bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase gene expression
Authors: Yan Chunhong , Boyd Douglas D.
Published: December 2006

The metalloproteinases degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) components and activate growth factors, thereby contributing to physiological events (tissue remodeling in pregnancy, wound healing, angiogenesis) and pathological conditions (cancer, arthritis, periodontitis). The intent of this review is to bring together various studies on transcriptional and post‐transcriptional control of metalloproteinase expression. Certainly, much information is known as to the cis‐elements and corresponding trans‐activators regulating expression of these genes. We discuss the fact that a number of the metalloproteinase promoters share common structural features and, therefore, not surprisingly are co‐regulated in their expression to some extent. More recently, much effort has been devoted to understanding the role of chromatin in regulating gene expression. While this area has been understudied with respect to matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) regulation, the literature indicates a convincing role for both histone modifications and chromatin‐remodeling motors in controlling expression of multiple metalloproteinases. In addition to transcriptional control, mRNA stability and protein translation also contribute to the metalloproteinase product amount. We discuss such studies and how various biological cues, including TGF‐β, regulate the levels of certain collagenases either solely through mRNA stabilization or by jointly targeting transcriptional and post‐transcriptional mechanisms. We also discuss the current deficits in our knowledge, concerning tissue‐specific expression and why despite elevated amounts/activity of trans‐activators targeting MMP promoters in tumor cells, nevertheless, MMP expression is largely restricted to the stromal compartment. Finally, we argue for potential technologies to regulate MMP expression of utility in pathological conditions where these enzymes are aberrantly expressed. J. Cell. Physiol. 211: 19–26, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Growth rates of Rhizocarpon geographicum lichens: a review with new data from Iceland
Authors: Bradwell Tom , Armstrong Richard A.
Published: December 2006

This paper reviews evidence from previous growth‐rate studies on lichens of the yellow‐green species of Subgenus Rhizocarpon—the family most commonly used in lichenometric dating. New data are presented from Rhizocarpon section Rhizocarpon thalli growing on a moraine in southern Iceland over a period of 4.33 yr. Measurements of 38 lichen thalli, between 2001 and 2005, show that diametral growth rate (DGR, mm yr−1) is a function of thallus size. Growth rates increase rapidly in small thalli (<10 mm diameter), remain high (ca. 0.8 mm yr−1) and then decrease gradually in larger thalli (>50 mm diameter). Mean DGR in southern Iceland, between 2001 and 2005, was 0.64 mm yr−1 (SD = 0.24). The resultant growth‐rate curve is parabolic and is best described by a third‐order polynomial function. The striking similarity between these findings in Iceland and those of Armstrong (1983) in Wales implies that the shape of the growth‐rate curve may be characteristic of Rhizocarpon geographicum lichens. The difference between the absolute growth rate in southern Iceland and Wales (ca. 66% faster) is probably a function of climate and micro‐environment between the two sites. These findings have implications for previous lichenometric‐dating studies, namely, that those studies which assume constant lichen growth rates over many decades are probably unreliable. © British Geological Survey/Natural Environment Research Council copyright 2006. Reproduced with the permission of BGS/NERC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave‐assisted extraction and fingerprint studies of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) by high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography
Authors: Zhu Min , Cao Yan , Fan Guorong
Published: December 2006

In order to choose an appropriate extraction method, samples of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill were extracted by different methods and it was found that microwave‐assisted extraction gave the best results. The contents of schisandrin, schisantherin, deoxyschizandrin, and r‐schizandrin of 10 samples collected from different regions in China were determined by HPLC. The chromatograms of ten samples were used to establish the fingerprints of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill and two methods based on HPLC and GC were applied to them simultaneously. The fingerprints consisted of 18 common peaks obtained by HPLC and 17 common peaks obtained by GC, which showed good stability and repeatability with RSD less than 3% for retention time. The fingerprints are suitable for identifying and differentiating samples by geographical origin and can be used for quality control.
Modelling of reinforcement corrosion – Influence of concrete technology on corrosion development
Authors: Beck M. , Isecke B. , Lehmann J.
Published: December 2006

Reinforcement corrosion is influenced by different parameters like resistivity of concrete, setting conditions and also by concrete technology. Moreover the presence of cathodic areas and the possibility of unhampered cathodic reaction influences the reinforcement corrosion. In this paper the development of corrosion without large cathodic areas, called self‐corrosion, considering different concrete parameters, is studied.
Barriers to brand building in UK universities?
Authors: Chapleo Chris
Published: December 2006

Branding in universities has become an increasingly topical issue with practitioners, with some institutions committing substantial financial resources to branding activities. It has, however, received only limited academic investigation, and as the particular characteristics of the sector present challenges for those seeking to build brands, it seems to be timely and appropriate to investigate potential barriers to branding.

This exploratory study investigates the opinions of the ‘brand guardians’ of UK universities—Vice Chancellors, Principals and Rectors—on the barriers to successfully building brands and draws conclusions on their views of the key challenges facing successful branding activity in the sector. Implications for practitioners are also explored.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single serve or package deal? A study of regular attendees to symphony orchestra concerts
Authors: Boyle Stephen
Published: December 2006

This paper presents an analysis of data collected by a major symphony orchestra in Australia of regular attendees to their 2002 season. The analysis looks to understand the age at which audience members begin to attend symphony concerts on a regular basis and the main motivational factor behind that decision for two subsets of the audience, subscribers and single‐ticket buyers. In addition, the analysis looks to determine if there is any relationship between the age of regular attendance and the age a subscriber chooses to purchase their first subscription package.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships among levels of government support, marketing activities, and financial health of nonprofit performing arts organizations
Authors: Kirchner Theresa A. , Markowski Edward P. , Ford John B.
Published: December 2006

This exploratory study researches and analyzes the empirical effects of financial levels of government support and marketing practices on the financial health of nonprofit performing arts organizations. Declining government subsidies and increasing competition from non‐traditional sources have presented these organizations with unique opportunities and challenges that call for a market‐centered, as well as an art‐centered approach. Financial health is critical for the long‐term success of a nonprofit performing arts organization. Few empirical studies have examined the interrelationships between these key variables. This study analyzes a sample of 63 American professional symphony orchestras employing 20 years of data. The correlations among financial levels of government support and marketing activities were positive and significant, the correlations among levels of government support and financial health were negative and significant, and the correlations between levels of marketing activity and financial health were negative and varied in significance. Causal analyses were less conclusive, but significant causal relationships were found for large symphony orchestras, indicating that segmentation research may be warranted. Implications and opportunities for future research are presented which have potential application for government agencies, academic researchers, and arts organization managers, boards of directors, and donors.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Promoting behavioral competence: An introduction to the practitioner's edition
Authors: Miller David N. , McDougal James L. , Volpe Robert J. , Blom‐Hoffman Jessica , Chafouleas Sandra M. , Riley‐Tillman T. Chris
Published: December 2006

The widely discussed gap between research and practice has been a continuing problem in the fields of school psychology and education. In particular, the extent to which information generated by research is effectively presented to and utilized by school practitioners is frequently limited by a variety of factors. In an attempt to address this issue, an annual series of special issues of Psychology in the Schools called the “Practitioner's Edition” was developed, with the inaugural issue appearing in 2006. The intent of these special issues is to publish useful, relevant, and practical evidence‐based information on topics of significant interest and importance to school psychologists and other school‐based practitioners. This article introduces the second Practitioner's Edition, which is focused on promoting behavioral competence. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 1–5, 2007.
Chromosomal His‐tagging: An alternative approach to membrane protein purification
Authors: Mamelli Laurent , Dedieu Luc , Dé Emmanuelle , Konkel Michael E. , Pagès Jean‐Marie , Bolla Jean‐Michel
Published: December 2006

Membrane proteins are of keen interest to structural biologists, as they are known to act as receptors, adhesins, sensors, transporters, and signal‐transducers of living cells. During the past few decades, the efforts made to study the bacterial membrane proteins have been impaired by the problems encountered during the production and purification of native proteins. Herein we demonstrate that the Campylobacter jejuni CadF protein, which was isolated using a novel purification strategy, exhibits biological activity as evidenced by channel activity in lipid bilayers. CadF, an E. coli OmpA‐like protein, facilitates the binding of C. jejuni to the extracellular matrix component, fibronectin.
Identification of proteins interacting with the catalytic subunit of PP2A by proteomics
Authors: Lee Won‐Jeong , Kim Dong‐Uk , Lee Mi‐Young , Choi Kang‐Yell
Published: December 2006

The protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a serine/threonine phosphatase involved in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways including the Wnt/β‐catenin and the ERK pathways. To understand the complex signaling networking associated with PP2A, we searched proteins interacting with the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2Ac) by a pull‐down analysis followed by 2‐D gel electrophoresis and proteomic analyses. The probability of identification of the proteins interacting with PP2Ac was increased by searching proteins differently interacting with PP2Ac according to stimulation of Wnt3a, which regulates both the Wnt/β‐catenin and the ERK pathways. Around 100 proteins, pulled‐down by His‐tagged PP2Ac, were identified in 2‐D gels stained with CBB. By MALDI‐TOF‐MS analyses of 45 protein spots, we identified several proteins that were previously known to interact with PP2A, such as Axin and CaMK IV. In addition, we also identified many proteins that potentially interact with PP2Ac. The interactions of several candidate proteins, such as tuberous sclerosis complex 2, RhoB, R‐Ras, and Nm23H2, with PP2Ac, were confirmed by in vitro binding analyses and/or coimmunoprecipitation experiments.
Effects of herbal medicinal products and food supplements on induction of CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and MDR1 in the human colon carcinoma cell line LS180
Authors: Brandin Helena , Viitanen Eila , Myrberg Olle , Arvidsson Ann‐Kristin
Published: December 2006

A selection of popular herbal medicinal products and food supplements were analysed for their potential to modulate the expression of the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 and the transporter protein MDR1. A total of 31 products were analysed. Nine of the products have been approved by the Medical Products Agency (MPA) in Sweden and are marketed as herbal medicinal products. Twenty‐two of the products have not been assessed by the MPA and are marketed as food supplements. LS180 cells were exposed to extracts from the different herbal products and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, RT‐QPCR, was subsequently used to analyse the relative mRNA levels of CYP1A2, CYP3A4 or MDR1 in treated and non‐treated cells. Our results show that 17 of 31 products tested induced a two‐fold expression or more for at least one of the genes analysed. Four products, of which a ginger‐supplement was the most potent, induced all three genes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion Monte Carlo study of correlation in the hydrogen molecule
Authors: Hongo Kenta , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Yasuhara Hiroshi
Published: December 2006

The diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) method shows that correlation in H2 produces a set of three spatial changes: (i) an enhancement in the electron density distribution n(r) in the left and right anti‐binding regions that include separately the immediate vicinity of each of the two nuclei, (ii) a reduction in n(r) in the binding region intervening between the two nuclei as a counterbalance, and (iii) a concomitant increase in the equilibrium internuclear separation. It is stressed that the correlation energy Ec (= Tc + Vc) for diatomic molecules be defined by the difference in the total energy between the exact and the Hartree–Fock (HF) variational calculations that are performed at individually optimized internuclear separations. It is this definition that makes it possible to involve a significant contribution from a correlation‐induced change in the equilibrium internuclear separation as part of the correlation energy and to relate (i) and (ii) to (iii) in consistency with the electrostatic theorem. The present calculations fulfill the virial theorem to an accuracy of −V/T = 2.00 for DMC and −VHF/THF = 2.000 for HF. The present correlation energy Ec = −0.0408 hartree is not only in good agreement with the most accurate value previously reported, but also can be analyzed into all its components in accordance with the correlational virial theorem 2Tc + Vc = 0. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Probabilistic analysis for a multiple depot vehicle routing problem
Authors: Baltz Andreas , Dubhashi Devdatt , Srivastav Anand , Tansini Libertad , Werth Sören
Published: December 2006

We give a probabilistic analysis of the Multiple Depot Vehicle Routing Problem (MDVRP) where k depots and n customers are given by i.i.d. random variables in [0,1]d, d ≥ 2. The tour length divided by n(d−1)/d tends to α∫ f(x)(d−1)/d dx, where f is the density of the absolutely continuous part of the law of the random variables giving the depots and customers and where the constant α depends on the number of depots. If k = o(n), α is the constant of the TSP problem. For k = λn, λ > 0, we prove lower and upper bounds on α, which decrease as fast as (1 + λ)−1/d.© 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2007
The effects of host‐plant properties on gall density, gall weight and clone size in the aphid Aploneura lentisci (Pass.) (Aphididae: Fordinae) in Israel
Authors: Wool David , Manheim Oral
Published: December 2006

Samples of shoots of Pistacia lentiscus carrying galls of the aphid, Aploneura lentisci, were collected at three localities in Israel.

Shoots growing near pruning scars carried more galls than elsewhere on the plant, but these galls weighed less and contained fewer aphids (smaller clones). The proportion of empty galls increased with gall density. Crowding of galls at such sites may be due to the early burst of buds at the time of aphid emergence from the overwintering eggs, and not to active search for preferred sites.

Shoots bearing larger numbers of leaves carried heavier galls, which contained larger aphid clones. The position of the galled leaf on the shoot had no effect on gall weight nor on clone size.

The physiological condition of the plant may be an important environmental (ecological) factor affecting the variation in clone‐size and in aphid morphology among galls.
Population fluctuations of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) on cabbages in Bacillus thuringiensis sprayed and non sprayed plots and factors affecting within‐generation survival of immatures
Authors: Annamalai Sivapragasam , Itô Yosiaki , Saito Tetsuo
Published: December 2006

The population fluctuations and within‐generation survival of immatures stages of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella on summer cabbages, were examined in unsprayed plots in 1984 and 1985 and in plots sprayed with two formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis in 1985. There was two distincy generations per crop and no noticeable difference in population fluctuations were observed in unsprayed plots between years. There was distinct difference between unsprayed and sprayed plots in 1985, from the larval period onwards. However, the survivorship patterns in all plots in both years were a Type 2 based onDeevey's (1947) classification. Life table studies showed that there was essentially no difference in the mortality agents acting on each of the stages except for numerical differences in the within‐generation mortality rates. The major mortality rates during the egg stage were the parasitoid, Trichogramma spp. and unknown factors including rainfall; in the larval 1 stage was unknown mortality; in the larval 2 stage was the parasitoid, Apanteles plutellae and during the pupal stage was unknown mortality and parasitoid, Diadromus subtilicornis. Adult mortality was determined for generation 2. It was relatively higher in the unsprayed plots compared to the B. thuringiensis sprayed plots. The contribution of abiotic factors such as rainfall and temperature, and biotic factors such as parasitoids and predators in determining within‐generation population levels and the fluctuation of populations on cabbage were discussed.
Effects of dietary triacylglycerol structure on triacylglycerols of resultant chylomicrons from fish oil‐ and seal oil‐fed rats
Authors: Christensen Michael Søberg , Høy Carl‐Erik
Published: December 2006

We investigated the influence of the intramolecular fatty acid distribution of dietary triacyl‐sn‐glycerols (TAG) rich in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the structure of chylomicron TAG. Fish oil and seal oil, comparable in fatty acid compositions but with different contents of major n‐3 PUFA esterified at thesn‐2 position (20:5n‐3, 46.6%, and 5.3%; 22:6n‐3, 75.5%, and 3.8%, respectively), were fed to rats. Mesenteric lymph was collected and the chylomicrons were isolated by ultracentrifugation. The fatty acid composition of chylomicrons largely reflected the fatty acid composition of the oils administered. The intramolecular fatty acid distributions of the TAG fed were reflected in the chylomicron TAG as the fraction of the total contents observed in thesn‐2 position of 20:5n‐3 were 23.6 and 13.3%, and of 22:6n‐3 were 30.6 and 5.4% for resultant chylomicrons following fish oil and seal oil administration, respectively. Thus, after seal oil administration, significant higher load of n‐3 PUFA was esterified in thesn‐1,3 positions of chylomicron TAG compared with fish oil administration (P<0.05).
Mortality pattern and age structure in two carabid populations with different seasonal life cycles
Authors: Sota Teiji
Published: December 2006

Adult populations of two carabid species, a spring breeder, Carabus yaconinus, and an autumn breeder, Leptocarabus kumagaii, were studied in a lowland habitat (area: 16,500 m2) by pitfall sampling and mark‐recapture method. The seasonal change in population number, age structure and mortality pattern were clarified and related to their seasonal life cycles.

The survival rate of new adults from emergence to the first reproductive season was on the average 48% in C. yaconinus and 55% in L. kumagaii. In C. yaconinus, beetles which emerged later in the season survived more to the first reproductive season than those emerged earlier. C. yaconinus which had survived the pre‐reproductive period mostly died out during the first reproductive season of 5 months, and about 8% survived until the second season. In L. kumagaii which had a short reproductive period in autumn, about 20% survived to the second reproductive season, and a small proportion even to the third reproductive season. Accordingly, the proportion of old beetles in the reproductive population was higher in L. kumagaii than in C. yaconinus.

The reproductive population of C. yaconinus contained on the average 1600 beetles and produced 3300 new adults. the L. kumagaii population contained on the average about 530 reproductives in autumn, and about 820 beetles emerged in the following year. The recruitment rate of new adults of C. yaconinus was higher than that of L. kumagaii, and this resulted in its higher population density. In L. kumagaii, however, the high adult survivorship and iteroparous reproduction were important for its population growth.

Relationship between seasonal adaptation and demographic strategies in the carabid populations were discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of dialkyl carbonates prepared from mid‐, long‐chain, and guerbet alcohols
Authors: Kenar James A. , Knothe Gerhard , Copes Ashley L.
Published: December 2006

A series of organic carbonates derived from mid‐, long‐chain, and Guerbet alcohols were synthesized in good yield (69–80% isolated yields after purification by distillation or recrystallization) though a carbonate interchange reaction by heating the linear or Guerbet alcohols with diethyl carbonate in the presence of catalyst, n‐dibutyltin oxide. The carbonates were isolated by Kügelrohr distillation or recrystallization from acetone and characterized using FTIR, GC, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and GC‐MS. El and positive Cl mass‐spectral techniques were used to characterize the carbonates. Such materials are currently of commercial interest as lubricants and additives in various industrial applications.
Peg1/Mest in obese adipose tissue is expressed from the paternal allele in an isoform‐specific manner
Authors: Kamei Yasutomi , Suganami Takayoshi , Kohda Takashi , Ishino Fumitoshi , Yasuda Kazuki , Miura Shinji , Ezaki Osamu , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: December 2006

Paternally expressed 1 (Peg1)/mesoderm specific transcript (Mest) is an imprinted gene, which is only transcribed from the paternal (father's) allele. In some human cancer tissues, an alternatively spliced variant of PEG1/MEST mRNA using a different promoter of a distinct first exon is expressed from both paternal and maternal alleles. We previously reported that Peg1/Mest expression was markedly up‐regulated in obese adipose tissue in mice. Moreover, transgenic overexpression of Peg1/Mest in the adipose tissue resulted in the enlargement of adipocytes in size. Given the potential pathophysiologic relevance in obesity, we examined the nature of increased expression of Peg1/Mest in obese adipose tissue. In obese adipose tissue, expression of Peg1/Mest was increased, but not that of other imprinted genes tested. The transcription rate of Peg1/Mest was increased in obese adipose tissue. We found at least four isoforms of mouse Peg1/Mest generated by use of the alternative first exons. We also demonstrated that the abundantly expressed Peg1/Mest in obese adipose tissue retained monoallelic expression. This is the first report of monoallelic induction of Peg1/Mest in adult tissues.
Interaction mode of a symmetric Trp‐rich undeca peptide PST11‐RK with lipid bilayers
Authors: Yang Sung-Tae , Shin Song Yub , Kim Jae Il
Published: December 2006

To better understand the mode of action of the antimicrobial peptide PST11‐RK, we investigated its (1) bactericidal kinetics, (2) ability to induce bacterial membrane depolarization, (3) ability to bind to liposomes, (4) cis/trans prolyl isomerization, (5) lipid binding kinetics and (6) translocation across lipid bilayers. Our findings suggest that PST11‐RK acts mainly by collapsing the cytoplasmic membrane potential; it first attaches to the membrane via cationic C‐ and N‐terminal residues and then inserts its central hydrophobic residues into the lipid interior. In addition, it seems likely that cis/trans isomerization facilitates the translocation of PST11‐RK across the lipid bilayer, where it may interact with secondary intracellular targets.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP)—A brief history
Authors: Robert Jacobs F. , ‘Ted’ Weston F.C.
Published: December 2006

This is a brief history of ERP—enterprise resource planning. Major ERP vendors are discussed as well as the major impact of developments in computer hardware and software on the industry. The industry consolidation that has recently occurred is also discussed. Interviews were conducted with Mr. Ed McVaney, founder of J.D. Edwards, Rick Allen, former VP of Finance and Administration, and Rick Snow, former Chief Legal Counsel of J.D. Edwards. Information was also obtained from Bill Robinson who held the position of “Industry Consultant” with IBM in the mid‐1980s.
Geochemistry, zircon ages and whole-rock Nd isotopic systematics for Palaeoproterozoic A-type granitoids in the northern part of the Delhi belt, Rajasthan, NW India: implications for late Palaeoproterozoic crustal evolution of the Aravalli craton
Authors: KAUR PARAMPREET , CHAUDHRI NAVEEN , RACZEK INGRID , KRÖNER ALFRED , HOFMANN ALBRECHT W.
Published: December 2006

Determination of zircon ages as well as geochemical and Sm–Nd isotope systematics of granitoids in the Khetri Copper Belt of the Aravalli mountains, NW India, constrain the late Palaeoproterozoic crustal evolution of the Aravalli craton. The plutons are typical A-type within-plate granites, derived from melts generated in an extensional tectonic environment. They display REE and multi-element patterns characterized by steep LREE-enriched and almost flat HREE profiles and distinct negative anomalies for Sr, P and Ti. Initial εNd values range from −1.3 to −6.2 and correspond to crustal sources with mean crustal residence ages of 2.5 to 2.1 Ga. A lower mafic crustal anatectic origin is envisaged for these granitoids, and the heterogeneous εNd(t) values are inferred to have been acquired from the magma source region. Zircon Pb–Pb evaporation and U–Pb ages indicate widespread rift-related A-type magmatism at 1711–1660 Ma in the northern Delhi belt and also suggest a discrete older magmatic event at around 1800 Ma. The emplacement ages of the compositionally distinct A-type granitoid plutons, and virtually coeval granulite metamorphism and exhumation in another segment of the Aravalli mountains, further signify that part of the Aravalli crust evolved during a widespread extensional event in late Palaeoproterozoic time.
Dysphagia and obstructive sleep apnoea in Madelung's disease
Authors: Ali S , Kishore A
Published: December 2006

Madelung's disease is a benign disorder characterized by the presence of lipomata in the head and neck areas. It is disfiguring for the sufferer and is usually asymptomatic. Dysphagia and airway obstruction are rare presentations. Early surgical excision is recommended to exclude sinister pathology and to improve patient function. This is the first report (according to our literature search) of a patient who presented with dysphagia and obstructive sleep apnoea and in whom surgical intervention resulted in an improvement in both these symptoms.
Powered instrumentation in obstructing laryngeal tumours
Authors: Phelan E , Lang E , Mahesh B N , Lang J
Published: December 2006

Traditionally, debulking of obstructing laryngeal tumours has been performed with cold steel instruments or CO2 lasers. With recent technological advances and increased availability of microdebriders, powered instrumentation for debulking laryngeal tumours has become a viable option. We describe the use of the Xomed laryngeal Tricut blade in re-establishing the airways in four patients with obstructing laryngeal tumours. In all cases a tracheostomy was avoided, thus allowing adequate time to stage each patient and tailor surgery to the individual.
Investigation and management of adult periorbital and orbital cellulitis
Authors: Robinson A , Beech T , McDermott A L , Sinha A
Published: December 2006

Background: Orbital cellulitis has important complications. Despite this, there are few studies in the literature of large groups of cases of this condition.

Methods: We performed a retrospective case analysis of all patients admitted with periorbital and orbital cellulitis between 2002 and 2004.

Results: A total of 27 cases were included in the study. Of these, 25 had undergone a computed tomography scan, 19 of which had revealed significant sinus disease; 10 had had a microbiology result, with the most common organism being Streptococcus milleri; 20 had had a white cell count taken, with raised results in only 10; 12 had undergone surgery; and 25 had made a good recovery. One case had been found to be squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity.

Conclusions: In this study, sinus disease was the commonest cause of orbital cellulitis, with the commonest organism being Streptococcus milleri. Only 50 per cent of cases with proven disease had had a raised white cell count; this is therefore not a very sensitive test.
Phonetic structures of Turkish Kabardian
Authors: Gordon Matthew , Applebaum Ayla
Published: December 2006

This paper reports results of a quantitative phonetic study of Kabardian, a Northwest Caucasian language that is of typological interest from a phonetic standpoint. A number of cross-linguistically rare properties are examined. These features include the phonetic realization of Kabardian's small vowel inventory, which contains only three contrastive vowel qualities (two short vowels and one long vowel), spectral characteristics of the ten supralaryngeal voiceless fricatives of Kabardian, as well as the acoustic, palatographic, and aerodynamic characteristics of ejective fricatives, an extremely rare type of segment cross-linguistically. In addition, basic properties of the consonant stop series are explored, including closure duration and voice onset time, in order to test postulated universals linking these properties to place of articulation and laryngeal setting.
Distribution and population density of the Endangered Cauca Guan Penelope perspicax
Authors: KATTAN GUSTAVO H. , LEÓN ADRIANA , CORREDOR GERMÁN , BELTRÁN WILLIAM , PARADA MÓNICA
Published: December 2006

The original 24,900 km2 distribution of the Cauca Guan Penelope perspicax is currently reduced to less than 750 km2. In addition, forest within this range is fragmented and populations are isolated. We conducted surveys to determine the presence of the Cauca Guan at several locations within its present range, and mapped all known localities with guan records. Cauca Guan populations are confirmed to occur at only four sites, and the guan is absent from several localities with historic records. Some sites where the Cauca Guan is potentially present are highlighted. In particular, the possible existence of populations on the Pacific slope of the Andes requires confirmation, since a large habitat block is available. Population density estimates were obtained in two protected areas. In Yotoco Forest Reserve (559 ha) we estimated 8.6 guans km−2. At Otún-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary (489 ha), guans fed seasonally on leaves of Chinese ash Fraxinus chinensis, an exotic tree planted in a revegetation programme. Seasonal densities in ash plantations were over 100 guans km−2, whereas in mixed forest, mean density was 41.6 birds km−2. Ash has apparently become a key resource for this population. Although these two populations are within protected areas and have relatively high densities, they are small and isolated and require continued monitoring.
Reproductive success of the Crested Ibis Nipponia nippon
Authors: YU XIAOPING , LIU NAIFA , XI YONGMEI , LU BAOZHONG
Published: December 2006

The last remaining population of the Crested Ibis Nipponia nippon in the wild was studied in the Qinling Mountains, Yangxian County, Shaanxi Province, central China, over 24 breeding seasons with particular attention being paid to the nesting behaviour and breeding success. The average clutch size varied significantly among years (2.84 ± 0.77; n = 271), suggesting that food abundance, which was distinct in different areas, was indeed a limiting factor. The mean hatching success was 80.2%, and ranged from 35.7% to 100%. Egg losses were due to three reasons: infertility or the eggs being addled, predation, and human disturbance. Three reasons accounting for chick death were highlighted: shortage of food, predation, and disturbance from local inhabitants. However, the overall breeding success of the Crested Ibis, which averaged 65.6%, was much higher than that of many nidicolous birds and was clearly dependent not only on the stability of pair maintenance but also on human conservation and protection measures. The relatively higher proportion of unsuccessful nests at altitudes between 500–700 m and 701–900 m was linked with the more frequent human activities, predation and lower stability of nest-trees in such areas. The fact that there was no significant variation in the number of successful nests or breeding success across different altitudinal zones demonstrated that, to a large degree, habitats used by the Crested Ibis were now suitable for breeding. The rapid increase in the species' numbers in recent years has been achieved through effective protection measures, including legislation, management of population and habitat, and regular surveys and monitoring. A reintroduction programme has been put into effect, protecting the population from a chance catastrophe such as communicable diseases within its limited range.
The non-breeding distribution of Dupont's Lark Chersophilus duponti in Spain
Authors: SUÁREZ FRANCISCO , GARCÍA JESÚS T. , SAMPIETRO FRANCISCO J. , GARZA VICENTE
Published: December 2006

In this paper, we analyse the non-breeding distribution of Dupont's Lark, one of Europe's most threatened and least known passerines, using breeding and wintering censuses, published and unpublished records of individuals outside their breeding areas, and data on radio-tagged individuals and field observations. Results suggest that most breeding Dupont's Larks remain around the breeding sites during the non-breeding season, including those populations from areas with harsh winter weather conditions. The probability of winter presence of Dupont's Larks in breeding areas was significantly correlated with population size, but the altitude of the locality studied did not influence winter presence. Records outside breeding areas indicate that part of the population moves some distance after breeding, occupying lower sites and principally those with agrarian substrates. We also found several records far from well-known breeding areas during the breeding period. Our results suggest that Dupont's Lark seems to be a partial migrant, wintering in breeding areas in large numbers (probably the adult fraction of the population) but with some part of the populations moving to other areas. The movements are short-distance in most cases, although medium- and long-distance dispersive movements were also detected. We discuss the implications of these results for the design of specific conservation measures for the species.
Relative permeability to wetting‐phase water in oil reservoirs
Authors: Teige Gunn M. G. , Thomas Wibeke L. H. , Hermanrud Christian , Øren Pål‐Eric , Rennan Lars , Wilson Ove Bjørn , Nordgård Bolås Hege M.
Published: December 2006

Laboratory experiments were performed to investigate if water can leak through the pore network of a water wet seal while oil stays in the reservoir below. The experimental setup consisted of a low‐permeability membrane disk attached to the outlet side of a cylindrical sandstone core plug. The core plug and the seal were water wet, and the core plug was saturated with oil to irreducible water saturation (Swi). Water was injected at the inlet side of the core, and the fluid flow through the core and the membrane was monitored. The experimental results from three samples with permeabilities ranging from 0.06 to 1900 mD and with capillary pressure ranging from 1.5 to 10 bars confirmed that water at “irreducible” water saturation moved through the core samples, while the membrane retained the oil by capillary sealing. The experiments demonstrated that the relative permeability to the residual water could be approximated by log krw @ Swi = −1.75 log(Pc √(k/ϕ)) − 1.95, where krw @ Swi is the calculated relative wetting‐phase water permeability, k is total reservoir permeability (mD), ϕ is total reservoir porosity (in fraction), and Pc is capillary pressure (bar). Application of this formula to subsurface conditions suggests that the residual water permeability is generally sufficiently small to result in overpressure gradients in the residual water across the hydrocarbon columns. The magnitudes of these overpressures are typically below 5 bars for oil columns of 200 m or less, but may exceed 50 bars in low porosity and permeability reservoirs with large oil columns. Such overpressures are not large enough to result in capillary leakage through good caprocks but may significantly reduce the sealing capacity of marginal seals.
Tectonic control of subsidence and southward displacement of southeast Louisiana with respect to stable North America
Authors: Dokka Roy K. , Sella Giovanni F. , Dixon Timothy H.
Published: December 2006

GPS data collected between 1995 and 2006 suggest that southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans and the larger Mississippi Delta, are both subsiding vertically and moving southward with respect to stable North America. Both motions are likely related due to their common tectonic setting. Subsidence in the New Orleans area occurs in part because it is located in the hanging wall of a large listric normal fault system that forms the northern boundary of a 7–10 km thick allochthon that is detached from stable North America. Southward motion of this allochthon relative to stable North America occurs at 2.2 ± 0.6 mm/yr. The average subsidence rate for GPS sites located on the allochthon is 5.2 ± 0.9 mm/yr relative to Earth's center of mass, or ∼7 mm/yr relative to mean sea level. Motion of the allochthon is likely due to the gravity instability created by rapid Holocene sediment deposition in the delta following continental glacial retreat and is facilitated at depth by weak salt horizons. Because New Orleans and other communities of southeastern Louisiana lie atop this active allochthon, future motion of this body should be considered during rebuilding of the region following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Comparison of MISR and CERES top‐of‐atmosphere albedo
Authors: Sun Wenbo , Loeb Norman G. , Davies Roger , Loukachine Konstantin , Miller Walter F.
Published: December 2006

The Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) and the Multi‐angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) on Terra satellite measure the Earth's top‐of‐atmosphere (TOA) albedo in broadband and narrowband, respectively. This study presents the first direct comparison of the CERES and MISR albedos. An algorithm for converting the MISR spectral albedos to broadband is derived. The MISR and CERES albedos for overcast ocean scenes are compared between 75°S–75°N for solar zenith angles ≤75°. For overcast 1° × 1° ocean regions, the relative differences and the relative root‐mean‐square (RMS) differences between the MISR and CERES albedos are ∼0.8% and ∼4.3%, respectively. Accounting for a ∼2.0% error in the MISR albedos due to narrow‐to‐broadband albedo conversion errors, the RMS difference between the MISR and CERES albedos due to angular distribution model (ADM) differences is estimated to be ∼3.8%. The remarkable consistency between the CERES and MISR albedos for overcast oceans suggests that both instrument teams have derived accurate corrections for the radiance anisotropy of cloud scenes. This consistency will strongly enhance the confidence in the temporal trends of cloud albedo measured by the CERES and have significant impact on climate studies.
Nature of magnetic fluctuations in Saturn's middle magnetosphere
Authors: Russell C. T. , Leisner J. S. , Arridge C. S. , Dougherty M. K. , Blanco‐Cano X.
Published: December 2006

The saturnian magnetosphere contains a rich array of plasma wave and MHD wave phenomena. These waves are fed by mass loading in the region of the E ring starting with Enceladus at 3.9 Saturn radii (Rs). In this paper we examine the nature of these waves in what we term to be the middle magnetosphere from just outside the mass loading at Enceladus to just inside the region of the magnetodisk, roughly 5 Rs to 15 Rs. In the inner part of this region are ion‐cyclotron waves near the water group gyrofrequency associated with mass loading of the magnetosphere by the E ring neutral torus that produces a ring beam of water group ions in velocity space. At about 5.5 Rs, isolated flux tubes are seen that appear to be convecting outward containing cooler plasma. This is a region of high levels of compressional noise. The compressional fluctuations associated with isolated flux tubes never completely disappear but their amplitude diminishes with distance. Weak mirror mode waves are present even at 5 Rs. Those waves grow with increasing radial distance, become dominant, and then the ion cyclotron waves weaken. While both instabilities grow from the same pressure anisotropy, the mirror mode dominance at large distances may be due to the fact that the ion cyclotron waves propagate out of the wave growth region, while the mirror mode waves remain in it and convect with the plasma. Finally, around 12 Rs the magnetosphere switches to be turbulent, more strongly in the transverse component than in the compressional component.
A global statistical study on the origin of small‐scale ozone vertical structures in the lower stratosphere
Authors: Noguchi K. , Imamura T. , Oyama K.‐I. , Bodeker G. E.
Published: December 2006

We investigated meridional and seasonal variations in small‐vertical‐scale (wavelengths 0.5–3 km) fluctuations of the ozone mixing ratio in the lower stratosphere using ozonesonde data covering wide longitudinal and latitudinal regions in all seasons. The generation of mixing ratio fluctuation is attributed to vertical advection and/or horizontal advection; the former was estimated from the potential temperature fluctuation and the vertical gradient of background mixing ratio, while the latter was obtained by subtracting the vertical advection component from the observed value. The results show that horizontal advection is always the major source of the mixing ratio fluctuation above the potential temperature of 700 K (∼27 km altitude). Below 700 K, the source of the mixing ratio fluctuation depends on latitude; horizontal advection governs the mixing ratio fluctuations at high latitudes, vertical advection dominates at low latitudes, and horizontal advection is relatively dominant in winter–spring, while vertical advection is dominant in summer–autumn in the midlatitudes. These tendencies were confirmed by analyzing the correlation between the small‐scale structures of the mixing ratio and the potential temperature. The synthetic distribution of the horizontal advection activity due to synoptic‐scale motions calculated from assimilated meteorological data reproduced the seasonal, meridional, and altitudinal tendencies of the observed small‐scale fluctuations, suggesting the major contribution of differential advection via large‐scale winds.
Measurements of atmospheric parameters during Indian Space Research Organization Geosphere Biosphere Programme Land Campaign II at a typical location in the Ganga basin: 1. Physical and optical properties
Authors: Tripathi S. N. , Tare Vinod , Chinnam N. , Srivastava A. K. , Dey Sagnik , Agarwal A. , Kishore S. , Lal R. B. , Manar Manish , Kanawade Vijay P. , Chauhan S. S. S. , Sharma M. , Reddy R. R. , Gopal K. Rama , Narasimhulu K. , Reddy L. Siva Sankara , Gupta Shilpy , Lal Shyam
Published: December 2006

This paper attempts to characterize the physical and optical properties of the aerosols along with relevant meteorological parameters at a typical location in the Ganga basin. The emphasis is on delineating the prolonged foggy/hazy conditions, a phenomenon believed to be of relatively recent origin, faced by millions of people during the winter months of December and January. Collocated measurements of a number of aerosol and atmospheric parameters were made using ground‐based instruments as part of an intense field campaign launched under the Indian Space Research Organization Geosphere Biosphere Programme in December 2004. The meteorological conditions suggest limited mixing due to shallow boundary layer thickness and essentially calm wind conditions. Monthly mean aerosol optical depth was high (0.77 ± 0.3 at 0.5 μm wavelength) and showed high spectral variation (first‐order Ångström exponent for all wavelengths, α = 1.24 ± 0.24). The second‐order Ångström exponent α′ derived for 0.34, 0.5, and 1.02 μm wavelengths showed much higher curvature in the aerosol optical depth spectrum on the hazy/foggy days (0.93 ± 0.36) as compared to that during the clear days (0.59 ± 0.3). Single‐scattering albedo (0.87–0.97) showed strong spectral variation. Aerosol mass concentration was high with monthly average 125.9 ± 47.1 μg m−3. Fine mode particles (<1 μm) contributed ∼75% to the total mass of aerosols. Similarly, aerosol number concentration was found to vary in the range 1.5–2 × 103 cm−3, with fine mode particles contributing to ∼99.6%. The hazy/foggy conditions typically prevailed when higher daytime relative humidity, lower maximum temperature, and higher fine/accumulation mode particles were observed. The companion paper suggests that the rise in aerosol mass/number concentration could be attributed to the aqueous‐phase heterogeneous reactions mediated by anthropogenic pollutants and the associated reduction in boundary layer thickness and suppressed mixing.
Testing convective parameterizations with tropical measurements of HNO3, CO, H2O, and O3: Implications for the water vapor budget
Authors: Folkins Ian , Bernath P. , Boone C. , Donner L. J. , Eldering A. , Lesins Glen , Martin R. V. , Sinnhuber B.‐M. , Walker K.
Published: December 2006

The updraft and downdraft mass flux profiles generated by convective parameterizations differ significantly from each other. Most convective parameterizations are tested against temperature and relative humidity profiles from radiosondes. Chemical tracers provide important additional constraints on the vertical redistribution of mass by convective parameterizations. We compile tropical climatologies of water vapor (H2O), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitric acid (HNO3) from a variety of satellite, aircraft, and balloon‐based measurement platforms. These climatologies are compared with the profiles predicted by a variant of the Emanuel convective parameterization, a two‐column model of the tropical atmosphere, and by the implementations of the Relaxed Arakawa Schubert (RAS) and Zhang and McFarlane (ZM) parameterizations in a three‐dimensional global forecast model. In general, the models with more pronounced convective outflow in the upper troposphere compare more favorably with observations. These models are associated with increased evaporative moistening in the middle and lower troposphere.