bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finescale Structure of the T–S Relation in the Eastern North Atlantic
Authors: Ferrari R. , Polzin K. L.
Published: September 2005

Distributions of temperature (T) and salinity (S) and their relationship in the oceans are the result of a balance between T–S variability generated at the surface by air–sea fluxes and its removal by molecular dissipation. In this paper the role of different motions in setting the cascade of T–S variance to dissipation scales is quantified using data from the North Atlantic Tracer Release Experiment (NATRE). The NATRE observational programs include fine- and microscale measurements and provide a snapshot of T–S variability across a wide range of scales from basin to molecular. It is found that microscale turbulence controls the rate of thermal dissipation in the thermocline. At this level the T–S relation is established through a balance between large-scale advection by the gyre circulation and small-scale turbulence. Further down, at the level of intermediate and Mediterranean waters, mesoscale eddies are the rate-controlling process. The transition between the two regimes is related to the presence of a strong salinity gradient along density surfaces associated with the outflow of Mediterranean waters. Mesoscale eddies stir this gradient and produce a rich filamentation and salinity-compensated temperature inversions: isopycnal stirring and diapycnal mixing are both required to explain the T–S relation at depth.
Mixing Associated with Sills in a Canyon on the Midocean Ridge Flank*
Authors: Thurnherr A. M. , St. Laurent L. C. , Speer K. G. , Toole J. M. , Ledwell J. R.
Published: September 2005

To close the global overturning circulation, the production and sinking of dense water at high latitudes must be balanced elsewhere by buoyancy gain and upward vertical motion. Hydrographic and microstructure observations from the Brazil Basin in the South Atlantic Ocean indicate that most of the abyssal mixing there takes place on the topographically rough flank of the midocean ridge. In previous studies it has been suggested that the high level of abyssal mixing observed on the ridge flank is primarily caused by breaking internal waves forced by tidal currents. Here, the results from a detailed analysis of velocity, hydrographic, and microstructure data from a ridge-flank canyon are presented. Two-year-long current-meter records indicate that within the canyon there is a significant along-axial mean flow down the density gradient toward the ridge crest. Five hundred meters above the canyon floor the kinetic energy in the subinertial band exceeds that associated with the semidiurnal tides by approximately a factor of 2. The mean dissipation of kinetic energy inside the canyon exceeds that above the ridge-flank topography by approximately a factor of 5. The largest dissipation values were observed downstream of a narrow, 1000-m-high sill that extends across the full width of the canyon. Along the entire canyon, there is a strong association between the presence of sills and along-axial density gradients, while there is no similar association between the presence of depressions and density gradients. Together, these observations suggest that sill-related mixing contributes at least as much to the diapycnal buoyancy flux in the canyon as tidally forced internal-wave breaking, which is not expected to be associated preferentially with sills. While only ≈15% of the interfacial area between Antarctic Bottom Water and North Atlantic Deep Water in the Brazil Basin lie inside canyons, the available data suggest that approximately one-half of the diapycnal buoyancy fluxes take place there. In comparison, the region above the ridge-flank topography accounts for about one-third of the buoyancy fluxes. The apparent importance of sill-related processes for mixing in ridge-flank canyons is therefore of global significance, especially considering that such canyons occur on average every 50 km along 2/3 of the global midocean ridge system, and that sills partially block the canyon axes every few tens of kilometers.
Dodging a Bullet: WHO, SARS, and the Successful Management of Infectious Disease
Authors: Michelson Evan S.
Published: September 2005

The purpose of this article is to analyze the policy decisions made by the World Health Organization (WHO) in working to fight the spread of the first truly global infectious disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), of the 21st century. In particular, the author pays attention to the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and analyzes how it was employed in coordinating a variety of response efforts around the world. In addition, he identifies and assesses the successes and failures of the GOARN’s policies with regard to the monitoring and containment of the SARS outbreak.
Assessing the Sustainability of Japan’s Foreign Aid Program: An Analysis of Development Assistance to Energy Sectors of Developing Countries
Authors: Yamaguchi Hideka
Published: September 2005

This article examines the effect of Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) over 10 years that proposed to facilitate environmental conservation in developing countries. Special emphasis is given to ODA disbursements in the energy sector to evaluate whether Japan’s foreign aid has shifted its policy toward more environmentally sound goals. The article finds that despite its articulated premise, Japan’s ODA for the energy sector has favored environmentally problematic projects, that is, those based on fossil fuels and larger scale (10 megawatt or larger) hydropower. Similar to patterns in the early 1990s, environmentally friendly projects have received little attention. It is not surprising that the expected amount of greenhouse gas emissions from Japan’s ODA-supported energy projects appears substantial.
Poverty Reduction in Zambia: A Conceptual Analysis of the Zambian Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper
Authors: Imboela Bruce Lubinda
Published: September 2005

Poverty reduction strategy papers (PRSPs) present a recipient country’s program of intent for the utilization of World Bank loans and grants to alleviate debt under the bank’s programs of action for poverty reduction in highly indebted poor countries (HIPCs). This article argues that structural transformation is a prerequisite for poverty reduction in Zambia. However, the Zambian PRSP is largely informed by mainstream thinking on poverty and livelihoods. It champions a neoliberal program constructed on the sanctity of the market and seeks to maintain the very structural processes that engender poverty. Because it fails to break, conceptually and methodologically, from past program failures, the PRSP is likely to be just the latest installment in the ever-changing fashionable semantics of the “development community.” The article examines the conceptual and methodological failures of the Zambian PRSP particularly with respect to the measurement of poverty and the concept of participation.
The Effects of Varied Inquiry Experiences on Teacher and Student Questions and Actions in STS Classrooms
Authors: Yager Robert E. , Abd-Hamid Nor Hashidah , Akcay Hakan
Published: September 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine how different inquiry experiences affect in-service science teachers’ performance in terms of their questions and classroom actions. Teachers in a workshop experience proceeded through structured, guided, and full inquiry stations where materials to make foam were provided. Participants were 26 in-service science teachers who were enrolled in an 8-day workshop learning about science-technology-society (STS) approaches to teaching. Those who experienced full inquiry first resulted in more curiosity, more questions, and more unique experiments than at the other two stations. Success in guided inquiry was observed when the guidance was provided by more open-ended questions posed by the leader teachers. The study raises questions concerning the limitations on student thinking when in structured and guided laboratories that characterize traditional science teaching. An analysis of this study may contribute important direction and information for science teaching and learning and encourage more moves for STS successes.
Bone Stress Injuries Causing Exercise-Induced Knee Pain
Authors: Niva Maria H. , Kiuru Martti J. , Haataja Riina , Pihlajamäki Harri K.
Published: September 2005

Background

No comprehensive studies of bone stress injuries in the knee based on magnetic resonance imaging findings have been published.

Purpose

Assess the incidence, location, nature, and patterns of bone stress injuries in the knee in military conscripts with exercise-induced knee pain.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

During a period of 70 months, 1330 patients with exercise-induced knee pain underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the knee. A total of 1577 knees were imaged; the images with bone stress injury findings were retrospectively reevaluated with respect to location and type of injury. The person-based incidence of bone stress injuries in the knee was calculated, based on the number of conscripts within the hospital's catchment area.

Results

Of the 1330 patients, 88 (7%) met the inclusion criteria, and 141 bone stress injuries were found in the 110 knees imaged. The incidence of bone stress injuries was 103 per 100 000 person-years. Of the patients, 25% had bilateral bone stress injuries; 28% had 2 solitary bone stress injuries in the same knee simultaneously, all situated in the femoral condyle and tibial plateau. The most common anatomical location for a bone stress injury was the medial tibial plateau (31%), which was also the most typical location for a more advanced injury. After the commencement of military service, a bone stress injury in the medial tibial plateau caused knee pain earlier than did a bone stress injury elsewhere in the knee (P=. 014).

Conclusion

The incidence of bone stress injuries in the knee with exercise-induced knee pain is relatively high in conscripts. Multiple and bilateral injuries can occur. For accurate diagnosis and to ensure appropriate treatment, magnetic resonance imaging is recommended as a routine imaging method when a physical activity can be regularly associated with the onset of symptoms.
Metapahor, Ambiguity, and Motive in Evolutionary Biology
Authors: Journet Debra
Published: September 2005

This article analyzes the power of ambiguous metaphors to present scientific novelty. Its focus is a series of papers by the prominent population biologist W. D. Hamilton in which he redefined the meaning of biological altruism. In particular, the article draws on Kenneth Burke’s dramatistic pentad to examine why suggestions of motive are so pervasive in Hamilton’s representation of genetic evolution and what epistemological consequences result from this rhetorical choice. Specifically, the metaphorical language of motive allows Hamilton to represent genes ambiguously and simultaneously as both the agents of evolutionary action and as the agency or mechanism by which organism agents act. The textual ambiguity generated by the agent-agency metaphors both reflects and constructs a conceptual ambiguity in the way evolutionary processes are theorized. Analysis of Hamilton’s rhetoric thus suggests the productive function of ambiguous metaphors in highly technical scientific texts.
Market Rhetoric and the Ebonics Debate
Authors: Longaker Mark Garrett
Published: September 2005

Using a method of topical rhetorical analysis, inspired by K. Burke, to discuss the Ebonics debate, this article demonstrates that conversations about education, particularly writing instruction, have adopted a market rhetoric that limits teachers’ agency. However, reappropriation of this market rhetoric can help writing teachers to imagine and actuate a more empowered and long-sighted agency for themselves. Rhetorical analysis can therefore help educators to understand how local language practices shape their interaction with the rapidly changing material environment of fast capitalism.
Induction of tumor arrest and differentiation with prolonged survival by intermittent hypoxia in a mouse model of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Liu Wei , Guo Meng , Xu Ya-Bei , Li Dao , Zhou Zhao-Nian , Wu Ying-Li , Chen Zhu , Kogan Scott C. , Chen Guo-Qiang
Published: September 2005

We showed previously that mild real hypoxia and hypoxia-mimetic agents induced in vitro cell differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We here investigate the in vivo effects of intermittent hypoxia on syngenic grafts of leukemic blasts in a PML-RARα transgenic mouse model of AML. For intermittent hypoxia, leukemic mice were housed in a hypoxia chamber equivalent to an altitude of 6000 m for 18 hours every consecutive day. The results show that intermittent hypoxia significantly prolongs the survival of the leukemic mice that received transplants, although it fails to cure the disease. By histologic and cytologic analyses, intermittent hypoxia is shown to inhibit the infiltration of leukemic blasts in peripheral blood, bone marrow, spleen, and liver without apoptosis induction. More intriguingly, intermittent hypoxia also induces leukemic cells to undergo differentiation with progressive increase of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α protein, as evidenced by morphologic criteria of maturating myeloid cells and increased expression of mouse myeloid cell differentiation–related antigens Gr-1 and Mac-1. Taken together, this study represents the first attempt to characterize the in vivo effects of hypoxia on an AML mouse model. Additional investigations may uncover ways to mimic the differentiative effects of hypoxia in a manner that will benefit human patients with AML.
Novel collectin/C1q receptor mediates mast cell activation and innate immunity
Authors: Edelson Brian T. , Stricker Thomas P. , Li Zhengzhi , Dickeson S. Kent , Shepherd Virginia L. , Santoro Samuel A. , Zutter Mary M.
Published: September 2005

Mast cells play a critical role in innate immunity, allergy, and autoimmune diseases. The receptor/ligand interactions that mediate mast cell activation are poorly defined. The α2β1 integrin, a receptor for collagens, laminins, decorin, E-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), endorepellin, and several viruses, has been implicated in normal developmental, inflammatory, and oncogenic processes. We recently reported that α2 integrin subunit–deficient mice exhibited markedly diminished neutrophil and IL-6 responses during Listeria monocytogenes–and zymosan-induced peritonitis. Peritoneal mast cells require α2β1 integrin expression for activation in response to pathogens, yet the ligand and molecular mechanisms by which the α2β1 integrin induces activation and cytokine secretion remain unknown. We now report that the α2β1 integrin is a novel receptor for multiple collectins and the C1q complement protein. We demonstrate that the α2β1 integrin provides a costimulatory function required for mast cell activation and cytokine secretion. This finding suggests that the α2β1 integrin is not only important for innate immunity but may serve as a critical target for the regulation of autoimmune/allergic disorders.
The tyrphostin adaphostin interacts synergistically with proteasome inhibitors to induce apoptosis in human leukemia cells through a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mechanism
Authors: Dasmahapatra Girija , Rahmani Mohamed , Dent Paul , Grant Steven
Published: September 2005

Interactions between the tyrphostin adaphostin and proteasome inhibitors (eg, MG-132 and bortezomib) were examined in multiple human leukemia cell lines and primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) specimens. Cotreatment of Jurkat cells with marginally toxic concentrations of adaphostin and proteasome inhibitors synergistically potentiated mitochondrial damage (eg, cytochrome c release), caspase activation, and apoptosis. Similar interactions occurred in other human leukemia cell types (eg, U937, HL-60, Raji). These interactions were associated with a marked increase in oxidative damage (eg, ROS generation), down-regulation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, and JNK activation. Adaphostin/MG-132 lethality as well as mitochondrial damage, down-regulation of Raf/MEK/ERK, and activation of JNK were attenuated by the free-radical scavenger NAC, suggesting that oxidative damage plays a functional role in antileukemic effects. Ectopic expression of Raf-1 or constitutively active MEK/ERK or genetic interruption of the JNK pathway significantly diminished adaphostin/MG-132-mediated lethality. Interestingly, enforced Raf or MEK/ERK activation partially diminished adaphostin/MG-132-mediated ROS generation, suggesting the existence of an amplification loop. Finally, the adaphostin/MG-132 regimen displayed similar toxicity toward 5 primary AML samples but not normal hematopoietic progenitors (eg, bone marrow CD34+ cells). Collectively, these findings suggest that potentiating oxidative damage by combining adaphostin with proteasome inhibitors warrants attention as an antileukemic strategy.
Activating Notch1 mutations in mouse models of T-ALL
Authors: O'Neil Jennifer , Calvo Jennifer , McKenna Keith , Krishnamoorthy Veena , Aster Jon C. , Bassing Craig H. , Alt Frederick W. , Kelliher Michelle , Look A. Thomas
Published: September 2005

Recent studies have demonstrated that most patients with T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) have activating mutations in NOTCH1. We sought to determine whether these mutations are also acquired in mouse models of T-ALL. We sequenced the heterodimerization domain and the PEST domain of Notch1 in our mouse model of TAL1-induced leukemia and found that 74% of the tumors harbor activating mutations in Notch1. Cell lines derived from these tumors undergo G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis when treated with a γ-secretase inhibitor. In addition, we found activating Notch1 mutations in 31% of thymic lymphomas that occur in mice deficient for various combinations of the H2AX, Tp53, and Rag2 genes. Thus, Notch1 mutations are often acquired as a part of the molecular pathogenesis of T-ALLs that develop in mice with known predisposing genetic alterations. (Blood. 2006;107:781-785)
Effects of nano particles on antigen-related airway inflammation in mice
Authors: Inoue Ken-ichiro , Takano Hirohisa , Yanagisawa Rie , Sakurai Miho , Ichinose Takamichi , Sadakane Kaori , Yoshikawa Toshikazu
Published: September 2005

Background

Particulate matter (PM) can exacerbate allergic airway diseases. Although health effects of PM with a diameter of less than 100 nm have been focused, few studies have elucidated the correlation between the sizes of particles and aggravation of allergic diseases. We investigated the effects of nano particles with a diameter of 14 nm or 56 nm on antigen-related airway inflammation.

Methods

ICR mice were divided into six experimental groups. Vehicle, two sizes of carbon nano particles, ovalbumin (OVA), and OVA + nano particles were administered intratracheally. Cellular profile of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, lung histology, expression of cytokines, chemokines, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and immunoglobulin production were studied.

Results

Nano particles with a diameter of 14 nm or 56 nm aggravated antigen-related airway inflammation characterized by infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, and mononuclear cells, and by an increase in the number of goblet cells in the bronchial epithelium. Nano particles with antigen increased protein levels of interleukin (IL)-5, IL-6, and IL-13, eotaxin, macrophage chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and regulated on activation and normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES) in the lung as compared with antigen alone. The formation of 8-OHdG, a proper marker of oxidative stress, was moderately induced by nano particles or antigen alone, and was markedly enhanced by antigen plus nano particles as compared with nano particles or antigen alone. The aggravation was more prominent with 14 nm of nano particles than with 56 nm of particles in overall trend. Particles with a diameter of 14 nm exhibited adjuvant activity for total IgE and antigen-specific IgG1and IgE.

Conclusion

Nano particles can aggravate antigen-related airway inflammation and immunoglobulin production, which is more prominent with smaller particles. The enhancement may be mediated, at least partly, by the increased local expression of IL-5 and eotaxin, and also by the modulated expression of IL-13, RANTES, MCP-1, and IL-6.
Rapid urban malaria appraisal (RUMA) I: Epidemiology of urban malaria in Ouagadougou
Authors: Wang Shr-Jie , Lengeler Christian , Smith Thomas A , Vounatsou Penelope , Diadie Diallo A , Pritroipa Xavier , Convelbo Natalie , Kientga Mathieu , Tanner Marcel
Published: September 2005

Background

Rapid urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa has a major impact on malaria epidemiology. While much is known about malaria in rural areas in Burkina Faso, the urban situation is less well understood.

Methods

An assessment of urban malaria was carried out in Ouagadougou in November -December, 2002 during which a rapid urban malaria appraisal (RUMA) was applied.

Results

The school parasitaemia prevalence was relatively high (48.3%) at the cold and dry season 2002. Routine malaria statistics indicated that seasonality of malaria transmission was marked. In the health facilities, the number of clinical cases diminished quickly at the start of the cold and dry season and the prevalence of parasitaemia detected in febrile and non-febrile cases was 21.1% and 22.0%, respectively. The health facilities were likely to overestimate the malaria incidence and the age-specific fractions of malaria-attributable fevers were low (0–0.13). Peak prevalence tended to occur in older children (aged 6–15 years). Mapping of Anopheles sp. breeding sites indicated a gradient of endemicity between the urban centre and the periphery of Ouagadougou. A remarkable link was found between urban agriculture activities, seasonal availability of water supply and the occurrence of malaria infections in this semi-arid area. The study also demonstrated that the usage of insecticide-treated nets and the education level of family caretakers played a key role in reducing malaria infection rates.

Conclusion

These findings show that determining local endemicity and the rate of clinical malaria cases are urgently required in order to target control activities and avoid over-treatment with antimalarials. The case management needs to be tailored to the level of the prevailing endemicity.
Neurobrucellosis presenting as an intra-medullary spinal cord abscess
Authors: Vajramani Girish V , Nagmoti Mahantesh B , Patil Chidanand S
Published: September 2005

Background

Of the diverse presentation of neurobrucellosis, intra-medullary spinal cord abscess is extremely rare. Only four other cases have been reported so far. We present a case of spinal cord intra-medullary abscess due to Brucella melitensis.

Case presentation

A forty-year-old female presented with progressive weakness of both lower limb with urinary incontinence of 6 months duration. She was febrile. Neurological examination revealed flaccid areflexic paraplegia with T10 below sensory impairment including perianal region. An intramedullary mass was diagnosed on Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) scan extending from T12 to L2. At surgery, a large abscess was encountered at the conus medullaris, from which Brucella melitensis was grown on culture. She was started on streptomycin and doxycycline for 1 month, followed by rifampicin and doxycycline for 1 month. At 2-year follow-up, she had recovered only partially and continued to have impaired bladder function.

Conclusion

Neurobrucellosis, if not treated early, can result in severe neurological morbidity and sequale, which may be irreversible. Hence it is important to consider the possibility of neurobrucellosis in endemic region and treat aggressively.
Segregation of a M404V mutation of the p62/sequestosome 1 (p62/SQSTM1) gene with polyostotic Paget's disease of bone in an Italian family
Authors: Falchetti Alberto , Di Stefano Marco , Marini Francesca , Del Monte Francesca , Gozzini Alessia , Masi Laura , Tanini Annalisa , Amedei Antonietta , Carossino Annamaria , Isaia Giancarlo , Brandi Maria Luisa
Published: September 2005

Mutations of the p62/Sequestosome 1 gene (p62/SQSTM1) account for both sporadic and familial forms of Paget's disease of bone (PDB). We originally described a methionine→valine substitution at codon 404 (M404V) of exon 8, in the ubiquitin protein-binding domain of p62/SQSTM1 gene in an Italian PDB patient. The collection of data from the patient's pedigree provided evidence for a familial form of PDB. Extension of the genetic analysis to other relatives in this family demonstrated segregation of the M404V mutation with the polyostotic PDB phenotype and provided the identification of six asymptomatic gene carriers. DNA for mutational analysis of the exon 8 coding sequence was obtained from 22 subjects, 4 PDB patients and 18 clinically unaffected members. Of the five clinically ascertained affected members of the family, four possessed the M404V mutation and exhibited the polyostotic form of PDB, except one patient with a single X-ray-assessed skeletal localization and one with a polyostotic disease who had died several years before the DNA analysis. By both reconstitution and mutational analysis of the pedigree, six unaffected subjects were shown to bear the M404V mutation, representing potential asymptomatic gene carriers whose circulating levels of alkaline phosphatase were recently assessed as still within the normal range. Taken together, these results support a genotype–phenotype correlation between the M404V mutation in the p62/SQSTM1 gene and a polyostotic form of PDB in this family. The high penetrance of the PDB trait in this family together with the study of the asymptomatic gene carriers will allow us to confirm the proposed genotype–phenotype correlation and to evaluate the potential use of mutational analysis of the p62/SQSTM1 gene in the early detection of relatives at risk for PDB.
Effect of antennas on velocity estimates obtained from crosshole GPR data
Authors: Irving James D. , Knight Rosemary J.
Published: September 2005

To obtain tomographic images with the highest possible resolution from crosshole ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data, raypaths covering a wide range of angles between the boreholes are required. In practice, however, the inclusion of high-angle ray data in crosshole GPR inversions often leads to tomograms so dominated by inversion artifacts that they contain little reliable subsurface information. Here, we investigate the problems that arise from the standard assumption that all first-arriving energy travels directly between the centers of the antennas. Through numerical modeling, we show that this assumption is often incorrect at high transmitter-receiver angles and can lead to significant errors in tomographic velocity estimates when the antenna length is a significant fraction of the borehole spacing.
Image gathers of SV-waves in homogeneous and factorized VTI media
Authors: Al-Zayer Ramzy M. , Tsvankin Ilya
Published: September 2005

Reflection moveout of SV-waves in transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI media) can provide valuable information about the model parameters and help to overcome the ambiguities in the inversion of P-wave data. Here, to develop a foundation for shear-wave migration velocity analysis, we study SV-wave image gathers obtained after prestack depth migration. The key issue, addressed using both approximate analytic results and Kirchhoff migration of synthetic data, is whether long-spread SV data can constrain the shear-wave vertical velocity [Formula: see text] and the depth scale of VTI models. For homogeneous media, the residual moveout of horizontal SV events on image gathers is close to hyperbolic and depends just on the NMO velocity [Formula: see text] out to offset-to-depth ratios of about 1.7. Because [Formula: see text] differs from [Formula: see text], flattening moderate-spread gathers of SV-waves does not ensure the correct depth of the migrated events. The residual moveout rapidly becomes nonhyperbolic as the offset-to-depth ratio approaches two, with the migrated depths at long offsets strongly influenced by the SV-wave anisotropy parameter σ. Although the combination of [Formula: see text] and σ is sufficient to constrain the vertical velocity [Formula: see text] and reflector depth, the tradeoff between σ and the Thomsen parameter ε on long-spread gathers causes errors in time-to-depth conversion. The residual moveout of dipping SV events is also controlled by the parameters [Formula: see text], σ, and ε, but in the presence of dip, the contributions of both σ and ε are significant even at small offsets. For factorized v(z) VTI media with a constant SV-wave vertical-velocity gradient [Formula: see text], flattening of horizontal events for a range of depths requires the correct NMO velocity at the surface, the gradient [Formula: see text], and, for long offsets, the parameters σ and ε. On the whole, the nonnegligible uncertainty in the estimation of reflector depth from SV-wave moveout highlights the need to combine P- and SV-wave data in migration velocity analysis for VTI media.
Correlation between aeromagnetic data rejection and geomagnetic indices
Authors: Vallée Marc A. , Newitt Larry , Dumont Régis , Keating Pierre
Published: September 2005

Predicting the rejection of aeromagnetic data would be a useful tool for aeromagnetic survey planning. To relate aeromagnetic survey requirements to geomagnetic activity monitoring and prediction, we analyzed the relationship between the rejection of aeromagnetic data as it is measured during surveys and the variations in existing geomagnetic indices. The magnetic data were collected at Canadian magnetic observatories during 2001 and covered the polar cap, auroral, and subauroral zones. The geomagnetic indices were global and local indices. The global indices included the Kp, ap, and Dst indices. The local indices were the three-component hourly ranges, the three-component maximum rate of change, and the Pc3 pulsation index. The goodness of fit was used to compare the results between the different indices at different locations. In general, there was some correlation between global geomagnetic indices and the rate of rejection of aeromagnetic data. Good correlation with a global index was obtained with the daily mean of the Ap index for a station located in the subauroral zone. The best correlation was obtained with local indices and particularly with the Pc3 index amplitude. From these results we conclude that forecasting Pc3 index amplitude would be a useful tool for planning aeromagnetic surveys.
Porosity and elastic anisotropy of rocks under tectonic stress and pore-pressure changes
Authors: Shapiro Serge A. , Kaselow Axel
Published: September 2005

Elastic properties of rocks depend on tectonic stress. Using the theory of poroelasticity as a constraint, we analyze features of these dependencies related to changes in rock pore-space geometry. We develop a formalism describing elastic moduli and anisotropy of rocks as nonlinear functions of confining stress and pore pressure. This formalism appears to agree with laboratory observations. To a first approximation, elastic moduli and seismic velocities as well as porosity depend only on the difference between the confining tectonic stress and pore pressure. However, in general, both the confining stress tensor and the pore pressure must be taken into account as independent variables. The stress-dependent geometry of the pore space fully controls the stress-induced changes in elastic moduli and seismic velocities. Specifically, the compliant porosity plays the most important role, despite the fact that in many rocks the compliant porosity is a very small part of total porosity. Changes in compliant porosity with pressure and stress explain the often observed behavior of elastic moduli: in the low compressive stress regime — say, below 50 to 100 MPa — moduli increase rapidly and then taper exponentially into a flat and linear increase with increasing load. Taking into account the strain of the compliant pore space, we introduce a tensor quantity defining the sensitivity of elastic moduli of rocks to the difference between confining stress and pore pressure. We call it the stress sensitivity tensor. This tensor is an important physical characteristic directly related to elastic nonlinearity of rocks. The stress sensitivity tensor governs the changes in elastic anisotropy of a drained poroelastic system as it depends upon the applied load.
A new methodology for the acquisition and processing of audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) data in the AMT dead band
Authors: García Xavier , Jones Alan G.
Published: September 2005

Distant lightning activity, the natural energy source for the audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) method, has a signal minimum between 1 and 5 kHz, the so-called AMT dead band. The energy in this band exhibits both diurnal and annual variation; magnetic-field amplitudes during the daytime are often well below the noise levels of existing sensors (coil magnetometers), thus reducing the effectiveness of the method for quantitative high-resolution studies of near-surface targets. To overcome this deficiency, we propose a hybrid acquisition and processing methodology based on combining the telluric-telluric (T-T) and telluric-magnetotelluric (T-MT) methods in this frequency range. Our method records the telluric channels at several sites and at base and remote reference stations during the day and records the full magnetotelluric (MT) components at the base and remote stations only during the night. Applying a tensor multiplicative relationship between these responses, we obtain the T-MT AMT transfer functions for the sites; these transfer functions can represent a reasonable approximation of the real AMT impedance tensors. To test the approach, a T-MT experiment was carried out in Sudbury, northern Ontario, during summer 2000. We compare the processed daytime data using the conventional MT approach to those obtained from our T-MT approach. The results demonstrate that our method can determine high-quality estimates in the dead band, although the estimates can be severely affected by noise.
Computing the optimal transversely isotropic approximation of a general elastic tensor
Authors: Dellinger Joe
Published: September 2005

Mathematically, 21 stiffnesses arranged in a 6 × 6 symmetric matrix completely describe the elastic properties of any homogeneous anisotropic medium, regardless of symmetry system and orientation. However, it can be difficult in practice to characterize an anisotropic medium's properties merely from casual inspection of its (often experimentally measured) stiffness matrix. For characterization purposes, it is better to decompose a measured stiffness matrix into a stiffness matrix for a canonically oriented transversely isotropic (TI) medium (whose properties can be readily understood) plus a generally anisotropic perturbation (representing the medium's deviation from perfect symmetry), followed by a rotation (giving the relationship between the medium's natural coordinate system and the measurement coordinate system). To accomplish this decomposition, we must find the rotated symmetric medium that best approximates a given stiffness matrix. An analytical formula exists for calculating the distance between the elastic properties of two anisotropic media. Starting from this formula, I show how to analytically calculate the TI medium with a [Formula: see text] symmetry axis that is nearest to a given set of 21 stiffness constants. There is no known analytical result if the symmetry axis is not fixed beforehand. I therefore present a simple search algorithm that scans all possible orientations of the nearest TI medium's symmetry axis. The grid is iteratively refined to optimize the solution. The algorithm is simple and robust and works well in practice, but it is not guaranteed to always find the optimal global answer if there are secondary minima that provide almost as good a fit as the optimal one.
Correction of shallow-water electromagnetic data for noise induced by instrument motion
Authors: Lezaeta Pamela F. , Chave Alan D. , Evans Rob L.
Published: September 2005

An unexpected noise source has been found in magnetic- and sometimes electric-field data recorded on the bottom of lakes in the Archean Slave craton (northwestern Canada) during warm seasons. The noise is the result of instrument motion and in some instances direct induction by wind-driven surface gravity waves when the lakes are not ice covered. The noise can be reduced or eliminated by prefiltering the data with an adaptive correlation noise-canceling filter using instrument tilt records prior to estimation of magnetotelluric (MT) response functions. Similar effects are to be expected in other shallow-water environments, and the adaptive correlation canceler is a suitable method to preprocess MT data to reduce motion-related noise in the magnetic field. This underscores the importance of ancillary tilt measurements in shallow-water MT surveys. In coastal or lake-bottom surveys, special efforts to reduce hydrodynamic effects on the instrument should also be pursued.
Intellectual Property
Authors: Walker David A.
Published: September 2005

The Intellectual Property department in each issue of Geophysics provides U.S. patent abstracts, published patent abstracts of U.S. patent applications, and published abstracts filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Effect of Age and Previous Autologous Transplantation on Nonrelapse Mortality and Survival in Patients Treated With Reduced-Intensity Conditioning and Allografting for Advanced Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Corradini P. , Zallio F. , Mariotti J. , Farina L. , Bregni M. , Valagussa P. , Ciceri F. , Bacigalupo A. , Dodero A. , Lucesole M. , Patriarca F. , Rambaldi A. , Scimè R. , Locasciulli A. , Bandini G. , Gianni A.M. , Tarella C. , Olivieri A.
Published: September 2005

Purpose

Older age and a previously failed autologous stem-cell transplantation (SCT) are poor prognostic factors for patients receiving myeloablative conditioning and allogeneic SCT. Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens achieved a significant reduction of treatment-related mortality, but the influence of previously described risk factors on the outcome of this novel transplantation strategy have not been fully analyzed yet.

Patients and Methods

One hundred fifty patients with advanced hematologic malignancies received a RIC regimen containing thiotepa (10 mg/kg), fludarabine (60 mg/m2), and cyclophosphamide (60 mg/kg), followed by an allogeneic transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling donor. Patients were divided into two cohorts according to age; 90 patients were younger than 55 years, and 60 patients were 55 years old or older. The other pretransplantation characteristics were fairly balanced.

Results

Actuarial 5-year nonrelapse mortality (NRM) rate was not statistically different between the groups (13% in the younger group and 19% in the older group). By univariate and multivariate analysis, NRM was significantly higher in older patients who previously experienced failure with an autograft. The occurrence of grade 3 to 4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or extensive chronic GVHD was associated with a higher NRM in both age cohorts. Overall survival (OS) was not statistically different between the younger (66%) and older groups (61%). By multivariate analysis, refractory disease was associated with a worse OS irrespective of age group.

Conclusion

RIC transplantations show a rather low NRM, and age ≥ 55 years per se cannot be considered a risk factor anymore. The timing of transplantation and novel strategies for the prevention of severe GVHD could further improve patient outcome.
Minority Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes, Health Care Utilization, and Health-Related Behaviors From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Castellino Sharon M. , Casillas Jacqueline , Hudson Melissa M. , Mertens Ann C. , Whitton John , Brooks Sandra L. , Zeltzer Lonnie K. , Ablin Arthur , Castleberry Robert , Hobbie Wendy , Kaste Sue , Robison Leslie L. , Oeffinger Kevin C.
Published: September 2005

Purpose

To determine the influence of race/ethnicity on outcomes in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS).

Patients and Methods

Of CCSS adult survivors in the United States, 443 (4.9%) were black, 503 (5.6%) were Hispanic and 7,821 (86.6%) were white. Mean age at interview, 26.9 years (range, 18 to 48 years); mean follow-up, 17.2 years (range, 8.7 to 28.4 years). Late mortality, second malignancy (SMN) rates, health care utilization, and health status and behaviors were assessed for blacks and Hispanics and compared with white survivors.

Results

Late mortality rate (6.5%) and 15-year cumulative incidence of SMN (3.5%) were similar across racial/ethnic groups. Minority survivors were more likely to have lower socioeconomic status (SES); final models were adjusted for income, education, and health insurance. Although overall health status was similar, black survivors were less likely to report adverse mental health (females: odds ratio [OR], 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4 to 0.9; males: OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.8). Differences in health care utilization and behaviors noted: Hispanic survivors were more likely to report a cancer center visit (females: OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.0; males: OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.3); black females were more likely (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.4), and Hispanic females less likely to have a recent Pap smear (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5 to 1.0); black and Hispanic survivors were less likely to report smoking; black survivors were less likely to report problem drinking.

Conclusion

Adjusted for SES, adverse outcomes in CCSS were not associated with minority status. Importantly, black survivors reported less risky behaviors and better preventive practices. Hispanic survivors had equitable access to cancer related care.
A Novel and Selective β-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone-Derived Peptide Agonist for Melanocortin 4 Receptor Potently Decreased Food Intake and Body Weight Gain in Diet-Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Hsiung Hansen M. , Hertel JeAnne , Zhang Xing-yue , Smith Dennis P. , Smiley David L. , Heiman Mark L. , Yang Derek D. , Husain Saba , Mayer John P. , Zhang Lianshan , Mo Huaping , Yan Liang Zeng
Published: September 2005

αMSH has generally been accepted as the endogenous ligand for melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), which plays a major role in energy homeostasis. Targeting MC4R to develop antiobesity agents, many investigators have performed a structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies based on αMSH structure. In this report, we performed a SAR study using human βMSH (5–22 ) (DEGPYRMEHFRWGSPPKD, peptide 1) as a lead sequence to develop potent and selective agonists for MC4R and MC3R. The SAR study was begun with a truncation of N terminus of βMSH (5–22 ) together with acetylation of the N terminus and amidation of the C terminus of the peptide. Introduction of a cyclic disulfide constrain and replacement of L-Phe with D-Phe afforded a super potent agonist (peptide 5). Furthermore truncation at the C terminus generated a small and potent MC4R and MC3R agonist (Ac-YRcyclo[CEHdFRWC]amide, peptide 6), which exhibited no MC5R and greatly reduced MC1R activity. Molecular modeling of Ac-YRcyclo[CEHdFRWC]amide (peptide 6) revealed that Arg2 in the peptide formed a salt bridge with Glu4. Subcutaneous or intracerebroventricular administration of peptide 6 in rats showed potent in vivo efficacy as evidenced by its effects in reducing energy balance, increasing fat use, and decreasing weight gain in both acute and chronic rat metabolic studies. Furthermore, the antiobesity effect by peptide 6 was manifested only in wild-type but not MC4R-deficient mice, indicating that antiobesity effects of the peptide were attributed largely through MC4R but not MC3R agonist activity of the peptide.
Up-Regulation of Advanced Glycated Products Receptors in the Brain of Diabetic Rats Is Prevented by Antioxidant Treatment
Authors: Aragno Manuela , Mastrocola Raffaella , Medana Claudio , Restivo Francesca , Catalano Maria G. , Pons Nicoletta , Danni Oliviero , Boccuzzi Giuseppe
Published: September 2005

Diabetics have at least twice the risk of stroke and may show performance deficit in a wide range of cognitive domains. The mechanisms underlying this gradually developing end-organ damage may involve both vascular changes and direct damage to neuronal cells as a result of overproduction of superoxide by the respiratory chain and consequent oxidative stress. The study aimed to assess the role of oxidative stress on the aldose reductase-polyol pathway, on advanced glycated end-product (AGE)/AGE-receptor interaction, and on downstream signaling in the hippocampus of streptozotocin-treated rats. Data show that, in diabetic rats, levels of prooxidant compounds increase, whereas levels of antioxidant compounds fall. Receptor for AGE and galectin-3 content and polyol flux increase, whereas glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity is impaired. Moreover, nuclear factor κB (p65) transcription factor levels and S-100 protein are increased in the hippocampus cytosol, suggesting that oxidative stress triggers the cascade of events that finally leads to neuronal damage. Dehydroepiandrosterone, the most abundant hormonal steroid in the blood, has been reported to possess antioxidant properties. When dehydroepiandrosterone was administered to diabetic rats, the improved oxidative imbalance and the marked reduction of AGE receptors paralleled the reduced activation of nuclear factor κB and the reduction of S-100 levels, reinforcing the suggestion that oxidative stress plays a role in diabetes-related neuronal damage.
Rhythmic Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Expression of Clock Genes and Adipocytokines in Mouse Visceral Adipose Tissue
Authors: Ando Hitoshi , Yanagihara Hayato , Hayashi Yohei , Obi Yuri , Tsuruoka Shuichi , Takamura Toshinari , Kaneko Shuichi , Fujimura Akio
Published: September 2005

Various peripheral tissues show circadian rhythmicity, which is generated at the cellular level by their own core oscillators that are composed of transcriptional/translational feedback loops involving a set of clock genes. Although the circulating levels of some adipocytokines, i.e. bioactive substances secreted by adipocytes, are on a 24-h rhythmic cycle, it remains to be elucidated whether the clock gene system works in adipose tissue. To address this issue, we investigated the daily mRNA expression profiles of the clock genes and adipocytokines in mouse perigonadal adipose tissues. In C57BL/6J mice, all transcript levels of the clock genes (Bmal1, Per1, Per2, Cry1, Cry2, and Dbp) and adipocytokines (adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin) clearly showed 24-h rhythms. On the other hand, the rhythmic expression of these genes was mildly attenuated in obese KK mice and greatly attenuated in more obese, diabetic KK-Ay mice. Obese diabetes also diminished the rhythmic expression of the clock genes in the liver. Interestingly, a 2-wk treatment of KK and KK-Ay mice with pioglitazone impaired the 24-h rhythmicity of the mRNA expression of the clock genes and adipocytokines despite the antidiabetic effect of the drug. In contrast, pioglitazone improved the attenuated rhythmicity in the liver. These findings suggest that the intracellular clock gene system acts in visceral adipose tissues as well as liver and is influenced by the conditions of obesity/type 2 diabetes and pioglitazone treatment.