bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bcl‐2 family members make different contributions to cell death in hypoxia and/or hyperoxia in rat cerebral cortex
Authors: Hu Xiaoming , Qiu Jingxin , Grafe Marjorie R. , Rea Harriett C. , Rassin David K. , Perez‐Polo J.Regino
Published: September 2003

Hypoxic brain injury during fetal or neonatal development leads to damaged immature neurons and can result in cognitive or behavioral dysfunction. Hyperoxia therapy (treatment with oxygen) is commonly applied to infants with signs of perinatal hypoxia–anoxia. Both hypoxia and hyperoxia have been shown to result in apoptosis in the brains of rats in several animal models. One determinant of cellular commitment to cell death is the differential expression of the Bcl‐2 family of proteins in response to trauma. Here, we characterize cell death and the expression of Bcl‐2 homologous proteins in 7‐day‐old neonatal rat cerebral cortex after hypoxia (5% O2 for 40 min) and/or hyperoxia (>95% O2 for 2 h after hypoxia). The expression of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL, two anti‐apoptotic proteins, decreased at 24 h after hypoxia. Bcl‐XL increased after either hyperoxia or hypoxia+hyperoxia. We did not detect significant changes in the cytoplasmic levels of pro‐apoptotic protein Bax after any of these three treatments. Using cell death ELISA and DNA FragEL© assays, we observed increased cell death at 24 h after hypoxia, hyperoxia or hypoxia+hyperoxia treatments. At 24 h after either hypoxia, hyperoxia or hypoxia+hyperoxia, caspase 3 activity also increased significantly. Our results suggest that both hypoxia and hyperoxia alone can induce cell death. The Bcl‐2 → cytochrome c → caspase 3 pathway played a role in hypoxia‐induced cell death, while other pathways may be involved in hyperoxia‐induced cell death.
Trawl hangs, baby fish, and closed areas: a win–win scenario
Authors: Link Jason S , Demarest Chad
Published: September 2003

The frequency and geographic distribution of trawlnet hangs from a fishery-independent survey are evaluated. The hangs data were plotted on a substratum map to confirm that many, but not all, were naturally occurring, high relief substrata. The data were also coupled with the occurrence of juvenile cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) to assess the degree of association between juvenile gadoids and high relief substrata. The average minimal distance from a fish occurrence to a hang ranged from 8.1 to 12.0 km (4.4–6.5 nautical miles), well within the reported daily range of movement for these fish. A similar pattern was detected for the sea raven (Hemitripterus americanus), a predator of juvenile gadoids, confirming the location of these microhabitat foodwebs. On average, closing an area 3.7 km (2 nautical miles) around a hang will enclose 17–30% of the populations of these juvenile fish; a wider buffer (18–28 km; 10–15 nautical miles) will close a linearly increasing portion of the populations. Additionally, closing areas surrounding the hangs, particularly regions of high hang density, will help to minimize losses of or damage to fishing gear. We propose a win–win scenario by establishing or evaluating closed areas in regions with high concentrations of known hangs. This approach is widely applicable for many marine ecosystems and may help to achieve simultaneous conservation and resource management goals, whereby one can both protect pre-recruit fish and enhance the effectiveness of a fishery.
Enhancement of alkaline phosphatase synthesis in pulp cells co‐cultured with epithelial cells derived from lower rabbit incisors
Authors: Shiba Hideki , Mouri Yoshihiro , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi , Mizuno Noriyoshi , Xu Wanpeng , Noguchi Takuji , Nakamura Shigeo , Sugai Motoyuki , Kato Yukio , Kurihara Hidemi
Published: September 2003

Dental papilla mesenchymal cells differentiate into odontoblasts through epithelial—mesenchymal interactions. However, the mechanism by which enamel epithelial cells affect the differentiation of dental mesenchymal cells remains unknown. Alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) is a marker for odontoblast‐like differentiation, because odontoblasts show much higher ALPase activity than dental undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. The continuously growing rabbit incisor is a good model for the epithelial—mesenchymal interaction during odontogenesis. In the present study, we isolated and maintained rabbit incisor‐derived epithelial cells and rabbit incisor pulp‐derived fibroblastic cells, and examined the effect of epithelial cells on ALPase activity in fibroblastic cells. Epithelial cells were stained with anti‐cytokeratin 5 and 8 antibodies and showed the expression of tuftelin mRNA. In separate cultures of epithelial cells or fibroblastic cells, ALPase activity and mRNA levels were very low, but were upregulated in co‐cultures of epithelial and fibroblastic cells. Histochemical analysis found high ALPase activity in fibroblastic cells close to epithelial cells. These findings suggest that epithelial cells play an important role in promoting ALPase expression in pulp fibroblastic cells. The co‐culture system developed here will be useful for examining the role of the epithelial—mesenchymal interaction during odontoblast differentiation.
Differential regulation of JNK in caspase‐3‐mediated apoptosis of MPP+‐treated primary cortical neurons
Authors: Sun Der‐Shan , Chang Hsin‐Hou
Published: September 2003

MPTP (1‐methyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine), a chemical contaminant of synthetic heroin, induces neuropathological changes with clinical features similar to idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The mechanism by which MPTP and its metabolite MPP+(1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium) induces neuronal cell death remains unclear. We employed primary cortical/telencephalon neuronal cultures to investigate the potential role of caspase and stress‐activated protein kinase (SAPK)/c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathways in MPP+‐induced neuronal death. DNA fragmentation and caspase‐3 activity analysis showed that cortical neuronal cells underwent apoptosis after MPP+treatment. However, a basal level of apoptotic cells was also observed in untreated cultures. Interestingly, JNK activity increased in untreated cultures over time, whereas it was down‐regulated after MPP+treatment. This indicates that the JNK pathways could be differentially regulated in different apoptotic processes.
Effect of sulfated GAGs on the expression and activation of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in corneal and dermal explant cultures
Authors: Isnard N. , Robert L. , Renard G.
Published: September 2003

It has been shown previously that hyaluronan (HA) added to fibroblast and keratocyte cell cultures or corneal explant cultures produces an up‐regulation of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 expression and activation. Here, we examine the effect of sulfated GAG‐s, chondroitin 4 and 6 sulfate (CS4, CS6), dermatan sulfate (DS), keratan sulfate (KS) and heparan sulfate (HS) on MMP‐2 and 9 expression and activation under the same culture conditions. It appears that CS4 has only minor effects, KS inhibits MMP‐2 activation and CS6, DS and HS increase MMP‐2 activation in corneal explant cultures. For skin explant cultures, DS, KS and HS strongly increase MMP‐9 activation, whereas KS inhibits and DS increases MMP‐2 activation. All these effects can be strongly inhibited by the addition of an antibody to CD44, except CS6 and DS. Activation by these two GAGs was only slightly affected, supporting the contention that the effects of HA, CS4, KS and HS are mediated by one of the isoforms of this CD44 receptor. The physio‐pathological significance of these results is discussed for cornea and skin ageing, because of the divergent evolution with in vitro ageing of the relative proportions of GAGs synthesised by these two cell types.
The mitochondrial acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase (T2) deficiency in Japanese patients: urinary organic acid and blood acylcarnitine profiles under stable conditions have subtle abnormalities in T2‐deficient patients with some residual T2 activity
Authors: Fukao T. , Zhang G.‐X. , Sakura N. , Kubo T. , Yamaga H. , Hazama A. , Kohno Y. , Matsuo N. , Kondo M. , Yamaguchi S. , Shigematsu Y. , Kondo N.
Published: September 2003

Mitochondrial acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase (T2) deficiency is an inborn error of metabolism affecting isoleucine and ketone bodies in the catabolic process. Mutation analysis and expression analysis of mutant cDNAs have facilitated the division of T2‐deficient patients into two groups: those with null mutations in either allele (group I) and those with mutation(s) retaining some residual T2 activity in at least one of two mutant alleles (group II). Among 5 Japanese T2‐deficient patients, GK01 belonged to group I and the other patients (GK19, GK19B, GK30 and GK31) to group II. As we have suggested previously, the severity of ketoacidotic episodes in the group II patients was similar to that in the group I patient. However, the urinary organic acid and blood spot acylcarnitine profiles under stable conditions differed between the two groups. The group I patient had typical profiles for the T2 deficiency. In contrast, in all four patients in group II, tiglylglycine was not or was only faintly detected and the 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxybutyrate levels were less than the cutoff value. Their tiglylcarnitine levels were within the normal range and 2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxybutyrylcarnitine was detected just around the cutoff value in our newborn screening pilot test. Hence, these analyses under stable conditions are not reliable for diagnosing the T2 deficiency in the group II patients. The T2 deficiency (group II) can be misdiagnosed as normal if these analyses are performed under nonepisodic conditions and possibly during the newborn screening for inborn errors of metabolism.
Maternal methionine adenosyltransferase I/III deficiency: Reproductive outcomes in a woman with four pregnancies
Authors: Mudd S. H. , Tangerman A. , Stabler S. P. , Allen R. H. , Wagner C. , Zeisel S. H. , Levy H. L.
Published: September 2003

Four pregnancies in a women with moderately severe deficiency of methionine adenosyltransferase I/III (MAT I/III) activity are reported. She is an apparent homozygote for apointmutation inMAT1A,the gene that encodes the catalytically active subunit of MAT I/III. This mutation reduces the activity of her expressed enzyme to some 11% of wild‐type. She was the first such individual identified in the United States, and these are the first pregnancies known in anyone with this extent of MAT I/III deficiency. No adverse effects were noted in the mother. Three normal babies resulted, but fetal arrest was detected in one embryo at 10–11 weeks gestation. Plasma methionine concentrations remained virtually constant at their elevated levels of 300–350 µmol/L throughout the pregnancies. Plasma free choline was below the reference range. In view of the evidence that maternal choline delivery to the fetus is important for brain development, it was suggested the patient ingest two eggs daily from gestation week 17. Plasma choline and phosphatidylcholine tended to rise during such supplementation. Plasma cystathionine concentrations rose progressively to far above normal during these pregnancies, but not during pregnancies in control women. This may be explained by delivery of excessive methionine to the fetus, with consequent increased cystathionine synthesis by fetal tissues. Because fetal tissues lack γ‐cystathionase, presumably cystathionine accumulated abnormally in the fetus and was transferred in abnormal amounts back to the mother. Plasma and urinary concentrations of methionine transamination metabolites rose during pregnancy for reasons that remain obscure.
Infantile mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome associated with methylmalonic aciduria and 3‐methylcrotonyl‐CoA and propionyl‐CoA carboxylase deficiencies in two unrelated patients: A new phenotype of mtDNA depletion syndrome
Authors: Yano S. , Li L. , Le T. P. , Moseley K. , Guedalia A. , Lee J. , Gonzalez I. , Boles R. G.
Published: September 2003

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion refers to a quantitative defect in mtDNA and is heterogeneous with regard to causal genotypes and the associated clinical phenotypes. We report two unrelated infants with mtDNA depletion. A diagnosis of methylmalonic aciduria was initially raised in both on the basis of high urine methylmalonic acid and related organic acids and elevated propionylcarnitine and methylmalonylcarnitine. Carboxylase assay with skin fibroblasts revealed low propionyl‐CoA and 3‐methylcrotonyl‐CoA carboxylase and normal pyruvate carboxylase activities. Quantitative Southern blot analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA with muscle tissues revealed the patients' mtDNA to be depleted to 24% and 39% of normal controls. Our two patients showed multiple mitochondrial dysfunction including respiratory chain defects and deficiencies in the two nuclear DNA encoded carboxylases resulting in abnormal urine organic acids. To our knowledge, there is no obvious connection between the defective pathways other than their mitochondrial locations. These two cases may represent a new entity of mitochondrial disease that might be due to a defective common mechanism, such as assembly, maintenance and transport, affecting various mitochondrial enzymes and functions. Mitochondrial depletion should be considered in infants with atypical organic aciduria that may resemble methylmalonic aciduria, propionic acidaemia, or 3‐methylcrotonyl‐CoA carboxylase deficiency.
Use of gabapentin to reduce chronic neuropathic pain in Fabry disease
Authors: Ries M. , Mengel E. , Kutschke G. , Kim K. S. , Birklein F. , Krummenauer F. , Beck M.
Published: September 2003

The effect of the anticonvulsant gabapentin on neuropathic pain was studied in six male patients with Fabry disease, aged 15–45 years. After 4 weeks of treatment, pain, as measured using the Brief Pain Inventory, was decreased compared with baseline. Treatment was generally well tolerated. This study indicates that gabapentin should be considered as a treatment option for the neuropathic pain of Fabry disease.
Many Entropies, Many Disorders
Authors: Davison Matt , Shiner J. S.
Published: September 2003

To overcome the deficits of entropy as a measure for disorder when the number of states available to a system can change, Landsberg defined “disorder” as the entropy normalized to the maximum entropy. In the simplest cases, the maximum entropy is that of the equiprobable distribution, corresponding to a completely random system. However, depending on the question being asked and on system constraints, this absolute maximum entropy may not be the proper maximum entropy. To assess the effects of interactions on the “disorder” of a 1-dimensional spin system, the correct maximum entropy is that of the paramagnet (no interactions) with the same net magnetization; for a non-equilibrium system the proper maximum entropy may be that of the corresponding equilibrium system; and for hierarchical structures, an appropriate maximum entropy for a given level of the hierarchy is that of the system which is maximally random, subject to constraints deriving from the next lower level. Considerations of these examples leads us to introduce the “equivalent random system”: that system which is maximally random consistent with any constraints and with the question being asked. It is the entropy of the “equivalent random system” which should be taken as the maximum entropy in Landsberg's “disorder”.
Administration of protein substitute and quality of control in phenylketonuria: A randomized study
Authors: MacDonald A. , Rylance G. , Davies P. , Asplin D. , Hall S. K. , Booth I. W.
Published: September 2003

Uneven administration of an L‐amino acid protein substitute is an important contributing factor in variability in plasma phenylalanine concentrations over the 24‐hour period in patients with phenylketonuria under treatment. The aim of this study was to determine whether manipulating the timing of protein substitution would reduce variability in plasma phenylalanine over 24 h. Sixteen children (aged 1‐11 years) with well‐controlled phenylketonuria were entered into a randomized crossover study in which four protocols of the same daily dose of protein substitute administration were compared. In protocol A, three equal, divided doses were given with meals over 10 h; in protocol B, three equal doses over 14 h; in protocol C, four equal doses over 14 h; and in protocol D, six equal doses over 24 h (3 subjects only). Four‐hourly skin puncture blood specimens were collected for 48 h in each study protocol. In protocols A, B and C, but not in protocol D, there was wide variability in 24 h plasma phenylalanine. The median daily differences (μmol/L) between highest and lowest phenylalanine concentrations were: for protocol A, 140; for protocol B, 100; for protocol C, 120; and for protocol D, 40. In protocol D, 97% of all phenylalanine concentrations were below 120 μmol/L and no concentration fell below 40νmol/L. Administration of protein substitute overnight as well as during daytime produces stable and lower plasma phenylalanine concentrations and may lead to improved dietary phenylalanine tolerance.
Along‐axis magmatic system in the northern Oman ophiolite: Implications of compositional variation of the sheeted dike complex
Authors: Miyashita Sumio , Adachi Yoshiko , Umino Susumu
Published: September 2003

Along‐axis variations for 70 km from the northern propagating tip at Wadi Fizh to the southern margin of the Hilti block in the northern Oman ophiolite are studied on the basis of bulk rock and pyroxene compositions of the sheeted dike complex. Less evolved dikes with tight compositions predominate at the segment center (Wadi Thuqbah‐Ays area), while dikes with much broader compositions occur at both northern and southern ends. The appearance of highly evolved rocks at the segment margin suggests more intensive fractional crystallization at the margin. Paradoxically, primitive rocks occur at both ends, indicating processes other than simple crystallization. These features are interpreted as follows: a more steady state melt lens at the segment center would result in less evolved melts with tight compositions, and a smaller melt lens at the segment margin due to cooler conditions would result in two melts, evolved melts ascribed to a more closed system fractional crystallization, and primitive melts emplaced from depths without stagnancy in the melt lens. Zr/Nb and Y/Nb ratios of the bulk analyses are constant over the whole segment, indicating a comparatively uniform source along the segment. For quantitative considerations, 26 analyses were selected from 125 analyses. Na8.0 and Ti8.0 values are lower at the segment center than at the north and south parts. Partial melting degrees are estimated to be about 20% at the center and 16% at the segment boundary, respectively. This is consistent with clinopyroxene compositions of the sheeted dike complex and layered gabbros. The pyroxenes are lower in Na2O at the segment center than those at the segment margin as compared with the same Mg#, suggesting independently a higher degree of partial melting at the segment center. The trace element contents of the sheeted dike complex show MORB signatures. However, the Ti8.0 and Si8.0 of the sheeted dike complex are lower and slightly higher than modern N‐MORBs, respectively. This implies that the source mantle beneath paleo‐ridges which produced the Oman ophiolite was different from those of modern mid‐ocean ridges.
Estimate of heat flux and its temporal variation at the TAG hydrothermal mound, Mid‐Atlantic Ridge 26°N
Authors: Goto Shusaku , Kinoshita Masataka , Schultz Adam , Von Herzen Richard P.
Published: September 2003

From August 1994 to March 1995, three 50‐m‐high vertical thermistor arrays designated “Giant Kelps” (GKs) were deployed around the central black smoker complex (CBC) at the TAG hydrothermal mound, Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (26°08′N, 44°49′W). These were designed to monitor the temporal variability of the vertical temperature distribution in the hydrothermal plume. One small high‐temperature probe “Hobo” was also deployed in one of the black smoker vents of CBC. Over the observation period, two typical characteristics are recognized in plume temperatures measured with GKs: (1) the amplitudes of temperature anomalies decrease with increasing height above the top of CBC; (2) maximum temperature anomalies on the upper thermistors occurred periodically and nearly simultaneously across the array about every 6 hours. Conversely, maximum temperature anomalies on the lower thermistors occurred periodically every 12 hours, indicating that the location of the plume discharged from CBC was forcibly moved by the change in direction of tidally modulated current flow. The heat flux from CBC was estimated from temperatures measured by GKs based on a model of buoyant hydrothermal fluid rising in a stable, stratified density environment. The estimated heat flux from CBC gradually decreases from about 86 to 55 MW over the ∼7 months of measurement, with a mean rate of decrease of 0.17 MW d−1. Since the black smoker effluent temperature measured with Hobo was almost stable over the measurement period, a plausible cause of the decrease is a reduction in the volume of hydrothermal fluid provided to the CBC (in which case the estimated mean rate of decrease in volume flux of CBC is 8.9 m3 d−1). Estimated heat flux, temperature anomalies observed by Hobo, and diffuse flow and subbottom temperature anomalies recorded by other long‐term monitoring instruments before, during, and after ODP Leg 158 indicate that the drilling probably affected the fluid flow pattern within the mound but had little effect on the total heat flux from CBC.
Observations and analyses of an intense waves‐in‐ice event in the Sea of Okhotsk
Authors: Marko John R.
Published: September 2003

Ice draft, ice velocity, ice concentration, and current profile data gathered at an array of eight continental shelf monitoring sites east of Sakhalin Island were analyzed in conjunction with regional meteorological data to document and explain intense wave occurrences several hundred kilometers inside the Sea of Okhotsk ice pack. The studied event was associated with the 19–21 March 1998 passage of an intense cyclone, which produced waves with amplitudes in excess of 1 m at the most offshore monitoring location. The relatively monochromatic character of the waves allowed extraction of wave intensity time series from ice draft time series data. Spatial and temporal variations in these data were used to establish directions and speeds of wave energy propagation for comparisons with an earlier interpretation [Liu and Mollo‐Christensen, 1988] of an Antarctic intense waves‐in‐ice event. It was concluded that although both events are compatible with a two‐stage process in which initially slowly advancing wave activity increases subsequent ice cover wave transmissivity, the first stage of the Sea of Okhotsk event was not explicable in terms of the static stress‐induced changes in the waves‐in‐ice dispersion relationship proposed by Liu and Mollo‐Christensen. An alternative explanation is offered that eschews the linkage between wave group velocities and the observed slow rates of wave energy propagation and attributes the subsequent transition to more normal wave propagation behavior to ice pack divergence.
Variability of Rhodes and Ierapetra Gyres during Levantine Intermediate Water Experiment: Observations and model results
Authors: Marullo S. , Napolitano E. , Santoleri R. , Manca B. , Evans R.
Published: September 2003

This work is aimed at studying the variability of Rhodes and Ierapetra Gyres during the Levantine Intermediate Water Experiment. Sea surface temperature maps, derived from Global Area Coverage advanced very high resolution radiometer (AVHRR) data in the framework of the Pathfinder Project and sea level anomalies, derived from TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter, were used to track the evolution, both in terms of dimension and position, of the cyclonic Rhode Gyre and Ierapetra anticyclone. The analysis was performed for the period from October 1994 to the end of April 1995, i.e., from the preconditioning to the spreading phase of Levantine Intermediate Water. The description of the surface fields was complemented by a temporal evolution study of the Rhodes and Ierapetra Gyres hydrological vertical structure. European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts AVHRR‐derived fluxes have been used as forcing for a numerical model to study the variability of the mixed layer in both gyres. The simulated upper layer dynamics remarkably matched remotely sensed and in situ observations. This work shows that using a combined analysis of observational data and model simulations, we were able to propose a dynamical scenario for the winter of 1995 where the Levantine basin was characterized by short intense heat loss events occurring during at the beginning of December. The intense air‐sea interaction contributed to deep, instead of intermediate, mixing as confirmed by remote sensing, in situ data, and model experiments. A hypothesis on the role of the lateral contribution on the water column buoyancy content in the Rhodes Gyre was formulated.
Eastern Mediterranean Transient studied with Lagrangian diagnostics applied to a Mediterranean OGCM forced by satellite SST and ECMWF wind stress for the years 1988–1993
Authors: Rupolo Volfango , Marullo Salvatore , Iudicone Daniele
Published: September 2003

In this work, we estimate deep and intermediate water mass dispersal in the different phases of the Eastern Mediterranean Transient by means of the Lagrangian analysis of a Mediterranean ocean general circulation model (OGCM) run, forced by daily European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) wind stress and satellite sea surface temperature (SST) over the years from 1988 to 1993. While in a first phase (1989–1991) major modifications of the intermediate salty waters path are observed, during 1992 and 1993 the general mechanism of the transient is reproduced in the deep Ionian basin, where the Cretan overflow replaces Adriatic deep water that uplifting of several hundred meters freshens in the intermediate layers. Analysis of the water mass formation rates shows that dense water production during 1993 is twice the climatological values in the eastern subbasins of the Mediterranean and that the densest water is formed in the Cretan Sea. From 1988 to 1993, about 1.3 × 1014 m3 of water flows over the Cretan Arcs (see the caption of Figure 1 for a definition of the Cretan Arcs) to sink deeper than 600 m in the eastern Mediterranean, which is roughly half of the value estimated by Roether et al. [1996]. About 60% of this deep outflow (∼0.8 × 1014 m3) occurs in a few months, during the cold winters of 1992 and 1993, when the overflow of Cretan dense water in the Antikithera Strait reaches 1.5 Sv and rapidly propagates in the deep Ionian basin, developing very energetic coherent structures. We study the characteristic times of the relaxation of the system toward the climatology, and finally, we estimate the rate and the geographical distribution of the upwelling in the intermediate and subsurface layers.
Physical‐statistical modeling in geophysics
Authors: Berliner L. Mark
Published: September 2003

Two powerful formulas have been available to scientists for more than two centuries: Newton's second law, providing a foundation for classical physics, and Bayes's theorem, prescribing probabilistic learning about unknown quantities based on observations. For the most part the use of these formulas has been separated, with Newton being the more dominant in geophysics. This separation is arguably surprising since numerous sources of uncertainty arise in the application of classical physics in complex situations. One explanation for the separation is the difficulty in implementing Bayesian analysis in complex settings. However, recent advances in both modeling strategies and computational tools have contributed to a significant change in the scope and feasibility of Bayesian analysis. This paradigm provides opportunities for the combination of physical reasoning and observational data in a coherent analysis framework but in a fashion which manages the uncertainties in both information sources. A key to the modeling is the hierarchical viewpoint, in which separate statistical models are developed for the process variables studied and for the observations conditional on those variables. Modeling process variables in this way enables the incorporation of physics across a spectrum of levels of intensity, ranging from a qualitative use of physical reasoning to a strong reliance on numerical models. Selected examples from this spectrum are reviewed.

So far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain. And so far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality.Albert Einstein (1921)
Detection of thin cirrus using a combination of 1.38‐μm reflectance and window brightness temperature difference
Authors: Roskovensky J. K. , Liou K. N.
Published: September 2003

A new cloud‐detection scheme has been developed that utilizes 1.38‐μm reflectance in combination with 8.6–11 μm brightness temperature difference (BTD8.6–11) to detect thin cirrus clouds. The 1.38‐μm channel of the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) is useful in detecting thin cirrus due to its high sensitivity to upper tropospheric clouds and a nearly negligible sensitivity to low‐level reflectance. Dependent upon neighboring cloud type, water vapor concentration, and the viewing geometry, specific 1.38‐μm reflectance threshold levels can be utilized to detect thin cirrus that has previously been undetectable by downward looking satellite imagery. BTD8.6–11 is also sensitive to ice clouds and is used as a second, independent, cirrus cloud test. Each test can either support or negate results from the other. Final cloud type results are produced by using cirrus detected by either the 1.38‐μm reflectance test or the BTD8.6–11 test or by using only that detected by both tests depending on whether a sizable amount of the neighboring cloud is opaque or not as determined by a simple visible reflectance test. It is found that 1.38‐μm reflectance can often detect a greater amount of thin cirrus than the BTD8.6–11. Satellite data from 10 MODIS cases over the atmospheric radiation measurement‐tropical western Pacific and southern Great Plains sites were chosen because they provide land and ocean surface cases, variation in cloud type to test the algorithms reliability, and ground truth in the form of millimeter‐wave radar data. Two‐dimensional horizontal cloud type detection results are shown to correlate well with the 1‐hour cloud radar reflectivity time series centered at the MODIS overpass time. Statistics indicate that the new algorithm more accurately identifies thin cirrus in cases involving only single‐layer cirrus and where thin cirrus overrides low cloud.
Sea‐level variability in the northwest Atlantic during the past 1500 years: A delayed response to solar forcing?
Authors: van de Plassche O. , van der Schrier G. , Weber S. L. , Gehrels W. R. , Wright A. J.
Published: September 2003

Numerical experiments with a coupled ocean‐atmosphere model (ECBilt) have shown that centennial variations in sea level (SL) in the northwest Atlantic may be associated with deep‐ocean salinity anomalies generated by solar‐forced variations in the North Atlantic overturning circulation. Here we compare simulated SL curves for the Gulf Stream region with reconstructed, late‐Holocene SL records from Connecticut (USA). Simulated SL variations lag the solar forcing record by ca. 120 year. This lag is found to be robust over a small number of different experiments. The reconstructed SL curves visually match the solar forcing optimally when lagging it by ca. 125 yr. A quantitative test shows that the correlation is significant, while this result is not sensitive to dating uncertainties. The temporal response pattern of the simulated SL curves compares reasonably well with the reconstructions.
Seasonal deuterium excess in a Tien Shan ice core: Influence of moisture transport and recycling in Central Asia
Authors: Kreutz Karl J. , Wake Cameron P. , Aizen Vladimir B. , Cecil L. DeWayne , Synal Hans‐Arno
Published: September 2003

Stable water isotope (δ18O, δD) data from a high elevation (5100 masl) ice core recovered from the Tien Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan, display a seasonal cycle in deuterium excess (d = δD − 8*δ18O) related to changes in the regional hydrologic cycle during 1994–2000. While there is a strong correlation (r2 = 0.98) between δ18O and δD in the ice core samples, the regression slope (6.9) and mean d value (23.0) are significantly different than the global meteoric water line values. The resulting time‐series ice core d profile contains distinct winter maxima and summer minima, with a yearly d amplitude of ∼15–20‰. Local‐scale processes that may affect d values preserved in the ice core are not consistent with the observed seasonal variability. Data from Central Asian monitoring sites in the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP) have similar seasonal d changes. We suggest that regional‐scale hydrological conditions, including seasonal changes in moisture source, transport, and recycling in the Caspian/Aral Sea region, are responsible for the observed spatial and temporal d variability.
Identification of rainfall interception model parameters from measurements of throughfall and forest canopy storage
Authors: Vrugt Jasper A. , Dekker Stefan C. , Bouten Willem
Published: September 2003

The majority of canopy interception models, simulating the driving processes that control the energy and water exchange between the canopy and the atmosphere, contain parameters that can not be measured directly, but can only be meaningfully inferred by calibration against a measured record of input‐output data. The aim of the present paper is to explore the suitability of two different types of measurements for the identification of parameters in a single‐layer forest canopy interception model. The first information source consists of measured throughfall dynamics, whereas the second consists of measured canopy water storage dynamics. The latter measurements were obtained using the attenuation of a microwave signal over a 12.5‐m propagation line while scanning vertically through the forest canopy. Results demonstrate that measured throughfall dynamics contain only very limited information for the calibration of a canopy interception model and are particularly inadequate to identify the storage capacity and evaporation rate of the forest canopy. On the contrary, microwave‐measured canopy water storage dynamics contain sufficient information to be able to identify the interception model parameters with a high degree of confidence.
Biology and functions of human leukocyte antigen‐G in health and sickness*
Authors: LeMaoult J. , Le Discorde M. , Rouas‐Freiss N. , Moreau P. , Menier C. , McCluskey J. , Carosella E.D.
Published: September 2003

Abstract:  In 1998, the first International Conference on human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) was held in Paris. At that time, HLA‐G was still a new HLA class I molecule, few aspects of its immunological functions were known, and its expression by tumors was just being described. In 1998, tools to properly study HLA‐G were lacking, especially monoclonal antibodies, and three conclusions were drawn after the congress: (i) animal models were needed, (ii) the biology of HLA‐G isoforms had to be confirmed, and (iii) HLA‐G expression by tumors required clarification. Five years later, these three issues have been addressed. HLA‐G is now gaining pace and is investigated for its immuno‐inhibitory functions in the context of multiple pathologies. Eighty five oral presentations were given this year for more than 200 investigators working on HLA‐G by speakers from over 20 countries. The success of the 3rd International Conference on HLA‐G reflects the interest and tremendous work of the many research teams which, over the years, contributed to the publication of more than 500 peer‐review articles. We summarize the key points that were presented and discussed during this meeting.
Surgical site infections following pediatric liver transplantation: risks and costs
Authors: Hollenbeak C.S. , Alfrey E.J. , Sheridan K. , Burger T.L. , Dillon P.W.
Published: September 2003

Purpose. Infectious complications following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in both adults and children. In adults, surgical site infections complicating OLT have been shown to significantly increase resource utilization, but their impact in children has not been studied. In this study we identify risk factors for surgical site infections in children undergoing primary OLT for end‐stage liver disease and estimate their impact on patient survival, graft survival, length of stay, and charges.

Methods. All pediatric liver transplants (n = 77) less than 16 years of age from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Liver Transplantation Database were included in the analysis. Surgical site infections (n = 25) were defined as wound infections, abdominal abscesses, and bacterial or fungal infections of the liver, intestine, or peritoneum during the initial transplant admission. Risk of infection was estimated using logistic regression, survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method, and length of stay and charges were compared using Student's t‐test. Multivariate analysis of charges was performed using linear regression.

Results. Of the 77 patients, 25 (32.5%) developed a surgical site infection. Several factors were associated with increased risk of infections, including a leak at the biliary anastomosis (odds ratio [OR] 115, P = 0.003), preoperative white blood cell count (OR = 1.28, P = 0.009), surgery > 7 h (OR = 15.0, P = 0.011), HLA mismatches (OR = 6.0, P = 0.03), and female gender (OR = 8.0, P = 0.038). Surgical site infections did not significantly decrease either patient survival or graft survival, and increased hospital stay by an average of 21 days (P = 0.14). After controlling for other factors, patients who developed surgical site infections incurred on average $132,507 (P = 0.03) more in charges than patients who did not develop infections.

Conclusions. Surgical site infections in pediatric patients following liver transplantation are significantly influenced by surgical technique and endogenous patient characteristics. Though survival outcomes are not different, the development of such infections has significant implications for resource utilization in the care of these patients.
Renal transplantation and polyomavirus infection: recent clinical facts and controversies
Authors: Kazory A. , Ducloux D.
Published: September 2003

Abstract: Although many articles have been published on polyomavirus‐induced pathologies in transplant recipients, our knowledge regarding their clinical aspects remains relatively limited. In fact, the number of questions and controversies on the subject seems even to be increasing as new publications continue to appear. This article presents some of these controversies through a brief review of recent clinical facts about the three polyomaviruses that infect humans – JC virus, simian virus 40, and BK virus – as they relate to renal transplantation.
Ability of healthy and inflamed human dental pulp to reduce hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Esposito Paola , Varvara Giuseppe , Murmura Giovanna , Terlizzi Antonio , Caputi Sergio
Published: September 2003

This study examined the defensive ability of human dental pulp against H2O2 in healthy and reversible and irreversible pulpitis tissues through determination of catalase activity by spectrophotometric methods. Thirty‐five systemically healthy patients were donors of the pulp tissue, and pulp conditions were assessed using clinical and X‐ray evaluations. Catalase activity was 1.61 ± 0.23 U mg−1 protein in the healthy tissues, 2.99 ± 0.45 U mg−1 protein in the reversible pulpitis tissues, and 2.44 ± 467 mU mg−1 protein in the irreversible pulpitis tissues. All differences between the groups were statistically significant. These results point to a role for catalase during dental pulp inflammation in humans, and therefore demonstrate an inherent biological defense system against reactive oxidants in human dental pulp.
Prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotypes in Caucasians
Authors: Beikler Thomas , Peters Ulrike , Prajaneh Seangsome , Prior Karola , Ehmke Benjamin , Flemmig Thomas Frank
Published: September 2003

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotypes in Caucasian patients with periodontitis. Atotal of 102 patients harboring P. gingivalis subgingivally were enrolled into the study. Pooled subgingival plaque samples of the six most severely affected sites were taken and analysed by fimA‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction analysis. Moreover, 26 P. gingivalis isolates were analysed by sequence analysis of the fimA gene. Sequence analysis revealed five major fimA genotypes (fimA types I–V) and allowed further subtyping of fimA genotypes II and IV into two subgroups each. The overall prevalences of fimA genotypes as assessed by PCR and restriction analysis among the P. gingivalis‐positive patients with periodontitis were: type I, 25.5%; type II, 38.2%; type III, 4.9%; type IV, 18.6%; type V, 3.9%; and non‐typable, 6.9%. Two patients were colonized by both type II and type IV, or type III and type IV fimA genotypes, respectively. Patients harboring different fimA genotypes showed no significant difference in severity of periodontal disease, as assessed by pocket probing depth and bleeding on probing following adjustment for smoking habit and age. The results indicate that predominant fimA genotypes in Caucasian periodontitis patients are types I, II, and IV. However, there was no difference in the association of the various fimA genotypes with disease severity.
Dynamic compressive properties of porcine temporomandibular joint disc
Authors: Tanaka Eiji , Kikuzaki Mayu , Hanaoka Koichi , Tanaka Masao , Sasaki Akiko , Kawai Nobuhiko , Ishino Yoshihiro , Takeuchi Michiru , Tanne Kazuo
Published: September 2003

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the strain frequency and amplitude on the compressive properties of the porcine temporomandibular joint disc and to determine the time‐dependent changes associated with energy dissipation. Seven discs were used for compressive cycle tests, including various frequencies and magnitudes of compressive strain. Each experiment consisted of 25 cycles of loading and unloading. Hysteresis and the instantaneous and steady moduli were calculated. All specimens showed a clear hysteresis and repeatable stress–strain relationships within 19 cycles. The hysteresis at the initial cycle ranged between 35% and 62%, and gradually decreased in subsequent cycles. The instantaneous modulus became larger when the strain frequency and the strain amplitude increased. The steady modulus was approximately one‐third of the instantaneous one. It was concluded that the disc has an energy‐dissipating function during dynamic compression.
Longitudinal study of intrafamilial mutans streptococci ribotypes
Authors: Köhler Birgitta , Lundberg Ann‐Britt , Birkhed Dowen , Papapanou Panos N.
Published: September 2003

To explore the intrafamilial homology and longitudinal stability of colonization by early acquired mutans streptococci, genomic fingerprinting was performed on 254 strains (192 Streptococcus mutans and 62 Streptococcus sobrinus strains) collected from 16 families (16 mother–child pairs, seven fathers and four siblings). Genomic DNA was digested by the restriction endonuclease HindIII, followed by gel electrophoresis, Southern blotting, and hybridization with a digoxigenin‐labeled 16S rDNA probe, and hybrid detection by enhanced chemiluminescence. One to five ribotypes were identified per person, and between two and nine (median five) within each family. Fourteen of the 16 mother–child pairs showed homology for at least one ribotype (range 1–4). Six of the seven father–child pairs had one ribotype in common. Ten of the 13 longitudinally examined children showed persistence of at least one ribotype over a period of up to 16 yr. The results support the notion of intrafamilial transfer of mutans streptococci, and suggest that colonization of early acquired strains persists into young adulthood.
Gender‐based differences in factors related to non‐utilization of dental care in young Norwegians. A longitudinal study
Authors: Skaret Erik , Raadal Magne , Kvale Gerd , Berg Einar
Published: September 2003

The present study had the following aims: (i): to evaluate the utilization of dental care among young adults during the age period from 18 to 23 yr; and (ii) to explore possible characteristics at the age of 18 yr that may predict non‐utilization of dental care at the age of 23 yr. Respondents from a random sample of adolescents that had been surveyed at the age of 18 yr (n = 968) were surveyed again at the age of 23 yr. The data were based on (1) baseline data collected at the age 18 yr, and (2) a questionnaire mailed to the same subjects at the age of 23 yr. The response rate was 69%. The time since the last dental appointment at the age of 23 yr was longer for men than for women. Of the 2% that had not been to the dentist for the last 5 yr or more, the majority were men (69%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the following characteristics at the age of 18 yr were predictive of being included in a non‐utilization group (n = 45) at the age of 23 yr: multiple fears (odds ratio (OR) = 3.0), treatment at the age of 18 yr not completed (OR = 2.5), and high dental anxiety (OR = 2.0 for women and OR = 1.2 for men). These gender differences may influence future strategies for prevention of dropout from care and possible interventions aimed at bringing adolescents back to regular dental care.
A Diathesis-Stress Model of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Ecological, Biological, and Residual Stress Pathways
Authors: McKeever Victoria M. , Huff Maureen E.
Published: September 2003

The symptoms captured within the contemporary diagnostic definition of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been studied for more than 100 years. Yet, even with increasingly advanced discoveries regarding the etiology of PTSD, a comprehensive and up-to-date etiological model that incorporates both medical and psychological research has not been described and systematically studied. The diathesis-stress model proposed here consolidates existing medical and psychological research data on etiological factors associated with PTSD into 3 causal pathways: residual stress, ecological, and biological. In combination, these pathways illuminate how PTSD might develop and who might be at higher risk for developing the disorder. Research and treatment implications related to the diathesis-stress model are discussed.
A Duplex Theory of Hate: Development and Application to Terrorism, Massacres, and Genocide
Authors: Sternberg Robert J.
Published: September 2003

This article presents a triangular theory of the structure of hate and a story-based theory of the development of triangles of hate. Hate is proposed to be 1 contributing cause of many, although certainly not all, massacres and genocides. The article describes why the problem of terrorism, massacres, and genocide is of critical importance to psychology; reviews theories of the instigation of massacres and genocides; and then presents the duplex theory. The role of propaganda and other instigating factors is discussed. The benefits and limitations of the proposed duplex theory of hate are reviewed. Possible remedies for hate also are delineated.