bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EIA SCREENING IN DENMARK: A NEW REGULATORY INSTRUMENT?
Authors: NIELSEN ESKILD HOLM , CHRISTENSEN PER , KØRNØV LONE
Published: March 2005

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the process by which the effects that proposed projects are likely to have are assessed with respect to a number of environmental criteria. Screening is an activity carried out in advance of an EIA to determine whether, in fact, it is necessary to undertake a full assessment. In that sense screening has become not only an administrative filtering procedure but also effectively a kind of regulation.

Since the implementation of the Directive in 1999, counties (county councils) in Denmark have screened around 2000 projects annually. Approximately 3 percent of the decisions arising from screening lead to a "full EIA".

This article is based on a study of 98 documented screening decisions combined with interviews with developers and their consultants as well as county officials for each project. Herein, we analyse both the number of modifications to projects made due to the screening process and also how radical or significant the modifications were.

EIA regulation meant that approximately 45 percent of the projects were modified. Around half of these modifications were actually made before the administrative process even started. The mere fact that screening exists functions as an eye-opener to developers and consultants. In general, the nature of changes made before and after submission of the application was similar. They covered basically minor changes.

Examining the assessments made during screening more closely, we conclude that there is still far to go in order to make the assessment broader and more holistic in accordance with the ambitions set out in the EIA Directive. Among other things, this goes for the assessment of cumulative and potential impacts.

On the basis of the evaluation, we also conclude that screening is effectively a regulatory instrument in its own right. Moreover, it seems to be a cost-effective instrument in the sense that, without incurring much administrative expense, it potentially results in environmental benefits.
Mechanism of amyloid peptide induced CCR5 expression in monocytes and its inhibition by siRNA for Egr-1
Authors: Giri Ranjit K. , Rajagopal Vikram , Shahi Shweta , Zlokovic Berislav V. , Kalra Vijay K.
Published: March 2005

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), one finds increased presence of monocytes/macrophages and activated microglial cells in the brain. Immunohistochemical studies show increased expression of chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) on reactive microglia associated with amyloid deposits in AD, suggesting that CCR5 may play a role in the regulation of the immune response in AD. In this study, we used peripheral blood monocytes and human monocytic THP-1 cell line as a model of microglia to delineate the cellular signaling mechanism of Aβ-induced CCR5 expression and the latter's role in the chemotaxis of monocytes. We observed that Aβ peptides at pathophysiological concentrations (125 nM) increased CCR5 mRNA and cell surface protein expression. The cellular signaling involved activation of c-Raf, ERK-1/ERK-2, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase. Analysis of some transcription factors associated with CCR5 promoter revealed that Aβ increased DNA binding activity of Egr-1 and AP-1. In addition, we show that CCR5 promoter contains an Egr-1 like consensus sequence GCGGGGGTG as demonstrated by 1) electrophoretic mobility shift assay, 2) transfection studies with truncated CCR5 gene promoter construct, and 3) chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. Moreover, transfection of Egr-1 siRNA, but not of scrambled Egr-1 siRNA, in THP-1 cells resulted in >75% reduction in both Aβ-mediated CCR5 expression and concomitant chemotaxis to its ligands. We suggest that inhibition of Egr-1 by either Egr-1 siRNA or pharmacological agents may reduce activation of monocytes/microglia and possibly ameliorate the inflammation and progression of AD.
Involvement of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 in ERBB2 expression in rheumatoid synovial cells
Authors: Kitamura Takuya , Sekimata Masayuki , Kikuchi Shin-ichi , Homma Yoshimi
Published: March 2005

Hyperplasia of synovial lining cells is one of the main features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We previously reported that ERBB2 is highly expressed in RA synovial cells and that it plays an important role in their hyperproliferative growth. Recent findings have suggested that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is involved in the transactivation of NF-κB-dependent genes such as ERBB2. In the present study, we investigated the role of PARP-1 in ERBB2 transcription in RA synovial cells. The expression level of PARP-1 was significantly high in synovial cells derived from three patients with RA, compared with three patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Luciferase assays revealed that PARP-1 augments the transcription of the ERBB2 gene and that a region between −404 and −368 is responsible for this activation. A protein with an apparent molecular mass of 115 kDa was isolated mainly from nuclear extracts of RA synovial cells with an affinity matrix harboring a DNA fragment identical to the above region. Mass spectrometric analysis demonstrated this protein to be PARP-1. Southwestern blot analysis showed that PARP-1 binds to this region, but not to adjacent regions. PARP-1 associates directly with NF-κB, and a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay indicated that these proteins interact with this enhancer region in the ERBB2 gene. Treatment of RA synovial cells with PARP-1 small interfering RNA attenuated their ERBB2 expression, while an inhibitor of the polymerase activity of PARP-1 had no effect. PARP-1 DNA binding is not required for transcriptional activation. These findings suggest that PARP-1 is involved in the expression of ERBB2 in concert with NF-κB, which might be associated with the proliferation of RA synovial cells.
Characterization of 5-HT7-receptor-mediated gastric relaxation in conscious dogs
Authors: Janssen Pieter , Prins Nicolaas H. , Moreaux Benoit , Meulemans Ann L. , Lefebvre Romain A.
Published: March 2005

We aimed to evaluate the gastric relaxant capacity of the 5-HT1/7-receptor agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) in conscious dogs and to clarify the mechanism of action by use of selective antagonists, vagotomy, and in vitro experiments. A barostat enabled us to monitor the intragastric volume in response to different treatments (intravenously administered) before and after supradiaphragmatic vagotomy [results presented as the maximum volume change after treatment (mean; n = 5–11)]. In vitro experiments were performed with isolated muscle strips cut from four different stomach regions of the vagotomized dogs [results were fitted to the operational model of agonism to determine the efficacy parameter τ ( n = 5)]. 5-CT (0.5–10 μg/kg) caused a dose-dependent gastric relaxation (29–267 ml) that was completely blocked by the selective 5-HT7-receptor antagonist SB-269970 (50 μg/kg). After vagotomy, the relaxation to 10 μg/kg 5-CT was significantly less pronounced (73 vs. 267 ml; P < 0.05) but still blocked by SB-269970, whereas the response to the nitric oxide donor nitroprusside was similar to that before vagotomy (178 vs. 218 ml). In vitro, 5-CT concentration dependently inhibited the PGF2α-contracted muscle strips before and after vagotomy. Although before and after vagotomy the response in every region was mediated by 5-HT7 receptors (apparent affinity dissociation constant: SB-269970, 8.2–8.6 vs. 8.3–8.6, respectively), the response after vagotomy was less efficacious (log τ: 1.9 to 0.5 vs. 1.4 to −0.1). The results indicate that the 5-CT-induced proximal stomach relaxation in conscious dogs before and after vagotomy is mediated via 5-HT7 receptors. The decreased efficacy of 5-CT in vitro after vagotomy is probably related to vagotomy-induced changes in receptor density or coupling efficiency and provides a possible explanation for the decreased in vivo response to 5-CT after vagotomy.
Brain stem melanocortinergic modulation of meal size and identification of hypothalamic POMC projections
Authors: Zheng Huiyuan , Patterson Laurel M. , Phifer Curtis B. , Berthoud Hans-Rudolf
Published: March 2005

Metabolic, cognitive, and environmental factors processed in the forebrain modulate food intake by changing the potency of direct controls of meal ingestion in the brain stem. Here, we behaviorally and anatomically test the role of the hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) system in mediating some of these descending, indirect controls. Melanotan II (MTII), a stable melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) and melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) agonist injected into the fourth ventricle near the dorsal vagal complex, potently inhibited 14-h food intake by decreasing meal size but not meal frequency; SHU9119, an antagonist, increased food intake by selectively increasing meal size. Furthermore, MTII injected into the fourth ventricle increased and SHU9119 tended to decrease heart rate and body temperature measured telemetrically in freely moving rats. Numerous α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-immunoreactive axons were in close anatomical apposition to nucleus tractus solitarius neurons showing c-Fos in response to gastric distension, expressing neurochemical phenotypes implicated in ingestive control, and projecting to brown adipose tissue. In retrograde tracing experiments, a small percentage of arcuate nucleus POMC neurons was found to project to the dorsal vagal complex. Thus melanocortin signaling in the brain stem is sufficient to alter food intake via changing the potency of satiety signals and to alter sympathetic outflow. Although the anatomical findings support the involvement of hypothalamomedullary POMC projections in mediating part of the descending, indirect signal, they do not rule out involvement of POMC neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius in mediating part of the direct signal.
Contribution of prostaglandins to the dilation that follows isometric forearm contraction in human subjects: effects of aspirin and hyperoxia
Authors: Win Thet Su , Marshall Janice M.
Published: March 2005

In 11 healthy volunteers, we evaluated, in a double-blind crossover study, whether the vasodilation that follows isometric contraction is mediated by prostaglandins (PGs) and/or is O2dependent. Subjects performed isometric handgrip for 2 min at 60% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), after pretreatment with placebo or aspirin (600 mg orally), when breathing air or 40% O2. Forearm blood flow was measured in the dominant forearm by venous occlusion plethysmography. Arterial blood pressure was also recorded, allowing calculation of forearm vascular conductance (FVC; forearm blood flow/arterial blood pressure). During air breathing, aspirin significantly reduced the increase in FVC that followed contraction at 60% MVC: from a baseline of 0.09 ± 0.011 [mean ± SE, conductance units (CU)], the peak value was reduced from 0.24 ± 0.03 to 0.14 ± 0.01 CU. Breathing 40% O2similarly reduced the increase in FVC relative to that evoked when breathing air; the peak value was 0.24 ± 0.03 vs. 0.15 ± 0.02 CU. However, after aspirin, breathing 40% O2had no further effect on the contraction-evoked increase in FVC (the peak value was 0.15 ± 0.02 vs. 0.16 ± 0.02 CU). Thus the present study indicates that prostaglandins make a substantial contribution to the peak of the vasodilation that follows isometric contraction of forearm muscles at 60% MVC. Given that hyperoxia similarly reduced the vasodilation and attenuated the effect of aspirin, we propose that the stimulus for prostaglandin synthesis and release is hypoxia of the endothelium.
Temporal Properties of Inputs to Direction-Selective Neurons in Monkey V1
Authors: Saul Alan B , Carras Peter L , Humphrey Allen L
Published: March 2005

Motion in the visual scene is processed by direction-selective neurons in primary visual cortex. These cells receive inputs that differ in space and time. What are these inputs? A previous single-unit recording study in anesthetized monkey V1 proposed that the two major streams arising in the primate retina, the M and P pathways, differed in space and time as required to create direction selectivity. We confirmed that cortical cells driven by P inputs tend to have sustained responses. The M pathway, however, as assessed by recordings in layer 4Cα and from cells with high contrast sensitivity, is not purely transient. The diversity of timing in the M stream suggests that combinations of M inputs, as well as of M and P inputs, create direction selectivity.
The simple ultrastructure of the maize kinetochore fits a two-domain model
Authors: Dawe R.K. , Richardson E.A. , Zhang X.
Published: March 2005

Light microscope observations suggest there are two discrete biochemical domains in the plant kinetochore, an inner domain containing structural proteins, and an outer domain containing proteins involved in motility. We analyzed the ultrastructure of maize meiotic kinetochores following high pressure freezing and freeze substitution, a method that provides excellent sample preservation. Data from meiosis II support previous descriptions of plant kinetochores as diffuse, nearly invisible domains, sometimes nesting in a cup of darkly staining chromatin. The ultrastructure is similar in meiosis I but there are two sister kinetochores that each protrude away from the chromosome and form their own distinct kinetochore fibers. Microtubules terminate within kinetochores where their ends are splayed in a cone-shaped configuration suggestive of microtubule disassembly. We could not detect any significant substructure within the kinetochore proper. We suggest that the diffuse structure classically defined as the kinetochore represents only the outer domain of a two-domain organelle. The inner domain, known to contain chromatin-binding proteins, probably extends into the electron-dense chromatin of the primary constriction.
Differentiating plant cells switched to proliferation remodel the functional organization of nuclear domains
Authors: Testillano P.S. , González-Melendi P. , Coronado M.J. , Seguí-Simarro J.M. , Moreno-Risueño M.A. , Risueño M.C.
Published: March 2005

The immature pollen grain, the microspore, under stress conditions can switch its developmental program towards proliferation and embryogenesis. The comparison between the gametophytic and sporophytic pathways followed by the microspore permitted us to analyse the nuclear changes in plant differentiating cells when switched to proliferation. The nucleus is highly dynamic, the architecture of its well organised functional domains – condensed chromatin, interchromatin region, nuclear bodies and nucleolus – changing in response to DNA replication, RNA transcription, processing and transport. In the present work, the rearrangements of the nuclear domains during the switch to proliferation have been determined by in situ molecular identification methods for the subcellular localization of chromatin at different functional states, rDNA, elements of the nuclear machinery (PCNA, splicing factors), signalling and stress proteins. The study of the changes in the nuclear domains was determined by a correlative approach at confocal and electron microscopy levels. The results showed that the switch of the developmental program and the activation of the proliferative activity affected the functional organization of the nuclear domains, which accordingly changed their architecture and functional state. A redistribution of components, among them various signalling molecules which targeted structures within the interchromatin region upon translocation from the cytoplasm, was also observed.
Unusual Presentation of Sarcoidosis
Authors: Rizzato Gianfranco , Tinelli Carmine
Published: March 2005

The extrapulmonary presentation of sarcoidosis is a frequent occurrence – over 30% of cases when the observation is prospective – but early diagnosis may still be a challenge. A comparison between two different Italian series – (1) patients visiting the Milan Sarcoidosis Clinic of an Internal Medicine Department and (2) an Italian Register from many pneumology centers (RIPID) – has shown a different approach to the diagnosis because pneumologists are more likely to use transbronchial biopsy, while internists are more likely to use extrapulmonary biopsies. Such a different clinical approach may be due in part to a different case mix of the two series.
Total Pubertal Growth and Markers of Puberty Onset in Adolescents with GHD: Comparison between Mathematical Growth Analysis and Pubertal Staging Methods
Authors: Martin David D. , Hauspie Roland C. , Ranke Michael B.
Published: March 2005

Two methods of determining puberty onset (Preece- Baines model 1 (PB1) and Tanner staging) were used to calculate total pubertal growth (TPG) in adolescents with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Patients and Methods: 34 patients (11 girls) met the following inclusion criteria: isolated GHD, >2 years growth hormone therapy prior to puberty onset, regular weight-adjusted GH dosage, known final height (age >21 years or height velocity <0.5 cm/year), no induction of puberty. PB1 was used to define age and height at onset of the pubertal growth spurt (‘take-off’). Results: The results (mean ± SD) were as follows: in girls, mean age at take-off was 9.8 years; 2.0 ± 1.1 years before breast stage B2. In boys, mean age at take-off was 11.3 years; 1.4 ± 0.8 years before testes volume >3 ml. Height at take-off was lower than at Tanner stage 2 by 12.4 ± 7.6 cm in girls and 7.7 ± 5.3 cm in boys. TPG was thus markedly greater (p < 0.001) using the PB1 method, as compared with Tanner stage2. Peak height velocity was normal. Final height was –0.5 ± 0.7 SDS in females and –0.4 ± 0.9 SDS in males. Conclusions: The method of measuring TPG from take-off is more objective, and has potentially greater implications for GH therapeutics than the Tanner stage method. In our study, 40% of TPG occurred before ‘breast stage B2’ was attained in GHD girls; whereas 23% of TPG occurred before ‘testes >3 ml’ in GHD boys.
Effect of Supplementation with Docosahexaenoic Acid Ethyl Ester and sn-2 Docosahexaenyl Monoacylglyceride on Plasma and Erythrocyte Fatty Acids in Rats
Authors: Valenzuela Alfonso , Valenzuela Viviana , Sanhueza Julio , Nieto Susana
Published: March 2005

Background/Aims: Docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6, DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid required for the normal development of the mammalian nervous and visual system. DHA is provided by the mother during pregnancy and lactating period. Mother’s DHA supplementation during pregnancy, and even before pregnancy, has been suggested. DHA can be provided by marine oils, egg’s yolk phospholipids, single cell algae oils, the pure fatty acid, or by the ethyl ester derivative (DHA-EE). Another way to provide DHA can be by sn-2 docosahexaenyl monoacylglyceride (DHA-MG), obtained by the treatment of fish oil with stereospecific lipases. sn-2 Fatty acid monoacylglycerides can be more easily absorbed at the intestine than other fatty acid derivatives. Methods: Female rats fed with a synthetic, which provided essentially no DHA, received a 40-day supplementation of either DHA-EE or DHA-MG. Plasma and erythrocyte fatty acid composition were assessed by gas chromatography at day 0 and 40 of supplementation. Results: DHA-EE increased plasma and erythrocyte DHA by 15 and 11.9%, respectively, with no modification of arachidonic acid (AA) content. DHA-MG supplementation increased plasma and erythrocyte DHA by 24 and 23.8%, respectively, but reduced AA by 5.5 and 3%, respectively. Conclusions: We conclude that in the rat, DHA-MG supplementation allows a higher plasma and erythrocyte DHA content than DHA-EE with minor modification of AA content.
Differential Stress Reactivity in Intact and Ovariectomized Prepubertal and Adult Female Rats
Authors: Romeo Russell D. , Lee Susan J. , McEwen Bruce S.
Published: March 2005

The pubertal development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has received relatively little experimental attention. As puberty is marked by an increase in the susceptibility to various psychiatric disorders that may be related to HPA dysfunction, it is imperative to elucidate the pubertal development of this neuroendocrine axis. To date, the limited research in this area has been conducted primarily on males. Presently, we investigated stress responsiveness, as measured by both stress hormones (e.g., corticotropin (ACTH) and corticosterone) and gonadal steroids, in intact and ovariectomized prepubertal and adult female rats before and after a 30-min session of restraint stress. We report here that intact prepubertal females exhibit an extended corticosterone stress response (30–45 min longer) compared to intact adults. Moreover, ovariectomized prepubertal females continue to exhibit a prolonged stress-induced corticosterone and progesterone response compared to ovariectomized adults, indicating these protracted responses prior to puberty are independent of ovarian hormones. ACTH levels were not significantly different between intact and ovariectomized prepubertal and adult animals at all the post-stress time points measured, suggesting that the prolonged corticosterone response in prepubertal females is due to an enhanced sensitivity to ACTH at the level of the adrenal cortex. Taken together, these data indicate that stress reactivity changes dramatically during puberty in females. Furthermore, these data demonstrate additional development of the HPA axis during pubertal maturation, resulting in a more quickly terminated stress response in adulthood.
Differential Activation of Mitogenic Signaling Pathways in Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells Deficient in Superoxide Dismutase Isoforms
Authors: Madamanchi Nageswara R. , Moon Sung-Kwon , Hakim Zeenat S. , Clark Shantres , Mehrizi Ali , Patterson Cam , Runge Marschall S.
Published: March 2005

Objective—

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) integrate cellular signaling pathways involved in aortic smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and migration associated with atherosclerosis. However, the effect of subcellular localization of ROS on SMC mitogenic signaling is not yet fully understood.

Methods and Results—

We used superoxide dismutase (SOD)–deficient mouse aortic SMCs to address the role of subcellular ROS localization on SMC phenotype and mitogenic signaling. Compared with wild-type, a 54% decrease in total SOD activity (≈50% decrease in SOD1 protein levels) and a 42% reduction in SOD2 activity (≈50% decrease in SOD2 protein levels) were observed in SOD1
+/−
and SOD2
+/−
SMCs, respectively. Consistent with this, basal and thrombin-induced superoxide levels increased in these SMCs. SOD1
+/−
and SOD2
+/−
SMCs exhibit increased basal proliferation and enhanced [
3
H]-thymidine and [
3
H]-leucine incorporation in basal and thrombin-stimulated conditions. Our results indicate preferential activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases in SOD1
+/−
and janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcriptase (JAK/STAT) pathway in SOD2
+/−
SMCs. Pharmacological inhibitors of ERK1/2 p38 and JAK2 confirm the SOD genotype-dependent SMC proliferation.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that SOD1 and SOD2 regulate SMC quiescence by suppressing divergent mitogenic signaling pathways, and dysregulation of these enzymes under pathophysiological conditions may lead to SMC hyperplasia and hypertrophy.
Atherogenesis in Mice Does Not Require CD40 Ligand From Bone Marrow–Derived Cells
Authors: Bavendiek Udo , Zirlik Andreas , LaClair Samantha , MacFarlane Lindsey , Libby Peter , Schönbeck Uwe
Published: March 2005

Objective—Recent research suggests a central role for CD40 ligand (CD40L) in atherogenesis. However, the relevant cellular source of this proinflammatory cytokine remains unknown. To test the hypothesis that CD40L expressed on hematopoietic cell types (eg, macrophages, lymphocytes, platelets) is crucial to atherogenesis, we performed bone marrow reconstitution experiments using low-density receptor-deficient (ldlr−/−) andldlr−/−/cd40l−/−compound-mutant mice.

Methods and Results—As expected, systemic lack of CD40L in hypercholesterolemicldlr−/−mice significantly reduced the development of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic arch, aortic root, and abdominal aorta compared withldlr−/−mice. Furthermore, atheromata inldlr−/−/cd40l−/−mice showed reduced accumulation of macrophages and lipids and increased content in smooth muscle cells and collagen compared withldlr−/−mice. Surprisingly, reconstitution of irradiatedldlr−/−mice withldlr−/−/cd40l−/−bone marrow did not affect the size or composition of atherosclerotic lesions in the root or arch of hypercholesterolemicldlr−/−mice. Moreover, lipid deposition in the abdominal aorta diminished only marginally compared with mouse aortas reconstituted withldlr−/−bone marrow.

Conclusions—These experiments demonstrate that CD40L modulates atherogenesis, at least in mice, primarily by its expression on nonhematopoietic cell types rather than monocytes, T lymphocytes, or platelets, a surprising finding with important pathophysiologic and therapeutic implications.
Endogenous p53 Protects Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells From Apoptosis and Reduces Atherosclerosis in ApoE Knockout Mice
Authors: Mercer John , Figg Nichola , Stoneman Victoria , Braganza Denise , Bennett Martin R.
Published: March 2005

Recent studies have indicated that the tumor suppressor gene p53 limits atherosclerosis in animal models; p53 expression is also increased in advanced human plaques compared with normal vessels, where it may induce growth arrest and apoptosis. However, controversy exists as to the role of endogenous levels of p53 in different cell types that comprise plaques. We examined atherosclerotic plaque development and composition in brachiocephalic arteries and aortas of p53
−/−
/ApoE
−/−
mice versus wild type p53 controls. p53
−/−
mice demonstrated increased aortic plaque formation, with increased rates of cell proliferation and reduced rates of apoptosis in brachiocephalic arteries. Although most proliferating cells were monocyte/macrophages, apoptotic cells were both vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and macrophages. Transplant of p53 bone marrow to p53
−/−
/ApoE
−/−
mice reduced aortic plaque formation and cell proliferation in brachiocephalic plaques, but also markedly reduced apoptosis. To examine p53 regulation of these processes, we studied proliferation and apoptosis in macrophages, bone marrow stromal cells and VSMCs cultured from these mice. Although endogenous p53 promoted apoptosis in macrophages, it protected VSMCs and stromal cells from death, a hitherto unknown function in these cells, in part by inhibiting DNA damage response enzymes. p53 also inhibited stromal cell expression of VSMC markers. We conclude that endogenous levels of p53 protect VSMCs and stromal cells against apoptosis, while promoting apoptosis in macrophages, and protect against atherosclerosis development.
Enhancement of Cardiac Function and Suppression of Heart Failure Progression By Inhibition of Protein Phosphatase 1
Authors: Pathak Anand , del Monte Federica , Zhao Wen , Schultz Jo-El , Lorenz John N. , Bodi Ilona , Weiser Doug , Hahn Harvey , Carr Andrew N. , Syed Faisal , Mavila Nirmala , Jha Leena , Qian Jiang , Marreez Yehia , Chen Guoli , McGraw Dennis W. , Heist E. Kevin , Guerrero J. Luis , DePaoli-Roach Anna A. , Hajjar Roger J. , Kranias Evangelia G.
Published: March 2005

Abnormal calcium cycling, characteristic of experimental and human heart failure, is associated with impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium uptake activity. This reflects decreases in the cAMP-pathway signaling and increases in type 1 phosphatase activity. The increased protein phosphatase 1 activity is partially due to dephosphorylation and inactivation of its inhibitor-1, promoting dephosphorylation of phospholamban and inhibition of the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-pump. Indeed, cardiac-specific expression of a constitutively active inhibitor-1 results in selective enhancement of phospholamban phosphorylation and augmented cardiac contractility at the cellular and intact animal levels. Furthermore, the β-adrenergic response is enhanced in the transgenic hearts compared with wild types. On aortic constriction, the hypercontractile cardiac function is maintained, hypertrophy is attenuated and there is no decompensation in the transgenics compared with wild-type controls. Notably, acute adenoviral gene delivery of the active inhibitor-1, completely restores function and partially reverses remodeling, including normalization of the hyperactivated p38, in the setting of pre-existing heart failure. Thus, the inhibitor 1 of the type 1 phosphatase may represent an attractive new therapeutic target.
Common Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Bots Michiel L. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Hofman Albert , Witteman Jacqueline C.M.
Published: March 2005

Background—

It has been argued that lumen diameter of the common carotid artery should be taken into account in analyses on common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and cardiovascular risk. Yet, no published report has dealt with this issue in detail.

Methods—

In the Rotterdam study baseline ultrasound images of the carotid arteries were made. During follow-up of 8.2 years, 656 new acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) occurred. Regression analysis was used to study myocardial infarction relation to right (or left) common CIMT with various adjustments for right-, or left-sided lumen diameter. Lumen adjustment was made by (1) a simple adjustment in a regression equation; (2) using the CIMT-to-lumen ratio; (3) using arterial mass, calculated as ({π×[(lumen+near wall CIMT+far wall CIMT)/2]
2
}−[π×(lumen/2)
2
]).

Results—

AMI disease risk increased per standard deviation increase in common CIMT (0.177 mm): hazard ratio (HR) 1.28 (95% CI, 1.19 to 1.37). When lumen diameter was taken into account the HR was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.18 to 1.35). The HR for the CIMT-to-lumen ratio was 1.18 (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.27) and for arterial mass 1.28 (95% CI, 1.19 to 1.37). Additional analyses indicated that the CIMT-to-lumen ratio at lower CIMT levels appears to reflect arterial remodelling rather than risk of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion—

We conclude that using the CIMT-to-lumen ratio yields the weakest associations. Other approaches for adjustment for common carotid lumen diameter do not affect the magnitude or precision of the association of common CIMT to risk of AMI. When the interest is in risk relations the preference goes to either CIMT or arterial mass measurement.
Retrieving Stratocumulus Drizzle Parameters Using Doppler Radar and Lidar
Authors: O’Connor Ewan J. , Hogan Robin J. , Illingworth Anthony J.
Published: March 2005

Stratocumulus is one of the most common cloud types globally, with a profound effect on the earth’s radiation budget, and the drizzle process is fundamental in understanding the evolution of these boundary layer clouds. In this paper a combination of 94-GHz Doppler radar and backscatter lidar is used to investigate the microphysical properties of drizzle falling below the base of stratocumulus clouds. The ratio of the radar to lidar backscatter power is proportional to the fourth power of mean size, and so potentially it can provide an accurate size estimate. Information about the shape of the drop size distribution is then inferred from the Doppler spectral width. The algorithm estimates vertical profiles of drizzle parameters such as liquid water content, liquid water flux, and vertical air velocity, assuming that the drizzle size spectrum may be represented by a gamma distribution. The depletion time scale of cloud liquid water through the drizzle process can be estimated when the liquid water path of the cloud is available from microwave radiometers, and observations suggest that this time scale varies from a few days in light drizzle to a few hours in strong drizzle events. Radar and lidar observations from Chilbolton (in southern England) and aircraft size spectra taken during the Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment have both been used to derive the following power-law relationship between liquid water flux (LWF) (g m−2 s−1) and radar reflectivity (Z) (mm6 m−3): LWF = 0.0093Z0.69. This relation is valid for frequencies up to 94 GHz and therefore would allow a forthcoming spaceborne radar to measure liquid water flux around the globe to within a factor of 2 for values of Z above −20 dBZ.
Katabatic Flow Mechanisms on a Low-Angle Slope
Authors: Haiden Thomas , Whiteman C. David
Published: March 2005

Momentum and heat budget equations for katabatic flows on sloping surfaces are revisited. Terms in these equations are evaluated using wind and potential temperature data from four tethered-balloon data collection systems on a 3-km line running down a 1.6° slope at the foot of the Oquirrh Mountains in Utah’s Great Salt Lake valley. The analyses focus on the development with downslope distance of the katabatic flow and the associated negatively buoyant layer under synoptically undisturbed conditions. With strong ambient stratification, the katabatic flow shows little variation between sites, suggesting a state close to local equilibrium. When the ambient stratification is weaker, the acceleration of the katabatic flow between two tethersonde sites is systematically larger than what would be predicted based on observed buoyancy. Comparison of observed flow direction with the local topographic gradient indicates that slope curvature, associated with small deviations from the basically planar slope, may be responsible for the anomalous increase. It is concluded that the cross-slope homogeneity of the flow, which is assumed in simplified katabatic flow models, may be significantly disturbed even on slopes that appear to be planar to the observer.
Cloud Sky Cover versus Cloud Fraction: Whole-Sky Simulations and Observations
Authors: Kassianov Evgueni , Long Charles N. , Ovtchinnikov Mikhail
Published: March 2005

The relationship between hemispherical sky cover and nadir-view cloud fraction is examined by using both model simulations and surface observations. Monte Carlo simulations of ground-based hemispherical measurements are based on four-dimensional cloud fields produced by a large-eddy simulation model. Surface hemispherical observations are performed during the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program’s Cloudiness Intercomparison Intensive Operational Period. It is shown that (i) 15-min averages of frequently sampled (30 s) sky cover provide a reasonable estimation of the cloud fraction for limited fields of view and that (ii) this estimation can be substantially improved (for cumulus clouds) if additional information about the cloud aspect ratio is incorporated into the retrieval process.
Development of a Time Series–Based Methodology for Estimation of Large-Area Soil Wetness over India Using IRS-P4 Microwave Radiometer Data
Authors: Thapliyal P. K. , Pal P. K. , Narayanan M. S. , Srinivasan J.
Published: March 2005

Soil moisture is a very important boundary parameter in numerical weather prediction at different spatial and temporal scales. Satellite-based microwave radiometric observations are considered to be the best because of their high sensitivity to soil moisture, apart from possessing all-weather and day–night observation capabilities with high repetitousness. In the present study, 6.6-GHz horizontal-polarization brightness temperature data from the Multifrequency Scanning Microwave Radiometer (MSMR) onboard the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite IRS-P4 have been used for the estimation of large-area-averaged soil wetness. A methodology has been developed for the estimation of soil wetness for the period of June–July from the time series of MSMR brightness temperatures over India. Maximum and minimum brightness temperatures for each pixel are assigned to the driest and wettest periods, respectively. A daily soil wetness index over each pixel is computed by normalizing brightness temperature observations from these extreme values. This algorithm has the advantage that it takes into account the effect of time-invariant factors, such as vegetation, surface roughness, and soil characteristics, on soil wetness estimation. Weekly soil wetness maps compare well to corresponding weekly rainfall maps depicting clearly the regions of dry and wet soil conditions. Comparisons of MSMR-derived soil wetness with in situ observations show a high correlation (R > 0.75), with a standard error of the soil moisture estimate of less than 7% (volumetric unit) for the surface (0–5 cm) and subsurface (5–10 cm) soil moisture.
The 30 May 1998 Spencer, South Dakota, Storm. Part I: The Structural Evolution and Environment of the Tornadoes
Authors: Alexander Curtis R. , Wurman Joshua
Published: March 2005

On the evening of 30 May 1998 atmospheric conditions across southeastern South Dakota led to the development of organized moist convection including several supercells. One such supercell was tracked by both a Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) from Sioux Falls, South Dakota (KFSD), and by a Doppler On Wheels (DOW) mobile radar. This supercell remained isolated for an hour and a half before being overtaken by a developing squall line. During this time period the supercell produced at least one strong and one violent tornado, the latter of which passed through Spencer, South Dakota, despite the absence of strong low-level environmental wind shear. The two tornadoes were observed both visually and with the DOW radar at ranges between 1.7 and 12.9 km. The close proximity to the tornadoes permitted the DOW radar to observe tornado-scale structures on the order of 35 to 100 m, while the nearest WSR-88D only resolved the parent mesocyclone in the supercell. The DOW observations revealed a persistent Doppler velocity couplet and associated ring reflectivity signature at the tip of the hook echo.

The DOW radar data contained tornado strength winds over 35 m s−1 within 100 m AGL approximately 180 s prior to both the first spotter report and visual confirmation of the first tornado associated with this supercell. Following the formation of the second tornado, the DOW radar observations revealed a tornado-strength Doppler velocity couplet within 150 m AGL between two separate tornado tracks determined by a National Weather Service (NWS) damage survey. Based upon the DOW Doppler velocity data it appears that the second and third damage tracks from this supercell are produced from a single tornado.

The time–height evolution of the Doppler velocity couplet spanning both tornadoes revealed a gradual increase in vertical vorticity across each tornado's core region within a few hundred meters AGL from near 0.2 to over 2.0 s−1 over a 45-min period. A corresponding reduction in vertical vorticity was observed aloft especially near 1000 m AGL where vorticity values decreased from near 1.0 to about 0.5 s−1 during this same time interval. The shear across the Doppler velocity couplet appears to undergo strengthening both at the surface and aloft during both tornadoes. An oscillatory fluctuation in the near-surface shear across the tornado core developed during the second tornado, with peak shear values as high as 206 m s−1, Doppler velocities over 106 m s−1, and peak ground-relative wind speeds reaching 118 m s−1. The period of this intensity oscillation appears to be around 120 s and was most prominent just prior to and during the passage of the tornado through Spencer. Coincident with the tornado passage through Spencer was a rapid descending of the reflectivity eye in the core of the tornado. A detailed comparison of surveyed tornado damage and radar-calculated tornado winds in Spencer is discussed in Part II.
Verification of Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts over the Southwest United States during Winter 2002/03 by the RSM Ensemble System
Authors: Yuan Huiling , Mullen Steven L. , Gao Xiaogang , Sorooshian Soroosh , Du Jun , Juang Hann-Ming Henry
Published: March 2005

The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Regional Spectral Model (RSM) is used to generate ensemble forecasts over the southwest United States during the 151 days of 1 November 2002 to 31 March 2003. RSM forecasts to 24 h on a 12-km grid are produced from 0000 and 1200 UTC initial conditions. Eleven ensemble members are run each forecast cycle from the NCEP Global Forecast System (GFS) ensemble analyses (one control and five pairs of bred modes) and forecast lateral boundary conditions. The model domain covers two NOAA River Forecast Centers: the California Nevada River Forecast Center (CNRFC) and the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center (CBRFC). Ensemble performance is evaluated for probabilistic forecasts of 24-h accumulated precipitation in terms of several accuracy and skill measures. Differences among several NCEP precipitation analyses are assessed along with their impact on model verification, with NCEP stage IV blended analyses selected to represent “truth.”

Forecast quality and potential value are found to depend strongly on the verification dataset, geographic region, and precipitation threshold. In general, the RSM forecasts are skillful over the CNRFC region for thresholds between 1 and 50 mm but are unskillful over the CBRFC region. The model exhibits a wet bias for all thresholds that is larger over Nevada and the CBRFC region than over California. Mitigation of such biases over the Southwest will pose serious challenges to the modeling community in view of the uncertainties inherent in verifying analyses.
Aggressors Against Women in Prison and in the Community: An Exploratory Study of a Differential Profile
Authors: Fernández-Montalvo Javier , Echeburúa Enrique , Amor Pedro J.
Published: March 2005

The current study compares the demographic and psychopathological characteristics of 54 men, who were in prison because of a serious offence of violence against women, and of 42 men, who belonged to a program of community treatment for violence against women in the home. There were no significant differences in demographic variables between the two samples. However, from a psychopathological point of view, psychiatric antecedents and current emotional instability were much more frequent and severe in aggressors within the community. Therefore, two possible differential profiles among the violent men are presented. Implications of these results for further research and clinical practice are commented on.
Nonviolent Offenders’ and College Students’ Attachment and Social Support Behaviors: Implications for Counseling
Authors: Hawkins-Rodgers Yolanda , Cooper Jane , Page Barbara
Published: March 2005

This study examines the relationships between adult attachment orientations and the ability to seek social support as factors in mediating behavior. Data were collected on non violent offenders (n = 57) and college students (n = 89). The results indicated the non-normative group of nonviolent offenders reported being more securely attached and having more satisfaction with their social supports than the normative group of college students. Fewer college students reported being securely attached than the nonviolent offenders but had a larger number of social supports. In the insecure categories, nonviolent offenders reported being more dismissively attached whereas college students reported being preoccupied in their attachment orientation. The study suggests that attachment and social-support-seeking behaviors across different populations may be potential factors in designing counseling services that are used for risk classification and needs assessment.
Caregiver Burden and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Sherwood Paula R. , Given Charles W. , Given Barbara A. , von Eye Alexander
Published: March 2005

Despite widespread use of caregiver burden and depressive symptoms in caregiving research, the relationship between these two concepts and the way in which burden and depressive symptoms are affected are not clear. Methods: The authors used structural equation modeling with an inception cohort of 488 family caregivers to examine the relationship between care recipients’ mental and functional status and recency of care demands and caregivers’ burden and depressive symptoms. Results: Care recipients’ mental and functional status and recency of care demands predicted caregiver burden; burden, in turn, was nearly significant in predicting depressive symptoms. Care recipients’ mental status and recency of care demands had a near significant indirect effect on caregiver depressive symptoms. There were no significant direct paths between care recipients’ mental status, functional status, recency of care demands, and caregivers’ depressive symptoms. Discussion: Health care practitioners should assist caregivers with new care demands stemming from care recipients’ mental and functional status to decrease burdens and should monitor caregivers with higher levels of burden for the development of depressive symptoms.
Caregiver Appraisals of Functional Dependence in Individuals With Dementia and Associated Caregiver Upset
Authors: Gitlin Laura N. , Roth David L. , Burgio Louis D. , Loewenstein David A. , Winter Laraine , Nichols Linda , Argüelles Soledad , Corcoran Mary , Burns Robert , Martindale Jennifer
Published: March 2005

To evaluate psychometric properties and response patterns of the Care-giver Assessment of Function and Upset (CAFU), a 15-item multidimensional measure of dependence in dementia patients and caregiver reaction. Method: 640 families were administered the CAFU (53% White, 43% African American, and 4% mixed race and ethnicity). We created a random split of the sample and conducted exploratory factor analyses on Sample 1 and confirmatory factor analyses on Sample 2. Convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated using Spearman rank correlation coefficients. Results: A two-factor structure for functional items was derived, and excellent factorial validity was obtained. Convergent and discriminant validity were obtained for function and upset measures. Differential response patterns for dependence and caregiver upset were found for caregiver race, relationship, and care recipient gender but not for caregiver gender. Discussion: The CAFU is easily administered, reliable, and valid for evaluating appraisals of dependencies and upsetting care areas.
The Preparation and Surface Properties of Silicone-grafted Acrylic Copolymer Coatings
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhou Shuxue , You Bo , Wu Limin
Published: March 2005

Methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate were copolymerized in the presence of C = C containing silane coupling agent and further grafted with hydroxyl silicone oil (HSO) in butyl acetate. The conversion and grafting degree of HSO were determined by a weighing method. The structure and the surface properties of silicone-grafted acrylic copolymer coatings were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), CP/MAS, 13C-NMR, optical contact angle (OCA), and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). It was found that a relatively high grafting degree of HSO onto acrylic copolymer can be obtained by using acetic acid as the catalyst and methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAPMS) as the silane coupling agent. The HSO graft can effect a decrease in the surface free energy of polymer films and improve the hydrophobic property of acrylic copolymer coating.