bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty of bioclimate envelope models based on the geographical distribution of species
Authors: Luoto M. , Pöyry J. , Heikkinen R. K. , Saarinen K.
Published: October 2005

Aim We explored the effects of prevalence, latitudinal range and spatial autocorrelation of species distribution patterns on the accuracy of bioclimate envelope models of butterflies.

Location  Finland, northern Europe.

Methods  The data of a national butterfly atlas survey (NAFI) carried out in 1991–2003 with a resolution of 10 × 10 km were used in the analyses. Generalized additive models (GAM) were constructed, for each of 98 species, to estimate the probability of occurrence as a function of climate variables. Model performance was measured using the area under the curve (AUC) of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plot. Observed differences in modelling accuracy among species were related to the species’ geographical attributes using multivariate GAM.

Results  Accuracies of the climate–butterfly models varied from low to very high (AUC values 0.59–0.99), with a mean of 0.79. The modelling performance was related negatively to the latitudinal range and prevalence, and positively to the spatial autocorrelation of the species distribution. These three factors accounted for 75.2% of the variation in the modelling accuracy. Species at the margin of their range or with low prevalence were better predicted than widespread species, and species with clumped distributions better than scattered dispersed species.

Main conclusions  The results from this study indicate that species’ geographical attributes highly influence the behaviour and uncertainty of species–climate models, which should be taken into account in biogeographical modelling studies and assessments of climate change impacts.
Prevalence of obesity in Taiwan
Authors: Chu N.‐F.
Published: October 2005

In Taiwan, the prevalence and problem of obesity has increased significantly in recent decades and has became an important public health issue. In children (12–15 years), the prevalence of obesity (defined as body weight > 120% of mean body weight with age‐ and gender‐specification) was 12.4%, 14.8% and 15.6% among boys and 10.1%, 11.1% and 12.9% among girls in 1980, 1986 and 1996 respectively. A survey of 1500 12–15‐year‐old children during 1995–1996 in Taipei city found that about 16.6% of boys and 11.1% of girls were obese, while an additional 11.6% of boys and 10.2% of girls were overweight. In adults, using the criteria defined by the Department of Health in Taiwan [overweight as (body mass index) BMI ≥ 24 and obese as BMI ≥ 27], the age‐adjusted prevalence of obesity was 10.5% and 15.9% for men and 13.2% and 10.7% for women from 1993–1996 to 2000–2001. From these data, we found that the prevalence of obesity in Taiwan has increased steadily from 1980 to 2000 especially in children and in men.
Role of cholecystokinin in appetite control and body weight regulation
Authors: Little T. J. , Horowitz M. , Feinle‐Bisset C.
Published: October 2005

Cholecystokinin (CCK), a peptide that is distributed widely throughout the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, has a number of physiological effects including the stimulation of gallbladder contraction and pancreatic and gastric acid secretion, slowing of gastric emptying and suppression of energy intake. This review focuses on current knowledge relating to (i) the effects of CCK on energy intake; (ii) the role for CCK in the pathophysiology of obesity; and (iii) the therapeutic potential for strategies which modulate the action or secretion of CCK in the management of obesity. While CCK plays a role in the acute regulation of appetite and energy intake, there is little evidence to suggest that specific CCK receptor agonists, or modulation of the actions of endogenous CCK by dietary manipulation, have sustainable inhibitory effects on energy intake. Hence, it appears unlikely that manipulating the pathways by which CCK modulates energy intake will prove to be an effective strategy in the long term management of obesity.
Stationary Autoregressive Models via a Bayesian Nonparametric Approach
Authors: Mena Ramsés H. , Walker Stephen G.
Published: October 2005

Abstract. An approach to constructing strictly stationary AR(1)‐type models with arbitrary stationary distributions and a flexible dependence structure is introduced. Bayesian nonparametric predictive density functions, based on single observations, are used to construct the one‐step ahead predictive density. This is a natural and highly flexible way to model a one‐step predictive/transition density.
Explosive Random‐Coefficient AR(1) Processes and Related Asymptotics for Least‐Squares Estimation
Authors: Hwang S. Y. , Basawa I. V.
Published: October 2005

Abstract.  Large sample properties of the least‐squares and weighted least‐squares estimates of the autoregressive parameter of the explosive random‐coefficient AR(1) process are discussed. It is shown that, contrary to the standard AR(1) case, the least‐squares estimator is inconsistent whereas the weighted least‐squares estimator is consistent and asymptotically normal even when the error process is not necessarily Gaussian. Conditional asymptotics on the event that a certain limiting random variable is non‐zero is also discussed.
Efficient Estimation of Seasonal Long‐Range‐Dependent Processes
Authors: Palma Wilfredo , Chan Ngai Hang
Published: October 2005

Abstract.  This paper studies asymptotic properties of the exact maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) for a general class of Gaussian seasonal long‐range‐dependent processes. This class includes the commonly used Gegenbauer and seasonal autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average processes. By means of an approximation of the spectral density, the exact MLE of this class are shown to be consistent, asymptotically normal and efficient. Finite sample performance of these estimates is examined by Monte Carlo simulations and it is shown that the estimates behave very well even for moderate sample sizes. The estimation methodology is illustrated by a real‐life Internet traffic example.
Testing Monthly Seasonal Unit Roots With Monthly and Quarterly Information
Authors: Pons Gabriel
Published: October 2005

Abstract.  This paper proposes a method for testing seasonal unit roots that combines monthly and quarterly Hylleberg, Engle, Granger and Yoo (HEGY) tests. The new approach is more powerful than the method that does not use quarterly information, i.e. the monthly HEGY test. An empirical illustration of the proposed approach is given for monthly US Industrial Production.
Epidemiology of status epilepticus in a rural area of northern Italy: a 2‐year population‐based study
Authors: Vignatelli L. , Rinaldi R. , Galeotti M. , De Carolis P. , D'Alessandro R.
Published: October 2005

We performed a 2‐year population‐based study on status epilepticus (SE) in adults in the rural area of Lugo di Romagna, northern Italy, to verify whether an area of low‐level urbanization has a lower risk of occurrence of SE (as recently suggested), different clinical features and short‐term prognosis than areas of high‐level urbanization. We found crude and age‐ and sex‐adjusted annual incidence rates of SE of 16.5/100 000 and 11.6/100 000, respectively. In patients under 60 years crude incidence was 2.9/100 000 and in the elderly (≥60 years) 38.6/100 000. Acute symptomatic SE accounted for 30% and a cerebrovascular pathology was the most frequently associated etiologic condition (60%). A history of seizures was reported in 41% of patients. The first therapeutic intervention was mainly benzodiazepines (lorazepam 46%; diazepam 33%). The 30‐day case fatality was 7%. We observed that the adult population of an area with a low level of urbanization has the same risk for SE, clinical features and short‐term prognosis as European urban areas. The only contrasting result is the 30‐day case fatality of 7% against the 39% found in the other Italian study (Bologna), despite the similarity of the SE features in these two areas of the same region. We infer that the short‐term prognosis of SE could also be considerably influenced by differences in health service organization (and hence management) possibly due to different levels of urbanization.
Lack of prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation effects in time production processing
Authors: Gironell A. , Rami L. , Kulisevsky J. , García‐Sánchez C.
Published: October 2005

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over different neuroanatomical areas [left and right doroslateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and right cerebellar hemisphere] on time production task. The study was performed in 16 healthy right‐handed men with a cross‐over, within subject repeated measures design. There were four rTMS conditions: baseline without stimulation, high frequency rTMS over right, left DLPFC and over right cerebellum. The volunteers were asked to produce a 3‐min interval by internal counting. The rTMS was applied during the task. No significantly differences were observed in absolute error scores in time estimation task with any rTMS condition. This preliminary study does not support the role of the prefrontal lobe in time production processes.
Spelling tasks and Alzheimer's disease staging
Authors: Carthery M. T. , de Mattos Pimenta Parente M. A. , Nitrini R. , Bahia V. S. , Caramelli P.
Published: October 2005

Reading, writing and oral spelling were evaluated in 30 normal elderly individuals and 28 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). Significant differences between control and AD groups were found in all tasks. Oral spelling was the most impaired function in AD and the only one which differentiated mild and moderate dementia cases. This task is very sensitive to the disease's effects on working memory and may be included in batteries aimed at staging AD.
Accidental MCI in healthy subjects: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: de Rotrou J. , Wenisch E. , Chausson C. , Dray F. , Faucounau V. , Rigaud A.‐S.
Published: October 2005

A study was realized on 130 healthy and autonomous volunteers (60–80 years old) who met specific medical and functional inclusion criteria. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was performed at baseline (M0), 6 and 12 months (M6, M12). At M0 the results indicated that 65% were cognitively normal on each of all the neuropsychological tests, whereas 35% presented a cognitive deficit on one or more tests. At M12, 52% of the subjects who had a cognitive deficit at M0 remained impaired, whereas 48% normalized their scores: they performed as well as the subjects classified normal at M0. The results also indicated that the subjects who remained impaired at M12, had at M0 low scores on three tests or more, whereas the ones who normalized their scores had one or two failed tests. This study focuses on the risk of false positive cases and shows that low scores can be accidental. The authors propose decision rules allowing to reduce the risk of false positive cases. The observation of accidental impairment invites to be cautious and makes this 1‐year follow‐up study particularly relevant, since a 1‐year follow‐up is generally needed to diagnose very mild dementia.
Lateralized ictal immobility of the upper limb in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Kuba R. , Křížová J. , Brázdil M. , Tyrlíková I. , Rektor I.
Published: October 2005

The primary aim of this study was to establish the incidence and the lateralizing value of ‘lateralized ictal immobility of the upper limb’ (LIL) in patients suffering from temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and to describe the connection between LIL and other clinical ictal signs.

We retrospectively reviewed video records of 87 patients with TLE. We reviewed a total of 276 focal epileptic seizures with or without secondary generalization. We studied the incidence of LIL, its lateralizing value, and its relationship to other ictal clinical signs. Of the 87 patients, 49 had undergone a successful resective surgery at least 1 year prior to the study.

LIL is a late sign in the course of partial seizure. It occurred in 25 of our 87 patients (28.7%), and in 47 of 276 seizures (17.1%). In all of the evaluated seizures, LIL occurred contralateral to the side of seizure onset (P < 0.001). LIL was always associated with ipsilateral upper limb automatisms, and in 63.1% of the occurrences, it was immediately followed by ictal dystonia.

LIL is a more accurate term to describe what has previously been called ‘ictal paresis’ in the literature. Due to the inability to execute proper testing during a partial seizure, it is better to use the term LIL when making a visual analysis of a seizure. LIL is a more suitable term to describe the studied ictal sign. It is a relatively frequent sign in patients with TLE. LIL has an excellent lateralizing value for the contralateral hemisphere. It is a negative motor sign, and its genesis is probably associated with the epileptic involvement of the contralateral frontal lobe.
X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy with olivopontocerebellar atrophy
Authors: Vianello M. , Manara R. , Betterle C. , Tavolato B. , Mariniello B. , Giometto B.
Published: October 2005

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by adrenal, gonadal and nervous system dysfunction. Patients usually develop spinal cord degeneration with involvement of the cerebral white matter. While a spinocerebellar variant has been described, the selective involvement of cerebellar white matter is very rare. We report the case of a patient affected by X‐ALD whose clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results resembled olivopontocerebellar atrophy. He was a 29‐year‐old mentally retarded man, who began to complain of slowly progressive gait ataxia after an 8‐year history of Addison's disease. Serial MRI revealed marked cerebellar atrophy involving the inferior cerebellar vermis and brainstem, but sparing the supratentorial white matter. The diagnosis of X‐ALD was confirmed by elevated levels of very long‐chain fatty acids in the serum. After 2 years follow‐up, the patient developed spastic paraparesis. The patient represents an unusual clinical presentation of X‐ALD, as further confirmed by the MRI results. Consequently, cerebellar symptoms should be considered as a clinical presentation of X‐ALD. Early recognition of this rare disorder would be useful for genetic counselling and therapy.
Guidelines on use of anti‐IFN‐β antibody measurements in multiple sclerosis: report of an EFNS Task Force on IFN‐β antibodies in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sørensen P. S. , Deisenhammer F. , Duda P. , Hohlfeld R. , Myhr K.‐M. , Palace J. , Polman C. , Pozzilli C. , Ross C. ,   for the EFNS Task Force on Anti‐IFN‐β Antibodies in Multiple Sclerosis
Published: October 2005

Therapy‐induced binding and neutralizing antibodies is a major problem in interferon (IFN)‐β treatment of multiple sclerosis. The objective of this study was to provide guidelines outlining the methods and clinical use of the measurements of binding and neutralizing antibodies. Systematic search of the Medline database for available publications on binding and neutralizing antibodies was undertaken. Appropriate publications were reviewed by one or more of the task force members. Grading of evidence and recommendations was based on consensus by all task force members. Measurements of binding antibodies are recommended for IFN‐β antibody screening before performing a neutralizing antibody (NAB) assay (Level A recommendation). Measurement of NABs should be performed in specialized laboratories with a validated cytopathic effect assay or MxA production assay using serial dilution of the test sera. The NAB titre should be calculated using the Kawade formula (Level A recommendation). Tests for the presence of NABs should be performed in all patients at 12 and 24 months of therapy (Level A recommendation). In patients who remain NAB‐negative during this period measurements of NABs can be discontinued (Level B recommendation). In patient with NABs, measurements should be repeated, and therapy with IFN‐β should be discontinued in patients with high titres of NABs sustained at repeated measurements with 3‐ to 6‐month intervals (Level A recommendation).
Sodic metasomatism in the Palaeoproterozoic Hotazel iron‐formation, Transvaal Supergroup, South Africa: implications for fluid–rock interaction in the Kalahari manganese field
Authors: TSIKOS H. , MOORE J. M.
Published: October 2005

Petrological and geochemical evidence is presented on the occurrence of aegirine in the Palaeoproterozoic Hotazel iron‐formation, which hosts the giant manganese deposits of the Kalahari manganese field, South Africa. The mineral has an essentially pure Na end‐member composition and occurs sporadically in iron‐formation immediately bordering the manganese ore beds. The development of aegirine appears to have taken place due to the action of late‐infiltrating, saline hydrothermal fluids at the expense of a pre‐existing, binary quartz–hematite assemblage. It is proposed that such a process would have overprinted (and therefore post‐dated) a spatially more extensive, low‐temperature alteration event which brought about thorough carbonate leaching, oxidation and residual enrichment of metals in the Hotazel iron–manganese rocks.
Evolution of porosity, permeability and fluid pressure in dilatant faults post‐failure: implications for fluid flow and mineralization
Authors: SHELDON H. A. , ORD A.
Published: October 2005

Mineralization of brittle fault zones is associated with sudden dilation, and the corresponding changes in porosity, permeability and fluid pressure, that occur during fault slip events. The resulting fluid pressure gradients cause fluid to flow into and along the fault until it is sealed. The volume of fluid that can pass through the deforming region depends on the degree of dilation, the porosity and permeability of the fault and wall rocks, and the rate of fault sealing. A numerical model representing a steep fault cutting through a horizontal seal is used to investigate patterns of fluid flow following a dilatant fault slip event. The model is initialized with porosity, permeability and fluid pressure representing the static mechanical state of the system immediately after such an event. Fault sealing is represented by a specified evolution of porosity, coupled to changes in permeability and fluid pressure, with the rate of porosity reduction being constrained by independent estimates of the rate of fault sealing by pressure solution. The general pattern of fluid flow predicted by the model is of initial flow into the fault from all directions, followed by upward flow driven by overpressure beneath the seal. The integrated fluid flux through the fault after a single failure event is insufficient to account for observed mineralization in faults; mineralization would require multiple fault slip events. Downward flow is predicted if the wall rocks below the seal are less permeable than those above. This phenomenon could at least partially explain the occurrence of uranium deposits in reactivated basement faults that cross an unconformity between relatively impermeable basement and overlying sedimentary rocks.
Comparing closed system, flow‐through and fluid infiltration geochemical modelling: examples from K‐alteration in the Ernest Henry Fe‐oxide–Cu–Au system
Authors: CLEVERLEY J. S. , OLIVER N. H. S.
Published: October 2005

Potassic alteration of rocks adjacent to, and within the Ernest Henry Fe‐oxide–Cu–Au deposit is used here as a test case to investigate fluid–rock interactions using various equilibrium dynamic geochemical modelling approaches available in the HCh code. Reaction of a simple K–Fe–(Na,Ca) brine (constrained by published fluid inclusion analysis) with an albite‐bearing felsic volcanic rock, resulted in predicted assemblages defined by (i) K‐feldspar–muscovite–magnetite, (ii) biotite–K‐feldspar–magnetite, (iii) biotite–quartz–albite and (iv) albite–biotite–actinolite–pyroxene with increasing rock buffering (decreasing log w/r). Models for isothermal–isobaric conditions (450°C and 2500 bars) were compared with models run over a T–P gradient (450 to 200°C and 2500 to 500 bars). Three principal equilibrium dynamic simulation methods have been used: (i) static closed system, where individual steps are independent of all others, (ii) flow‐through and flush, where a part of the result is passed as input further along the flow line, and (iii) fluid infiltration models that simulate fluid moving through a rock column. Each type is best suited to a specific geological fluid–rock scenario, with increasing complexity, computation requirements and approximation to different parts of the natural system. Static closed system models can be used to quickly ascertain the broad alteration assemblages related to changes in the water/rock ratio, while flow‐through models are better suited to simulating outflow of reacted fluid into fresh rock. The fluid infiltration model can be used to simulate spatially controlled fluid metasomatism of rock, and we show that, given assumptions of porosity relationships and spatial dimensions, this model is a first‐order approximation to full reactive transport, without requiring significant computational time. This work presents an overview of the current state of equilibrium dynamic modelling technology using the HCh code with a view to applying these techniques to predictive modelling in exploration for mineral deposits. Application to the Ernest Henry Fe‐oxide–Cu–Au deposit demonstrates that isothermal fluid–rock reaction can account for some of the alteration zonation around the deposit.
Hydrology of the Western Arkoma basin and Ozark platform during the Ouachita orogeny: implications for Mississippi Valley‐type ore formation in the Tri‐State Zn–Pb district
Authors: APPOLD M. S. , NUNN J. A.
Published: October 2005

Numerical groundwater modeling was used to investigate the role of fluid flow associated with uplift of the Arkoma basin during the closing stages of the Ouachita orogeny in forming the Mississippi Valley‐type Zn–Pb ores of the Tri‐State district. The model hydrostratigraphy was flexurally compensated to account for the restoration of Pennsylvanian–Permian sediments removed since the close of the orogeny in estimating the regional paleotopographic gradient. Estimates of the amount of Pennsylvanian–Permian sediment that has been removed by erosion vary widely. A thick and a thin endmember case were considered, and in both cases topographydriven fluid flow was shown to have been an important mechanism for groundwater motion, with a lesser component contributed during the early stages of uplift by overpressuring created by compaction in the deep portion of the Arkoma basin. The Pennsylvanian–Permian sediments and underlying Western Interior Plains confining system acted as thick capping aquitards that caused slow rates of groundwater flow over much of the profile. As a result, meteoric water infiltration initiated during uplift was slow to flush saline formation waters, allowing MVT ore‐forming salinities to persist at Tri‐State on the order of at least 100 Myr. The slow groundwater flow rates also caused heat transport to occur primarily by conduction rather than advection. Despite this, MVT ore‐forming temperatures were still reached at Tri‐State for both endmember cases of Pennsylvanian–Permian aquitard thickness, though much more readily in the thick aquitard case. Faults within the Tri‐State district served as a regional fluid focusing mechanism and probably played a more important role in localizing mineralization than the window in the Ozark confining unit that occurs in the district. Fluids rising along these faults could have cooled by about 8–10°C and as much as another 0.3°C km−1as they flowed laterally northward. This temperature change alone however would not have been sufficient to precipitate the total mass of metal sulfide ore occurring at Tri‐State.
Evaluating service quality and consumer satisfaction in emerging markets
Authors: Greenland Steve , Coshall John , Combe Ian
Published: October 2005

Developing economies offer tremendous potential for future growth and organizations appreciating these consumers’ requirements stand to reap considerable returns. However, compared with more developed economies published consumer studies are few. In particular, there is a dearth of service quality research and hardly any from Africa. Furthermore, the little available research tends to apply Western methodologies, which may not be entirely appropriate. This research investigates East African consumer perceptions of retail banking using an approach that takes account of the research context. Qualitative research was undertaken to define the relevant service attributes. Performance along these was then investigated through a survey with over 2000 respondents. Principal component analysis identifies 13 core service dimensions and multinomial logistic regression reveals which are the key drivers of customer satisfaction. Comparison of the results with studies from other regions confirms that established standardized research instruments are likely to miss or under‐represent service attributes important in developing countries.
Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG addition in ice cream
Authors: ALAMPRESE CRISTINA , FOSCHINO ROBERTO , ROSSI MARGHERITA , POMPEI CARLO , CORTI SILVIA
Published: October 2005

A 24 full factorial experimental design was applied to verify the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) addition in retail‐manufactured ice cream stored at two different freezing temperatures (−16°C and −28°C) and containing two different levels of sugar (15–22%) and fat (5–10%). In addition to microbial counts, the pH, acidity, viscosity of the mixes and functional properties of the ice creams were evaluated. Both fresh and frozen‐thawed LGG cells underwent preliminary resistance tests to bile, antibiotics and acidity. The LGG strain proved to be highly resistant to most of the stress factors. When the micro‐organism was added to ice cream mixes in a quantity of 108 cfu/g, it did not change the overrun, firmness or melting behaviour of the finished product. Regardless of formulation, no count decay of LGG cells was observed in ice cream stored for up to 1 year.
Comparative analysis of the autolytic potential of Lactobacillus helveticus strains during Cheddar cheese ripening
Authors: KENNY OLIVE M , FITZGERALD RICHARD J , O'CUINN GERARD , BERESFORD THOMAS P , JORDAN KIERAN N
Published: October 2005

Phenotypic tests and species‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to confirm the classification of 41 isolates of Lactobacillus helveticus obtained from different sources. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA–PCR (RAPD–PCR) was applied to the differentiation of these isolates, which grouped into nine clusters at the 80% similarity level. To determine if the different clusters had different degrees of autolysis, a representative selection of 14 isolates from different clusters was selected and screened for autolytic characteristics in vitro and also in Cheddar cheesemaking trials. No correlation could be found between the cluster from which the isolate originated, the levels of autolysis in the cheese, or the results of the in vitro screening. It was concluded that cheese manufacture per se is the best method to determine the potential for and the degree of autolysis during cheesemaking for a given isolate.
The effect of different sweeteners in low‐calorie yogurts — a review
Authors: PINHEIRO M V S , OLIVEIRA M N , PENNA A L B , TAMIME A Y
Published: October 2005

Recently, increased demand for low‐calorie products and foods with alternative sweeteners has gained special attention. Intense sweeteners avoid the problems of health risks associated with caloric sweeteners. This paper presents information about the technical characteristics of the more widely used artificial sweeteners and the possibility of their application in low‐calorie yogurts.
The cysteine‐rich with EGF‐Like domains 2 (CRELD2) protein interacts with the large cytoplasmic domain of human neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α4 and β2 subunits
Authors: Ortiz José A. , Castillo Mar , Del Toro Eduardo Dominguez , Mulet José , Gerber Susana , Valor Luis M. , Sala Salvador , Sala Francisco , Gutiérrez Luis M. , Criado Manuel
Published: October 2005

Using a yeast two‐hybrid screening we report the isolation of a novel human protein, hCRELD2β, that interacts specifically with the large cytoplasmic regions of human nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α4 and β2 subunits, both in yeast cells and in vitro. This interaction is not detected with nAChR α7 and α3 subunits. The hCRELD2 gene encodes for multiple transcripts, likely to produce multiple protein isoforms. A previously reported one has been renamed as CRELD2α. Isoforms α and β are expressed in all tissues examined and have the same N‐terminal and central regions but alternative C‐terminal regions. Both isoforms interact with the α4 subunit. Within this subunit the interaction was localized to the N‐terminal region of the large cytoplasmic loop. The CRELD2β protein is present at the endoplasmic reticulum where colocalized with α4β2 nAChRs upon cell transfection. Immunohistochemistry experiments demonstrated the presence of CRELD2 in the rat brain at sites where α4β2 receptors have been previously detected. Labeling was restricted to neuronal perikarya. Finally, CRELD2 decreases the functional expression and impairs membrane transport of α4β2 nAChRs in Xenopus leavis oocytes, without affecting α3β4 and α7 nAChR expression. These results suggest that CRELD2 can act as a specific regulator of α4β2 nAChR expression.
Roles of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and Akt signaling in coordinating nuclear transcription factor‐κB‐dependent cell survival after serotonin 1A receptor activation
Authors: Hsiung Shu‐chi , Tamir Hadassah , Franke Thomas F. , Liu Kuo‐peing
Published: October 2005

To investigate the functional consequences of cross‐talk between multiple effectors of serotonin (5‐HT) 1A receptor, we employed transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. Activation of 5‐HT1A receptor stimulated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, Akt and nuclear transcription factor‐κB (NF‐κB). Stimulation of cells with 5‐HT1A receptor agonist induced a rapid but transient ERK1/2 phosphorylation followed by increased phosphorylation of Akt. Elevated Akt activity in turn suppressed Raf activity and induced a decline in ERK activation. The activation of ERK and Akt downstream of 5‐HT1A receptor was sensitive to inhibitors of Ras, Raf and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K). Stimulation of 5‐HT1A receptor also resulted in activation of NF‐κB through a decrease in inhibitor of nuclear transcription factor‐κB. In support of the importance of 5‐HT1A receptor signaling for cell survival, inhibition of NF‐κB facilitated caspase 3 activation and cleavage of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase, while treatment of cells with agonist inhibited caspase 3, DNA fragmentation and cell death. Both agonist‐dependent NF‐κB activation and cell survival were decreased by Akt Inhibitor II or by overexpression of dominant‐negative Akt. These findings suggest a role for 5‐HT1A receptor signaling in the Ras/Raf‐dependent regulation of multiple intracellular signaling pathways that include ERK and PI3K/Akt. Of these, only PI3K/Akt and NF‐κB activation were required for 5‐HT1A receptor‐dependent cell survival, implying that the relative distribution of signals between competing transduction pathways determines the functional outcome of 5‐HT1A receptor activation.
Antispasmodic and bronchodilator activities of St John's wort are putatively mediated through dual inhibition of calcium influx and phosphodiesterase
Authors: Gilani Anwarul Hassan , Khan Arif‐ullah , Subhan Fazal , Khan Munasib
Published: October 2005

The crude extract of aerial parts of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) (Hp.Cr) and its fractions were studied in vitro for its possible spasmolytic and bronchodilator activities to rationalize some of its medicinal uses. In rabbit jejunum preparations, Hp.Cr caused a concentration‐dependent relaxation of both spontaneous and K+ (80 mm)‐induced contractions at a similar concentration range (0.1–1.0 mg/mL), similar to that produced by papaverine, whereas verapamil was relatively potent against K+‐induced contractions. Hp.Cr shifted the Ca2+ concentration–response curves (CRCs) to the right, similar to that caused by papaverine or verapamil and also caused leftward shift of isoprenaline‐induced inhibitory CRCs, similar to papaverine. In guinea‐pig tracheal preparations, Hp.Cr caused relaxation of carbachol and K+‐induced contractions at similar concentrations (0.01–0.3 mg/mL) and also shifted the isoprenaline‐induced inhibitory CRCs to the left, similar to that caused by papaverine. In rabbit aorta preparations at rest, Hp.Cr produced a moderate vasoconstriction, while exhibited vasodilator effect against phenylephrine and K+‐induced contractions. Papaverine and verapamil also produced similar non‐specific vasodilation, but were devoid of any vasoconstrictor effect. Hp.Cr caused suppression of atrial force of contractions at concentrations about 20 times higher than those that produced inhibitory effect in smooth muscle preparations, similar to papaverine. These results suggest that the spasmolytic effects of Hp.Cr are mediated through dual inhibition of calcium influx and phosphodiesterase (PDE)‐like mechanisms, which might explain the medicinal use of St John's wort in the disorders of gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Furthermore, the presence of Ca2+ antagonist and PDE inhibitory‐like constituents might also be contributing to some extent in the well established use of plant in depression.
Children with Complex Mental Health Problems: Needs, Costs and Predictors over One Year
Authors: Clark Andrew F. , O'Malley Art , Woodham Adrine , Barrett Barbara , Byford Sarah
Published: October 2005

Background:  Little is known regarding children of greatest concern with complex mental health problems.

Method:  A one‐year prospective study of psychiatric diagnosis, psychosocial functioning, need status and service receipt in 60 children identified as most concerning.

Results:  Thirty‐two (53%) had two or more disorders. The mean number of needs per child was five. One year later mean needs were unchanged but with considerable individual variation. Mean weekly costs were £1017 (€1627) (SD = £957 (€1531)). Higher costs related to social factors rather than diagnosis or need.

Conclusions:  The mean annual cost of services to children with complex mental health problems is ten times that in other studies of children with mental health problems.
Unbalanced Ranked Set Sampling for Estimating a Population Proportion
Authors: Chen Haiying , Stasny Elizabeth A. , Wolfe Douglas A.
Published: October 2005

Summary The application of ranked set sampling (RSS) techniques to data from a dichotomous population is currently an active research topic, and it has been shown that balanced RSS leads to improvement in precision over simple random sampling (SRS) for estimation of a population proportion. Balanced RSS, however, is not in general optimal in terms of variance reduction for this setting. The objective of this article is to investigate the application of unbalanced RSS in estimation of a population proportion under perfect ranking, where the probabilities of success for the order statistics are functions of the underlying population proportion. In particular, the Neyman allocation, which assigns sample units for each order statistic proportionally to its standard deviation, is shown to be optimal in the sense that it leads to minimum variance within the class of RSS estimators that are simple averages of the means of the order statistics. We also use a substantial data set, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III) data, to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of Neyman allocation in RSS for binary variables.
Distance‐Based Tests for Homogeneity of Multivariate Dispersions
Authors: Anderson Marti J.
Published: October 2005

SummaryThe traditional likelihood‐based test for differences in multivariate dispersions is known to be sensitive to nonnormality. It is also impossible to use when the number of variables exceeds the number of observations. Many biological and ecological data sets have many variables, are highly skewed, and are zero‐inflated. The traditional test and even some more robust alternatives are also unreasonable in many contexts where measures of dispersion based on a non‐Euclidean dissimilarity would be more appropriate. Distance‐based tests of homogeneity of multivariate dispersions, which can be based on any dissimilarity measure of choice, are proposed here. They rely on the rotational invariance of either the multivariate centroid or the spatial median to obtain measures of spread using principal coordinate axes. The tests are straightforward multivariate extensions of Levene's test, withP‐values obtained either using the traditionalF‐distribution or using permutation of either least‐squares or LAD residuals. Examples illustrate the utility of the approach, including the analysis of stabilizing selection in sparrows, biodiversity of New Zealand fish assemblages, and the response of Indonesian reef corals to an El Niño. Monte Carlo simulations from the real data sets show that the distance‐based tests are robust and powerful for relevant alternative hypotheses of real differences in spread.
Case–Control and Case‐Only Designs with Genotype and Family History Data: Estimating Relative Risk, Residual Familial Aggregation, and Cumulative Risk
Authors: Chatterjee Nilanjan , Kalaylioglu Zeynep , Shih Joanna H. , H. Gail Mitchell
Published: October 2005

SummaryIn case–control studies of inherited diseases, participating subjects (probands) are often interviewed to collect detailed data about disease history and age‐at‐onset information in their family members. Genotype data are typically collected from the probands, but not from their relatives. In this article, we introduce an approach that combines case–control analysis of data on the probands with kin–cohort analysis of disease history data on relatives. Assuming a marginally specified multivariate survival model for joint risk of disease among family members, we describe methods for estimating relative risk, cumulative risk, and residual familial aggregation. We also describe a variation of the methodology that can be used for kin–cohort analysis of the family history data from a sample of genotyped cases only. We perform simulation studies to assess performance of the proposed methodologies with correct and misspecified models for familial aggregation. We illustrate the proposed methodologies by estimating the risk of breast cancer from BRCA1/2 mutations using data from the Washington Ashkenazi Study.
QUANTUM EFFECTS DUE TO A MAGNETIC FLUX ASSOCIATED TO A TOPOLOGICAL DEFECT
Authors: DE A. MARQUES GEUSA , BEZERRA V. B. , FURTADO C. , MORAES F.
Published: October 2005

We investigate the quantum scattering of an electron by a topological defect called dispiration, with an externally applied magnetic field along its axis. The Aharonov–Bohm effect for bound states is analyzed and it is demonstrated that the wave function and the energy spectra associated with the particle depend on the features of the dispiration as well as on the magnetic flux. We also calculate Berry's phase associated to the dynamics of electrons in this background.
DYNAMICS OF ROLLING MASSIVE SCALAR FIELD COSMOLOGY
Authors: CHINGANGBAM PRAVABATI , QURESHI TABISH
Published: October 2005

We study the inflationary consequences of the rolling massive scalar field in the braneworld scenario with a warped metric. We find that in order to fit observational constraints the warp factor must be tuned to be < 10-3. We also demonstrate the inflationary attractor behavior of the massive scalar field dynamics both in the standard FRW case as well as in braneworld scenario.
A STRING MODEL FOR D-DIMENSIONAL DE SITTER SPACE–TIME AND EQUATIONS OF MOTION
Authors: BRACKEN PAUL
Published: October 2005

De Sitter space–time is considered to be represented by a D-dimensional hyperboloid embedded in (D+1)-dimensional Minkowski space–time. The string equation is derived from a string action which contains a Lagrange multiplier to restrict coordinates to de Sitter space–time. The string system of equations is equivalent to a type of generalized sinh–Gordon equation. The evolution equations for all the variables including the coordinates and their derivatives are obtained for D=2,3 and 4.
THE COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY OF FOOD DEPRIVATION: From Feast to Famine
Authors: Wang Tobias , Hung Carrie C.Y. , Randall David J.
Published: October 2005

▪ Abstract  The ability of animals to survive food deprivation is clearly of considerable survival value. Unsurprisingly, therefore, all animals exhibit adaptive biochemical and physiological responses to the lack of food. Many animals inhabit environments in which food availability fluctuates or encounters with appropriate food items are rare and unpredictable; these species offer interesting opportunities to study physiological adaptations to fasting and starvation. When deprived of food, animals employ various behavioral, physiological, and structural responses to reduce metabolism, which prolongs the period in which energy reserves can cover metabolism. Such behavioral responses can include a reduction in spontaneous activity and a lowering in body temperature, although in later stages of food deprivation in which starvation commences, activity may increase as food-searching is activated. In most animals, the gastrointestinal tract undergoes marked atrophy when digestive processes are curtailed; this structural response and others seem particularly pronounced in species that normally feed at intermittent intervals. Such animals, however, must be able to restore digestive functions soon after feeding, and these transitions appear to occur at low metabolic costs.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF BIOPHYSICAL LUNG INJURY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOTRAUMA
Authors: dos Santos Claudia C. , Slutsky Arthur S.
Published: October 2005

▪ Abstract  Patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome who die usually succumb to multiorgan failure as opposed to hypoxia. Despite appropriate resuscitation, some patients' symptoms persist on a downward spiral, apparently propagated by an uncontained systemic inflammatory response. This phenomenon is not well understood. However, a novel hypothesis to explain this observation proposes that it is related to the life-saving ventilatory support used to treat the respiratory failure. According to this hypothesis, mechanical ventilation per se, by alterating both the magnitude and the pattern of lung stretch, can cause changes in gene expression and/or cellular metabolism that ultimately can lead to the development of an overwhelming inflammatory response—even in the absence of overt structural damage. This mechanism of injury has been termed biotrauma. In this review we explore the biotrauma hypothesis, the causal relationship between biophysical injury and organ failure, and its implications for the future therapy and management of critically ill patients.
THE POLITICS OF PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY
Authors: Oliver Thomas R.
Published: October 2005

▪ Abstract  Politics, for better or worse, plays a critical role in health affairs. The purpose of this article is to articulate a role for political analysis of public health issues, ranging from injury and disease prevention to health care reform. It begins by examining how health problems make it onto the policy agenda. Perceptions regarding the severity of the problem, responsibility for the problem, and affected populations all influence governmental responses. Next, it considers how bounded rationality, fragmented political institutions, resistance from concentrated interests, and fiscal constraints usually lead political leaders to adopt incremental policy changes rather than comprehensive reforms even when faced with serious public health problems. It then identifies conditions under which larger-scale transformation of health policy can occur, focusing on critical junctures in policy development and the role of policy entrepreneurs in seizing opportunities for innovation. Finally, it reviews the challenges confronting officials and agencies who are responsible for implementing and administering health policies. Public health professionals who understand the political dimensions of health policy can conduct more realistic research and evaluation, better anticipate opportunities as well as constraints on governmental action, and design more effective policies and programs.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhibits endocytic recycling of CFTR in polarized human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Swiatecka-Urban Agnieszka , Moreau-Marquis Sophie , MacEachran Daniel P. , Connolly John P. , Stanton Caitlin R. , Su John R. , Barnaby Roxanna , O'Toole George A. , Stanton Bruce A.
Published: October 2005

The most common mutation in the CFTR gene in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), ΔF508, leads to the absence of CFTR Cl− channels in the apical plasma membrane, which in turn results in impairment of mucociliary clearance, the first line of defense against inhaled bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is particularly successful at colonizing and chronically infecting the lungs and is responsible for the majority of morbidity and mortality in patients with CF. Rescue of ΔF508-CFTR by reduced temperature or chemical means reveals that the protein is at least partially functional as a Cl− channel. Thus current research efforts have focused on identification of drugs that restore the presence of CFTR in the apical membrane to alleviate the symptoms of CF. Because little is known about the effects of P. aeruginosa on CFTR in the apical membrane, whether P. aeruginosa will affect the efficacy of new drugs designed to restore the plasma membrane expression of CFTR is unknown. Accordingly, the objective of the present study was to determine whether P. aeruginosa affects CFTR-mediated Cl− secretion in polarized human airway epithelial cells. We report herein that a cell-free filtrate of P. aeruginosa reduced CFTR-mediated transepithelial Cl− secretion by inhibiting the endocytic recycling of CFTR and thus the number of WT-CFTR and ΔF508-CFTR Cl− channels in the apical membrane in polarized human airway epithelial cells. These data suggest that chronic infection with P. aeruginosa may interfere with therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing the apical membrane expression of ΔF508-CFTR.