bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hierarchical Structures of the NEO PI-R and the 16 PF 51
Authors: Rossier Jérôme , Meyer de Stadelhofen Franz , Berthoud Samuel
Published: December 2003

Summary: The present study compares the higher-level dimensions and the hierarchical structures of the fifth edition of the 16 Personality Factors (16 PF 5) with those of the NEO Personality Inventory Revised (NEO PI-R). Both inventories measure personality according to five higher-level dimensions. These inventories were, however, constructed according to different methods (bottom-up vs. top-down). Both questionnaires were filled out by 386 participants. Correlations, regressions, and canonical correlations made it possible to compare the inventories. As expected, they roughly measure the same aspects of personality. There is a coherent association among four of the five dimensions measured in the tests. However, Agreeableness, the remaining dimension in the NEO PI-R, is not represented in the 16 PF 5. Our analyses confirmed the hierarchical structures of both instruments, but this confirmation was more complete in the case of the NEO PI-R. Indeed, a parallel analysis indicated that a four-factor solution should be considered in the case of the 16 PF 5. On the other hand, the five-factor solution of the NEO PI-R was confirmed. The top-down construction of this instrument seems to make for a more legible structure. Of the two five-dimension constructs, the NEO PI-R, thus, seems the more reliable. This confirms the relevance of the Five-Factor Model of personality.
Examination of the Dimensionality of Fatigue
Authors: Michielsen Helen J. , De Vries Jolanda , Van Heck Guus L. , Van de Vijver Fons J.R. , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: December 2003

Summary: This paper reports on two studies. The goal of Study I was to examine the dimensionality of existing fatigue scales. The aims of Study II were to construct a new self-report fatigue instrument and to examine its psychometric qualities. In Study I, 876 respondents completed the Fatigue Scale ( Chalder et al., 1993 ), the Checklist Individual Strength ( Vercoulen, Alberts, & Bleijenberg, 1999 ), the Emotional Exhaustion subscale of the MBI-NL ( Schaufeli & Van Dierendonck, 1994 ), and the Energy and Fatigue subscale of the WHOQOL-100 ( De Vries & Van Heck, 1995 ). Exploratory factor analyses and Mokken Scale Analyses provided strong support for the unidimensionality of each of these fatigue questionnaires. Furthermore, when all four measures were combined, only one factor was found, providing support for the view that fatigue is unidimensional. Based on these analyses, a new measure, the 10-item Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), was constructed in Study II. The instrument was administered to a sample of 1893 participants, representative of the Dutch population. The FAS showed a good reliability and content validity. Strong support was obtained for the unidimensionality of the scale.
A Comparison of Multi-Item Likert and Visual Analogue Scales for the Assessment of Transactionally Defined Coping Function1
Authors: Flynn Darren , van Schaik Paul , van Wersch Anna
Published: December 2003

Summary: The evaluation and monitoring of interventions that are designed to alleviate psychosocial stress rely largely on subjective assessments of coping as primary outcome measures. The pros and cons of different response formats used to measure coping variables are unexplored; yet arguably, response format is a very important methodological issue for the clinical application and evaluation of psychosocial interventions. This study compared the levels of functional coping and transactional coping patterns assessed with multi-item 7-point Likert Scales (LS) and 65mm Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), within the framework of the Functional Dimensions of Coping (FDC) Scale developed by Ferguson and Cox, 1997. LS yielded significantly higher levels of functional coping for all four subscales, and captured a wider range of transactional coping patterns for the approach, emotion, and avoidance coping functions, than VAS. The authors recommend the use of LS for baseline assessments of transactionally defined coping function within the FDC framework.
Factor Structure of the Borderline Personality Inventory in Adolescents
Authors: Chabrol Henri , Montovany Annie , Ducongé Emmanuelle , Kallmeyer Ana , Mullet Etienne , Leichsenring Falk
Published: December 2003

Summary: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a frequent disorder in in- and outpatient settings. However, empirical studies suggest that BPD lacks construct validity in adolescents. Problems with validity may be linked to the fact that borderline symptoms can occur in the course of normal adolescence. This study examined the factor structure of borderline symptomatology in a community-based sample of 616 adolescents (mean age = 16.9±1.5). Borderline symptomatology was assessed by the Borderline Personality Inventory (BPI), a self-report instrument for which reliability and validity have been demonstrated. An exploratory factorial analysis, which was performed on the first half of the sample, extracted six factors. They were the dissociative/psychotic symptoms factor, the substance use factor, the interpersonal instability factor, the affectivity/identity disturbances factor, the narcissistic features factor, and the impulsivity factor. This six- factor model was tested using a confirmatory factorial analysis on the second half of the sample and on the whole sample. It provided an adequate fit with the data. This factor structure captured central components of borderline symptomatology. As it differs from the one obtained in the study of the BPI in adults, these components may be specific to adolescents and reflect developmental issues rather than psychopathology.
Effects of a Psychological Intervention on Factors of Emotional Development During Adolescence1
Authors: Garaigordobil Maite
Published: December 2003

Abstract: The aim of this research was to design a program of psychological intervention for adolescents and to assess its effects on factors of emotional development. The study used a pretest-intervention-posttest design with control groups and a sample of 174 subjects aged 12 to 14. There were 125 experimental subjects and 49 control subjects. Before and after the program, six instruments were administered to measure: empathy, anxiety, self-concept, image of classmates, and ability to analyze feelings. The intervention program applied to the experimental subjects consisted of one 2-h intervention session per week throughout an academic year. Two activities and their corresponding debates generally took place in each session. Each one of the 60 activities stimulates communication and friendly and cooperative interactions, and their objectives are to improve self-concept, promote identification, understanding and expression of emotions, and develop empathic feelings. Results suggest that the program had a highly positive effect on factors of emotional development. A decrease in state-trait anxiety was observed and there was improvement in the ability for empathy, in self-concept, in image of others, and in the ability to analyze feelings. The results are discussed in terms of the possible beneficial effects of this kind of experience on personality development during adolescence.
Wavelet transform mapping of effective elastic thickness and plate loading: Validation using synthetic data and application to the study of southern African tectonics
Authors: Stark C. P. , Stewart J. , Ebinger C. J.
Published: December 2003

We present a new wavelet transform method to map spatial variations in effective elastic thickness Te and plate loading ratio f. The method assumes a model of thin plate flexural isostasy to describe the mechanical response of the lithosphere to vertical loading. In this model, the rheological properties of the lithosphere are aggregated into the effective elastic thickness Te of an equivalent thin plate overlying an inviscid fluid. A number of methods have been developed to map spatial variations in Te in an attempt to assess regional patterns of flexural strength. Our new method first obtains local coherence and local admittance through wavelet cross‐spectral analysis of surface topography and Bouguer gravity anomaly. Wavelet coherence is used to obtain the local characteristic wavelength, which is a function of both Te and the degree of relative loading f of the plate by subsurface loads and surface loads (loading is the combined effect of erosion, sedimentation, intrusion, faulting, and metamorphism). Wavelet admittance, in a normalized form, is used to resolve this f − Te ambiguity, and maps are made of the spatial variations in Te and f. We carry out extensive tests of the wavelet method on simulated topography and Bouguer gravity anomaly data that we generate through finite difference simulations of flexural isostasy with spectrally realistic loads and simple spatial variations in Te. These tests demonstrate that the wavelet inversion method is reasonably robust to uncertainties in loading and in crustal thickness and is able to recover Te to within ±25–50% of its correct value. We apply the wavelet method to southern Africa and recover estimates of Te principally in the range 25–50 km, in good agreement with existing estimates from forward modeling and Fourier coherence analyses. We find that our Te estimates often exceed estimates of crustal thickness, pointing to a strong upper mantle in parts of southern Africa.
Glacial isostatic stress shadowing by the Antarctic ice sheet
Authors: Ivins Erik R. , James Thomas S. , Klemann Volker
Published: December 2003

Numerous examples of fault slip that offset late Quaternary glacial deposits and bedrock polish support the idea that the glacial loading cycle causes earthquakes in the upper crust. A semianalytical scheme is presented for quantifying glacial and postglacial lithospheric fault reactivation using contemporary rock fracture prediction methods. It extends previous studies by considering differential Mogi‐von Mises stresses, in addition to those resulting from a Coulomb analysis. The approach utilizes gravitational viscoelastodynamic theory and explores the relationships between ice mass history and regional seismicity and faulting in a segment of East Antarctica containing the great Antarctic Plate (Balleny Island) earthquake of 25 March 1998 (Mw 8.1). Predictions of the failure stress fields within the seismogenic crust are generated for differing assumptions about background stress orientation, mantle viscosity, lithospheric thickness, and possible late Holocene deglaciation for the D91 Antarctic ice sheet history. Similar stress fracture fields are predicted by Mogi‐von Mises and Coulomb theory, thus validating previous rebound Coulomb analysis. A thick lithosphere, of the order of 150–240 km, augments stress shadowing by a late melting (middle‐late Holocene) coastal East Antarctic ice complex and could cause present‐day earthquakes many hundreds of kilometers seaward of the former Last Glacial Maximum grounding line.
THEMIS characterization of the MER Gusev crater landing site
Authors: Milam Keith A. , Stockstill Karen R. , Moersch Jeffrey E. , McSween Harry Y. , Tornabene Livio L. , Ghosh Amitabha , Wyatt Michael B. , Christensen Phillip R.
Published: December 2003

Gusev crater, previously interpreted as the depocenter for the Gusev‐Ma'adim Vallis fluvio‐lacustrine system, is a proposed landing site for one of the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER). Here we use new remote‐sensing data from the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) supplemented by data from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES), Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC), and Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) to characterize the geology of Gusev crater. Thermal infrared data from THEMIS and TES were used to map thermophysical units on the basis of relative albedos and diurnal temperature variations. THEMIS and MOC visible images were used to map unit morphologies and to estimate crater density ages. MOLA data were used to identify unit contacts and stratigraphic relationships. Various data were then combined to construct a new surface unit map and stratigraphy for units on the floor of Gusev. Seven surface units were identified in Gusev, mostly Hesperian in age, but with two showing evidence of later modification and redistribution. Five or more surface units and layering are present within the MER‐A landing ellipse, attesting to the geologic diversity of this site. Surface units show features that could be consistent with fluvio‐lacustrine, aeolian, and/or volcanoclastic deposition, but the spatial resolution of visible/infrared data does not allow for the identification of unambiguous volcanic or fluvio‐lacustrine textures. However, a MER landing in Gusev may provide the opportunity to analyze multiple units, distinguish rock types, examine stratigraphic relationships, and shed light on the ancient depositional environment.
Sulfur source for the 1991–1995 Unzen eruption: Evidence from melt inclusions in pyroxenes
Authors: Satoh H. , Saito G. , Shinohara H. , Yamaguchi Y.
Published: December 2003

Based on COSPEC measurements, the pre‐eruptive sulfur content of the magma of the 1991–1995 Unzen eruptions was estimated to be 150 ± 80 ppm [Hirabayashi et al., 1995]. However, melt‐inclusion analyses of quartz and plagioclase yielded S contents less than 50 ppm, inconsistent with the COSPEC estimate. We extended the melt inclusion analyses to pyroxene phenocrysts, and found that the most mafic melt inclusions in the core zone of a large pyroxene in 1993 dacite have S contents as high as 730 ± 100 ppm. By correcting for effect of pyroxene crystallization on the inclusion walls, the least‐evolved melt composition was calculated to have S = 390 ppm and SiO2 = 60.5 wt.%, which agrees with the previous estimation about magma‐mixing.
Skill of Sahel rainfall variability in four atmospheric GCMs forced by prescribed SST
Authors: Moron V. , Philippon N. , Fontaine B.
Published: December 2003

The inter‐annual and long‐term variability of July–September regional rainfall over the central and western Sahel (16°W–20°E; 11.25°–18.75°N) is evaluated using 21 runs from four atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs) integrated from 1948. The skill is stronger at decadal time scales: each AGCM simulates quite successfully the rainfall decrease from the wet 1950–60s toward the dry 1970–90s although its amplitude is lower than observed. At inter‐annual time scales, the skill is smaller and decreases over time between the 1950–70s and the recent dry period; all AGCMs have a close to zero skill around the 1980s. This is not linked to a reduced AGCM sensivity to global SST but to their failure to reproduce the observed SST‐rainfall teleconnection changes, in particular the weakening (strengthening) linear relationship with the equatorial and southern Atlantic (equatorial Pacific).
Patterns of Coherent Climate Signals in the Indian Ocean during the 20th Century
Authors: Tourre Yves M. , White Warren B.
Published: December 2003

QBO, ENSO, and BDO fluctuations are identified in the Indian Ocean from a joint frequency domain analysis of sea surface temperature (SST) and sea level pressure (SLP) conducted over the 20th Century. Within the ENSO band (3‐ to 7‐year period), local fractional variance (LFV) is maximum near 3.4‐year period, revealing spatially coherent SST and SLP variability propagating eastward from the Horn of Africa and southwest Indian Ocean respectively, toward the eastern tropical Indian Ocean. Within the QBO band (2.1‐ to 2.8‐ year period), LFV is maximum near 2.2‐year period revealing spatially coherent SST and SLP variability propagating northward and eastward from Southwestern Ocean, toward the South China Sea. The 3.4‐year period ENSO signal diminished in intensity in the 1920s and 1950s, whilst the 2.2‐year period QBO signal diminished in the 1910s, 1940s, and 1950s, as observed for the global QBO and ENSO signals [White and Tourre, 2003].
Responses of the mesospheric wind at high latitudes to the April 2002 space storm
Authors: Zhang S. P. , Salah J. E. , Mitchell N. , Singer W. , Murayama Y. , Clark R. R. , van Eyken A. , Thayer J.
Published: December 2003

An intense space storm occurred on 17–20 April, 2002. The effects of this storm on the mesospheric wind system were observed by two meteor wind radars at Andenes (69N, 16E) and Esrange (68N, 21E). At those locations, neutral winds showed a pattern similar to the ion convection pattern on 17 April for several hours at altitudes of 94–97 km. It is the first time that this kind of wind pattern is detected at such low altitudes. In contrast, winds by a medium frequency radar at Poker Flat (65N, 213E) showed no obvious storm effect, reflecting different responses of the dayside atmosphere and the nightside atmosphere. The ion convection wind pattern at Andenes and Esrange only appeared on the first day of the storm. We hypothesize that this behaviour may be related to a short‐lived but prominent electron density enhancement in the local thermosphere on the same day observed by an incoherent scatter radar at Svalbard (78N, 16E).
Sublimation of ice particles from rocket exhausts in the upper atmosphere
Authors: Platov Y. V. , Kosch M. J.
Published: December 2003

The process of sublimation of ice particles from a rocket exhaust in the upper atmosphere is examined. Heating by solar radiation and losses of energy by means thermal radiation and sublimation are taken into account in the thermal balance of the ice particles. The time dependences of size and temperature of the ice particles are obtained. An estimation of water vapor concentration around the rocket trajectory is made. The process of sublimation of the rocket exhaust ice particles may be important for the interpretation of optical phenomena in the upper atmosphere connected with rocket launches and for propagation of disturbances at a large distance from the rocket.
Spatial and temporal variability of the gamma radiation from Earth's atmosphere during a solar cycle
Authors: Harris Michael J. , Share Gerald H. , Leising Mark D.
Published: December 2003

The Solar Maximum Mission satellite's Gamma Ray Spectrometer spent much of its 1980–1989 mission pointed at Earth, accumulating spectra of atmospheric albedo γ‐rays. Its 28° orbit ensured that a range of geomagnetic latitudes was sampled. We measured the variation with time and cutoff rigidity of some key γ‐ray lines which are diagnostic of the intensity of the Galactic cosmic radiation penetrating the geomagnetic cutoff and of the secondary neutrons produced in the atmosphere. We found that the intensities of nuclear lines at 1.6 MeV, 2.3 MeV and 4.4 MeV varied inversely with solar activity in cycles 21–22 as expected from the theory of solar modulation of cosmic rays. They were found to be strongly anticorrelated with cutoff rigidity, as expected from the theory of the cutoff, falling by a factor ∼3.6 between the lowest (<7 GV) and highest (>13 GV) rigidities sampled. The solar cycle modulation was particularly marked at the lowest rigidities, reaching an amplitude of 16%. The ratios of the intensities of the lines produced by nuclear de‐excitation (1.6 MeV, 2.3 MeV) and those from nuclear spallation (4.4 MeV) did not vary with either solar activity or cutoff rigidity, indicating that the shape of the secondary neutron spectrum in the atmosphere above 5 MeV was approximately constant over the times and regions sampled. If it is approximated by a power law in energy, we derive constraints on the absolute value of the power law index ∼−1.15–−1.45 and better constraints on its variability, ≤5% over a solar cycle, and ≤6% over SMM's range of sampled cutoff rigidities. We also measured the intensity of the electron‐positron annihilation line at 0.511 MeV. This line also varies with the solar cycle, but its variation with cutoff rigidity is weaker than that of the nuclear lines, falling by a factor 2 (rather than 3.6) over SMM's range of sampled cutoff rigidities. This can be understood in terms of the energy dependences of the cross sections for positron production and for the hadronic interactions which produce secondary neutrons.
Toward a solution to the early faint Sun paradox: A lower cosmic ray flux from a stronger solar wind
Authors: Shaviv Nir J.
Published: December 2003

Standard solar models predict a solar luminosity that gradually increased by about 30% over the past 4.5 billion years. Under the faint Sun, Earth should have been frozen solid for most of its existence. Yet, running water is observed to have been present since very early in Earth's history. This enigma is known as the faint Sun paradox. We show here that it can be partially resolved once we consider the cooling effect that cosmic rays are suspected to have on the global climate and by considering that the younger Sun must have had a stronger solar wind such that it was more effective at stopping cosmic rays from reaching Earth. The paradox can then be completely resolved with the further contribution of modest greenhouse gas warming. When we add the cosmic ray flux modulation by a variable star formation rate in the Milky Way, we recover the long‐term glacial activity on Earth. As to the future, we find that the average global temperature will increase by typically 10°K in the coming 2 Gyr.
Statistical identification of solar wind origins of magnetic impulse events
Authors: Kataoka Ryuho , Fukunishi Hiroshi , Lanzerotti Louis J.
Published: December 2003

We have compiled a complete list of magnetic impulse events (MIEs) during the 8‐year period of 1995–2002 covering solar minimum to solar maximum using fluxgate magnetometer data obtained at the South Pole. Wavelet analysis enables us to detect 825 distinct MIEs automatically with high confidence. Interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) discontinuities are also detected automatically for the same period from Wind and ACE satellite data. From an examination and comparison of the two lists, we find that monthly and seasonal variations in IMF discontinuity occurrences have a significant correlation (0.4–0.5) with those of MIEs. We also find that MIEs tend to occur during intervals of low density, high‐speed solar wind streams, and/or radial IMF. No preferences for MIE occurrences are found for solar wind pressure jumps or IMF Bz southward turnings. From detailed minimum variance analysis of 36 IMF discontinuities with one‐to‐one correspondence to MIEs, ∼70% of the IMF discontinuities are found to be tangential discontinuities. The hot flow anomaly (HFA) mechanism can explain at most ∼50% of the MIEs; bursty reconnection and pressure pulses can explain the production of at most ∼30% and ∼20% of the MIEs, respectively. All of the observations and associations are consistent with HFAs or foreshock cavities being the main cause of MIEs.
A resolved mantle anomaly as the cause of the Australian‐Antarctic Discordance
Authors: Ritzwoller M. H. , Shapiro N. M. , Leahy G. M.
Published: December 2003

We present evidence for the existence of an Australian‐Antarctic Mantle Anomaly (AAMA), which trends northwest‐southeast (NW‐SE) through the Australian‐Antarctic Discordance (AAD) on the Southeast Indian Ridge (SEIR), is confined to the upper 120 km of the mantle beneath the AAD, and dips shallowly to the west so that it extends to a depth of about 150 km west of the AAD. Average temperatures within the AAMA are depressed about 100°C relative to surrounding lithosphere and suggest very rapid cooling of newly formed lithosphere at the AAD to an effective thermal age between 20 and 30 Ma. A convective down welling beneath the AAD is not consistent with the confinement of the AAMA in the uppermost mantle. In substantial agreement with the model of Gurnis et al. [1998], we argue that the AAMA is the suspended remnant of a slab that subducted at the Gondwanaland‐Pacific convergent margin more than 100 Myr ago, foundered in the deeper mantle, and then ascended into the shallow mantle within the past 30 Myr, cutting any ties to deeper roots. The stability of the AAMA and its poor correlation with residual topography and gravity imply that it is approximately neutrally buoyant. The thermally induced density anomaly can be balanced by bulk iron depletion of less than 0.8%, consistent with the warmer conditions of formation for the Pacific than Indian lithosphere. We hypothesize that the low temperatures in the AAMA inhibit crustal formation and the AAD depth anomaly is formed at the intersection of the SEIR and the AAMA. The northward migration of the SEIR overriding the cold NW‐SE trending AAMA therefore presents a simple kinematic explanation for both the V‐shaped residual depth anomaly in the southeast Indian Ocean and the western migration of the AAD along the SEIR. Neither explanation requires the Pacific asthenospheric mantle to push westward and displace Indian asthenosphere. The AAMA may also act as a barrier to large‐scale flows in the shallow asthenosphere and may therefore define a boundary for mantle convection and between the Indian and Pacific isotopic provinces. The westward dip of the AAMA would also favor along‐axis flow from the Indian Ocean asthenosphere to the AAD that may contribute to the penetration of Indian Ocean mid‐ocean ridge basalts into the AAD.
Adjusted Normalized Emissivity Method for surface temperature and emissivity retrieval from optical and thermal infrared remote sensing data
Authors: Coll César , Valor Enric , Caselles Vicente , Niclòs Raquel
Published: December 2003

A methodology for the retrieval of surface temperatures and emissivities combining visible, near infrared and thermal infrared remote sensing data was applied to Digital Airborne Imaging Spectrometer (DAIS) data and validated with coincident ground measurements acquired in a multiyear experiment held in an agricultural site in Barrax, Spain. The Adjusted Normalized Emissivity Method (ANEM) is based on the use of visible and near infrared data to estimate the vegetation cover and model the maximum emissivity according to the Vegetation Cover Method. The pixel‐dependent maximum emissivity is used as the initial guess of the Normalized Emissivity Method to obtain the surface temperature and emissivity from the thermal infrared data. ANEM allows adjusting the initial emissivity with regard to the spatial variation of emissivity with vegetation cover, instead of using a fixed emissivity. Surface temperatures derived with ANEM agreed well with ground data, with a standard deviation of ±0.8 K and nearly zero bias for all the surface types. Retrieved emissivities were mostly within ±0.01 of the measured values, despite certain instrumental problems apparent in the thermal part of DAIS. An analysis of the emissivity spectra was performed, showing the utility in the discrimination of different agricultural surface types in the area.
Effective radius of cloud droplets by ground‐based remote sensing: Relationship to aerosol
Authors: Kim Byung‐Gon , Schwartz Stephen E. , Miller Mark A. , Min Qilong
Published: December 2003

Enhancement of cloud droplet number concentration by anthropogenic aerosols has previously been demonstrated by in‐situ measurements, but there remains large uncertainty in the resultant enhancement of cloud optical depth and reflectivity. Detection of this effect is made difficult by the large inherent variability in cloud liquid water path (LWP); the dominant influence of LWP on optical depth and albedo masks any aerosol influences. Here we use ground‐based remote sensing of cloud optical depth (τc) by narrowband radiometry and LWP by microwave radiometry to determine the dependence of optical depth on LWP, thereby permitting examination of aerosol influence; the method is limited to complete overcast conditions with single layer clouds, as determined mainly by millimeter wave cloud radar. Measurements in north central Oklahoma on 13 different days in the year 2000 show wide variation in LWP and optical depth on any given day, but with near linear proportionality between the two quantities; variance in LWP accounts as much as 97% of the variance in optical depth on individual days and for about 63% of the variance in optical depth for the whole data set. The slope of optical depth vs. LWP is inversely proportional to the effective radius of cloud droplets (re); event‐average cloud droplet effective radius ranged from 5.6 ± 0.1 to 12.3 ± 0.6 μm (average ± uncertainty in the mean). This effective radius is negatively correlated with aerosol light scattering coefficient at the surface as expected for the aerosol indirect effect; the weak correlation (R2 = 0.24) might be due in part to vertically decoupled structure of aerosol particle concentration and possible meteorological influence such as vertical wind shear. Cloud albedo and radiative forcing for a given LWP are highly sensitive to effective radius; for solar zenith angle 60° and typical LWP of 100 g m−2, as effective radius decreases from 10.2 to 5.8 μm determined on different days, the resultant decrease in calculated net shortwave irradiance at the top of the atmosphere (Twomey forcing) is about 50 W m−2.
Effects of vertical inhomogeneity on snow spectral albedo and its implication for optical remote sensing of snow
Authors: Zhou Xiaobing , Li Shusun , Stamnes Knut
Published: December 2003

The spectral albedo of dry, vertically heterogeneous snow is simulated using a multilayer discrete ordinate method radiative transfer code, with single snow grain–scattering parameters calculated either from Mie theory for small grains or from a geometric optics code for large grains. In the near‐infrared wavelengths the snowpack is effectively semi‐infinite at a depth of around 5 cm; that is, the reflectance is the same as for a deep snowpack. In the visible wavelengths, however, the snow critical depth is more than 50 cm for coarse‐grained snow, but the top 5–10 cm layer is the most important one. Two heterogeneous snowpacks with the same average grain size in the topmost layer but with different vertical distributions of grain sizes can have quite different spectral albedos because of greater penetration by visible than by near‐infrared radiation. The spectral albedo computed from the multilayer model agrees better with measured albedo when the vertical variability of grain size and the measured composite grain size rather than the measured single grain size are considered.
Comparisons of electron fluxes measured in the crustal fields at Mars by the MGS magnetometer/electron reflectometer instrument with a B field–dependent transport code
Authors: Liemohn Michael W. , Mitchell David L. , Nagy Andrew F. , Fox Jane L. , Reimer Tamara W. , Ma Yingjuan
Published: December 2003

We compare Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) magnetometer/electron reflectometer data with results from a B field–dependent kinetic transport code for “superthermal” electrons. The photoelectrons created on crustal field loops, when they are on the dayside, allow for the exploration of the magnetic topology and the upper atmospheric density structure. A case study of a typical orbit of the MGS satellite through the strong crustal field region in the southern hemisphere of Mars is examined. The results indicate that the low solar wind dynamic pressure during the selected orbit allowed for the expansion of the crustal field line to relatively high altitudes. Another feature of the photoelectrons in the crustal field region is that the distribution at high energies (E > 100 eV) is far more isotropic than what is expected from collisional scattering processes alone. Several candidate processes are discussed that might be preferentially scattering high‐energy electrons. A final conclusion is that a two‐stream model is inadequate for effectively examining photoelectron pitch angle distributions at Mars in the presence of the crustal fields.
Precursor analysis and prediction of large‐amplitude relativistic electron fluxes
Authors: Weigel R. S. , Klimas A. J. , Vassiliadis D.
Published: December 2003

An analysis of large‐amplitude relativistic electron fluxes, Je, is given using models that predict their appearance based on solar wind precursors. It has been noted that relativistic electron flux bursts in the magnetosphere are associated with high‐speed solar wind streams. This observation is used to motivate several models that quantify the association in terms of 2 × 2 contingency tables. For each model, the minimal cost structure for which the model would be useful is computed as a function of large threshold values of Je. The first model is based on the observation that a threshold crossing in the daily averaged solar wind velocity, VSW, tends to precede large relativistic electron fluxes. The optimal ratio of correct to false alarms forecasts found using this algorithm is 18:4 for a threshold corresponding to amplitudes of Je at L = 4.4 above Jc = 103 particles/str·cm2·s (corresponding to 110 total events). The second model allows for jumps in the solar wind to be an event indicator and yields slight improvements in the forecast ratio for larger values of Jc. The dependence of the optimal forecast ratio on L shell is also considered. It is shown that there are L values for which a threshold crossing of the daily average of VSW from below to above 600 km/sec is a sufficient condition for the appearance of large‐amplitude relativistic electron fluxes on one of the following three days. It is also shown that the condition of a threshold crossing of VSW above 600 km/s is not a necessary condition, because ≃80% of events were not preceded by this condition.
Eastern and Western Poor Cod (Trisopterus minutus capelanus) Populations in the Mediterranean Sea: Evidence from Allozyme and Minisatellite Loci
Authors: Mattiangeli Valeria , Ryan Anthony W. , Galvin Paul , Mork Jarle , Cross Thomas F.
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  Nine allozyme and two minisatellite loci were used to investigate potential genetic differentiation among three samples of Mediterranean poor cod, Trisopterus minutus capelanus, from the Gulf of Lion, the Tuscan Archipelago and the Aegean Sea. Both types of markers showed consistent results, with FST values of 0.0262 and 0.0296 (P < 0.0015, after Bonferroni correction for multiple tests) for allozymes and minisatellites, respectively. Allele frequency heterogeneity tests between pairs of samples showed a clear separation between the two western Mediterranean samples (Gulf of Lion, Tuscan Archipelago) and the eastern one (Aegean Sea). The results indicate that at least two reproductively isolated populations of poor cod occur in the Mediterranean.
Cadherin expression pattern in melanocytic tumors more likely depends on the melanocyte environment than on tumor cell progression
Authors: Krengel Sven , Grotelüschen F. , Bartsch S. , Tronnier M.
Published: December 2003

Background:  Adhesion molecules have been assigned an important role in melanocytic tumor progression. By the loss of E‐cadherin, melanocytes might escape the control of neighbouring keratinocytes. Although in vitro data support this hypothesis, there are yet no conclusive immunohistochemical results on cadherin expression in melanocytic tumors.

Objective:  To gain detailed insight in the expression of cadherins and their cytoplasmic binding partners, the catenins, in various types of benign and malignant melanocytic neoplasms.

Methods:  Immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of E‐, P‐, and N‐cadherin and α‐, β‐, and γ‐catenin in compound and dermal nevi, Spitz nevi, blue nevi, ultraviolet B (UVB)‐irradiated nevi, and malignant melanomas of various tumor thickness.

Results:  In both nevi and melanomas, E‐cadherin expression in melanocytic cells decreased, following a gradient from junctional to deeper dermal localization. The pattern of E‐cadherin expression was more heterogeneous in melanomas than in nevi. In some melanomas, E‐cadherin was only weakly positive in the epidermal tumor cells. P‐cadherin expression was similar to that of E‐cadherin. N‐cadherin expression in melanocytic lesions was a rare finding, however, a small percentage of melanomas showed expression in some cell nests. Some Spitz nevi exhibited strong N‐cadherin immunoreactivity. Most melanocytic cells were α‐ and β‐catenin‐positive and γ‐catenin‐negative. UVB irradiation did not influence the expression of cadherins and catenins in melanocytic nevi in vivo.

Conclusions:  It is presumed that the gradual loss of E‐cadherin expression represents a reaction of melanocytic cells to altered conditions in the dermal environment, e.g. lack of contact to keratinocytes, or new contact with dermal extracellular matrix molecules, respectively. Melanoma cells apparently are less dependent on these environmental factors and, therefore, show a more heterogeneous expression pattern. This might be of importance for the adaptation of the tumor cells to local requirements. However, in view of our results, a causative role of (loss of ) E‐cadherin or (gain of ) N‐cadherin for melanocytic tumor progression still remains to be proven.
Histological characterization of regression in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome‐related Kaposi's sarcoma
Authors: Pantanowitz Liron , Dezube Bruce J. , Pinkus Geraldine S. , Tahan Steven R.
Published: December 2003

Background:  Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative lesion that may regress or progress. Progression is related to spindle cell proliferation and the expression of human herpes virus‐8 latency genes, including latent nuclear antigen‐1 (LNA‐1), cyclin‐D1, and bcl‐2. KS regression has not been well characterized histologically. Therefore, this study was undertaken to characterize the histopathology of pharmacologically induced regressed cutaneous KS.

Methods:  Skin punch biopsies from eight patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐related KS, that regressed following chemotherapy with paclitaxel or the angiogenesis inhibitor Col‐3, were investigated by light microscopy. Comparative immunophenotyping on pre‐ and post‐treatment specimens for CD31, LNA‐1, cyclin‐D1, bcl‐2, and CD117 (c‐kit) was performed.

Results:  Clinical and histologic features of regression were similar for paclitaxel and Col‐3 treatment. On clinical examination, lesions flattened, became smaller, and lost their purple‐red appearance, resulting in an orange‐brown macule. Histological regression was divided into partial (n = 3) and complete (n = 5) regression. Partially regressed lesions had a significant reduction of spindle cells in the dermal interstitium, with residual spindle cells arranged around superficial and mid‐dermal capillaries. Complete regression was characterized by an absence of detectable spindle cells, with a slight increase in capillaries of the superficial plexus. All regressed samples exhibited a prominent, superficial, perivascular, lymphocytic infiltrate and abundant dermal hemosiderin‐laden macrophages. This clinicopathologic picture resembled the findings of pigmented purpura. CD31 staining correlated with the reduction of spindle cells. Regression was accompanied by a quantitative and qualitative decrease in LNA‐1 and cyclin‐D1 immunoreactivity, but no change in bcl‐2 or c‐kit expression.

Conclusions:  Pharmacologically induced regression of AIDS‐related cutaneous KS is characterized by a complete loss or decrease of spindle cells, increased lymphocytes, and prominent dermal siderophage deposition. Without any prior knowledge of the history of KS regression following therapy, regressed KS lesions may be misdiagnosed clinically and histologically as pigmented purpuric dermatitis.
Possible role of Malassezia furfur in psoriasis: modulation of TGF‐β1, integrin, and HSP70 expression in human keratinocytes and in the skin of psoriasis‐affected patients
Authors: Baroni Adone , Paoletti Iole , Ruocco Eleonora , Agozzino Marina , Tufano Maria Antonietta , Donnarumma Giovanna
Published: December 2003

Background:  Psoriasis is a disease characterized by an abnormal pattern of keratinocyte growth and differentiation. Malassezia furfur forms part of the normal human skin flora. It may also be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. To define the role of M. furfur in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, we investigated how M. furfur regulates molecules involved in cell migration and proliferation. The experiments were performed using human keratinocytes and skin biopsies from M. furfur‐positive and ‐negative psoriasis‐affected patients. In addition, we examined the signal transduction mechanisms involved.

Materials and methods:  Western blot analysis was performed on human keratinocytes lysates treated or untreated with M. furfur and on biopsies from healthy and psoriasis patients. Signal transduction mechanisms involved were evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay using the AP‐1 inhibitor curcumin.

Results:  We found that M. furfur up‐regulates transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), integrin chain, and HSP70 expression in human keratinocytes via AP‐1‐dependent mechanism. In the biopsies of M. furfur‐positive psoriasis‐affected patients, an increase in TGF‐β1, integrin chains, and HSP70 expression was found.

Conclusion:  Our data suggest that M. furfur can induce the overproduction of molecules involved in cell migration and hyperproliferation, thereby favoring the exacerbation of psoriasis.
Proximal‐type epithelioid sarcoma: case report and result of comparative genomic hybridization
Authors: Lee Mi‐Woo , Jee Kowan‐Ja , Ro Jae‐Yoon , Lee Deuk‐Pyo , Choi Jee‐Ho , Moon Kee‐Chan , Koh Jai‐Kyoung
Published: December 2003

Background:  Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm. Recently, a more aggressive, so‐called ‘proximal type’ epithelioid sarcoma has been described.

Clinical case:  A 40‐year‐old‐woman presented with 5 × 4 cm, erythematous, indurated, non‐movable, painful mass on the pubic area. Histopathology demonstrated diffuse tumor‐cell infiltration into the subcutaneous and fascia, which was consisted of prominent epithelioid cells and scattered rhabdoid cells. A multinodular growth pattern or granulomatous appearance with central necrosis was not observed. The tumor cells showed positive reactions for vimentin, cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), and CD34. Despite the surgery, left inguinal mass with lymphadenopathy occurred one month later. We also carried out comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) with tumor cells. CGH revealed chromosomal gain of 5q32‐qter, 12q24‐qter, and 22q.

Conclusion:  We report a case of proximal‐type of epithelioid sarcoma, which showed the chromosomal gains of 5q32‐qter, 12q24‐qter, and 22q by CGH.
Cutaneous lobular capillary hemangioma induced by pregnancy*
Authors: Demir Yavuz , Demir Serap , Aktepe Fatma
Published: December 2003

Lobular capillary hemangioma, which is also named as pyogenic granuloma, is a common vascular proliferation of skin and mucous membranes. Hormonal influence in the development of lobular capillary hemangioma on the mucosal surfaces has been demonstrated but for cutaneous lesions located on the skin, this association has not been shown yet. In this report, a 25‐year‐old female patient with cutaneous lobular capillary hemangioma of the cheek induced by pregnancy is presented. The lesion was excised and lobular capillary hemangioma was given as diagnosis by histopathological evaluation. Estrogen receptor was weakly positive by immunohistochemical analysis. We suggest that elevated levels of estrogens during pregnancy may have an important role also on the development of cutaneous lobular capillary hemangiomas by direct hormonal action.
Immunohistochemical study of chronological and photo‐induced aging skins using the antibody raised against D‐aspartyl residue‐containing peptide
Authors: Miura Yoshinori , Fujimoto Norihiro , Komatsu Takehiko , Tajima Shingo , Kawada Akira , Saito Takeshi , Fujii Noriko
Published: December 2003

Background:  Biologically uncommon d‐aspartyl residues have been reported in the elderly tissues such as tooth, eye lens, aorta, and brain. We have previously prepared the antibody against d‐aspartyl residue‐containing peptide and found that it reacted with elastotic material of actinic elastosis.

Methods:  Immunoreactivity of the normal skins obtained from sun‐exposed and sun‐protected skins of varied ages with this antibody was studied.

Results:  In the sun‐exposed skins, the antibody showed negative reaction with the skin specimens of young donors, whereas it reacted with elastotic materials of actinic elastosis of the elderly. In the sun‐protected skins, the antibody recognized elastic fiber‐like structures and inner layer of vessels found from the mid to lower dermis of old donors but showed no positive reaction to skin specimens of young donors.

Conclusions:  The results suggest that the antibody is a potent marker for chronological and ultraviolet (UV)‐induced skin aging. Unusual eosinophilic bodies seen in the superficial dermis in the sun‐exposed area of the elderly skins were also immunoreactive with the antibody, suggesting that the eosinophilic bodies resulted from UV‐induced skin damage.
Genome‐wide linkage and QTL mapping in porcine F2 families generated from Pietrain, Meishan and Wild Boar crosses
Authors: Geldermann H. , Müller E. , Moser G. , Reiner G. , Bartenschlager H. , Cepica S. , Stratil A. , Kuryl J. , Moran C. , Davoli R. , Brunsch C.
Published: December 2003

Three informative pig F2 families based on European Wild Boar (W), Meishan (M) and Pietrain (P) crosses have been used for genome‐wide linkage and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. Altogether 129 microsatellites, 56 type I loci and 46 trait definitions (specific to growth, fattening, fat deposition, muscling, meat quality, stress resistance and body conformation) were included in the study. In the linkage maps of M × P, W × P and W × M families, average spacing of markers were 18.4, 19.7 and 18.8 cM, the numbers of informative meioses were 582, 534 and 625, and the total lengths of autosomes measured were 27.3, 26.0 and 26.2 Morgan units, respectively. Maternal maps were on average 1.3 times longer than paternal maps. QTLs contributing more than 3% of F2 phenotypic variance could be identified at p < 0.05 chromosome‐wide level. Differences in the numbers and positions of QTLs were observed between families. Genome‐wide significant QTL effects were mapped for growth and fattening traits on eight chromosomes (1, 2, 4, 13, 14, 17, 18 and X), for fat deposition traits on seven chromosomes (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and X), for muscling traits on 11 chromosomes (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15 and X), for meat quality and stress resistance traits on seven chromosomes (2, 3, 6, 13, 16, 18 and X), and QTLs for body‐conformation traits were detected on 14 chromosomes. Closely correlated traits showed similar QTL profiles within families. Major QTL effects for meat quality and stress resistance traits were found on SSC6 in the interval RYR1‐A1BG in the W × P and M × P families, and could be attributed to segregation of the RYR1 allele T derived from Pietrain, whereas no effect in the corresponding SSC6 interval was found in family W × M, where Wild Boar and Meishan both contributed the RYR1 allele C. QTL positions were mostly similar in two of the three families for body conformation traits and for growth, fattening, fat deposition and muscling traits, especially on SSC4 (interval SW1073‐NGFB). QTLs with large effects were also mapped on SSC7 in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) (interval CYP21A2‐S0102) and affected body length, weight of head and many other traits. The identification of DNA variants in genes causative for the QTLs requires further fine mapping of QTL intervals and a positional cloning. However, for these subsequent steps, the genome‐wide QTL mapping in F2 families represents an essential starting point and is therefore significant for animal breeding.