bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal echocardiographic differential diagnosis of fetal cardiac tumors
Authors: Zhou Q. C. , Fan P. , Peng Q. H. , Zhang M. , Fu Z. , Wang C. H.
Published: February 2004

Objectives

To present data on echocardiographic findings of fetal cardiac tumors and discuss their differential diagnoses.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 14 cases of fetal echogenic cardiac mass diagnosed between 1990 and 2003; 12 were confirmed to be cardiac tumors and two were false‐positive diagnoses. The echocardiographic characteristics examined included number, size, location and associated complications.

Results

Eight fetuses had a single tumor and four fetuses had multiple tumors. The left ventricle was most often affected. Parents of eight fetuses opted for termination of pregnancy, one fetus died in utero and three affected fetuses survived. Histopathological examination revealed cardiac rhabdomyoma in six fetuses, fibroma in two, teratoma in two, lipoma in one and hemangioma in one. The pitfalls associated with prenatal echocardiographic diagnosis of cardiac tumors include: they may be too small to be visualized, intracardiac echogenic foci may mimic tumors, and echogenicity resulting from extracardiac structures or neoplasms near the heart may falsely appear as tumors.

Conclusion

Fetal cardiac tumors can be detected by echocardiography. However, differential diagnosis is important as this will affect prognosis and subsequent management. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cultured peritoneal mesothelial cells exhibit apical primary cilia
Authors: Bird Stephen D. , Legge Michael , Walker Robert J
Published: February 2004

This study examined primary cilia on cultured human and rabbit peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMC) and investigated factors that influence ciliary expression. Primary cilia were examined with indirect immunocytochemistry, laser scanning confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Ciliary expression was evaluated in cultures with or without l‐cysteine (0.25 mM) or exposure to Ca2+‐free Krebs—Ringer solution supplemented with EGTA, 0.5 mM. This treatment disrupted cell monolayer integrity. Cilia were counted and normalized to total cell counts using NIH image. Primary cilia were identified on both human and rabbit PMC. Cells treated with l‐cysteine expressed significantly more cilia compared with monolayers deprived of l‐cysteine. Exposure to Ca2+‐free Krebs—Ringer solution significantly reduced cilia (5.9±1.0%, n=7). Although ciliary expression could be augmented with l‐cysteine, approximately 60% of human PMC and 84% of rabbit PMC did not exhibit cilia. Together, these data show that monolayers of PMC express apical cilia that can be augmented with l‐cysteine, independently of increased cell density.
Mitotic phosphorylation of histone H3 at threonine 3
Authors: Polioudaki Hara , Markaki Yolanda , Kourmouli Niki , Dialynas George , Theodoropoulos Panayiotis A , Singh Prim B , Georgatos Spyros D
Published: February 2004

Nuclear envelope‐peripheral heterochromatin fractions contain multiple histone kinase activities. In vitro assays and amino‐terminal sequencing show that one of these activities co‐isolates with heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) and phosphorylates histone H3 at threonine 3. Antibodies recognizing this post‐translational modification reveal that in vivo phosphorylation at threonine 3 commences at early prophase in the vicinity of the nuclear envelope, spreads to pericentromeric chromatin during prometaphase and is fully reversed by late anaphase. This spatio‐temporal pattern is distinct from H3 phosphorylation at serine 10, which also occurs during cell division, suggesting segregation of differentially phosphorylated chromatin to different regions of mitotic chromosomes.
Inhibition of GR‐mediated transcription by p23 requires interaction with Hsp90
Authors: Wochnik Gabriela M. , Young Jason C. , Schmidt Ulrike , Holsboer Florian , Hartl F.Ulrich , Rein Theo
Published: February 2004

p23 is a regulatory co‐chaperone of heat shock protein (Hsp) 90, but can also act as a general molecular chaperone by itself. Using novel point mutations of p23 that disrupt its interaction with Hsp90 we found its co‐chaperone function to be required for its inhibitory effect on glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The C‐terminal region of p23, which is required for its chaperone activity, is dispensable for inhibition of GR. Importantly, similar results were obtained with a constitutively active GR. Thus, the action of p23 on the nuclear stage of GR regulation requires its Hsp90 co‐chaperone function, but not its chaperone activity.
The effects of clozapine on the GSK‐3‐mediated signaling pathway
Authors: Kang Ung Gu , Seo Myoung Suk , Roh Myoung-Sun , Kim Yeni , Yoon Se Chang , Kim Yong Sik
Published: February 2004

We investigated the effect of 10 μM clozapine on the activity of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) and its upstream and downstream molecules in SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Clozapine activates both Akt‐ and Dvl‐mediated phosphorylation of GSK‐3β through phosphorylation at Ser9, and increased total cellular and intranuclear levels of β‐catenin. Pretreatment with the specific inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt pathway, LY294002 (20 μM), prevented the phosphorylation of Akt but did not affect the phosphorylation of GSK‐3β. These results suggest that clozapine regulates the phosphorylation of GSK‐3β through Wnt signal pathways involving Dvl upstream but not through the PI3K‐Akt pathway in SH‐SY5Y cells.
Gene‐specific dye bias in microarray reference designs
Authors: Dombkowski Alan A. , Thibodeau Bryan J. , Starcevic Susan L. , Novak Raymond F.
Published: February 2004

The most widely used microarray experiment design includes the use of a reference standard. Comparisons of gene expression between samples are facilitated because each sample is directly measured against the reference standard, using two fluorescent dyes. Numerous reports indicate that some genes incorporate the two commonly used dyes with different efficiencies, contributing to inaccurate data. However, it is widely assumed that these effects will not corrupt results if the reference standard is labeled with the same dye on each microarray. We demonstrate that this assumption is not reliable and that dye orientation can significantly influence measured changes in gene expression.
Site‐directed mutagenesis study of the three catalytic residues of the fructosyltransferases of Lactobacillus reuteri 121
Authors: Ozimek L.K , van Hijum S.A.F.T , van Koningsveld G.A , van der Maarel M.J.E.C , van Geel-Schutten G.H , Dijkhuizen L
Published: February 2004

Bacterial fructosyltransferases (FTFs) are retaining‐type glycosidases that belong to family 68 of glycoside hydrolases. Recently, the high‐resolution 3D structure of the Bacillus subtilis levansucrase has been solved [Meng, G. and Futterer, K., Nat. Struct. Biol. 10 (2003) 935–941]. Based on this structure, the catalytic nucleophile, general acid/base catalyst, and transition state stabilizer were identified. However, a detailed characterization of site‐directed mutants of the catalytic nucleophile has not been presented for any FTF enzyme. We have constructed site‐directed mutants of the three putative catalytic residues of the Lactobacillus reuteri 121 levansucrase and inulosucrase and characterized the mutant proteins. Changing the putative catalytic nucleophiles D272 (inulosucrase) and D249 (levansucrase) into their amido counterparts resulted in a 1.5–4×105 times reduction of total sucrase activity.
Sox6 overexpression causes cellular aggregation and the neuronal differentiation of P19 embryonic carcinoma cells in the absence of retinoic acid
Authors: Hamada-Kanazawa Michiko , Ishikawa Kyoko , Nomoto Kaori , Uozumi Takako , Kawai Yuichi , Narahara Masanori , Miyake Masaharu
Published: February 2004

The Sox6 gene is a member of the Sox gene family that encodes transcription factors. Previous studies have suggested that Sox6 plays an important role in the development of the central nervous system. Aggregation of embryonic carcinoma P19 cells with retinoic acid (RA) results in the development of neurons, glia and fibroblast‐like cells. In this report, we have shown that Sox6 mRNA increased rapidly in P19 cells during RA induction and then decreased during the differentiation of P19 into neuronal cells. To explore the possible roles of Sox6 during this process, stably Sox6‐overexpressing P19 cell lines (P19[Sox6]) were established. These P19[Sox6] had acquired both characteristics of the wild‐type P19 induced by RA. First, P19[Sox6] cells showed a marked cellular aggregation in the absence of RA. Second, P19[Sox6] could differentiate into microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2)‐expressing neuronal cells in the absence of RA. Sox6 expression could cause the activation of endogenous genes including the neuronal transcription factor Mash‐1, the neuronal development‐related gene Wnt‐1, the neuron‐specific cell adhesion molecule N‐cadherin, and the neuron‐specific protein MAP2, resulting in neurogenesis. Moreover, E‐cadherin, a major cell adhesion molecule of wild‐type P19, was strongly induced by Sox6, resulting in cellular aggregation without RA. Thus Sox6 may play a critical role in cellular aggregation and neuronal differentiation of P19 cells.
Silencing SARS‐CoV Spike protein expression in cultured cells by RNA interference
Authors: Zhang Yuanjiang , Li Tieshi , Fu Ling , Yu Changming , Li Yinghua , Xu Xialian , Wang Yinyin , Ning Hongxiu , Zhang Shuping , Chen Wei , Babiuk Lorne A , Chang Zhijie
Published: February 2004

The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has been one of the most epidemic diseases threatening human health all over the world. Based on clinical studies, SARS‐CoV (the SARS‐associated coronavirus), a novel coronavirus, is reported as the pathogen responsible for the disease. To date, no effective and specific therapeutic method can be used to treat patients suffering from SARS‐CoV infection. RNA interference (RNAi) is a process by which the introduced small interfering RNA (siRNA) could cause the degradation of mRNA with identical sequence specificity. The RNAi methodology has been used as a tool to silence genes in cultured cells and in animals. Recently, this technique was employed in anti‐virus infections in human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C/B virus. In this study, RNAi technology has been applied to explore the possibility for prevention of SARS‐CoV infection. We constructed specific siRNAs targeting the S gene in SARS‐CoV. We demonstrated that the siRNAs could effectively and specifically inhibit gene expression of Spike protein in SARS‐CoV‐infected cells. Our study provided evidence that RNAi could be a tool for inhibition of SARS‐CoV.
Inhibition of proteolysis by the proform of eosinophil major basic protein (proMBP) requires covalent binding to its target proteinase
Authors: Overgaard Michael T , Glerup Simon , Boldt Henning B , Rodacker Vivien , Olsen Inger M , Christiansen Michael , Sottrup-Jensen Lars , Giudice Linda C , Oxvig Claus
Published: February 2004

By proteolytic cleavage of insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins, the metalloproteinase pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) is able to control the biological activity of insulin‐like growth factors. PAPP‐A circulates in pregnancy as a proteolytically inactive complex, disulfide bound to the proform of eosinophil major basic protein (proMBP). We here demonstrate that co‐transfection of mammalian cells with PAPP‐A and proMBP cDNA results in the formation of a covalent PAPP‐A/proMBP complex in which PAPP‐A is inhibited. Formation of the complex also occurs when PAPP‐A and proMBP synthesized separately are incubated. Complex formation was monitored by Western blotting, and by using an immunoassay specific for the complex. Using mutagenesis, we further demonstrate that the complex forms in a specific manner and depends on the presence of two proMBP cysteine residues. Mutated proMBP, in which Cys‐51 and ‐169 are replaced by serine, is unable to form the covalent complex with PAPP‐A. Of particular interest, such mutated proMBP further lacks the ability to inhibit PAPP‐A. For the first time, this conclusively demonstrates that proMBP is a proteinase inhibitor. We further conclude that proMBP inhibits PAPP‐A in an unusual manner, not paralleled by other proteinase inhibitors of our knowledge, which requires proMBP to be covalently bound to PAPP‐A by disulfide bonds. ProMBP binding to PAPP‐A most likely either abrogates substrate access to the active site of PAPP‐A or induces a conformational change in the structure of PAPP‐A, as we, by further mutagenesis, were able to exclude that the inhibitory mechanism of proMBP is based on a cysteine switch‐like mechanism.
Interleukin‐6 is a positive regulator of tumor necrosis factor α‐induced adipose‐related protein in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Fasshauer Mathias , Kralisch Susan , Klier Margit , Lossner Ulrike , Bluher Matthias , Chambaut-Guérin Anne-Marie , Klein Johannes , Paschke Ralf
Published: February 2004

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α‐induced adipose‐related protein (TIARP) is a novel TNFα‐stimulated protein in adipocytes. Besides TNFα, interleukin (IL)‐6 has recently been shown to be another adipocytokine implicated in insulin resistance. Therefore, the impact of IL‐6 on TIARP gene expression in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes was determined by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Interestingly, TIARP mRNA expression was stimulated up to 3.8‐fold by IL‐6 in a dose‐dependent fashion with significant stimulation detectable at effector concentrations as low as 3 ng/ml and maximal effects seen at 100 ng/ml IL‐6. Induction of TIARP mRNA by IL‐6 was time‐dependent with significant upregulation occurring as early as 2 h after effector addition and maximal effects observed at 4 h. In parallel, TIARP protein synthesis was upregulated with maximal effects seen after 8 h of IL‐6 treatment. Furthermore, the Janus kinase 2 inhibitor AG490 decreased TIARP mRNA expression. The increase of TIARP mRNA could be reversed by withdrawal of IL‐6 for 24 h. Furthermore, TIARP mRNA induction by IL‐6 was also seen in brown adipocytes but not in muscle and liver cells. Taken together, these results show that TIARP is acutely regulated in adipose tissue not only by TNFα but also by IL‐6 which has been shown to be another important cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance.
Position‐specific incorporation of dansylated non‐natural amino acids into streptavidin by using a four‐base codon
Authors: Hohsaka Takahiro , Muranaka Norihito , Komiyama Chie , Matsui Kinue , Takaura Satomi , Abe Ryoji , Murakami Hiroshi , Sisido Masahiko
Published: February 2004

Novel non‐natural amino acids carrying a dansyl fluorescent group were designed, synthesized, and incorporated into various positions of streptavidin by using a CGGG four‐base codon in an Escherichia coli in vitro translation system. 2,6‐Dansyl‐aminophenylalanine (2,6‐dnsAF) was found to be incorporated into the protein more efficiently than 1,5‐dansyl‐lysine, 2,6‐dansyl‐lysine, and 1,5‐dansyl‐aminophenylalanine. Fluorescence measurements indicate that the position‐specific incorporation of the 2,6‐dnsAF is a useful technique to probe protein structures. These results also indicate that well‐designed non‐natural amino acids carrying relatively large side chains can be accepted as substrates of the translation system.
Regulation of a COPII component by cytosolic O‐glycosylation during mitosis
Authors: Dudognon Pierrick , Maeder-Garavaglia Christine , Carpentier Jean-Louis , Paccaud Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2004

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐to‐Golgi transport is blocked in mammalian cells during mitosis; however, the mechanism underlying this blockade remains unknown. Since COPII proteins are involved in this transport pathway, we investigated at the biochemical level post‐translational modifications of COPII components during the course of mitosis that could be linked to inhibition of ER‐to‐Golgi transport. By comparing biochemical properties of cytosolic COPII components during interphase and mitosis, we found that Sec24p isoforms underwent post‐translational modifications resulting in an increase in their apparent molecular weight. No such modification was observed for the other COPII components Sec23p, Sec13p, Sec31p or Sar1p. Analyzing in more details Sec24p isoforms in interphase and mitotic conditions, we found that the interphase form of Sec24p was O‐N‐acetylglucosamine modified, a feature lost upon entering into mitosis. This mitotic deglycosylation was coupled to Sec24p phosphorylation, a feature likely responsible for the increase in apparent molecular weight of these molecules. These modifications correlated with an alteration in the membrane binding properties of Sec24p. These data suggest that when entering into mitosis, the COPII component Sec24p is simultaneously deglycosylated and phosphorylated, a process which may contribute to the observed mitotic ER‐to‐Golgi traffic block.
Dissolving the Public Realm? The Logics and Limits of Neo-liberalism
Authors: CLARKE JOHN
Published: February 2004

This paper explores the changing fortunes of the public realm during the last two decades. It poses the problem of how we think about globalisation and neo-liberalism as forces driving these changes. It then examines how different aspects of the public realm – understood as public interest, as public services and as a collective identity – have been subjected to processes of dissolution. Different processes have combined in this dissolution – in particular, attempts to privatise and marketise public services have been interleaved with attempts to de-politicise the public realm. Tracing these processes reveals that they have not been wholly successful – encountering resistances, refusals and negotiations that mean the outcomes (so far) do not match the world imagined in neo-liberal fantasies.
Metabolic rate depression in animals: transcriptional and translational controls
Authors: Storey Kenneth B. , Storey Janet M.
Published: February 2004

Metabolic rate depression is an important survival strategy for many animal species and a common element of hibernation, torpor, aestivation, anaerobiosis, diapause, and anhydrobiosis. Studies of the biochemical mechanisms that regulate reversible transitions to and from hypometabolic states are identifying principles of regulatory control that are conserved across phylogenetic lines and that are broadly applied to the control of multiple cell functions. One such mechanism is reversible protein phosphorylation which is now known to contribute to the regulation of fuel metabolism, to ion channel arrest, and to the suppression of protein synthesis during hypometabolism. The present review focuses on two new areas of research in hypometabolism:(1) the role of differential gene expression in supplying protein products that adjust metabolism or protect cell functions for long‐term survival, and (2) the mechanisms of protein life extension in hypometabolism involving inhibitory controls of transcription, translation and protein degradation. Control of translation examines reversible phosphorylation regulation of ribosomal initiation and elongation factors, the dissociation of polysomes and storage of mRNA transcripts during hypometabolism, and control over the translation of different mRNA types by differential sequestering of mRNA into polysome versus monosome fractions. The analysis draws primarily from current research on two animal models, hibernating mammals and anoxia‐tolerant molluscs, with selected examples from multiple other sources.
Cannabinoid pharmacology in the cardiovascular system: potential protective mechanisms through lipid signalling
Authors: Hiley C. Robin , Ford William R.
Published: February 2004

Cannabinoids include not only plant‐derived compounds (of which Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary psychoactive ingredient of cannabis), but also synthetic agents and endogenous substances termed endocannabinoids which include anandamide (2‐arachidonoylethanolamide) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol. Cannabinoids act on specific, G‐protein‐coupled, receptors which are currently divided into two types, CB1 and CB2. Relatively selective agonists and antagonists for these receptors have been developed, although one agent (SR141716A) widely used as an antagonist at CB1 receptors has non‐cannabinoid receptor‐mediated effects at concentrations which are often used to define the presence of the CB1 receptor. Both cannabinoid receptors are primarily coupled to Gi/o proteins and act to inhibit adenylyl cyclase. Stimulation of CB1 receptors also modulates the activity of K+ and Ca2+ channels and of protein kinase pathways including protein kinase B (Akt) which might mediate effects on apoptosis. CB1 receptors may activate the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase cascade through ceramide signalling. Cannabinoid actions on the cardiovascular system have been widely interpreted as being mediated by CB1 receptors although there are a growing number of observations, particularly in isolated heart and blood vessel preparations, that suggest that other cannabinoid receptors may exist. Interestingly, the currently identified cannabinoid receptors appear to be related to a wider family of lipid receptor, those for the lysophospholipids, which are also linked to Gi/o protein signalling. Anandamide also activates vanilloid VR1 receptors on sensory nerves and releases the vasoactive peptide, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), which brings about vasodilatation through its action on CGRP receptors. Current evidence suggests that endocannabinoids have important protective roles in pathophysiological conditions such as shock and myocardial infarction. Therefore, their cardiovascular effects and the receptors mediating them are the subject of increasing investigative interest.
The brain's calendar: neural mechanisms of seasonal timing
Authors: Hofman Michel A.
Published: February 2004

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus is the principal component of the mammalian biological clock, the neural timing system that generates and coordinates a broad spectrum of physiological, endocrine and behavioural circadian rhythms. The pacemaker of the SCN oscillates with a near 24 h period and is entrained to the diurnal light‐dark cycle. Consistent with its role in circadian timing, investigations in rodents and non‐human primates furthermore suggest that the SCN is the locus of the brain's endogenous calendar, enabling organisms to anticipate seasonal environmental changes. The present review focuses on the neuronal organization and dynamic properties of the biological clock and the means by which it is synchronized with the environmental lighting conditions. It is shown that the functional activity of the biological clock is entrained to the seasonal photic cycle and that photoperiod (day length) may act as an effective zeitgeber. Furthermore, new insights are presented, based on electrophysiological and molecular studies, that the mammalian circadian timing system consists of coupled oscillators and that the clock genes of these oscillators may also function as calendar genes. In summary, there are now strong indications that the neuronal changes and adaptations in mammals that occur in response to a seasonally changing environment are driven by an endogenous circadian clock located in the SCN, and that this neural calendar is reset by the seasonal fluctuations in photoperiod.
Calcium sensing and cell signaling processes in the local regulation of osteoclastic bone resorption
Authors: Zaidi Mone , Moonga Baljit S. , Huang Christopher L.‐H.
Published: February 2004

The skeletal matrix in terrestrial vertebrates undergoes continual cycles of removal and replacement in the processes of bone growth, repair and remodeling. The osteoclast is uniquely important in bone resorption and thus is implicated in the pathogenesis of clinically important bone and joint diseases. Activated osteoclasts form a resorptive hemivacuole with the bone surface into which they release both acid and osteoclastic lysosomal hydrolases. This article reviews cell physiological studies of the local mechanisms that regulate the resorptive process. These used in vitro methods for the isolation, culture and direct study of the properties of neonatal rat osteoclasts. They demonstrated that both local microvascular agents and products of the bone resorptive process such as ambient Ca2+ could complement longer‐range systemic regulatory mechanisms such as those that might be exerted through calcitonin (CT). Thus elevated extracellular [Ca2+], or applications of surrogate divalent cation agonists for Ca2+, inhibited bone resorptive activity and produced parallel increases in cytosolic [Ca2+], cell retraction and longer‐term inhibition of enzyme release in isolated rat osteoclasts. These changes showed specificity, inactivation, and voltage‐dependent properties that implicated a cell surface Ca2+ receptor (CaR) sensitive to millimolar extracellular [Ca2+]. Pharmacological, biophysical and immunochemical evidence implicated a ryanodine‐receptor (RyR) type II isoform in this process and localized it to a unique, surface membrane site, with an outward‐facing channel‐forming domain. Such a surface RyR might function either directly or indirectly in the process of extracellular [Ca2+] sensing and in turn be modulated by cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose (cADPr) produced by the ADP‐ribosyl cyclase, CD38. The review finishes by speculating about possible detailed models for these transduction events and their possible interactions with other systemic mechanisms involved in Ca2+ homeostasis as well as the possible role of the RyR‐based signaling mechanisms in longer‐term cell regulatory processes.
Hippocampal volume and memory performance in a community‐based sample of women with posttraumatic stress disorder secondary to child abuse
Authors: Pederson Cathy L. , Maurer Scott H. , Kaminski Patricia L. , Zander Kelly A. , Peters Christina M. , Stokes‐Crowe Linda A. , Osborn Robin E.
Published: February 2004

Childhood abuse is linked to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which follows abuse survivors into adulthood. This study identified the neuropsychological and neuromorphological sequelae of PTSD among prepubescently abused women. Right‐handed women aged 20–40 years were placed into PTSD and abuse, abuse only, and normal control groups (n = 17 per group). Participants were screened for trauma history and psychiatric symptoms, demographically matched, and given neuropsychological tests and a magnetic resonance scan of their brain. Women with PTSD did not express significant deficits in memory performance or hippocampal volume when compared with the abuse and normal control groups.
Mental health impact of the World Trade Center attacks on displaced Chinese workers
Authors: de Bocanegra Heike Thiel , Brickman Ellen
Published: February 2004

To identify psychological sequelae of the World Trade Center attacks in immigrant Chinese displaced workers, we interviewed 77 displaced workers in May 2002. One third of the sample was classified as at least moderately depressed, and 21% met diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder; however, few had utilized mental health services. Depression and PTSD scores were positively correlated with age, age at immigration to the United States, and prescription drug use after September 11th, among other variables. Results suggest the need for mental health outreach in this community. This outreach should target both displaced workers and their informal support networks to facilitate identification of and service access for those impacted by the attacks.
Social support and depressive symptoms among displaced older adults following the 1999 Taiwan earthquake
Authors: Watanabe Chie , Okumura Junko , Chiu Tai‐Yuan , Wakai Susumu
Published: February 2004

This longitudinal study examines changes in depressive symptoms among displaced older Taiwanese adults (N = 54, M = 68 years), and the impact of various social supports for them at between 6 and 12 months after an earthquake. The average depression score between 6 and 12 months following the earthquake was unchanged and kept high score. Child and extended family support levels related to depressive symptoms after 6 months. In contrast, after 12 months, significant factors associated with a lessening of the depressive symptoms were social support from the extended family and neighbors, and social participation. Intervention to promote increased social networks and social participation, within their new environment in a temporary community, is highly recommended for older adults.
Residual insomnia following cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD
Authors: Zayfert Claudia , DeViva Jason C.
Published: February 2004

This studs examined whether insomnia persisted after completion of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD and whether persistence of insomnia was associated with continuing nightmares, vigilance, depression, childhood abuse history, or having been traumatized in a sleep‐related context. A retrospective analysis of posttreatment Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) data from 27 patients who no longer met PTSD diagnosis following CBT for PTSD revealed that 48% reported residual insomnia. For the large majority, insomnia persisted in the absence of continuing nightmares and hypervigilance. Experiencing trauma in a sleep‐related context was associated with greater risk for residual insomnia, whereas childhood abuse history and depression were not. These findings suggest that interventions to address factors maintaining insomnia residual to PTSD warrant study.
Personality disorders in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder and depression
Authors: Dunn Nancy Jo , Yanasak Elisia , Schillaci Jeanne , Simotas Sofia , Rehm Lynn P. , Souchek Julianne , Menke Terri , Ashton Carol , Hamilton Joseph D.
Published: February 2004

Little is known about the frequency of the full‐range of personality disorders in outpatients with concurrent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, a common and oftentimes treatment‐resistant combination in clinical practice. In a group therapy outcome study, Axis I and II diagnoses were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV and the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale to select 115 male combat veterans with FTSD and depressive disorder. Within this sample, 52 (45.2%) had one or more personality disorders—most commonly paranoid (17.4%), obsessive‐compulsive (16.5%), avoidant (12.2%), and borderline (8.7%)—and 19 (16.5%) had two or more. Documenting a substantial frequency of personality disorders is a first step in devising appropriate interventions for this treatment‐resistant combination of disorders.
Kinetic properties of bursty bulk flow events
Authors: Chen Li‐Jen , Parks G. K. , McCarthy M. , Larson D. , Lin R. P.
Published: February 2004

Particle distributions of bursty bulk flow (BBF) events in the central plasma sheet regions show that the high earthward mean velocity comes from a combination of energetic ion flux increases (>few keV) in the earthward direction and decreases of similar energy fluxes in the tailward direction. The energetic ion increases are observed to ∼few MeV during intense events, indicating the responsible mechanisms efficiently accelerate particles. The BBF events are intimately tied to the dynamics of tail current sheet reconfiguration and for the two events discussed here, they occurred 45 minutes and 5 minutes after the expansion onsets. The perception offered by our analysis differs from the earlier studies which described BBF events using MHD approach.
Magnetosphere on May 11, 1999, the day the solar wind almost disappeared: II. Magnetic pulsations in space and on the ground
Authors: Le G. , Chi P. J. , Goedecke W. , Russell C. T. , Szabo A. , Petrinec S. M. , Angelopoulos V. , Reeves G. D. , Chun F. K.
Published: February 2004

Simultaneous observations by Wind and IMP‐8 in the upstream region on May 11, 1999, when the solar wind density was well below its usual values and the IMF was generally weakly northward, indicate there were upstream waves present in the foreshock, but wave power was an order of magnitude weaker than usual due to an extremely weak bow shock and tenuous solar wind plasma. Magnetic pulsations in the magnetosphere have been observed in the magnetic field data from Polar and at mid‐latitude ground stations. By comparing May 11 with a control day under normal solar wind conditions and with a similar foreshock geometry, we find that the magnetosphere was much quieter than usual. The Pc 3–4 waves were nearly absent in the dayside magnetosphere both at Polar and as seen at mid‐latitude ground stations even through the foreshock geometry was favorable for the generation of these waves. Since the solar wind speed was not unusual on this day, these observations suggest that it is the Mach number of the solar wind flow relative to the magnetosphere that controls the amplitude of Pc 3–4 waves in the magnetosphere.
Electrodynamics of meteor trail evolution in the equatorial E‐region ionosphere
Authors: Oppenheim Meers M. , vom Endt Axel F. , Dyrud Lars P.
Published: February 2004

Using analytical models and kinetic simulations, this paper shows that weakly ionized meteor trails near the geomagnetic equator evolve through three distinct stages. First, a large electric field is generated perpendicular to both the geomagnetic field and the trail. Second, plasma density waves grow asymmetrically across the trail. Third, turbulence develops in the trails. Throughout this process, the electron E×B‐drift velocity plays an essential role in controlling the motion of the trail. These plasma dynamics have important implications for the interpretation of meteor radar echoes.
Sensitivity of equatorial Pacific and Indian Ocean watermasses to the position of the Indonesian Throughflow
Authors: Rodgers Keith B. , Latif Mojib , Legutke Stephanie
Published: February 2004

The sensitivity of the thermal structure of the equatorial Pacific and Indian Ocean pycnoclines to a model's representation of the Indonesian Straits connecting the two basins is investigated. Two integrations are performed using the global HOPE ocean model. The initial conditions and surface forcing for both cases are identical; the only difference between the runs is that one has an opening for the Indonesian Straits which spans the equator on the Pacific side, and the other has an opening which lies fully north of the equator. The resulting sensitivity throughout much of the upper ocean is greater than 0.5°C for both the equatorial Indian and Pacific. A realistic simulation of net Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) transport (measured in Sverdrups) is not sufficient for an adequate simulation of equatorial watermasses. The ITF must also contain a realistic admixture of northern and southern Pacific source water.
Nucleation phase and high‐speed rupture propagation of faulting at Mt. Etna Volcano (southern Italy)
Authors: Patanè Domenico
Published: February 2004

A detailed analysis of microearthquake waveforms recorded at Mt. Etna shows, with some exceptions, that first pulse of events with magnitude M ≥ 2.5 is consistent with the presence of a slow initial phase which precedes a phase of high‐speed rupture propagation. This is in agreement with experimental results, theoretical models and laboratory experiments which considered gradually increasing rupture velocity or slip. In order to investigate the dependence of the pulse shapes on the azimuth we analyze recordings for six earthquakes (M 2.7–3.7) with well constrained focal mechanisms computed by a high number of observations (21–27). For each earthquake, we observe that the values of the slow phase duration (tsip) and those of the high‐speed rupture duration (tris), compared over the focal sphere, exhibit a spatial distribution which seem to depend strictly on the type of rupture mechanism. Moreover, waveforms of very closely located earthquakes do not exhibit similar characteristics in the pulse shapes, which would exclude that the waveforms of analyzed earthquakes are influenced drastically by attenuation effects and that the slow initial phase is the result of the propagation path. These and other evidence suggest that: i) the nucleation phases are mainly a source effect, and ii) directivity effects must be adequately considered on pulse width measurements.
Geoengineering Earth's radiation balance to mitigate CO2‐induced climate change
Authors: Govindasamy Bala , Caldeira Ken
Published: February 2004

To counteract anthropogenic climate change, several schemes have been proposed to diminish solar radiation incident on Earth's surface. These geoengineering schemes could reverse global annual mean warming; however, it is unclear to what extent they would mitigate regional and seasonal climate change, because radiative forcing from greenhouse gases such as CO2 differs from that of sunlight. No previous study has directly addressed this issue. In the NCAR CCM3 atmospheric general circulation model, we reduced the solar luminosity to balance the increased radiative forcing from doubling atmospheric CO2. Our results indicate that geoengineering schemes could markedly diminish regional and seasonal climate change from increased atmospheric CO2, despite differences in radiative forcing patterns. Nevertheless, geoengineering schemes could prove environmentally risky.
Air bubbles and Clathrate hydrates in the transition zone of the NGRIP Deep Ice Core
Authors: Kipfstuhl Sepp , Pauer Frank , Kuhs Werner F. , Shoji Hitoshi
Published: February 2004

Field studies of air bubble and clathrate inclusions in the NGRIP ice core reveal two stages of clathrate formation. In the transition zone translucent primary clathrates with rough surfaces and irregular shapes, formed from individual bubbles, split up and form smaller specimens. Deeper down in the transition zone (∼1100m), clathrate metamorphosis sets in, giving rise to the formation of transparent secondary clathrates, with smooth and regular, often polyhedral or faceted shapes. Rod‐like crystals of great length (∼2mm) often show signs of separation into smaller units that fragment into smaller specimens. These findings imply that the simplified picture of one bubble forming one clathrate has to be modified.
Potential of ground based radar for the monitoring of deformation of volcanoes
Authors: Malassingne Christophe , Lemaître François , Briole Pierre , Pascal Olivier
Published: February 2004

The ground based radar presented here is a new tool for volcano deformation monitoring. With respect to other systems it has various advantages: operational by any weather (rain, fog, aerosols), high frequency sampling capability (10 a few tens of seconds), possibility of monitoring surfaces not equipped with reflectors. It can be used to monitor unstable and dangerous parts of volcanoes (craters, lava domes, …). The all weather capability and the high frequency sampling rate are crucial on volcanoes where activity can change within a few hours or less. We present the system and show an application for range measurements on corner reflectors. Then, we present the results obtained in the Pyrénées mountains (France) on a natural surface not equipped with reflectors. We analyze the evolution of the coherence of the reflected signal as a function of the nature of the terrain and elapsed time.
The electrical conductivity and thermal profile of the Earth's mid‐mantle
Authors: Dobson David P. , Brodholt John P.
Published: February 2004

Electrical conductivity in the Earth's mantle is sensitive to temperature and chemical environment. Recent laboratory measurements of electrical conductivity are combined with candidate mantle geotherms to produce synthetic electrical conductivity profiles. These profiles are used to forward model the Earth's geomagnetic response function C, results of which are compared with the observed globally averaged response function at periods of 3.5 days to 4 months. Candidate lower mantle geotherms, representing whole‐mantle and layered convection end‐members, are compared using published electrical conductivity measurements on alumina‐bearing and alumina‐free perovskite in the conductivity models. Comparison of the predicted response functions with the observed geomagnetic response of the Earth shows that a) if lower mantle alumina is incorporated into perovskite, then the lower mantle must be cool, and b) if the alumina is not incorporated in perovskite then the results are only consistent with a hot lower mantle. In addition, the maximum alumina content of lower mantle MgSiO3 perovskite is constrained at 4%.
Statistical analysis of normalized and unnormalized second‐rank tensor data, with application to measurements of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility
Authors: Owens W. H.
Published: February 2004

A second‐rank tensor (e.g. anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility) has six independent elements, whereas a tensor normalized by the mean of its trace elements has five. For a sample of measurements of anisotropic magnetic susceptibility Jelinek's (1978) sixfold multivariate statistical analysis is applicable to unnormalized data, but it is widely applied to normalized data only, though more powerful than it need be for this task. The equivalent fivefold analysis, appropriate to normalized measurements, is developed here and its relationship to the sixfold analysis is demonstrated. Since the normalized and unnormalized analyses weight specimen contributions differently, comparison of the two can give an indication of magnetic fabric homogeneity.
Use of GOES thermal infrared imagery for eruption scale measurements, Soufrière Hills, Montserrat
Authors: Rose William I. , Mayberry Gari C.
Published: February 2004

GOES two‐band IR data are used to estimate the magnitude of small eruption clouds (<107 metric tonnes of total ash; <∼105 tonnes of fine [1–25 µm in diameter] ash, and 5–15 km asl). The method is demonstrated on clouds from Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat in 1997–99. The clouds in early 1999 were much smaller, were generally emplaced lower in the atmosphere and contained an order of magnitude less fine ash than 1997 clouds generated during the most intense phase of the eruption to date. Although GOES has an excellent capability for large eruption clouds, its use for smaller eruptions like Montserrat highlights several shortcomings, including atmospheric water vapor and instrument noise. In spite of these shortcomings, GOES time series data can measure differences in intensity of eruptions, and be of particular value in monitoring where ground‐based observations are sparse.
Plastic deformation of quartz at room temperature: A Vickers Nano‐Indentation Test
Authors: Masuda Toshiaki , Hiraga Takehiko , Ikei Hideaki , Kanda Hiroyuki , Kugimiya Yasuo , Akizuki Mizuhiko
Published: February 2004

Vickers indentation tests of natural quartz were performed with a load of 98 mN at room temperature and one atmosphere. Atomic force microscopy revealed no evidence of fracturing during indentation. Transmission electron microscope observations indicate that no dislocations were generated during the indentation tests. However, high resolution electron microscopy revealed that sharp creases of crystal lattices had developed. These observations lead to the conclusion that quartz deformed plastically even at room temperature. The plastic strain was accommodated by the mechanism of lattice creasing, which is described here for the first time.
Flow enhancement of a rough fracture
Authors: Méheust Y. , Schmittbuhl J.
Published: February 2004

We study experimentally and numerically the permeability of a rough fracture at laboratory scale when viscous forces are dominating (low Reynolds number). The experimental setup includes a granite fracture surface (10 × 10 cm²) opened in mode I. It allows a continuous opening of the fracture parallel to its mean plane. The fracture roughness is measured and characterized in terms of self‐affine heterogeneities. Its isotropy is checked. The departure from the cubic law is measured as a function of the aperture opening (for mean separations between 4.0 and 10.3 mm) and the pressure drop orientation by rotating the fracture by 90 degrees. A strongly anisotropic hydraulic behavior is observed and results from the geometrical heterogeneities that exist up to the fracture macro‐scale.
Dynamo action and the nearly axisymmetric magnetic field of Saturn
Authors: Love J. J.
Published: February 2004

We examine kinematic dynamo action in an electrically conducting spherical body of fluid with an overlying shell of differential rotation. It is thought that such flow types could explain the nearly axisymmetric magnetic field of Saturn. Although we find that an outer layer of differential rotation can ‘axisymmetrize’ the exterior magnetic field, surprisingly, sometimes it does not, giving magnetic fields that have no axisymmetric ingredients.
Rock physics diagnostic of north sea sands: Link between microstructure and seismic properties
Authors: Avseth Per , Dvorkin Jack , Mavko Gary , Rykkje Johannes
Published: February 2004

Velocity in high porosity sands strongly depends on the position and amount of intergranular material. Velocity is high if the original grains are cemented at their contacts. It is low if the pore‐filling material is placed away from the contacts. The amount and type of intergranular material can be theoretically determined from velocity and porosity data by adjusting an effective‐medium theoretical model curve to a trend in the data and then assuming that the microstructure of the sediment is such as used in the model. We apply this diagnostic method to clean sands in the Heimdal formation (the North Sea). The results show that the reservoir‐zone sand in one well under examination has slight contact cementation, while it is completely uncemented and friable in another well. This conclusion is supported by microscopic grain images. The rock physics diagnostic is important for establishing a velocity‐porosity trend consistent with local geology. Such trends can improve the accuracy of porosity prediction from seismic data.
Estimates of turbulent parameters in the lower stratosphere‐upper troposphere by radar observations: A novel twist
Authors: Dole J. , Wilson R.
Published: February 2004

The turbulence parameters in the upper troposphere‐lower stratosphere are estimated from the backscattered power of a VHF radar located at the Observatoire de Haute‐Provence (OHP). Under the classical framework of locally homogeneous and isotropic turbulence, we propose a slightly different method for estimating the turbulent diffusivity from radar measurements. The temperature structure parameter, CT², and the vertical heat diffusivity, Kθ, are expressed as a function of the dissipation rate of the temperature variance, ϵθ (and not from the dissipation rate of kinetic energy). This parameter appears weakly dependent on unknown quantities such as the mixing efficiency Rf/(1‐Rf) (Rf is the flux Richardson number) and the vertical stratification . Our estimations of ϵθ are of the same order as in situ measurements. The inferred diffusivity Kθ appears considerably weaker (one order of magnitude) than radar estimates using the bandwidth of the Doppler spectrum.