bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host responses toMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis: a complex arsenal
Authors: Stabel J. R.
Published: March 2007

The immune system is not always successful in recognizing and destroying pathogens it may encounter. Host immunity to mycobacteria is characterized by a very complex series of events, designed to clear the infection. The first line of defense is uptake and processing of the pathogen by macrophages, followed by the initiation of cell-mediated immunity. The secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ is credited with containment of mycobacterial infections. Yet it is clear that activated T-cells may contain but fail to clear the infection in some hosts. Further, it is recognized that if infection progresses to a more clinical state, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines is suppressed and expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines is increased. It is unclear what defines a host that can successfully contain the infection versus one that succumbs to severe immunopathologic disease. This review will address some of the key elements in host immunity to mycobacterial pathogens, with an emphasis onMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(M. paratuberculosis), in an attempt to understand the dialogue between immune cells and their mediators during infection and what causes this discourse to go awry.
Trace elements and prion diseases: a review of the interactions of copper, manganese and zinc with the prion protein
Authors: Leach Scott P. , Salman M. D. , Hamar Dwayne
Published: March 2007

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a family of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by their long incubation periods, progressive neurological changes, and spongiform appearance in the brain. There is much evidence to show that TSEs are caused by an isoform of the normal cellular surface prion protein PrPC. The normal function of PrPC is still unknown, but it exhibits properties of a cupro-protein, capable of binding up to six copper ions. There are two differing views on copper's role in prion diseases. While one view looks at the PrPC copper-binding as the trigger for conversion to PrPSc, the opposing viewpoint sees a lack of PrPC copper-binding resulting in the conformational change into the disease causing isoform. Manganese and zinc have been shown to interact with PrPC as well and have been found in abnormal levels in prion diseases. This review addresses the interaction between select trace elements and the PrPC.
A review of randomized clinical trials reporting antibiotic treatment of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis in cattle
Authors: O'Connor Annette M. , Wellman Nickolas G. , Evans Richard B. , Roth Dustin R.
Published: March 2007

The objective of the study was to evaluate treatments for infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), based on a systematic review of the published literature. A search was conducted to identify all manuscripts relating to antibiotic treatment of cattle with IBK. Relevant studies involved naturally occurring IBK and reported the resolution of lesions as a study outcome. Studies which failed to use methods such as blinding, blocking or randomization to minimize bias were excluded from the review. The initial search yielded 196 manuscripts, of which nine described high-quality, randomized clinical trials. These manuscripts reported antibiotic treatment of IBK with florfenicol, ceftiofur, oxytetracycline, procaine penicillin G, procaine penicillin G and dexamethasone, tilmicosin, or benzathine cloxacillin compared to either a placebo control or a non-medicated control. Overall, the studies suggest that antibiotic treatment is successful in reducing healing times of IBK-associated corneal lesions. Very few manuscripts reported a direct comparison of different antibiotic classes, so it was not possible to make comparative evaluations of efficacy. This review demonstrates the need for further randomized controlled trials that evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic treatment for IBK, including direct comparisons of two or more antibiotics.
Pasteurella multocidaand its role in porcine pneumonia
Authors: Ross Richard F.
Published: March 2007

Pasteurella multocidahas been recognized as a contributor to debilitating and fatal porcine pneumonia for at least 120 years and there continues to be sustained, unabated high prevalence of the organism in cases submitted for diagnostic work up. Understanding of its role in disease has been limited, in part because of difficulty in reproducing the disease experimentally with capsular type A strains ofP. multocida, the predominant type associated with porcine pneumonia. This limitation has stymied the development of improved methods for disease control. In this review, the reports of efforts to reproduce the disease are compared. Reports have indicated induction of pneumonia in combined infections with agents such as hog cholera virus, pseudorabies virus andMycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Pneumonia has been induced with intratracheal or endobronchial inoculation of anesthetized swine using capsular type A strains. Substantial recent progress in understanding the putative virulence attributes and molecular genetics ofP. multocidawill likely lead to better understanding of the host–parasite and parasite–parasite interactions in porcine pneumonia associated with this organism. In particular, it seems important to consider the role of biofilm formation in the pathogenesis of this disease. Ultimately, this understanding should provide a foundation for better methods for induction of the experimental disease, development of improved diagnostics, development of better therapeutic/prophylactic pharmaceutical approaches and development of immunoprophylactic products.
Biology of porcine T lymphocytes
Authors: Charerntantanakul Wasin , Roth James A.
Published: March 2007

The present review concentrates on the biological aspects of porcine T lymphocytes. Their ontogeny, subpopulations, localization and trafficking, and responses to pathogens are reviewed. The development of porcine T cells begins in the liver during the first trimester of fetal life and continues in the thymus from the second trimester until after birth. Porcine T cells are divided into two lineages, based on their possession of the [@@@]\rmalpha [@@@]β or γδ T-cell receptor. Porcine [@@@]\rmalpha [@@@]β T cells recognize antigens in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted manner, whereas the γδ T cells recognize antigens in a MHC non-restricted fashion. The CD4+CD8−and CD4+CD8loT cell subsets of [@@@]\rmalpha [@@@]β T cells recognize antigens presented in MHC class II molecules, while the CD4−CD8+T cell subset recognizes antigens presented in MHC class I molecules. Porcine [@@@]\rmalpha [@@@]β T cells localize mainly in lymphoid tissues, whereas γδ T cells predominate in the blood and intestinal epithelium of pigs. Porcine CD8+[@@@]\rmalpha [@@@]β T cells are a prominent T-cell subset during antiviral responses, while porcine CD4+[@@@]\rmalpha [@@@]β T cell responses predominantly occur in bacterial and parasitic infections. Porcine γδ T cell responses have been reported in only a few infections. Porcine T cell responses are suppressed by some viruses and bacteria. The mechanisms of T cell suppression are not entirely known but reportedly include the killing of T cells, the inhibition of T cell activation and proliferation, the inhibition of antiviral cytokine production, and the induction of immunosuppressive cytokines.
Hypoglykämie im Säuglingsalter – nicht immer eine Banalität!
Authors: Scheidegger  , Flück  , Nuoffer
Published: March 2007

Ein sechs Monate alter Knabe wird wegen unklarem Bewusstseinsverlust auf die Kindernotfallstation zugewiesen. Als Ursache für das Koma wird eine Hypoglykämie im Rahmen eines Hyperinsulinismus diagnostiziert. Differentialdiagnostik und Therapie der Hypoglykämie im Kindesalter werden diskutiert.
Entzündlich bedingte Oberbauchschmerzen
Authors: Stöckli  , Rafeiner
Published: March 2007

Eine 39-jährige Patientin präsentierte sich mit seit einer Woche bestehenden krampfartigen Unterbauchschmerzen, zuletzt mit Schmerzverlagerung in den rechten Oberbauch. Klinisch bestand eine Druckdolenz im rechten Oberbauch, laborchemisch fand sich einzig ein erhöhtes CRP, die Abdomen-Sonographie fiel unauffällig aus, computertomographisch wurden eine diffuse Wandverdickung im duodeno-jejunalen Übergang und freie Flüssigkeit im Douglasraum beschrieben. Mittels PCR aus Urin und Zervixabstrich konnte die Diagnose einer Infektion mit Chlamydia trachomatis gestellt werden, die Oberbauchschmerzen wurden als Perihepatitis interpretiert (Fitz-Hugh-Curtis-Syndrom). Unter einer Therapie mit 2×100 mg Doxycyclin über 14 Tage war eine rasche Normalisierung aller Parameter feststellbar.
Verzögerte Oberbauchbeschwerden und Teerstuhl nach transjugulärer Leberbiopsie
Authors: Sawatzki  , Heim
Published: March 2007

Wir berichten über einen 24-jährigen Patienten mit Hämophilie A bei chronischer Hepatitis C, welcher zwei Wochen nach transjugulärer Leberbiopsie (TJLB) eine Hämobilie entwickelt hat. Die Symptome manifestierten sich mit kolikartigen Oberbauchbeschwerden, Kaffeesatzerbrechen und Meläna mit Anämie. Die Diagnose wurde anhand von Abdomen-Sonographie und ERC gestellt. Nach Faktor VIII-Substitution und Gallengangsrevision mit Hilfe des Ballonkatheters war der Patient beschwerdefrei.Hämobilie nach Leberbiopsie ist eine seltene Komplikation. Die TJLB ist eine komplikationsarme Alternative, wenn die perkutane Leberbiopsie kontraindiziert ist.
The Factor Structure of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Authors: Mellor David , Stokes Mark
Published: March 2007

Abstract. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) has been widely adopted as a measure of child and adolescent mental health and behavioral problems. However, despite an impressive number of studies demonstrating its psychometric properties, appropriate analyses of the instrument's underlying structure have not been reported. We conducted confirmatory factor analyses on matched data obtained from a large community sample of 7-17-year-olds, their parents, and their teachers. The analyses indicated that the reputed factor structure was not supported, with none of the subscales being unidimensional. Further, each informant group appeared to respond differently to the questionnaire. Considering the findings in relation to the stringency of the tests used to evaluate the SDQ, its utility, and previous research on its clinical validity, it is suggested that the SDQ be used with caution and in conjunction with other forms of assessment.
Validation of the French Version of the Hierarchical Personality Inventory for Children (HiPIC)
Authors: Rossier Jérôme , Quartier Vincent , Enescu Raluca , Iselin Alex
Published: March 2007

Abstract. The study was designed to investigate the psychometric properties of the French version and the cross-language replicability of the Hierarchical Personality Inventory for Children (HiPIC). The HiPIC is an instrument to assess the five dimensions of the five-factor model for children. Subjects were 552 children aged between 8 and 12 years, rated by one or both parents. At the domain level, reliability ranged from .83 to .93 and at the facet level, reliability ranged from .69 to .89. Differences between genders were congruent with those found in the Dutch sample. Girls scored higher on Benevolence and Conscientiousness. Age was negatively correlated with Extraversion and Imagination. For girls, we also observed a decrease of Emotional Stability. A series of exploratory factor analyses confirmed the overall five-factor structure for girls and boys. Targeted factor analyses and congruence coefficients revealed high cross-language replicability at the domain and at the facet levels. The results showed that the French version of the HiPIC is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing personality with children and has a particularly high cross-language replicability.
Higher-Order Factors in a Five-Factor Personality Inventory and its Relation to Social Desirability
Authors: Bäckström Martin
Published: March 2007

Abstract. This paper compared two higher-order factor models using a 100-item, five-factor personality inventory originating from the IPIP database. The sample consisted of 2,019 subjects tested on the Internet. The two models were compared using confirmatory factor analysis. The two-factor model showed a similar fit to the data. The criteria for parsimony favored a hierarchical model with one higher-order factor at the top and five personality factors beneath. The single higher-order factor was found to be related to social desirability in a subsample of 196 subjects.
The Impact of Different Measurement Models for Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence on the Correlation with Personality Traits
Authors: Beauducel André , Liepmann Detlev , Felfe Jörg , Nettelnstroth Wim
Published: March 2007

Abstract. The study investigated the relations of the five-factor model of personality with a faceted, a hierarchical, and a shortened measurement model for fluid and crystallized intelligence. The faceted model for fluid and crystallized intelligence contained a content facet comprising a verbal, a numerical, and a figural factor. The hierarchical model contained primary factors for verbal, numerical, and figural fluid intelligence and for verbal, numerical, and figural crystallized intelligence as well as second-order factors for fluid and crystallized intelligence. The shortened model contained a fluid-intelligence factor based on only figural reasoning tasks, and a crystallized-intelligence factor based on only verbal knowledge tasks. A total of 789 German participants ranging from 16 to 21 years of age completed the NEO Five Factors Inventory and the Intelligence Structure Test 2000 R. Substantial correlations of fluid intelligence with openness to experience were only found for the faceted model. No correlations of fluid and crystallized intelligence with personality factors occurred for the remaining measurement models.
The Depressive Experiences Questionnaire
Authors: Desmet Mattias , Vanheule Stijn , Groenvynck Hans , Verhaeghe Paul , Vogel Judith , Bogaerts Stefan
Published: March 2007

Abstract. The Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ; Blatt, D'Aflitti, & Quinlan, 1976 ) is a self-report questionnaire designed to differentiate between dependency and self-criticism, two personality traits associated with increased risk for psychopathology in general and depression in particular. Over the years, different shortened versions of the DEQ have been constructed, attempting to offer an alternative for the complex scoring procedure of the original DEQ. In this article, the authors studied the factorial validity of the original DEQ and of six shortened versions in a student sample (N = 636) and in a clinical sample (N = 404) by means of confirmatory factor analysis. Furthermore, the construct validity of the different versions of the DEQ was studied by computing correlations with different types of depressive symptoms and interpersonal problems. Dependency was hypothesized to be associated with somatic depressive symptoms and with nonassertive, overly accommodating, and self-sacrificing interpersonal behavior; self-criticism would be associated with cognitive depressive symptoms and with vindictive, cold, and socially inhibited interpersonal behavior. In the present study, the reconstructed DEQ ( Bagby, Parker, Joffe, & Buis, 1994 ) demonstrated the best psychometric properties. This factor model showed good fit to student and clinical (raw as well as ipsatized) data. Furthermore, intercorrelations between scores on dependency and self-criticism were adequately low (around .45) and the associations with different types of depressive symptoms and interpersonal characteristics were in line with theoretical predictions. Importantly, ipsatization of the DEQ scores was necessary to observe the hypothesized associations with depressive symptoms. Overall, the authors concluded that the reconstructed DEQ is a simple and valid scoring procedure with some important advantages compared to the more complex scoring procedures of the DEQ.
Figural Effects in a Syllogistic Evaluation Paradigm
Authors: Stupple Edward J.N. , Ball Linden J.
Published: March 2007

Abstract. Robust biases have been found in syllogistic reasoning that relate to the figure of premises and to the directionality of terms in given conclusions. Mental models theorists (e.g., Johnson-Laird & Byrne, 1991 ) have explained figural bias by assuming that reasoners can more readily form integrated models of premises when their middle terms are contiguous than when they are not. Biases associated with the direction of conclusion terms have been interpreted as reflecting a natural mode of reading off conclusions from models according to a “first-in, first-out principle.” We report an experiment investigating the impact of systematic figural and conclusion-direction manipulations on the processing effort directed at syllogistic components, as indexed through a novel inspection-time method. The study yielded reliable support for mental-models predictions concerning the nature and locus of figural and directionality effects in syllogistic reasoning. We argue that other accounts of syllogistic reasoning seem less able to accommodate the full breadth of inspection-time findings observed.
When People Are More Logical Under Cognitive Load
Authors: De Neys Wim , Schaeken Walter
Published: March 2007

Abstract. The present study introduces dual task methodology to test opposing psychological processing predictions concerning the nature of implicatures in pragmatic theories. Implicatures routinely arise in human communication when hearers interpret utterances pragmatically and go beyond the logical meaning of the terms. The neo-Gricean view (e.g., Levinson, 2000 ) assumes that implicatures are generated automatically whereas relevance theory ( Sperber & Wilson, 1986/1995 ) assumes that implicatures are effortful and not automatic. Participants were presented a sentence verification task with underinformative sentences that have the potential to produce scalar implicatures like Some oaks are trees. Depending on the nature of the interpretation of Some (logical or pragmatic) the sentence is judged true or false. Executive cognitive resources were experimentally burdened by the concurrent memorization of complex dot patterns during the interpretation process. Results showed that participants made more logical and fewer pragmatic interpretations under load. Findings provide direct support for the relevance theory view.
An Ontological Test of the IAT
Authors: Perugini Marco , O'Gorman Rick , Prestwich Andrew
Published: March 2007

Abstract. Extensive research has been conducted demonstrating the predictive validity and reliability of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) for a broad array of behaviors and contexts. However, less work has been done examining its underlying construct validity. This contribution focuses on examining whether a core theoretical foundation of the IAT paradigm is valid, specifically, whether the IAT effect draws on the social knowledge structure (SKS). We present four studies within different domains that show that the IAT does indeed appear to draw on the SKS. The data show that activation of the self before the categorization task enhances the predictive validity of the IAT, as one would expect if the IAT reflects the SKS. We discuss theoretical reasons for these findings, with emphasis also on underlying statistical/psychometric issues.
A Time-Course Analysis of Attentional Cueing by Threatening Scenes
Authors: Koster Ernst H.W. , Crombez Geert , Verschuere Bruno , Vanvolsem Pieter , De Houwer Jan
Published: March 2007

Abstract. Models of attention and emotion have assigned a special status to the processing of threatening information: Facilitated attentional capture by threat and its prioritized processing would allow for swift and adequate action to potentially dangerous stimuli. In four experiments, we examined the time-course of facilitated orienting of attention to threatening scenes in the exogenous cueing paradigm. Threat value and presentation duration of the cues were systematically varied. Facilitated attentional capture by threat was limited to highly threatening pictures presented for 100 ms. No attentional effects were observed with a 28 ms cue presentation duration. At slightly longer cue presentations, 200 ms and 500 ms, results indicated no and even reduced attentional capture by threat compared with neutral information. The present results provide support for the idea that threat facilitates fast attentional orienting to its location, followed by the inhibition of attention to threat.
Switching Between Goals Mediates the Attentional Blink Effect
Authors: Ferlazzo Fabio , Lucido Sabrina , Di Nocera Francesco , Fagioli Sabrina , Sdoia Stefano
Published: March 2007

Abstract. Humans are fundamentally limited in processing information from the outside world. This is particularly evident in the attentional blink (AB), the impaired ability to identify the second of two targets presented in close succession. We report findings from three experiments showing that the AB is significantly reduced when observers are set to achieve one single goal (reporting combinations of the two targets) instead of separate goals (reporting the two targets). This finding raises questions about the nature of AB, and suggests that processes involved in goal-switching must be taken into account by theories of the AB phenomenon.
Assessing Automatic Activation of Valence
Authors: Stahl Christoph , Degner Juliane
Published: March 2007

Abstract. The Extrinsic Affective Simon Task (EAST; De Houwer, 2003 ) has been introduced as an indirect measure of automatic activation of valence. EAST effects provide nonrelative valence measures of single stimuli compared to relative measures (e.g., Implicit Association Test) that imply a comparison between two stimuli or concepts. However, EAST effects can be biased by response tendencies. A multinomial process dissociation model of EAST performance is proposed and successfully validated in four experiments. Its parameters provide pure and unbiased measures of automatic valence activation, controlled processing of task-relevant features, and response tendency. A first application of latent-class hierarchical multinomial models reveals a significant amount of parameter heterogeneity resulting from interindividual differences in accuracy motivation.
Chemical composition of Earth's primitive mantle and its variance: 1. Method and results
Authors: Lyubetskaya Tanya , Korenaga Jun
Published: March 2007

We present a new statistical method to construct a model for the chemical composition of Earth's primitive mantle along with its variance. Earth's primitive mantle is located on the melting trend exhibited by the global compilation of mantle peridotites, using cosmochemical constraints on the relative abundances of refractory lithophile elements (RLE). This so‐called pyrolite approach involves the least amount of assumptions, thereby being probably most satisfactory compared to other approaches. Its previous implementations, however, suffer from questionable statistical treatment of noisy geochemical data, leaving the uncertainty of model composition poorly quantified. In order to properly take into account how scatters in peridotite data affect this geochemical inference, we combine the following statistical techniques: (1) modeling a nonlinear melting trend in the multidimensional compositional space through the principal component analysis, (2) determining the primitive mantle composition on the melting trend by simultaneously imposing all of cosmochemical constraints with least squares, and (3) mapping scatters in original data into the variance of the final model through the bootstrap resampling technique. Whereas our model is similar to previous models in terms of Mg, Si, and Fe abundances, the RLE contents are at ∼2.16 ± 0.37 times the CI chondrite concentration, which is lower than most of previous estimates. The new model is depleted by >20% in a number of incompatible elements including heat‐producing elements, U, Th, and K, and this depleted nature is further amplified (up to 60%) in terms of predicted composition for the present‐day mantle.
Chemical composition of Earth's primitive mantle and its variance: 2. Implications for global geodynamics
Authors: Lyubetskaya Tanya , Korenaga Jun
Published: March 2007

The global budgets of argon and heat‐producing elements have traditionally been used to argue for layered‐mantle convection because they require a large fraction of Earth's mantle to remain isolated from mantle convection. We revise these mass balance arguments using our new composition model of the primitive mantle and show that the global budgets of argon, heat‐producing elements, and rare earth elements are consistent with Earth's mantle almost entirely composed of the mid‐ocean ridge basalt source mantle, supporting the notion of whole mantle convection. Combined with a recent theory on the thermal evolution of Earth, our revised thermal budget implies inefficient mixing and processing in the past, explaining the survival of long‐lived geochemical heterogeneities in convecting mantle.
Progression features of a stepped leader process with four grounded leader branches
Authors: Qie Xiushu , Kong Xiangzhen
Published: March 2007

The propagation features of stepped leader with four grounded branches during a negative CG flash have been analyzed by using the data from a high‐speed digital camera with 1 ms time resolution in correlation with wide‐band electric field change signatures. Four branches that initiated from a main leader trunk connected to ground in sequence and induced four separate return strokes. The propagation speed of four grounded leader branches shows an increase tendency when they progressed downward to ground. The average 2‐D speed of four grounded branches was estimated to be about 1.1 × 105 m/s. The electric field changes caused by the stepped leader were characterized by clustered pulses near the time of return stroke. Each cluster of pulses was composed of 3–4 pulses with an average time interval in a cluster of about 7.7 μs, and the time interval between two first pulses in two adjacent clusters was 30.1 μs.
Seismicity and geometry of the south Chilean subduction zone (41.5°S–43.5°S): Implications for controlling parameters
Authors: Lange D. , Rietbrock A. , Haberland C. , Bataille K. , Dahm T. , Tilmann F. , Flüh E. R.
Published: March 2007

In 2005 an amphibious seismic network was deployed on the Chilean forearc between 41.75°S and 43.25°S. 364 local events were observed in a 11‐month period. A subset of the P and S arrival times were inverted for hypocentral coordinates, 1‐D velocity structure and station delays. Main seismic activity occurred predominantly in a belt parallel to the coast of Chiloé Island in a depth range of 12–30 km presumably related to the plate interface. The 30° inclination of the shallow part of the Wadati‐Benioff zone is similar to observations further north indicating that oceanic plate age is not controlling the subduction angle of the shallower part for the Chilean subduction zone. The down‐dip termination of abundant intermediate depth seismicity at approximately 70 km depth seems to be related to the young age (and high temperature) of the oceanic plate. Crustal seismicity is associated with the Liquiñe‐Ofqui fault zone and active volcanoes.
Low‐frequency submarine volcanic swarms at the southwestern end of the Okinawa Trough
Authors: Lin C. H. , Hsu L. W. , Ho M. Y. , Shin T. C. , Chen K. J. , Yeh Y. H.
Published: March 2007

A low‐frequency (LF) submarine volcanic swarm has been first observed at the southwestern end of the Okinawa Trough where some submarine volcanoes have recently been identified. A swarm of more than 24 earthquakes was recorded at land seismic stations in Taiwan between September 1st and September 4th, 2006. These earthquakes without clear S‐arrivals were substantially different from other abundant tectonic earthquakes in the area. The dominant frequency of around 1 or 2 Hz recorded at all stations shows that the LF seismograms were generated by neither path nor site effects, but directly from the source. These LF earthquakes can be characterized as B‐type volcanic earthquakes, which have been observed in some active volcanoes before significant eruptions. The observations of these LF volcanic earthquakes beneath submarine volcanic cones and seamounts are strong indicator that some submarine volcanoes are still active at the southwestern end of the Okinawa Trough.
The effects of Tsushima Warm Current on the interdecadal variability of the East/Japan Sea thermohaline circulation
Authors: Park Young‐Gyu
Published: March 2007

Using a four‐box model with a throughflow system, it is shown that changes in the Tsushima Warm Current could induce thermohaline variability comparable to the ones observed in the northern deep part of the East/Japan Sea. When the current becomes stronger, salt flux to the northern surface area becomes larger. The vertical stability, then, weakens to produce warm and salty deep water through deep convection a few years after the maximum of the inflow. If the inflow salinity varies synchronously as well, deep convection could occur more easily. Interdecal variation in the atmospheric temperature also could induce thermohaline variability. When the air temperature is low, cold and fresh deep water would be formed. Therefore, neither the intensification of the current during 90s nor atmospheric cooling could explain the cold and salty deep convection observed during 2000–2001. Only when both effects are combined, the observed deep convection could be properly explained.
Seismically active wedge structure beneath the Coalinga anticline, San Joaquin basin, California
Authors: Guzofski Chris A. , Shaw John H. , Lin Guoqing , Shearer Peter M.
Published: March 2007

We define the subsurface geometry, kinematics, and seismotectonics of the Coalinga anticline in the San Joaquin basin, central California. Using seismic reflection data and quantitative fault‐related folding techniques, we present a model of the Coalinga anticline that demonstrates that the structure is composed of a stack of imbricated structural wedges, related to two major fault ramps at depth, the deepest of which ruptured during the 1983 Coalinga (Mw = 6.5) earthquake. Because of the lack of basinward deformation and the observed fold shapes, these ramps are interpreted to sole to a common upper detachment, which acts as a back thrust, forming a structural wedge. This back‐thrust system generates the surface expression of the Coalinga anticline and extends to the surface as the Waltham Canyon fault and a series of related east dipping thrusts. This structural analysis helps reconcile the longstanding conflict between the southwest dipping preferred nodal plane of the 1983 main shock and the western vergence of the surface anticline. Furthermore, the seismic reflection data and our model suggest that two potentially seismogenic ramps and a major back thrust underlie the fold, rather than the single fault which has been inferred in previous studies. Using a relocated earthquake catalog, we document the three‐dimensional distribution of earthquakes over a 22 year period relative to both the main fault which ruptured in the 1983 event and within the structural wedge. This analysis indicates that the majority of moment release following the 1983 event occurred within the wedge itself, compatible with a model of wedge emplacement.
Importance of surface crust strength during the flow of the 1988–1990 andesite lava of Lonquimay Volcano, Chile
Authors: Kerr R. C. , Lyman A. W.
Published: March 2007

The emplacement of the 1988–1990 andesite lava of Lonquimay Volcano, Chile is examined using theoretical expressions for the relevant dynamical flow regimes. The surface crust regime, where the flow is controlled by the growth of a surface crust rather than by the rheology of the fluid interior, is found to predict accurately the entire propagation of the Lonquimay lava flow. This discovery offers the exciting prospect of being able to predict the propagation of future blocky lavas, simply from early observations of both the volume erupted and the flow length as functions of time, without the need to know anything about the rheology of the interior lava.
Response of East Asian climate to Dansgaard/Oeschger and Heinrich events in a coupled model of intermediate complexity
Authors: Jin Liya , Chen Fahu , Ganopolski Andrey , Claussen Martin
Published: March 2007

Terrestrial records of loess‐paleosol sequences from across the Asian interior (Chinese Loess Plateau) have been used to reconstruct climatic conditions through the Quaternary and they correlate, in general, with oxygen isotope records from deep sea cores (e.g., the grain‐size maxima from Chinese loess with ages that match well those of the last six Heinrich events evidenced in the North Atlantic marine sediments during the last glacial period). Possible reasons for this teleconnection of the similar climate signal of the North Atlantic and China are investigated by using an Earth system model of intermediate complexity (CLIMBER‐2) for the typical period of last glacial age (during 60–20 kyr BP). By using the CLIMBER‐2 model, we have studied the response of East Asian climate during the typical glacial age (60–20 kyr BP) to Dansgaard/Oeschger (D/O) and Heinrich events. To trigger D/O and Heinrich events in the model, transient forcings in addition to changes in insolation caused by variations in the Earth orbit are prescribed in the modeling experiment. These additional forcings include changes in inland‐ice volume over North America, in freshwater flux into the northern North Atlantic. The modeling results show that the variations of the annual‐mean near‐surface air temperature over Eurasia closely follow climate changes in North Atlantic. The stronger intensity of westerly wind in the midlatitude of northern hemisphere versus the weaker Asian summer monsoon as well as the slightly weaker Asian winter monsoon (north easterly flow near surface) corresponds well with the (prescribed) Heinrich events during 60–20 kyr BP. This suggests that the climate signals found in Chinese loess (grain‐size maxima with ages that match those of the last six Heinrich events) during the last glaciation are likely related to the relatively stronger westerly winds over Eurasia in boreal winter and a relatively weaker Asian summer monsoon that intensified the aridity of northern China which lead to expansion of the northern deserts during the Heinrich events.
Consistency of time series and trends of stratospheric ozone as seen by ozonesonde, SAGE II, HALOE, and SBUV(/2)
Authors: Terao Yukio , Logan Jennifer A.
Published: March 2007

We examined the consistency of time series for stratospheric ozone obtained by ozonesondes, SAGE II, HALOE, and SBUV(/2) in the northern extratropics and find excellent agreement for interannual variability and trends of ozone for 50–12.5 hPa over Europe. Ozonesonde, SAGE, and HALOE data agree well for ∼200 hPa–12.5 hPa. Ozone in the past few years is ∼6% below values in the early 1980s for 80–20 hPa, while values for 200–125 hPa are similar to those in the early 1980s. Small differences in monthly mean ozone and trends between ozonesondes and SAGE are caused by spatial and temporal sampling differences. The quality of SBUV(/2) Version 8 ozone data was evaluated by comparison to the homogeneous SAGE data. Most biases between SBUV(/2) and SAGE data are within ±10% except for large negative biases of SBUV(/2) at 50 hPa in the tropics. There is less homogeneity in the SBUV(/2) time series for the upper stratosphere, with negative biases for NOAA‐11 after 1997 at 3–5 hPa and positive biases for NOAA‐9 and 16 at 2–5 hPa, compared to earlier SBUV data, implying that the later data may lead to errors in calculated ozone trends. SBUV(/2) ozone trends agree well with SAGE trends in the midlatitude lower stratosphere for 1984–2000, but SBUV(/2) trends are as much as 4%/decade more positive than SAGE trends in the upper stratosphere. We find that SAGE sampling does not influence zonal mean trends, implying that SAGE/SBUV(/2) trend differences are related to data quality and to the different coordinate systems in which ozone is measured.
Novel Mechanism of Endothelin-1-Induced Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Xie An , Aihara Yasuo , Bouryi Vitali A , Nikitina Elena , Jahromi Babak S , Zhang Zhen-Du , Takahashi Masataka , Macdonald R Loch
Published: March 2007

Cerebral vasospasm is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It is a sustained constriction of the cerebral arteries that can be reduced by endothelin (ET) receptor antagonists. Voltage-gated Ca2+channel antagonists such as nimodipine are relatively less effective. Endothelin-1 is not increased enough after SAH to directly cause the constriction, so we sought alternate mechanisms by which ET-1 might mediate vasospasm. Vasospasm was created in dogs, and the smooth muscle cells were studied molecularly, electro-physiologically, and by isometric tension. During vasospasm, ET-1, 10 nmol/L, induced a nonselective cation current carried by Ca2+in 64% of cells compared with in only 7% of control cells. Nimodipine and 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate (a specific antagonist of store-operated channels) had no effect, whereas SKF96365 (a nonspecific antagonist of nonselective cation channels) decreased this current in vasospastic smooth muscle cells. Transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins may mediate entry of Ca2+through nonselective cationic pathways. We tested their role by incubating smooth muscle cells with anti-TRPC1 or TRPC4, both of which blocked ET-1-induced currents in SAH cells. Anti-TRPC5 had no effect. Anti-TRPC1 also inhibited ET-1 contraction of SAH arteries in vitro. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting of seven TRPC isoforms found increased expression of TRPC4 and a novel splice variant of TRPC1 and increased protein expression of TRPC4 and TRPC1. Taken together, the results support a novel mechanism whereby ET-1 significantly increases Ca2+influx mediated by TRPC1 and TRPC4 or their heteromers in smooth muscle cells, which promotes development of vasospasm after SAH.
T- and B-Cell-Deficient Mice with Experimental Stroke have Reduced Lesion Size and Inflammation
Authors: Hum Patricia D , Subramanian Sandhya , Parker Susan M , Afentoulis Michael E , Kaler Laurie J , Vandenbark Arthur A , Offner Halina
Published: March 2007

Stroke induction in immunologically competent mice not only produces local ischemia and brain damage, but also induces early inflammatory changes in brain and peripheral immune responses. Although immune elements clearly are activated after brain vascular occlusion, the relative contribution of T and B lymphocytes to the developing lesion has not been quantified. We evaluated effects 22 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion (90 mins) on histologic injury and peripheral immune activation in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice lacking T and B cells. Cortical and total infarct volumes were strikingly reduced in male SCID mice ( n = 14, 33 ± 4% of contralateral cortex, n = 10, 52 ± 3% of contralateral hemisphere) versus immunologically intact C57BL/6 mice (wild type, n = 9, 57 ± 5% of contralateral cortex, 57 ± 4% of contralateral hemisphere) ( P < 0.01). Striatal infarction was not altered (77 ± 7% of contralateral striatum in SCID, 84 ± 7% in wild type), suggesting that the core of the evolving ischemic lesion was not impacted by lack of T and B cells. As expected, inflammatory factors from immune cells in ischemic SCID brains were essentially absent, with the exception of interleukin-1β increase in both SCID and wild type tissue. Spleen cell numbers were low in SCID mice, but were further reduced 22 h after stroke, with substantial reduction in most inflammatory factors except for increased expression of interferon-γ and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2. These data quantify the damaging effect of T and B lymphocytes on early, evolving ischemic brain injury, and further implicate interleukin-1β in brain and interferon-γ and MIP-2 in spleen as inflammatory factors produced by cells other than T and B cells.
Neutrophil Depletion Decreases VEGF-Induced Focal Angiogenesis in the Mature Mouse Brain
Authors: Hao Qi , Chen Yongmei , Zhu Yiqian , Fan Yongfeng , Palmer Daniel , Su Hua , Young William L , Yang Guo-Yuan
Published: March 2007

To explore the role of neutrophil-derived matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) during angiogenesis in the brain, we hypothesized that transient neutrophil depletion attenuates the angiogenic response to focal hyperstimulation with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Brain focal angiogenesis was achieved using an adeno-associated virus delivered VEGF (AAV-VEGF) gene transfer in the mature mouse. Four groups of mice underwent AAV vector injection in the brain parenchyma: (1) AAV-LacZ; (2) AAV-VEGF; (3) AAV-VEGF plus anti-polymorphonuclear (PMN) antibody; and (4) AAV-VEGF plus serum. Animals in groups 3 and 4 underwent 4 days of PMN antibody or serum treatment before transfection; treatment was sustained for an additional 14 days. Anti-PMN treatment decreased circulating neutrophils to 9% of baseline ( P < 0.001). Microvessels in the AAV-VEGF-group increased 25% compared with the AAV-lacZ-transduced group (256 ± 15 versus 208 ± 16; P < 0.05). Anti-PMN treatment attenuated the increase to 10% compared with control serum treatment (234 ± 16 versus 255 ± 22; P < 0.05). Similarly, compared with control serum treatment, anti-PMN treatment also reduced MMP-9 by 50% (2 ± 0.9 versus 4 ± 1.4; P < 0.05) and MPO expression by 25% (2 ± 0.8 versus 3 ± 0.9; P < 0.05); MMP-9 activity correlated with MPO expression ( R2 = 0.8, P < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that transient depletion of neutrophils suppressed VEGF-induced angiogenesis, indicating that circulating neutrophils contribute to VEGF-induced focal angiogenesis. In addition, brain MMP-9 activity was attenuated after neutrophil depletion, suggesting that neutrophil is an important source of MMP-9.
Regeneration and Plasticity in the Brain and Spinal Cord
Authors: Johansson Barbro B
Published: March 2007

The concept of brain plasticity covers all the mechanisms involved in the capacity of the brain to adjust and remodel itself in response to environmental requirements, experience, skill acquisition, and new challenges including brain lesions. Advances in neuroimaging and neurophysiologic techniques have increased our knowledge of task-related changes in cortical representation areas in the intact and injured human brain. The recognition that neuronal progenitor cells proliferate and differentiate in the subventricular zone and dentate gyrus in the adult mammalian brain has raised the hope that regeneration may be possible after brain lesions. Regeneration will require that new cells differentiate, survive, and integrate into existing neural networks and that axons regenerate. To what extent this will be possible is difficult to predict. Current research explores the possibilities to modify endogenous neurogenesis and facilitate axonal regeneration using myelin inhibitory factors. After apoptotic damage in mice new cortical neurons can form long-distance connections. Progenitor cells from the subventricular zone migrate to cortical and subcortical regions after ischemic brain lesions, apparently directed by signals from the damaged region. Postmortem studies on human brains suggest that neurogenesis may be altered in degenerative diseases. Functional and anatomic data indicate that myelin inhibitory factors, cell implantation, and modification of extracellular matrix may be beneficial after spinal cord lesions. Neurophysiologic data demonstrating that new connections are functioning are needed to prove regeneration. Even if not achieving the goal, methods aimed at regeneration can be beneficial by enhancing plasticity in intact brain regions.
Response to “Comment on ‘Nested stochastic simulation algorithm for chemical kinetic systems with disparate rates’ [J. Chem. Phys. 123, 194107 (2005)]”
Authors: E Weinan , Liu Di , Vanden-Eijnden Eric
Published: April 2007

The authors review two representative ways of improving the efficiency of the stochastic simulation algorithm for chemical kinetic systems with disparate rates: the slow scale stochastic simulation algorithm (ssSSA) proposed by Cao et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 122, 014116 (2005)] and the nested stochastic simulation algorithm (nSSA) proposed by E et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 123, 194107 (2005)]. From theoretical results known since the 1960s, the effective dynamics at the slow time scale is described by an effective system whose rates are obtained by averaging the slow rates of the original system with respect to the quasiequilibrium distributions given by the fast reactions. Except for rare situations for which exact formulas for the effective rates can be obtained, ssSSA and nSSA represent two different ways of using the effective dynamics: ssSSA tries to obtain analytic expressions for the effective slow rates using closure approximations, and nSSA tries to compute the effective slow rates numerically by simulating the fast reactions “on the fly.” The latter approach does not introduce additional closure approximations and can be made accurate for all stiff chemical systems.
Planning Models for the Provision of Affordable Housing
Authors: Johnson Michael P
Published: March 2007

This paper presents new mathematical programming-based planning models for the provision of affordable housing to low-income and moderate-income families by government and nongovernmental entities. These models address two key policy concerns of housing providers: setting priorities for investments among a variety of affordable housing programs, and choosing locations and configurations for particular affordable housing initiatives. This paper also incorporates elements of location-design models to address various programmatic and physical attributes associated with affordable housing. Computational results based on a case study demonstrate the potential of these models to generate affordable housing strategies that are flexible, meet affordable housing ‘gaps’, and address social benefits and fairness concerns concurrently.
Word — Gustatory Synesthesia: A Case Study
Authors: Gendle Mathew H
Published: March 2007

A case study of a rare form of synesthesia is presented, where specific words act as the inducer, and gustatory sensations function as the concurrent. The female participant (TD) was twice presented with a list of 806 English words and 222 grammatically correct non-words (with 3 months between presentations). For each presentation, TD was asked to provide: a subjective description of the gustatory experience (if any) associated with each stimulus; a rating (from 0 to 10) of the intensity of the gustatory experience; and an indication (yes/no) if the experience was aversive. TD's responses across the two presentations were quantified, and comparisons are provided. In addition, TD's ability to create and recall novel word – taste associations was compared to that demonstrated by a sample of ten age-matched non-synesthete females. TD's synesthetic experiences were found to be highly consistent, more common in English words than non-words, and rarely aversive. Although TD was superior to control participants in remembering novel word — taste associations, her reported experiences cannot be wholly explained by either an exceptional non-synesthetic learning of taste — word associations over time, or a clear response to phonemes, rather than whole words. These conclusions are compared to the five other published reports of word — gustatory synesthesia, and directions for future research are discussed.