bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To what extent do people prefer health states with higher values? A note on evidence from the EQ‐5D valuation set
Authors: Roberts Jennifer , Dolan Paul
Published: June 2004

The EQ‐5D general population valuation set (or ‘tariff’) is increasingly being used in the evaluation of health care interventions and has been recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for use in cost‐utility analyses of health technologies. To be of use to decision‐makers, the health gain implied by changes in health state values must reflect individual preferences. At the simplest level, if State A has a higher mean value than State B, then the majority of people should consider a move from B to A to be a good thing. In this paper, we examine the extent to which this is true by re‐analysing data from the general population study used to derive the EQ‐5D tariff. We show that, on average, the difference in value between two states has to be as large as 0.20 (on a scale where one represents full and zero represents death) for 70% of respondents to agree with the sign of that difference (never mind its size). Results such as these have important implications for the use of the EQ‐5D tariff that has been generated from these data. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular pathology of head‐and‐neck cancer
Authors: Kim Michael M. , Califano Joseph A.
Published: June 2004

Each year approximately 40,000 people in the United States and 500,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with head‐and‐neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). Although there have been significant improvements in the treatment of this disease, leading to decreased morbidity, over the past few decades the 5‐year survival rate has remained largely unchanged at 50%. Genetic and epigenetic alterations as well as viral agents have been implicated in the development of head‐and‐neck cancer. Advances in our understanding of the molecular biology underlying these processes have spawned numerous, diverse strategies to exploit this understanding in applied pathology. Preliminary investigations have analyzed body fluids and margins for the presence of cancer cells. Specific molecular alterations have been associated with improved treatment response and prognosis. Molecular therapy has been shown to have some clinical efficacy in HNSC. Expression profiles may be generated for specific primary tumors and compared to known markers of disease. Improved molecular characterization of primary tumors, surgical margins and body fluids may allow clinicians to detect and treat earlier lesions, predict a tumor's response to treatment, tailor treatment to specific molecular alterations and ultimately improve clinical outcomes related to HNSC. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Arsenic trioxide sensitizes CD95/Fas‐induced apoptosis through ROS‐mediated upregulation of CD95/Fas by NF‐κB activation
Authors: Woo Sang Hyeok , Park In‐Chul , Park Myung‐Jin , An Sungkwan , Lee Hyung‐Chahn , Jin Hyeon‐Ok , Park Sin‐Ae , Cho Hyeyoung , Lee Su‐Jae , Gwak Ho‐Shin , Hong Young‐Joon , Hong Seok‐Il , Rhee Chang Hun
Published: June 2004

CD95/Fas is a cell surface protein that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor family. Signals through CD95/Fas are able to induce apoptosis in sensitive cells. Therefore, modalities to regulate the CD95/Fas expression level in tumor cells are called for. In the present study, we show that sublethal doses of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) sensitized CD95/Fas‐induced apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells, and the sensitizing effects resulted from As2O3‐mediated increase in the expression of the CD95/Fas. N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine, a specific scavenger of reactive oxygen species, abrogated As2O3‐induced upregulation of CD95/Fas and enhancement of CD95/Fas‐mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of NF‐κB by transient transfection of IκBα supersuppressor blocked the increase of CD95/Fas expression following As2O3 treatment. Antisense oligonucleotide of CD95/Fas and ZB4, an antibody that blocks the binding of CD95/Fas ligand to CD95/Fas, reduced the amount of As2O3‐sensitized CD95/Fas‐induced apoptosis, demonstrating the specificity of CD95/Fas‐binding ligands in the As2O3‐sensitized CD95/Fas‐induced apoptosis. These findings demonstrate that sensitization of human cervical cancer cells to CD95/Fas‐mediated apoptosis by As2O3 can be partly due to induction of ROS and subsequent upregulation of CD95/Fas gene expression by NF‐κB activation. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inherited predisposition to early onset lung cancer according to histological type
Authors: Li Xinjun , Hemminki Kari
Published: June 2004

The role of hereditary factors in lung cancer is less well understood than in many other human neoplastic diseases. We used a nation‐wide family dataset to search for evidence for a genetic predisposition in lung cancer. The Swedish Family‐Cancer Database includes all Swedes born in 1932 and later (0‐ to 68‐year‐old offspring) with their parents, totaling over 10.2 million individuals. Cancer cases were retrieved from the Swedish Cancer Registry up to year 2000. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% confidence limits (CI) were calculated for age‐specific familial risks in offspring by parental or sibling proband, separately. A Kappa test was used to examine the association between familial risk and histology. Compared to the rate of lung cancers among persons without family history, a high risk by parental family history in adenocarcinoma (2.03) and large cell carcinoma (2.14) was found, and only a slightly lower risk was found among patients with squamous cell carcinoma (1.63) and small cell carcinoma (1.55). Among siblings, an increased risk was shown for concordant adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma at all ages and for all histological types when cancer was diagnosed before age 50. At young age, risks between siblings were higher than those between offspring and parents. The present data suggest that a large proportion of lung cancers before age 50 years appears to be heritable and probably due to a high‐penetrant recessive gene or genes that predispose to tobacco carcinogens; however, this hypothesis needs to be tested in segregation analysis with a large number of pedigrees. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different types of microsatellite instability in ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Singer Gad , Kallinowski Thore , Hartmann Arndt , Dietmaier Wolfgang , Wild Peter J. , Schraml Peter , Sauter Guido , Mihatsch Michael J. , Moch Holger
Published: June 2004

Microsatellite instability at mono‐ and dinucleotide repeats is the hallmark of the hereditary non‐polyposis cancer syndrome (HNPCC) and is related to deficient DNA mismatch repair. In contrast, a distinct form of microsatellite instability at selective tetranucleotide repeats (EMAST or elevated microsatellite alterations at selected tetranucleotides) was described in several non‐HNPCC cancer types. EMAST is probably unrelated to mismatch repair defects. We investigated the frequency of microsatellite instability at mononucleotide, dinucleotide and tetranucleotide repeats in a series of 75 ovarian carcinomas (53 serous and 22 non‐serous). Microsatellite analysis was carried out using 5 mono‐ and dinucleotide markers from the National Cancer Institute Consensus Panel and 6 tetranucleotide markers, which have been reported as frequently unstable in the literature. High frequency of microsatellite instability (MSI‐H) at mono‐ and dinucleotide repeats was observed in 9% and a low frequency (MSI‐L) in 21% of serous carcinomas. MSI‐H was detected in 4% and MSI‐L in 18% of non‐serous carcinomas. Nine percent of serous carcinomas showed instability at multiple and 9% at single tetranucleotide loci. All non‐serous carcinomas were stable at tetranucleotide loci. In summary, EMAST (e.g., tumors with tetranucleotide instability without concomitant MSI‐H) was observed in 13% of ovarian serous carcinomas. All EMAST positive tumors were of advanced stage. We conclude that EMAST occurs as a distinct form of microsatellite instability in ovarian cancer. EMAST seems to be particularly frequent in advanced serous carcinomas. Its clinical significance needs to be investigated. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic counseling program in familial breast cancer: Analysis of its effectiveness, cost and cost‐effectiveness ratio
Authors: Balmaña Judith , Sanz Judit , Bonfill Xavier , Casado Alfonso , Rué Montse , Gich Ignasi , Díez Orland , Sabaté Josep M. , Baiget Montserrat , Alonso M. Carmen
Published: June 2004

Women with a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk for developing this neoplasm. Starting surveillance more frequently at a younger age than the general population and the possibility of undergoing genetic testing are options for their medical management. We analyzed the benefits and costs of our clinical program in familial breast cancer (FBC) and carried out a cost‐effectiveness analysis of such procedure. The benefits and costs of performing genetic counseling and a screening program in FBC based on 143 high‐risk families registered in our database between June 1995 and December 2001 were analyzed. A decision tree was constructed to estimate the survival benefit and cost‐effectiveness of the clinical genetic counseling program compared with the strategy of not performing any screening protocol. We estimated that the prevalence of a BRCA mutation in an unaffected relative of our high‐risk cohort was 10% and that 53% of the mutations are found in the BRCA1 gene. We assigned a 58.5% lifetime risk of breast cancer for a 30‐year‐old mutation carrier according to the SEER data. The effectiveness of the screening was obtained from our experience and data for estimating survival were derived from other studies with longer follow‐up. We used our local payment data to calculate the costs of the program. A mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes was identified in 20% of the probands. Seventy primary breast cancer cases were recorded since the onset of the program. Thirty percent of the tumors were diagnosed through the screening program and 71% of them were lymph node‐negative compared to 49% of the tumors diagnosed outside the program (p = 0.1). The cost‐effectiveness ratio of our FBC genetic counseling and screening program was 4,294 euros per life‐year gained. The model was sensitive to the prevalence of mutation carriers, the lifetime risk of breast cancer and the effectiveness of the screening. In our setting and according to our model, this analysis suggests that a program of genetic testing and screening for breast cancer in a high‐risk population may be cost‐effective. These results need to be confirmed as more effective interventions for cancer prevention and screening are being implemented. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Annual Cycle of Planktothrix agardhii(Gom.) Anagn. & Kom. Nature Population
Authors: Poulíčková Aloisie , Hašler Petr , Kitner Miloslav
Published: June 2004

Changes in abundance, biovolume and morphology of Planktothrix agardhii in a natural population were followed over one year period in shallow fishpond Bílá Lhota (Central Moravia, Czech Republic). The selected environmental parameters (pH, oxygen, temperature, conductivity, nutrients, light) were measured at the surface and at the bottom of the fishpond, together with the Planktothrix abundances and filament morphology – filament length, width, shape, aerotopes (gas vacuoles) formation. The annual cycle of P. agardhii in this hypertrophic fishpond starts in March with the germination of hormogonia and the growth of overwintered filaments. The filament length quickly increases to a maximum length in April. The following summer period can be characterized by filament shortening and by changes in the aerotopes shape. On the other hand the abundance and biomass of P. agardhii is increasing until the maximum in August. Further shortening of filaments, loss of aerotopes and hormogoniae formation is typical for the autumn (October) with the average temperature of 9.4 °C. The population overwinters near the pond bottom in the form of hormogonia (60%) and filaments (40%). (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relative Distributions of Dreissena bugensis and Dreissena polymorpha in the Lower Don River System, Russia
Authors: Zhulidov A. V. , Pavlov D. F. , Nalepa T. F. , Scherbina G. H. , Zhulidov D. A. , Gurtovaya T. Yu.
Published: June 2004

A survey was conducted in the lower Don River system in Russia to confirm the presence of Dreissena bugensis, and to compare its distribution relative to that of Dreissena polymorpha. In 1999 and 2001–2002, dreissenid mussels were collected at 15 sites in the main river, in connecting reservoirs, and in a major tributary, the Manych River. Collections were made near stations where long‐term monitoring data on total mineral (sum of principal ions) and calcium content were available. Both dreissenid species were found at all sites, with D. bugensis comprising 4–75% of all dreissenids at individual sites. D. bugensis was relatively more abundant than D. polymorpha in the Manych River where total mineral and calcium content was significantly higher than in the Don River, suggesting the two species may have different calcium requirements. Examination of archived samples indicated that D. bugensis was present in the Don River system as early as the 1980s, presenting the unresolved enigma of why D. bugensis has not displaced D. polymorpha as the dominant species as typically found over shorter time periods in other water bodies. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reactions of the Heavy Metal Cycle to Industrial Activities in the Deep Sea: An Ecological Assessment
Authors: Koschinsky Andrea , Borowski Christian , Halbach Peter
Published: June 2004

This article focuses on possible geochemical consequences of potential industrial activities in the deep sea, such as manganese nodule mining, for the heavy metal cycle of the deep sea and possible reactions of the benthic ecosystem. The metal fluxes induced by sediment resuspension are compared with fluvial, atmospheric, and hydrothermal metal fluxes into the ocean. The results of geochemical laboratory experiments and analyses of deep‐sea benthic organisms are discussed with respect to their ecological importance in case of a seabed disturbance.

A limited short‐term increase of heavy metal concentrations in the benthic layer will probably cause only negligible harmful effects on the biota. An essential precondition is that the geochemical milieu remains largely unchanged; especially variations of the redox conditions would result in changes in metal speciation, bioavailability, and toxicity.
Leptodora kindti and Flexible Foraging Behaviour of Fish – Factors behind the Delayed Biomass Peak of Cladocerans in Lake Hiidenvesi
Authors: Uusitalo Laura , Horppila Jukka , Eloranta Pertti , Liljendahl‐Nurminen Anne , Malinen Tommi , Salonen Mikko , Vinni Mika
Published: June 2004

In the eutrophic L. Hiidenvesi, the spring biomass maximum of cladoceran zooplankton is missing and the highest biomass takes place in July–August. The factors behind the delayed biomass peak were studied in four different basins of the lake with concomitant data on cladocerans assemblages, density of the predatory cladoceran Leptodora kindti and food composition of fish. In all the basins, the abundance of Leptodora peaked in June, being highest (up to 800 ind. m–3) in the two most shallow basins (max depth < 4 m). The duration of the high population density was short and in July‐August Leptodora density stayed below 200 ind. m–3, although the water temperature was still favourable. The collapse of the Leptodora population coincided with the change in the feeding habits of fish. In early summer, fish predation was targeted mainly on copepods and zoobenthos, while in high summer Leptodora was one of the main preys of perch, white bream and bleak. The biomass of herbivorous cladocerans was below 10 μg C l–1 in June, and climbed to a maximum in August in the two most shallow basins (34 and 76 μg C l–1), in July in the deepest basin (27 μg C l–1), and in September in the intermediate basin (55 μg C l–1). In the two most shallow basins, the death rate of the dominating cladoceran, Daphnia cristata, closely followed the food consumption rate by the Leptodora population. In the deeper basins, the agreement was not so close, smelts (Osmerus eperlanus) and chaoborids being important predators of herbivores. The duration of the period of high Leptodora density thus depended on the predation pressure by fish, while the increased fish predation on Leptodora in July–August allowed the elevation of the biomass of herbivorous cladocerans.
The Trophic Index of Macrophytes (TIM) – a New Tool for Indicating the Trophic State of Running Waters
Authors: Schneider Susanne , Melzer Arnulf
Published: June 2004

In running waters, apart from structural degradation, nutrient input becomes increasingly important. To investigate the indicator values of as many species of submerged macrophytes as possible numerous samples of the sediment within macrophyte stands and the overlying water were taken in running waters throughout Bavaria, Germany. To develop the Trophic Index of Macrophytes (TIM), the concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus of both the water body and the sediment pore water were used. Based on a weighted sum of the SRP‐concentrations of the water body and the sediment pore water, indicator values were determined for a total of 49 species of submerged macrophytes. A detailed method is described on how and depending on which preconditions the trophic state of running waters can be determined by the TIM. An example of the TIM in the stream Rotbach is given. It shows that the TIM is a useful means to detect differences in the phosphorus loading of running waters.
Liver Changes Related to Oocyte Growth in Roach, a Single Spawner Fish, and in Bleak and White Bream, Two Multiple Spawner Fish
Authors: Rinchard Jacques , Kestemont Patrick
Published: June 2004

The objectives of this study were to compare the seasonal hepatic activity and to evaluate whether this activity was related to the dynamics of oocyte recruitment in three cyprinids from the River Meuse (Belgium): the roach Rutilus rutilus as a single spawner, and the bleak Alburnus alburnus and the white bream Blicca bjoerkna as multiple spawners. In roach, hepatosomatic index (HSI) was low during exogenous vitellogenesis. However, the strong development of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), the presence of large mitonchondria with many inner folds, and the depletion of glycogen, lipid droplets and phospholipids indicated intense hepatic activity during that period. Prior to spawning, hepatic activity decreased as indicated by a decrease of the HSI and in the hepatocytes a regression of the RER and the disappearance of the lipid droplets and glycogen. In bleak, the oocyte recruitment occurred continuously throughout the spawning season and the vitellogenic activity of the liver remained intense throughout that period as suggested by high HSI and the ultrastructure of the hepatocytes. In contrast in white bream the vitellogenic activity of the liver decreased during the spawning season as the completion of the vitellogenesis took place prior to spawnings. We concluded that the vitellogenic activity of the liver is strongly related to oogenesis.
The Feeding Strategies of the Leech Erpobdella octoculata (L.): A Laboratory Study
Authors: Kutschera U.
Published: June 2004

The feeding behaviour of the freshwater leech Erpobdella octoculata was analysed by exposing potential invertebrate and vertebrate prey organisms (alive, wounded or dead) to leech attack in dishes, in the laboratory. The fact that E. octoculata is a macrophagous feeder that swallows living prey organisms whole (preferentially Chironomus larvae) is documented. However, it was repeatedly observed that adult leeches sucked the body fluids from wounded larvae. Likewise, cut pieces of earthworms, dead crustaceans and crushed water snails were attacked and the soft parts sucked in with the aid of the unarmed pharynx. Adult leeches sucked the body fluids from dead, decaying bodies of vertebrates (fish, newt larvae). Newly hatched young are blood suckers that rapidly attacked the wounded regions of Chironomus larvae and other invertebrates such as crushed water snails. It is concluded that the common leech E. octoculata is not only a predator, but also a fluid sucker and a scavenger. The ecological implications of this finding are discussed.
Macrophage responses to vascular stent coatings
Authors: Ball M. , O'Brien A. , Dolan F. , Abbas G. , McLaughlin J. A.
Published: June 2004

Diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films have been proposed as potential coatings for blood‐contacting devices. In this study, tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta‐C) films deposited by filtered cathodic vacuum arc system (FCVA) were compared with commercially deposited polyurethane coatings (PU) and uncoated stainless steel samples. X‐ray reflectivity (XRR) measurements were performed to check density and thickness of the ta‐C coatings, and contact angles measurements were used to assess surface wettability. J774 macrophages were used to assess the cell responses to the materials. Cell number, metabolic activity, and hydrogen peroxide production were measured by using biochemical assays, and the cell attachment and morphology were determined by using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Wettability measurements showed that of the materials, the stainless steel was the most hydrophilic, and the ta‐C coatings were the most hydrophobic. Although the initial attachment and morphology did not appear to be dependent on the wettability, the cell numbers did increase with increasing wettability. Macrophages on the stainless steel samples were the most active in producing hydrogen peroxide. These data show that ta‐C samples performed as well as commercial PU‐coated samples in blocking cell reactions to the substrate and may prove to be effective coatings for blood‐contacting materials. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 70A: 380–390, 2004
Metabolic pathways and physiological and pathological significances of lysolipid phosphate mediators
Authors: Tokumura Akira
Published: June 2004

Lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine 1‐phosphate are structurally simple and physiologically very important lysophospholipids. Because they possess distinct structural backbones (glycerol and sphingosine, respectively), there are different metabolic pathways for their intracellular production. Recently, several key enzymes that produce or degrade these lysolipid phosphate mediators extracellularly have been characterized. This review focuses on the physiological and pathophysiological significances of the extracellular metabolic pathways involving recently characterized exo‐type lysophospholipase D, ecto‐type phospholipase A, and ecto‐type lipid phosphate phosphatase. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human skin‐derived stem cells migrate throughout forebrain and differentiate into astrocytes after injection into adult mouse brain
Authors: Belicchi Marzia , Pisati Federica , Lopa Raffaella , Porretti Laura , Fortunato Francesco , Sironi Manuela , Scalamogna Mario , Parati Eugenio A. , Bresolin Nereo , Torrente Yvan
Published: June 2004

Recent evidence indicates that neural stem cell properties can be found among a mammalian skin‐derived multipotent population. A major barrier in the further characterization of the human skin‐derived neural progenitors is the inability to isolate this population based on expression of cell surface markers. Our work has been devoted to purified human skin‐derived stem cells that are capable of neural differentiation, based on the presence or absence of the AC133 cell surface marker. The enriched skin‐derived AC133+ cells express the CD34 and Thy‐1 antigens. These cells cultured in a growth medium containing epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) proliferate, forming spheres, and differentiate in vitro into neurons, astrocytes, and rarely into oligodendrocytes. Single cells from sphere cultures initiated from human purified AC133+ cells were replated as single cells and were able to generate new spheres, demonstrating the self‐renewing ability of these stem cell populations. Brain engraftment of cells obtained from human purified AC133+‐derived spheres generated different neural phenotypes: immature neurons and a most abundant population of well differentiated astrocytes. The AC133‐derived astrocytes assumed perivascular locations in the frontal cortex. No donor‐derived oligodendrocytes were found in the transplanted mouse brains. Several donor small, rounded cells that expressed endothelial markers were found close to the host vessel and near the subventricular zone. Thus, mammalian skin AC133‐derived cells behave as a multipotent population with the capacity to differentiate into neural lineages in vitro and, prevalently, endothelium and astrocytes in vivo, demonstrating the great plasticity of these cells and suggesting potential clinical application. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of galactocerebrosidase activity in the mouse brain by a new histological staining method
Authors: Dolcetta D. , Perani L. , Givogri M.I. , Galbiati F. , Orlacchio A. , Martino S. , Roncarolo M.G. , Bongarzone E.
Published: June 2004

Gene therapy of galactocerebrosidase (GALC) deficient mice (Twitcher mutants) requires a fast and sensitive assay to detect transduced cells in vitro and in vivo. We have developed a new rapid histochemical method that specifically detects GALC activity in situ in neural cells using 5‐Br‐3Cl‐β‐galactopiranoside (X‐Gal) in the presence of taurodeoxycholic and oleic acids to enhance suspension of the substrate at low pH. Using this method, we observed robust X‐Gal staining in diverse neuronal populations and interfascicular oligodendrocytes in sections from normal mouse brain. In contrast, sections of Twitcher brain did not show a specific staining pattern in neurons or glial cells. The availability of this new sensitive and rapid in situ detection assay is fundamental for the follow‐up of Twitcher mice under gene or cellular therapies to correct central GALC deficiency. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wind tides in the Rio de la Plata estuary: Meteorological conditions
Authors: Escobar Gustavo , Vargas Walter , Bischoff Susana
Published: June 2004

Synoptic situations associated with strong southeasterly winds over the Rio de la Plata (RP) estuary are locally known as sudestadas. This phenomenon affects the coast of Buenos Aires city and its outskirts with floods, normally accompanied with persistent rainfall.

Storm surge levels (river level minus the astronomical tide levels) were used to identify cases associated with sudestadas. Although there is a local belief that most sudestadas are caused by cyclogenesis during winter, they actually occur during the whole year, being indeed less frequent in winter. In addition, they are not necessarily associated with cyclonic circulation. The maximum frequency of sudestadas is observed during summer and at the beginning of spring and autumn. This annual distribution was similar when two different water‐level thresholds were used to characterize the storm surge.

The three principal components (PCs) of the atmospheric circulation field at 1000 hPa accompanying the sudestadas explain 75% of the variance. These patterns show that sudestadas are associated with either a combination of a high‐pressure system to the south of the RP and relatively low pressure to the north (first and second PC modes) or a very deep low‐pressure zone to the north of the river (third PC mode). These cases are associated with southeasterly winds, which produce tide waves on the RP.

Almost all the sudestadas associated with the third PC occur in winter and they reach on average greater peak levels than the others. These cases are associated with an intense low‐pressure system north of the RP, which is typically due to the frequent cyclogenesis in that region. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Differences in rainfall variability in the South and Southeast Asian summer monsoons
Authors: Zveryaev Igor I. , Aleksandrova Marina P.
Published: June 2004

Long‐term rainfall variability in the South and Southeast Asian summer monsoons is investigated using observational data for a 50 year period. Linear trends indicate a general level of summer rainfall decrease over northeast India that has intensified during recent decades. In contrast to the South Asian Monsoon (SAM), there is no significant rainfall trend in the Southeast Asian Monsoon (SEAM).

The result of the empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) analysis has shown that the leading EOF modes explain about 25% of total rainfall variability in both regions. Low correlation between respective principal components implies that rainfall variations in the two monsoon subsystems are not related, suggesting that different mechanisms are responsible for the interannual rainfall variability in the SAM and the SEAM.

The interannual variability of the SAM rainfall is linked to sea‐surface temperature (SST) fluctuations in the equatorial eastern Pacific during the monsoon season and the following autumn. As revealed by lead–lag correlations, the warming of the Arabian Sea and a region located northwest of Australia during the boreal winter may lead to a strong SAM. The interannual behaviour of the SAM rainfall shows a feature of the quasi‐biennial oscillation with the reversal of correlations between months preceding the monsoon and the monsoon–post‐monsoon months. In comparison with the SAM, the interannual variability of the SEAM rainfall is associated with distinctly different SST patterns. Enhanced SEAM rainfall is preceded by a high SST in the northern Indian Ocean and the South China Sea in the previous January and February. Significant correlations between the SEAM rainfall and SST, which form a tripole pattern in the North Pacific Ocean, are detected during the preceding winter and early spring, suggesting that wintertime tropics–extratropics interactions may play a role in the SEAM rainfall variability. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Impact of a possible local wind change on the wave climate in the upper Río de la Plata
Authors: Dragani Walter C. , Romero Silvia I.
Published: June 2004

The aim of the present work is to give a quantitative assessment of the change in mean wave parameters in the upper Río de la Plata (RDP) by considering a possible change in local winds. A statistical analysis of the sea and swell in the outer RDP, as well as the computation and analysis of their propagation and transformation throughout the intermediate and upper regions, reveal that refraction, shoaling and friction effects diminish wave heights by 94.9%. Consequently, the predominant wave climate in the upper RDP could only be described considering wind waves generated locally (sea). The present wave climate (directional wave heights and periods) in the upper RDP is estimated by the hindcasting methodology based on 10‐year statistics of winds measured at ‘Aeroparque Jorge Newery’ meteorological station. A possible future scenario is sketched for which wind frequencies and intensities for the easterly directions are respectively 30% and 10% higher than the present values. The results for the upper RDP show that mean easterly wave heights will increase by 0.12 m (13%) relative to present values (0.90 m) and their frequencies will increase by 30% (from 18.4 to 23.9%), producing larger total heights. Therefore, the coast of Buenos Aires city will be more frequently exposed to wave effects, giving rise to intensified associated littoral processes. The mean period for easterly waves will not change significantly (less than 4%, from 5.3 to 5.5 s). The results obtained are a first approximation to the problem, suggesting that within the upper RDP the wave climate is very sensitive to the predicted change in the wind field. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
It never rains on Sunday: the prevalence and implications of untagged multi‐day rainfall accumulations in the Australian high quality data set
Authors: Viney Neil R. , Bates Bryson C.
Published: June 2004

The perception prevalent in the literature that Australian rainfall records are reasonably uncontaminated by untagged weekend accumulations is reassessed. An objective probabilistic test for untagged accumulations is developed and applied to 181 gauges that have previously been identified as having high‐quality data suitable for long‐term analyses of climate change. As many as 102 of these gauges are found to contain hidden, untagged accumulations, and the overall prevalence of untagged accumulations in the high‐quality data set is shown to be only slightly less than that of tagged accumulations. A simple study simulating the effects of accumulations in the records of the high‐quality data set shows that, in records (or parts of records) with frequent accumulations, rainfall probability, mean wet‐spell length and mean dry‐spell length can be underestimated by as much as 24%, 34% and 18% respectively, and that the magnitude of the potential prediction error in these variables (and also in indices of rainfall intensity extremes) at a site shows strong dependence on the rainfall probability. Selected published studies on climate change are reanalysed to account for the presence of untagged accumulations and to show that significant changes in long‐term trends can be obtained for individual locations. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Atmospheric predictors for major floods in the Negev Desert, Israel
Authors: Kahana Ron , Ziv Baruch , Dayan Uri , Enzel Yehouda
Published: June 2004

The study examines the ability of a set of atmospheric variables to predict major floods in the Negev Desert in the southern part of Israel. The two dominant synoptic types, which contributed over 70% of the major floods during 1965–94 in that region, were examined. These are: the active Red Sea trough (ARST), a surface trough along the Red Sea, combined with a pronounced upper trough; and the Syrian low (SL), an intense Mediterranean cyclone centred over Syria.

For each synoptic type, a set of atmospheric variables (predictors) was chosen to reflect its unique atmospheric features, and a prediction score was calculated as the ratio between the number of flood‐producing storms and the total number of events in which all the variables exceeded their threshold values.

The prediction score for the ARST type is 86%. Moreover, the predictors identify the major flood dates without any ‘false’ date (100%) for 4 of the 5 months in which major floods of this type had occurred. Most of the predictors are found at the 500 hPa level, and the most powerful is the v/u ratio, which represents the southerly wind component and is responsible for the transport of moist tropical air masses (essential for convection) toward the Middle East. The prediction score for the SL type is 73%. The intensity and structure of the surface cyclone are found to be most powerful predictors, although the importance of geopotential height at 500 hPa indicates that these types of flood depend on the combined effect of several factors.

Transforming these remarkably high scores into a high‐skill operational forecast of major floods in the Negev requires reliable forecast models to supply the desired variables with reasonable accuracy. It seems that the current operational models, together with our derived predictors, have the potential to yield a successful forecast of major floods 2 days in advance. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Effects of El Niño–southern oscillation on southernmost South America precipitation at 53 °S revealed from NCEP–NCAR reanalyses and weather station data
Authors: Schneider Christoph , Gies Daniel
Published: June 2004

Monthly mean records of climate data over southern South America from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) reanalysis project (NNR) were processed to determine possible teleconnections of El Niño–southern oscillation with precipitation at 53 °S in the southernmost Andes. The NNR data used include precipitation rate, zonal wind speed and sea‐level pressure (SLP). All data were correlated to the southern oscillation index (SOI) allowing for time leads/time lags of up to 8 months.

Significant positive correlation at the 99% level between SOI and SLP is obtained north of 40 °S (r= 0.4). SLP south of 58 °S negatively correlates with SOI (r= −0.3). In consequence, during El Niño events the SLP gradient over Patagonia decreases, leading to lower wind speeds. Precipitation on the west coast of Patagonia depends greatly on the strength of the west winds due to orographically induced precipitation. According to this, positive correlation (r= 0.4) between SOI and precipitation rate anomalies is found west of the Patagonian coastline between 45 and 55 °S based on annually averaged data. Precipitation decreases by about 15% during strong El Niños. The correlation decreases to insignificant values east of the Andes mountain range. Correlation between SLP gradient and SOI along the west coast of southern Patagonia is largest from austral spring to summer in year 0 of an El Niño event and in April of year +1. Correlations are particularly strong at a time lag of +1 and +2 months, with SOI leading the SLP gradient. Correlation was found to vary in time, with weak correlations during the 1970s and early 1980s and enhancing teleconnection towards the turn of the century. The generally weak positive correlation between precipitation and SOI was also found by comparing precipitation data from weather stations at 53 °S on the west coast of South America with SOI. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society.
Summertime anomalous warming over the midlatitude western North Pacific and its relationships to the modulation of the Asian monsoon
Authors: Ueda Hiroaki , Kawamura Ryuichi
Published: June 2004

An anomalously warm sea‐surface temperature (SST) developed to the east of Japan in the midlatitude western North Pacific (WNP) during three consecutive years, from 1999 through to 2001. The anomalies in those years simultaneously reached a maximum deviation (>2.5 °C) during the boreal summer. Prior to this seasonal peaking, convective activity was significantly enhanced around the Philippine Sea, while Japan and the adjacent ocean were characterized by weak convection. Almost concurrently with this, the lower troposphere in the subtropical WNP exhibited an anomalous cyclonic flow slightly to the northwest of the Philippine convection. In contrast, anticyclonic anomalies prevailed over the midlatitude WNP in the area centred around 35 °N, 150 °E.

The many changes observed in the convection and circulation fields can be explained by wave trains related to the stationary Rossby wave. In situ heat budget analysis at the ocean surface indicates that, in association with the midlatitude anticyclone, the combined effect of reduced evaporative cooling and intensified downward shortwave radiation flux can be responsible for the salient increase in SST. Furthermore, analysis of the subsurface water reveals that the anomalous state in the midlatitude WNP was limited in the near‐surface layer, which is consistent with the result of the heat exchange at the ocean surface.

Finally, these anomalous years correspond to a cold episode of El Niño, suggesting the potential predictability of the Asian summer monsoon. In view of this, we also examine precursor signals in the pre‐monsoon season over the tropical Indian Ocean and their possible linkage to summertime climate conditions in the midlatitude WNP. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Adsorption of phenylacetylene on gold nanoparticle surfaces investigated by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Joo Sang‐Woo , Kim Kwan
Published: June 2004

The adsorption of phenylacetylene (PA) on gold nanoparticle surfaces was investigated by means of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The aggregation behaviors were examined by UV–visible absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The phenyl ring of PA appeared to assume a perpendicular orientation with respect to the gold surface from the presence of the ν(CH) band at ∼3060 cm−1. Neither a substantial red shift nor a significant band broadening of the ring breathing modes implied that a direct ring π‐orbital interaction from the phenyl ring with gold substrates should be low. The SERS spectrum of PA on Au surfaces was analyzed by determining the relative enhancement factor of each vibrational band. The multiple peaks in the ν(CC) stretching region were found to vary in the presence of other ionic species. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fourier transform Raman spectroscopic studies of the curing of cyanoacrylate glue
Authors: Edwards Howell G. M. , Day Joanna S.
Published: June 2004

The spontaneous polymerization of ethyl 2‐cyanoacrylate (‘superglue’) in a sealed glass tube was studied using Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy with 1064 nm excitation. The spectra of the monomer and the polymer were characterized and the polymerization process was monitored qualitatively over a time interval of 92 days. Even after this time lapse from initiation, the reaction had not proceeded to completion and 15% monomer remained in the polymerized specimen, based on ν(CC) band intensity depletion and on the evolution of the ν(CN) feature; the latter becomes asymmetric as the reaction proceeds owing to the appearance of the polymeric ν(CN) stretch at 2247 cm−1 and the diminution in intensity of the monomer band at 2239 cm−1. The results of this work are of relevance to the non‐destructive Raman spectroscopic analysis of cyanoacrylate‐fumed latent fingerprints at forensic crime scenes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopic signature of life in a living yeast cell
Authors: Huang Yu‐San , Karashima Takeshi , Yamamoto Masayuki , Ogura Takashi , Hamaguchi Hiro‐o
Published: June 2004

We have discovered a Raman spectroscopic signature that sharply reflects the metabolic activity of a mitochondrion in a living yeast cell. Raman mapping experiments on a GFP‐labeled yeast cell showed that this signature originated exclusively from mitochondria. Addition of KCN caused a rapid decrease and subsequent disappearance of the signature followed by gradual changes of the phospholipid Raman bands, indicating that respiration was first inhibited by KCN and then lowered metabolic activity gradually deteriorated the double‐membrane structure of a mitochondrion. We can now monitor the life and death of a single cell by time‐ and space‐resolved Raman spectroscopy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation and characterisation of sphingoceramides by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry
Authors: Camera Emanuela , Picardo Mauro , Presutti Carla , Catarcini Paolo , Fanali Salvatore
Published: June 2004

We developed a simple and reliable analytical method for the quantification and the characterization of ceramides extracted from biological samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI/MS/MS). The chromatographic separation of analytes was carried out in a RP8 column, eluting with a methanol‐water mixture in gradient elution mode. The separated lipids were detected by total ion monitoring and characterised by MS/MS spectra; quantitative analysis was performed by integrating the extracted ion peaks obtained in the negative ion mode. Good repeatability was obtained for retention time (0.3–2%), peak area ratio (A S/A IS, 2–8%), as well as limit of detection (LOD, 5–26 pg) and quantification (LOQ, 13–53 pg). The method was validated for the analysis of N‐palmitoyl‐D‐erythro‐sphingosine (Cer16), N‐stearoyl‐D‐erythro‐sphingosine (Cer18), N‐tetracosanoyl‐D‐erythro‐sphingosine (N24 : 0, lignoceric ceramide, Cer24:0), and N‐tetracos‐15 ´‐enoyl‐D‐erythro‐sphingosine (N24 : 1, nervonic ceramide, Cer24 : 1), giving good results. Lipid mixtures, extracted from skin and epidermal cells, were analysed for their content of the studied ceramides.
Dynamic solid phase microextraction for sampling of airborne sarin with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry for rapid field detection and quantification
Authors: Hook Gary L. , Jackson Lepage Carmela , Miller Stephen I. , Smith Philip A.
Published: June 2004

A portable dynamic air sampler and solid phase microextraction were used to simultaneously detect, identify, and quantify airborne sarin with immediate analysis of samples using a field portable gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry system. A mathematical model was used with knowledge of the mass of sarin trapped, linear air velocity past the exposed sampling fiber, and sample duration allowing calculation of concentration estimates. For organizations with suitable field portable instrumentation, these methods are potentially useful for rapid onsite detection and quantification of high concern analytes, either through direct environmental sampling or through sampling of air collected in bags.
Rapid and sensitive determination of morphine in street opium samples by thermal desorption gas chromatography using a microfurnace pyrolyzer
Authors: Hida Minemasa , Mitsui Toshiyuki , Tsuge Shin , Ohtani Hajime
Published: June 2004

Thermal desorption of the alkaloids in opium samples at 300°C using a vertical microfurnace pyrolyzer was followed by their on‐line gas chromatographic (GC) analysis on a large‐bore glass capillary column. This method permitted rapid and sensitive determination of the content of the main alkaloid, morphine, in the small (ca. 100 μg) opium samples with a relative standard deviation within 4% for 5 runs. The observed morphine contents of about 12 to 15 w/w% in the given opium samples were in fairly good agreement with those estimated by a conventional GC‐MS method.
Outcomes of acute rejection after interferon therapy in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Saab Sammy , Kalmaz Denise , Gajjar Nupoor A. , Hiatt Jonathan , Durazo Francisco , Han Steven , Farmer Douglas G. , Ghobrial Mark R. , Yersiz Hasan , Goldstein Leonard I. , Lassman Charles R. , Busuttil Ronald W.
Published: June 2004

Interferon alfa has been increasingly used against recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) disease in post-liver transplant (LT) recipients. A serious potential adverse effect is acute rejection. We reviewed our experience using interferon-based therapy (interferon or pegylated interferon with or without ribavirin) for treating recurrent HCV in LT recipients. Forty-four LT recipients were treated with interferon for recurrent HCV. Five of the 44 patients developed acute rejection during interferon-based therapy. These 5 patients started treatment of 42.4 ± 33.89 months (mean ± SD) after LT. Mean (± SD) histological activity index and fibrosis scores before initiating antiviral therapy were 8.8 (± 1.92) and 2.6 (± 0.55), respectively. Patients were treated for 3.3 ± 2.28 months (mean ± SD) prior to rejection. At the time of rejection, HCV load was not detectable in 4 of the 5 recipients. All 5 patients had tolerated interferon therapy, and none had stopped therapy because of adverse effects. The rejection was successfully treated in 3 patients. In 2 of those 3 patients, cirrhosis eventually developed. In the 2 patients who did not respond to rejection treatment, immediate graft failure occurred, leading to re-LT in 1 patient and death from sepsis in the other. In conclusion, the results indicate that further studies are needed to assess the safety of interferon in LT recipients. Interferon-based therapy may lead to acute rejection and subsequent graft loss and should therefore be used with caution. Treated recipients may also develop progressive cirrhosis despite achieving a sustained virological response. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:859-867.)