bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of phosphatases SHP-1 and SHIP-1 on signaling by the ITIM- and ITAM-containing Fcγ receptors FcγRIIB and FcγRIIA
Authors: Huang Zhen-Yu , Hunter Sharon , Kim Moo-Kyung , Indik Zena K , Schreiber Alan D
Published: May 2003

Inositol and tyrosine phosphatases have been implicated in inhibitory signaling by an Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G, FcγRIIB, in B cells, mast cells, and monocytes. Here, we propose a role for the Src homology 2 (SH2)-containing tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) in FcγRIIB-mediated inhibition of FcγR signaling. Coexpression of SHP-1 enhances FcγRIIB-mediated inhibition of FcγRIIA phagocytosis in COS-1 cells. SHP-1 also enhances the reduction in FcγRIIA tyrosine phosphorylation that accompanies this inhibition. Significantly, tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk kinase is substantially inhibited by SHP-1. Furthermore, the activation of SHP-1 tyrosine phosphorylation is observed following stimulation of FcγRII in COS-1 cells and in human monocytes. The SH2 domain containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP), SHIP-1 also enhances FcγRIIB-mediated inhibition of FcγRIIA, indicating that FcγRIIB can use more than one pathway for its inhibitory action. In addition, SHP-1 and SHIP-1 can inhibit FcγRIIA phagocytosis and signal transduction in the absence of FcγRIIB. The data support emerging evidence that SH2-containing phosphatases, such as SHP-1 and SHIP-1, can modulate signaling by “activating” receptors.
Prostaglandin E2 modulates dendritic cell function via EP2 and EP4 receptor subtypes
Authors: Harizi Hedi , Grosset Christophe , Gualde Norbert
Published: May 2003

We have reported previously that PGE2 inhibits dendritic cells (DC) functions. Because E prostanoid receptor (EPR) subtypes involved in this action are unknown, expression and functions of these receptors were examined in DC. Western blot and flow cytometry analyses showed that all EPRs were coexpressed in DC. In a dose-dependent manner, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enhanced EP2R/EP4R but not EP1R/EP3R expressions. NS-398, a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2-selective inhibitor, suppressed LPS-enhanced EP2R/EP4R expression, suggesting that COX-2-issued prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) modulates DC function through stimulation of specific EPR subtypes. Using selective agonists, we found that butaprost, an EP2R agonist, and PGE1 alcohol, an EP2R and EP2R/EP4R agonist, inhibited major histocompatibility complex class II expression and enhanced interleukin-10 production from DC. However, no effect was observed with sulprostone and 17-phenyl-ω-trinor-PGE2, selective agonists for EP1R and EP1R/EP3R, respectively. Treatment of DC with dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), an analog of cAMP, mimics PGE2-induced, inhibitory effects. Taken together, our data demonstrate that EP2R/EP4R are efficient for mediating PGE2-induced modulation of DC functions.
Severe meningococcal disease is characterized by early neutrophil but not platelet activation and increased formation and consumption of platelet–neutrophil complexes
Authors: Peters M J , Heyderman R S , Faust S , Dixon G L J , Inwald D P , Klein N J
Published: May 2003

Approximately 25% of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) circulate in heterotypic complexes with one or more activated platelets. These platelet–neutrophil complexes (PNC) require platelet CD62P expression for their formation and represent activated subpopulations of both cell types. In this study, we have investigated the presence, time course, and mechanisms of PNC formation in 32 cases of severe pediatric meningococcal disease (MD) requiring intensive care. There were marked early increases in PMNL CD11b/CD18 expression and activation, and reduced CD62L expression compared with intensive care unit control cases. Minimal platelet expression of the active form of αIIbβ3 (GpIIb/IIIa) was seen. PNC were reduced on presentation and fell to very low levels after 24 h. Immunostaining of skin biopsies demonstrated that PNC appear outside the circulation in MD. In vitro studies of anticoagulated whole blood inoculated with Neisseria meningitidis supported these clinical findings with marked increases in PMNL CD11b/CD18 expression and activation but no detectable changes in platelet-activated αIIbβ3 or CD62P expression. In vitro PMNL activation with N. meningitidis (or other agonists) potentiated the formation of PNC in response to platelet activation with adenine diphosphate. Therefore, in severe MD, PMNL activation is likely to promote PNC formation, and we suggest that the reduced levels of PNC seen in established MD reflect rapid loss of PNC from the circulation rather than reduced formation.
A role for CD1d-restricted NKT cells in injury-associated T cell suppression
Authors: Faunce Douglas E , Gamelli Richard L , Choudhry Mashkoor A , Kovacs Elizabeth J
Published: May 2003

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are known to modulate T cell responses during autoimmunity, tolerance, and antitumor immunity; however, their potential role in regulating the immune response to injury has not been reported. Using a murine model of burn injury, we investigated whether CD1d-restricted NKT cells played a role in the T cell suppression that occurs early after injury. A functional role for CD1d stimulation of NKT cells in the injury-related immune suppression was demonstrated by experiments in which the suppression of antigen (Ag)-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity and in vitro T cell-proliferative responses were prevented if mice were given anti-CD1d monoclonal antibody (mAb) systemically just before injury. The CD1d-NKT cell-dependent suppression of the T cell response after injury occurred in the absence of quantitative changes in NKT cells themselves or CD1d+ Ag-presenting cells. We observed that elevated production of the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 correlated with burn-induced immune dysfunction, and we found that NKT cells but not conventional T cells were the source of IL-4 early after injury. Lastly, we observed that the injury-induced production of NKT cell-derived IL-4 could be blocked by systemic treatment of burn-injured mice with anti-CD1d mAb. Together, our results reveal a novel mechanism involving CD1d stimulation of NKT cells in the onset of T cell suppression that occurs subsequent to injury.
Expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO) by neutrophils is necessary for their activation by anti-neutrophil cytoplasm autoantibodies (ANCA) against MPO
Authors: Reumaux Dominique , de Boer Martin , Meijer Alexander B , Duthilleul Patrick , Roos Dirk
Published: May 2003

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasm autoantibodies (ANCA) directed against proteinase-3 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activate tumor necrosis factor-α-primed neutrophils in vitro. We used neutrophils from one completely and one partially MPO-deficient donor to assess the requirement of MPO expression for neutrophil activation by anti-MPO antibodies. The MPO deficiencies were defined enzymatically, by immunocytochemistry and by immunoblotting. The mutations in the MPO genes of these donors were identified as a combination of a novel splice-site mutation at the 3′ end of intron 11 (A-2→C), a deletion of 14 nucleotides in exon 9 (A1555–C1568), and a novel C1907 → T (636Thr→Met) substitution in exon 11 in the completely MPO-deficient donor and as the same splice-site mutation and a novel C995 → T (332Ala→Val) substitution in exon 7 in the partially MPO-deficient donor. Monoclonal antibody 4.15 against MPO and MPO–ANCA–immunoglobulin G induced no superoxide anion production in these MPO-deficient neutrophils despite a normal production induced by other stimuli. Thus, the presence of MPO is a conditio sine qua non for neutrophil activation by anti-MPO antibodies. Moreover, we demonstrated that by means of these MPO-deficient cells, hydrogen peroxide may diffuse from neutrophils to surrounding cells, which may contribute to the damage induced by oxygen radicals in the pathology of systemic vasculitides.
Antibody-mediated blockade of the CXCR3 chemokine receptor results in diminished recruitment of T helper 1 cells into sites of inflammation
Authors: Xie Jenny H , Nomura Naomi , Lu Min , Chen Shiow-Ling , Koch Greg E , Weng Youmin , Rosa Raymond , Di Salvo Jerry , Mudgett John , Peterson Laurence B , Wicker Linda S , DeMartino Julie A
Published: May 2003

Naïve T cells, when activated by specific antigen and cytokines, up-regulate adhesion molecules as well as chemokine receptors on their surface, which allows them to migrate to inflamed tissues. Human studies have shown that CXCR3 is one of the chemokine receptors that is induced during T cell activation. Moreover, CXCR3-positive T cells are enriched at inflammatory sites in patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In this study, we use a mouse model of inflammation to demonstrate that CXCR3 is required for activated T cell transmigration to inflamed tissue. Using an anti- mCXCR3 antibody, we have shown that in vitro-differentiated T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cells up-regulated CXCR3 upon stimulation with specific antigen/major histocompatibility complex. However, only Th1 cells, when adoptively transferred to syngeneic recipients, are efficiently recruited to the peritoneum in an adjuvant-induced peritonitis model. Furthermore, the neutralizing anti-mCXCR3 antibody profoundly inhibits the recruitment of Th1 cells to the inflamed peritoneum. Real-time, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrates that the CXCR3 ligands, interferon (IFN)-inducible protein 10 (CXCL10) and IFN-inducible T cell α chemoattractant (CXCL11), are among the many chemokines induced in the adjuvant-treated peritoneum. The anti-mCXCR3 antibody is also effective in inhibiting a delayed-type hypersensitivity response, which is largely mediated by enhanced trafficking of activated T cells to peripheral inflammatory sites. Collectively, our results suggest that CXCR3 has a critical role in T cell transmigration to sites of inflammation and thus, may serve as a molecular target for anti-inflammatory therapies.
Identification of a novel CpG DNA class and motif that optimally stimulate B cell and plasmacytoid dendritic cell functions
Authors: Marshall Jason D , Fearon Karen , Abbate Christi , Subramanian Sandhya , Yee Priscilla , Gregorio Josh , Coffman Robert L , Van Nest Gary
Published: May 2003

Recent reports have identified two major classes of CpG motif-containing oligodeoxynucleotide immunostimulatory sequences (ISS): uniformly modified phosphorothioate (PS) oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs), which initiate B cell functions but poorly activate dendritic cells (DCs) to make interferon (IFN)-α, and chimeric PS/phosphodiester (PO) ODNs containing runs of six contiguous guanosines, which induce very high levels of plasmacytoid DC (PDC)-derived IFN-α but poorly stimulate B cells. We have generated the first reported ISS, C274, which exhibits very potent effects on all human immune cells known to recognize ISS. C274 is a potent inducer of IFN-γ/IFN-α from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and exhibits accelerated kinetics of activity compared with standard ISS. This ODN also effectively stimulates B cells to proliferate, secrete cytokines, and express costimulatory antigens. In addition, C274 specifically activates PDCs to undergo maturation and secrete cytokines, including very high levels of IFN-α. Sequence variation studies based on C274 were used to identify the general motif requirements for this novel and distinct class of ISS. In contrast, chimeric PO/PS CpG-containing ODNs with polyguanosine sequences exert a differential pattern of ISS activity compared with C274, perhaps in part as a result of their greatly different structural nature. This pattern is composed of high IFN-α/IFN-γ induction and low DC maturation in the absence of B cell stimulation. In conclusion, we have generated a novel class of ISS that transcends the limitations ascribed to classes described previously in that it provides excellent stimulation of B cells and simultaneously activates PDCs to differentiate and secrete large amounts of type I IFN.
Open window and defective radiator valve detection
Authors: Yu B , van Paassen A HC , Riahy S
Published: May 2003

The energy consumption of buildings is growing quickly. Because building auto-mation and HVAC systems can not run under optimal conditions and faults or disturbances can appear in the different phases, fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) is necessary. FDD can be used to trace the cause of the decrease of energy ef” ciency in an HVAC system or the decrease of the thermal comfort level in the rooms. This paper studies a model-based FDD in an of” ce room. By analysing the physical relations between all the components, the room models are built with SimulinkÒ. Two types of fault are studied in this paper: an open window and a defective radiator valve. By introducing a characteristic parameter, these two faults can be detected and diagnosed.
Energy and indoor climate in urban environments: recent trends
Authors: Santamouris M , Georgakis C
Published: May 2003

This paper discusses the main issues relating to urban layout and passive cooling. The paper is divided into three main parts. The ” rst part presents the main characteristics of urban climate, especially the temperature distribution in cities, and reports data from the Athens urban climate experiment. The second part investigates and presents the impact of the main parameters de” ning the urban layout to the local climate. In particular the impact of the street layout, albedo, green spaces and building materials are investigated and discussed. Finally, the third part of the report deals with speci” c energy studies relating the energy consumption of buildings for cooling purposes to the urban climate.
The impact of new CIBSE weather data on natural ventilation design
Authors: Ren Mei J , Levermore Geoff , Doylend Nick
Published: May 2003

This paper investigates the impact of newly published CIBSE weather data on low energy buildings and the likely consequence on design. Emphasis has been given to the design assessment of naturally ventilated buildings. Three sets of weather data are applied and compared: CIBSE Example Weather Year (EWY), CIBSE Test Reference Year (TRY) and CIBSE Design Summer Year (DSY). The investigation has been focused on two locations only: London Heathrow to represent the south region of the UK and Manchester Ringway to represent the north region of the UK. The paper compares the raw weather data in terms of frequency of occurrence of external temperatures, followed by two case studies using a dynamic building thermal simulation program to quantify the impact of weather conditions on services design. Results are obtained by investigating the feasibility of a natural ventilation strategy, and the heating and cooling energy consumption if mechanical means are required to meet the internal comfort levels.
A Case Study of Low Frequency Noise Assessed Using DIN 45680 Criteria
Authors: Rushforth Ian , Moorhouse Andy , Styles Peter
Published: May 2003

This paper describes a case study in which low frequency noise was suspected of causing disturbance in a semi-rural location close to an industrial estate. Previous attempts using conventional acoustic measurement techniques to resolve the case, or even prove the existence of a real acoustic problem, had proved unsuccessful. In the present study, the authors applied a novel integrated acoustic/microseismic measurement system, and assessed the resultant data using criteria from the German national standard DIN 45680. Using this approach, the authors successfully resolved the low frequency noise problem and, after a test involving a sequential shutdown at a suspect industrial site, established the precise cause of the disturbance. The paper thus supports the criteria in DIN 45680 as a predictor of annoyance due to low frequency noise and as an aid in resolving such problems. It also illustrates the flexibility of the combined acoustic/microseismic technique and the advantages of the method over conventional techniques.
Effects of Large Scale Wind Power on Total System Variability and Operation: Case Study of Northern Ireland
Authors: Persaud Shashi , Fox Brendan , Flynn Damian
Published: May 2003

The paper simulates the potential impact of significant wind power capacity on key operational aspects of a medium-sized grid-power system, viz. generator loading levels, system reserve availability and generator ramping requirements. The measured data, from Northern Ireland, consist of three years of 1/2 hourly metered records of (i) total energy generation and (ii) five wind farms, each of 5 MW capacity. These wind power data were scaled-up to represent a 10% annual energy contribution, taking account of diversity on the specific variability of total wind power output.

The wind power generation reduced the system non-wind peak-generation. This reduction equalled 20% of the installed wind power capacity. There was also a reduction in the minimum non-wind generation, which equalled 43% of the wind power capacity. The analysis also showed that the spinning-reserve requirement depended on the accuracy of forecasting wind power ahead of scheduling, i.e. on the operational mode. When wind power was predicted accurately, (i) it was possible to reduce non-wind generation without over-commitment, but, (ii) the spinning-reserve non-wind conventional generation would usually have to be increased by 25% of the wind power capacity, unless quick-start gas generation was available. However, with unpredicted wind power generation, (i) despite reductions in non-wind generation, there was frequent over-commitment of conventional generation, but (ii) usually the spinning-reserve margin could be reduced by 10% of the wind power capacity with the same degree of risk.

Finally, it was shown that wind power generation did not significantly increase the ramping duty on the system. For accurately predicted and unpredicted wind power the increases were only 4% and 5% respectively.
New Wind-Diesel System on Osmussaare
Authors: Ruin Sven
Published: May 2003

In December 2002, a new wind-diesel system, rated 30 kVA, was commissioned on the island of Osmussaare, Estonia, by the Swedish company PitchWind Systems AB. The wind-diesel system is the only power source on this isolated island, where a radar station is under construction. The end user is the Estonian Border Guard and the project was carried out in cooperation with a local partner, Empower EEE AS, which also supplied the tower of the wind turbine.

PitchWind's wind turbines are especially suited for wind-diesel applications, because of the variable speed operation and special control system. The concept, originally developed by Chalmers University of Technology, saves expense by not requiring a dumpload, rotary converter or custom-built diesel genset. The system efficiency results from the use of power electronic interfaces, robust, but sophisticated, control and the special characteristics of the wind turbine. On Osmussaare, it was decided to include a battery bank in the system to increase fuel savings, because of the very high cost of fuel on the island, but the system works also without the battery bank.

The power electronics used in the project are standard industrial products made by ABB and the wind-diesel control system, based on LonWorks technology, was supplied by the ÅF Group. LonWorks is a wide-spread technology for open, distributed control systems, and brings several important benefits for hybrid power systems.

During 2003, PitchWind plans to install a similar wind-diesel system together with Empower EEE on Vaindloo, another remote Estonian island.
Factors Affecting Patient Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Escobar Ismael , Campo Mercedes , Martín Jesus , Fernández-Shaw Clara , Pulido Federico , Rubio Rafael
Published: May 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the clinical and demographic variables related to adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in patients treated in our hospital and identify the characteristics of nonadherent patients.

METHODS:

Outpatients receiving treatment with HAART (n = 283) were asked about variables related to adherence and to complete the APGAR (family support), State-Trait Anxiety questionnaire (STAI) (emotional situation), and IAS (social support) questionnaires. Patients were classified in 2 groups depending on whether adherence was ≥95% or <95%. Adherence was defined as the percentage of dosage forms prescribed that were obtained by the patient at the hospital pharmacy. A multivariate analysis was created to analyze how each significant variable affected adherence.

RESULTS:

Our data showed significant nonadherence for patients with the following factors: low level of education, unemployed, emotional situation, and abuse of substances including intravenous drugs. All significant variables were included in a logistic regression model to optimize the results. This model considered 4 variables: age (95% CI 0.89 to 0.99), number of antiretroviral drugs (95% CI 1.05 to 2.11), STAI Anxiety/Trait test (95% CI 2.02 to 6.02), and abuse of drugs (95% CI 1.20 to 3.95).

CONCLUSIONS:

We recommended special intervention to reinforce adherence for younger patients, patients taking a high number of antiretroviral drugs, those who have a history of intravenous drug use, and those with high anxiety status.
Quality Assessment Programs for Dietary Supplements
Authors: Larimore Walter L , O'Mathúna Dónal P
Published: May 2003

BACKGROUND:

In the US, consumers and healthcare professionals have been forced to depend on self-regulation by the dietary supplement industry for product quality, consistency, potency, and purity, a system that has yielded mixed results at best.

OBJECTIVE:

To characterize the current state of product quality verification in the dietary supplement industry and review recent developments and future plans to improve supplement safety and regulation.

METHODS:

Studies describing the quality of dietary supplements are reviewed, along with recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to improve supplement regulation. Several independent dietary supplement quality certification programs are described and evaluated.

RESULTS:

Quality control standards for dietary supplements run the gamut from good to nonexistent. Contamination, false labeling, and incomplete labeling are not uncommon problems — as are significant discrepancies in disintegration, dissolution, and in vitro release characteristics of various dietary supplements. The need for improved regulation has led to plans for increased FDA involvement through enforcement of good manufacturing practices and truths in labeling. Meanwhile, independent product certification companies have emerged and provide some reassurances; however, they possess several limitations as well.

CONCLUSIONS:

Until proposed FDA initiatives are finalized and implemented, certification programs can help provide assurances of safety and assist in product selection. Although they do not testify to effectiveness (and may even inadvertently mislead some consumers), certification programs may help curb what has been called “the Wild West nature of the dietary supplement industry.”
The Geology and Origin of Sepiolite, Palygorskite and Saponite in Neogene Lacustrine Sediments of the Serinhisar-Acipayam Basin, Denizli, SW Turkey
Authors: Akbulut Aydoǵan , Kadir Selahattin
Published: May 2003

The Serinhisar-Acıpayam basin of western Anatolia hosts a Neogene alkaline lake which formed in some graben and semi-graben depression zones as a result of N–S tension. The basin is filled with fluvial and lacustrine sediments dominated by clayey materials. The filling of the basin with fine sediments and associated water level changes caused the development of swampy and/or semi-swampy, alkaline-lake environments where sepiolite, palygorskite, saponite and dolomitic sepiolite or palygorskite precipitated periodically in the basin. Sepiolite is predominant in the Kuyucak section and is intercalated with saponite-dominated levels, whereas saponite accompanied palygorskite at Kocapınar where basaltic volcanism occurred. The contacts between sepiolite-palygorskite and saponite levels are more or less sharp, reflecting rapid changes in the physicochemical conditions of the depositional environment. Micromorphological images reveal that both sepiolite and palygorskite grew as interwoven fibers or fiber bundles and masses where dolomite was absent, indicating direct precipitation from solution, whereas fibrous networks grew authigenically on and out of dolomite in dolomitic sepiolite and dolomitic palygorskite. Saponite is either green or reddish brown due to its organic material-rich content and derivation from products of basaltic volcanism. Synsedimentary basaltic volcanism was the main source of Fe and Al, whereas Si and Mg were derived from surrounding ultrabasic and detrital units and partly from the volcanism. It can be concluded that sepiolite, palygorskite and saponite formed either by direct precipitation from alkaline lake water or authigenically from interstitial pore-water between dolomite rhombs as controlled by concentration of Si, Mg, Al and Fe, rather than by mutual transformation.
Characterization of the Acidity of Al- and Zr-Pillared Clays
Authors: Carvalho Ana P. , Martins Angela , Silva João M. , Pires João , Vasques Helena , de Carvalho M. Brotas
Published: May 2003

The surface acidic properties of pillared clays (PILCs) with Al or Zr oxide pillars (prepared from a natural Portuguese smectite and a synthetic Laponite), and of a protonic NaHY zeolite, were studied by two methods: pyridine adsorption followed by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and the catalytic transformation of 1-butene. The results of the pyridine adsorption revealed that all the pillared clays studied have mainly Lewis-type acidity, the exception being the clay pillared with Zr oxide, obtained from natural smectite, which also presents a significant number of Brönsted acid sites. The results of 1-butene transformation showed that the pillared clays exhibit catalytic properties similar to those of the protonic Y zeolite. The acid character of the solids was confirmed by the values of the cis/trans 2-butene isomers ratio. At short reaction times, product distribution showed that the main reaction is oligomerization, followed by cracking. After 15 min the products are mainly the linear isomers, cis and trans-2-butene, showing that the majority of the catalytic active sites, are already poisoned after 15 min of reaction. The particular behaviour of Laponite intercalated with Al oxide pillars is discussed. The IR spectra of the pyridine adsorbed on the fresh samples and after the catalytic assays, revealed that Lewis acid sites behave as active sites for 1-butene catalytic transformation. The consistency between the results of the two complementary techniques used for the characterization of the acidity of the solids was proved.
A Peculiar Morphology of Gibbsite and Nordstrandite Co-Crystallized in the Presence of Tartrate in a Strongly Alkaline Environment
Authors: Adamo P. , Pigna M. , Vingiani S. , Violante A.
Published: May 2003

The nature and morphology of Al(OH)3 polymorphs obtained by precipitating Al and tartrate at pH 12.0 and at a tartrate/Al molar ratio (R) of 0.1 were studied by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Co-crystallization of unusually long (up to 18 µm) ‘stick-shaped’ gibbsite with platy particles of both nordstrandite, mainly, and bayerite was observed. Face-to-face associations of plates nucleated perpendicularly on the gibbsite surfaces parallel to the c axis produced peculiar elongated ‘brush’ -shaped particles. In a strongly alkaline environment the inhibiting effect of tartrate on Al(OH)3 polymorph formation is reduced and production of co-crystallized phases with structural crystallographic similarities can be observed.
The names of Spain: A study of the isonymy structure of Spain
Authors: Rodriguez‐Larralde A. , Gonzales‐Martin A. , Scapoli C. , Barrai I.
Published: May 2003

In order to estimate the isonymy structure of Spain, we studied surname distribution in 283 Spanish towns based on 3.625 million telephone users selected from 6.328 million users, downloaded from a commercial CD‐ROM which contains all 13 million users in the country. Since in Spain the surname is made by the paternal and the maternal surname, it was possible to classify surnames according to parental origin. Two matrices of isonymy distances, one for paternal and one for maternal surnames, were constructed and tested for correlation with geographic distance. For the whole of Spain, Euclidean distance was significantly but weakly correlated with geographic distance both for paternal and maternal surnames, with r = 0.205 ± 0.013 and r = 0.263 ± 0.012, respectively. Two dendrograms of the 283 sampled towns were built from the two matrices of Euclidean distance. They are largely colinear. Four main clusters identified by the dendrograms are correlated with geography. Given the surname structure of Spain, we were able to calculate from isonymy and for each town 1) total or expressed inbreeding, 2) random or expected inbreeding, and 3) local inbreeding. Total inbreeding, FIT, was highest in the North Atlantic regions and lowest along the Mediterranean Coast. The lowest levels were found in Andalusia, Catalunyia, Valencia, and Navarra. Random inbreeding, FST, had a similar geographical pattern. Local inbreeding, FIS, was relatively uniform in the whole of Spain. In towns, random inbreeding dominates over local inbreeding. From the analysis, it emerges that the northwestern area of Spain is the most inbred. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variation in ancient Egyptian stature and body proportions
Authors: Zakrzewski Sonia R.
Published: May 2003

Stature and the pattern of body proportions were investigated in a series of six time‐successive Egyptian populations in order to investigate the biological effects on human growth of the development and intensification of agriculture, and the formation of state‐level social organization. Univariate analyses of variance were performed to assess differences between the sexes and among various time periods. Significant differences were found both in stature and in raw long bone length measurements between the early semipastoral population and the later intensive agricultural population. The size differences were greater in males than in females. This disparity is suggested to be due to greater male response to poor nutrition in the earlier populations, and with the increasing development of social hierarchy, males were being provisioned preferentially over females. Little change in body shape was found through time, suggesting that all body segments were varying in size in response to environmental and social conditions. The change found in body plan is suggested to be the result of the later groups having a more tropical (Nilotic) form than the preceding populations. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Understanding muscle markers: Aggregation and construct validity
Authors: Weiss Elizabeth
Published: May 2003

Musculoskeletal markers are frequently used to reconstruct past lifestyles and activity patterns. Yet, the reliability of muscle marker measurements has been called into question because they allegedly fail to correlate with cross‐sectional properties and exercise patterns, and are confounded by body size. In this study, the principle of aggregation was used to sum muscle markers over 7 insertion sites (4 humeral, 2 radial, and 1 ulnar) and examine the effects on them of body size, age, sex, and cross‐sectional properties. Analyses were made of a sample of 91 (66 males, 25 females) Native British Columbians (3500–1500 years BP) and 18th century Quebec prisoners. Muscle markers were measured using three‐point observer rating scales; size was measured by standard methods; age and sex were determined through pelvic, cranial, and dental morphology; and cross‐sectional properties were calculated from radiographs. Whereas any single muscle marker component failed to correlate with age, size, sex, or cross‐sections, aggregate muscle marker correlated with: age, r = 0.49; size, r = 0.38; sex, r = 0.40; and, cross‐sections, r = 0.38; P < 0.001. Older individuals had greater muscle markers, as did larger individuals, males, and those with more robust cross‐sections. Based on partial correlations and regression analyses, age was the best overall predictor of aggregate muscle marker. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of parity on bone mineral density in female rhesus macaques from Cayo Santiago
Authors: Cerroni Antonietta M. , Tomlinson George A. , Turnquist Jean E. , Grynpas Marc D.
Published: May 2003

This cross‐sectional study investigates the relationship between parity, bone mineral density, and spontaneous osteopenia/osteoporosis in a large skeletal population of female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) from the free‐ranging colony of Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. The sample consists of 119 mature female monkeys aged 4.0–22.2 years at time of death. The data consist of measurements of bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD), obtained from dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) of the last lumbar vertebra. After controlling for age, there is a significant increase in BMD of the spine with increasing parity (P = 0.0006), up to a parity of 7 offspring. Thus, high parity initially has a positive effect on BMD in female rhesus monkeys, but this positive effect disappears with parities that are greater than 7 offspring. After controlling for parity, however, age has a negative (P = 0.015) effect on BMD, beginning several years after the attainment of peak BMD (age 9.5 years). Thus, it appears that parity initially mitigates the effects of aging, but the positive effect of parity on BMD is eventually overwhelmed by the aging process. Mean BMC and BMD values are higher in parous females compared to nulliparous females in the same age range. Similarly, females with low parity have significantly lower mean BMD values than do age‐matched high‐parity controls, and the frequency of osteopenia and osteoporosis is greater in low‐parity females. Forty‐three percent (43%) of the osteopenic/osteoporotic females in the sample are members of the low‐parity group, even though it composes only 13% (16/119) of the entire sample. This study demonstrates that the free‐ranging female rhesus monkeys from Cayo Santiago are a good nonhuman primate model for the study of bone mineral density, parity, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New approaches in hominoid taxonomy: Morphometrics
Authors: Guy Franck , Brunet Michel , Schmittbuhl Matthieu , Viriot Laurent
Published: May 2003

We report here on new cranial data relevant to hominoid taxonomic analyses, based on a study of 438 skulls belonging to 13 nonhuman living hominoid taxa. Nineteen landmarks were selected to describe the overall shape of the maxillofacial complex, in order to investigate its discriminative power in taxonomic analyses. We used a geometric morphometrics approach to depict morphological variation from the genus down to the subspecific level, and we evaluated whether our morphologic criteria are relevant to discriminating species and subspecies among living hominoids. Considering previous genetic studies, we discuss whether our results can be extrapolated to the hominin fossil record, providing a reference for species and subspecies morphologic differentiation. Our results indicate that the relative warp method, as applied to facial landmarks, provides a powerful tool to discriminate taxa down to a subspecific level. Results show a noticeable divergence ofP. t. veruscompared toP. t. troglodytesandP. t. schweinfurthii. According to our data, the distance between eastern and western gorilla populations as well as between Bornean and Sumatran orangutan subspecies is as great as between the two species ofPan. In the same manner, differences betweenHylobatesandSymphalangusare similar to those betweenPanandGorillagenera. Congruence between the morphological distances computed in this study and previous morphological and genetical studies strongly supports their relevance for morphological species recognition in paleoanthropology. Our data provide an objective standard for assessing taxonomic differences among hominoids, and will enable us to define more precisely the significance of morphological differences in the fossil record. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Echtzeit‐Beobachtung photoinduzierter Chemie und molekularen Energietransfers in Lösung
Authors: Aßmann Jens , Kling Matthias , Abel Bernd
Published: May 2003

Hochangeregte Moleküle sind die wichtigen Akteure bei chemischen Transformationen in Lösung. Da die Reorganisation von Bindungen eine Kernbewegung voraussetzt, ist es oft die Schwingungsenergie, die Reaktionen maßgeblich vorantreibt. Schwingungsenergie kann innerhalb des “heißen” Moleküls umverteilt oder in Stößen mit anderen Molekülen abgegeben werden. Beide Prozesse beeinflussen die Mechanismen, Geschwindigkeiten und Ausbeuten chemischer Transformationen. Die Zeitskalen, auf denen Energie relaxiert und Bindungen gebrochen, geformt oder umgelagert werden, liegen jenseits unserer Erfahrung und Vorstellungskraft. Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt leistungsstarke experimentelle Ansätze für die direkte Messung des molekularen Energieflusses und photoinduzierter Chemie auf ultrakurzer Zeitskala in Lösung. Im ersten Teil des Aufsatzes werden Experimente zur direkten Messung der intra‐ und intermolekularen Energierelaxation diskutiert, der Fokus des zweiten Teils liegt auf dem ultraschnellen photoinduzierten Zerfall organischer Peroxide, die als Initiatoren in radikalischen Polymerisationen zum Einsatz kommen. Die Mechanismen und Zeitskalen ihrer Decarboxylierung sind wichtig für die primären Schritte einer radikalischen Polymerisation und die Mikrostruktur des Polymerproduktes.
Ketene in der Polymer‐unterstützten Synthese
Authors: Rafai Far Adel
Published: May 2003

Die Ketenchemie hat sich seit ihrer Einführung zu einer einzigartigen und anerkannten Methode für nützliche Umwandlungen in der konventionellen organischen Synthese entwickelt. Deshalb überrascht es nicht, dass kombinatorisch arbeitende Chemiker bald nach ihrer Abkehr vom Bereich der Peptid‐ und Peptoidbibliotheken hin zu Bibliotheken kleiner Moleküle die Vorteile der Ketenchemie für ihre eigenen Synthesebelange suchten. Die Fähigkeit dieser vielseitigen Moleküle zur Reaktion mit Nucleophilen und zur Teilnahme an Cycloadditionen und Cyclokondensationen wurde zur Synthese diverser Heterocyclen eingesetzt und mit den Vorteilen der schnellen Reinigung in der Polymer‐unterstützten Synthese kombiniert. Dabei konnte die Vielseitigkeit dieser Chemie durch die Einbeziehung verschiedener Ketenarten und Herstellungsmethoden unterstrichen werden. Für die Nutzung der neuesten Entwicklungen der Ketenchemie beim Aufbau von Bibliotheken kleiner Moleküle spricht, dass man den Einfluss der “Zerbrechlichkeit” dieser manchmal instabilen Moleküle auf Reaktionen an festen Trägern jetzt besser versteht.
Titelbild: Auf dem Weg zur “Mechano‐Chemie”: mechanisch induzierte Isomerisierungen von Thiolat‐Goldclustern (Angew. Chem. 20/2003)
Authors: Krüger Daniel , Rousseau Roger , Fuchs Harald , Marx Dominik
Published: May 2003

„Mechano‐Chemie“ bezeichnet den Einsatz äußerer mechanischer Kräfte zur Steuerung molekularer Reaktionen. Diese Verbindung von Chemie und Nanophysik wird von D. Marx et al. auf S. 2353ff. anhand einer theoretischen Untersuchung illustriert: Durch mechanisches Ziehen an einem Thiolatmolekül wird ein Goldcluster zu einem Nanodraht gestreckt. Die Abbildung zeigt im Uhrzeigersinn die Isomerisierungsschritte als Folge einer externen Zugkraft, wie sie etwa in einem kraftmikroskopischen Experiment ausgeübt wird.
Ketenes in Polymer‐Assisted Synthesis
Authors: Rafai Far Adel
Published: May 2003

Since its inception, ketene chemistry has developed into a unique and well‐established source of useful transformations for conventional synthetic organic chemistry. It is, therefore, not surprising that soon after their movement from the realm of peptide and peptoid libraries to that of small molecules, combinatorial chemists have sought the benefits of ketene chemistry to satisfy their own synthetic needs. The ability of these versatile molecules to undergo reactions with nucleophiles, and to participate in cycloadditions and cyclocondensations, has been utilized for the preparation of diverse heterocyclic compounds, and has added to the advantages of polymer‐assisted synthesis for rapid purification. Different types of ketenes and different methods for their generation have been involved, which illustrates the potential diversity of the chemistry. There is now a better grasp of the effect of the fragility of these sometimes transient molecules on the reactions involving solid supports, and this augurs well for the application of some of the more recent developments in ketene chemistry to the generation of small‐molecule libraries.
Cover Picture: Expanding the Functional Group Compatibility of Small‐Molecule Microarrays: Discovery of Novel Calmodulin Ligands (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 21/2003)
Authors: Barnes‐Seeman David , Park Seung Bum , Koehler Angela N. , Schreiber Stuart L.
Published: May 2003

Small‐Molecule Microarrays have provided a robust and scalable means of searching for new small‐molecule–protein interactions. The cover picture shows the protein calmodulin binding to a small molecule that was immobilized on a glass surface by using a novel slide/capture method. More about this method and its use is given by S. L. Schreiber et al. on page 2376ff.
The Locarno Gregory Coudé Telescope after 1984 A short history and a summary of the most important results
Authors: Bianda M. , Jetzer Ph. , Rima A.
Published: May 2003

Since 1988 the Locarno solar observatory is operated by a private Foundation (FIRSOL) which took it over after the dismantling of the institute by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeischaft (DFG) and the Universitäts Sternwarte Göttingen (USG). The instrument has been rebuilt, equipped with new electronics and already several scientific projects were successfully carried out.
GREGOR ‐ optical design considerations
Authors: Soltau D. , Berkefeld Th. , Hofmann A. , v. d. Lühe O. , Schmidt W. , Volkmer R. , Wiehr E.
Published: May 2003

After many years of successful work the Gregory Coudé Telescope (GCT) is going to be replaced by GREGOR. This new 1.5 m telescope is the result of design considerations which to a wide extent are based on new technologies. Special aspects of the design are presented, including measures to compensate for optical aberrations caused by instrumental and atmospheric effects (Adaptive Optics). First light is expected for the end of 2004.
High‐order adaptive optical system for Big Bear Solar Observatory
Authors: Didkovsky L.V. , Denker C. , Goode P.R. , Wang H. , Rimmele T.R.
Published: May 2003

A high‐order Adaptive Optical (AO) system for the 65 cm vacuum telescope of the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) is presented. The Coudé‐exit of the telescope has been modified to accommodate the AO system and two imaging magnetograph systems for visible‐light and near infrared (NIR) observations. A small elliptical tip/tilt mirror directs the light into an optical laboratory on the observatory's 2ndfloor just below the observing floor. A deformable mirror (DM) with 77 mm diameter is located on an optical table where it serves two wave‐front sensors (WFS), a correlation tracker (CT) and Shack‐Hartman (SH) sensor for the high‐order AO system, and the scientific channels with the imaging magnetographs. The two‐axis tip/tilt platform has a resonance frequency around 3.3 kHz and tilt range of about 2 mrad, which corresponds to about 25″ in the sky. Based on 32 × 32 pixel images, the CT detects image displacements between a reference frame and real‐time frames at a rate of 2 kHz. High‐order wave‐front aberrations are detected in the SH WFS channel from slope measurements derived from 76 sub‐apertures, which are recorded with 1,280 × 1,024 pixel Complex Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) camera manufactured by Photobit camera. In the 4 × 4 pixel binning mode, the data acquisition rate of the CMOS device is more than 2 kHz. Both visible‐light and NIR imaging magnetographs use Fabry‐Pérot etalons in telecentric configurations for two‐dimensional spectro‐polarimetry. The optical design of the AO system allows using small aperture prefilters, such as interference or Lyot filters, and 70 mm diameter Fabry‐Pérot etalons covering a field‐of‐view (FOV) of about 180″ × 180″.
Design and development of the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope
Authors: Keil S. , Rimmele T. , Keller C. , The ATST Team
Published: May 2003

Led by the National Solar Observatory, plans have been made to design and to develop the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST). The ATST will be a 4‐m general‐purpose solar telescope equipped with adaptive optics and versatile post‐focus instrumentation. Its main aim will be to achieve an angular resolution of 0.03 arcsec (20 km on the solar surface). The project and the telescope design are briefly described.
Pointing and tracking analysis of alt‐azimuthal multi‐focus telescopes: the THEMIS case
Authors: Mainella G. , Briand C. , Maréchal L. , Le Men C.
Published: May 2003

We discuss the pointing and tracking configuration of THEMIS which may be considered as representative of those alt‐azimuthal telescopes with an optical configuration with multiple focal planes, not all locked to both the alt‐azimuthal coordinates. In the THEMIS case two focal planes are present. The primary focus F1 is locked to the alt‐azimuthal mount, while the secondary focus F2 (which is used by the instruments), is only locked to the azimuth angle.

The different contributions to the final accuracy of both absolute pointing and tracking as observed at F2 are defined, and an extimation of the contribution of each component of the whole chain which affects the field position at F2 (software, mechanical and optical) is given.

The experimental data are the result of a test campaign carried on at THEMIS in February and March 2002. We can say that (a) for all the used observing configurations, the tracking accuracy is coherent at any point along the trajectory with the correspondent absolute pointing accuracy, which is an indication for the quality of the telescope dynamical performances (b) the main contribution to the residual field shift which is observed at F2 arises from the opto‐mechanical alignment configuration of the optics between F1 and F2, which therefore is the crucial point for such multi‐focus configuration. More informations can be found at the official THEMIS website (http://www.themis.iac.es).
THEMIS instrumental control
Authors: Laforgue D. , Ceppatelli G.
Published: May 2003

The THEMIS control system architecture is described here as well as the instrument supervisory and control system.The THEMIS instrument supervisory and control system offers data management capability, such as easy to use I/O configuration for large channel‐count applications, automatic data logging, real time and historical trending.