bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brucella abortusVirB12 Is Expressed during Infection but Is Not an Essential Component of the Type IV Secretion System
Authors: Sun Yao-Hui , Rolán Hortensia G. , den Hartigh Andreas B. , Sondervan David , Tsolis Renée M.
Published: August 2005

TheBrucella abortus virBoperon, consisting of 11 genes,virB1tovirB11, and two putative genes,orf12(virB12) andorf13, encodes a type IV secretion system (T4SS) that is required for intracellular replication and persistent infection in the mouse model. This study was undertaken to determine whetherorf12(virB12) encodes an essential part of the T4SS apparatus. ThevirB12gene was found to encode a 17-kDa protein, which was detected in vitro inB. abortusgrown to stationary phase. Mice infected withB. abortus2308 produced an antibody response to the protein encoded byvirB12, showing that this gene is expressed during infection. Expression ofvirB12was not required for survival in J774 macrophages. VirB12 was also dispensable for the persistence ofB. abortus,B. melitensis, andB. suisin mice up to 4 weeks after infection, since deletion mutants lackingvirB12were recovered from splenic tissue at wild-type levels. These results show that VirB12 is not essential for the persistence of the human-pathogenicBrucellaspp. in the mouse and macrophage models of infection.
Arginase I Induction duringLeishmania majorInfection Mediates the Development of Disease
Authors: Iniesta Virginia , Carcelén Jesualdo , Molano Isabel , Peixoto Pablo M. V. , Redondo Eloy , Parra Pilar , Mangas Marina , Monroy Isabel , Campo Maria Luisa , Nieto Carlos Gómez , Corraliza Inés
Published: August 2005

In a previous work, we demonstrated that the induction of arginase I favored the replication ofLeishmaniainside macrophages. Now we have analyzed the differential expression of this enzyme in the mouse model ofL. majorinfection. Ours results show that arginase I is induced in both susceptible and resistant mice during the development of the disease. However, in BALB/c-infected tissues, the induction of this protein parallels the time of infection, while in C57BL/6 mice, the enzyme is upregulated only during footpad swelling. The induction of the host arginase in both strains is mediated by the balance between interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-12 and opposite to nitric oxide synthase II expression. Moreover, inhibition of arginase reduces the number of parasites and delays disease outcome in BALB/c mice, while treatment withl-ornithine increases the susceptibility of C57BL/6 mice. Therefore, arginase I induction could be considered a marker of disease in leishmaniasis.
Viability of a Capsule- and Lipopolysaccharide-Deficient Mutant of
Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Bos Martine P. , Tommassen Jan
Published: August 2005

Neisseria meningitidis
is the only lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-producing gram-negative bacterial species shown to be viable also without LPS. It was thought that the presence of capsular polysaccharide is necessary for this unusual feature. However, we show now that no part of the capsule gene cluster is required for maintaining LPS deficiency in
N. meningitidis
.
The Evolution of Agriculture in Insects
Authors: Mueller Ulrich G. , Gerardo Nicole M. , Aanen Duur K. , Six Diana L. , Schultz Ted R.
Published: August 2005

▪ Abstract  Agriculture has evolved independently in three insect orders: once in ants, once in termites, and seven times in ambrosia beetles. Although these insect farmers are in some ways quite different from each other, in many more ways they are remarkably similar, suggesting convergent evolution. All propagate their cultivars as clonal monocultures within their nests and, in most cases, clonally across many farmer generations as well. Long-term clonal monoculture presents special problems for disease control, but insect farmers have evolved a combination of strategies to manage crop diseases: They (a) sequester their gardens from the environment; (b) monitor gardens intensively, controlling pathogens early in disease outbreaks; (c) occasionally access population-level reservoirs of genetically variable cultivars, even while propagating clonal monocultures across many farmer generations; and (d) manage, in addition to the primary cultivars, an array of “auxiliary” microbes providing disease suppression and other services. Rather than growing a single cultivar solely for nutrition, insect farmers appear to cultivate, and possibly “artificially select” for, integrated crop-microbe consortia. Indeed, crop domestication in the context of coevolving and codomesticated microbial consortia may explain the 50-million year old agricultural success of insect farmers.
The calcium-sensing receptor acts as a modulator of gastric acid secretion in freshly isolated human gastric glands
Authors: Dufner Matthias M. , Kirchhoff Philipp , Remy Christine , Hafner Patricia , Müller Markus K. , Cheng Sam X. , Tang Lie-Qi , Hebert Steven C. , Geibel John P. , Wagner Carsten A.
Published: August 2005

Gastric acid secretion is activated by two distinct pathways: a neuronal pathway via the vagus nerve and release of acetylcholine and an endocrine pathway involving gastrin and histamine. Recently, we demonstrated that activation of H+-K+-ATPase activity in parietal cells in freshly isolated rat gastric glands is modulated by the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). Here, we investigated if the CaSR is functionally expressed in freshly isolated gastric glands from human patients undergoing surgery and if the CaSR is influencing histamine-induced activation of H+-K+-ATPase activity. In tissue samples obtained from patients, immunohistochemistry demonstrated the expression in parietal cells of both subunits of gastric H+-K+-ATPase and the CaSR. Functional experiments using the pH-sensitive dye 2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and 6)-carboxyfluorescein and measurement of intracellular pH changes allowed us to estimate the activity of H+-K+-ATPase in single freshly isolated human gastric glands. Under control conditions, H+-K+-ATPase activity was stimulated by histamine (100 μM) and inhibited by omeprazole (100 μM). Reduction of the extracellular divalent cation concentration (0 Mg2+, 100 μM Ca2+) inactivated the CaSR and reduced histamine-induced activation of H+-K+-ATPase activity. In contrast, activation of the CaSR with the trivalent cation Gd3+caused activation of omeprazole-sensitive H+-K+-ATPase activity even in the absence of histamine and under conditions of low extracellular divalent cations. This stimulation was not due to release of histamine from neighbouring enterochromaffin-like cells as the stimulation persisted in the presence of the H2receptor antagonist cimetidine (100 μM). Furthermore, intracellular calcium measurements with fura-2 and fluo-4 showed that activation of the CaSR by Gd3+led to a sustained increase in intracellular Ca2+even under conditions of low extracellular divalent cations. These experiments demonstrate the presence of a functional CaSR in the human stomach and show that this receptor may modulate the activity of acid-secreting H+-K+-ATPase in parietal cells. Furthermore, our results show the viability of freshly isolated human gastric glands and may allow the use of this preparation for experiments investigating the physiological regulation and properties of human gastric glands in vitro.
Leptin downregulates ghrelin levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Tsubone Tetsuo , Masaki Takayuki , Katsuragi Isao , Tanaka Katsuhiro , Kakuma Tetsuya , Yoshimatsu Hironobu
Published: August 2005

Ghrelin, an orexigenic peptide produced in the stomach, is increased in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic (DM) mice. This study clarifies the regulation of ghrelin levels by leptin in STZ-DM mice. STZ-DM mice had higher plasma ghrelin concentrations and greater ghrelin mRNA expression than control mice. Changes in ghrelin levels were dose dependently attenuated by the subcutaneous injection of leptin (0–27 nmol·kg−1·day−1 over 7 days). Leptin treatment also partially reversed the hyperphagia and hyperglycemia observed in STZ-DM mice, but not the hypoinsulinemia, and there was a decrease in plasma ghrelin concentrations and ghrelin mRNA levels compared with STZ-LEP pair-fed mice. These results indicate that leptin treatment partially reverses elevated plasma ghrelin levels in STZ-DM mice independent of food intake and insulin, and suggest that hypoleptinemia in STZ-DM mice upregulates ghrelin.
Evaluation of a Portable Recording Device (Reggie) with Actimeter and Nasopharyngeal/Esophagus Catheter Incorporated
Authors: Øverland Britt , Bruskeland Guttorm , Akre Harriet , Skatvedt Olav
Published: August 2005

Background: Portable recording devices without electroencephalogram recordings are frequently used for diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing. However, an exact measure of sleep is important, since the diagnosis is based on the average number of events per hour of sleep, the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). Actimetry is a simplified method for distinguishing sleep and wakefulness by measurements of activity. Objectives: In this study, recording with a portable recording device (Reggie) including an incorporated actimeter and polysomnography were done simultaneously in order to test the effect of the actimeter. Methods: The study was performed at the sleep-related breathing disorder unit at the Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Fifty-two consecutive patients referred to the hospital for diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing were included. Results: There is agreement between the AHI obtained from the polysomnography and the AHI obtained from the Reggie system. The estimated mean difference is 3.5, with an SD of 5.3 (r = 0.98). The sleep time calculated with the Reggie system is greater than the sleep time obtained by polysomnography, the mean difference being 46 min, SD 56 min (r = 0.45). Conclusions: Sleep time calculations with the Reggie system overestimate the sleep time. Still, the AHIs obtained by the two systems show good agreement. There is a slight tendency for the Reggie system to provide an AHI which is too low. This difference is small, and in most cases, it will be of no clinical significance.
Identification and Functional Characterization of the Muscarinic Receptor M3 in the Human Keratinocyte Cell Line HaCaT
Authors: Metzger Marco , Just Lothar , Boss Andreas , Drews Ulrich
Published: August 2005

In the epidermis muscarinic cholinergic receptors are expressed in keratinocytes during normal differentiation and in regeneration of the skin. The muscarinic receptors were implicated to regulate proliferation, migration and differentiation of keratinocytes. Therefore, we characterized the muscarinic receptor in the spontaneously immortalized human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT and studied its role in cell migration. By RT-PCR, Western blot and immunocytochemistry we show that HaCaT cells express the M3 receptor subtype. This receptor was further characterized by fluorometric measurement of calcium mobilization in cell suspensions. After muscarinic stimulation a peak reaction of intracellular calcium mobilization occurred followed by a plateau phase of extracellular influx which was reversible by atropine. In dose-response curves the effective concentrations of carbachol and acetylcholine were determined as 40 and 1 µM, respectively. The migratory activity of HaCaT cells was studied with the phagokinetic track assay. Treatment with the muscarinic agonist carbachol had no effect on cell migration. However, carbachol diminished the EGF-induced increase in migratory activity by about 26%. Interestingly, EGF and carbachol had additive effects on calcium mobilization.
Ultrastructural Identification of a Sympathetic Component in the Hypoglossal Nerve of Hamsters Using Experimental Degeneration and Horseradish Peroxidase Methods
Authors: Tseng Chi-Yu , Wei I-Hua , Chang Hung-Ming , Lue June-Horng , Wen Chen-Yuan , Shieh Jeng-Yung
Published: August 2005

We employed experimental degeneration, tract-tracing with wheatgerm agglutinin conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) and electron microscopy to explore the postganglionic sympathetic fibers in the hypoglossal nerve of hamsters. Quantitative results of normal untreated animals at the electron microscopic level showed the existence of unmyelinated fibers, which made up about 20% of the total fibers in the nerve, being more numerous on the left side. The nerve fibers were preferentially distributed at the periphery of the nerve. Following superior cervical ganglionectomy, most of the unmyelinated fibers underwent degenerative changes. Tract-tracing studies showed that some of the unmyelinated fibers were labeled by WGA-HRP injected into the superior cervical ganglion (SCG). It is suggested that the unmyelinated fibers represent the postganglionic sympathetic fibers originated from the SCG.
United Arab Emirates: Communities and Community Genetics
Authors: Al-Gazali L.I. , Alwash R. , Abdulrazzaq Y.M.
Published: August 2005

The UAE society is cosmopolitan, but the indigenous inhabitants are traditional with puritanical values despite their exposure to other vastly different cultures and habits. Marriages between consanguineous couples are still the norm rather than the exception. As a result, there is a high frequency of genetic disorders, particularly autosomal recessive types. Despite the high frequency of genetic disorders like haemoglobinopathies and others characteristically found in this population, genetic services are inadequate. Screening for certain disorders like thalassaemia are not applied on a wide scale. Abortion is illegal, and therefore, prenatal diagnosis or preconception tests are not done. With the absence of a good national database, deficiency of genetic services and absence of preventative alternatives for carrier couples, genetic counsellors find it difficult to advice pragmatic solutions to issues relating to genetic diseases. This paper reviews common genetic problems in the UAE with special emphasis on available genetic services and support to families with children with inherited disorders. Existing barriers to the improvement of clinical services by prenatal counselling are also discussed.
Effect of Betamethasone Administration on Fetal Heart Rate Tracing: A Blinded Longitudinal Study
Authors: Rotmensch Sigi , Lev Shaul , Kovo Mihal , Efrat Zeev , Zahavi Zvi , Lev Nirit , Celentano Claudio , Ben-Rafael Zion
Published: August 2005

Objective: Computerized fetal heart rate (FHR) analysis revealed that antenatal corticosteroids transiently suppress multiple parameters of fetal well-being, potentially leading to the erroneous diagnosis of fetal distress and to unnecessary iatrogenic delivery of premature infants. Our aim was to determine whether clinicians who visually analyze FHR tracings detect these suppressive effects, thereby potentially affecting their clinical management decisions. Methods: Singleton pregnancies admitted for preterm labor between 26 and 34 weeks’ gestation received two doses of betamethasone, 24 h apart, and were monitored daily between 16:00 and 19:00 h for 5 days. FHR tracings were randomly coded and presented in a non-consecutive order to four clinicians, who were unaware of the time of steroid administration. FHR baseline, FHR variability, number of accelerations and amplitude of maximal FHR acceleration were determined. Variability was scored semiquantitatively based on a modified Hon score. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used for primary analysis and followed up with the Wald test of significance. Corrections for multiple comparisons were made and only p < 0.005 considered significant. ANOVA was also used to assess the uniformity of trend in the interpretation by the four examiners for each given day. Results: Baseline FHR was elevated, FHR variability was decreased, and the number of accelerations decreased on day 1 (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001) and day 2 (p > 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001) in comparison to day 0. On day 3, the FHR baseline, variability and number of accelerations returned to pre-exposure values (p = NS). The maximal amplitude of FHR accelerations showed a trend towards reduction (p = 0.08). Subgroup analysis by gestational age (group I = 26–30 weeks and group II = 30–34 weeks) showed the same response patterns and significance levels for both groups. Conclusions: Betamethasone causes profound, but transient, suppression of FHR parameters, which can mimic fetal distress. This effect is clinically recognized by visual FHR analysis. Clinicians need to be aware of this phenomenon, in order to avoid unwarranted iatrogenic delivery.
Escherichia coli Septic Shock following Second-Trimester Amniocentesis
Authors: Tebes Stephen , Zakhary Atef S. , Spellacy William
Published: August 2005

Background: Genetic amniocentesis is considered a safe procedure with a low incidence of complications including infection. Case Report: A case of genetic amniocentesis followed by Escherichia coli sepsis is presented. Conclusion: Intra-amniotic infection after genetic amniocentesis should be treated aggressively with antibiotics and uterine evacuation.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis of Canavan Disease
Authors: Yaron Yuval , Schwartz Tamar , Mey-Raz Nava , Amit Ami , Lessing Joseph B. , Malcov Mira
Published: August 2005

Objective: Canavan disease is an autosomal recessive disorder which is relatively common in Ashkenazi Jews. It is characterized by developmental delay, severe hypotonia and early death, and is caused by a deficiency of aspartoacylase which is encoded by the ASPA gene. In Ashkenazi Jews, one major mutation (E285A) and one minor mutation (Y231X) account for the majority of cases. The objective of this study was to develop a preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) protocol for Canavan disease. Methods: Two carrier couples requested PGD for Canavan disease. In 1 couple each was a carrier of a different ASPA mutation (Y231X and E285A). In the other couple both were carriers of the minor mutation (Y231X). A single-cell duplex nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol was first developed on single leukocytes obtained from the known carrier parents. Following verification in single leukocytes, clinical PGD was offered to both couples. Results: We evaluated 115 single leukocytes from known carriers and found an allele drop out rate of 1.7% for the fragment harboring the Y231X mutation and 0% for the fragment harboring the E285A mutation. One cycle of PGD was performed in each family. In the first, 11 embryos were successfully analyzed and 4 were found to be affected. Two unaffected embryos were transferred, but no pregnancy resulted. In the other family, 4 embryos were analyzed, 1 was affected, 2 were heterozygotes and 1 was homozygous normal. Following transfer of 2 unaffected embryos, a singleton pregnancy resulted, currently ongoing at 18 weeks gestational age. Amniocentesis performed at 16 weeks confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusion: Reliable PGD for Canavan disease is possible using a single-cell nested PCR approach.
Preliminary Investigations into a New Method of Functional Assessment of the Fetal Heart Using a Novel Application of ‘Real-Time’ Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Fogel Mark A. , Wilson R. Douglas , Flake Alan , Johnson Mark , Cohen David , McNeal Gary , Tian Zhi-Yun , Rychik Jack
Published: August 2005

Objectives: Because of quantitative echocardiographic limitations of fetal ventricular volumes as well as poor windows, we sought to determine if real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be used. Methods: Real-time, functional, true fast imaging with steady-state precession, cardiac MRI was performed on 2 fetuses (one with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and one with ductal constriction). Fetal echocardiography was performed and cardiac index by Doppler was used to validate volume measures by MRI. Results: This technique was able to visualize the beating heart and assess ventricular volumes. Cardiac index and assessment of right ventricular hypertrophy and dilation by echocardiography were consistent with the ventricular volumes and right ventricular hypertrophy obtained by cardiac MRI. Conclusion: Real-time, functional fetal cardiac MRI is possible and can be used to quantitatively assess ventricular volumes and cardiac index in utero.
Adaptive Dispersion Theory and Phonological Vowel Reduction in Russian
Authors: Padgett Jaye , Tabain Marija
Published: August 2005

Russian exhibits a rich pattern of phonological vowel reduction, by which somevowel contrasts are neutralized in unstressed syllables. Recent work in phonologysuggests a mechanism by which phonetic vowel reduction - compression of theoverall vowel space due to target undershoot - might lead to patterns like Russian.Presenting acoustic data from 9 speakers of Russian, we use Euclidean distancemeasures, measures of F1-F0 and F2-F1, and Bayesian classification to provide abasic picture of how the overall vowel space, as well as the distribution of vowels,change as stress is reduced. We are particularly interested in whether contraction ofthe vowel space in unstressed positions is primarily due to raising, and in whethercontrasting pairs of vowels are evenly spaced within and across contexts. Ourresults provide qualified support for the first hypothesis, but largely do not supportthe hypothesis of equal spacing, in particular across contexts. Of additional interest,we find that some impressionistically described neutralizations are incomplete.
Oronasopharyngeal Suction versus No Suction in Normal and Term Infants Delivered by Elective Cesarean Section: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gungor Sadettin , Kurt Ercan , Teksoz Ertan , Goktolga Umit , Ceyhan Temel , Baser İskender
Published: August 2005

Background/Aim: There are controversies about the routine use of oronasopharyngeal suction (ONPS) in healthy infants. This study aimed to compare the effects of oronasopharyngeal suction with those of no suction in normal, term infants delivered by cesarean section. Methods: 140 term, healthy newborns of uncomplicated pregnancies were prospectively randomized to one of two groups according to the use of ONPS procedure. Differences in oxygen saturation levels, heart rates, and Apgar scores were determined. Results: The mean SaO2 values through the 2nd and 6th min of life were significantly higher in the no suction group (p < 0.001). The maximum time to reach SaO2 of ≧92% (6 vs. 11 min) and ≧86% (5 vs. 8 min) saturation were shorter in the no suction group than in the ONPS group. The mean heart rates were consistently and significantly lower in the no suction group during the first 6 min except the second one. All neonates without suction had an Apgar score of 10 at the 5th min, while the mean ± SD for ONPS group was 9.34 ± 0.48 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although findings remained on statistical level and did not lead to clinically adverse outcomes, there is no statistical or physiological basis for oronasopharyngeal suction as a systematic procedure in healthy, term infants delivered by cesarean section.
Mild Intermittent Hypoxia Does Not Induce Stress Responses in the Neonatal Rat Brain
Authors: Boss Valerie , Sola Augusto , Wen Tong-Chun , Decker Michael J.
Published: August 2005

We previously demonstrated that intermittent hypoxia evokes persistent changes in extracellular striatal dopamine, locomotor activity and executive function, using a rodent model emulating apnea of prematurity in which rat pups are exposed to 20-second bursts of hypoxic gas mix containing 10% oxygen (60 events/h; 6 h/day) from postnatal days 7 to 11. To determine whether subtle repetitive hypoxic insults also induce expression of stress-related genes, we employed real-time RT-PCR to assay gene transcription in neonatal rats subjected to the same paradigm. In addition, we also measured expression of stress-induced transcripts in an age-matched cohort following a more severe oxidative stressor: permanent focal ischemia. Four transcripts were elevated following the ischemic insult: heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), CL100, nurr77, and heme oxygenase-1. In contrast, these transcripts were not regulated in the majority of neonatal rats exposed to an intermittent hypoxia protocol. Hsp70 was strongly induced, and CL100 and nurr77 were slightly induced in only 2 of 11 post-hypoxic rats compared to controls. These data demonstrate that a single ischemic event elicits expression of specific stress-related genes, whereas 5 days of brief intermittent hypoxic insults typically do not. Thus, it is unlikely that the neurochemical and behavioral morbidity observed in juvenile and adult rodents exposed to intermittent hypoxia during a critical period of brain development are related to stress-induced changes in gene expression.
Analysis of Forced Wheezes in Asthma Patients
Authors: Fiz J.A. , Jané R. , Izquierdo J. , Homs A. , García M.A. , Gomez R. , Monso E. , Morera J.
Published: August 2005

Background: Spirometric parameters can be normal in many stable asthma patients, making a diagnosis difficult at certain times in the course of disease. Objectives: The present study aims to find differences and similarities in the acoustic characteristics of forced wheezes among asthma patients with and without normal spirometric values. Methods: Eleven chronic asthma patients (8 men/3 women) with moderate-to-severe airway obstruction (FEV1 48.4%), 9 stable asthma patients (6 males/3females) with normal spirometry (FEV1 84.0%) and a positive methacholine test and 14 healthy subjects (8/6) were enrolled in the study. A contact sensor was placed on the trachea, and wheezes were detected by a modified Shabtai-Musih algorithm in a time-frequency representation. Results: More wheezes were recorded in obstructive asthma patients than in stable asthma and control subjects: nonstable asthma 13.6 (13.3), stable asthma 3.5 (3.0) and control subjects 2.5 (2.1). The mean frequency of all wheezes detected was higher in control subjects than in either stable or non-stable asthma patients. The change in the total number of wheezes after terbutaline inhalation was more pronounced in nonstable asthma patients than in stable asthmatics and control subjects. Conclusions: This study confirms that wheeze recording during forced expiratory maneuvers can be a complementary measure to spirometry to identify asthma patients.
Increased Fibulin-5 and Elastin in S100A4/Mts1 Mice With Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Merklinger Sandra L. , Wagner Roger A. , Spiekerkoetter Edda , Hinek Aleksander , Knutsen Russell H. , Kabir M. Golam , Desai Kavin , Hacker Shelby , Wang Lingli , Cann Gordon M. , Ambartsumian Noona S. , Lukanidin Eugene , Bernstein Daniel , Husain Mansoor , Mecham Robert P. , Starcher Barry , Yanagisawa Hiromi , Rabinovitch Marlene
Published: August 2005

Transgenic mice overexpressing the calcium binding protein, S100A4/Mts1, occasionally develop severe pulmonary vascular obstructive disease. To understand what underlies this propensity, we compared the pulmonary vascular hemodynamic and structural features of S100A4/Mts1 with control C57Bl/6 mice at baseline, following a 2-week exposure to chronic hypoxia, and after 1 and 3 months “recovery” in room air. S100A4/Mts1 mice had greater right ventricular systolic pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy at baseline, which increased further with chronic hypoxia and was sustained after 3 months “recovery” in room air. These findings correlated with a heightened response to acute hypoxia and failure to vasodilate with nitric oxide or oxygen. S100A4/Mts1 mice, when compared with C57Bl/6 mice, also had impaired cardiac function judged by reduced ventricular elastance and decreased cardiac output. Despite higher right ventricular systolic pressures with chronic hypoxia, S100A4/Mts1 mice did not develop more severe PVD, but in contrast to C57Bl/6 mice, these features did not regress on return to room air. Microarray analysis of lung tissue identified a number of genes differentially upregulated in S100A4/Mts1 versus control mice. One of these, fibulin-5, is a matrix component necessary for normal elastin fiber assembly. Fibulin-5 was localized to pulmonary arteries and associated with thickened elastic laminae. This feature could underlie attenuation of pulmonary vascular changes in response to elevated pressure, as well as impaired reversibility.
Computerized Arm Training Improves the Motor Control of the Severely Affected Arm After Stroke
Authors: Hesse S. , Werner C. , Pohl M. , Rueckriem S. , Mehrholz J. , Lingnau M.L.
Published: August 2005

Background and Purpose—

To compare a computerized arm trainer (AT), allowing repetitive practice of passive and active bilateral forearm and wrist movement cycle, and electromyography-initiated electrical stimulation (ES) of the paretic wrist extensor in severely affected subacute stroke patients.

Method—

A total of 44 patients, 4 to 8 weeks after stroke causing severe arm paresis (Fugl–Meyer Motor Score [FM, 0 to 66] <18), were randomly assigned to either AT or ES. All patients practiced 20 minutes every workday for 6 weeks. AT patients performed 800 repetitions per session with the robot and ES patients performed 60 to 80 wrist extensions per session. The primary outcome measure was the blindly assessed FM (0 to 66), and the secondary measures were the upper limb muscle power (Medical Research Council [MRC] sum, 0 to 45) and muscle tone (Ashworth score sum, 0 to 25), assessed at the beginning and end of treatment and at 3-month follow-up.

Results—

The AT group had a higher Barthel Index score at baseline, but the groups were otherwise homogenous. As expected, FM and MRC sum scores improved overtime in both groups but significantly more in the robot AT group. The initial Barthel Index score had no influence. In the robot AT group, FM score was 15 points higher at study end and 13 points higher at 3-month follow-up than the control ES group. MRC sum score was 15 points higher at study end and at 3-month follow-up compared with the control ES group. Muscle tone remained unchanged, and no side effects occurred.

Conclusion—

The computerized active arm training produced a superior improvement in upper limb motor control and power compared with ES in severely affected stroke patients. This is probably attributable to the greater number of repetitions and the bilateral approach.
Elevated Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Skeletal Muscle After Stroke
Authors: Hafer-Macko Charlene E. , Yu Shuzhen , Ryan Alice S. , Ivey Frederick M. , Macko Richard F.
Published: August 2005

Background and Purpose—

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), an inflammatory cytokine negligibly expressed in normal muscle, is elevated in selected metabolic conditions characterized by muscle wasting and insulin resistance. Inflammation is fundamental to stroke pathogenesis. Stroke patients have gross muscular atrophy and high prevalence of diabetes and insulin resistance. Yet, no previous studies examined TNF-α expression in hemiparetic skeletal muscle. This study investigates whether TNF-α mRNA levels are elevated in paretic compared with nonparetic leg muscles of chronic ischemic stroke patients and age-matched controls.

Method—

Total RNA extracted from bilateral vastus lateralis muscle biopsies from n=20 hemiparetic stroke patients and n=9 healthy controls was reverse transcribed to cDNA, then TNF-α transcripts were amplified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. TNF-α mRNA concentrations were normalized against acidic ribosomal phosphoprotein, housekeeping gene.

Results—

TNF-α mRNA levels were 2.8-fold higher in paretic compared with control leg muscle (6.28±1.86 versus 2.28±0.67;
P
<0.03) and 1.6-fold higher in nonparetic leg (3.71±1.02;
P
<0.11) compared with controls. There was a trend for higher TNF-α mRNA in paretic compared with nonparetic leg.

Conclusions—

Findings demonstrate increased TNF-α expression in paretic leg muscle, suggesting inflammatory pathways are accelerated in stroke muscle. Further studies are under way to determine whether intramuscular TNF-α contributes to atrophy and metabolic abnormalities after stroke.
From Wombs to Farmland: The Transformation of Suman Shrines in Southern Ghana
Authors: Ishii Miho
Published: August 2005

In this article I attempt to analyze the transformation of savanna-originated spirit or suman shrines in a cocoa-producing migrant society in the Eastern Region of the Republic of Ghana. At the beginning of the twentieth century, various suman shrines were established as places where people were accused of witchcraft or exorcized in Akan societies. Earlier studies have called these 'anti-witchcraft shrines' and interpreted this phenomenon as being a result of the social change caused by the booming cocoa industry. In the meantime, the main function of suman shrines has been transformed from one associated with witchcraft, which is connected with kinship order in Akan societies, into one offering treatment against magic relating to ethnic conflicts over land. I point out that this shift in the function of suman shrines reflects a shift in local political disputes, namely from maintaining the birthrate within matrilineal kin groups in order to keep up numbers in the work force to the inter-ethnic relations found in the usufruct and contracts concerning farmland between landowners and tenants.
Wave-Follower Field Measurements of the Wind-Input Spectral Function. Part I: Measurements and Calibrations
Authors: Donelan Mark A. , Babanin Alexander V. , Young Ian R. , Banner Michael L. , McCormick Cyril
Published: August 2005

An experimental study of wind energy and momentum input into finite-depth wind waves was undertaken at Lake George, New South Wales, Australia. To measure microscale oscillations of induced pressure above surface waves, a high-precision wave-follower system was developed at the University of Miami, Florida. The principal sensing hardware included Elliott pressure probes, hot-film anemometers, and Pitot tubes. The wave-follower recordings were supplemented by a complete set of relevant measurements in the atmospheric boundary layer, on the surface, and in the water body. This paper is dedicated to technical aspects of the measurement procedure and data analysis. The precision of the feedback wave-following mechanism did not impose any restrictions on the measurement accuracy in the range of wave heights and frequencies relevant to the problem. Thorough calibrations of the pressure transducers and moving Elliott probes were conducted. It is shown that the response of the air column in the connecting tubes provides a frequency-dependent phase shift, which must be accounted for to recover the low-level induced pressure signal. In the finite-depth environment of Lake George, breaking waves play an important role in the momentum exchange between wind and waves, as will be shown in a subsequent paper.
Measurement of Directional Wave Spectra Using Aircraft Laser Altimeters
Authors: Sun J. , Burns S. P. , Vandemark D. , Donelan M. A. , Mahrt L. , Crawford Timothy L. , Herbers T. H. C. , Crescenti G. H. , French J. R.
Published: August 2005

A remote sensing method to measure directional oceanic surface waves by three laser altimeters on the NOAA LongEZ aircraft is investigated. To examine feasibility and sensitivity of the wavelet analysis method to various waves, aircraft motions, and aircraft flight directions relative to wave propagation directions, idealized surface waves are simulated from various idealized aircraft flights. In addition, the wavelet analysis method is also applied to two cases from field measurements, and the results are compared with traditional wave spectra from buoys. Since the wavelet analysis method relies on the “wave slopes” measured through phase differences between the time series of the laser distances between the aircraft and sea surface at spatially separated locations, the resolved directional wavenumber and wave propagation direction are not affected by aircraft motions if the resolved frequencies of the aircraft motion and the wave are not the same. However, the encounter wave frequency, which is directly resolved using the laser measurement from the moving aircraft, is affected by the Doppler shift due to aircraft motion relative to wave propagations. The wavelet analysis method could fail if the aircraft flies in the direction such that the aircraft speed along the wave propagation direction is the same as the wave phase speed (i.e., the aircraft flies along wave crests or troughs) or if two waves with different wavelengths and phase speed have the same encountered wavelength from the aircraft. In addition, the data noise due to laser measurement uncertainty or natural isotropic surface elevation perturbations can also affect the relative phase difference between the laser distance measurements, which in turn affects the accuracy of the resolved wavenumber and wave propagation direction. The smallest waves measured by the lasers depend on laser sampling rate and horizontal distances between the lasers (for the LongEZ this is 2 m). The resolved wave direction and wavenumber at the peak wave from the two field experiments compared well with on-site buoy observations. Overall, the study demonstrates that three spatially separated laser altimeters on moving platforms can be utilized to resolve two-dimensional wave spectra.
Combining Microwave Radiometer and Wind Profiler Radar Measurements for High-Resolution Atmospheric Humidity Profiling
Authors: Bianco Laura , Cimini Domenico , Marzano Frank S. , Ware Randolph
Published: August 2005

A self-consistent remote sensing physical method to retrieve atmospheric humidity high-resolution profiles by synergetic use of a microwave radiometer profiler (MWRP) and wind profiler radar (WPR) is illustrated. The proposed technique is based on the processing of WPR data for estimating the potential refractivity gradient profiles and their optimal combination with MWRP estimates of potential temperature profiles in order to fully retrieve humidity gradient profiles. The combined algorithm makes use of recent developments in WPR signal processing, computing the zeroth-, first-, and second-order moments of WPR Doppler spectra via a fuzzy logic method, which provides quality control of radar data in the spectral domain. On the other hand, the application of neural network to brightness temperatures, measured by a multichannel MWRP, can provide continuous estimates of tropospheric temperature and humidity profiles. Performance of the combined algorithm in retrieving humidity profiles is compared with simultaneous in situ radiosonde observations (raob’s). The empirical sets of WPR and MWRP data were collected at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program’s Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. Combined microwave radiometer and wind profiler measurements show encouraging results and significantly improve the spatial vertical resolution of atmospheric humidity profiles. Finally, some of the limitations found in the use of this technique and possible future improvements are also discussed.
The Combined Effects of Gulf Stream–Induced Baroclinicity and Upper-Level Vorticity on U.S. East Coast Extratropical Cyclogenesis
Authors: Jacobs Neil A. , Lackmann Gary M. , Raman Sethu
Published: August 2005

The Atlantic Surface Cyclone Intensification Index (ASCII) is a forecast index that quantifies the strength of low-level baroclinicity in the coastal region of the Carolinas. It is based on the gradient between the coldest 24-h average air temperature at Cape Hatteras and Wilmington, North Carolina, and the temperature at the western boundary of the Gulf Stream. The resulting prestorm baroclinic index (PSBI) is used to forecast the probability that a cyclone in the domain will exhibit rapid cyclogenesis. The initial ASCII study covered the years 1982–90. This dataset was recently expanded to cover the years 1991–2002, which doubled the number of cyclone events in the sample. These additional data provide similar position and slope of the linear regression fits to the previous values, and explain as much as 30% of the variance in cyclone deepening rate.

Despite operational value, the neglect of upper-tropospheric forcing as a predictor in the original ASCII formulation precludes explanation of a large fraction of the deepening rate variance. Here, a modified index is derived in which an approximate measure of upper-level forcing is included. The 1991–2002 cyclone events were separated into bins of “strongly forced,” “moderately forced,” and “weakly forced” based on the strength of the nearest upstream maximum of 500-mb absolute vorticity associated with the surface low. This separation method reduced the scatter and further isolated the contributions of surface forcing versus upper-level forcing on extratropical cyclogenesis. Results of the combined upper-level index and surface PSBI demonstrate that as much as 74% of the deepening rate variance can be explained for cases with stronger upper-level forcing.
Formation Mechanisms for Convection over the Ligurian Sea during MAP IOP-8
Authors: Lin Yuh-Lang , Reeves Heather Dawn , Chen Shu-Yun , Chiao Sen
Published: August 2005

The dynamical impacts of an unusually strong stable layer that developed over the Po Valley and northern Ligurian Sea during Mesoscale Alpine Program (MAP) intensive observation period 8 (IOP-8) on the formation of convection over the Ligurian Sea are explored. Based on numerically simulated equivalent potential temperature, wind vectors, and by a trajectory analysis of parcels both beneath and above the stable layer, it is shown that the stable layer behaved as a material surface or “effective mountain” to the airstreams impinging on it from the south. Additional analyses show that the leading edge of the stable layer was collocated with maxima in upward motion and a strong positive moisture flux. Hence, it was further argued and demonstrated through inspection of soundings upstream of the cold dome and trajectory analyses that lifting by the stable layer enhanced convective activities over the Ligurian Sea. Finally, processes contributing to the maintenance of the stable layer during IOP-8 were explored. It was found that the differential advection of a warm, less stable air mass on top of a cooler, more stable air mass helped maintain the stable layer. The Ligurian Apennines made a secondary contribution to the stagnation of the cool air in the Po Valley by partially blocking this air mass from exiting the valley to the south.
The Low-Level Jet off the West Coast of Subtropical South America: Structure and Variability
Authors: Garreaud RenéD. , Muñoz Ricardo C.
Published: August 2005

The subtropical anticyclone over the southeast Pacific drives low-level southerly flow along the west coast of South America. In turn, the alongshore flow induces coastal upwelling that supports a wealth of fishery resources. Within this region, satellite data, marine reports, and coastal observations indicate the existence of a southerly coastal jet (i.e., a maximum of wind speed) off central Chile (26°–36°S). The mean features and variability of this southerly jet is documented in this work using 4 yr of satellite-derived sea surface winds, complemented by satellite-derived cloud amount fields and atmospheric reanalysis. Furthermore, analysis of in situ data and model results of a well-defined jet event during October 2000 allows a preliminary description of the jet’s three-dimensional structure and a comparison with the northerly jet off the coast of California.

Southerly jet events off central Chile occur year-round, but they are more frequent during spring–summer (over 60% of the time). The jet is characterized by an elongated maximum of surface wind speed (∼10 m s−1) with its axis at about 150 km off the coast and a cross-shore scale of about 500 km. The two Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) fields per day (a.m. and p.m. passes) allow a rough estimate of the amplitude of the diurnal cycle of the surface winds, which appears to be remarkably small in the region of the jet. The jet events are associated with the passage of a midlatitude ridge over the southeast Pacific strengthening the subtropical anticyclone. Upstream and over the jet region the coastal deck of stratocumulus clouds tends to dissipate in contrast to an increase in cloudiness downstream of the jet. In the case study the jet core resides at the top of the marine boundary layer (MBL)/inversion layer. Weak offshore flow prevails above the jet axis, and even weaker onshore flow prevails in the MBL. Consistent with its subtropical location the jet is embedded in a region of large-scale subsidence; nevertheless a mesoscale area of mean upward motion is simulated just downstream of the jet core.
Synoptic-Scale Variability and Its Relationship with Total Ozone and Antarctic Vortex Displacements
Authors: Vigliarolo Paula K. , Vera Carolina S. , Díaz Susana B.
Published: August 2005

The main synoptic-scale circulation anomaly pattern over extratropical South America during the austral spring (September–November) is identified by means of rotated extended empirical orthogonal function techniques, applied to the meridional wind perturbation time series at 300 hPa. The dataset is based on 15 spring seasons (1979–93) of meteorological data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–Department of Energy Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project version-2 daily averaged reanalyses, given in 17 vertical levels from 1000 to 10 hPa. The total-ozone daily measurements for the same period are from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer instrument (version 7). The principal synoptic-scale anomaly pattern is associated with an anticyclone–cyclone pair evolving eastward along subpolar latitudes (and hence it is termed the subpolar mode), with a typical length scale of 5000 km and a phase velocity of 8 m s−1. The subpolar-mode waves, which display the main characteristics of midlatitude baroclinic waves, typically maximize near or above the tropopause and propagate upward into the lower stratosphere, showing large amplitudes even at 50 hPa and above.

Subpolar-mode-related circulation anomalies are found to be responsible for large total-ozone daily fluctuations near southern South America and nearby regions. In the positive phase of the subpolar mode, total-ozone fluctuations, which are negative, adopt a sigmoid structure, with a zonal scale as large as the anticyclone–cyclone pair. Moreover, it is herein shown that the associated anticyclone produces a local ozone-column decrease to the north and east of its center, due to adiabatic uplift of air parcels in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. At the same time, the downstream cyclonic disturbance is responsible for large negative total-ozone anomalies to the west and south of its center. As the cyclone develops in the lower stratosphere, it promotes the northward incursion of the Antarctic vortex up to about 55°S, along with air masses of highly depleted ozone levels.
Objective Analysis of Tropical Cyclone Location and Motion from High-Density Observations
Authors: Kepert Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2005

A new technique for objectively locating the pressure center of a hurricane from high-density observations is presented. It was designed particularly for use with global positioning system (GPS) dropsonde observations of pressure within the cyclone core, but is also useful for aircraft data. Unlike previously documented techniques, it uses pressure data rather than wind, and is therefore useable in the boundary layer. A further advantage is that it can utilize data taken over a period of several hours, while previous techniques required the use of nearly instantaneous data. It is shown that, for data coverage typical of research aircraft missions, the technique can locate the cyclone center with a root-mean-square error of a few kilometers, and the cyclone motion with a root-mean-square error of a few tenths of a meter per second. The application of an automated objective quality control procedure to the method is also discussed.