bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Range and Medium-Range Weather Forecasting in the Extratropics during Wintertime with and without an Interactive Ocean
Authors: Jung Thomas , Vitart Frederic
Published: July 2006

The ECMWF monthly forecasting system is used to investigate the impact that an interactive ocean has on short-range and medium-range weather predictions in the Northern Hemisphere extratropics during wintertime. On a hemispheric scale the predictive skill for mean sea level pressure (MSLP) with and without an interactive ocean is comparable. This can be explained by the relatively small impact that coupling has on MSLP forecasts. In fact, deterministic and ensemble integrations reveal that the magnitude of forecast error and the perturbation growth due to analysis uncertainties, respectively, by far outweigh MSLP differences between coupled and uncoupled integrations. Furthermore, no significant difference of the ensemble spread between the uncoupled and coupled system is found. The authors’ conclusions apply equally for a number of cases of rapidly intensifying extratropical cyclones in the North Atlantic region. Further experimentation with different atmospheric model versions, different horizontal atmospheric resolutions, and different ocean model formulation reveals the robustness of the findings. The results suggest that (for the cases, resolutions, and model complexities considered is this study) the benefit of using coupled atmosphere–ocean models to carry out 1–10-day MSLP forecasts is relatively small, at least in the Northern Hemisphere extratropics during wintertime.
Safeguarding Your Customers
Authors: Feickert Julie , Verma Rohit , Plaschka Gerhard , Dev Chekitan S.
Published: July 2006

A study of 930 hotel guests found relatively high acceptance of certain security measures, along with a willingness to pay extra for some of them. In particular, respondents were favorable to security cameras and requiring photo identification, and they would support having a first-aid kit in every hotel room. Study participants were mixed on more intrusive security efforts, such as metal detectors, visible security guards, and background checks of guests to see whether they have police records. Respondents younger than forty were both more likely to accept stringent security measures and more willing to pay for them. Women were also more supportive of strong security measures than were men, particularly men who are frequent travelers.
The Role of Brand Affiliation in Hotel Market Value
Authors: O’Neill John W. , Xiao Qu
Published: July 2006

The notion that a hotel’s brand contributes significantly to the property’s market value is supported by an analysis of nearly eleven hundred hotel transactions over the past fifteen years. The analysis found that brands added value beyond the usual contributors to a property’s value, such as net operating income and revenue per available room. The effects of branding were most noticeable in midmarket and upscale hotels. Based on per-room sales statistics, certain brands added significantly more value to their franchisees’ properties than others.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Authors: Kwortnik Robert J.
Published: July 2006

The case of Carnival Cruise Lines chronicles the company’s birth and development as it redefined the leisure cruise industry. With a theme of “Fun Ships” and low pricing, Carnival appealed to a diverse market. Under the pressure of increasing competition, Carnival was challenged to refine its Fun Ships brand without damaging the considerable equity contained in that brand. In particular, as cruise lines became less differentiated in the customers’ view, Carnival sought to set itself apart with upgraded product features, service, and other guest amenities, as well as a more sophisticated brand message.
Report of Nationally Representative Values for the Noninstitutionalized US Adult Population for 7 Health-Related Quality-of-Life Scores
Authors: Hanmer Janel , Lawrence William F. , Anderson John P. , Kaplan Robert M. , Fryback Dennis G.
Published: July 2006

Background. Despite widespread use of generic health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) scores, few have publicly published nationally representative US values. Purpose. To create current nationally representative values for 7 of the most common HRQoL scores, stratified by age and sex. Methods. The authors used data from the 2001 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey (MEPS) and the 2001 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), nationally representative surveys of the US noninstitutionalized civilian population. The MEPS was used to calculate 6 HRQoL scores: categorical self-rated health, EuroQoL-5D with US scoring, EuroQoL-5D with UK scoring, EuroQol Visual Analog Scale, mental and physical component summaries from the SF-12, and the SF-6D. The authors estimated Quality of Well-being scale scores from the NHIS. Results. They included 22,523 subjects from MEPS 2001 and 32,472 subjects from NHIS 2001. Most age and sex categories had instrument completion rates above 85%. Females reported lower scores than males across all ages and instruments. In general, those in older age groups reported lower scores than younger age groups, with the exception of the mental component summary from the SF-12. Conclusion. This is one of the first sets of publicly available, nationally representative US values for any standardized HRQoL measure. These values are important for use in both generalized comparisons of health status and in cost-effectiveness analyses.
Once upon a Time There Was a Big Party: The Social Bases of the Romanian Communist Party (Part II)
Authors: Stoica Cătălin Augustin
Published: July 2006

Employing survey data, this study highlights the following characteristics of the Romanian Communist Party (RCP): with an estimated membership of 33 percent of Romania’s employed population, the late RCP was proportionally the largest Leninist party in Eastern Europe. Consistent with the so-called “deproletarianization” thesis, the RCP manifested a marked preference toward recruiting well-educated individuals and professionals among its ranks. The RCP also tended to recruit from among disadvantaged classes (in particular, peasants and their offspring). Despite some prowomen “affirmative action” policies, women were underrepresented among Party members. Some ethnic minorities had fewer chances of joining the RCP than ethnic Romanians. As compared to other communist parties, the RCP had one of the highest rates of intergenerational political reproduction among its ranks. This article suggests that the amorphous character of the RCP and its closed elite could also explain why Party members did not bother to save their historically obsolete leader.
Creating a supranational institution: the role of the individual and the mood of the times
Authors: Bocqueraz Claude , Walton Peter
Published: July 2006

This study notes that, while the research literature which addresses accounting change in different countries is preoccupied with issues such as economic and legal environment, culture and consensus, research in accounting history recognizes, in biographical studies, the role sometimes played by individuals in influencing the outcomes in moments where change takes place. The article looks at the case of the creation of the International Accounting Standards Committee and analyses the evidence concerning the roles of the central individuals, Henry Benson, Douglas Morpeth and Wally Olson. It concludes that while it is difficult to disentangle the strands of institutional politics and responses to prevailing policy issues, the individuals concerned did play major roles and there is a case for the intervention of individuals to be considered in the international accounting literature as one of the issues that helps build accounting infrastructure.
Fantasy, Realism, and the Other in Recent Video Games
Authors: Schwartz Leigh
Published: July 2006

Despite the growing use and complexity of the virtual environments of video games, geographers have neglected investigation of the representation of video game spaces. Game spaces are entirely artificial, and whether they feature swords-and-sorcery fantasy worlds or gritty urban streets, video game environments are embedded with metaphors and ideas for political and mythological constructs. This article examines the virtual environments of four recent games, conducting visual and textual analysis of the representation of fantasy, realism, and othering.
CityCorps
Authors: Martin Randy , Joseph May
Published: July 2006

This theme section of Space and Culture, titled “CityCorps,” stages an encounter between performance studies and urban studies with an eye toward opening new axes of collaboration between these domains. Both share a concern with the capacities of publics to gather as critical and generative forces to bring together the social wealth of the built environment and the moving body.
Somatic City
Authors: Joseph May
Published: July 2006

This article is about the New York City circus company Circus Amok and its experiments in civic imaginings. The essay explores the relationship between the circus, civic belonging, urban citizenship, and the role of the moving body in public spaces such as park spaces. Circus Amok is an experimental theater group interested in bringing political critique to people in the city through free circus performances.
‘Outlook’: A Psychological Service for Children with a Different Appearance
Authors: Maddern Lynn H. , Cadogan Julia C. , Emerson Michael P.
Published: July 2006

‘Outlook’ is a unit within North Bristol Trust which has been developing a psychosocial service for children, young people and adults with a different appearance resulting from congenital abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate and also burns and other forms of trauma. This study presents data collected from 29 children aged between 5 and 16 who received individual therapeutic interventions. The baseline assessment included a semistructured interview schedule, visual analogue scales and the CBCL (Achenbach, 1991) to provide the parents' view of their children's behaviour profile. Measures were repeated post intervention and at 6 months follow-up. The intervention consisted of four sessions of cognitivebehavioural therapy (CBT) including social skills and problem-solving components. Statistical analyses revealed significant outcomes on a range of measures. At 6 months follow-up children reported a reduction in the frequency of teasing and in the degree of distress it caused both in the classroom and in the playground. Parents reported reductions in their children's' somatizing behaviour and levels of anxiety. These outcomes suggest that this approach represents an effective therapy for children with appearance-related psychological problems.
Users, interactivity and generation
Authors: Richards Russell
Published: July 2006

This article is, in part, a response to articles for this Journal by Sally McMillan and Spiro Kiousis. The article examines the analytical problems caused by the fact that interactivity is both a property and an activity. It asserts that interactivity is a contextualizing facility that mediates between environments and content and users. The article analyses the modes of operation both for the production of the properties of interactivity and usage/production in the activity of interactivity. The concept of ‘positioning’ is offered as a means of moving the debate on from the application of communication models or the practical development of ‘features’. The article proposes ‘succession mapping’ as a methodology that acknowledges the building up of the interactive offer and also the generative capabilities of packages. The concept of the active user engaged in ‘user production’ i.e. generation is introduced as being of value to academics, practitioners and those who practice, teach and research.
Short-chain fatty acids induce γ-globin gene expression by displacement of a HDAC3-NCoR repressor complex
Authors: Mankidy Rishikesh , Faller Douglas V. , Mabaera Rodwell , Lowrey Christopher H. , Boosalis Michael S. , White Gary L. , Castaneda Serguei A. , Perrine Susan P.
Published: July 2006

High-level induction of fetal (γ) globin gene expression for therapy of β-hemoglobinopathies likely requires local chromatin modification and dissociation of repressor complexes for γ-globin promoter activation. A novel γ-globin–inducing short-chain fatty acid derivative (SCFAD), RB7, which was identified through computational modeling, produced a 6-fold induction in a reporter assay that detects only strong inducers of the γ-globin gene promoter and in cultured human erythroid progenitors. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms used by high-potency SCFADs, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays performed at the human γ- and β-globin gene promoters in GM979 cells and in erythroid progenitors demonstrate that RB7 and butyrate induce dissociation of HDAC3 (but not HDAC1 or HDAC2) and its adaptor protein NCoR, specifically from the γ-globin gene promoter. A coincident and proportional recruitment of RNA polymerase II to the γ-globin gene promoter was observed with exposure to these γ-globin inducers. Knockdown of HDAC3 by siRNA induced transcription of the γ-globin gene promoter, demonstrating that displacement of HDAC3 from the γ-globin gene promoter by the SCFAD is sufficient to induce γ-globin gene expression. These studies demonstrate new dynamic alterations in transcriptional regulatory complexes associated with SCFAD-induced activation of the γ-globin gene and provide a specific molecular target for potential therapeutic intervention.
MMP-9 in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia is up-regulated by α4β1 integrin or CXCR4 engagement via distinct signaling pathways, localizes to podosomes, and is involved in cell invasion and migration
Authors: Redondo-Muñoz Javier , Escobar-Díaz Elizabeth , Samaniego Rafael , Terol María José , García-Marco José A. , García-Pardo Ángeles
Published: July 2006

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) progression is determined by malignant cell extravasation and lymphoid tissue infiltration. We have studied the role and regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in B-CLL cell migration and invasion. Adhesion of B-CLL cells to the fibronectin fragment FN-H89, VCAM-1, or TNF-α–activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) up-regulated MMP-9 production, measured by gelatin zymography. This effect was mediated by α4β1 integrin and required PI3-K/Akt signaling. The chemokine CXCL12 also up-regulated MMP-9, independently of α4β1 and involving ERK1/2 but not Akt activity. Accordingly, α4β1 engagement activated the PI3-K/Akt/NF-κB pathway, while CXCL12/CXCR4 interaction activated ERK1/2/c-Fos signaling. Anti–MMP-9 antibodies, the MMP-9 inhibitor TIMP-1, or transfection with 3 different MMP-9 siRNAs significantly blocked migration through Matrigel or HUVECs. Cell-associated MMP-9 was mainly at the membrane and contained the proactive and mature forms. Moreover, B-CLL cells formed podosomes upon adhesion to FN-H89, VCAM-1, or fibronectin; MMP-9 localized to podosomes in a PI3-K–dependent manner and degraded a fibronectin/gelatin matrix. Our results are the first to show that MMP-9 is physiologically regulated by α4β1 integrin and CXCL12 and plays a key role in cell invasion and transendothelial migration, thus contributing to B-CLL progression. MMP-9 could therefore constitute a target for treatment of this malignancy.
Synthetic anti-BR3 antibodies that mimic BAFF binding and target both human and murine B cells
Authors: Lee Chingwei V. , Hymowitz Sarah G. , Wallweber Heidi J. , Gordon Nathaniel C. , Billeci Karen L. , Tsai Siao-Ping , Compaan Deanne M. , Yin JianPing , Gong Qian , Kelley Robert F. , DeForge Laura E. , Martin Flavius , Starovasnik Melissa A. , Fuh Germaine
Published: July 2006

BR3, which is expressed on all mature B cells, is a specific receptor for the B-cell survival and maturation factor BAFF (B-cell–activating factor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor [TNF] family). In order to investigate the consequences of targeting BR3 in murine models and to assess the potential of BR3 antibodies as human therapeutics, synthetic antibody phage libraries were employed to identify BAFF-blocking antibodies cross-reactive to murine and human BR3, which share 52% identity in their extracellular domains. We found an antibody, CB1, which exhibits μM affinity for murine BR3 and very weak affinity for the human receptor. CB3s, an affinity-matured variant of CB1, has sub-nM affinity for BR3 from both species. Alanine scanning and crystallographic structural analysis of the CB3s/BR3 complex reveal that CB3s mimics BAFF by interacting with a similar region of the BR3 surface. Despite this similarity in binding epitopes, CB1 variants antagonize BAFF-dependent human B-cell proliferation in vitro and are effective at reducing murine B-cell populations in vivo, showing significant promise as therapeutics for human B-cell–mediated diseases.
MANET: tracing evolution of protein architecture in metabolic networks
Authors: Kim Hee Shin , Mittenthal Jay E , Caetano-Anollés Gustavo
Published: July 2006

Background

Cellular metabolism can be characterized by networks of enzymatic reactions and transport processes capable of supporting cellular life. Our aim is to find evolutionarypatternsandprocessesembedded in the architecture and function of modern metabolism, using information derived from structural genomics.

Description

The Molecular Ancestry Network (MANET) project traces evolution of protein architecture in biomolecular networks. We describe metabolic MANET, a database that links information in the Structural Classification of Proteins (SCOP), the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and phylogenetic reconstructions depicting the evolution of protein fold architecture. Metabolic MANET literally 'paints' the ancestries of enzymes derived from rooted phylogenomic trees directly onto over one hundred metabolic subnetworks, enabling the study of evolutionary patterns at global and local levels. An initial analysis of painted subnetworks reveals widespread enzymatic recruitment and an early origin of amino acid metabolism.

Conclusion

MANET maps evolutionary relationships directly and globally onto biological networks, and can generate and test hypotheses related to evolution of metabolism. We anticipate its use in the study of other networks, such as signaling and other protein-protein interaction networks.
Formation of functional Tat translocases from heterologous components
Authors: Hicks Matthew G , Guymer David , Buchanan Grant , Widdick David A , Caldelari Isabelle , Berks Ben C , Palmer Tracy
Published: July 2006

Background

The Tat pathway transports folded proteins across the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria and the thylakoid membrane of plants. In Eschericha coli, Tat transport requires the integral membrane proteins TatA, TatB and TatC. In this study we have tested the ability of tat genes from the eubacterial species Pseudomonas syringae, Streptomyces coelicolor and Aquifex aeolicus, to compensate for the absence of the cognate E. coli tat gene, and thus to form functional Tat translocases with E. coli Tat components.

Results

All three subunits of the Tat system from the Gram positive organism Streptomyces coelicolor were able to form heterologous translocases with substantive Tat transport activity. However, only the TatA and TatB proteins of Pseudomonas syringae were able to functionally interact with the E. coli Tat system even though the two organisms are closely related. Of the Tat components from the phylogenetically distant hyperthermophillic bacterium Aquifex aeolicus only the TatA proteins showed any detectable level of heterologous functionality. The heterologously expressed TatA proteins of S. coelicolor and A. aeolicus were found exclusively in the membrane fraction.

Conclusion

Our results show that of the three Tat proteins, TatA is most likely to show cross-species complementation. By contrast, TatB and TatC do not always show cross-complementation, probably because they must recognise heterologous signal peptides. Since heterologously-expressed S. coelicolor TatA protein was functional and found only in the membrane fraction, it suggests that soluble forms of Streptomyces TatA reported by others do not play a role in protein export.
Familial deletion 18p syndrome: case report
Authors: Maranda Bruno , Lemieux Nicole , Lemyre Emmanuelle
Published: July 2006

Background

Deletion 18p is a frequent deletion syndrome characterized by dysmorphic features, growth deficiencies, and mental retardation with a poorer verbal performance. Until now, five families have been described with limited clinical description. We report transmission of deletion 18p from a mother to her two daughters and review the previous cases.

Case presentation

The proband is 12 years old and has short stature, dysmorphic features and moderate mental retardation. Her sister is 9 years old and also has short stature and similar dysmorphic features. Her cognitive performance is within the borderline to mild mental retardation range. The mother also presents short stature. Psychological evaluation showed moderate mental retardation. Chromosome analysis from the sisters and their mother revealed the same chromosomal deletion: 46, XX, del(18)(p11.2). Previous familial cases were consistent regarding the transmission of mental retardation. Our family differs in this regard with variable cognitive impairment and does not display poorer verbal than non-verbal abilities. An exclusive maternal transmission is observed throughout those families. Women with del(18p) are fertile and seem to have a normal miscarriage rate.

Conclusion

Genetic counseling for these patients should take into account a greater range of cognitive outcome than previously reported.
Use of filter paper stored dried blood for measurement of triglycerides
Authors: Quraishi Rizwana , Lakshmy Ramakrishnan , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Mukhopadhyay Ashok Kumar , Jailkhani Bansilal
Published: July 2006

Adaptation of assays on dried blood has advantages of ease of collection, transportation, minimal invasiveness and requirement of small volume. A method for extraction and estimation of triglyceride from blood spots dried on filter paper (Whatman no. 3) has been developed. A single dried blood spot containing 10 μL blood was used. Triglyceride was efficiently extracted in methanol from blood dried on filter paper by incubation at 37°C for two hours with gentle shaking. For the estimation, a commercially available enzymatic method was used. Blood spot assays showed mean intra and inter assay coefficient of variance of 6.0% and 7.4% respectively. A comparison of paired whole blood spots and plasma samples (n = 75, day 0) gave an intraclass correlation of 0.96. The recovery was 99.6%. The dried blood triglyceride concentrations were stable for one month when the filter discs were stored at room temperature (16–28°C). Storage of filters at 4°C extended the stability and triglycerides could be quantatively recovered after 3 months of storage.
Oxidative stress increases Fas ligand expression in endothelial cells
Authors: Suzuki Mayumi , Aoshiba Kazutetsu , Nagai Atsushi
Published: July 2006

Background

Fas ligand (FasL) induces apoptosis in Fas-bearing target cells, such as leukocytes, and up-regulation of FasL expression on the endothelium may contribute to anti-inflammatory reactions that attenuate leukocyte extravasation during inflammation. Since oxidants generated during inflammation and cigarette smoking may modulate endothelial function, we examined the effect of H2O2and cigarette smoke on endothelial FasL expression.

Methods

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to nontoxic concentrations of H2O2and cigarette smoke extracts (CSE). Membrane FasL expression was assessed by immunostaining with anti-FasL antibody followed by either monolayer-cell-based spectrofluorimetry or flow cytometry. Soluble FasL in culture supernatants was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For the cytotoxic assay, HUVECs were exposed to H2O2and co-cultured with neutrophils. Neutrophils were stained by a peroxidase/diaminobenzidine-based reaction, and apoptosis was evaluated on the basis of nuclear morphology after Giemsa staining. To analyze in vitro FasL expression in arteries, rat thoracic aortas were incubated with H2O2, and paraffin-embedded sections were prepared for immunohistochemistry with anti-FasL antibody.

Results

Exposure of HUVECs to H2O2dose-dependently increased their levels of both membrane and soluble forms of FasL expression. CSE exposure also caused increased levels of FasL expression, but the increase was partially inhibited by the addition of catalase. When co-cultured with neutrophils, HUVECs exposed to H2O2significantly promoted neutrophil apoptosis. Rat thoracic aortas incubated with H2O2exhibited increased FasL expression on their endothelium.

Conclusion

Low levels of oxidative stress increase FasL expression on endothelial cells, thereby potentially reducing leukocyte extravasation and tissue damage.
Flow-cytometric assessment of cellular poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation capacity in peripheral blood lymphocytes
Authors: Kunzmann Andrea , Liu Dan , Annett Kathryn , Malaisé Muriel , Thaa Bastian , Hyland Paul , Barnett Yvonne , Bürkle Alexander
Published: July 2006

Background

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation is a posttranslational modification of nuclear proteins catalysed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), using NAD+ as a substrate. Activation of PARP-1 is in immediate response to DNA damage generated by endogenous and exogenous damaging agents. It has been implicated in several crucial cellular processes including DNA repair and maintenance of genomic stability, which are both intimately linked with the ageing process. The measurement of cellular poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation capacity, defined as the amount of poly(ADP-ribose) produced under maximal stimulation, is therefore relevant for research on ageing, as well as for a variety of other scientific questions.

Results

This paper reports a new, robust protocol for the measurement of cellular poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation capacity in PBMC or Jurkat T-cells using flow cytometry, based on a previously established immuno-dot-blot assay. In order to validate the new assay, we determined the dose-response curve of 3-aminobenzamide, a well-known competitive PARP inhibitor, and we derived an IC50 that is very close to the published value. When testing a set of PBMC samples taken from fifteen healthy young human donors, we could confirm the presence of a substantial interindividual variation, as previously observed using a radiometric assay.

Conclusion

The methodology described in this paper should be generally useful for the determination of cellular poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation capacity in a wide variety of settings, especially for the comparison of large sets of samples, such as population studies. In contrast to previously published radiometric or immuno-dot-blot assays, the new FACS-based method allows (i) selective analysis of mononuclear cells by gating and (ii) detection of a possible heterogeneity in poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation capacity between cells of the same type.
Cardiomyopathy, familial dilated
Authors: Taylor Matthew RG , Carniel Elisa , Mestroni Luisa
Published: July 2006

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart muscle disease characterized by ventricular dilatation and impaired systolic function. Patients with DCM suffer from heart failure, arrhythmia, and are at risk of premature death. DCM has a prevalence of one case out of 2500 individuals with an incidence of 7/100,000/year (but may be under diagnosed). In many cases the disease is inherited and is termedfamilialDCM (FDC). FDC may account for 20–48% of DCM. FDC is principally caused by genetic mutations in FDC genes that encode for cytoskeletal and sarcomeric proteins in the cardiac myocyte. Family history analysis is an important tool for identifying families affected by FDC. Standard criteria for evaluating FDC families have been published and the use of such criteria is increasing. Clinical genetic testing has been developed for some FDC genes and will be increasingly utilized for evaluating FDC families. Through the use of family screening by pedigree analysis and/or genetic testing, it is possible to identify patients at earlier, or even presymptomatic stages of their disease. This presents an opportunity to invoke lifestyle changes and to provide pharmacological therapy earlier in the course of disease. Genetic counseling is used to identify additional asymptomatic family members who are at risk of developing symptoms, allowing for regular screening of these individuals. The management of FDC focuses on limiting the progression of heart failure and controlling arrhythmia, and is based on currently accepted treatment guidelines for DCM. It includes general measures (salt and fluid restriction, treatment of hypertension, limitation of alcohol intake, control of body weight, moderate exercise) and pharmacotherapy. Cardiac resynchronization, implantable cardioverter defibrillators and left ventricular assist devices have progressively expanding usage. Patients with severe heart failure, severe reduction of the functional capacity and depressed left ventricular ejection fraction have a low survival rate and may require heart transplant.
Holocene dune activity and environmental change in the prairie parki and and boreal forest, central Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Wolfe Stephen A. , Ollerhead Jeff , Huntley David J. , Lian Olav B.
Published: July 2006

Past aeolian activity was reconstructed at four dunefields in the prairie parkland and boreal forest of central Saskatchewan to elucidate landscape response to environmental change. Optical ages from stabilized dunes in the boreal transition ecoregion indicate two episodes of activity. The first, at about 11 ka, corresponds to a period of early-Holocene parkland and grassland cover following deglaciation and drainage after about 13.0 ka, and brief establishment of boreal forest. The second, between about 7.5 and 5 ka, corresponds to a period of mid-Holocene parkland-grassland cover. Optical ages from dunefields in the prairie parkland primarily record mid-Holocene activity, between about 7.5 and 4.7 ka, corresponding to a period of grassland cover, with some reworking continuing into the late Holocene. Although this area was deglaciated by about 13.5 ka, there is no evidence of early-Holocene dune activity, suggesting that mid-Holocene activity may have reworked earlier deposits here. Consequently, much of the morphology and stratigraphy observed in these dunefields are associated with mid-Holocene activity, likely associated with increased aridity and reduced vegetation cover at that time. This study provides the most northerly evidence of mid-Holocene dune reactivation on the Great Plains, lending support to the assertion that aeolian activity was widespread at that time.
A millennial-scale reconstruction of spruce budworm abundance in Saguenay, Quéebec, Canada
Authors: Simard Isabelle , Morin Hubert , Lavoie Claude
Published: July 2006

A high-resolution macrofossil analysis was conducted to reconstruct spruce budworm abundance in an 8600-year-old mire in Saguenay, Québec, Canada. Abundant spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana [Clem.]) faeces recovered in the peat profile suggested endemic and epidemic presence of the insect in the study site since 8240 cal. BP. Important variations in the abundance of faeces were observed, and two exceptional periods of insect activity were delineated, from 6815 to 6480 cal. BP and during the twentieth century. Lepidoptera head capsules were also found in the Lac des Îlets peat profile. They were less abundant and more altered than spruce budworm faeces, but they offered complementary information on insect activity. The long-term perspective achieved with this macrofossil analysis strongly suggests that intense periods of spruce budworm activity were rare events during the Holocene.
Effects of Testosterone, 17β‐Estradiol, and Downstream Estrogens on Cytokine Secretion from Human Leukocytes in the Presence and Absence of Cortisol
Authors: JANELE DAVID , LANG THOMAS , CAPELLINO SILVIA , CUTOLO MAURIZIO , DA SILVA JOSE ANTONIO P. , STRAUB RAINER H.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Estrogens at physiological concentrations are thought to play an immune‐stimulating role, whereas androgens have an anti‐inflammatory impact. However, their role on cytokine secretion in the presence or absence of cortisol has not been investigated. Furthermore, the role of hydroxylated estrogens downstream of 17β‐estradiol (E2) on secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is not known. In this study on peripheral blood leukocytes of healthy male subjects, we scrutinized the influence of prior sex hormones (for 24 h) with and without later addition of cortisol (for another 24 h) on stimulated secretion of TNF, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). E2 stabilized or increased immune stimuli–induced secretion of TNF, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, and IFNγ in relation to testosterone. Testosterone, in contrast, inhibited (IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10) or tended to inhibit stimulated secretion of these cytokines (TNF, IFNγ). This effect of E2 was pronounced at a concentration of 10−10 M (testosterone: 10−7 M) in the presence of cortisol. E2 (10−8 M, 10−10 M) and testosterone (10−7 M) did not change glucocorticoid receptor expression. The downstream estrogens 2OH‐estradiol(one), 4OH‐estradiol(one), and 16OH‐estradiol(one) did not stimulate TNF secretion at 10−10 M, but even inhibited its secretion at 10−11 M. However, the combination of 16OH‐estradiol(one) on one side and 2OH‐estradiol(one) or 4OH‐estradiol(one) on the other side markedly stimulated TNF secretion that was only observable in the presence of cortisol. In conclusion, at physiological concentrations, E2 and a combination of downstream estrogens stabilized or increased immune stimuli–induced TNF secretion. These effects are dependent on the presence of physiological concentrations of cortisol. This study underlines the proinflammatory role of E2, which is probably dependent on conversion to a proinflammatory cocktail of downstream estrogens and the presence of cortisol.
Anti‐TNF and Sex Hormones
Authors: CUTOLO MAURIZIO , SULLI ALBERTO , CAPELLINO SILVIA , VILLAGGIO BARBARA , MONTAGNA PAOLA , PIZZORNI CARMEN , PAOLINO SABRINA , SERIOLO BRUNO , FELLI LAMBERTO , STRAUB RAINER H.
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Whenever serum estrogen concentrations are normal in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, lower androgen concentrations (i.e., testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEAS]) are detected in the serum as well as in the synovial fluid of male and female RA patients. The presence in the RA synovial fluid of a significant altered sex hormone balance resulting in lower immunosuppressive androgens and higher immuno‐enhancing estrogens, might determine a favorable condition for the development of the immunomediated RA synovitis. The inflammatory cytokines (i.e., TNF‐α), particularly increased in RA synovitis, are able to markedly stimulate the aromatase activity in peripheral tissues and, therefore, induce the peripheral metabolism from androgens to estrogens. The effects of TNF blockers (and generally of anticytokine agents) on peripheral sex hormone levels seem exerted in a faster way at the level of the RA synovial tissue (before any influence on serum levels) where they seem to block the conversion from androgens (anti‐inflammatory) to estrogens (proinflammatory) induced by aromatase. Therefore, the beneficial effects of restoring synovial androgens might be clinically more evident in male RA patients (as recently observed in ANTARES study) since they suffer more for the lack of androgens (anti‐inflammatory) on account of the action of TNF‐α on peripheral hormonal conversion. However, therapy (3 months) with anti‐TNF did not change serum levels of typical sex hormones in patients with RA, although baseline values were largely different from controls. In patients with at least long‐standing RA, this indicates that alterations of serum sex hormones and altered activity of respective converting enzymes are imprinted for a long‐lasting period over at least 12 weeks.
Cell Stress Response in Skeletal Muscle Myofibers
Authors: TARRICONE ELENA , GHIRARDELLO ANNA , ZAMPIERI SANDRA , ELISA RAMPUDDA MARIA , DORIA ANDREA , GORZA LUISA
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Cells respond to conditions that impair homeostasis through ex novo synthesis of stress proteins, which differ in subcellular localization and biological function and whose differential expression depends on the type of the stressing stimulus and on the involvement of the specific stress‐response signaling cascade. The biological significance of such an event is the increased resistance against further perturbations of cell homeostasis, and thus, enhanced survival. We will review briefly the available evidence concerning stress response of skeletal muscle cells, including recent results indicating the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress response and proteins in skeletal muscle cell differentiation and in progression of muscle diseases.
Cancer Genetic Testing and Assisted Reproduction
Authors: Offit Kenneth , Kohut Kelly , Clagett Bartholt , Wadsworth Eve A. , Lafaro Kelly J. , Cummings Shelly , White Melody , Sagi Michal , Bernstein Donna , Davis Jessica G.
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Because of increasing uptake of cancer genetic testing and the improving survival of young patients with cancer, health care practitioners including oncologists will increasingly be asked about options for assisted reproduction by members of families affected by hereditary cancer syndromes. Among these reproductive options, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) offers the opportunity to select embryos without familial cancer-predisposing mutations.

Methods

A review of the published literature supplemented by a survey of PGD centers in the United States.

Results

Prenatal diagnosis and/or embryo selection after genetic testing has already been performed in the context of more than a dozen familial cancer syndromes, including the common syndromes of genetic predisposition to colon and breast cancer.

Conclusion

While constituting new reproductive options for families affected by cancer, the medical indications and ethical acceptance of assisted reproductive technologies for adult-onset cancer predisposition syndromes remain to be defined. Continued discussion of the role of PGD in the reproductive setting is needed to inform the responsible use of these technologies to decrease the burden of heritable cancers.
Nineteen‐Month‐Olds' Understanding of the Conventionality of Object Labels Versus Desires
Authors: Graham Susan A. , Stock Hayli , Henderson Annette M. E.
Published: July 2006

We assessed 19‐month‐olds' appreciation of the conventional nature of object labels versus desires. Infants played a finding game with an experimenter who stated her intention to find the referent of a novel word (word group), to find an object she wanted (desire group), or simply to look in a box (control group). A 2nd experimenter then administered a comprehension task to assess infants' tendency to extend information to a 2nd person who was not present at the time of learning. Results indicate that infants chose the target object when the 2nd experimenter asked for the referent of the novel label but not when she requested the referent of her desire. These findings demonstrate that 19‐month‐olds understand that words are conventional, but desires are not.
Lower Bone Mineral Content in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Is Linked to Female Sex, Low Insulin-Like Growth Factor Type I Levels, and High Insulin Requirement
Authors: Léger Juliane , Marinovic Daniela , Alberti Corinne , Dorgeret Sophie , Chevenne Didier , Marchal Claire Lévy , Tubiana-Rufi Nadia , Sebag Guy , Czernichow Paul
Published: July 2006

Context: Studies on bone mineral characteristics in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have generated conflicting results.

Objective: Our objective was to investigate bone mineral characteristics in children with T1DM and to analyze their associations with bone metabolism and the IGF-I system.

Design: We recruited a cohort of Caucasian patients with T1DM for at least 3 yr and healthy children between January 2003 and June 2004.

Setting: This was a university hospital-based study.

Participants: A total of 127 patients and 319 controls aged 6 to 20 yr participated.

Methods: Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was performed in patients and controls. Serum bone alkaline phosphatase, CrossLaps, IGF-I, and IGF-binding protein 3 levels were determined in patients with values analyzed using our normative data from 1150 healthy children.

Results: After adjustment for age, sex, pubertal stage, and body mass index sd score, total body bone mineral content (BMC)/lean body mass was significantly lower in patients than in controls (P < 0.04). This difference was a result of the differences between the girls of the two groups. Girls with T1DM had significantly lower lumbar spine and total body BMC than control girls (P = 0.002), whereas no such difference was observed in boys. Serum bone alkaline phosphatase level was significantly lower in girls than in boys (P = 0.04). Low serum IGF-I levels and the administration of large amounts of insulin were found to have independent deleterious effects on BMC for children of all ages and both sexes, whereas disease duration and glycosylated hemoglobin levels did not.

Conclusions: A sex-related difference in the impairment of bone mineral characteristics was identified in children with T1DM. Longitudinal studies are required to investigate whether boys may gain slightly less bone mass during skeletal growth.
ON THE ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF SALT SOLUTIONS OF SOME RARE EARTH ELEMENTS
Authors: Inoue Toshi
Published: July 2006

1) The absorption spectra of chlorides of lanthanum, cerium (trivalent), praseodymium, neodymium, Samarium and erbium were studied and compared with the works published up to the present time.

2) In studying the ultra-violet absorptions of these salts, the existence of the following bands was confirmed:

350 and 2469 Å in cerous chloride; 2600 Å in samarium chloride; 2470 Å in erbium chloride.

3) A method for the quantitative analysis for cerium and samarium by measuring their characteristic ultra-violet absorptions was described.
HETEROGENEOUS CHEMICAL REACTIONS IN THE SILENT ELECTRIC DISCHARGE. XIII. REACTIONS BETWEEN HYDROGEN AND SOLID INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Authors: Miyamoto Susumu
Published: July 2006

The chemical reactions under the siient electric discharge were studied when hydrogen reacts with the following inorganic solid substances.
THE NITRILE-ESTERS OF 2-METHYLPROPENE-1,1,3,3-TETRACARBOXYLIC ACID
Authors: Urushibara Yoshiyuki , Takebayashi Matsuji
Published: July 2006

The sodium derivatives of the nitrile-esters of 2-methylpropene-1,1,3,3-tetracarboxylic acid (HOOC)2C=C(CH3)–CH(COOH)2 have been synthesized, and their properties have been compared with those of the corresponding compounds of the propene-1,1,3,3-tetracarboxylic acid series synthesized previously. It has been observed that, with one exceptional case of the 1,3-dicyano-1,3-dicarbethoxy-compounds, there exist analogies in all respects between the 2-methylpropene-tetracarboxylic acid series and the propenetetracarboxylic acid series.
The Effects of Oxygen and Peroxides on the Rate of Addition of Bromine to Cinnamic Acid in Carbon Tetrachloride
Authors: Urushibara Yoshiyuki , Takebayashi Matsuji
Published: July 2006

(1) The relation between the extent of addition of bromine to cinnamic acid in carbon tetrachloride and the amount of oxygen present has been shown.

(2) It has been indicated that hydrogen bromide is indifferent to the reaction of bromine with cinnamic acid in carbon tetrachloride either in presence or in absence of oxygen.

(3) The accelerating effect of benzoyl peroxide on the addition of bromine to cinnamic acid in carbon tetrachloride has been demonstrated.

(4) In all cases, namely in vacuum and in the presence of any of oxygen, benzoyl peroxide, and hydrogen bromide, the products separating out in crystals were cinnamic acid dibromide melting at 198°.

(5) All the results mentioned above were obtained from the additions in the dark at room temperature.
Sedimentation Volume and Thixotropy
Authors: Akamatu Hideo
Published: July 2006

(1) Measurements were carried out on the sedimentation volume when a powder settled in an organic liquid or solution.

(2) A parallelism was found between the large sedimentation volume of the powder and thixotropic nature of the system.
The Theory on the Constitution of a Thermoreversible Gel
Authors: Hirata Fumio
Published: July 2006

A relation has been derived theoretically between the dielectric constant of the intermicellar liquid and the rigidity of thermoreversible gel and the relation has been examined using the results of measurements of rigidity of the gel of gelatine.
Studies on the Effect of Electric Field on the Viscosity of Liquids
Authors: Kimura Osamu
Published: July 2006

(1) A capillary viscosimeter is made, to which electric field can be applied.

(2) By means of this viscosimeter, the viscosity of benzene and hexane solution of lauric, myristic, palmitic, and stearic acid and of cetyl alcohol is measured in the presence of electric field.

(3) The viscosity of these solutions generally increases in electric field, and the stronger the field the greater the increase. The acid with longer chain shows much more effect than one with the shorter. In a solution the effect is proportional to concentration.

(4) In lauric acid, the increase of viscosity shows a linear relation. In stearic acid, the increase ceases at a certain voltage.

(5) In cetyl alcohol the viscosity increases stepwise and the form of the viscosity-field intensity curve is independent of the nature of solvent.

(6) This electro-viscose effect is due to the orientation of molecules of solute.

(7) The irregularity of curves in stearic acid and cetyl alcohol seems to be the result from association.
Vanadium, Chromium, and Molybdenum Contents of the Hot Springs of Japan
Authors: Kuroda Kazuo
Published: July 2006

(1) The vanadium, chromium and molybdenum contents in a number of hot springs of Japan were estimated.

(2) The molybdenum content of the mineral waters of Murasugi No. 3 was spectroscopically estimated.
The Mechanism of the Oxygen Effect on Hydrogen Bromide Reacting with Ethenoid Compounds
Authors: Urushibara Yoshiyuki , Simamura Osamu
Published: July 2006

When hydrogen bromide acts on the ethenoid linkage in the presence of oxygen, the first change to be characterized is the formation of a bromo radical from the unsaturated molecule and the bromine atom formed from hydrogen bromide and oxygen. In the formation of the bromo radical, if the double bond is situated at the end of a chain, the bromine atom takes preferably the terminal position, and, if an asymmetric carbon atom is produced by the addition of the bromine atom, inversion is accompanied. In the second stage of the reaction the radical, according as its nature and the conditions, either takes up hydrogen atom from hydrogen bromide to form a completed addition product and another bromine atom or splits off the bromine atom to regenerate the double bond. In either case the cycle of the changes is propagated by a chain mechanism. The action of oxygen, therefore, resembles that of light quantum in a photochemical reaction proceeding with a great quantum yield.

The theory advanced in this paper is based on the experiments on the action of hydrogen bromide and oxygen on certain ethenoid compounds.

The effect of reduced nickel will be discussed in a separate paper on the basis of a quite similar mechanism.