bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Reforms on the Labour System in China
Authors: Hoi Yee Rita Kwok
Published: November 2008

Reform in the labour system in China signalled a major departure from the past socialist allocation system which equated the right to work, with life-long tenure employment, egalitarian wages, and comprehensive welfare for selective sectors of the urban workforce. A historical review of the evolutions of three major components of the labour system, namely employment, wage, and welfare, clearly indicates a total departure from the socialist ethos. Reliance on the market force in shaping new labour policies entails the glorification of competition and individual achievement. Under the principles of deregulation and decentralisation, lifelong employment is replaced by a contract labour system, wage is linked to performance and productivity, while the base comprehensive welfare package was replaced by a social security system.
Pasteurized whole milk confers reduced susceptibilities to the antimicrobial agents trimethoprim, gatifloxacin, cefotaxime and tetracycline via themarRABlocus inEscherichia coli
Authors: Peng Yang , Hernandez Ricardo L , Crow Robert R , Jones Suzanna E , Mathews Sara A , Arnold Ayanna M , Castillo Eliseo F , Moseley Jennifer M , Varela Manuel F
Published: November 2008

We inoculated pasteurized whole milk withEscherichia colistrains GC4468 (intactmarRABlocus), JHC1096 (ΔmarRAB), or AG112 (ΔmarR), and incubated each overnight at 37°C. All strains were then recovered from the milk cultures, and susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents were determined by the E-test strip method (CLSI). Cells of strain GC4468, prior to culturing in milk, were susceptible to trimethoprim, gatifloxacin, cefotaxime and tetracycline. After culturing GC4468 in pasteurized milk, however, the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) increased 1·4-fold for trimethoprim (P⩽0·05), 1·5-fold for gatifloxacin (P⩽0·05), 2·0-fold for cefotaxime (P=0·008), and 1·4-fold for tetracycline (P⩾0·05). After culturing GC4468 on milk count agar the MICs were enhanced 3·4-fold for trimethoprim (P⩽0·05), 10-fold for gatifloxacin (P=0·001), 7·1-fold for cefotaxime (P=0·011), and 40·5-fold for tetracycline (P=0·074), but exhibiting tetracycline resistance with a mean MIC of 74·7±18·47 μg/ml (CLSI). The MICs of the antimicrobial agents for JHC1096 cells after culturing in pasteurized whole milk were indistinguishable (P⩾0·05) from baseline MICs measured before culturing in the same type of milk. Thus,Esch. colicells harbouring themarRABlocus exhibit reduced susceptibilities to multiple antimicrobial agents after culturing in pasteurized whole milk.
Cross-wavelet analysis of wall pressure fluctuations beneath incompressible turbulent boundary layers
Authors: CAMUSSI R. , ROBERT G. , JACOB M. C.
Published: November 2008

Pressure fluctuations measured at the wall of a turbulent boundary layer are analysed using a bi-variate continuous wavelet transform. Cross-wavelet analyses of pressure signals obtained from microphone pairs are performed and a novel post-processing technique aimed at selecting events with strong local-in-time coherence is applied. Probability density functions and conditionally averaged equivalents of Fourier spectral quantities, usually introduced for modelling purposes, are computed. The analysis is conducted for signals obtained at low Mach numbers from two different non-equilibrium turbulent boundary layer experiments. It is found that that the selected events, though statistically independent, exhibit bi-modal statistics while the conditional coherence function coincides with its non-conditional Fourier equivalent. The physical nature of the selected events has been further explored by the computation of ensemble-averaged pressure time signatures and the results have been physically interpreted with the aid of numerical and experimental results from the literature. In both experiments, it has been found that the major physical mechanisms responsible for the observed conditional statistics are represented by sweep-type events which can be ascribed to the effect of streamwise vortices in the near-wall region. More precisely, the wavelet analysis highlights the convection of the selected structures in both cases. Conversely, compressibilty effects could be related to these events only in one case.
Lagrangian measurements of inertial particle accelerations in a turbulent boundary layer
Authors: GERASHCHENKO S. , SHARP N. S. , NEUSCAMMAN S. , WARHAFT Z.
Published: November 2008

Two-dimensional Lagrangian acceleration statistics of inertial particles in a turbulent boundary layer with free-stream turbulence are determined by means of a particle tracking technique using a high-speed camera moving along the side of the wind tunnel at the mean flow speed. The boundary layer is formed above a flat plate placed horizontally in the tunnel, and water droplets are fed into the flow using two different methods: sprays placed downstream from an active grid, and tubes fed into the boundary layer from humidifiers. For the flow conditions studied, the sprays produce Stokes numbers varying from 0.47 to 1.2, and the humidifiers produce Stokes numbers varying from 0.035 to 0.25, where the low and high values refer to the outer boundary layer edge and the near-wall region, respectively. The Froude number is approximately 1.0 for the sprays and 0.25 for the humidifiers, with a small variation within the boundary layer. The free-stream turbulence is varied by operating the grid in the active mode as well as a passive mode (the latter behaves as a conventional grid). The boundary layer momentum-thickness Reynolds numbers are 840 and 725 for the active and passive grid respectively. At the outer edge of the boundary layer, where the shear is weak, the acceleration probability density functions are similar to those previously observed in isotropic turbulence for inertial particles. As the boundary layer plate is approached, the tails of the probability density functions narrow, become negatively skewed, and their peak occurs at negative accelerations (decelerations in the streamwise direction). The mean deceleration and its root mean square (r.m.s.) increase to large values close to the plate. These effects are more pronounced at higher Stokes number. In the vertical direction, there is a slight downward mean deceleration and its r.m.s., which is lower in magnitude than that of the streamwise component, peaks in the buffer region. Although there are free-stream turbulence effects, and the complex boundary layer structure plays an important role, a simple model suggests that the acceleration behaviour is dominated by shear, gravity and inertia. The results are contrasted with inertial particles in isotropic turbulence and with fluid particle acceleration statistics in a boundary layer. The background velocity field is documented by means of hot-wire anemometry and laser Doppler velocimetry measurements. These appear to be the first Lagrangian acceleration measurements of inertial particles in a shear flow.
Stability analysis of stratified shear flows with a monotonic velocity profile without inflection points. Part 2. Continuous density variation
Authors: CHURILOV S. M.
Published: November 2008

We investigate stability with respect to two-dimensional (independent of z) disturbances of plane-parallel shear flows with a velocity profile Vx=u(y) of a rather general form, monotonically growing upwards from zero at the bottom (y=0) to U0 as y → ∞ and having no inflection points, in an ideal incompressible fluid stably stratified in density in a layer of thickness ℓ, small as compared to the scale L of velocity variation. In terms of the ‘wavenumber k – bulk Richardson number J’ variables, the upper and lower (in J) boundaries of instability domains are found for each oscillation mode. It is shown that the total instability domain has a lower boundary which is convex downwards and is separated from the abscissa (k) axis by a strip of stability 0 < J < J0(−)(k) with minimum width J*=O(ℓ2/L2) at kL=O(1). In other words, the instability domain configuration is such that three-dimensional (oblique) disturbances are first to lose their stability when the density difference across the layer increases. Hence, in the class of flows under consideration, it is a three- not two-dimensional turbulence that develops as a result of primary instability.
On the drag-out problem in liquid film theory
Authors: BENILOV E. S. , ZUBKOV V. S.
Published: November 2008

We consider an infinite plate being withdrawn (at an angle α to the horizontal, with a constant velocity U) from an infinite pool of viscous liquid. Assuming that the effects of inertia and surface tension are weak, Derjaguin (C. R. Dokl. Acad. Sci. URSS, vol. 39, 1943, p. 13.) conjectured that the ‘load’ l, i.e. the thickness of the liquid film clinging to the plate, is l=(μU/ρgsinα)1/2, where ρ and μ are the liquid's density and viscosity, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

In the present work, the above formula is derived from the Stokes equations in the limit of small slopes of the plate (without this assumption, the formula is invalid). It is shown that the problem has infinitely many steady solutions, all of which are stable – but only one of these corresponds to Derjaguin's formula. This particular steady solution can only be singled out by matching it to a self-similar solution describing the non-steady part of the film between the pool and the film's ‘tip’.

Even though the near-pool region where the steady state has been established expands with time, the upper, non-steady part of the film (with its thickness decreasing towards the tip) expands faster and, thus, occupies a larger portion of the plate. As a result, the mean thickness of the film is 1.5 times smaller than the load.
Vortex shedding model of a flapping flag
Authors: MICHELIN SÉBASTIEN , LLEWELLYN SMITH STEFAN G. , GLOVER BEVERLEY J.
Published: November 2008

A two-dimensional model for the flapping of an elastic flag under axial flow is described. The vortical wake is accounted for by the shedding of discrete point vortices with unsteady intensity, enforcing the regularity condition at the flag's trailing edge. The stability of the flat state of rest as well as the characteristics of the flapping modes in the periodic regime are compared successfully to existing linear stability and experimental results. An analysis of the flapping regime shows the co-existence of direct kinematic waves, travelling along the flag in the same direction as the imposed flow, and reverse dynamic waves, travelling along the flag upstream from the trailing edge.
Changes in the occurrence of common dolphins, striped dolphins and harbour porpoises in the English Channel and Bay of Biscay
Authors: MacLeod Colin D. , Brereton Tom , Martin Clive
Published: November 2008

Regular monitoring of the status of cetacean populations is essential for conservation, policy and management. By using a passenger ferry as a scientific research platform, this study provides information on seasonal, annual and longer-term changes in the occurrence of three cetacean species along a relatively fixed transect through the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay. Data were collected over an 11 year period through the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP). Surveys were conducted every month from 1996–2006 between Portsmouth, England and Bilbao, Spain by a team of experienced observers using standard techniques. From a 0.125° by 0.125° grid, cells were surveyed in each year and where each species was recorded they were identified using a geographical information system (GIS). A rapid analytical method—species occupancy (defined as the proportion of surveyed cells that a species was detected in)—was used to assess whether there were any trends in occurrence over time for three cetacean species. From this analysis, a significant trend to increasing occurrence of harbour porpoises in summer months in the English Channel was identified. There were also increases in the occurrence of common dolphins in the English Channel in winter months and striped dolphins in the Bay of Biscay in winter months corresponding with a decrease in summer occurrence, across the study period. However, while consistent, these trends were not significant.
Cell cycle synchronization of canine ear fibroblasts for somatic cell nuclear transfer
Authors: Koo Ok Jae , Hossein Mohammad Shamim , Hong So Gun , Martinez-Conejero Jose A. , Lee Byeong Chun
Published: November 2008

Cycle synchronization of donor cells in the G0/G1stage is a crucial step for successful somatic cell nuclear transfer. In the present report, we evaluated the effects of contact inhibition, serum starvation and the reagents – dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), roscovitine and cycloheximide (CHX) – on synchronization of canine fibroblasts at the G0/G1stage. Ear fibroblast cells were collected from a beagle dog, placed into culture and used for analysis at passages three to eight. The population doubling time was 36.5 h. The proportion of G0/G1cells was significantly increased by contact inhibition (77.1%) as compared with cycling cells (70.1%); however, extending the duration of culture did not induce further synchronization. After 24 h of serum starvation, cells were effectively synchronized at G0/G1(77.1%). Although synchronization was further increased gradually after 24 h and even showed significant difference after 72 h (82.8%) of starvation, the proportion of dead cells also significantly increased after 24 h. The percentage of cells at the G0/G1phase was increased (as compared with controls) after 72 h treatment with DMSO (76.1%) and after 48 h treatment with CHX (73.0%) or roscovitine (72.5%). However, the rate of cell death was increased after 24 and 72 h of treatment with DMSO and CHX, respectively. Thus, we recommend the use of roscovitine for cell cycle synchronization of canine ear fibroblasts as a preparatory step for SCNT.
Der Einfluss emotionaler Stimuli auf die Arbeitsgedächtnisleistung bei weiblichen delinquenten Jugendlichen*
Authors: Krischer Maya , Sevecke Kathrin , Wunram Heidrun-Lioba , Lehmkuhl Gerd , Pukrop Ralf
Published: November 2008

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Die vorliegende Studie widmet sich der Frage, inwiefern bei inhaftierten Mädchen Defizite im Bereich des räumlichen Arbeitsgedächtnisses vorzufinden sind. Darüber hinaus wurde der Einfluss visueller emotionaler Stimuli auf das Arbeitsgedächtnis dissozialer weiblicher Jugendlicher untersucht sowie die Beziehung zwischen der Fehleranzahl in den verschiedenen Arbeitsgedächtnisvarianten und den Ausprägungen der Psychopathy * Wegen der Abgrenzung von dem Psychopathie-Begriff Kurt Schneiders wird durchgängig der Begriff Psychopathy verwendet, der sich auf das Psychopathy-Konzept nach Robert Hare bezieht. . Methodik: Eine Gruppe inhaftierter weiblicher Jugendlicher (n = 33) wurde mit nichtdelinquenten Gesamtschülerinnen der Klassen 10 und 11 (n = 20) verglichen. Drei Varianten des Subject-Ordered Pointing Task (SOPT: neutral, Erotik, Schrecken) und die Psychopathy-Checkliste Youth Version (PCL:YV) wurden mit beiden Gruppen durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: Varianzanalysen erbrachten signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen bezüglich einer neutralen sowie einer Schreckvariante des SOPT, aber nicht bezüglich einer Variante mit erotischen Stimuli. Der Zusammenhang zwischen Psychopathy und der neutralen Variante, nicht hingegen für die Schreckvariante des SOPT, bestätigte sich. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Studie zeigte ähnliche Defizite in der neutralen Arbeitsgedächtnisbedingung bei inhaftierten weiblichen Jugendlichen, wie es aus der Literatur für männliche Dissoziale bekannt ist. Der fehlende Gruppenunterschied in der erotischen Bedingung des SOPT könnte einerseits mit einer verbesserten Leistung der oft sexuell traumatisierten delinquenten weiblichen Jugendlichen, andererseits mit einer erwarteten Verschlechterung in der Kontrollgruppe zusammenhängen. Die Arbeitsgedächtnisleistung auf der Basis von Schreckstimuli verwies darauf, dass Mädchen mit hohen Psychopathy-Werten anders als dissoziale Jungen möglicherweise doch empfänglich auf emotionale Stimuli reagieren.
Evaluating cloud systems in the Met Office global forecast model using simulated CloudSat radar reflectivities
Authors: Bodas‐Salcedo A. , Webb M. J. , Brooks M. E. , Ringer M. A. , Williams K. D. , Milton S. F. , Wilson D. R.
Published: November 2008

CloudSat radar reflectivities are simulated in the Met Office global forecast model in a manner which is consistent with the CloudSat observations. The method is described and applied in an evaluation study of the model's performance over the period December 2006 to February 2007. The study uses both statistical and case study approaches and examines the model's simulation of cloud systems globally and in three regions of contrasting weather and cloud regimes: the tropical warm pool, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the stratocumulus region off the west coast of California. In general, the model shows a good representation of the vertical structure of clouds systems, although a lack of midlevel cloud is ubiquitous. The model shows a nondrizzling cloud mode and a clearly separated drizzling mode that is not seen in the observations, independent of the geographical region. The comparisons suggest that the intensity of drizzle is too high, confirming on a global basis what recent ground‐based measurements have also shown. They also suggest that the parameterization of ice cloud fraction as a monotonic function of the grid box mean ice water content is not consistent with the observations.
Dynamic ocean topography for the northeast Pacific and its continental margins
Authors: Foreman M. G. G. , Crawford W. R. , Cherniawsky J. Y. , Galbraith J.
Published: November 2008

Estimates of dynamic ocean (or sea surface) topography based on satellite altimetry and gravity observations generally become degraded as they approach land. In this study, dynamic ocean topography for the northeast Pacific Ocean is computed independently of satellite observations using a high resolution model and seasonal climatologies of temperature, salinity, and wind stress. Comparisons with estimates based on satellite gravity and altimetry measurements show reasonable agreement in the deep ocean but are poor on continental margins where the ocean model estimates not only reveal significant seasonal differences, but are also shown to be reasonably accurate when compared with satellite altimetry and coastal tide gauge measurements. The dynamic ocean topography estimates provided here will permit more accurate calculations of the geoid and satellite altimeter absolute heights and currents.
Variability of extreme wave heights in the northeast Pacific Ocean based on buoy measurements
Authors: Menéndez Melisa , Méndez Fernando J. , Losada Inigo J. , Graham Nicholas E.
Published: November 2008

Recent studies reveal important trends in mean values and high percentiles of significant wave height in the northeast Pacific. However, changes of the extreme wave heights through time have not received much attention. In this work, the long‐term variability of extreme significant wave height along the northeast Pacific is modeled using a time‐dependent extreme value model. Application of the model to significant wave height data sets from 26 buoys over the period 1985–2007 shows significant positive long‐term trends in extreme wave height between 30–45°N near the western coast of the US averaging 2.35 cm/yr. We also demonstrate an impact of El Niño on extreme wave heights (about 25 cm per unit of NINO3.4 index) in the northeast Pacific as well as important correlations with mid‐latitudinal climate patterns (e.g., NP and PNA indices).
Earthquake magnitude estimation from early radiated energy
Authors: Festa Gaetano , Zollo Aldo , Lancieri Maria
Published: November 2008

From inspection of a large set of Japanese events, we investigate the scaling of the early radiated energy, inferred from the squared velocity integral (IV2) with the final magnitude of the event. We found that the energy can only discriminate whether the event has a magnitude larger or smaller than 5.8, and in the latter case it can allow for real‐time magnitude estimation. However, by normalizing IV2 for the rupture area, the initial slip scales with the magnitude between 4 < M < 7 following the expected scaling laws. We show that the ratio between the squared peak displacement and IV2 is a proxy for the slip following the same scaling but it can be directly derived from the data, without any assumption on the rupture area. The scaling relationship between initial slip and magnitude can be used for early warning applications, when integrated in a probabilistic, evolutionary approach.
Critically Evaluated Thermochemical Properties of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Roux María Victoria , Temprado Manuel , Chickos James S. , Nagano Yatsuhisa
Published: November 2008

Experimental thermochemical properties of benzene, toluene, and 63 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, published within the period 1878–2008 (over 350 references), are reported. Available experimental data for the enthalpies of combustion used to calculate enthalpies of formation in the condensed state, combined with sublimation, vaporization, and fusion enthalpies, are critically evaluated. Whenever possible, recommended values for these thermochemical properties and for the enthalpies of formation in the gas state at T=298.15K are provided.
IUPAC-NIST Solubility Data Series. 87. Rare Earth Metal Chlorides in Water and Aqueous Systems. Part 1. Scandium Group (Sc, Y, La)
Authors: Mioduski Tomasz , Gumiński Cezary , Zeng Dewen
Published: November 2008

This volume presents solubility data for rare earth metal chlorides in water and in ternary and quaternary aqueous systems. The material is divided into three parts: scandium group (Sc, Y, La), light lanthanide (Ce-Eu), and heavy lanthanide (Gd-Lu) chlorides; this part covers the scandium group. Compilations of all available experimental data are introduced for each rare earth metal chloride with a corresponding critical evaluation. Every such evaluation contains a tabulated collection of all solubility results in water, a scheme of the water-rich part of the equilibrium (Y, La, Ln)Cl3–H2O phase diagram, solubility equation(s), a selection of suggested solubility data, and a discussion of the multicomponent systems. Because the ternary and quaternary systems were almost never studied more than once, no critical evaluations or systematic comparisons of such data were possible. Only simple chlorides (no complexes) are treated as the input substances in this work. The literature (including a thorough coverage of papers in Chinese and Russian) has been covered through the middle of 2007.
A genetically encoded fluorescent sensor of ERK activity
Authors: Harvey Christopher D. , Ehrhardt Anka G. , Cellurale Cristina , Zhong Haining , Yasuda Ryohei , Davis Roger J. , Svoboda Karel
Published: November 2008

The activity of the ERK has complex spatial and temporal dynamics that are important for the specificity of downstream effects. However, current biochemical techniques do not allow for the measurement of ERK signaling with fine spatiotemporal resolution. We developed a genetically encoded, FRET-based sensor of ERK activity (the extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity reporter, EKAR), optimized for signal-to-noise ratio and fluorescence lifetime imaging. EKAR selectively and reversibly reported ERK activation in HEK293 cells after epidermal growth factor stimulation. EKAR signals were correlated with ERK phosphorylation, required ERK activity, and did not report the activities of JNK or p38. EKAR reported ERK activation in the dendrites and nucleus of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in brain slices after theta-burst stimuli or trains of back-propagating action potentials. EKAR therefore permits the measurement of spatiotemporal ERK signaling dynamics in living cells, including in neuronal compartments in intact tissues.
Pten
null prostate tumorigenesis and AKT activation are blocked by targeted knockout of ER chaperone GRP78/BiP in prostate epithelium
Authors: Fu Yong , Wey Shiuan , Wang Miao , Ye Risheng , Liao Chun-Peng , Roy-Burman Pradip , Lee Amy S.
Published: November 2008

GRP78/BiP has recently emerged as a novel biomarker for aggressive prostate cancer. Here, we report that homozygous deletion of
Grp78
specifically in mouse prostate epithelium suppresses prostate tumorigenesis without affecting postnatal prostate development and growth. Mouse prostates with double conditional knockout of
Grp78
and
Pten
exhibit normal histology and cytology, in contrast to the invasive adenocarcinoma in mouse prostates with
Pten
inactivation. AKT activation in
Pten
null prostate epithelium is inhibited by
Grp78
homozygous deletion, corresponding with suppression of AKT phosphorylation by GRP78 knockdown in prostate cancer cell line. Thus, inactivation of GRP78 may represent a previously undescribed approach to stop prostate cancer and potentially other cancers resulting from the loss of PTEN tumor suppression and/or activation of the oncogenic AKT.
Termination codon-dependent translation of partially overlapping
ndhC-ndhK
transcripts in chloroplasts
Authors: Yukawa Maki , Sugiura Masahiro
Published: November 2008

The chloroplast NAD(P)H dehydrogenase complex, a homologue of mitochondrial complex I, consists of >15 subunits, of which 11 are encoded by the chloroplast genome (
ndhA-K
). The
ndhC
and
ndhK
genes are partially overlapped and cotranscribed in many land plants. The downstream
ndhK
mRNA possesses 4 possible AUG initiation codons in many dicot plants. By using an efficient in vitro translation system from tobacco chloroplasts, we defined that the major initiation site of tobacco
ndhK
mRNAs is the third AUG that is located 4 nt upstream from the
ndhC
stop codon. Mutation of the
ndhC
stop codon (UAG) arrested translation of the
ndhK
cistron. Frameshift of the
ndhC
coding strand inhibited also translation of the distal cistron. The results indicated that
ndhK
translation depends on termination of the preceding cistron, namely translational coupling. Surprisingly, removal of the
ndhC
5′-UTR and its AUG still supported substantial translation of the
ndhK
cistron. This translation was abolished again by removing the
ndhC
stop codon. Although translation of the downstream cistron of an overlapping mRNA is generally very low, we found that the
ndhC
/
K
mRNA produces NdhK and NdhC in similar amounts. Based on subunit compositions of the bacterial complex I, the stoichiometry of NdhK and NdhC is suggested to be 1:1 in chloroplasts. To meet this stoichiometry, the
ndhC
/
K
mRNA is translated not only by a translational coupling event but also by a termination codon-dependent pathway.
Cervical priming in the first trimester: morphological and biochemical effects of misoprostol and isosorbide mononitrate
Authors: RADULOVIC NINA VUKAS , EKERHOVD ERLING , ABRAHAMSSON GUN , NORSTRÖM ANDERS
Published: November 2008

Objective. To evaluate morphological changes and inflammatory events in the uterine cervix following presurgical treatment with the prostaglandin analogue misoprostol or the nitric oxide donor isosorbide mononitrate (IMN). Design. Experimental study. Settings. Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. Population of sample. Primigravid women (n = 32) scheduled for surgical termination of first trimester pregnancy, treated vaginally overnight with either misoprostol (200 μg), IMN (40 mg) or no treatment (controls). Methods. Before evacuation, cervical biopsies were obtained with the use of a Tru‐Cut® biopsy needle. Morphology was studied by electron microscopy. For assessment of inflammatory events the expression of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 was estimated by immunohistochemistry and interleukin IL‐8 was quantified by ELISA. Results. Misoprostol induced splitting and disorganization of the collagen fibres. Compared to specimens from women who had received no treatment, the granular endoplasmatic reticulum appeared enriched and dilated and the nuclear chromatin was clearly dispersed. Similar changes of a lesser degree were observed in specimens obtained from IMN‐treated women. Staining intensity for MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 was more evident in specimens obtained from IMN‐treated women compared to women who had received treatment with misoprostol or no treatment. The levels of IL‐8 were higher following treatment with misoprostol compared to IMN and controls. Conclusion. The study demonstrates that misoprostol as well as IMN induces morphological changes and inflammatory events of the cervix. Changes of the collagen network were more pronounced in samples obtained from women treated with misoprostol compared to IMN.
Pathways from Earlier Marijuana Use in the Familial and Non‐Familial Environments to Self‐Marijuana Use in the Fourth Decade of Life
Authors: Brook Judith S. , Zhang Chenshu , Koppel Jonathan , Brook David W.
Published: November 2008

We examined the longitudinal pathways from marijuana use in the familial environment (parents and siblings) and non‐familial environment (peers and significant other), throughout adolescence and young adulthood, to the participants' own marijuana use in their fourth decade of life (n = 586). Longitudinal pathways to marijuana use were assessed using structural equation modeling. Familial factors were mediated by non‐familial factors; sibling marijuana use also had a direct effect on the participants' marijuana use. In the non‐familial environment, significant other marijuana use had only a direct effect, while peer marijuana use had direct as well as indirect effects on the participants' marijuana use. Results illustrate the importance of both modeling and selection effects in contributing to marijuana use. Regarding prevention and treatment, this study suggests the need to consider aspects of familial and non‐familial social environments.
The Relationship between Posttraumatic Growth and Substance Use in Homeless Women with Histories of Traumatic Experience
Authors: Stump Monica J. , Smith Jane Ellen
Published: November 2008

Posttraumatic growth (PTG)—namely, the experience of positive change in oneself or one's life following trauma—is particularly relevant for homeless women because they have greater trauma exposure than the general population, as well as higher rates of substance use. The present study examined PTG and substance use in this population. Fifty homeless women with trauma histories participated. In line with predictions, more current substance use was related to less PTG, more reliance on avoidant coping once approach coping was accounted for, and greater PTSD symptomatology. Levels of growth were comparable to those found in samples with less trauma exposure.
Concordance between Cigarette Smoking and the Modified Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire in Controlled Studies of ADHD
Authors: Wilens Timothy E. , Vitulano Michael , Upadhyaya Himanshu , Adamson Joel , Parcell Tiffany , Westerberg Diana , Biederman Joseph
Published: November 2008

Our objective was to compare scores on a smoking questionnaire to a diagnosis of cigarette smoking. As part of follow‐ups in studies of ADHD, we assessed for cigarette smoking using structured interviews and the modified Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (mFTQ). Data were obtained from 162 subjects (mean = 19.2 yrs). ROC analysis and kappa coefficients revealed that a cutoff score of 3 on the mFTQ showed the strongest agreement with a full diagnosis of cigarette smoking (kappa = 0.68). Clinicians and researchers using the mFTQ in adolescents and young adults should consider a cutoff score of 3 to be indicative of cigarette smoking.
Contingency Learning and Reactivity in Preterm and Full‐Term Infants at 3 Months
Authors: Haley David W. , Grunau Ruth E. , Oberlander Tim F. , Weinberg Joanne
Published: November 2008

Learning difficulties in preterm infants are thought to reflect impairment in arousal regulation. We examined relationships among gestational age, learning speed, and behavioral and physiological reactivity in 55 preterm and 49 full‐term infants during baseline, contingency, and nonreinforcement phases of a conjugate mobile paradigm at 3 months corrected age. For all infants, negative affect, looking duration, and heart rate levels increased during contingency and nonreinforcement phases, whereas respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA, an index of parasympathetic activity) decreased and Cortisol did not change. Learners showed greater RSA suppression and less negative affect than nonleamers. This pattern was particularly evident in the preterm group. Overall, preterm infants showed less learning, spent less time looking at the mobile, and had lower Cortisol levels than full‐term infants. Preterm infants also showed greater heart rate responses to contingency and dampened heart rate responses to nonreinforcement compared to full‐term infants. Findings underscore differences in basal and reactivity measures in preterm compared to full‐term infants and suggest that the capacity to regulate parasympathetic activity during a challenge enhances learning in preterm infants.
The Effect of Repetition on Infants' Imitation From Picture Books Varying in Iconicity
Authors: Simcock Gabrielle , DeLoache Judy S.
Published: November 2008

Although picture‐book reading is commonplace during infancy, little is known about the impact of this activity on learning. A previous study showed that 18‐ and 24‐month‐olds imitated a novel action sequence presented in a book that was illustrated with realistic color photos, whereas they failed to imitate from books illustrated with less realistic drawings. In the research reported here, we hypothesized that increasing infants' exposure to a picture book would increase learning from books illustrated with both color photos and drawings. Independent groups of 18‐and 24‐month‐olds were exposed to a picture book either twice in succession or 4 times in succession. The results showed that, regardless of the iconicity of the illustrations, increasing the number of reading sessions significantly improved the infants' imitation scores, compared to age‐matched, no‐demonstration controls. The results are discussed in relation to representational insight and cognitive flexibility.
Oncogenic K-Ras Regulates Proliferation and Cell Junctions in Lung Epithelial Cells through Induction of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Activation of Metalloproteinase-9
Authors: Wang Xue-Qing , Li Howard , Van Putten Vicki , Winn Robert A. , Heasley Lynn E. , Nemenoff Raphael A.
Published: November 2008

Expression of oncogenic K-Ras is frequently observed in non–small-cell lung cancer. However, oncogenic K-Ras is not sufficient to transform lung epithelial cells and requires collaborating signals that have not been defined. To examine the biological effects of K-Ras in nontransformed lung epithelial cells, stable transfectants were generated in RL-65 cells, a spontaneously immortalized lung epithelial cell line. Expression of K-Ras resulted in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, which mediated induction of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and increased prostaglandin E2 production. Epithelial cells expressing oncogenic K-Ras showed increased proliferation in two- and three-dimensional tissue culture and delayed formation of hollow acinar structures in three-dimensional matrigel cultures. These affects were mediated through COX-2–dependent activation of β-catenin signaling and inhibition of apoptosis. ERK activation also led to induction of metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and cleavage of E-cadherin at two specific sites. This resulted in partial disruption of adherens junctions as determined by decreased transepithelial resistance (TER), and disruption of E-cadherin/β-catenin interactions. An MMP-9 inhibitor reversed the decrease in TER and inhibited β-catenin signaling. These data indicate that although expression of oncogenic K-Ras does not transform lung epithelial cells, it alters the phenotype of the cells by increasing proliferation and decreasing cell–cell contacts characteristic of epithelial cells.
Electrifying love: electric fish use species-specific discharge for mate recognition
Authors: Feulner Philine G.D , Plath Martin , Engelmann Jacob , Kirschbaum Frank , Tiedemann Ralph
Published: November 2008

Mate choice is mediated by a range of sensory cues, and assortative mating based on these cues can drive reproductive isolation among diverging populations. A specific feature of mormyrid fish, the electric organ discharge (EOD), is used for electrolocation and intraspecific communication. We hypothesized that the EOD also facilitates assortative mating and ultimately promotes prezygotic reproductive isolation in African weakly electric fishes. Our behavioural experiments using live males as well as EOD playback demonstrated that female mate recognition is influenced by EOD signals and that females are attracted to EOD characteristics of conspecific males. The dual function of the EOD for both foraging and social communication (including mate recognition leading to assortative mating) underlines the importance of electric signal differentiation for the divergence of African weakly electric fishes. Thus, the EOD provides an intriguing mechanism promoting trophic divergence and reproductive isolation between two closely relatedCampylomormyrusspecies occurring in sympatry in the lower Congo rapids.
Flight behaviour attenuates the trade-off between flight capability and reproduction in a wing polymorphic cricket
Authors: Guerra Patrick A , Pollack Gerald S
Published: November 2008

Flight-dimorphic insects have been used extensively to study trade-offs between energetically costly traits. Individuals may develop and maintain structures required for flight, or alternatively they may invest in reproduction. Previous experiments have not examined whether flight itself might affect investment into reproduction. As in otherGryllusspecies, flight-capable individuals of the wing polymorphic cricket,Gryllus texensis, incur an apparent reproductive penalty for being able to fly, expressed as smaller ovaries in females and lower courtship propensity in males, than their flight-incapable counterparts. We find that a short bout of flight eliminates the trade-off. Two days after the flight, the ovaries of flight-capable females were comparable with those of short-winged females. Similarly, flight markedly increased the probability of courtship behaviour. Our results suggest that the impact of the flight–reproduction trade-off described in earlier studies may have been overestimated.
Cytidine deaminase genotype and toxicity of cytosine arabinoside therapy in children with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Bhatla Deepika , Gerbing Robert B. , Alonzo Todd A. , Conner Heather , Ross Julie A. , Meshinchi Soheil , Zhai Xiaowen , Zamzow Tiffany , Mehta Parinda A. , Geiger Hartmut , Perentesis John , Davies Stella M.
Published: November 2008

Cytosine arabinoside (ara‐C) is irreversibly deaminated to a non‐toxic metabolite by cytidine deaminase (CDA). A common polymorphism, A79C, in the gene encoding cytidine deaminase (CDA) changes a lysine residue to glutamine resulting in decreased enzyme activity.CDAA79C genotypes were determined in 457 children with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) treated on the Children’s Cancer Group (CCG) 2941 and 2961 protocols and analyzed the impact ofCDAgenotype on therapy outcomes. Postinduction treatment‐related mortality (TRM) was significantly elevated in children with the CC genotype (5‐year TRM 17 ± 13% CC vs. 7 ± 4% AA, 5 ± 4% AC,P = 0·05). This was more notable in children who received idarubicin, fludarabine, ara‐C, and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (IDA‐FLAG; ara‐C = 7590 mg/m2) (5‐year TRM 24 ± 21% CC vs. 6 ± 6% AA, 6 ± 7% AC,P = 0·07) as consolidation therapy compared to idarubicin, dexamethasone, cytarabine, thioguanine, etoposide and daunomycin (IDA‐DCTER; ara‐C = 800 mg/m2) (5‐year TRM 15 ± 20% CC vs. 8 ± 6% AA, 4 ± 6% AC;P = 0·29). Relapse‐free survival was non‐significantly increased in children with the CC genotype treated with IDA‐FLAG (76 ± 20% CC vs. 59 ± 12% AA and 55 ± 14% AC;P = 0·40). These data indicate that children with a low activityCDAgenotype are at increased risk of TRM with ara‐C based therapy for AML.
Thalidomide‐dexamethasone versus Interferon‐alpha‐dexamethasone as maintenance treatment after ThaDD induction for multiple myeloma: a prospective, multicentre, randomised study
Authors: Offidani Massimo , Corvatta Laura , Polloni Claudia , Piersantelli Maria‐Novella , Gentili Silvia , Galieni Piero , Visani Giuseppe , Alesiani Francesco , Catarini Massimo , Brunori Marino , Samori Arduino , Burattini Maurizio , Centurioni Riccardo , Ferranti Mario , Giuliodori Luciano , Candela Marco , Mele Anna , Marconi Monica , Leoni Pietro
Published: November 2008

Maintenance therapy was explored in multiple myeloma (MM) patients after conventional thalidomide, dexamethasone and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (ThaDD). Patients with newly or relapsed MM obtaining at least minor response after 6 ThaDD courses, were randomised to receive α‐interferon (IFN) 3 MU 3 times a week or thalidomide 100 mg daily until relapse. Both groups also received pulsed dexamethasone 20 mg 4 d a month. Fifty‐one patients were randomized in the IFN‐dexamethasone (ID) arm and 52 in the thalidomide‐dexamethasone (TD) arm. The characteristics of two groups were similar. A significantly better 2‐years progression‐free survival (PFS; 63% vs. 32%; P = 0·024) and overall survival (84% vs. 68%; P = 0·030) was observed in the thalidomide arm. In high‐risk patients and in those achieving less than very good partial response after induction, TD fared better in term of PFS. Main side effects were peripheral neuropathy and constipation in TD group, fatigue, anorexia and haematological toxicity in ID arm. There was a 21% probability of discontinuation at 3 years in the thalidomide arm and 44% in the IFN arm (P = 0·014). Low‐dose thalidomide plus pulsed low‐dose dexamethasone after conventional thalidomide combination‐based therapy was also feasible in the long term, enabling significantly better residual disease control if compared with a standard maintenance therapy.
High‐dose Ara‐C and beam with autograft rescue in R‐CHOP responsive mantle cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Van’t Veer Mars B. , De Jong Daphne , MacKenzie Marius , Kluin‐Nelemans Hanneke C. , Van Oers Marinus H. J. , Zijlstra Jose , Hagenbeek Anton , Van Putten Wim L. J.
Published: November 2008

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) has a dismal outcome when treated with conventional chemotherapy. This single arm phase 2 study evaluated intensive consolidation treatment of patients with newly diagnosed MCL up to the age of 65 years, responsive to R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, oncovin, adriamycin, prednisolone). Endpoints for evaluation were toxicity, failure‐free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS). Eighty‐seven patients were treated with three cycles of R–CHOP. Sixty‐six patients responded to R‐CHOP with at least a partial response, 62 continued protocol treatment with high‐dose cytarabine (Ara‐C; 2000 mg/m2, bid. over 4 d) and 61 patients received rituximab and stem cell harvest, followed by BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, Ara‐C, melphalan) and autologous stem cell rescue. Non‐haematological toxicity, grades III and IV, was seen in 8% of the patients after R‐CHOP, in 22% after high‐dose Ara‐C and in 55% after BEAM. The overall response rate was 70% (complete response rate 64%, partial response rate 6%), FFS and OS at 4 years were 36 ± 7% and 66 ± 6%, respectively. The FFS and OS at 4 years from the evaluation after BEAM in the 61 R‐CHOP responsive patients was 46 ± 9% and 79 ± 7%, respectively. In conclusion, high‐dose Ara‐C and BEAM with stem cell rescue in newly diagnosed MCL patients responsive to R‐CHOP is a manageable treatment with respect to toxicity. This regimen leads to long‐term, but probably not durable, remissions.
When to end releases in reintroduction programmes: demographic rates and population viability analysis of bearded vultures in the Alps
Authors: Schaub Michael , Zink Richard , Beissmann Helmut , Sarrazin François , Arlettaz Raphaël
Published: November 2008

Reintroductions are commonly used for re‐establishing self‐sustainable populations in formerly inhabited areas. Reintroductions are expensive, and thus, it is worth performing a thorough demographic analysis of current and likely future population trajectories to guide strategic decisions on release policy.

Bearded vulturesGypaetus barbatuswere exterminated from the Alps in the late 19th century, mainly due to human persecution. To re‐establish them, captive‐bred young have been released annually since 1986. Since the first successful breeding in the wild in 1997, the population has increased to 9 pairs in 2006. It is not known, however, for how long releases should be continued to obtain a self‐sustaining, viable population.

We estimated age‐specific survival probabilities with a mark–resighting model and quantified fecundity rates of released individuals. Using the resulting demographic estimates, we built a stochastic population model to estimate population growth rates, and explored the value of continuing to release birds for varying periods into the future.

Annual survival probabilities were high (first year of life, 0·88; later years, 0·96); average annual fecundity was 0·6 fledglings per breeding pair. Using the estimated survival probabilities, projected population growth rates would increase with additional years of releases. Yet, the population would grow, even if releases had stopped after 2006. Only if mortality increased by ≥ 50% would the population start to decline.

Synthesis and applications.Our population dynamics model provides essential information to optimize decision‐making within a major reintroduction programme. From a demographic viewpoint, releases of captive‐raised bearded vultures can be ceased in the Alps. The resources freed could be redirected towards a close demographic surveillance of the free‐ranging population, with periodic evaluation of its viability and the option to release birds if deemed necessary. Birds available from the captive stock could be used for reintroductions in other areas where the bearded vulture is extinct.
Morphological and genetic structuring in the Utah Lake sucker complex
Authors: COLE D. D. , MOCK K. E. , CARDALL B. L. , CROWL T. A.
Published: November 2008

Population decline in the federally endangered June sucker (Chasmistes liorus), a lakesucker unique to Utah Lake, Utah, has been attributed in part to hybridization with the more widespread Utah sucker (Catostomus ardens). As a group, suckers in Utah Lake exhibit considerable external morphological variation. Meristic and morphological ambiguities, presumably the result of hybridization, create a continuum of intermediate forms betweenChasmistesandCatostomusextremes and prevent definitive identification to species. Here we describe and evaluate the morphological and genetic variation in suckers in Utah Lake by comparing a morphological analysis with amplified fragment length polymorphism and microsatellite analyses. Suckers were morphologically differentiated using mouth characters associated with different feeding strategies: planktivory (June sucker) and benthivory (Utah sucker). Although we found no genetic evidence for a deep divergence between June and Utah morphs, significant, but slight population structuring accompanied the substantial morphological variation. Bayesian model‐based genetic clustering analyses detected two sucker populations in Utah Lake; however, these clusters were not strongly concordant with morphological groupings or between marker systems. The suckers in Utah Lake present an interesting dilemma regarding conservation: should one conserve (breed and stock) a subset of the morphotypic variation in the Utah Lake sucker complex, focusing on the endangered June sucker morphotype, or should one conserve both June sucker and Utah sucker morphotypes in this complex, possibly maximizing evolutionary potential? We explore this question in the context of current genetic and morphological variation in the Utah Lake sucker complex as well as historical information on this complex and other lakesuckers.