bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourteen‐month‐olds know what others experience only in joint engagement
Authors: Moll Henrike , Carpenter Malinda , Tomasello Michael
Published: June 2007

We investigated how 14‐month‐old infants know what others know. In two studies, an infant played with each of two objects in turn while an experimenter was present. Then the experimenter left the room, and the infant played with a third object with an assistant. The experimenter returned, faced all three objects, and said excitedly ‘Look! Can you give it to me?’ In Study 1, the experimenter experienced each of the first two toys in episodes of joint visual engagement (without manipulation) with the infant. In response to her excited request infants gave the experimenter the object she did not know, thus demonstrating that they knew which ones she knew. In Study 2, infants witnessed the experimenter jointly engage around each of the experienced toys with the assistant, from a third‐person perspective. In response to her request, infants did not give the experimenter the object she had not experienced. In combination with other studies, these results suggest that to know what others have experienced 14‐month‐old infants must do more than just perceive others perceiving something; they must engage with them actively in joint engagement.
TRUST AND VIRTUAL DISTRICTS: EVIDENCE FROM THE MILAN INTERNET EXCHANGE
Authors: Giovannetti Emanuele , Neuhoff Karsten , Spagnolo Giancarlo
Published: June 2007

Peering decisions between Internet Service Providers (ISPs) contain substantial non‐measurable aspects requiring trust and informal cooperation among peering partners. We study whether virtual districts are observed between Internet peers. Our empirical analysis of the bilateral peering decisions at the Milan Internet Exchange confirms that these decisions are significantly influenced by: travel time either between ISPs' headquarters or towards the exchange—a proxy for distance, bandwidth—a proxy for size, and European connectivity. Proximity still plays a role in reducing the transaction costs of monitoring and punishing deviant behavior within an industry where trust is essential for Internet universal connectivity.
Mitochondrial and Y Chromosome Diversity in the English‐Speaking Caribbean
Authors: Torres J. Benn , Kittles R. A. , Stone A. C.
Published: June 2007

The transatlantic slave trade lasted over three centuries and represents one of the largest forced migrations in human history. The biological repercussions are not well understood especially in African‐Caribbean populations. This paper explores the effects of the forced migration, isolation, and admixture on genetic diversity using mitochondrial and Y chromosome markers for 501 individuals from Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, St. Vincent, and Trinidad. Genetic diversity and population genetic structure analyses of mitochondrial data and Y chromosome data indicate that there was no post‐migration loss in genetic diversity in the African derived lineages. Genetic structure was observed between the islands for both genetic systems. This may be due to isolation, differences in the number and source of Africans imported, depopulation of indigenous populations, and/or differences in colonization history. Nearly 10% of the individuals belonged to a non‐African mitochondrial haplogroup. In contrast, Y chromosome admixture estimates showed that there was nearly 30% European contribution to these Caribbean populations. This study sheds light on the history of Africans in the Americas as well as contributing to our understanding of the nature and extent of diversity within the African Diaspora.
Characterization, multiplex conditions, and cross‐species utility of tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Blanchard's cricket frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi)
Authors: BEAUCLERC KAELA B. , JOHNSON BOB , WHITE BRADLEY N.
Published: June 2007

We have isolated and characterized 17 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Blanchard's cricket frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi), an anuran common in the central USA. Sixteen loci were organized into four multiplex amplification reactions. These loci were highly polymorphic when screened in 55 individuals from two distant populations, with 11–48 alleles per locus (average = 24.8). Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.18 to 0.97 and from 0.17 to 0.96, respectively. Nine loci were also polymorphic in Acris crepitans crepitans, with seven polymorphic in Acris gryllus. Five loci amplified in all three taxa. These loci will be useful for population‐ and species‐level investigations of this widespread group.
Nondestructive DNA extraction from blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae): retaining voucher specimens for DNA barcoding projects
Authors: HUNTER STEPHANIE J. , GOODALL TIM I. , WALSH KERRY A. , OWEN RICHARD , DAY JOHN C.
Published: June 2007

A nondestructive, chemical‐free method is presented for the extraction of DNA from small insects. Blackflies were submerged in sterile, distilled water and sonicated for varying lengths of time to provide DNA which was assessed in terms of quantity, purity and amplification efficiency. A verified DNA barcode was produced from DNA extracted from blackfly larvae, pupae and adult specimens. A 60‐second sonication period was found to release the highest quality and quantity of DNA although the amplification efficiency was found to be similar regardless of sonication time. Overall, a 66% amplification efficiency was observed. Examination of post‐sonicated material confirmed retention of morphological characters. Sonication was found to be a reliable DNA extraction approach for barcoding, providing sufficient quality template for polymerase chain reaction amplification as well as retaining the voucher specimen for post‐barcoding morphological evaluation.
Low rates of hydrogen peroxide production by isolated heart mitochondria associate with long maximum lifespan in vertebrate homeotherms
Authors: Lambert Adrian J. , Boysen Helen M. , Buckingham Julie A. , Yang Ting , Podlutsky Andrej , Austad Steven N. , Kunz Thomas H. , Buffenstein Rochelle , Brand Martin D.
Published: June 2007

An inverse correlation between free radical production by isolated mitochondria and longevity in homeotherms has been reported, but previous comparative studies ignored possible confounding effects of body mass and phylogeny. We investigated this correlation by comparing rates of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production by heart mitochondria isolated from groups or pairs of species selected to have very different maximum lifespans but similar body masses (small mammals, medium‐sized mammals, birds). During succinate oxidation, H2O2production rates were generally lower in the longer‐lived species; the differences arose at complex I of the electron transport chain during reverse electron transport. Additional data were obtained from large species and the final dataset comprised mouse, rat, white‐footed mouse, naked mole‐rat, Damara mole‐rat, guinea pig, baboon, little brown bat, Brazilian free‐tailed bat, ox, pigeon and quail. In this dataset, maximum lifespan was negatively correlated with H2O2production at complex I during reverse electron transport. Analysis of residual maximum lifespan and residual H2O2production revealed that this correlation was even more significant after correction for effects of body mass. To remove effects of phylogeny, independent phylogenetic contrasts were obtained from the residuals. These revealed an inverse association between maximum lifespan and H2O2production that was significant by sign test, but fell short of significance by regression analysis. These findings indicate that enhanced longevity may be causally associated with low free radical production by mitochondria across species over two classes of vertebrate homeotherms.
Telephone and Web: Mixed‐Mode Challenge
Authors: Greene Jessica , Speizer Howard , Wiitala Wyndy
Published: June 2007

Objective. To explore the response rate benefits and data limitations of mixing telephone and web survey modes in a health‐related research study.

Data Sources/Study Setting. We conducted a survey of salaried employees from one large employer in the manufacturing sector in the summer of 2005.

Study Design. We randomized 751 subjects, all of whom had previously completed a web survey, to complete a health‐related survey either by telephone (with web follow‐up for nonrespondents) or over the web (with telephone follow‐up).

Principal Findings. Survey response rates were significantly higher for the mixed mode survey than they would have been if we fielded either an exclusively telephone or web survey (25 and 12 percent higher, respectively). Telephone respondents were more likely to provide socially desirable responses to personal lifestyle questions and web respondents provided more missing data when questions were difficult or did not relate to their circumstances. Telephone respondents were also more likely to “agree” to knowledge statements and provide the same response across a series of items with similar response scales than were web respondents.

Conclusions. Mixed mode telephone/web surveys can substantially boost response rates over single‐mode surveys. Modal differences in responses can be minimized by handling missing data options consistently in the two modes, avoiding agree/disagree formats, and not including questions on personal lifestyle or other sensitive issues.
Identification of Dementia: Agreement among National Survey Data, Medicare Claims, and Death Certificates
Authors: Østbye Truls , Taylor Donald H. , Clipp Elizabeth C. , Scoyoc Lynn Van , Plassman Brenda L.
Published: June 2007

Objective. To estimate the proportion of seniors with dementia from three independent data sources and their agreement.

Data Sources. The longitudinal Asset and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) study (n=7,974), Medicare claims, and death certificate data.

Study Design. Estimates of the proportion of individuals with dementia from: (1) self‐ or proxy‐reported cognitive status measures from surveys, (2) Medicare claims, and (3) death certificates. Agreement using Cohen's κ; multivariate logistic regression.

Principal Findings. The proportion varied substantially among the data sources. Agreement was poor (κ: 0.14–0.46 depending upon comparison assessed); the individuals identified had relatively modest overlap.

Conclusions. Estimates of dementia occurrence based on cognitive status measures from three independent data sources were not interchangeable. Further validation of these sources is needed. Caution should be used if policy is based on only one data source.
Nurse Staffing Levels: Impact of Organizational Characteristics and Registered Nurse Supply
Authors: Blegen Mary A. , Vaughn Thomas , Vojir Carol P.
Published: June 2007

Objective. To assess the impact of nurse supply in the geographic areas surrounding hospitals on staffing levels in hospital units, while taking into account other factors that influence nurse staffing.

Data Sources. Data regarding 279 patient care units, in 47 randomly selected community hospitals located in 11 clusters in the United States, were obtained directly from the hospitals from the U.S. Census report, National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Study Design. Cross‐sectional analyses with linear mixed modeling to control for nesting of units in hospitals were conducted. For each patient care unit, the hours of care per patient day from registered nurses (RNs), LPNs, nursing assistants, and the skill‐mix levels were calculated. These measures of staffing were then regressed on type of unit (intensive care, medical/surgical, telemetry/stepdown), unit size, hospital complexity, and RN supply.

Principal Findings. RN hours per patient day and RN skill mix were positively related to intensity of patient care, hospital complexity, and the supply of RNs in the geographic area surrounding the hospital. LPN hours, and licensed skill mix were predicted less reliably but appear to be used as substitutes for RNs. Overtime hours increased in areas with a lower RN supply. Vacancy and turnover rates and the use of contract nurses were not affected by nurse supply.

Conclusions. This study is the first to show that hospital RN staffing levels on both intensive care and nonintensive care units decrease as the supply of RNs in the surrounding geographic area decreases. We also show that LPN hours rise in areas where RN supply is lower. Further research to describe the quality of hospital care in relation to the supply of nurses in the area is needed.
Gastric Cancer and Helicobacter pylori: A Critical Evaluation of the Epidemiological Evidence
Authors: Palli Domenico
Published: June 2007

Despite a dramatic reduction in incidence and mortality, gastric cancer (GC) still was recently reported to be the second most common neoplastic cause of death worldwide. GC treatment has not been improved substantially, and large‐scale early diagnosis programs have not proved feasible outside Japan. On the other hand, even if diet has been shown to play a relevant role in the etiology of GC, primary prevention programs based on dietary modifications are difficult to implement, and results of human chemoprevention trials, although encouraging, have not been confirmed. Overall, the observed reduction in GC risk can reasonably be considered to be the result of a spontaneous trend, somehow related to the widespread improvements in socioeconomic conditions. Domestic refrigeration, an increased availability of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a reduced use of salt are considered to be the most relevant factors in explaining the decreasing temporal trend and the geographical patterns of GC.

Recently, evidence of an association between Helicobacter pylori infection and GC has been provided by epidemiological studies, particularly three studies specifically designed as nested case‐control studies in which blood samples were collected well before diagnosis was made. The results of these studies, however, have been confirmed only in part. A strong direct association is not yet widely accepted, and no specific carcinogenic compound or mechanism has been identified. Relevant aspects of GC and H. pylori epidemiology actually do not fit perfectly in a causal hypothesis (i.e., the geographical and gender distribution, the paradoxical association with duodenal ulcer) though, on the other hand, several other factors certainly play a role in the complex multifactorial process leading, over several decades, to GC. Studies focused on H. pylori eradication and its effects on lesions that predispose to GC (atrophic gastritis and metaplasia), however, represent a priority for research, in view of the potential preventive applications. This issue remains controversial, and it is possible that progression of these lesions might occur after eradication.
Usefulness of Serology in Preendoscopic Screening
Authors: Vaira Dino , Menegatti Marcello , Landi Fabiana , Ricci Chiara , Ali’ Anna , Miglioli Mario , For The Italian Pylori Helicobacter , Group Study
Published: June 2007

Background.

Over the last 20 years, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has become the investigation of choice for patients with symptoms referrable to the upper gastrointestinal tract. As the increasing number of patients referred for endoscopy has led to enlarged waiting lists and medical expenses, it has been recommended that preendoscopic screening strategies might identify patients at low risk of having major pathology. These patients could avoid prompt endoscopy and might safely undergo different management. Since the recognition of the major role played by Helicobacter pylori in gastroduodenal pathology, H. pylori serological and demographical features have been proposed as part of preendoscopic screening strategies in dyspeptic patients referred to endoscopy, in an attempt to reduce endoscopic workload and medical expenses.

Methods.

We evaluate data presented in the literature and aim to give interpretations possibly helpful in the clinical practice.

Results.

The analysis of the endoscopic findings showed that applying a preendoscopic strategy based on age and H. pylori status in local hospitals without a specific interest in H. pylori research would have meant missing a proportion of relevant pathology: 35 of 557 (6.3%) peptic ulcers (24 duodenal and 11 gastric ulcers) and two gastric cancers (0.3%).

Conclusions.

Although we do understand the need to increase the cost‐effectiveness of endoscopy and realize that considering age and H. pylori status could help to get to this target, we conclude that similar preendoscopic screening strategies must be refined further before being adopted on a large scale.
Autoantibodies to Gastric Mucosa in Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Negrini Riccardo , Savio Antonella , Appelmelk Ben J.
Published: June 2007

Background.

Although Helicobacter pylori is recognized as the main cause of chronic gastritis and its associated diseases, very little is known about the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to intestinal metaplasia and atrophic gastritis.

Methods.

We reviewed the data regarding the possible pathogenetic role played by the anti–H. pylori immune responses in the genesis of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia.

Results.

Although only type A (corpus‐restricted atrophic gastritis), often associated to pernicious anemia, is considered autoimmune in nature, abundant evidence supports the presence of cellular and humoral autoimmune responses also in patients with H. pylori infection. In a mechanism known as antigenic mimicry, highly conserved immunogenic molecules expressed by infectious pathogens may act as a trigger for the induction of humoral and cellular immune responses that cross‐react with host cellular antigens. Numerous studies support the view that H. pylori is very effective in inducing antigenic mimicry, and antibodies against H. pylori have been found to cross‐react with both antral mucosal cells (the membrane of the secretory canalicular structures of the parietal cells) and gastrin‐producing cells. Such autoantibodies were detected both in human infections and in experimental work in rodents.

Conclusions.

The detection of antibodies that cross‐react with H. pylori and various components of the gastric mucosa provides strong support to the view that immune responses against H. pylori not only participate in the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to atrophy in the progressive atrophic gastritis associated with Helicobacter infection but also in the corpus‐restricted autoimmune gastritis.
Primary Gastric MALT Lymphoma: Trivial Condition or Serious Disease?
Authors: Genta Robert M. , Graham David Y.
Published: June 2007

Background.

Primary gastric B‐cell lymphomas originating from the mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) have been demonstrated to be closely associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Approximately 70% of these tumors regress within 1 year of eradication of H. pylori. Currently, there is little consensus on the best strategies for diagnosing, treating, and following up these lymphomas. Our objective was to review the current strategies for the diagnosis and management of MALT lymphomas and to describe the management guidelines used in our own institution.

Methods.

Our approach consisted of a review of the literature and personal experience.

Results.

Rigorous histopathological criteria (Isaacson’s criteria) must be applied to the diagnosis of gastric biopsies with atypical lymphoid aggregates. Molecular and immunohistochemical studies might play have a role in determining the clonality of the lesions, but correlation with the histopathological aspects is crucial.

Conclusions.

Little solid information exists on the natural history and evolution of MALT lymphomas. While studies are being carried out, we suggest that even a suspected MALT lymphoma in a gastric biopsy specimen should be treated as a potentially serious condition. The diagnosis should be confirmed by an experienced histopathological laboratory, and H. pylori infection must be sought and treated. Because the response of lymphomas to antibacterial therapy cannot be predicted, close follow‐up of affected patients is essential.
Linking Letters: Translating Ancient History into Medieval Romance
Authors: Mueller Alex
Published: June 2007

This essay won the 2006 Literature Compass Graduate Essay Prize, Medieval Section.

In his prologue to the late fourteenth‐century romance, the Destruction of Troy, John Clerk of Whalley negotiates between his roles as translator, historian and alliterative poet to introduce his account of the fall of Troy for medieval English readers. Professing to tell the true story of Britain's ancient ancestors, he invokes the fiction of translatio imperii, in which the power of empire passes from Troy to Rome to Britain. According to Clerk, his translation of Guido delle Colonne's Historia destructionis Troiae provides vernacular readers access to historical truth that had not previously been available to them. Clerk's assumption of Guido's history separates his romance from the historiographic tradition of the vastly influential Geoffrey of Monmouth, whose Historia regum Britannie celebrates Britain's Trojan ancestry and promises future glory to the Britons. Rather than venerate Troy as a font of imperial power, Guido condemns the martial policy of the Trojans that causes their defeat, characterizing Troy as a tainted origin of Western civilization. By comparing Clerk's text with another translation of Guido's Historia, John Lydgate's Troy Book, I argue that Clerk's translational method, which he calls a ‘linking of letters’, reflects a commitment to connecting a destructive past with an English present.
Effects of temperature and rainfall on date of release of ascospores ofLeptosphaeria maculans(phoma stem canker) from winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) debris in the UK
Authors: Huang Y.J. , Liu Z. , West J.S. , Todd A.D. , Hall A.M. , Fitt B.D.L.
Published: June 2007

Data from a controlled environment experiment investigating effects of temperature on maturation ofLeptosphaeria maculanspseudothecia were used to derive equations describing the times until 30% or 50% of pseudothecia were mature as a function of temperature. A wetness sensor was developed to estimate the oilseed rape debris wetness and operated with debris exposed in natural conditions in 2000 and 2001. The maturation ofL. maculanspseudothecia on debris and concentrations of airborneL. maculansascospores were observed from 1999 to 2004. There were considerable differences between years, with the first mature pseudothecia observed in September in most years. There were linear relationships between the first date when 10% of maximum ascospore release was observed and the dates when 30% or 50% of pseudothecia were mature. By summing the daily temperature‐dependent rate of pseudothecial maturation for days after 1 August with rainfall >0.5 mm, the dates when 30% or 50% of pseudothecia were mature were predicted. There was good agreement between predicted and observed dates when 30% or 50% of pseudothecia were mature. These equations for predicting the timing ofL. maculansascospore release could be incorporated into schemes for forecasting, in autumn, the severity of phoma stem canker epidemics in the following spring/summer in the UK.
A Late Holocene Pollen and Charcoal Record from La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica
Authors: Kennedy Lisa M. , Horn Sally P.
Published: June 2007

Pollen and charcoal analysis of a 5.9‐m‐long sediment profile from a swamp on an alluvial terrace on the edge of La Selva biological station, Costa Rica (10°26′23″ N, 84°00′24″ W, 36 m asl), documents three millennia of human and natural disturbance within a lowland tropical rain forest. The record indicates that the highly diverse rain forest that presently surrounds the Cantarrana swamp regrew following forest clearing and maize agriculture that ended only a few centuries ago. The first maize pollen appears in sediments deposited ∼1070 calendar‐year BP. Older sediments below the ‘maize zone’ contain macroscopic charcoal, abundant microscopic charcoal, and possible pollen indicators of forest clearance, perhaps signaling local cultivation of root crops that left no pollen in the sediments. Interpretation of local archaeology indicates that La Selva reserve may have been most heavily populated during the El Bosque and La Selva regional archaeological phases from 2250–950 yr BP. However, the distribution of maize pollen in the sediments is clear evidence that the reserve was also occupied during the later La Cabaña phase (950–400 yr BP), from which few artifacts have yet surfaced. Natural forest disturbance from treefalls and stream dynamics, and hydrological shifts associated with late‐Holocene climate variability, form a backdrop to the human land‐use history preserved in the Cantarrana sediment profile.
Rates of Student‐Reported Antisocial Behavior, School Suspensions, and Arrests in Victoria, Australia and Washington State, United States
Authors: Hemphill Sheryl A. , McMorris Barbara J. , Toumbourou John W. , Herrenkohl Todd I. , Catalano Richard F. , Mathers Megan
Published: June 2007

Background:  Few methodologically rigorous international comparisons of student‐reported antisocial behavior have been conducted. This paper examines whether there are differences in the frequency of both antisocial behavior and societal responses to antisocial behavior in Victoria, Australia and Washington State, United States. These 2 states were chosen due to their similarities on sociodemographic characteristics and their differences in policy frameworks around problem behavior including antisocial behavior and substance use.

Methods:  State representative samples of students (N = 5769) in school grades 5, 7, and 9 in Victoria and Washington State completed a modified version of the Communities That Care self‐report survey of behavior and societal responses to behavior. Chi‐square analyses compared frequencies of antisocial behavior, school suspensions, and police arrests in the 2 states. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted for each outcome measure to examine the effect of state, controlling for sample design, clustering of students within schools, age, socioeconomic status, and urbanicity.

Results:  Few state differences in student‐reported antisocial behavior were found, although frequencies varied across behavior type and grade level. Differences in societal responses were observed across grade levels with grade 5 Washington students reporting higher rates of school suspension. Older Washington students reported more arrests.

Conclusions:  Rates of student antisocial behavior appear similar in these 2 states in Australia and the United States. However, youth in the United States relative to Australia may experience greater societal consequences for problem behavior. Further research is required to examine the impact of these consequences on subsequent behavior.
Into the Conventional‐Implicature Dimension
Authors: Potts Christopher
Published: June 2007

Grice coined the term ‘conventional implicature’ in a short passage in ‘Logic and Conversation’. The description is intuitive and deeply intriguing. The range of phenomena that have since been assigned this label is large and diverse. I survey the central factual motivation, arguing that it is loosely unified by the idea that conventional implicatures contribute a separate dimension of meaning. I provide tests for distinguishing conventional implicatures from other kinds of meaning, and I briefly explore ways in which one can incorporate multiple dimensions of meaning into a single theory.
SEASONAL OCCURRENCE OF NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE (EUBALAENA GLACIALIS) VOCALIZATIONS AT TWO SITES ON THE SCOTIAN SHELF
Authors: Mellinger David K. , Nieukirk Sharon L. , Matsumoto Haru , Heimlich Sara L. , Dziak Robert P. , Haxel Joe , Fowler Matt , Meinig Christian , Miller Hendrick V.
Published: June 2007

Abstract

A year‐long acoustic survey for critically endangered North Atlantic right whales was conducted at two sites on the central and western Scotian Shelf. Autonomous hydrophones recorded sound continuously from July 2004 to August 2005. Right whale contact calls (upcalls) were identified using automatic recognition software, and the resulting detections were checked manually. Substantial numbers of hours with upcalls were observed at both sites, with approximately four times as many hours with calls at the western site as the central one. Calls occurred mainly from August through October, with the earliest calls in late June and the latest at the end of December at both sites. In addition to this seasonal trend, there was a significant diel pattern in calling at the central site but not at the more westerly site. Results are analyzed in light of feeding ecology and broad‐scale movements of right whales.
Extra copies of chromosomes 16 and X in invasive breast carcinomas are related to aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis
Authors: Nakopoulou Lydia , Panayotopoulou Effie G , Giannopoulou Ioanna , Tsirmpa Ioanna , Katsarou Sophia , Mylona Eleni , Alexandrou Paraskevi , Keramopoulos Antonios
Published: June 2007

Background:Breast cancer is a genetically complex disease, which involves the accumulation of various structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations.

Aim:To assess the numerical status of chromosomes 16 and X by interphase cytogenetics, in 114 women with primary invasive breast carcinomas, in relation to clinicopathological parameters, patients’ overall survival and indices of cell growth (c-erbB-2, topoisomerase IIα (topoIIα)) and cell survival (caspase-3, bcl-2).

Experimental design:Chromogenic in situ hybridisation with pericentromeric probes was performed for molecular analysis, while oestrogen and progesterone receptors, cerbB-2, topoIIα, caspase-3 and bcl-2 expression was immunohistochemically detected (ABC/HRP). The results were statistically assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:Polysomy of chromosomes 16 and X was detected as the predominant aberration (73.7% and 57.9%, respectively). Gain of chromosome 16 copies was associated with high nuclear grade (p = 0.009), increased tumour size (p = 0.041), advanced stage (p = 0.002), the expression of topoIIα (p = 0.005) and worse overall survival by multivariate analysis (p = 0.032). Chromosome X polysomy was increased in ductal carcinomas of high histological grade (p = 0.008), in high nuclear grade tumours (p = 0.001), and was associated with the expression of topoIIα (p = 0.005), loss of caspase-3 (p = 0.036) and impaired prognosis of ductal carcinomas (p = 0.041).

Conclusions:Polysomy of chromosomes 16 and X was reported as the predominant alteration in phenotypically aggressive breast tumours, characterised by poor differentiation, increased growth potential and impaired prognosis, whereas gain of chromosome X in particular is probably implicated in cell survival.
PHASE DYNAMICS AND KINETICS OF THIN LUBRICANT FILM DRIVEN BY CORRELATED TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS
Authors: KHOMENKO ALEXEI V. , LYASHENKO IAKOV A.
Published: June 2007

The melting of an ultrathin lubricant film is studied at friction between atomically flat surfaces. We take into account fluctuations of lubricant temperature, which are defined by the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. Phase diagrams and portraits are calculated for second- and first-order transitions (the melting of an amorphous and that of a crystalline lubricants, respectively). It is shown that, in the former case, a stick-slip friction domain, separating the regions of dry and sliding friction, appears. In the latter case, three domains of stick-slip friction arise, which are characterized by the transitions between dry, metastable and stable sliding friction. The increase in the correlation time of lubricant temperature fluctuations leads to increasing in the rubbing-surface temperature needed for realization of sliding friction. The stationary states, corresponding to dry, stable and metastable sliding friction, are reached as a result of damped oscillations.
SPATIOTEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF AN ECOEPIDEMIOLOGICAL MODEL WITH STANDARD INCIDENCE
Authors: MUKHOPADHYAY BANIBRATA , BHATTACHARYYA R.
Published: June 2007

We analyze a mathematical model of predator–prey interaction where the prey population is infected with a viral disease. Infection in the prey population is assumed to follow standard incidence. The dynamical behavior of the system is studied in terms of stability aspects. To model the gestation lag of the predator species and the spatially heterogeneous characteristics of an ecological population, we incorporate the concept of diffusionally coupled delay into the system. The bifurcation behavior of the delayed homogeneous system is studied. The existence of traveling wave solutions for the delay–diffusion model is established. Numerical simulations are performed to justify analytical findings.
NEURAL NETWORK–BASED CLASSIFICATION OF NORMAL AND ABNORMAL PULMONARY FUNCTION USING SPIROMETRIC MEASUREMENTS
Authors: VEEZHINATHAN MAHESH , RAMAKRISHNAN SWAMINATHAN
Published: June 2007

In this work, the classification of pulmonary function into normal and abnormal conditions is attempted using neural networks and spirometric measurements. The pulmonary function data (N = 229) for this study were obtained from volunteers using commercially available spirometers by adopting standard data acquisition protocol and recording conditions. The data were then subjected to neural network–based training (N = 159) and analysis (N = 70). The classification was carried out using standard feed-forward neural network and backpropagation algorithm. The outputs were then validated through sensitivity and specificity measurements together with clinical observation. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the neural network–based classification of spirometric data into normal and abnormal conditions. The sensitivity and specificity were found to be 89.25% and 82.25%, respectively. Furthermore, it seems that this method is useful in assessing the pulmonary function dynamics in cases with incomplete data and data with poor recordings. In this paper, the methodology, data collection procedure, and neural network–based analysis and results are described in detail.
ISOTROPIC SUBBUNDLES OF TM ⊕ T*M
Authors: VAISMAN IZU
Published: June 2007

We define integrable, big-isotropic structures on a manifold M as subbundles E ⊆ TM ⊕ T*M that are isotropic with respect to the natural, neutral metric (pairing) g of TM ⊕ T*M and are closed by Courant brackets (this also implies that [E, E⊥g] ⊆ E⊥g). We give the interpretation of such a structure by objects of M, we discuss the local geometry of the structure and we give a reduction theorem.
STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: THE NEED TO TRANSFORM THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PARADIGMS
Authors: JILIBERTO HERRERA RODRIGO
Published: June 2007

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) needs to develop its own theoretical ground and its related concepts to be able to address the challenges of environmentally improving complex strategic decisions such as policies, plans and programmes (PPP). According to its conceptual specificity, SEA requires an autonomous methodology. Its main feature is that it must be able to dialogue with the decision-making process to ensure the decision related environmental values are duly taken into account. This paper proposes two linked concepts that could help to set up an autonomous conceptual ground for the SEA: The concept of consistency requirements of decisions and the concept of decision related environmental values.

In addition, SEA needs to identify the specific environmental dimension of strategic decisions. The concept of environmental impact describes perfectly the environmental dimension of projects. This paper proposes the concept of the sectorial environmental system as the genuine representation of the strategic environmental dimension of strategic decisions and therefore as the key target for SEA activities.
MEANINGFUL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: PERSPECTIVES FROM CANADIAN PARTICIPANTS, PROPONENTS, AND GOVERNMENT
Authors: STEWART JENNIFER M. P. , SINCLAIR A. JOHN
Published: June 2007

The benefits of public participation in EA have been clearly described in both theoretical and practical terms. Despite the wealth of benefits ascribed to engaging the public in EA, the design and implementation of specific public participation programs remains contentious. In fact, public participation processes are still frequently criticized as dissatisfying by participants, costly, and time consuming, by proponents, and inefficient by governments. The purpose of this research was, therefore, to establish whether there are points of convergence in opinion among participant, proponent, and government sectors regarding what constitutes appropriate principles and procedures for meaningful public participation. Our approach was qualitative and included consideration of the literature and interviews with Canadian public participation practitioners. Government, proponent and participant respondents identified and agreed on eight key elements, along with sub-components, of meaningful public participation. These elements, as well as those where convergence was not reached, are outlined and discussed.
INTEGRATING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INTO EUROPEAN POLICYMAKING: THE ROLE OF IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
Authors: FRANZ JENNIFER , KIRKPATRICK COLIN
Published: June 2007

Since the adoption of the EU's first Sustainable Development Strategy in 2001, the European Commission has been committed to undertaking impact assessments of its major policy proposals, covering the potential positive and negative economic, social and environmental effects both inside and outside the European Union. This paper provides as evaluation of a sample of the Commission's recent EC Impact Assessments, focusing on the extent to which the goal of sustainable development has been integrated into the impact assessment analysis.
VULNERABILITY OF BUILDINGS TO LONG DISTANCE EARTHQUAKES FROM SUMATRA
Authors: BALENDRA T. , LI Z. J. , TAN K. H. , KOH C. G.
Published: June 2007

This study focuses on seismic vulnerability of shear wall – frame buildings in Singapore when they are subjected to far field effects of earthquakes in Sumatra. For this purpose, the demand curve was obtained based on the accelerograms of bedrock motions due to the worst earthquake scenario in Sumatra, and soil profiles of the selected sites. The recent two strong earthquakes in Sumatra were considered when the design earthquake was identified. On the other hand, the capacity curve was determined by a reliable and elegant analytical model validated by experimental results. By comparing the demand curve and capacity curve, seismic vulnerability of buildings is evaluated through a case study of a 25 story shear wall-frame building, representing the typical high rise building in Singapore. The case study reveals that high rise buildings in Singapore may suffer damages due to the worst earthquake scenario.
TSUNAMI PROPAGATION MODELING AND FORECASTING FOR EARLY WARNING SYSTEM
Authors: TKALICH PAVEL , DAO MY HA , CHAN ENG SOON
Published: June 2007

After the devastating Indian Ocean 2004 Tsunami, coastal economies around the Indian Ocean have been reminded of the necessity to make well-coordinated efforts to deal with the tsunami problem. An integrated socio-technological infrastructure has to be built, with key tasks including advanced sensors, reliable communication networks, fast predictive algorithms, early warning systems, and educational outreach. This paper highlights the key features of a prediction system under development in Singapore in support of the early warning system being developed in the region.
An Introduction to Effective Field Theory
Authors: Burgess C.P.
Published: June 2007

This review summarizes effective field theory techniques, which are the modern theoretical tools for exploiting the existence of hierarchies of scale in a physical problem. The general theoretical framework is described and evaluated explicitly for a simple model. Power-counting results are illustrated for a few cases of practical interest, and several applications to quantum electrodynamics are described.
Endogenous estrogen attenuates pulmonary artery vasoreactivity and acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction: the effects of sex and menstrual cycle
Authors: Lahm Tim , Patel Ketan M. , Crisostomo Paul R. , Markel Troy A. , Wang Meijing , Herring Christine , Meldrum Daniel R.
Published: June 2007

Sex differences exist in a variety of cardiovascular disorders. Sex hormones have been shown to mediate pulmonary artery (PA) vasodilation. However, the effects of fluctuations in physiological sex hormone levels due to sex and menstrual cycle on PA vasoreactivity have not been clearly established yet. We hypothesized that sex and menstrual cycle affect PA vasoconstriction under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Isometric force displacement was measured in isolated PA rings from proestrus females (PF), estrus and diestrus females (E/DF), and male (M) Sprague-Dawley rats. The vasoconstrictor response under normoxic conditions (organ bath bubbled with 95% O2-5% CO2) was measured after stimulation with 80 mmol/l KCl and 1 μmol/l phenylephrine. Hypoxia was generated by changing the gas to 95% N2-5% CO2. PA rings from PF demonstrated an attenuated vasoconstrictor response to KCl compared with rings from E/DF (75.58 ± 3.2% vs. 92.43 ± 4.24%, P < 0.01). Rings from M also exhibited attenuated KCl-induced vasoconstriction compared with E/DF (79.34 ± 3.2% vs. 92.43 ± 4.24%, P < 0.05). PA rings from PF exhibited an attenuated vasoconstrictor response to phenylephrine compared with E/DF (59.61 ± 2.98% vs. 70.03 ± 4.61%, P < 0.05). While the maximum PA vasodilation during hypoxia did not differ between PF, E/DF, and M, phase II of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction was markedly diminished in the PA from PF (64.10 ± 7.10% vs. 83.91 ± 5.97% in M, P < 0.05). We conclude that sex and menstrual cycle affect PA vasoconstriction in isolated PA rings. Even physiological increases in circulating estrogen levels attenuate PA vasoconstriction under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.
Sex differences in endothelial STAT3 mediate sex differences in myocardial inflammation
Authors: Wang Meijing , Zhang Wenjun , Crisostomo Paul , Markel Troy , Meldrum Kirstan K. , Fu Xin Y. , Meldrum Daniel R.
Published: June 2007

Recent studies have shown that females have improved myocardial functional recovery, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) signaling resistance, and increased STAT3 phosphorylation following acute ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) compared with males. We hypothesized that 1) STAT3 deficiency in endothelial cells (EC) impairs myocardial functional recovery in both sexes, 2) EC STAT3 deficiency equalizes sex differences in functional recovery, and 3) knockout of EC STAT3 decreases activation of myocardial STAT3 and increases p38 MAPK activation following acute I/R. Isolated male and female mouse hearts from WT and EC STAT3 knockout (STAT3KO) were subjected to 20-min ischemia/60-min reperfusion, and ± dP/d t were continuously recorded. Heart tissue was analyzed for the active forms of STAT3 and p38 MAPK as well as expression of caspase-8 (Western blot) following I/R. EC STATKO had significantly decreased myocardial functional recovery in both sexes (%recovered +dP/d t: male 51.6 ± 3.1 vs. 32.1 ± 13.1%, female 79.1 ± 3.6 vs. 43.6 ± 9.1%; −dP/d t: male 52.2 ± 3.3 vs. 28.9 ± 12%, female 75.2 ± 4.1 vs. 38.6 ± 10%). In addition, EC STAT3KO neutralized sex differences in myocardial function, which existed in WT mice. Interestingly, EC STAT3 deficiency decreased myocardial STAT3 activation but increased myocardial p38 MAPK activation in both sexes; however, this was seen to a greater degree in females. We conclude that EC STAT3 deficiency resulted in decreased recovery of myocardial function in both sexes and neutralized sex differences in myocardial functional recovery following I/R. This observation was associated with decreased activation of myocardial STAT3 and increased activation of p38 MAPK in EC STAT3KO heart after I/R.
CB1 receptor antagonist AVE1625 affects primarily metabolic parameters independently of reduced food intake in Wistar rats
Authors: Herling Andreas W. , Gossel Matthias , Haschke Guido , Stengelin Siegfried , Kuhlmann Johanna , Müller Günter , Schmoll Dieter , Kramer Werner
Published: June 2007

The objective of the present study was to investigate in fed Wistar rats whether the cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptor antagonist AVE1625 causes primary effects on metabolic blood and tissue parameters as well as metabolic rate, which are independent of reduced caloric intake. After single administration to rats postprandially, AVE1625 caused a slight dose-dependent increase in basal lipolysis. Six hours after single administration, liver glycogen content was dose-dependently reduced to ∼60% of that of untreated controls. These findings demonstrate a primary acute effect of AVE1625 on induction of 1) lipolysis from fat tissue (increased FFA) and 2) glycogenolysis from the liver (reduced hepatic glycogen). Measured by indirect calorimetry, AVE1625 caused an immediate increase in total energy expenditure, a long-lasting increase of fat oxidation, and a transient increase of glucose oxidation, which were consistent with the acute findings on metabolic blood and tissue parameters. We conclude that, in addition to the well-investigated effects of CB1 receptor antagonists to reduce caloric intake and subsequently body weight, this pharmacological approach is additionally linked to inherently increased lipid oxidation. This oxidation is driven by persistently increased lipolysis from fat tissues, independently of reduced caloric intake, and might significantly contribute to the weight-reducing effect.
Conserved molecular portraits of bovine and human blastocysts as a consequence of the transition from maternal to embryonic control of gene expression
Authors: Adjaye James , Herwig Ralf , Brink Thore C. , Herrmann Doris , Greber Boris , Sudheer Smita , Groth Detlef , Carnwath Joseph W. , Lehrach Hans , Niemann Heiner
Published: June 2007

The present study investigated mRNA expression profiles of bovine oocytes and blastocysts by using a cross-species hybridization approach employing an array consisting of 15,529 human cDNAs as probe, thus enabling the identification of conserved genes during human and bovine preimplantation development. Our analysis revealed 419 genes that were expressed in both oocytes and blastocysts. The expression of 1,324 genes was detected exclusively in the blastocyst, in contrast to 164 in the oocyte including a significant number of novel genes. Genes indicative for transcriptional and translational control ( ELAVL4, TACC3) were overexpressed in the oocyte, whereas cellular trafficking ( SLC2A14, SLC1A3), proteasome ( PSMA1, PSMB3), cell cycle ( BUB3, CCNE1, GSPT1), and protein modification and turnover ( TNK1, UBE3A) genes were found to be overexpressed in blastocysts. Transcripts implicated in chromatin remodeling were found in both oocytes ( NASP, SMARCA2) and blastocysts ( H2AFY, HDAC7A). The trophectodermal markers PSG2 and KRT18 were enriched 5- and 50-fold in the blastocyst. Pathway analysis revealed differential expression of genes involved in 107 distinct signaling and metabolic pathways. For example, phosphatidylinositol signaling and gluconeogenesis were prominent pathways identified in the blastocyst. Expression patterns in bovine and human blastocysts were to a large extent identical. This analysis compared the transcriptomes of bovine oocytes and blastocysts and provides a solid foundation for future studies on the first major differentiation events in blastocysts and identification of a set of markers indicative for regular mammalian development.