bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of a healthy eating indicator shopping basket tool (HEISB) for use in food access studies—identification of key food items
Authors: Anderson AS , Dewar J , Marshall D , Cummins S , Taylor M , Dawson J , Sparks L
Published: June 2007

Objectives

To develop an objective, nutrient-based, healthy eating indicator shopping basket (HEISB) tool for use in studies of access to healthy food.

Design

Tool development used a literature search to identify previous practice, web information on current definition of healthy foods by the UK Food Standards Agency, and population-based dietary surveys to identify culturally acceptable foods. These findings were then appraised with respect to practical fieldwork considerations.

Setting

The review took account of surveys undertaken in a range of geographical areas.

Results

Previous tools have varied in the foods selected and the rationale for inclusion. Most have considered nutritional composition but no systematic definition has been used and foods have been subjectively classified as ‘less healthy’ or ‘more healthy’. Recent UK work on nutrient profiling enabled individual food items to be objectively assessed for inclusion. Data from national food surveys enabled commonly consumed and culturally acceptable foods to be identified. Practical considerations included item use in meals, convenience, price, and fieldwork constraints. Other issues including health and price discriminators as well as regional preferences were considered. The final HEISB tool comprised 35 items within the following categories – 17 from fruit and vegetables, nine from potatoes, bread and cereal, five from fish/meats, three from dairy, and one from fatty and sugary foods.

Conclusions

The tool provides a rational basis for examining access and availability of healthy foods in cross-sectional and longitudinal retail and consumer studies.
Estimations of daily energy and nutrient availability based on nationally representative household budget survey data. The Data Food Networking (DAFNE) project
Authors: Naska A , Oikonomou E , Trichopoulou A , Wagner K , Gedrich K
Published: June 2007

Objective

To describe a cost-efficient method for estimating energy and nutrient availability using household budget survey (HBS) data.

Design

Four different approaches were tested and the results were compared with published nutrient intake data. The selected method was exemplarily applied in German and Greek data.

Setting

Germany, 1998; Greece, 1998/99.

Material

Nationally representative HBSs.

Results

Comparisons showed that HBS-based estimates were generally close to intake data when results were presented as contributions to daily energy intake. Daily energy and protein availabilities were similar in Germany and Greece. Differences were observed in the availability of carbohydrates (German households reported a 5 percentage points higher contribution to daily energy availability) and lipids (Greek households recorded higher values for total fat, but lower values for saturated fat). Meat, added lipids and potatoes were important energy suppliers in Germany, whereas in Greece the first three energy suppliers were added lipids, cereals and meat. In both countries, meat, cereals, milk and cheese were important protein sources and cereals, potatoes, fruits and nuts contributed more than 60% of the daily carbohydrate availability. Added lipids were the major source of fat in the daily diet of both countries, but their contribution amounted to less than one-third in Germany and two-thirds in Greece.

Conclusions

National HBS data can be used for monitoring and comparing nutrient availability among representative population samples of different countries. The ground is set for the development of a harmonised food composition table to be applied to HBS food data at international level.
Body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio cut-off points for categorisation of obesity among Omani Arabs
Authors: Al-Lawati Jawad A , Jousilahti Pekka
Published: June 2007

Background

There are no data on optimal cut-off points to classify obesity among Omani Arabs. The existing cut-off points were obtained from studies of European populations.

Objective

To determine gender-specific optimal cut-off points for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) associated with elevated prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among Omani Arabs.

Design

A community-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

The survey was conducted in the city of Nizwa in Oman in 2001.

Subjects and methods

The study contained a probabilistic random sample of 1421 adults aged ≥20 years. Prevalent CVD risk was defined as the presence of at least two of the following three risk factors: hyperglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to determine optimal cut-off points for BMI, WC and WHR in relation to the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Over 87% of Omanis had at least one CVD risk factor (38% had hyperglycaemia, 19% hypertension and 34.5% had high total cholesterol). All three indices including BMI (AUC = 0.766), WC (AUC = 0.772) and WHR (AUC = 0.767) predicted prevalent CVD risk factors equally well. The optimal cut-off points for men and women respectively were 23.2 and 26.8 kg m−2for BMI, 80.0 and 84.5 cm for WC, and 0.91 and 0.91 for WHR.

Conclusions

To identify Omani subjects of Arab ethnicity at high risk of CVD, cut-off points lower than currently recommended for BMI, WC and WHR are needed for men while higher cut-off points are suggested for women.
Casting Beams of Darkness into Bartók’s Cantata Profana
Authors: LOSSEFF NICKY
Published: June 2007

Béla Bartók’s Cantata Profana (1930) retains ambiguities inherent in the Romanian myth on which it is based – a story of nine hunting-lads magically transformed into stags. This article explores the mysterious elements through psychoanalysis, positing links between darkness, Bartókian ‘night music’, and the Unconscious. Other aspects of the musical language suggest representations of Lacanian processes, specifically a regressive fantasy to the mental order of the ‘Real’. This is linked to Bartók’s experience of childhood illness, a time of perfect maternal love but profound bodily betrayal, suggesting that the stag-body represents a strong, proud transformation, ‘replacing’ the debilitated body of childhood memory. Musically, the ‘mirror-image’ scales of the opening and ending of the work are re-examined. It is proposed that they represent Bartók acknowledging loss, most importantly the loss of the myth of ‘pure sources’, which had sustained him, both musically and psychologically, up until then. This loss inevitably sought expression after a disastrous polemical debate forced him to abandon the idea of musical purity in folksong.
Comparison of methylation level of genomes among different animal species and various tissues
Authors: Shao-Qing Tang , Yuan Zhang , Qing Xu , Dong-Xiao Sun , Ying Yu
Published: June 2007

The methylation levels of genomes were compared in swine, cattle, sheep, rat, chicken and duck, using the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism technique (MSAP). The results showed that the methylation levels in genomes of the species investigated were mostly about 40–50% (except cattle); the methylation level varied in different species; the methylation pattern in various tissues of each species was specific; for the same species, the methylation level of the tissue genome was mostly higher than that of the blood genome; the difference of methylation level between birds and mammals was not significant, however mammals appeared to have a lower hemi-methylation frequency and higher full methylation frequency than birds.
Isolation, identification and expression profile of fourteen differentially expressed sequence tags in the longissimus dorsi muscle tissues from Meishan, Meishan×Large White cross and Large White pigs
Authors: Yong-Gang Liu , Yuan-Zhu Xiong , Bo Zuo , Si-Wen Jiang , Chang-Yan Deng , Jia-Lian Li , Feng-E Li , Rong Zheng
Published: June 2007

In order to detect the molecular mechanism of heterosis in pigs, an mRNA differential display (DD) technique was performed to investigate the differences in gene expression in the longissimus dorsi muscle tissues from Meishan, Meishan×Large White cross and Large White pigs. Fourteen expressed sequence tags (ESTs), differentially expressed between the hybrid and purebred pigs, were isolated and identified through semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the 14 ESTs are not homologous to any of the known genes or ESTs. These novel ESTs were then deposited in the GenBank database. Tissue expression profile analysis showed that the ESTs were expressed in most tissues, including heart, spleen, liver, kidney, small intestine, ovary and lung, and this also implied that these genes must be important for the life process. Our results indicate the diversity of differential display of genes between the hybrids and purebreds in the Meishan×Large White cross combination. Results also suggest that heterosis in pigs might be derived from the differential expression of many indispensable genes in specific life phases.
Genetic diversity and molecular markers of five snapper species
Authors: Li Liu , Chu-Wu Liu
Published: June 2007

In order to protect and develop valuable snappers (Lutjanus spp.), genetic diversity and molecular markers of five species (Lutjanus vitta, L. fulvus, L. fulviflamma, L. sebae and L. stellatus) were detected and analysed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) techniques. The polymorphic loci ratio (P) (86.00–92.11%), the mean intraspecies genetic distances (D) (0.1775–0.3431) and the intraspecies genetic diversity indexes (Hi) (0.1022–0.1634) were calculated using the RAPD technique. The genetic diversities of L. fulviflamma and L. vitta were richest in terms of P, and D and Hi, respectively. The results of SSR showed that low effective numbers of alleles (1.7893–3.6591), medium average heterozygosities (0.332–0.676) and medium polymorphism information contents (PIC) (0.302–0.641) occurred in five species of snappers, indicating comparatively rich genetic diversity among these fish. Nine molecular markers in the products amplified by primers OPA8 and OPP10, and six molecular markers in 11 microsatellite loci were found to be useful as specific markers to identify five species of snappers. Two neighbour-joining (NJ) dendrograms based on the results of RAPD and SSR suggested that L. stellatus and L. sebae are closely related and clustered in one branch, with L. vitta, L. fulviflamma and L. fulvus in the other.
Cloning, expression and immunogenic characterization of theapxIIAgene ofActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Authors: Ke-Xia Yan , Jian-Jie Liu , Bin Wu , Xi-Biao Tang , Li-Jun Cai , Ming-Liu Yang , Huan-Chun Chen , Rui Zhou
Published: June 2007

The structural gene encoding ApxII toxin (apxIIA) was amplified from the genomic DNA ofActinobacillus pleuropneumoniae(APP) strain HB08 (serotype 2) and cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis showed that theapxIIAgene was expressed inEscherichia coliBL21 (DE3) and the expressed products could react with ApxII antibodies. The recombinant ApxIIA was purified from the inclusion bodies. Kunming mice were intraperitoneally vaccinated twice, with an interval of 2 weeks, using unfolded/refolded recombinant proteins, the native ApxII toxin extracted from the cultural supernatant of a strain of APP serotype 7 (APP-7) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Serum antibody was examined by ApxIIA-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 2 weeks after every vaccination. Two weeks after the second vaccination, mice were challenged intraperitoneally with a lethal dose of APP-7 (1.08 × 108cfu per mouse). The protection rate reached 91.7% in the native ApxII group, 83.3% in the refolded recombinant protein group and 58.3% in the unfolded recombinant protein group, while all mice in the PBS group died within 36 h after challenge. Our data revealed that the refolded recombinant ApxIIA had excellent immunogenicity and could elicit protection against a lethal challenge of APP.
AFLP fingerprinting analysis of genetic polymorphism of 12 indigenous chicken breeds
Authors: Yu-Shi Gao , Yun-Jie Tu , Hai-Bing Tong , Ke-Hua Wang , Kuan-Wei Chen
Published: June 2007

A total of six amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer combinations were used to detect genetic variation of pooled DNA in a sample of 12 chicken breeds indigenous to China, and AFLP DNA fingerprinting of each chicken breed was constructed. Polymorphic bands, specific bands and genetic similarity coefficients of 12 chicken breeds were calculated from AFLP data. A total of 279 polymorphic bands were generated by the six primer combinations, giving, on average, 46.5 polymorphic markers detected per primer combination. Nine specific bands were produced in the pooled DNA of Jiuyuan black and Dongxiang black chickens. However, one specific band was produced in the pooled DNA of Wenchang and Xingyi bantam chickens. An unweighted-pair-group method using average linkages (UPGMA) cluster analysis revealed that the 12 chicken breeds could be divided into three groups. Genetic similarity coefficients and the UPGMA tree of the 12 chicken breeds were consistent with their breeding history as well as their geographical distribution. Based on AFLP DNA fingerprinting, genetic diversity, genetic relationship and identification of chicken breeds can be analysed.
Inheritance and resistance to insects in CryIA(c) transgenic cabbage
Authors: Han-Xia Li , Ruo-He Yin , Ya-Chun Lu , Yu-Yang Zhang , Jun-Hong Zhang
Published: June 2007

Using hypocotyl segments of aseptic seedlings of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) as explants, regenerated plants with kanamycin resistance were obtained mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens (strain LBA4404). The transformed plants with the CryIA(c) (Bt) gene were confirmed by Southern blotting analysis, indicating the integration of the transgene into the cabbage genome. The majority of the transgenic plants had only a single copy of the inserted CryIA(c) gene. Leaf section bioassays showed that resistance against larvae of diamondback moth in CryIA(c) transgenic cabbage was significantly enhanced. The inheritance patterns of the transgene in T1 offspring of transgenic cabbage were investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and a kanamycin resistance test on the leaves of young seedlings. The results showed that dominant gene loci, CryIA(c) or neomycin phosphotransferase gene (NPTII), followed Mendelian inheritance, with a ratio of 3:1 segregation in T1 populations.
Comparison of protective effects among H5 subtype avian influenza DNA vaccines with optimized HA gene and expressive vectors
Authors: Yong-Ping Jiang , Hong-Bo Zhang , Cheng-Jun Li , Zhi-Gao Bu , Guo-Hua Deng , Kangzhen Yu , Hua-Lan Chen
Published: June 2007

To evaluate the effects of H5 subtype avian influenza DNA vaccine with HA gene and expressive vector optimization, groups of 3-week-old specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens were inoculated intramuscularly with a single dose of 100 μg or 10 μg of pCIHA5, pCAGGHA5, pCIoptiHA5 or pCAGGoptiHA5 in 200 μl volume. Another group of chickens was injected with 200 μl phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as controls. Sera were collected every week after vaccination to detect the HI and agar-gel precipitin (AGP) antibodies. Four weeks after the single vaccination, all chickens were challenged with 100LD50 of the highly pathogenic A/Goose/GuangDong/1/96(H5N1) [Gs/GD/1/96(H5N1)]. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swab specimens were collected from all chickens 3, 5 and 7 days after inoculation for titration of virus in eggs. Chickens were observed daily for 2 weeks for signs of disease and death. Results showed that in the groups vaccinated with 100 μg pCAGGoptiHA5 and pCAGGHA5 chickens were completely protected from virus challenge (no disease signs, no virus shedding and no deaths), while only partial protection occurred in chickens vaccinated with 100 μg pCIoptiHA5 (75%) and pCIHA5 (50%). In groups vaccinated with 10 μg pCAGGoptiHA5 and pCAGGHA5 chickens were protected from virus challenge (no disease signs and no deaths). In the group vaccinated with 10 μg pCIoptiHA5 the protection ratio was 75%, while chickens vaccinated with 10 μg pCIHA5 all died after challenge. Results indicated that codon usage optimization of the HA gene and β-actin promoter enhanced the protection efficiency of H5 subtype avian influenza DNA vaccine and the construction pCAGGoptiHA5 could protect chickens from lethal H5N1 virus challenge even at the low dose of 10 μg, implying the possibility for the commercialization of an avian influenza DNA vaccine in the near future.
Polymorphism of porcine uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) and association with fat deposition and meat quality
Authors: Liang Ren , Bao-Qin Zhu , Dan Han , Yi-Bo Zhang , Hui-Juan Song , Rui-Xia Zeng , Yu-Hong Su
Published: June 2007

Based on quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, the gene for porcine uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) was chosen as a candidate gene for pig fat deposition and meat quality traits. In this study, a partial coding region of the UCP3 gene was sequenced and one single nucleotide polymorphism (cSNP) was found at 395 bp. The mutation was G→A and resulted in the amino acid change from glycine to arginine. This site was also recognized by restriction endonuclease SmaI. The UCP3 SmaI polymorphism was analysed among 186 individuals of Large White×Meishan F2 progeny using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The genotypes of the UCP3 SmaI polymorphism were AA, AB and BB. The frequency of A and B alleles was respectively 0.56 and 0.44. Statistical analyses showed that the SmaI polymorphism in the F2 population was significantly associated with back-fat thickness at thorax–waist and buttock, as well as with intramuscular fat, drip-loss rate and water-holding capacity. The additive effect of UCP3 SmaI was clearly shown. The genotype AA reduced back-fat thickness and drip-loss rate, increased water-holding capacity, and decreased the intramuscular fat. The effect of the pig UCP3 SmaI polymorphism needs to be analysed in other populations using larger samples.
Analysis of SNP markers for chicken blue-shelled gene using PCR-SSCP
Authors: Rui Zhao , Zhen-Zhen Liu , Gui-Yun Xu , Ning Yang
Published: June 2007

The oocyan (O) gene determines blue shell pigmentation of domesticated chicken. The O locus is closely linked to ALEV1 on chromosome 1 with a genetic distance of 2.3 cM. Blue eggshells contain a protoporphyrin, biliverdin and zinc biliverdin chelating complex, which belongs to the porphyrin metabolic pathway. A bio-informatic approach was first used to BLAST for the genes of the enzymes in the porphyrin pathway; no gene was detected to specify the O locus. Due to a limited number of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers around the O locus, polymerase chain reaction–single-strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) was then employed to search for candidate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The sequence bearing a marker was found to consist of two transversions at Chr1:61754089T→A and Chr1:61754175A→T, respectively. Population screening showed that 81% of homozygous blue-shelled layers (OO) were classified as AA genotype at the SNP loci, while 89% of heterozygous blue-shelled layers (Oo) were AB genotype and 93% of tinted layers (oo) were BB genotype. The results indicated that there is a close association between O locus and SNP locus, suggesting that the marker locus could be used as a molecular marker in breeding for blue-shelled chickens.
Role of tobacco vacuolar invertase regulated by patatin promoter in potato tuber resistance to cold sweetening
Authors: Shan-Han Cheng , Jun Liu , Cong-Hua Xie , Bo-Tao Song , Jing-Cai Li
Published: June 2007

To slow down the accumulation of reducing sugar in potato tubers exposed to low-temperature storage, an expression vector, pBICNI, including Nt-VIF (Nicotiana tabacum vacuolar inhibitor of beta fructosidase, a vacuolar invertase inhibitor from Nicotiana tabacum) gene regulated by potato tuber specific promoter class I patatin promoter (CIPP) was constructed and transformed into potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivar E-potato 3 (E3). Detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Northern and Southern hybridizations indicated that the full-length Nt-VIF cDNA was transformed successfully into cv. E3. After storing potato tubers of 14 transgenic lines at 4 or 20°C for 30 days, their activities of vacuolar invertase (VI) and reducing sugar (RS) content were analysed. The results showed that there were no significant differences in RS content between transgenic and untransformed (control) tubers stored at 20°C. However, RS content of transgenic lines was obviously reduced at 4°C compared to the control, from 34.0% (line B-13) to 76.8% reduction (line B-1), implying that VI activity was inhibited by Nt-VIF cDNA expression and RS content was reduced. Further analysis revealed a positive linear relationship between VI activity and RS content (VI=0.308RS+0.067), and lines B-1, B-2, B-6, B-9 and B-14 could meet the requirements of potato chips in terms of their low RS content after cold storage.
Real-time quantitative PCR detection ofEscherichia coliO157:H7
Authors: Si Chen , Kun-Lun Huang , Wen-Tao Xu , Yuan Li , Yun-Bo Luo
Published: June 2007

A rapid and accurate real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) method with SYBR Green I was established for detectingEscherichia coliO157:H7. A pair of primers were designed to amplify theeaegene. The dissociation curves showed that the amplification product was very specific. The optimal conditions and standard curve were established. The result indicated that real-time PCR was 1000 times more sensitive than ordinary PCR.
Establishment of real-time fluorescent PCR assay to detectStreptococcus suisserotype 2
Authors: Bao-Zheng Luo , Qing-Ru Bo , Jing-Fan Chen , Hai-Nie Xu , Su Yang , Jian-Yun Yang , Cai-Hua Sha , Xiu-Yun Liao
Published: June 2007

A real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was established to detectStreptococcus suisserotype 2. Primers and Taqman probe were designed according tocps2I(capsular polysaccharide 2I) gene using bio-software Primer Express2.0 and Oligo6.0. An 81 bp DNA fragment was amplified fromS. suisserotype 2 genomic DNA, and the PCR product was cloned into pMD18-T vector and confirmed by DNA sequencing. The real-time fluorescent PCR amplification curve on a Lightcycler® showed that the method is accurate and specific forS. suisserotype 2 amplification, whereas reference bacteriaS. suis,Escherichia coli,Salmonellasp.,Staphylococcus aureus,Shigellasp.,Listeria monocytogenesstrains and a blank control were all negative. Tenfold serial dilutions ofS. suisserotype 2 were used to measure the sensitivity of real-time fluorescent PCR: ten copies of bacteria could be detected in one PCR reaction and only 30 min were required for a single test. To examine the stability of the real-time fluorescent PCR, the positive control was detected at two different times. The threshold cycle (Ct) values showed no statistical differences (P>0.05). Thus, this method was stable and repeatable. These results indicate that this real-time fluorescent PCR technique could be applied for epidemic supervision in entry–exit inspection and quarantine.
Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA in plants
Authors: Xiao-Qin Guo , Hong-Zhi Zhang , De-Bao Li
Published: June 2007

Alternative splicing is an important cellular mechanism that increases the diversity of gene products. The study of alternatively spliced genes reported so far in plants is far less documented than that in mammals, but considerable results have been reported, showing the role of these genes in regulating mechanisms, influencing factors, and specificities and function of alternative splicing in plants. This review summarizes briefly the major progress made on alternative splicing in plants.
Rescue of H5N1 subtypeavian influenza A viruslethal to mice
Authors: Wei-Qi Pan , Ming Liu , Yun Zhang , Chun-Guo Liu , Tao Yang , Jing-Peng Li
Published: June 2007

Avian influenza virus is acquiring the ability to cross the species barrier between birds and mammals. However, the genetic mechanism of this ability is not well known. We successfully rescued aninfluenza A virusA/Chicken/Guangdong/03 (H5N1), which is highly pathogenic to both SPF chickens and BALB/c mice, by plasmid-based reverse genetics. The rescued virus, R-A/Chicken/Guangdong/03 (R-CG), and the wild-type A/Chicken/Guangdong/03 (W-CG) were found to share similar biological properties, such as in titres of 50% egg infectious dose (EID50), 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) and intravenous pathogenicity index (IPVI). R-CG, like W-CG, is highly pathogenic in mice following natural route infection. Both R-CG and W-CG viruses can be isolated from many organs of mice such as brain, lung, kidney and spleen. As a result, the constructed R-CG reverse genetic system can be used as a tool in the investigation of the molecular mechanism of infection of the mammalian host by avian influenza virus.
Twenty‐five years of geodetic measurements along the Tadjoura‐Asal rift system, Djibouti, East Africa
Authors: Vigny Christophe , de Chabalier Jean‐Bernard , Ruegg Jean‐Claude , Huchon Philippe , Feigl Kurt L. , Cattin Rodolphe , Asfaw Laike , Kanbari Khaled
Published: June 2007

Since most of Tadjoura‐Asal rift system sits on dry land in the Afar depression near the triple junction between the Arabia, Somalia, and Nubia plates, it is an ideal natural laboratory for studying rifting processes. We analyze these processes in light of a time series of geodetic measurements from 1978 through 2003. The surveys used triangulation (1973), trilateration (1973, 1979, and 1981–1986), leveling (1973, 1979, 1984–1985, and 2000), and the Global Positioning System (GPS, in 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, and 2003). A network of about 30 GPS sites covers the Republic of Djibouti. Additional points were also measured in Yemen and Ethiopia. Stations lying in the Danakil block have almost the same velocity as Arabian plate, indicating that opening near the southern tip of the Red Sea is almost totally accommodated in the Afar depression. Inside Djibouti, the Asal‐Ghoubbet rift system accommodates 16 ± 1 mm/yr of opening perpendicular to the rift axis and exhibits a pronounced asymmetry with essentially null deformation on its southwestern side and significant deformation on its northeastern side. This rate, slightly higher than the large‐scale Arabia‐Somalia motion (13 ± 1 mm/yr), suggests transient variations associated with relaxation processes following the Asal‐Ghoubbet seismovolcanic sequence of 1978. Inside the rift, the deformation pattern exhibits a clear two‐dimensional pattern. Along the rift axis, the rate decreases to the northwest, suggesting propagation in the same direction. Perpendicular to the rift axis, the focus of the opening is clearly shifted to the northeast, relative to the topographic rift axis, in the “Petit Rift,” a rift‐in‐rift structure, containing most of the active faults and the seismicity. Vertical motions, measured by differential leveling, show the same asymmetric pattern with a bulge of the northeastern shoulder. Although the inner floor of the rift is subsiding with respect to the shoulders, all sites within the rift system show uplift at rates varying from 0 to 10 mm/yr with respect to a far‐field reference outside the rift.
U‐series disequilibria in Guatemalan lavas, crustal contamination, and implications for magma genesis along the Central American subduction zone
Authors: Walker James A. , Mickelson J. Erik , Thomas Rebecca B. , Patino Lina C. , Cameron Barry , Carr Michael J. , Feigenson Mark D. , Edwards R. Lawrence
Published: June 2007

New U‐series results indicate that Guatemalan volcanic rocks display both 238U and 230Th excesses. 230Th excess is restricted to volcanoes in central Guatemala, both along and behind the front. 230Th excess correlates with a number of incompatible element ratios, such as Th/Nb and Ba/Th. It also shows a negative correlation with MgO. Guatemalan volcanic rocks have (230Th/232Th) ratios that overlap those of Costa Rican volcanics and are therefore considerably lower than the unusually high ratios characterizing volcanic rocks from Nicaragua. Along‐arc variations in (230Th/232Th) therefore mirror those of a number of diagnostic geochemical parameters, such as Ba/La, which are symmetrical about a peak in west central Nicaragua. The one siliceous lava analyzed, from the Cerro Quemado dome complex, has a recognizable crustal imprint, distinguished, for instance, by high Th/Nb and low Ba/Th. In mafic samples, 238U excess is attributed to addition of a U‐enriched fluid component from the subducting Cocos plate. Our preferred explanation for 230Th excess in Guatemalan mafic samples, on the other hand, is crustal contamination, consistent with the relatively high Th/Nb and low Ba/Th ratios in these samples. We suspect, however, that crustal contamination only exerts a sizable control over the U‐series disequilibrium of mafic magmas in Guatemala, and not elsewhere along the Central American volcanic front. This agrees with previously published trace element and isotopic evidence that throughout Central America, with the exception of Guatemala, mafic magmas are largely uncontaminated by crustal material.
An up‐to‐date quality‐controlled surface mass balance data set for the 90°–180°E Antarctica sector and 1950–2005 period
Authors: Magand O. , Genthon C. , Fily M. , Krinner G. , Picard G. , Frezzotti M. , Ekaykin A. A.
Published: June 2007

On the basis of thousands of surface mass balance (SMB) field measurements over the entire Antarctic ice sheet it is currently estimated that more than 2 Gt of ice accumulate each year at the surface of Antarctica. However, these estimates suffer from large uncertainties. Various problems affect Antarctic SMB measurements, in particular, limited or unwarranted spatial and temporal representativeness, measurement inaccuracy, and lack of quality control. We define quality criteria on the basis of (1) an up‐to‐date review and quality rating of the various SMB measurement methods and (2) essential information (location, dates of measurements, time period covered by the SMB values, and primary data sources) related to each SMB data. We apply these criteria to available SMB values from Queen Mary to Victoria lands (90°–180°E Antarctic sector) from the early 1950s to present. This results in a new set of observed SMB values for the 1950–2005 time period with strong reduction in density and coverage but also expectedly reduced inaccuracies and uncertainties compared to other compilations. The quality‐controlled SMB data set also contains new results from recent field campaigns (International Trans‐Antarctic Scientific Expedition (ITASE), Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE), and Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) projects) which comply with the defined quality criteria. A comparative evaluation of climate model results against the quality‐controlled updated SMB data set and other widely used ones illustrates that such Antarctic SMB studies are significantly affected by the quality of field SMB values used as reference.
Comparison between the measured and predicted parameters of HF radio signals propagating along the midlatitude trough and within the polar cap
Authors: Stocker A. J. , Warrington E. M. , Siddle D. R.
Published: June 2007

Prediction of the propagation characteristics of HF signals is an important aspect in the planning and operation of radio systems operating within that frequency band. Various computer codes have been developed by a number of organizations for this purpose. These prediction techniques assume that propagation is along the great circle path and ignore the effects of various large‐scale ionospheric structures that can be present in the northerly ionosphere and result in propagation well displaced from the great circle path. This paper reports on a statistical analysis of observations of the direction of arrival and signal strength, and their comparison with VOACAP predictions for four paths, two roughly tangential to the midlatitude trough, one trans‐auroral, and one entirely located within the polar cap.
Modeling and synthesis of circular‐sectoral arrays of log‐periodic antennas using multilevel fast multipole algorithm and genetic algorithms
Authors: Ergül Özgür , Gürel Levent
Published: June 2007

Circular‐sectoral arrays of log‐periodic (LP) antennas are presented for frequency‐independent operation and beam‐steering capability. Specifically, nonplanar trapezoidal tooth LP antennas are considered in a circular array configuration, where closely spaced antennas occupy a sector of the circle. Electromagnetic interactions of the array elements, each of which is a complicated LP antenna structure, are rigorously computed with the multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA). Genetic algorithms (GAs) are also employed in combination with MLFMA for synthesis and design purposes. By optimizing the excitations of the array elements via GAs, beam‐steering ability is achieved in addition to the broadband (nearly frequency‐independent) characteristics of the designed arrays. Computational results are presented to demonstrate the important properties of LP arrays.
Convenient formulas for quantization efficiency
Authors: Thompson A. R. , Emerson D. T. , Schwab F. R.
Published: June 2007

Digital quantization of signals prior to processing results in the insertion of a component of noise resulting from the finite number of quantization levels. In radio astronomy, for example, this is important because the number of levels tends to be limited by increasing sample rates, required by the use of increasingly wide bandwidths. We are here concerned with signals with Gaussian amplitude distribution that are processed by cross correlation. Quantization efficiency is the relative loss in signal‐to‐noise ratio resulting from the quantization process. We provide a method of calculating the quantization efficiency for any number of uniformly spaced levels, as a function of the level spacing, using formulas that are easily evaluated with commonly used mathematical programs. This enables a choice of level spacing to maximize sensitivity or to provide a compromise between the sensitivity and the voltage range of the input waveform.
Linearized Zverev Transform and its application for modeling radio occultations
Authors: Gorbunov M. E. , Lauritsen K. B.
Published: June 2007

The multiple phase screens technique is often used for modeling wave propagation and radio occultation sounding of the atmosphere. The last step of this procedure is the propagation from the last phase screen to the observation orbit of the spaceborne receiver. This step was formerly performed by the computation of multiple diffractive integrals, which impairs the numerical efficiency of the algorithm. We introduce an asymptotic method of wave propagation in vacuum from the last phase screen to a generic observation path. The exact solution is written in the form of the Zverev Transform, which belongs to the class of Fourier Integral Operators (FIO). The phase function of such an operator can be derived from the geometric optical equations. We construct an approximation for the Zverev Transform, utilizing the linearization of the equation of the geometric optical ray propagation in the vicinity of a smooth model of the ray structure. This permits the design of a fast numerical algorithm based on an FFT. Numerical simulations are performed for microwave propagation through a model atmosphere based on realistic gridded global fields of meteorological parameters. The new method based on the Linearized Zverev Transform is compared with the standard combination of multiple phase screens and diffractive integrals and with the asymptotic forward modeling for the propagation of centimeter waves in the atmosphere on limb paths. This method is especially useful for modeling LEO–LEO microwave occultations at frequencies of 9–30 GHz. The simulations demonstrate a high accuracy and numerical efficiency of the proposed method.
First detection of transient luminous events associated with winter thunderstorms in the eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Ganot Michal , Yair Yoav , Price Colin , Ziv Baruch , Sherez Yosef , Greenberg Eran , Devir Adam , Yaniv Roy
Published: June 2007

During the winter of 2005–6, optical ground‐based observations were performed to detect transient luminous events (TLEs) above winter thunderstorms in the vicinity of Israel and the eastern coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. Two sites were used: the Tel Aviv University (TAU) campus in Tel‐Aviv (32.5N, 34.5E) and the Wise astronomical observatory in the Negev desert (30.6N, 34.76E). We also conducted ELF and VLF electromagnetic measurements from the TAU array in southern Israel. In 4 different winter storms we detected 30 events: 26 sprites and 4 elves. The detection ranges varied from 250 to 450 km. Sprites were found to be produced exclusively by +CGs that can be traced to active cells with a vertical dimension of 5–7 km and cloud top temperature ∼−40°C, embedded in a much larger matrix of stratiform cloudiness. This configuration closely resembles the conditions for winter sprites in the Hokuriku region of Japan.
Directivity of slope dynamic response to seismic shaking
Authors: Del Gaudio Vincenzo , Wasowski Janusz
Published: June 2007

A four year‐long accelerometric monitoring of a landslide‐prone slope area in Italy provided evidence of amplifications with systematic directional differences in shaking energy by a factor of 2–3, apparently correlated with the directions of local topographic features. The examination of regional‐scale data revealed similar site response directivity phenomena also on some steep rock slopes not affected by amplification. The spectral properties of the site responses were investigated using HVSR analysis and a new approach based on the multiplication of spectra from several events. The results suggest that such phenomena are caused by a directional redistribution of spectral energy controlled by a combination of interrelated topographic and geologic factors acting in similar directions.
Monthly periodicity in acoustic reflections and vertical motions in the deep ocean
Authors: van Haren Hans
Published: June 2007

A recent, 1.5 years long record of acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP)‐data from the Canary Basin (North‐Atlantic ocean) likely reflects vertical zooplankton migration between 800 and 1400 m. This record clearly distinguishes 3 major periodicities of down‐ and upgoing motions to within a precision of ∼1/400: a daily, a seasonal and a monthly cycle. Largest daily excursions occur during full moon. The directly observed hourly mean vertical velocity amplitudes of ∣w∣ = 0.025 ± 0.01 m s−1 are too slow for particles from the observational depths to reach the zone of moon‐ (and only very weak sun‐) light penetration in half a day. It is shown that no physical (internal wave), geochemical or sinking food mechanism can trigger the daily and monthly cycles, which are coupled. It is speculated that an entrained biorhythm running precise internal biochemical clocks controls the vertical migration.
Reading the Neural Code: What do Spikes Mean for Behavior?
Authors: Aur Dorian , Jog Mandar
Published: June 2007

The present study reveals the existence of an intrinsic spatial code within neuronal spikes that predicts behavior. As rats learnt a T-maze procedural task, simultaneous changes in temporal occurrence of spikes and spike directivity are evidenced in “expert” neurons. While the number of spikes between the tone delivery and the beginning of turn phase reduced with learning, the generated spikes between these two events acquired behavioral meaning that is of highest value for action selection. Spike directivity is thus a hidden feature that reveals the semantics of each spike and in the current experiment, predicts the correct turn that the animal would subsequently make to obtain reward. Semantic representation of behavior can then be revealed as modulations in spike directivity during the time. This predictability of observed behavior based on subtle changes in spike directivity represents an important step towards reading and understanding the underlying neural code.
Molecular characterisation of the interactions between olmesartan and telmisartan and the human angiotensin II AT1receptor
Authors: Le M T , Pugsley M K , Vauquelin G , Van Liefde I
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:

Whereas some angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) produce surmountable antagonism of AT1receptors, others such as olmesartan and telmisartan display varying degrees of insurmountability. This study compared the molecular interactions of olmesartan and telmisartan with the human AT1receptor, using well characterisedin vitromethods and model systems.

Experimental approach:

CHO‐K1 cells that stably express human AT1receptors (CHO‐hAT1cells) were used in several pharmacological studies of olmesartan and telmisartan, including direct radioligand binding and inhibition of Ang II‐induced inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation.

Key results:

Both ARBs were found to be competitive antagonists that displayed high affinity, slow dissociation, and a high degree of insurmountability for the AT1receptor (the latter greater with olmesartan). Their receptor interactions could be described by a two‐step process with the initial formation of a loose complex (IR) and subsequent transformation into a tight binding complex (IR*). In washout experiments, [3H] telmisartan dissociated from the receptor with a half‐life of 29 min and the Ang II‐mediated IP accumulation response was 50% maximally restored within 24 min, whereas values for [3H] olmesartan were 72 min and 76 min, respectively.

Conclusions and implications:

The high degree of insurmountability, slow dissociation, and high affinity of olmesartan for its receptor may relate to its ability to stabilise IR* via the carboxyl group of its imidazole core. In comparison, telmisartan displays a less potent interaction with the receptor.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 952–962; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707323
Chronic endothelin‐A receptor antagonism is as protective as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition against cardiac dysfunction in diabetic rats
Authors: Wölkart G , Pang X , Stessel H , Kirchengast M , Brunner F
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a specific cardiomyopathy. We compared the cardioprotective effects of an endothelin‐A receptor blocker (ETA‐RB) with those of an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE‐I) in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes.

Experimental approach:

Diabetic rats were left untreated or received either the ETA‐RB atrasentan or the ACE‐I ramipril (each 3 mg kg−1per day) orally for 8 weeks. Isolated isovolumic heart function was studied during normoxia and in response to ischaemia‐reperfusion. Cardiac fibrosis, tissue oxidative stress and tissue nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity were determined.

Key results:

Basal left ventricular systolic contractility was lower in diabetic compared to nondiabetic hearts and ETA‐RB or ACE‐I treatment significantly antagonised the decline. Following 15 min of no‐flow ischaemia, reperfusion systolic function was depressed and left‐ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was elevated in diabetic hearts. ETA‐RB or ACE‐I treatment significantly improved recovery of reperfusion systolic and diastolic function, without differences between groups. Hydroxyproline (an index of tissue fibrosis) and malondialdehyde (a measure of tissue oxidative stress) were elevated at the end of reperfusion in diabetic, compared to nondiabetic hearts. Either treatment reduced hydroxyproline and malondialdehyde to control level. Constitutive NOS activity was similar in nondiabetic and diabetic hearts and unaffected by ETA‐RB or ACE‐I treatment.

Conclusions and implications:

These results suggest that in experimental type 1 diabetes ETA‐RB is as effective as an ACE‐I in ameliorating myocardial functions during normoxia and ischaemia‐reperfusion. Combining the two treatments neither afforded additive effects, nor diminished any protection effect seen with either drug.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)151, 1187–1197; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707325
Region‐dependent attenuation of μ opioid receptor‐mediated G‐protein activation in mouse CNS as a function of morphine tolerance
Authors: Sim‐Selley L J , Scoggins K L , Cassidy M P , Smith L A , Dewey W L , Smith F L , Selley D E
Published: June 2007

Background and purpose:

Chronic morphine administration produces tolerance in vivo and attenuation of μ opioid receptor (MOR)‐mediated G‐protein activation measured in vitro, but the relationship between these adaptations is not clear. The present study examined MOR‐mediated G‐protein activation in the CNS of mice with different levels of morphine tolerance.

Experimental approach:

Mice were implanted with morphine pellets, with or without supplemental morphine injections, to induce differing levels of tolerance as determined by a range of MOR‐mediated behaviours. MOR function was measured using agonist‐stimulated [35S]guanylyl‐5′‐O‐(γ‐thio)‐triphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) and receptor binding throughout the CNS.

Key results:

Morphine pellet implantation produced 6‐12‐fold tolerance in antinociceptive assays, hypothermia and Straub tail, as measured by the ratio of morphine ED50 values between morphine‐treated and control groups. Pellet implantation plus supplemental injections produced 25‐50‐fold tolerance in these tests. In morphine pellet‐implanted mice, MOR‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was significantly reduced only in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and spinal cord dorsal horn in tissue sections from morphine pellet‐implanted mice. In contrast, MOR‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding was significantly decreased in most regions examined in morphine pellet+morphine injected mice, including nucleus accumbens, caudate‐putamen, periaqueductal gray, parabrachial nucleus, NTS and spinal cord.

Conclusions and implications:

Tolerance and the regional pattern of apparent MOR desensitization were influenced positively by the level of morphine exposure. These results indicate that desensitization of MOR‐mediated G‐protein activity is more regionally widespread upon induction of high levels of tolerance, suggesting that this response contributes more to high than low levels of tolerance to CNS‐mediated effects of morphine.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 1324–1333; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707328