1.1-1.3 times lip region diam., neck 275-397 μm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 42-52% of total neck length, female genital system amphidelphic, uterus bipartite and 1.7-2 body diam. long, pars refringens vaginae with two adjacent pieces, vulva a post-equatorial (V = 50-56) transverse slit, tail conoid-rounded (19-24 μm, c = 48.7-72.9, c′ = 0.8-1.0) and with abundant blister-like structures, spicules 38-43 μm long, and 3-6 widely spaced ventromedian supplements. Thonus sp. is characterised by its slender (a = 37.5) body 1.41 mm long, lip region practically continuous with adjacent body and 11.5 μm diam., odontostyle 10.5 μm long, neck 325 μm long, pharyngeal expansion 138 μm long or ca two-fifths of total neck length, a coarse ring-like structure surrounding cardia, female genital system amphidelphic, uterus ca 2.5 body diam. long, pars refringens vaginae with two adjacent trapezoidal pieces, vulva a transverse slit (V = 52), a pseudocoelomocyte present at mid-body, tail convex conoid (26.5 μm, c = 56, c′ = 1.1) with abundant blister-like structures, and males unknown. Thonus eroshenkoi n. comb. and T. medianus n. comb. are proposed. Thonus kaszabi and T. medianus n. comb. are new records for the Romanian nematode fauna.
Cover crops and organic mulches for nematode, weed and plant health management
Authors: Wang Koon-Hui , Kokalis-Burelle Nancy , McSorley Robert , Gallaher Raymond
Published: January 2008

Traditional cover cropping systems for nematode management seldom consider weed and soil nutrient management concurrently. Integrating cover crops suppressive to plant-parasitic nematodes with a cover crop mulching system could improve traditional approaches. Two field experiments were conducted in 2003 and 2004 to evaluate 'Tropic Sun' sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) and 'Iron Clay' cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) as summer cover crops and as organic mulches. Both experiments were in a 3 × 3 split-plot design in which the main plots were summer planting of sunn hemp, cowpea or fallow, and the subplots were organic mulch of sunn hemp, cowpea or no mulch. The summer cover crop was followed by turnip (Brassica rapa) and lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) in the autumn. Using sunn hemp as organic mulch suppressed root-knot nematodes more effectively than using it as a cover crop, but only on a less susceptible host such as turnip, and not on a very susceptible host such as lima bean. While sunn hemp as a cover crop failed to enhance beneficial free-living nematodes, sunn hemp as an organic mulch enhanced bacterial-feeding nematode population densities. Sunn hemp mulch also suppressed broadleaf weeds but not grasses or nutsedges. Although sunn hemp and cowpea cover crops did not increase lima bean N and K content, their mulches increased N and K content. Similar results were observed for turnip and lima bean yields. Population density of root-knot nematodes was positively related to abundance of omnivorous nematode in 2003. The abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes was negatively related to the infestation levels of Pasteuria penetrans, and the abundance of predatory nematodes in 2004. Factors that might have affected the performance of sunn hemp on nematode communities are discussed.
What Makes a Good City? Reflections on Urban Life and Faith
Authors: Graham Elaine
Published: January 2008

This article is a case study in public theology, drawing on the author's experience as a member of the Church of England's Commission on Urban Life and Faith (CULF). Following in the footsteps of the seminal Archbishops' Commission on Urban Priority Areas (ACUPA) report, Faith in the City (1985), CULF aimed to evaluate the future of the urban church and its role in the local community, arguing that the impact of faith-based organizations constituted a major contribution to local community empowerment and well-being. CULF coined the term 'faithful capital' (after Robert Putnam's concept of 'social capital') to express the added value that people of faith contribute to their local communities, and called for wider debate around the question 'what makes a good city?' This article also scrutinizes the Commission's theological method, and in particular its attempt to model a form of 'theology from below'; and in the light of the Commission's findings, poses questions for the future of public theology.
Super-Sizing Community Development Initiatives: The Case of Hillbrow's Faith Sector
Authors: Winkler Tanja
Published: January 2008

Growing efforts by religious communities to pursue political goals have directed scholarly attention to their role as potential antipoverty and development agents in local settings. Yet agents are organized in a myriad of ways. Some forge alliances across traditional boundaries via 'bridging' mechanisms; others defend particularistic interests by adopting 'barrier' strategies. The former, however, is more likely to lead to the social transformation of poor neighbourhoods. Accordingly, in Johannesburg's most stressed inner-city neighbourhood, Hillbrow, sites of faith-based activities have become 'spaces of hope' for approximately seventy percent of its residents and at least eight faith-based organizations (FBOs) facilitate social and welfare programmes abandoned by the City Council. Here, despite the implementation of community development projects, poverty and hardship prevail. This article seeks to investigate reasons for developmental fragmentation by researching the institutional and political cultures of Hillbrow's FBOs and the City of Johannesburg.
A Multi-level Approach to the Study of the Seal Impressions
Authors: Messina Vito
Published: January 2008

Recent discovery of clay-sealings and clay-tablets' hoards in ancient sites from the Mediterranean countries to the Indian Subcontinent enriched the acquired knowledge on seal impressions. Excavations brought to light new statistic and extrinsic data: the need of a complex analysis of the seal impressions is the direct consequence of the increased information and a new approach has been defined during specific studies. The current trend is to discriminate between intrinsic and extrinsic data by defining the different levels of information. The aim of this paper is to point by selected examples to the results of some recent works and to focus on the new multi-level approach to the study of seal impressions.
The Mass Repatriation of the Armenians from Iran in 1946-1947 (Some Statistical Data)
Authors: Malekian Lina
Published: January 2008

After the independence of Armenia following the disintegration of the USSR in 1991, most of hitherto closed archive materials became accessible for wide scholarship. This paper is an attempt to present a statistical analysis of the data concerning the Armenian migrants from Iran during a mass repatriation in 1946-1947. It is based mainly on the archive documents preserved in the Armenian National Archives in Yerevan. The paper provides detailed information on various demographical parameters of the repatriates including gender, age, profession, marital status, education level, employment, and literacy.
Return Periods of Continental U.S. Hurricanes
Authors: Parisi Francis , Lund Robert
Published: January 2008

This note estimates return periods of Atlantic basin hurricanes striking the continental United States. With Hurricane Katrina fresh on the public’s mind, there is considerable interest in this topic. The return periods are estimated from historical data from the 1900 to 2006 period via extreme value methods and Poisson regression techniques. Despite the recent active 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, the authors do not find evidence of an increasing trend in hurricane strike frequencies.
How Does Soil Moisture Influence the Early Stages of the South American Monsoon?
Authors: Collini Estela A. , Berbery Ernesto H. , Barros Vicente R. , Pyle Matthew E.
Published: January 2008

This article discusses the feedbacks between soil moisture and precipitation during the early stages of the South American monsoon. The system achieves maximum precipitation over the southern Amazon basin and the Brazilian highlands during the austral summer. Monsoon changes are associated with the large-scale dynamics, but during its early stages, when the surface is not sufficiently wet, soil moisture anomalies may also modulate the development of precipitation. To investigate this, sensitivity experiments to initial soil moisture conditions were performed using month-long simulations with the regional mesoscale Eta model. Examination of the control simulations shows that they reproduce all major features and magnitudes of the South American circulation and precipitation patterns, particularly those of the monsoon. The surface sensible and latent heat fluxes, as well as precipitation, have a diurnal cycle whose phase is consistent with previous observational studies. The convective inhibition is smallest at the time of the precipitation maximum, but the convective available potential energy exhibits an unrealistic morning maximum that may result from an early boundary layer mixing.

The sensitivity experiments show that precipitation is more responsive to reductions of soil moisture than to increases, suggesting that although the soil is not too wet, it is sufficiently humid to easily reach levels where soil moisture anomalies stop being effective in altering the evapotranspiration and other surface and boundary layer variables. Two mechanisms by which soil moisture has a positive feedback with precipitation are discussed. First, the reduction of initial soil moisture leads to a smaller latent heat flux and a larger sensible heat flux, and both contribute to a larger Bowen ratio. The smaller evapotranspiration and increased sensible heat flux lead to a drier and warmer boundary layer, which in turn reduces the atmospheric instability. Second, the deeper (and drier) boundary layer is related to a stronger and higher South American low-level jet (SALLJ). However, because of the lesser moisture content, the SALLJ carries less moisture to the monsoon region, as evidenced by the reduced moisture fluxes and their convergence. The two mechanisms—reduced convective instability and reduced moisture flux convergence—act concurrently to diminish the core monsoon precipitation.
Dynamical Effects of Convective Momentum Transports on Global Climate Simulations
Authors: Song Xiaoliang , Wu Xiaoqing , Zhang Guang Jun , Arritt Raymond W.
Published: January 2008

Dynamical effects of convective momentum transports (CMT) on global climate simulations are investigated using the NCAR Community Climate Model version 3 (CCM3). To isolate the dynamical effects of the CMT, an experimental setup is proposed in which all physical parameterizations except for the deep convection scheme are replaced with idealized forcing. The CMT scheme is incorporated into the convection scheme to calculate the CMT forcing, which is used to force the momentum equations, while convective temperature and moisture tendencies are not passed into the model calculations in order to remove the physical feedback between convective heating and wind fields. Excluding the response of complex physical processes, the model with the experimental setup contains a complete dynamical core and the CMT forcing.

Comparison between two sets of 5-yr simulations using this idealized general circulation model (GCM) shows that the Hadley circulation is enhanced when the CMT forcing is included, in agreement with previous studies that used full GCMs. It suggests that dynamical processes make significant contributions to the total response of circulation to CMT forcing in the full GCMs. The momentum budget shows that the Coriolis force, boundary layer friction, and nonlinear interactions of velocity fields affect the responses of zonal wind field, and the adjustment of circulation follows an approximate geostrophic balance. The adjustment mechanism of meridional circulation in response to ageostrophic CMT forcing is examined. It is found that the strengthening of the Hadley circulation is an indirect response of the meridional wind to the zonal CMT forcing through the Coriolis effect, which is required for maintaining near-geostrophic balance.
Forecasting Pacific SSTs: Linear Inverse Model Predictions of the PDO
Authors: Alexander Michael A. , Matrosova Ludmila , Penland Cécile , Scott James D. , Chang Ping
Published: January 2008

A linear inverse model (LIM) is used to predict Pacific (30°S–60°N) sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs), including the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). The LIM is derived from the observed simultaneous and lagged covariance statistics of 3-month running mean Pacific SSTA for the years 1951–2000. The model forecasts exhibit significant skill over much of the Pacific for two to three seasons in advance and up to a year in some locations, particulary for forecasts initialized in winter. The predicted and observed PDO are significantly correlated at leads of up to four seasons, for example, the correlation exceeds 0.6 for 12-month forecasts initialized in January–March (JFM). The LIM-based PDO forecasts are more skillful than persistence or a first-order autoregressive model, and have comparable skill to LIM forecasts of El Niño SSTAs. Filtering the data indicates that much of the PDO forecast skill is due to ENSO teleconnections and the global trend.

Within LIM, SST anomalies can grow due to constructive interference of the empirically determined modes, even though the individual modes are damped over time. For the Pacific domain, the basinwide SST variance can grow for ∼14 months, consistent with the skill of the actual predictions. The optimal structure (OS), the initial SSTA pattern that LIM indicates should increase the most rapidly with time, is clearly relevant to the predictions, as the OS develops into a mature ENSO and PDO event 6–10 months later. The OS is also consistent with the seasonal footprinting mechanism (SFM) and the meridional mode (MM); the SFM and MM involve a set of atmosphere–ocean interactions that have been hypothesized to initiate ENSO events.
The Role of the Sexual Constellation
Authors: Nissen Iingjald
Published: January 2008

This paper contains in its first part an attempt at showing that certain important results of Alfred C. Kinsey's investigations can throw new light upon the problem of equality for woman and upon the relations of woman to war. The second part tries to demonstrate that the suppression of woman is not an expression of a striving for power in the man, but is his attempt at solving a difficult special sexual problem, the problem that he in the lasting sexual relation in the last half of life, is the sexually weaker. The third part points to the fact that woman is involved in the mechanism leading to war and that she therefore has responsibility in connection with war. It is explained why it is so important that woman learn to see the difference between the men's society and the secret male society.1
Sex Differences in Academic Behaviour
Authors: Sem Tove Thagaard
Published: January 2008

In this article, I have presented some data on sex differences in academic studies. The basis for my study is a sample of students with the final degree from the gymnasium in the years 1946, 1951 and 1958. The results of the investigation show that many more male than female students graduate from academic institutions. The study of examination grades, length of study and study break reveals much smaller differences in the academic behaviour of men and women.

I have suggested that the greater dropout rate for women than for men may be caused by sex differences in family obligations. The data do not provide an opportunity to determine this completely, but the results indicate that marriage and children have a rather small influence on other aspects of academic behaviour. The rather few differences according to sex and family obligations for graduates may be due to selection through drop out, so that those who graduate are the most able and the most motivated to pursue academic studies. I have also suggested that academic institutions may be more egalitarian than other institutions, and, in addition, that both men and women are adjusted to demands for intellectual performance during the school years.
Sex Roles, Social Class and Political Consciousness
Authors: Heiskanen Veronica Stolte
Published: January 2008

Current conceptualizations of political socialization are reviewed and a more structurally oriented alternative framework is presented. The concepts of opportunity structures and potentials are introduced, and the relative importance of sex versus social class differences in political awareness and articulation are examined. Analysis of empirical data, e.g. on the political and non-political information levels, on the correlations with sex of different politically relevant attitudes obtained from a survey of Finnish secondary and vocational school youth shows the generally lower level of awareness and articulation among females than males. More definite differences, however, were noted between the type of school in general, irrespective of the sex of the students.
Studies of Time-Use: Problems and Prospects
Authors: As Dagfinn
Published: January 2008

Studies of time-use are rather commonplace today. Central statistical bureaus in many countries have adopted the technique and are contemplating regular surveys. The idea that measurements of time and time-allocations can be used as general indicators of living conditions is taken up by many. Serious schemes have been developed that propose exchanging the well-known 'money-budget' for 'time-budgets'. Development programs for 'social indicators' all incorporate various measures based on time and time-use.

It is fair to say, however, that this field of inquiry is still in its infancy. It has proved possible to obtain data on people's daily use of time with sufficient reliability, but there is an alarming lack of reports on the methodological difficulties involved. The studies performed are typically empirical, fact-finding surveys with little attention given to the theoretical issues involved. The dominant instrument of data-gathering is the '24-hour time diary'. The various studies follow a general pattern which makes comparison possible, but there is a great need for further development of this research instrument. This is readily understood by those who have ventured to use it. The traditional time-use studies are very expensive and require great inputs of both time and money.

This paper will not deal with all the problems mentioned. First the concrete reality at hand will be dealt with and thereafter some major methodological problems illuminated. A framework for classifying activities is proposed and, finally, indication is given of how the 'diary approach' can possibly be adapted for inclusion in interview surveys.
The Art and Science of Customer-choice Modeling
Authors: Verma Rohit , Plaschka Gerhard
Published: January 2008

Customer-choice models continue to improve, allowing hospitality companies to do an ever-improving job of dialing-in customer benefits for more profitable and sustainable operation.
Review Article: John and the Jews
Authors: Edwards Ruth
Published: January 2008

At least in retrospect, Good Friday and Easter represent the critical point of separation between Judaism and the new Christian faith. For some time it was not evident that the divorce was total, but in time it was effected completely. The parting of the ways was not without its pain, and the pain has left its mark on both faiths. The story of Christendom is marred by conflict and anti-Jewish prejudice, which needs to be viewed in a spirit of repentance. What is slower to dawn on some of us, not least in the pulpit, is that the use of biblical references to 'the Jews' may unwittingly perpetuate prejudicial language. For too long references to the Pharisees, for example, as arid legalists have presented caricatures of the historical reality, and the suggestion that 'the Jews' were responsible for Jesus' death perpetuates one of the worst forms of prejudice. More recently, attention has been paid to the problem of such language in the New Testament and in the Fourth Gospel in particular. In the following review article, Ruth Edwards discusses an important contribution to the debate.
Elastic-Plastic Poisson's Ratio of Borsic-Aluminum
Authors: Allred R.E. , Hoover W.R. , Horak J.A.
Published: January 2008

Poisson's ratio as a function of tensile strain has been examined for four volume fractions of unidirectional Borsic-reinforced aluminum composites. Linear relationships were found between Poisson's ratio and filament volume fraction during Stage I (elastic filaments-elastic matrix) and Stage II (elastic filaments-plastic matrix) deformation which could be correlated to filament and matrix values of Poisson's ratio. These results confirm that a simple rule-of-mixtures relationship may be used to predict composite Poisson's ratios as a function of filament volume fraction. The marked increase in the Poisson's ratio of the matrix upon yielding causes an abrupt rise in the slope of the composite Poisson's ratio versus longitudinal strain curve. This sudden increase may be used as an accurate method of determining matrix yield in filament-reinforced, metal-matrix composites.