bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secretagogues differentially activate endoplasmic reticulum stress responses in pancreatic acinar cells
Authors: Kubisch Constanze H. , Logsdon Craig D.
Published: April 2007

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress leads to the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER lumen and initiates the unfolded protein response (UPR). Components of the UPR are important in pancreatic development, and recent studies have indicated that the UPR is activated in the arginine model of acute pancreatitis. However, the effects of secretagogues on UPR components in the pancreas are unknown. The present study aimed to examine the effects of different types and concentrations of secretagogues on acinar cell function and specific components of the UPR. Rat pancreatic acini were stimulated with the CCK analogs CCK8 (10 pM–10 nM) or JMV-180 (10 nM–10 μM) or with bombesin (1–100 nM). Components of the UPR, including chaperone BiP expression, PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) phosphorylation, X box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) splicing, and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) expression, were measured, as were effects on amylase secretion and intracellular trypsin activation. CCK8 generated a biphasic secretion dose-response curve, and high concentrations increased intracellular active trypsin levels. In contrast, JMV-180 and bombesin secretion dose-response curves were monophasic, and high concentrations did not increase intracellular trypsin activity. All three secretagogues increased BiP levels and XBP1 splicing. However, only supraphysiological levels of CCK8 associated with inhibited amylase secretion and trypsin activation stimulated PERK phosphorylation and expression of CHOP. The effects of CCK8 on UPR components were rapid, occurring within 5–20 min. In conclusion, ER stress response mechanisms appear to be involved in both pancreatic physiology and pathophysiology, and future efforts should be directed at understanding the roles of these mechanisms in the pancreas.
Elevated sister chromatid exchange frequencies in New Zealand Vietnam War veterans
Authors: Rowland R.E. , Edwards L.A. , Podd J.V.
Published: April 2007

From July 1965 until November 1971, New Zealand Defence Force Personnel fought in the Vietnam War. During this time more than 76,500,000 litres of phenoxylic herbicides were sprayed over parts of Southern Vietnam and Laos, the most common being known as ‘Agent Orange’. The current study aimed to ascertain whether or not New Zealand Vietnam War veterans show evidence of genetic disturbance arising as a consequence of their now confirmed exposure to these defoliants. A sample group of 24 New Zealand Vietnam War veterans and 23 control volunteers were compared using an SCE (sister chromatid exchange) analysis. The results from the SCE study show a highly significant difference (P < 0.001) between the mean of the experimental group (11.05) and the mean of a matched control group (8.18). The experimental group also has an exceptionally high proportion of HFCs (cells with high SCE frequencies) above the 95th percentile compared to the controls (11.0 and 0.07%, respectively). We conclude that the New Zealand Vietnam War veterans studied here were exposed to a clastogenic substance(s) which continues to exert an observable genetic effect today, and suggest that this is attributable to their service in Vietnam.
Assessing and Using Comorbidity Measures in Elderly Veterans with Lower Extremity Amputations
Authors: Kurichi Jibby E. , Stineman Margaret G. , Kwong Pui L. , Bates Barbara E. , Reker Dean M.
Published: April 2007

Background: Understanding comorbidity prevalence and the effects of comorbidities in older veterans with lower extremity amputations may aid in assessing patient outcomes, resource use, and facility-level quality of care. Objectives: To determine the degree to which adding outpatient to inpatient administrative data sources yields higher comorbidity prevalence estimates and improved explanatory power of models predicting 1-year mortality and to compare the Charlson/Deyo and Elixhauser comorbidity measures. Methods: A retrospective cohort study applying frequencies, cross-tabulations, and logistic regression models was conducted, including data from 2,375 veterans with lower extremity amputations. Comorbidity prevalence according to the Charlson/Deyo and Elixhauser measures, 1-year mortality rates, and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were analyzed. Results: Comorbidity prevalence estimates increased sharply for both the Charlson/Deyo and Elixhauser measures with the addition of data from multiple settings. The Elixhauser compared to the Charlson/Deyo generally yielded higher estimates but did not improve explanatory power for mortality. Modeling expected versus actual deaths produced varying SMRs across geographic regions but was not dependent on which measure or data sources were used. Conclusions: Merging outpatient with inpatient data may reduce the under coding of comorbidities but does not enhance mortality prediction. Compared to the Charlson/Deyo, the Elixhauser has a more complete coding scheme for comorbid conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease, important to addressing lower extremity amputation etiology.
Response of Alveolar Type II Epithelial Cells to Mechanical Stretch and Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Ning Qiao-ming , Wang Xiang-rui
Published: April 2007

Background: Although many therapeutic strategies have been developed clinically, the mortality associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome remains very high. Objectives: In this research, we used a cytomechanical method to elucidate the reason for this. Methods: A549 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 or 100 ng/ml) and/or mechanical stretch (5, 15, 30%) in varying frequency (0.2, 0.5, 1 Hz) at indicated time (1, 2, 4 h). Real time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to measure mRNA and protein levels of IL-8. Results: In the presence of mechanical stretch, 100 ng/ml LPS significantly increased IL-8 production after 4 h of 5% stretch (p < 0.05). In the presence of LPS, stretch enhanced LPS-induced IL-8 protein production in a force-, time- and frequency-dependent manner. At both the 1- and 4-hour time points, mechanical stretch and LPS increased IL-8 mRNA levels, respectively, and stretch enhanced LPS-induced IL-8 mRNA levels (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Using cytomechanic methods, we found a synergistic effect of LPS and mechanical stretch on IL-8 production. The response of alveolar type II cells to mechanical stretch depends on their different pathologic states and the applied mechanical stretch, which may reversely influence the outcome of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Dietary Fat–Induced Alterations in Atherosclerosis Are Abolished by ACAT2-Deficiency in ApoB100 Only, LDLr
−/−
Mice
Authors: Bell Thomas A. , Kelley Kathryn , Wilson Martha D. , Sawyer Janet K. , Rudel Lawrence L.
Published: April 2007

Objectives—

The enzyme acyl-coenzymeA (CoA):cholesterol O-acyl
trans
ferase 2 (ACAT2) in the liver synthesizes cholesteryl esters (CE) from cholesterol and fatty acyl-CoA, which get incorporated into apoB-containing lipoproteins that are secreted into the bloodstream. Dietary fatty acid composition influences the amount and fatty acid composition of CE within apoB-containing lipoproteins. We hypothesized that when ACAT2 activity is removed by gene deletion, hepatic CE synthesis and secretion would be minimal and, as a result, dietary fat-related differences in atherosclerosis would be eliminated.

Methods and Results—

Groups of female apoB100 only, LDLr
−/−
mice with and without ACAT2 were fed diets enriched in either ω-3 or ω-6 polyunsaturated fat, saturated fat, and
cis
or
trans
monounsaturated fat. After 20 weeks on diet, mice fed diets enriched in monounsaturated or saturated fat exhibited significantly higher amounts of plasma cholesterol, larger LDL particles enriched in monounsaturated CE, and more atherosclerosis than mice fed polyunsaturated fat. The dietary fat-induced shifts in plasma cholesterol, LDL size, LDL CE composition, and atherosclerosis were not observed in ACAT2
−/−
mice. Regardless of the diet fed, the ACAT2
−/−
mice were protected from atherosclerosis.

Conclusions—

The results indicate that in apoB100 only, LDLr
−/−
mice, ACAT2 plays an essential role in facilitating dietary fat type–specific atherosclerosis through its various effects on plasma lipoprotein concentration and composition.
Fourier Representation of Quadratic Friction
Authors: Inoue Ryuichiro , Garrett Chris
Published: April 2007

If a current is composed of a number of constituents with different frequencies, then quadratic friction may be analyzed at the same frequencies. The ratios of the constituents of the friction differ from the ratios for the current itself, with a classic result being that for unidirectional flow a very weak current constituent experiences proportionately 50% more friction than a strong constituent. Here, exact results for the magnitude of the friction constituents are derived and confirmed numerically. The results are applied to the tidal currents in Juan de Fuca Strait and the Strait of Georgia, showing that minor constituents experience proportionately more friction than the main constituent by an amount that varies spatially but is typically less than the classic result of 50%. For two-dimensional currents it is shown that, if there are two current constituents with the same ellipticity and major axis direction, the friction coefficients are separable functions of the current constituent ratio and the ellipticity. Some results are derived for two constituents with different ellipticity and major axis direction. For the case of two constituents with rectilinear but misaligned currents, each constituent experiences friction inclined at an angle to its current. Last, the effect of a tidal current on the bottom friction experienced by a steady flow is investigated for arbitrary relative magnitudes and directions of the tide and steady flow. In particular, the inclination of the mean friction to the mean flow is quantified.
Wind-Generated Power Input to the Deep Ocean: An Estimate Using a 1/10° General Circulation Model
Authors: von Storch Jin-Song , Sasaki Hideharu , Marotzke Jochem
Published: April 2007

Recent studies on the wind-generated power input to the geostrophic and nongeostrophic ocean circulation components have used expressions derived from Ekman dynamics. The present work extends and unifies previous studies by deriving an expression from the kinetic energy budget of the upper layer based on the primitive equations. Using this expression, the wind-generated power available to the deep ocean is estimated from an integration with the 1/10° ocean general circulation model of the Earth Simulator Center. The result shows that the total power generated by the wind at the sea surface is about 3.8 TW. About 30% of this power (1.1 TW) is passed through a surface layer of about 110-m thickness to the ocean beneath. Approximating the wind-generated power to the deep ocean using Ekman dynamics produces two large errors of opposite signs, which cancel each other to a large extent.
Saliva‐Based Diagnostics Using 16S rRNA Microarrays and Microfluidics
Authors: STARKE E. MICHELLE , SMOOT JAMES C. , WU JER‐HORNG , LIU WEN‐TSO , CHANDLER DARRELL , STAHL DAVID A.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The development of a diagnostic system based on DNA microarrays for rapid identification and enumeration of microbial species in the oral cavity is described. This system uses gel‐based microarrays with immobilized probes designed within a phylogenetic framework that provides for comprehensive microbial monitoring. Understanding the community structure in the oral cavity is a necessary foundation on which to understand the breadth and depth of different microbial communities in the oral cavity and their role in acute and systemic disease. Our ultimate goal is to develop a diagnostic device to identify individuals at high risk for oral disease, and thereby reduce its prevalence and therefore the economic burden associated with treatment. This article discusses recent improvements of our system in reducing diffusional constraints in order to provide more rapid and accurate measurements of the microbial composition of saliva.
Acquired Enamel Pellicle and Its Potential Role in Oral Diagnostics
Authors: SIQUEIRA W. L. , HELMERHORST E. J. , ZHANG W. , SALIH E. , OPPENHEIM F. G.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) is a protein film with unique composition and properties, which is formed by the selective adsorption of a variety of oral fluid–derived proteins onto tooth enamel surfaces. Since events leading to caries and periodontal disease occur in close proximity to the tooth surface, pellicle constituents are likely to contain biomarkers valuable for diagnostic applications. Despite the importance of this oral structure, progress in understanding its formation and composition has been slow because of difficulties in efficient pellicle collection methods and limitations of biochemical techniques for the characterization of microgram amounts of proteins/peptides. Recent developments in both pellicle collection methods and nanoscale sensing technologies have brought the exploitation of pellicle analysis into the realm of point‐of‐care oral diagnostics.
Saliva and the Clinical Pathology Laboratory
Authors: PESCE MICHAEL A. , SPITALNIK STEVEN L.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  There have been increasing numbers of applications using oral fluids, saliva in particular, as the target substrate for performing clinical diagnostic tests. These have focused primarily on point‐of‐care (POC) testing. These POC testing approaches range from, for example, currently available, highly specialized screening tests for the presence of antibodies recognizing HIV to the potential development of “lab‐on‐a‐chip” platforms. Broad claims have been made that the latter will revolutionize clinical laboratory testing. From the perspective of large centralized clinical laboratories, multiple issues must be considered before implementing individual tests using saliva as the target fluid in a POC format or using saliva as a universal test fluid for measuring multiple analytes in a centralized laboratory format. The current scope of laboratory testing is large and comprehensive, involving both POC and centralized testing. Current academic laboratory programs have the ability to qualitatively identify and/or quantitatively measure several thousand analytes in various target matrices including blood, plasma, serum, urine, joint fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and tissue. These tests fall into multiple clinical pathology disciplines, including clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation, transfusion medicine, microbiology, cytogenetics, molecular diagnosis, and immunology. In addition, before implementing a given test, multiple issues need to be evaluated to ensure the validity of the reported result; these include considerations involving the three major phases of testing: preanalytical (e.g., patient identification and specimen collection, stability, and transport), analytical (e.g., sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision), and postanalytical (e.g., reporting results, quality improvement, and turn‐around‐time).
The Critical Time Window for Androgen-Dependent Development of the Wolffian Duct in the Rat
Authors: Welsh Michelle , Saunders Philippa T. K. , Sharpe Richard M.
Published: April 2007

Androgens are thought to separately regulate stabilization and differentiation of the Wolffian duct (WD), but the time windows for these effects are unclear. To address this, fetal rats were exposed to flutamide within either an early window (EW) [embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5) to E17.5], when the WD degenerates in the female, or a later window (LW) (E19.5–E21.5), when the WD morphologically differentiates in the male, or during the full window of WD development (FW) (E15.5–21.5). WDs were examined for abnormalities during fetal (E21.5) or postnatal life, and anogenital distance and prostate presence/absence were recorded. Exposure to FW- or EW-flutamide, but not to LW-flutamide, induced comparable abnormalities in the fetal WD at E21.5, namely reduced WD coiling, reduced cell proliferation, reduced epithelial cell height, altered epithelial vimentin expression, and reduced expression of smooth muscle actin in the WD inner stroma. Exposure to EW- or FW-flutamide, but not to LW-flutamide, resulted in incomplete/absent WDs in more than 50% of males by adulthood, although such abnormalities were infrequent in fetal life. These findings suggest that androgen action during the EW is sufficient to promote WD morphological differentiation several days later. Because the androgen receptor is expressed in the WD stroma but not in the epithelium during this EW, WD differentiation is likely to be dependent on androgen-mediated signaling from the stroma to the epithelium. In conclusion, the critical window for androgen action in regulating WD development in the rat is between E15.5 and E17.5. This window is also important for prostate formation and anogenital distance masculinization.
Three-Dimensionally Ordered Macroporous (3DOM) Materials of Spinel-Type Mixed Iron Oxides. Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Formation Mechanism of Inverse Opals with a Skeleton Structure
Authors: Sadakane Masahiro , Takahashi Chigusa , Kato Nobuyasu , Ogihara Hitoshi , Nodasaka Yoshinobu , Doi Yoshihiro , Hinatsu Yukio , Ueda Wataru
Published: April 2007

Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) materials of spinel-type MFe2O4 (M = Zn, Ni, ZnxNi1−x (x = 0.2–0.8), and Co) mixed iron oxides were prepared in excellent yields by using a colloidal crystal templating method. Mixed metal nitrates were dissolved in an ethylene glycol (EG)–methanol mixed solvent and penetrated into the void of the colloidal crystal template of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) spheres. During the calcination process, the mixed metal nitrates reacted with ethylene glycol and converted into mixed metal glyoxylate derivatives in the voids of the colloidal crystals before the polymer sphere was removed. After removing the sphere template and converting the mixed metal glyoxylates into the mixed metal oxides, the well-ordered 3DOM materials of the desired spinel-type mixed metal oxides with a skeleton structure were obtained. The preparation procedure was analyzed on the basis of TG-DTA, XRD, SEM, TEM, elemental analysis, and BET surface area determination, and the formation mechanism was clarified. After the PMMA templates were removed, an amorphous 3DOM material with a shell structure was obtained. Crystallization of the amorphous material to the spinel-type mixed metal oxides by further calcination changed the morphology of the 3DOM material from the shell structure to a skeleton structure.
Ultrasonic Relaxation Associated with Inclusion Complex of Drugs and β-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Nishikawa Sadakatsu , Kondo Minako , Kamimura Eri , Xing Shaoyong
Published: April 2007

The dynamic interactions between β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) (host) and salicylic acid (guest) at pH ≈6 and ≈3 and between β-CD and benzoic acid (guest) at pH ≈6 were investigated in aqueous solutions in terms of ultrasonic absorption in the frequency range from 0.8 to 95 MHz. A single relaxational absorption was found when the host and the guest were coexisting in water. Ultrasonic relaxation parameters were determined as a function of the guest concentration. From the concentration dependence of the parameters, the cause of the relaxation was attributed to a perturbation of an equilibrium associated with an inclusion complex formed by the host and the guest. The forward and backward rate constants, the equilibrium constants and the standard volume changes for the host–guest complexation reaction were determined from the acid concentration dependences of the relaxation frequency and the maximum absorption per wavelength. The results were compared with those in solution containing aspirin and β-CD. It was found that the substituent effect on the rate and thermodynamic parameters was not remarkable in the dissociated forms of the ortho-substituted benzoic acid. However, the charge effect on a carboxylic group on the parameters was determined to contribute significantly to stability of the complexes formed by the acids and β-CD and to the rate constants for the departure of the acids from β-CD cavity.
Interdependency, Competition, and Industry Dynamics
Authors: Lenox Michael J. , Rockart Scott F. , Lewin Arie Y.
Published: April 2007

Asystematic understanding of industry dynamics is critical to strategy research because individual firm performance dynamics both reflect and affect change at the industry level. Descriptive research on industry dynamics has identified a dominant pattern where prices fall, output rises, and the number of firms rises and then falls over time. Several models have been advanced to explain these patterns, with a particular focus on explaining why a shakeout in the number of firms occurs. In the most prominent models, shakeout is generated by rising realized heterogeneity among firms that either is assumed to be unrecognized but determined ex ante or is generated by stochastic innovation outcomes coupled with convex adjustment costs and scale advantages in innovation and learning. In this paper, we develop an alternative model where heterogeneity develops among firms over time (leading to a shakeout) because firms must make choices about highly interdependent productive activities where the ideal combinations cannot be easily deduced or imitated. By combining two established models (a Cournot model of competition with an NK model of interdependency in production activities), we are able to advance an alternative explanation for the observed patterns of industry behavior, including shakeout. We show that variation in the potential for interdependency in activities among industries is able to explain varying levels of shakeout as well as differing patterns of entry and exit among industries. Notably, the model generates several empirical predictions not apparent in past research and several that directly conflict with the results of prominent alternative models of industry dynamics. Specifically, we show that when the potential for interdependency within an industry is low, entry slows down and incumbent survival is all but assured, whereas in industries where the potential for interdependencies is high, shakeouts are severe and the rates of entry and exit remain high over longer time periods, with decreasing survival rates for incumbents.
When the cables leave, the interfaces arrive: Immaterial networks and material interfaces
Authors: Beloff Laura
Published: April 2007

The last decade has seen the dawn of a technological development towards a wireless-networked world. Various mobile interfaces have started to appear like laptop computer, PDA, mobile phone, Blueberry. The zenith of this development is the full distribution of computation and networks
into every aspect of our life. Everything will become an interface, from a cup to a shirt. Wireless networks and multifarious interfaces will blend invisibly into our everyday life and environment. This emerging infrastructure and its significant impact on our life provide new conditions for
artistic practice.

What kind of artworks and art forms are emerging from this situation? How does this technological development reflect on artistic practice? The ideas from the late 1960s and early 1970s art theory about immateriality seem to be a promising starting point. They are relevant
to contemporary artists working with digital technologies. These artists are employing a new set of forms and media, which are increasingly immaterial. The nature of art and objects, how we relate to and read them, has changed. This paper is an investigation into immateriality versus materiality
mainly focusing on mobile art. It looks at the situation from the viewpoint of an artist a maker and thinker of things and objects. The text is divided into four sections. The first section introduces few cases, which have been concerned about immateriality in art from the recent 40 years
of art history. The second section talks about artistic practices, which focus on mobile art and mobile technologies. The third section is about transformation of objects, and the text ends with an assumption about the role of the artist.
Age‐Specific Survival and Probable Causes of Mortality in Female Lesser Prairie‐Chickens
Authors: HAGEN CHRISTIAN A. , PITMAN JAMES C. , SANDERCOCK BRETT K. , ROBEL ROBERT J. , APPLEGATE ROGER D.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT Long‐term population declines and habitat reductions have increased concern over the status of the lesser prairie‐chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus). Robust estimates of demographic parameters are essential for identifying population declines and planning effective management. We evaluated the effects of age and season on the survival of female lesser prairie‐chickens at 2 sites in southwestern Kansas, USA. Using telemetry data from a 7‐year field study (from 1997 to 2003), we estimated seasonal (Apr—Sep) and annual (Apr—Mar) survival. We also examined daily survival rates of females attending nests during the 26‐day incubation period and young during the 14‐day early brood‐rearing period. We evaluated the probable mortality causes of radiomarked birds by examining evidence at recovery sites. We captured 227 female lesser prairie‐chickens (87 yearlings, 117 ad, and 23 age undetermined) and fitted them with radiotransmitters. Estimates of 12‐month survival were lower among yearlings (Ŝ12 = 0.429, SE = 0.117) and adults at site I (Ŝ12 > = 0.302, SE = 0.080) than among yearlings (Ŝ12 = 0.588, SE = 0.100) and adults at site II (Ŝ12 > = 0.438, SE = 0.083). The patterns in timing of mortality and age‐specific 6‐month survival were consistent with those of 12‐month estimates at site I from 1998 to 2002, with a peak in mortality during May and June. Females tending to nests or to prefledged chicks had lower daily survival (DŜRtend = 0.993, SE = 0.001) than females not involved in these activities (DŜRfailedbreeder = 0.997, SE = 0.002). We recorded 92 mortalities from April 1997 to March 2003, and 59% and 11% were attributed to predation by mammals and raptors, respectively. Our research suggests that predation during the nesting season can have a major impact on lesser prairie‐chicken demography, and conservation efforts should focus on enhancing female survival during the nesting and brood‐rearing seasons.
Avian Nest Box Selection and Nest Success in Burned and Unburned Southwestern Riparian Forest
Authors: SMITH D. MAX , KELLY JEFFREY F. , FINCH DEBORAH M.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT Riparian forest communities in the southwestern United States were historically structured by a disturbance regime of annual flooding. In recent decades, however, frequency of flooding has decreased and frequency of wildfires has increased. Riparian forests provide important breeding habitat for a large variety of bird species, and the effects of this altered disturbance regime on birds and their breeding habitat is largely unknown. To evaluate effects of high‐intensity spring and summer wildfire on the quality of breeding bird habitat in the Middle Rio Grande valley, we measured vegetation structure and composition, avian nest use, and nest success at 4 unburned plots and 4 wildfire plots over a 3‐year period. We measured avian nest use and success at nest boxes located in unburned riparian forest plots and plots recently burned by wildfire. Recent wildfire plots (<7 yr after fire) had a much different vegetation structure than unburned plots; an older (>7 yr after fire) wildfire plot more closely resembled its paired unburned plot than did recently burned plots. Ash‐throated flycatchers (Myiarchus cinerascens) and Bewick's wrens (Thryomanes bewickii; hereafter, flycatchers and wrens, respectively) used nest boxes in most of the plots. A model selection procedure applied to logistic regressions showed that frequency of nest box use by flycatchers was positively associated with wildfire, although flycatchers used boxes in unburned plots as well. Wrens showed a preferential use of nest boxes that were in unburned sites and in close proximity to vegetative cover. Growth rates, feeding rates, and fledging mass of flycatchers were similar in wildfire and unburned plots. Growth rates for wrens were slower in wildfire plots, while feeding rates and fledging mass were similar. Nest predation varied between years, was higher for flycatchers than for wrens, and was not directly influenced by wildfire. Model selection showed that predation increased with grass cover, an indicator of forest openness, and decreased with distance to habitat edge. Recovery of dense vegetation appears important in maintaining populations of Bewick's wrens, whereas ash‐throated flycatchers were less sensitive to vegetative structure and composition of postfire succession. Postfire management that maintains nest sites in large forest strips would enhance nesting density and success of these cavity‐nesting birds in riparian zones.
Survival and Cause‐Specific Mortality of Mature Male White‐Tailed Deer
Authors: WEBB STEPHEN L. , HEWITT DAVID G. , HELLICKSON MICKEY W.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT Understanding sources of male deer mortality is a prerequisite to a successful management program, especially in Texas, USA, where white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are the most economically important game species. South Texas, USA, is one of the few areas where males reach older age classes (> 4.5 yr), in part because of intense population management. Therefore, we obtained survival rates and causes of mortality of 48 mature male deer in south Texas, USA, over 2 years. We calculated Kaplan—Meier survival estimates during 2 study years modified for a staggered‐entry design and annual survival rates for one cohort of deer from 1998 to 2004 using recapture and radiotelemetry data. We documented 21 mortalities (16 harvest and 5 nonhunting mortalities). Average annual survival of the known‐aged 1998 cohort was 82% with 52% of surviving to 6.5 years of age. Survival in study year 2 (0.497 ± 0.069) was less than in study year 1 (0.781 ± 0.073; P = 0.0047), largely because males had finally reached harvestable age (> 6.5 yr old). All but one non‐harvest mortality occurred during the rut or postrut periods. It appears that a large percentage of males can reach mature age classes under intense population management, making them available for harvest when at peak antler size. This allows for increased economic returns on intensively managed white‐tailed deer populations.
Tl-based superconducting films prepared by aerosol spray deposition and thallinated in an open system
Authors: Matkovičová Zuzana , Štrbík Vladimír , Plesch Gustav , Valeriánová Michaela , Dujavová Agáta
Published: April 2007

Superconducting Tl-based films were prepared on a LaAlO3 single crystal substrate. Spray pyrolysis of Ba, Ca and Cu nitrate solutions was used for deposition of the precursor films. They were subsequently ex-situ thallinated in flowing oxygen (open system). While the superconducting Tl-2212 phase formed at an annealing temperature of 880°C, thallination at 900°C led to the formation of a Tl-2223 /Tl-2212 mixture. The amount of Tl-2223 increased with prolonged thallination, whereas the Tl-2212 phase progressively disappeared. Films prepared in such a manner were c-oriented and contained only low amounts of non-superconducting impurities. The resulting samples were characterized by XRD and SEM and their T C values were determined by resistive four-point measurements. They showed critical temperatures in the range of T ON = 125–135 K, T C0 = 91–93 K. Differences between the composition and properties of the obtained films and those thallinated in closed systems under 50 kPa of oxygen are discussed in this paper. Results show that the Tl-2212 → Tl-2223 transformation proceeds at a slower rate under flowing oxygen than in a closed system.
Beliefs about the meaning and measurement of intelligence: a cross‐cultural comparison of American, British and Malaysian undergraduates
Authors: Swami Viren , Furnham Adrian , Maakip Ismail , Ahmad Mohd Sharani , Nawi Nurul Hudani Mohd , Voo Peter S. K. , Christopher Andrew N. , Garwood Jeanette
Published: April 2007

This study examined lay beliefs about intelligence cross‐culturally using a questionnaire based on an expert summary of what is known about intelligence. Two hundred and thirty five university undergraduates in Malaysia, 347 undergraduates in Britain and 137 undergraduates in the US rated for agreement 30 items about the nature, measurement, between‐group differences and practical importance of intelligence. An exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors: (1) stability, reliability and validity of intelligence tests; (2) practical importance of intelligence and (3) source and stability of within‐group intelligence. While the overall factor structure did not vary a great deal between groups, there were significant cross‐cultural differences on the mean scores for Factors 1–3. Explanations for cross‐cultural differences in implicit theories of intelligences are considered, and limitations of the study discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond Silica: Nonoxidic Mesostructured Materials
Authors: Kanatzidis M. G.
Published: April 2007

Recent advances in the design and synthesis of mesostructured and mesoporous materials with nonoxide frameworks are reviewed. Chalcogenides comprise the most important class, and all possible pore arrangements known for silica can be achieved in these materials. The special molecular chemistry that leads to organized nonoxidic mesostructures that have a variety of compositions, pore sizes, and semiconductor bandgaps is presented. Also reviewed are recent developments in mesoporous elements, such as metals and germanium. The goal in research on mesoporous semiconductors is to create materials scaffolds with new physical phenomena that derive from the combined characteristics of long‐range porosity and electronic and optical properties.
Contiguous deletion of the NDP, MAOA, MAOB, and EFHC2 genes in a patient with Norrie disease, severe psychomotor retardation and myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Rodriguez‐Revenga L. , Madrigal I. , Alkhalidi L.S. , Armengol L. , González E. , Badenas C. , Estivill X. , Milà M.
Published: April 2007

Norrie disease (ND) is an X‐linked disorder, inherited as a recessive trait that, therefore, mostly affects males. The gene responsible for ND, called NDP, maps to the short arm of chromosome X (Xp11.4‐p11.3). We report here an atypical case of ND, consisting of a patient harboring a large submicroscopic deletion affecting not only the NDP gene but also the MAOA, MAOB, and EFHC2 genes. Microarray comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis showed that 11 consecutive bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones, mapping around the NDP gene, were deleted. These clones span a region of about 1 Mb on Xp11.3. The deletion was ascertained by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with different BAC clones located within the region. Clinical features of the proband include bilateral retinal detachment, microcephaly, severe psychomotor retardation without verbal language skills acquired, and epilepsy. The identification and molecular characterization of this case reinforces the idea of a new contiguous gene syndrome that would explain the complex phenotype shared by atypical ND patients. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the spectrum of limb‐body wall complex, exstrophy of the cloaca, and urorectal septum malformation sequence
Authors: Heyroth‐Griffis Cristin A. , Weaver David D. , Faught Philip , Bellus Gary A. , Torres‐Martinez Wilfredo
Published: April 2007

The limb‐body wall complex (LBWC) is characterized by abdominal wall and limb defects, exstrophy of the cloaca (EC) by lack of closure of the lower abdominal wall and lack of cloacal septation, and the urorectal septum malformation sequence (URSMS) by absent perineal and anal openings, ambiguous genitalia, colonic, and renal anomalies. We report here on three fetuses whom have overlapping features of these disorders. Also we have reviewed the literature for cases with overlapping features of two or three of the above conditions. From the description of the cases reported on here and those in the literature, we propose that the overlap of features found among LBWC, EC, and URSMS represent a continuous spectrum of abnormalities, rather than three separate conditions. As such, we suggest that all three conditions may share a common etiology or pathogenetic mechanism. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphology and mechanical properties of ABS blends prepared from emulsion‐polymerized PB‐g‐SAN impact modifier with AIBN as initiator
Authors: Zhang N. , Bao X. X. , Tan Z. Y. , Sun S. L. , Zhou C. , Yang H. D. , Zhang H. X.
Published: April 2007

A series of PB‐g‐SAN impact modifiers (polybutadiene particles grafted by styrene and acrylonitrile) are synthesized by seed emulsion copolymerization initiated by oil‐soluble initiator, azobisiobutyronitrile (AIBN). The ABS blends are obtained by mixing SAN resin with PB‐g‐SAN impact modifiers. The mechanical behavior and the phase morphology of ABS blends are investigated. The graft degree (GD) and grafting efficiency (GE) are investigated, and the high GD shows that AIBN has a fine initiating ability in emulsion grafting of PB‐g‐SAN impact modifiers. The morphology of the rubber particles is observed by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM photograph shows that the PB‐g‐SAN impact modifier initiated by AIBN is more likely to form subinclusion inside the rubber particles. The dynamic mechanical analysis on ABS blends shows that the subinclusion inside the rubber phase strongly influences the Tg, maximum tan δ, and the storage modulus of the rubber phase. The mechanical test indicates that the ABS blends, which have the small and uniform subinclusions dispersed in the rubber particles, have the maximum impact strength. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Age‐specific association of steroid hormone pathway gene polymorphisms with breast cancer risk
Authors: Ralph David A. , Zhao Lue Ping , Aston Christopher E. , Manjeshwar Sharmila , Pugh Thomas W. , DeFreese Daniele C. , Gramling Bobby A. , Shimasaki Craig D. , Jupe Eldon R.
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) is a complex disease, and the incidence rates for BC increase with age. Both environmental factors and genetics have an impact on the risk of BC. Although the effects of environmental factors may vary with age, it has been assumed generally that the penetrance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is constant throughout life. In the current study, the results demonstrated that certain SNPs exhibit BC risk associations that vary considerably with age.

METHODS

SNPs in 12 steroid hormone pathway genes were investigated for associations with BC risk in white women who were enrolled in an age‐matched, case‐control (1:2 for cases and controls, respectively) study that consisted of a discovery set (n = 5000 women) and an independent validation set (n = 1583 women).

RESULTS

Significant age‐related trends were identified and confirmed for SNPs in 4 genes associated with BC risk. The cytosine/cytosine (C/C) genotype of cytochrome P450 XIB2 (CYP11B2) was associated with decreased risk at younger ages (ages 30–44 years) but an increased risk at older ages (ages 55–69 years). The homozygous cytosine‐guanine (CG/CG) genotype of uridine phosphorylase glycosyltransferase 1A7 (UGT1A7) was associated with increased risk at younger ages but decreased risk at older ages. Associations in cytochrome P450 19 (CYP19) and progesterone receptor (PGR) were confined to middle age (ages 45–54 years).

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of age‐specific genetic associations may have profound implications for future etiologic studies of BC and for the use of SNP genotyping to accurately predict the risk of BC in women. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Localization of corticotropin‐releasing factor, urotensin I, and CRF‐binding protein gene expression in the brain of the zebrafish, Danio rerio
Authors: Alderman Sarah L. , Bernier Nicholas J.
Published: April 2007

Our current understanding of the corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) system distribution in the teleost brain is restricted by limited immunohistochemical studies and a lack of complete transcriptional distribution maps. The present study used in situ hybridization to localize and compare CRF, urotensin I (UI), and CRF‐binding protein (CRF‐BP) expression in the brain of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). All three peptides were localized in the preoptic area, periventricular hypothalamic and tectal regions, and dorsal part of the trigeminal motor nucleus. CRF and UI were both expressed in several nuclei of the dorsal telencephalon, whereas CRF and CRF‐BP were both expressed in the ventral nucleus of the ventral telencephalon. Sole expression of CRF and CRF‐BP was apparent in the olfactory bulbs and superior raphe nucleus, respectively, whereas only UI was observed in the corpus mamillare, nucleus of the medial longitudinal fascicle, dorsal tegmental nucleus, nucleus lateralis valvulae, and nucleus interpeduncularis. A major finding of this study was the general regional overlapping of CRF‐BP with its ligands and a tendency to be expressed in tandem with CRF rather than UI. Overall, the mRNA expression patterns outlined in this study support the stress‐related neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral functions generally ascribed to the vertebrate CRF system and suggest some unique functional roles for CRF and UI in the teleost brain. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:783–793, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic dissection of neural circuit anatomy underlying feeding behavior in Drosophila: Distinct classes of hugin‐expressing neurons
Authors: Bader Rüdiger , Colomb Julien , Pankratz Bettina , Schröck Anne , Stocker Reinhard F. , Pankratz Michael J.
Published: April 2007

The hugin gene of Drosophila encodes a neuropeptide with homology to mammalian neuromedin U. The hugin‐expressing neurons are localized exclusively to the subesophageal ganglion of the central nervous system and modulate feeding behavior in response to nutrient signals. These neurons send neurites to the protocerebrum, the ventral nerve cord, the ring gland, and the pharynx and may interact with the gustatory sense organs. In this study, we have investigated the morphology of the hugin neurons at a single‐cell level by using clonal analysis. We show that single cells project to only one of the four major targets. In addition, the neurites of the different hugin cells overlap in a specific brain region lateral to the foramen of the esophagus, which could be a new site of neuropeptide release for feeding regulation. Our study reveals novel complexity in the morphology of individual hugin neurons, which has functional implication for how they coordinate feeding behavior and growth. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:848–856, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phospholipase cβ4 expression reveals the continuity of cerebellar topography through development
Authors: Marzban Hassan , Chung Seunghyuk , Watanabe Masahiko , Hawkes Richard
Published: April 2007

Mediolateral boundaries divide the mouse cerebellar cortex into four transverse zones, and within each zone the cortex is further subdivided into a symmetrical array of parasagittal stripes. Various expression markers reveal this complexity, and detailed maps have been constructed based on the differential expression of zebrin II/aldolase C in a Purkinje cell subset. Recently, phospholipase (PL) Cβ4 expression in adult mice was shown to be restricted to, and coextensive with, the zebrin II‐immunonegative Purkinje cell subset. The Purkinje cell expression of PLCβ4 during embryogenesis and postnatal development begins just before birth in a subset of Purkinje cells that are clustered to form a reproducible array of parasagittal stripes. Double label and serial section immunocytochemistry revealed that the early PLCβ4‐immunoreactive clusters in the neonate are complementary to those previously identified by neurogranin expression. The PLCβ4 expression pattern can be traced continuously from embryo to adult, revealing the continuity of the topographical map from perinatal to adult cerebella. The only exception, as has been seen for other antigenic markers, is that transient PLCβ4 expression (which subsequently disappears) is seen in some Purkinje cell stripes during the second postnatal week. Furthermore, the data confirm that some adult Purkinje cell stripes are composite in origin, being derived from two or more distinct embryonic clusters. Thus, the zone and stripe topography of the cerebellum is conserved from embryo to adult, confirming that the early‐ and late‐antigenic markers share a common cerebellar topography. J. Comp. Neurol. 502:857–871, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On finite‐difference approximations and entropy conditions for shocks
Authors: Harten A. , Hyman J. M. , Lax P. D. , Keyfitz B.
Published: April 2007

Weak solutions of hyperbolic conservation laws are not uniquely determined by their initial values; an entropy condition is needed to pick out the physically relevant solution. The question arises whether finite‐difference approximations converge to this particular solution. It is shown in this paper that tin the case of a single conservation law, monotone schemes, when convergent, always converge to the physically relevant solution. Numerical examples show that this is not always the case with non‐monotone schemes, such as the Lax‐Wendroff scheme.
Numerical viscosity and the entropy condition
Authors: Majda Andrew , Osher Stanley
Published: April 2007

Weak solutions of hyperbolic conservation laws are not uniquely determined by their initial values; an entropy condition is needed to pick out the physically relevant solutions. The question arises whether finite difference approximations converge to this particular solution. It is known that this is not always the case with the standard Lax‐Wendroff (L‐W) difference scheme. In this paper a simple variant of the L‐W scheme is devised which retains its desirable computational features—conservation form, three point scheme, second‐order accuracy on smooth solutions, but which has the additional property that limit solutions satisfy the entropy condition. This variant is constructed by adding a simple nonlinear artificial viscosity to the usual L‐W operator. The nature of the viscosity is deduced by first analyzing a model differential equation derived from the truncation error for the L‐W operator, keeping only terms of order (Δx)2. Furthermore, this viscosity is “switched on” only when sufficiently steep discrete gradients develop in the approximate solution: The full L‐W scheme is then shown to have the desired property provided that the Courant‐Friedrichs‐Lewy restriction |λf′(u)|≤0.14 is satisfied.
The similarity solution for a bore on a beach
Authors: Barker J. W. , Whitham G. B.
Published: April 2007

A similarity solution is found for the asymptotic behavior of a bore as it approaches the shoreline on a sloping beach. This gives direct confirmation of earlier results on the motion of the bore and adds details of the associated flow field. It also makes explicit the analogy with Guderley's implosion problem in gas dynamics; the solution is constructed closely following Guderley's arguments.
Sturm–liouville eigenvalue problems in which the squares of the eigenfunctions are linearly dependent
Authors: Mahar T. J. , Willner B. E.
Published: April 2007

We consider the eigenvalue problem u″ + λϕ = 0, u(0)=u(1) = 0, where ϕεin C[0, 1] is positive. It is well known that the eigenfunctions corresponding to distinct eigenvalues are linearly independent. It is shown in this paper that the squares of the eigenfunctions may be linearly dependent on nontrivial subintervals of [0,1]. This result has relevance in the variational analysis of eigenvalue problems.