bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Stavropoulos PG , Goules AV , Avgerinou G , Katsambas AD
Published: June 2008

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is a photosensitive form of lupus‐specific skin lesion that is strongly associated with the presence of anti‐Ro/SSA autoantibody. The pathogenesis of SCLE includes genetic, environmental and immunologic factors. Recent studies provide strong evidence for the involvement of innate and cell‐mediated immunity, underlying the important role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, interferon‐α and antibody‐dependent cell cytotoxicity. In addition, a variety of cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules have been found to participate in the expansion phase of the autoimmune effector mechanisms. This article summarizes the recent immunological findings and reviews the current mechanisms which are implied in the development of the disease.
Local tissue water assessed by tissue dielectric constant: anatomical site and depth dependence in women prior to breast cancer treatment‐related surgery
Authors: Mayrovitz Harvey N. , Davey Suzanne , Shapiro Elizabeth
Published: June 2008

Assessing local tissue water using tissue dielectric constant (TDC) values is useful to evaluate oedema/lymphoedema features and their change. Knowledge of anatomical site and tissue depth dependence of TDC values could extend this method’s utility. Our goal was to compare TDC values obtained at anatomically paired sites and to investigate their depth dependence. In 22 women (12 awaiting surgery for breast cancer and 10 cancer‐free control subjects), four sites (mid‐forearm, mid‐biceps, axilla and lateral thorax) on both body sides were measured with a 2·5‐mm sampling depth probe. Also, at forearm, four different probes with sampling depths of 0·5, 1·5, 2·5 and 5 mm were used. TDC values range between 1 for zero water to 78·5 for 100% water. Site comparisons showed TDC values (mean ± SD) to be largest at axilla (36·4 ± 8·9), least at biceps (21·6 ± 3·5) and not different between forearm and thorax (24·3 ± 4·0 versus 24·8 ± 5·0). Group comparisons showed slightly greater values in patients at forearm and biceps (P<0·05) but no group difference at other sites. Dominant‐non‐dominant side comparisons showed no significant difference in paired‐TDC values in either group at any site. Forearm TDC values decreased with increasing depth from 36·4 ± 4·8 at 0·5 mm to a minimum of 21·4 ± 3·9 at 5·0 mm, with a sharp decline between 1·5 and 2·5 mm. The composite findings suggest that TDC measurements have the necessary features for usefully assessing oedema/lymphoedema and its change on limbs and at body sites not routinely amenable to assessment by other techniques. The depth dependence feature provides additional flexibility to investigate oedematous or lymphoedematous conditions.
Predicting arterial stiffness with ambulatory blood pressure: an 11‐year follow‐up
Authors: Virtanen Marko P. O. , Kööbi Tiit , Turjanmaa Väinö M. H. , Majahalme Silja , Tuomisto Martti T. , Nieminen Tuomo , Kähönen Mika
Published: June 2008

No prospective data have been published on whether ambulatory blood pressure (BP) works better than casual measurements in predicting arterial stiffness. This study with 11‐year follow‐up was launched to evaluate the usefulness of ambulatory intra‐arterial BP in predicting pulse wave velocity (PWV). Ninety‐seven previously healthy men were recruited from a routine physical check‐up at baseline. BP was measured with standard cuff and intra‐arterial ambulatory methods. Sixty‐seven subjects with no antihypertensive medication were enrolled for a visit after a follow‐up of 11 years. Arterial stiffness was estimated with PWV derived with impedance cardiography. Ambulatory 24‐h systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0·30, P = 0·01), 24‐h mean arterial pressure (r = 0·27, P = 0·03), 24‐h pulse pressure (r = 0·27, P = 0·03) and daytime SBP (r = 0·26, P = 0·03) were the best BP variables in predicting future PWV. Casual BP values did not bear significant correlations with future PWV. In hierarchical regression analysis, the best predictive value for future PWV was achieved with the model including ambulatory 24‐h SBP, smoking (number of cigarettes) and age (adjusted R2 = 0·26). In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the only prospective follow‐up study to show that ambulatory BP is superior to casual BP measurement in predicting future PWV.
Targeting Primary Care Referrals to Smoking Cessation Clinics Does Not Improve Quit Rates: Implementing Evidence‐Based Interventions into Practice
Authors: Yano Elizabeth M. , Rubenstein Lisa V. , Farmer Melissa M. , Chernof Bruce A. , Mittman Brian S. , Lanto Andrew B. , Simon Barbara F. , Lee Martin L. , Sherman Scott E.
Published: June 2008

Objective. To evaluate the impact of a locally adapted evidence‐based quality improvement (EBQI) approach to implementation of smoking cessation guidelines into routine practice.

Data Sources/Study Setting. We used patient questionnaires, practice surveys, and administrative data in Veterans Health Administration (VA) primary care practices across five southwestern states.

Study Design. In a group‐randomized trial of 18 VA facilities, matched on size and academic affiliation, we evaluated intervention practices' abilities to implement evidence‐based smoking cessation care following structured evidence review, local priority setting, quality improvement plan development, practice facilitation, expert feedback, and monitoring. Control practices received mailed guidelines and VA audit‐feedback reports as usual care.

Data Collection. To represent the population of primary care‐based smokers, we randomly sampled and screened 36,445 patients to identify and enroll eligible smokers at baseline (n=1,941) and follow‐up at 12 months (n=1,080). We used computer‐assisted telephone interviewing to collect smoking behavior, nicotine dependence, readiness to change, health status, and patient sociodemographics. We used practice surveys to measure structure and process changes, and administrative data to assess population utilization patterns.

Principal Findings. Intervention practices adopted multifaceted EBQI plans, but had difficulty implementing them, ultimately focusing on smoking cessation clinic referral strategies. While attendance rates increased (p<.0001), we found no intervention effect on smoking cessation.

Conclusions. EBQI stimulated practices to increase smoking cessation clinic referrals and try other less evidence‐based interventions that did not translate into improved quit rates at a population level.
Synthesis, spectral characterisation and anti‐bacterial activity of various 1,3,4‐oxadiazine cyanine dyes
Authors: Shindy H A , El‐Maghraby M A , Eissa F M
Published: June 2008

A number of new styryl, aza‐styryl, acyclic mero, cyclic mero and mixed cyanine dyes with a benzo[2,3‐e; 2′,3′‐e′]bis‐1,3,4‐oxadiazine nucleus were synthesised. The absorption spectra in the visible region of all the synthesised cyanine dyes in 95% ethanol solution were examined and studied in detail. Anti‐bacterial activity for a number of selected dyes was evaluated against various bacterial strains. The structural determination was carried out using elemental and spectroscopic analysis.
Mutation analysis and characterization of COL7A1 mutations in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Dang Ningning , Murrell Dédée F.
Published: June 2008

Abstract:  Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is inherited in both an autosomal dominant DEB and autosomal recessive manner RDEB, both of which result from mutations in the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1). To date, 324 pathogenic mutations have been detected within COL7A1 in different variants of DEB; many mutations are clustered in exon 73 (10.74%) which is close to the 39 amino acid interruption region. Dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa usually involves glycine substitutions within the triple helix of COL7A1 although other missense mutations, deletions or splice‐site mutations may underlie some cases. In recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, the mutations include nonsense, splice site, deletions or insertions, ‘silent’ glycine substitutions within the triple helix and non‐glycine missense mutations within the triple helix or non‐collagenous NC‐2 domain. The nature of mutations in COL7A1 and their positions correlate reasonably logically with the severity of the resulting phenotypes.
Grip strength in children: Test–retest reliability using Grippit
Authors: Svensson E , Waling K , Häger‐Ross C
Published: June 2008

Aim: To examine the reliability of peak and sustained grip strength in children using the Grippit. We compared the reliability of one trial, the best and mean of three trials and the reliability within 6‐, 10‐ and 14‐year‐old groups.

Design: Test–retest study.

Methods: Grip strength with the Grippit instrument was evaluated at two test occasions in 58 children. Intraclass correlation coefficient 2.1 (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) also expressed as a percentage value (SEM%), coefficient of repeatability and coefficient of variation were calculated.

Results: The test–retest reliability was good for both peak and sustained grip strength. The mean and best of three trials were equally reliable. Peak grip strength best of three trials, for example, was more reliable for the 6‐year‐olds (ICC 0.96, SEM% 6.3) and 14‐year‐olds (ICC 0.96, SEM% 5.2) compared to the 10‐year‐olds (ICC 0.78, SEM% 12.5). For peak grip strength in the whole sample, there was a systematic bias with better performance at the second measurement.

Conclusion: Grip strength assessment in children with Grippit results in good relative and absolute reliability for peak and sustained grip strength. We recommend that three test trials are used. The mean of and the best of three trials are comparable.
Psychosexual Development of Children and Adolescents with Hypospadias
Authors: Schönbucher Verena B. , Landolt Markus A. , Gobet Rita , Weber Daniel M.
Published: June 2008

Introduction

Hypospadias is the most common malformation of the penis. Despite the common assumption that hypospadias may affect children's psychosexual development, only a few studies report on the patients’ psychosexual adjustment during childhood and adolescence.

Aim

A comprehensive, cross-sectional investigation of the psychosexual development of boys operated on for hypospadias in comparison to a healthy control group.

Methods

Sixty-eight children and adolescents (7–17 years) operated on for hypospadias were examined by means of a standardized interview assessing penile self-perception, gender-role behavior, sexual experiences, and sexual attitude. Scores were compared to an age-matched control group consisting of 68 boys after hernia repair. Predictive values of medical variables as well as the patients’ knowledge of hypospadias were assessed.

Main Outcome Measures

The Pediatric Penile Perception Score, the Gender-Role Questionnaire by Ijntema and Cohen-Kettenis, and a self-developed questionnaire on first sexual experiences and sexual attitude comprised the standardized assessment instruments.

Results

Boys with hypospadias did not significantly differ from the control subjects with regard to penile self-perception, gender-role behavior, first sexual experiences, and sexual attitude. Younger age and the patient's knowledge of hypospadias predicted a more positive penile self-perception, while a more pronounced masculine gender-role behavior was best predicted by younger age at final surgery.

Conclusions

Boys with corrected hypospadias may show a psychosexual development that is similar to healthy children. Puberty could be a critical time for the patients, however, during which they might require regular urological follow-ups and may benefit from age-appropriate information about their penile condition. Moreover, the later corrective surgery is completed, the more likely the patients may become insecure with regard to gender-role behavior.
Understanding food structure and function in developing food for appetite control
Authors: LUNDIN Leif , GOLDING Matthew , WOOSTER Tim J.
Published: June 2008

There is an emerging interest in the impact of food structure on digestion behaviour and its relationship to human nutrition. The interactions between individual macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrate) in many cases control the rate of digestive processes such as proteolysis and lipolysis. Macronutrient interactions can also control the material properties of ingested foods which can influence post‐prandial metabolic responses. This review summarises the current research into how the structure of individual macronutrients impacts digestion and how this relates to appetite.
Health claims and functional foods
Authors: WILLIAMS Peter , GHOSH Dilip
Published: June 2008

Australia and New Zealand are currently preparing a new food standard, which will allow the use of health claims for functional foods. The aims of this study were to summarise current regulatory proposals and to review recent research from the National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods on the use and understanding of health claims. All relevant publications from the National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods, cited in the annual reports from 2003 to 2007, were reviewed and summarised. Five publications have reported surveys of the use of health claims on food labels, in magazine advertising and on the Internet. High‐level claims that do not comply with current food regulations are being used, particularly in advertising. Both dietitians and marketing experts agree that many of the claims currently used are potentially misleading. Focus group studies have shown that consumers are interested in health claims but are sceptical about their reliability from manufacturers without strong regulation. Experimental studies show that the format of claims, and the food on which they are carried, influence consumer acceptance. Many factors other than the actual words used in health claims influence consumer purchase decisions. However, current research indicates that claims can improve understanding of the benefits of functional foods and potentially support healthier food choices.
FTY720 Rescue Therapy in the Dark Agouti Rat Model of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: Expression of Central Nervous System Genes and Reversal of Blood‐Brain‐Barrier Damage
Authors: Foster Carolyn A. , Mechtcheriakova Diana , Storch Maria K. , Balatoni Balázs , Howard Laurence M. , Bornancin Frédéric , Wlachos Alexander , Sobanov Jury , Kinnunen Anu , Baumruker Thomas
Published: June 2008

FTY720 (fingolimod) is an oral sphingosine‐1 phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator in phase III development for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. To further investigate its mode of action, we analyzed gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS) during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). FTY720 downregulated inflammatory genes in addition to vascular adhesion molecules. It decreased the matrix metalloproteinase gene MMP‐9 and increased its counterregulator—tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase, TIMP‐1—resulting in a proteolytic balance that favors preservation of blood‐brain‐barrier (BBB) integrity. Furthermore, FTY720 reduced S1P lyase that increases the S1P concentration in the brain, in line with a marked reversal of neurological deficits and raising the possibility for enhanced triggering of S1P receptors on resident brain cells. This is accompanied by an increase in S1P1 and S1P5 in contrast with the attenuation of S1P3 and S1P4. Late‐stage rescue therapy with FTY720, even up to 1 month after EAE onset, reversed BBB leakiness and reduced demyelination, along with normalization of neurologic function. Our results indicate rapid blockade of ongoing disease processes by FTY720, and structural restoration of the CNS parenchyma, which is likely caused by the inhibition of autoimmune T cell infiltration and direct modulation of microvascular and/or glial cells.
Rise of the Andes
Authors: Garzione Carmala N. , Hoke Gregory D. , Libarkin Julie C. , Withers Saunia , MacFadden Bruce , Eiler John , Ghosh Prosenjit , Mulch Andreas
Published: June 2008

The surface uplift of mountain belts is generally assumed to reflect progressive shortening and crustal thickening, leading to their gradual rise. Recent studies of the Andes indicate that their elevation remained relatively stable for long periods (tens of millions of years), separated by rapid (1 to 4 million years) changes of 1.5 kilometers or more. Periodic punctuated surface uplift of mountain belts probably reflects the rapid removal of unstable, dense lower lithosphere after long-term thickening of the crust and lithospheric mantle.
Fission Yeast Pot1-Tpp1 Protects Telomeres and Regulates Telomere Length
Authors: Miyoshi Tomoichiro , Kanoh Junko , Saito Motoki , Ishikawa Fuyuki
Published: June 2008

Telomeres are specialized chromatin structures that protect chromosomal ends. Protection of telomeres 1 (Pot1) binds to the telomeric G-rich overhang, thereby protecting telomeres and regulating telomerase. Mammalian POT1 and TPP1 interact and constitute part of the six-protein shelterin complex. Here we report that Tpz1, the TPP1 homolog in fission yeast, forms a complex with Pot1. Tpz1 binds to Ccq1 and the previously undiscovered protein Poz1 (Pot1-associated in
Schizosaccharomyces pombe
), which protect telomeres redundantly and regulate telomerase in positive and negative manners, respectively. Thus, the Pot1-Tpz1 complex accomplishes its functions by recruiting effector molecules Ccq1 and Poz1. Moreover, Poz1 bridges Pot1-Tpz1 and Taz1-Rap1, thereby connecting the single-stranded and double-stranded telomeric DNA regions. Such molecular architectures are similar to those of mammalian shelterin, indicating that the overall DNA-protein architecture is conserved across evolution.
Subdiffraction Multicolor Imaging of the Nuclear Periphery with 3D Structured Illumination Microscopy
Authors: Schermelleh Lothar , Carlton Peter M. , Haase Sebastian , Shao Lin , Winoto Lukman , Kner Peter , Burke Brian , Cardoso M. Cristina , Agard David A. , Gustafsson Mats G. L. , Leonhardt Heinrich , Sedat John W.
Published: June 2008

Fluorescence light microscopy allows multicolor visualization of cellular components with high specificity, but its utility has until recently been constrained by the intrinsic limit of spatial resolution. We applied three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) to circumvent this limit and to study the mammalian nucleus. By simultaneously imaging chromatin, nuclear lamina, and the nuclear pore complex (NPC), we observed several features that escape detection by conventional microscopy. We could resolve single NPCs that colocalized with channels in the lamin network and peripheral heterochromatin. We could differentially localize distinct NPC components and detect double-layered invaginations of the nuclear envelope in prophase as previously seen only by electron microscopy. Multicolor 3D-SIM opens new and facile possibilities to analyze subcellular structures beyond the diffraction limit of the emitted light.
The Role of Interstitial Sites in the Ti
3d
Defect State in the Band Gap of Titania
Authors: Wendt Stefan , Sprunger Phillip T. , Lira Estephania , Madsen Georg K. H. , Li Zheshen , Hansen Jonas Ø. , Matthiesen Jesper , Blekinge-Rasmussen Asger , Lægsgaard Erik , Hammer Bjørk , Besenbacher Flemming
Published: June 2008

Titanium dioxide (TiO
2
) has a number of uses in catalysis, photochemistry, and sensing that are linked to the reducibility of the oxide. Usually, bridging oxygen (O
br
) vacancies are assumed to cause the Ti
3d
defect state in the band gap of rutile TiO
2
(110). From high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy and photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, we propose that Ti interstitials in the near-surface region may be largely responsible for the defect state in the band gap. We argue that these donor-specific sites play a key role in and may dictate the ensuing surface chemistry, such as providing the electronic charge required for O
2
adsorption and dissociation. Specifically, we identified a second O
2
dissociation channel that occurs within the Ti troughs in addition to the O
2
dissociation channel in O
br
vacancies. Comprehensive density functional theory calculations support these experimental observations.
Inhibition of Apoptosis in
Cryptosporidium parvum
-Infected Intestinal Epithelial Cells Is Dependent on Survivin
Authors: Liu Jin , Enomoto Shinichiro , Lancto Cheryl A. , Abrahamsen Mitchell S. , Rutherford Mark S.
Published: June 2008

Cryptosporidium parvum
is an obligate intracellular protozoan capable of causing severe diarrheal disease in a wide variety of mammals, including humans.
C. parvum
infection has been associated with induction of apoptosis in exposed epithelial cells, and we now demonstrate that apoptosis is restricted to a subset of cells actively infected with
C. parvum
. Approximately 20% of the infected cells underwent apoptosis within 48 h of infection, suggesting that the majority of the infected cells are rescued from apoptosis.
C. parvum
infection resulted in low-level activation of multiple members of the caspase family, including caspase-2, -3, -4, -6, -8, and -9. The kinetics of caspase activation correlated with apoptosis over a 48-h time course. Pan caspase inhibitors reduced apoptosis of epithelial cells infected by
C. parvum
. Furthermore,
C. parvum
infection inhibited staurosporine-induced apoptosis and caspase-3/7 activation at 24 h and 48 h. Infection with
C. parvum
led to upregulation of genes encoding inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), including c-IAP1, c-IAP2, XIAP, and survivin. Knockdown of survivin gene expression, but not that of c-IAP1, c-IAP2, or XIAP expression, increased caspase-3/7 activity as well as apoptosis of infected cells and decreased
C. parvum
18S rRNA levels. These data suggest that the apoptotic response of infected intestinal epithelial cells is actively suppressed by
C. parvum
via upregulation of survivin, favoring parasite infection.
Age-specific parental knowledge of restraint transitions influences appropriateness of child occupant restraint use
Authors: Bilston L E , Finch C , Hatfield J , Brown J
Published: June 2008

Objective:

To determine the factors that influence appropriate restraint usage by child occupants across the age range for which any type of child restraint may be appropriate (0–10 years).

Design:

Randomized household telephone survey.

Setting:

Statewide survey, New South Wales, Australia.

Subjects:

Parents or carers of children aged 0–10 years.

Main outcome measures:

Parental reporting of appropriateness of child restraint.

Methods:

Demographic information and data on age, size, restraint practices, parental knowledge of child occupant safety, and attitude to restraint use was collected using a structured interview. Data were analysed using logistic regression after cluster adjustment.

Results:

Inappropriate restraint use by children was widespread, particularly in children aged 2+ years. Overall, parental knowledge of appropriate ages for restraint transitions was associated with increased likelihood of appropriate restraint use. Lower levels of formal parental education, larger families, parental restraint non-use, and parent/child negotiability of restraint use were predictors of inappropriate restraint use. For particular child age subgroups, the parental knowledge that predicted appropriate restraint use was specific to that age group. Most parents felt that they knew enough to safely restrain their child, despite widespread inappropriate restraint use.

Conclusions:

Parents are more likely to make appropriate restraint choices for their children if they possess restraint knowledge specific to their children’s age and size. Educational campaigns may be most effective when they provide information for specific ages and transition points. Strategies to overcome parents’ misplaced confidence that they know enough to restrain their children safely are also indicated.
How tobacco protects you against the flu: Figure 1
Authors: Schneider N K , Ling P M
Published: June 2008

Under the heading “How tobacco protects you against the flu”, the German chemical industry portrays a tobacco grower in an idyllic tobacco plantation. Despite the recent ban of transnational tobacco advertising within the European Union, using tobacco to promote another industry and potential societal health benefits might indirectly promote the social acceptability of tobacco to social leaders. The tobacco control community should thus monitor the use of other industries as a new method to circumvent the tobacco advertising ban and to support the social acceptability of tobacco by associating it with potential health benefits.
Observations on the development of the silica cells of the leaf sheath of wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Blackman Elizabeth
Published: June 2008

The formation of silica cells in the sheath epidermis of wheat is described. These cells are of two types, unpaired rod-shaped cells and isodiametric cells paired with basal cork cells. When the leaves have expanded fully, the potential silica cells have reached their mature shape, with thin, usually concave outer walls. At this stage, the nucleus and cytoplasm of these cells are suddenly lost, producing apparently empty cells. After this, silica appears to accumulate and precipitate in these empty cells. Very early stages of silica accumulation could not be detected, but later, refractive granular masses of precipitated silica gel can be seen in fixed, dehydrated preparations. In aqueous mounts the accumulating silica appears as a translucent peripheral mass, surrounding vesicular contents. Further silica accumulation produces the mature, glassy silica bodies containing small vesicles which probably represent some remnant of the disintegrated cytoplasm. The young silica cells did not seem to have the low pH levels sometimes suggested as initiating silica precipitation. Enzyme localization tests did not distinguish potential silica cells from their immediate neighbors.
The use of lodicule type in assessing the origin of Avena fatuoids
Authors: Baum Bernard R.
Published: June 2008

It was assumed, on the basis of earlier findings, that the Sativa-type lodicule coupled with other morphological characters is diagnostic of Avena sativa L. and that the Fatua-type lodicule is indicative of A. fatua L. or of F1 hybrids between these two taxa. Almost all of many samples of putative fatuoids that were collected in fields of cultivated oats proved to have Sativa-type lodicules and thus definitely were not of hybrid origin. Using this method, fatuoids can be recognized even when the variety from which they are supposed to have arisen is unknown. The lodicules of many chromosome aberrants were stunted but still conserved their Sativa-type configuration. The few cases of putative fatuoids with Fatua-type lodicules were interpreted as F1 hybrids of A. fatua by Fatuoid and others of A. fatua by A. sativa, depending on gross morphological characters as well. The possibility that as a result of hybrid status of a variety, genetic instability becomes a major factor causing occurrence of fatuoids has been considered.
History of forest damage in Monchegorsk, Kola; a retrospective analysis based on tree rings
Authors: Nöjd Pekka , Saranpää Pekka , Mikkola Kari
Published: June 2008

Emissions from a nonferrous smelter have damaged forest ecosystems in the vicinity of the city of Monchegorsk located in northwestern Russia. We analyzed the timing and rate of growth reductions of Scots pine (Pinussylvestris L.) as well as the timing of the eventual cessation of radial growth using the methods of tree-ring analysis. The study material consisted of 304 dead and living Scots pines, sampled between 2 and 130 km south and southwest of the smelter. Near the smelter, growth declined abruptly and ceased within 12 years after the smelter started operation in 1939. The area where the studied mature Scots pines no longer form annual rings has expanded at a rate of approximately 0.5 km per year since 1951.
Synoptic climatology of lightning-caused forest fires in subalpine and boreal forests
Authors: Nash C.H. , Johnson E.A.
Published: June 2008

The coupling of synoptic scale weather conditions with local scale weather and fuel conditions was examined for 2551 fires and 1 537 624 lightning strikes for the May through August fire seasons in 1988, 1989, 1992, and 1993 in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The probability of lightning fire occurrence (number of fires/number of strikes) is near zero until the Fine Fuel Moisture Code reaches 87 (moisture content of 14% dry weight), after which the probability increases rapidly. Duff Moisture and Drought Codes show less clear increases. In all cases, the probability of fire occurrence was low (the number of strikes greatly exceeded the number of forest fires), suggesting that lightning fire ignition coupled with early spread to detection was an uncommon event. This low probability of fire occurrence even at low fuel moisture may be a result of the arrangement and continuity of fuels in the boreal and subalpine forests. The literature suggests a higher probability of lightning-ignited fires in qualitatively different fuels, e.g., grasslands. The higher probability of fire at lower fuel moistures occurred primarily when high pressure dominated (positive 50-kPa anomaly) for at least 3 days and less than 1.5 mm precipitation occurred. The highest number of lightning strikes and largest number of fires also occurred when high pressure dominated. The high lightning numbers during high pressure systems were logistically related to increasing atmospheric instability (K-index).
Regeneration and growth of white spruce and alpine fir in the interior of British Columbia
Authors: Eis S. , Craigdallie D.
Published: June 2008

Survival and height growth of planted white spruce, Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss, and alpine fir, Abieslasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt., seedlings, the growth of competing shrubs, and height, diameter, and volume growth of spruce and fir up to about 130 years of age were studied on Alluvial and Aralia sites in the central interior of British Columbia to assess the suitability of alpine fir for restocking the sites where shrub competition causes heavy seedling mortality of spruce. Alpine fir regenerated successfully under heavy shrub competition where spruce generally failed, and its growth up to almost 100 years was better than that of spruce. Spruce maintained its growth longer. Spruce should be favored where its regeneration can be assured. Where shrubs prevent regeneration of spruce, however, alpine fir may provide a viable and even economically justifiable alternative.
Minicomputer production of digital terrain models
Authors: Kourtz Peter
Published: June 2008

An inexpensive method for producing gridded elevation data from contour maps using a minicomputer is described. A scanning densitometer is used to convert contour map templates to a matrix of 0's and 1's. These binary data are displayed on a computer graphies terminal, where an operator assigns an elevation to each contour. The computer automatically follows the contour, and in the process, extracts the associated contour polygon. A separate program, using the contour polygons, produces a grid of interpolated elevation points from which slopes and aspects can be computed.
Medical Qigong for Cancer Patients: Pilot Study of Impact on Quality of Life, Side Effects of Treatment and Inflammation
Authors: Oh Byeongsang , Butow Phyllis , Mullan Barbara , Clarke Stephen
Published: June 2008

Quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients is often diminished due to the side effects of treatment and symptoms of the disease itself. Medical Qigong (coordination of gentle exercise and relaxation through meditation and breathing exercise based on Chinese medicine theory of energy channels) may be an effective therapy for improving QOL, symptoms and side effects, and longevity of cancer patients. In this pilot study, the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of Medical Qigong (MQ) were evaluated on outcomes in cancer patients. Thirty patients diagnosed with heterogeneous cancers, were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group that received usual medical care and an intervention group who participated in a MQ program for 8 weeks in addition to receiving usual medical care. Randomization was stratified by completion of cancer treatment ( n = 14) or under chemotherapy ( n = 16). Patients completed measures before and after the program. Quality of life and symptoms were measured by the EORTC QLQ-C 30 and progress of disease by the inflammation biomarker (CRP: c-reactive protein) via a blood test was assessed. The MQ intervention group reported clinically significant improved global QOL scores pre- and post-intervention. The MQ intervention also reduced the symptoms of side effects of cancer treatment and inflammation biomarker (CRP) compare to the control group. Due to the small sample size, however, the results were not statistically significant between treatment and the control groups. Data from the pilot study suggest that MQ with usual medical treatment can enhance the QOL of cancer patients and reduce inflammation. This study needs a further investigation with a larger sample size.
The Cardiovascular Depression Caused by Bee Venom in Sprague–Dawley Rats Associated with a Decrease of Developed Pressure in the Left Ventricular and the Ratio of Ionized Calcium/Ionized Magnesium
Authors: Kang Hyung-Sub , Kim Shang-Jin , Lee Mun-Young , Jeon Seol-Hee , Kim Sung-Zoo , Kim Jin-Shang
Published: June 2008

Bee venom (BV) has been used in Oriental medicine to treat inflammatory diseases, such as tendonitis, bursitis, and rheumatoid arthritis, despite the sensitivity of the victims and toxicity of the venom. This study examined the mechanisms for the effects of BV on the cardiovascular system in rats.

The arterial pressure and heart rate (HR) were measured in anesthetized rats. In addition, the left ventricular development pressure (LVDP) and total magnesium efflux ([ Mg ] e ) in isolated perfused hearts, the vascular tonic responses in the isolated aorta, and the blood ionic and biochemical changes were determined simultaneously. In the anesthetized rats, the mean arterial pressure, systolic pressure, and pulse pressure were reduced by BV in a dose-dependent manner, even though the HR was increased. BV had no effects on the relaxation of phenylephrine- or KCl-induced contraction of the aortic rings. In the isolated hearts, BV generated a reversible decrease in the LVDP and velocity with changes in pressure, which were accompanied by increases in the HR and [ Mg ] e . BV increased the plasma ionized and total magnesium concentrations, and decreased the total magnesium level in the red blood cells. The ratio of ionized calcium/ionized magnesium was also decreased by the BV treatment. BV caused a detectable increase in blood creatine kinase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and lactic dehydrogenase, as well as a decrease in the blood total protein albumin and globulin levels.

These results suggest that BV induces cardiovascular depression by decreasing the cardiac pressure and increasing the ionized magnesium concentration in the blood.
Synergistic Effect of Green Tea Polyphenols on Their Protection Against FK506-Induced Cytotoxicity in Renal Cells
Authors: Hisamura Fumie , Kojima-Yuasa Akiko , Huang Xuedan , Kennedy David Opare , Matsui-Yuasa Isao
Published: June 2008

FK506 (tacrolimus) is a widely used immunosuppressant first employed in the management of rejection in organ transplantation, but now used for autoimmune disease. However, the nephrotoxicity induced by FK506 remains a serious clinical problem. We previously demonstrated that FK506 caused a significant increase in apoptosis of LLC-PK1 cells, a porcine proximal tubule cell line, but the addition of green tea extract and its polyphenolic components suppressed the cell death. Here, we examined the synergistic effect of tea polyphenols on the protection of FK506-induced cell death. The combined treatment with 5 μM (-)-epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) and 5 μM of (+)-catechin (C), (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) or (-)-epicatechin-gallate (ECG) reduced FK506-induced cytotoxicity in LLC-PK1. Similarly, the combined treatment with 5 μM EGC and 5 μM of C, EC, EGCG or ECG also reduced the cytotoxicity. These results showed that the co-treatments with EGCG and EGC, EGCG or ECG, and EGC and ECG have stronger synergistic effects on the protection of FK506-induced cell death. Furthermore, the combined treatment of EGCG (5 μM) and EGC (5 μM) showed a significant time-dependent suppression of the increased intracellular ROS levels 15 min after the addition of FK506, as well as on caspase activation. The results of these synergistic effects of the constituents of green tea extract suggest that its protective effects may reside in more than just one of its constituent.
FERMIONS IN GRAVITY AND GAUGE BACKGROUNDS ON A BRANE WORLD
Authors: ZHAO LI , LIU YU-XIAO , DUAN YI-SHI
Published: June 2008

We solve the fermionic zero modes in gravity and gauge backgrounds on a brane involving a warped geometry, and study the localization of spin-1/2 fermionic field on the brane world. The result is that there exist massless spin-1/2 fermions which can be localized on the bulk with the exponentially decreasing warp factor if including U(1) gauge background. Two special cases of gauge backgrounds on the extra dimensional manifold are discussed.
THEOREM TO GENERATE NON-SPHERICAL RADIATING BLACK HOLE SOLUTIONS
Authors: MOROZOVA V. S. , GHOSH S. G.
Published: June 2008

We prove a theorem that characterizes a two-parameter family of solutions to Einstein equations with a negative cosmological constant, representing, in general, non-spherical radiating black holes in an anti-de Sitter background. It is shown that the best known non-spherical radiating black hole solutions are particular cases and static non-spherical black hole solutions, for Type I fluid, are also retrieved. A brief discussion on the energy conditions, singularities and horizons is provided.
SOFTWARE RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK BASED FLEXIBLE MODEL INCORPORATING FAULTS OF DIFFERENT COMPLEXITY
Authors: KAPUR P. K. , KHATRI SUNIL K. , BASIRZADEH MASHAALLAH
Published: June 2008

With growth in demand for zero defects, predicting reliability of software products is gaining importance. Software Reliability Growth Models (SRGM) are used to estimate the reliability of a software product. We have a large number of SRGM; however none of them works across different environments. Recently, Artificial Neural Networks have been applied in software reliability assessment and software reliability growth prediction. In most of the existing research available in the literature, it is considered that similar testing effort is required on each debugging effort. However, in practice, different amount of testing efforts may be required for detection and removal of different type of faults on basis of their complexity. Consequently, faults are classified into three categories on basis of complexity: simple, hard and complex. In this paper we apply neural network methods to build software reliability growth models (SRGM) considering faults of different complexity. Logistic learning function accounting for the expertise gained by the testing team is used for modeling the proposed model. The proposed model assumes that in the simple faults the growth in removal process is uniform whereas, for hard and complex faults, removal process follows logistic growth curve due to the fact that learning of removal team grows as testing progresses. The proposed model has been validated, evaluated and compared with other NHPP model by applying it on two failure/fault removal data sets cited from real software development projects. The results show that the proposed model with logistic function provides improved goodness-of-fit for software failure/fault removal data.
ADEQUACY-BASED POWER SYSTEM RELIABILITY STUDIES IN THE DEREGULATED ENVIRONMENT
Authors: VERMA A. K. , VIJAY VENU V.
Published: June 2008

The onset of deregulation in the electric power sector in the recent years has brought to the fore several pronounced issues related to reliability management, necessitating a revamping of the metrics. The element of markets and economic trading introduced in the operations of power systems has seen a paradigm shift even in the way customer-say is incorporated into the reliability apportioning. In order to better appreciate the sea-changes brought forward by deregulation, identification of areas of evolving reliability research in the regulated regime goes a long way in dealing with their deregulated counterparts. This paper caters to the view to provide a pointer to the significant issues that can profoundly impact the reliability studies in the liberalized environment. Emphasis in this paper is placed on a bilateral market structure, where all participants of competitive trading have mutually agreed upon pre-defined contracts to trade energy. With a view to improvise upon the existing nascent reliability network equivalent techniques, a realistic state space selection methodology, crucial to the contingency effects' evaluation is proposed, which makes a novel use of power flow tracing procedures. This research work is intended to pave the way for robust reliability models that take into account all the structural and consequent operational transmutations in power systems, yielding a concrete possibility of implementing non-uniform reliability as per the user requirements — a situation that was not feasible in the earlier regime.
Compact dictionaries for variable-length keys and data with applications
Authors: Blandford Daniel K. , Blelloch Guy E.
Published: June 2008

We consider the problem of maintaining a dynamic dictionary
T
of keys and associated data for which both the keys and data are bit strings that can vary in length from zero up to the length
w
of a machine word. We present a data structure for this variable-bit-length dictionary problem that supports constant time lookup and expected amortized constant-time insertion and deletion. It uses
O
(
m
+ 3
n
−
n
log
2
n
) bits, where
n
is the number of elements in
T
, and
m
is the total number of bits across all strings in
T
(keys and data). Our dictionary uses an array
A
[1 …
n
] in which locations store variable-bit-length strings. We present a data structure for this variable-bit-length array problem that supports worst-case constant-time lookups and updates and uses
O
(
m
+
n
) bits, where
m
is the total number of bits across all strings stored in
A
.

The motivation for these structures is to support applications for which it is helpful to efficiently store short varying-length bit strings. We present several applications, including representations for semidynamic graphs, order queries on integers sets, cardinal trees with varying cardinality, and simplicial meshes of
d
dimensions. These results either generalize or simplify previous results.
The theory of trackability with applications to sensor networks
Authors: Crespi Valentino , Cybenko George , Jiang Guofei
Published: June 2008

In this article, we formalize the concept of tracking in a sensor network and develop a quantitative theory of
trackability
of
weak models
that investigates the rate of growth of the number of consistent tracks given a temporal sequence of observations made by the sensor network. The phenomenon being tracked is modelled by a nondeterministic finite automaton (a weak model) and the sensor network is modelled by an observer capable of detecting events related, typically ambiguously, to the states of the underlying automaton. Formally, an input string of symbols (the sensor network observations) that is presented to a nondeterministic finite automaton,
M
, (the weak model) determines a set of state sequences (the tracks or hypotheses) that are capable of generating the input string. We study the growth of the size of this candidate set of tracks as a function of the length of the input string. One key result is that for a given automaton and sensor coverage, the worst-case rate of growth is either polynomial or exponential in the number of observations, indicating a kind of phase transition in tracking accuracy. These results have applications to various tracking problems of recent interest involving tracking phenomena using noisy observations of hidden states such as: sensor networks, computer network security, autonomic computing and dynamic social network analysis.
Near-optimal activation policies in rechargeable sensor networks under spatial correlations
Authors: Jaggi Neeraj , Kar Koushik , Krishnamurthy Ananth
Published: June 2008

We address the problem of optimal node activation in a sensor network, where the optimization objective is represented as a global time-average utility function over the deployment area of the network. Each sensor node is rechargeable, and can hold up toKquanta of energy. When the recharge and/or discharge processes in the network are random, the problem of optimal sensor activation is a complex stochastic decision question. For the case of identical sensor coverages, we show the existence of a simplethreshold policywhich isasymptotically optimalwith respect to the energy bucket sizeK, that is, the performance of this threshold policy approaches the optimal performance asKbecomes large. We also show that the performance of the optimal threshold policy is robust to the degree of spatial correlation in the discharge and/or recharge processes. We then extend this approach to a general sensor network where coverage areas of different sensors could have complete, partial or no overlap with each other. We demonstrate through simulations that a local information based threshold policy, with an appropriately chosen threshold, achieves a performance which is very close to the global optimum.
Base J: Discovery, Biosynthesis, and Possible Functions
Authors: Borst Piet , Sabatini Robert
Published: June 2008

In 1993, a new base, β-d-glucopyranosyloxymethyluracil (base J), was identified in the nuclear DNA of Trypanosoma brucei. Base J is the first hypermodified base found in eukaryotic DNA. It is present in all kinetoplastid flagellates analyzed and some unicellular flagellates closely related to trypanosomatids, but it has not been found in other protozoa or in metazoa. J is invariably present in the telomeric repeats of all organisms analyzed. Whereas in Leishmania nearly all J is telomeric, there are other repetitive DNA sequences containing J in T. brucei and T. cruzi, and most J is outside telomeres in Euglena. The biosynthesis of J occurs in two steps: First, a specific thymidine in DNA is converted into hydroxymethyldeoxyuridine (HOMedU), and then this HOMedU is glycosylated to form J. This review discusses the identification and localization of base J in the genome of kinetoplastids, the enzymes involved in J biosynthesis, possible biological functions of J, and J as a potential target for chemotherapy of diseases caused by kinetoplastids.
Living history: G. Edgar Folk, Jr.
Authors: Tipton Charles M.
Published: June 2008

In 2005, the American Physiological Society (APS) initiated the Living History Project to recognize senior members who have made significant contributions during their career to the advancement of the discipline and profession of physiology. During 2007, the APS Section of Environmental and Exercise Physiology selected Prof. G. Edgar Folk, Jr., of the University of Iowa to be profiled in Advances in Physiology Education.