bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atlantic Hurricane Season of 2005
Authors: Beven John L. , Avila Lixion A. , Blake Eric S. , Brown Daniel P. , Franklin James L. , Knabb Richard D. , Pasch Richard J. , Rhome Jamie R. , Stewart Stacy R.
Published: April 2008

The 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active of record. Twenty-eight storms occurred, including 27 tropical storms and one subtropical storm. Fifteen of the storms became hurricanes, and seven of these became major hurricanes. Additionally, there were two tropical depressions and one subtropical depression. Numerous records for single-season activity were set, including most storms, most hurricanes, and highest accumulated cyclone energy index. Five hurricanes and two tropical storms made landfall in the United States, including four major hurricanes. Eight other cyclones made landfall elsewhere in the basin, and five systems that did not make landfall nonetheless impacted land areas. The 2005 storms directly caused nearly 1700 deaths. This includes approximately 1500 in the United States from Hurricane Katrina—the deadliest U.S. hurricane since 1928. The storms also caused well over $100 billion in damages in the United States alone, making 2005 the costliest hurricane season of record.
Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 2005
Authors: Knabb Richard D. , Avila Lixion A. , Beven John L. , Franklin James L. , Pasch Richard J. , Stewart Stacy R.
Published: April 2008

The 2005 eastern North Pacific hurricane season is summarized, the individual tropical cyclones are described, and official track and intensity forecasts are verified and evaluated. The season’s overall activity was, by most measures, below average. While a near-average 15 tropical storms formed, many of them were relatively weak and short-lived. Seven of these storms became hurricanes, but only one reached major hurricane status (an intensity of 100 kt or greater on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale) in the eastern North Pacific basin. One of the hurricanes, Adrian, approached Central America in May but weakened to a tropical depression prior to landfall. Adrian was the only eastern North Pacific tropical cyclone to make landfall during 2005, and it was directly responsible for one fatality.
Generalized VTD Retrieval of Atmospheric Vortex Kinematic Structure. Part I: Formulation and Error Analysis
Authors: Jou Ben Jong-Dao , Lee Wen-Chau , Liu Su-Ping , Kao Yu-Cheng
Published: April 2008

The primary circulation of atmospheric vortices, such as tropical cyclones and tornadoes, can be estimated from single-Doppler radar observations using the ground-based velocity track display (GBVTD) algorithm. The GBVTD algorithm has limitations in the following four areas: 1) distortion in the retrieved asymmetric wind fields, 2) a limited analysis domain, 3) the inability to resolve the cross-beam component of the mean wind, and 4) the inability to separate the asymmetric tangential and radial winds. This paper presents the generalized velocity track display (GVTD) algorithm, which eliminates the first two limitations inherent in the GBVTD technique and demonstrates the possibility of subjectively estimating the mean wind vector when its signature is visible beyond the influence of the vortex circulation.

In this new paradigm, the GVTD algorithm fits the atmospheric vortex circulation to a new variable VdD/RT in a linear azimuth angle (θ′), rather than the Doppler velocity Vd in a nonlinear angle (ψ), which is used in GBVTD. Key vortex kinematic structures (e.g., mean wind, axisymmetric tangential wind, etc.) in the VdD/RT space simplify the interpretation of the radar signature and eliminate the geometric distortion inherent in the Vd display. This is a significant improvement in diagnosing vortex structures in both operations and research. The advantages of using VdD/RT are illustrated using analytical atmospheric vortices, and the properties are compared with GBVTD. The characteristics of the VdD/RT display of Typhoon Gladys (1994) can be approximated by a constant mean wind plus an axisymmetric vortex.
Climatology of Strong Intermountain Cold Fronts
Authors: Shafer Jason C. , Steenburgh W. James
Published: April 2008

Motivated by the intensity and severity of winds and temperature falls that frequently accompany rapidly developing cold fronts in northern Utah, this paper presents a 25-yr climatology of strong cold frontal passages over the Intermountain West and adjoining western United States. Using conventional surface observations and the North American Regional Reanalysis, strong cold frontal passages are identified based on a temperature fall of 7°C or greater in a 2–3-h period, a concurrent pressure rise of 3 hPa or greater, and the presence of a large-scale 700-hPa temperature gradient of at least 6°C (500 km)−1. The number of strong cold frontal passages exhibits a strong continental signature with very few events (<10) along the Pacific coast and more than 200 events east of the Continental Divide. The number of events increases dramatically from the Cascade Mountains and Sierra Nevada to northern Utah, indicating that the Intermountain West is a frequent cold front breeding ground.

A composite of the 25 strongest events at Salt Lake City (based on the magnitude of the temperature fall) reveals that confluent deformation acting on a broad baroclinic zone over central Nevada commonly initiates Intermountain frontogenesis. The confluent deformation develops in southwesterly large-scale flow and appears to be enhanced by flow deflection around the Sierra Nevada. Quasi-stationary development and intensification of the southwest–northeast-oriented cold front then occurs as a mobile upper-level trough approaches from the west. The front becomes mobile as cold advection and ascent associated with the upper-level trough overtake the low-level front. Cloud and precipitation observations suggest that differential diabatic heating contributes to the rapid frontal intensification in many events.
Climate Model Forecast Experiments for TOGA COARE
Authors: Boyle J. , Klein S. , Zhang G. , Xie S. , Wei X.
Published: April 2008

Short-term (1–10 day) forecasts are made with climate models to assess the parameterizations of the physical processes. The time period for the integrations is that of the intensive observing period (IOP) of the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE). The models used are the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Climate Model, version 3.1 (CAM3.1); CAM3.1 with a modified deep convection parameterization; and the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) Atmospheric Model, version 2 (AM2). The models were initialized using the state variables from the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40).

The CAM deep convective parameterization fails to demonstrate the sensitivity to the imposed forcing to simulate precipitation patterns associated with the Madden–Julian oscillations (MJOs) present during the period. AM2 and modified CAM3.1 exhibit greater correspondence to the observations at the TOGA COARE site, suggesting that convective parameterizations that have some type of limiter (as do AM2 and the modified CAM3.1) simulate the MJO rainfall with more fidelity than those without. None of the models are able to fully capture the correct phasing of westerly wind bursts with respect to precipitation in the eastward-moving MJO disturbance. Better representation of the diabatic heating and effective static stability profiles is associated with a better MJO simulation.

Because the models’ errors in the forecast mode bear a resemblance to the errors in the climate mode in simulating the MJO, the forecasts may allow for a better way to dissect the reasons for model error.
Propagation and Diurnal Evolution of Warm Season Cloudiness in the Australian and Maritime Continent Region
Authors: Keenan T. D. , Carbone R. E.
Published: April 2008

Warm season cold cloud-top climatology in the Austral–Indonesian region is examined for evidence of propagating modes of precipitation that originate from elevated heat sources and the diurnal heating cycle. Using satellite-inferred cloudiness from the period 1996–2001 as a proxy for rainfall, this coherent regeneration process and subsequent event propagation is found to consistently occur from the midlatitudes (30°–40°S) to the tropics (10°–20°S) in the Austral region.

Given favorable environmental shear at midlatitudes, long-lived eastward-propagating events are observed to occur regularly with a span and duration typically larger than observed by Carbone et al. The genesis of these events, while intermittent, is directly related to elevated heat sources and the diurnal cycle, similar to the United States. However, given the relatively flat terrain of Australia, an elevated heat source is often insufficient, thus increasing the relative influence of transient synoptic forcing.

In the tropics, the thermal forcing associated with elevated terrain found over the islands of the Maritime Continent and the land–sea interface is increasingly dominant on daily basis. While eastward- and westward-propagating events are found in the more varied environment of the monsoon regime, evidence for meridionally propagating modes is also found. In this manner, complex interactions occur that modify the location and timing of clouds that develop over neighboring oceanic and continental locations. The impact of convection initially linked to the New Guinea highlands and subsequently impacting the Java Sea region is particularly evident affecting the observed diurnal cycle.

The subtropics show characteristics intermediate between the above extremes. With the seasonal cycle, the spring environment favors eastward-propagating events but in summer there is an increasing frequency of diurnally forced quasi-stationary development over elevated terrain enhanced by favorable synoptic conditions. Overall the subtropical summer events have a shorter duration and span than their spring counterparts. The increased environmental steering winds and shear in spring are thought to be the primary reason.
Toward the Mitigation of Spurious Cloud-Edge Supersaturation in Cloud Models
Authors: Grabowski Wojciech W. , Morrison Hugh
Published: April 2008

This paper presents a straightforward approach to mitigate the problem of spurious cloud-edge supersaturation in high-spatial-resolution cloud models (e.g., moist large-eddy simulation models). The central idea, following a 1989 J. Atmos. Sci. paper by Grabowski, is that supersaturation predicted by the supersaturation equation should be used to adjust the temperature and moisture solutions, rather than the other way around as in the standard approach in cloud modeling, where the temperature and moisture solutions are used to diagnose the supersaturation. Details of the adjustment scheme are discussed and illustrated through simple one-dimensional tests applying a two-moment warm-rain microphysics scheme that predicts the in-cloud supersaturation. Extension of this approach to bin microphysics models is also outlined.
Central Venous Thrombosis in Behçet's Disease
Authors: Abou-Raya Anna , Abou-Raya Suzan
Published: April 2008

Behçet's disease is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by vasculitis, which affects all types and sizes of blood vessels. A thrombotic tendency with a predilection for the venous side of the vasculature is well known for Behçet's disease. However, central vein involvement is a rare complication. The authors report an unusual case of complete thrombosis of the supraazygos superior vena cava, brachiocephalic veins, as well as right internal jugular vein in a patient who is a young woman with Behçet's disease.
Effect of Statins on Serum Apolipoprotein J and Paraoxonase-1 Levels in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease Undergoing Coronary Angiography
Authors: Poulakou Maria V. , Paraskevas Kosmas I. , Vlachos Ioannis S. , Karabina Sonia-Athena P. , Wilson Mark R. , Iliopoulos Dimitrios C. , Tsitsilonis Serafim I. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Perrea Despina N.
Published: April 2008

It has been proposed that apolipoprotein J (apo J) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) correlate with the extent and severity of ischemic heart disease (IHD). This article compares apo J and PON1 serum concentrations, PON1 activity, and the apo J/PON1 ratio in 138 IHD patients (64 statins users and 74 statin nonusers) referred for angiography and possible percutaneous coronary intervention. The effect of statin treatment on apo J and PON1 concentrations, PON1 activity, and the degree of coronary artery stenosis were evaluated. In both groups, apo J levels were increased, whereas PON1 concentration and activity decreased. IHD patients on statins had significantly lower apo J concentration and higher PON1 concentration and activity. Patients on statins had less coronary artery stenosis. High apo J levels, low PON1 levels, low PON1 activity, and a high apo J/PON1 ratio were associated with IHD. Statin treatment reverses these changes, probably by multiple beneficial actions.
Cutaneous Pharmacodynamics of a Toll‐Like Receptor 7 Agonist, 852A, in Humans
Authors: Astry Calvin , Birmachu Woubalem , Harrison Lester I. , Meng Tze‐Chiang
Published: April 2008

852A is a specific toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist. Thirty‐two healthy adults (8 subjects per group) received two 1‐g topical applications over 400 cm2, separated by ≥5 days, of 852A 0.01% followed by vehicle, vehicle followed by 852A 0.1%, 852A 0.3% followed by vehicle, or vehicle followed by 852A 1.0%. Systemic absorption was minimal as 852A was not quantifiable in any serum sample up to 24 hours postadministration and was only quantifiable at 24 hours in the urine of 4 of 8 subjects after application of 852A 1.0%. No systemic adverse events were associated with drug treatment. Gene expression analysis from application site biopsies showed a ≥2‐fold increase in expression for 40 genes in at least 2 subjects. CXCL9/MIG (8/32 subjects), CCL2/MCP1 (7/32), and OAS3 (5/32) were most frequently increased, followed by other type I interferon‐inducible genes. Cluster analysis of the genes with a ≥2‐fold increase did not reveal a definitive pattern with respect to 852A concentration or time of biopsy. Overall, single topical application of 852A up to 1.0% was well tolerated. Data gathered from these subjects are suggestive that 852A can produce increases in local gene expression consistent with TLR7 stimulation.
Pittsburgh in Fort Worth
Authors: Kraszewski Jon
Published: April 2008

This article examines how sports fandom fits into the nexus of late capitalism, displacement, and identity within the United States. The article adds to a growing literature on late capitalism and sports fandom by analyzing how displaced fans look to sports teams from their former places of residence as a way to understand “home.” An ethnography of a Pittsburgh Steelers fan club in Fort Worth, Texas, is used as a case study. Drawing on the fields of television studies and cultural geography as well as theories of diaspora, this article argues that sports fandom allows displaced people the ability to reconnect with and manage the irreconcilable tensions of home.
Promoting Self-Determination: Using Take Action to Teach Goal Attainment
Authors: German Sue Lyn , Martin James E. , Huber Marshall Laura , Sale R. Paul
Published: April 2008

Transition programs that teach self-determination skills must provide students the opportunity to practice these skills. Teaching students goal attainment skills and providing them the opportunity to achieve their own IEP goals is one example of a self-determination oriented transition program. Take Action teaches students the skills needed to attain their goals. In this study, we taught Take Action to 6 adolescents with mild to moderate mental retardation to attain their daily IEP goals. Results show that all students learned to attain their own daily goals and maintained these skills following withdrawal of teacher instruction.
A Survey of Community Employment Placements: Where Are Youth and Adults with Disabilities Working?
Authors: Morgan Robert L. , Ellerd David A. , Jensen Kari , Taylor Matthew J.
Published: April 2008

This article describes the results of a national survey of high school transition and adult supported employment programs to identify community employment placements for individuals with disabilities. We designed the survey to examine (a) numbers of placements within specific types of employment, (b) differences in placements as a function of specific variables (i.e., high school versus adult programs, urban versus rural locations), and (c) emergence of new markets for job placement. Results from 7,553 placements indicated that the most frequent category for both high school transition and adult supported employment programs was food and beverage preparation services. We found statistically significant differences in 5 of 29 job categories as a function of youth/adult or urban/rural variables. Emerging markets for job placements included tourism, casino jobs, and others. We discuss implications of these data in relation to future research and practice in job placement.
Paid Internships and Employment Success for Youth in Transition
Authors: Luecking Richard G. , Fabian Ellen S.
Published: April 2008

This article presents information on the characteristics and postschool outcomes of youth who participated in the Marriott Foundation's Bridges... from school to work internship program at seven national sites from 1993 to 1997. A comprehensive database of 3,024 participants was analyzed to determine the extent to which participant and programmatic variables predict post-school employment status at 6, 12, and 18 month follow-up intervals. Neither gender, race, or primary disability made a significant difference in employment status at six months post-internship. Work behaviors during the internship were highly predictive of postschool employment at 6 and 12 month follow-up intervals. A disparity between disability groups and racial categories was noted in post-school employment rates the further out from school exit. The implications of this program model and these findings for future research and practice are discussed.
Parent Participation in the Transition Planning Process
Authors: Defur Sharon H. , Todd-Allen Mary , Getzel Elizabeth E.
Published: April 2008

This article describes the results of four regional focus groups comprised of 28 Virginian parents of adolescents with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of (a) Virginian families' experiences in transition planning, (b) family relationships with school professionals in the transition planning process, and (c) implications for policy and practice that promote and enhance the full participation of all families in transition planning. Based on the dialogue with family members in these focus groups, we found that parents of adolescents with disabilities consistently identified the quality of the relationship they had with service providers as the key factor that affected the family's involvement in transition planning. Based on the insights gained from this study and the existing literature, we designed a model that illustrates the potential positive or negative cycle that occurs as families and professionals interact around transition planning. This model can serve to evaluate and develop effective practices for involving families in the transition planning process.
A Collaborative Followup Study on Transition Service Utilization and Post-school Outcomes
Authors: Baer Robert M. , Flexer Robert W. , Beck Suzanne , Amstutz Nangy , Hoffman Lynn , Brothers Judy , Stelzer Donna , Zechman Christine
Published: April 2008

This postschool outcome study was conducted in collaboration with transition coordinators at four local education agencies to evaluate the utilization and effectiveness of their school district's secondary education programs and transition services. By means of a phone and record review survey, adapted from one developed by the Ohio systems change project for transition, data were collected on 140 randomly selected special education graduates who were one and three years post graduation. A logistic regression analysis showed that vocational education, work study participation, attending a rural school, and having a learning disability were the best predictors of full-time employment after graduation, whereas participation in regular academics and attending a suburban school setting were the best predictors of postsecondary education. The transition coordinators recorded the amount of time it took to complete the surveys for their graduates and participated in the evaluation of their data. It took longer for urban students and students who were further from graduation to complete the followup surveys.
The History and Status of OSEP Personnel Preparation Policy for Transition
Authors: Kleinhammer-Tramill P. Jeannie , Baker Betty C. , Tramill James L. , Fiore Thomas A.
Published: April 2008

This article traces the history of OSEP support for personnel preparation in transition and compares current levels of transition personnel preparation grant activities with those of the last two decades. Overall findings are analyzed in terms of the impact of changes in OSEP policy.
Parents' In-School Values and Post-School Expectations for Transition-Aged Youth with Disabilities
Authors: Grigal Meg , Neubert Debra A.
Published: April 2008

A survey was conducted with 234 parents of secondary-level students with high- and low-incidence disabilities in two urban school systems about the importance of secondary instructional domains and transition planning and their post-school expectations for their son or daughter. Significant differences were found between parents of students with high- and low-incidence disabilities in the values they placed on instructional domains and transition planning areas, their desired independent living situations, and their post-school expectations for education and employment for their son or daughter. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Status of Community-Based Transition Programs: A National Database
Authors: Gaumer Amy S. , Morningstar Mary E. , Clark Gary M.
Published: April 2008

The goal of transition services is to improve the postschool outcomes for students with disabilities, but more than 10 years after the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) mandated transition services, students with disabilities are still exiting high school with significantly different postschool outcomes than their peers. Community-based instruction, work experience, family involvement, interagency collaboration, and postsecondary training have been highlighted as methods to improve student outcomes. This article identifies 101 community-based transition programs that incorporate community-based instruction, work experience, and postsecondary education especially designed for students aged 18-21 years old. Findings regarding disability populations, ages served, community locations, funding sources, interagency collaboration, and staffing of these programs are discussed.
Improving Supervisor Evaluations Through the Use of Self Determination Contracts
Authors: Woods Lee L. , Martin James E.
Published: April 2008

Supervisor perceptions of employee competence in areas of work, social, and personal demands of the job often determine success or failure for the supported employee. This study involved three workers with disabilities who participated in a supported employment program. After being successfully hired in a job of their choosing, problems arose that jeopardized the successful completion of the placement phase. The workers used individualized self-determination contracts to improve supervisor evaluations. Specifically, they completed daily self-determination contracts to plan their work outcomes, manage their tasks, evaluate their performance, and make adjustments for their next opportunity to work. Results indicated that all three workers used self-determination strategies to improve their performance and meet the expectations of their respective employers.
Transition to Adult Roles for Students With Emotional/Behavioral Disturbances
Authors: Karpur Arun , Clark Hewitt B. , Caproni Peter , Sterner Hank
Published: April 2008

Transition from adolescence to adulthood is especially challenging for youth and young adults with emotional/behavioral disturbances (EBD). The Transition to Independence Process (TIP) model serves to prepare and facilitate youth and young adults with EBD in their transition into adulthood roles through a person-centered and developmentally appropriate process. Using existing state and program data, this study compared the postsecondary outcomes (e.g., employment, postsecondary education, incarceration) of exiters from the Steps-to-Success Program, a TIP-based system serving secondary school students, to those of matched comparison groups of (a) other young adults with EBD who had services as usual and (b) young adults with no previous classification. Our results demonstrated the efficacy of the Steps-to-Success Program in improving postsecondary outcomes for youth with EBD.
Facility-to-Community Transition Needs for Adjudicated Youth With Disabilities
Authors: Unruh Deanne , Bullis Michael
Published: April 2008

As part of a statewide multiagency collaboration to provide transition services for adjudicated youth with disabilities in Oregon, we conducted a needs assessment to identify facility-to-community transition supports and barriers. We conducted a nominal group technique in five communities with groups composed of multiple stakeholders. In addition, we conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with 33 adjudicated youth in which they described their perceptions of barriers to and supports necessary for a successful transition from either a youth correctional facility or from probation. Findings suggest that transition services for adjudicated youth with disabilities need to focus on assisting youth to develop self-determination skills and nurturing positive social networks while providing traditional transition-related services (e.g., employment, education, and independent living support).
Transition Planning Involving Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families
Authors: Kim Kyeong-Hwa , Morningstar Mary E.
Published: April 2008

Family involvement in the transition process has been recognized as a crucial indicator of successful transition planning. Many parents, however, take a passive role in their child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition meeting. Moreover, despite the clear mandate of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are even less involved. This article explores the current status of parent involvement in transition planning for families from diverse backgrounds. It examines the barriers placed on such parents and recommends strategies to enhance the partnerships between parents and school programs during the transition period.
Access to Post—High School Services
Authors: Kochhar-Bryant Carol A. , Izzo Margo Vreeburg
Published: April 2008

IDEA 2004 has included a new requirement for youth transition— a Summary of Functional Performance (SOP)—documentation to assist in seeking eligibility for disability-related services after high school. However, minimal implementation guidance has been provided to states. The articles in this special series explain how the SOP can reduce longstanding barriers to transition and explore its implementation from perspectives of secondary, postsecondary, rehabilitation, employment, students, and families. In this article, the authors describe the work of the National Transition Documentation Summit in prompting a national dialog, responding to thorny questions from the field, and developing guidelines for field consideration. Finally, it presents a charge to the field to collaborate and continue conversation about bridging the documentation gap to strengthen the likelihood of successful transition for youth.
Multicultural Perspectives on Self-Determination From Youth, Parent, and Teacher Focus Groups
Authors: Leake David , Boone Rosalie
Published: April 2008

Numerous curricula and programs have been developed to foster the self-determination of youth with disabilities. Virtually all are rooted in mainstream U.S. values, leading to questions of their relevance and efficacy for culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) youth who hold different values. To help fill a research gap on cultural influences on self-determination, a focus group methodology was used to explore the perceptions of a diverse range of youth with emotional and/or behavioral disorders, parents, and teachers, totaling 122 participants in Hawaii and Washington, DC. Transcript analysis identified a variety of cultural themes. However, individual variability within ethnic groups underlines the need to adhere to the principle of individualization when promoting self-determination.
Very mild disease phenotype of congenic Cftr
TgH(neoim)Hgu
cystic fibrosis mice
Authors: Tóth Balázs , Wilke Martina , Stanke Frauke , Dorsch Martina , Jansen Silke , Wedekind Dirk , Charizopoulou Nikoletta , Bot Alice , Burmester Marion , Leonhard-Marek Sabine , de Jonge Hugo R , Hedrich Hans-Jürgen , Breves Gerhard , Tümmler Burkhard
Published: April 2008

Background

A major boost to cystic fibrosis disease research was given by the generation of various mouse models using gene targeting in embryonal stem cells. Moreover, the introduction of the same mutation on different inbred strains generating congenic strains facilitated the search for modifier genes. From the original Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
mouse model with a divergent genetic background (129/Sv, C57BL/6, HsdOla:MF1) two inbred mutant mouse strains CF/1-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
and CF/3-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
had been generated using strict brother × sister mating. CF/1-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
and CF/3-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
mice were fertile and showed normal growth and lifespan. In this work the Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
insertional mutation was backcrossed from CF/3-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
onto the inbred backgrounds C57BL/6J and DBA/2J generating congenic animals in order to clarify the differential impact of the Cftr mutation and the genetic background on the disease phenotype of the cystic fibrosis mutant mice. Clinical and electrophysiological features of the two congenic strains were compared with those of CF/1-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
and CF/3-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
and wild type controls.

Results

Under the standardized housing conditions of the animal facility, the four mouse strains CF/1-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
, CF/3-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
, D2.129P2(CF/3)-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
and B6.129P2(CF/3)-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
exhibited normal life expectancy. Growth of congenic cystic fibrosis mice was comparable with that of wild type controls. All mice but D2.129P2(CF/3)-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
females were fertile. Short circuit current measurements revealed characteristic response profiles of the HsdOla:MF1, DBA/2J and C57BL/6J backgrounds in nose, ileum and colon. All cystic fibrosis mouse lines showed the disease-typical hyperresponsiveness to amiloride in the respiratory epithelium. The mean chloride secretory responses to carbachol or forskolin were 15–100% of those of the cognate wild type control animals.

Conclusion

The amelioration of the clinical features and of the basic defect that had emerged during the generation of CF/3-Cftr

TgH(neoim)Hgu
mice was retained in the congenic mice indicating that the Cftr linkage group or other loci shared between the inbred strains contain(s) the major modifier(s) of attenuation of cystic fibrosis symptoms.
Protein fingerprints of cultured CA3-CA1 hippocampal neurons: comparative analysis of the distribution of synaptosomal and cytosolic proteins
Authors: Corti Valeria , Sanchez-Ruiz Yovan , Piccoli Giovanni , Bergamaschi Andrea , Cannistraci Carlo V , Pattini Linda , Cerutti Sergio , Bachi Angela , Alessio Massimo , Malgaroli Antonio
Published: April 2008

Background

All studies aimed at understanding complex molecular changes occurring at synapses face the problem of how a complete view of the synaptic proteome and of its changes can be efficiently met. This is highly desirable when synaptic plasticity processes are analyzed since the structure and the biochemistry of neurons and synapses get completely reshaped. Because most molecular studies of synapses are nowadays mainly or at least in part based on protein extracts from neuronal cultures, this is not a feasible option: these simplified versions of the brain tissue on one hand provide an homogeneous pure population of neurons but on the other yield only tiny amounts of proteins, many orders of magnitude smaller than conventional brain tissue. As a way to overcome this limitation and to find a simple way to screen for protein changes at cultured synapses, we have produced and characterized two dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) maps of the synaptic proteome of CA3-CA1 hippocampal neurons in culture.

Results

To obtain 2D maps, hippocampal cultures were mass produced and after synaptic maturation, proteins were extracted following subfractionation procedures and separated by 2D gel electrophoresis. Similar maps were obtained for the crude cytosol of cultured neurons and for synaptosomes purified from CA3-CA1 hippocampal tissue. To efficiently compare these different maps some clearly identifiable reference points were molecularly identified by mass spectrometry and immunolabeling methods. This information was used to run a differential analysis and establish homologies and dissimilarities in these 2D protein profiles.

Conclusion

Because reproducible fingerprints of cultured synapses were clearly obtained, we believe that our mapping effort could represent a simple tool to screen for protein expression and/or protein localization changes in CA3-CA1 hippocampal neurons following plasticity.
Facile whole mitochondrial genome resequencing from nipple aspirate fluid using MitoChip v2.0
Authors: Jakupciak John P , Maggrah Andrea , Maragh Samantha , Maki Jennifer , Reguly Brian , Maki Katrina , Wittock Roy , Robinson Kerry , Wagner Paul D , Thayer Robert E , Gehman Ken , Gehman Teresa , Srivastava Sudhir , Ngom Alioune , Dakubo Gabriel D , Parr Ryan L
Published: April 2008

Background

Mutations in the mitochondrial genome (mtgenome) have been associated with many disorders, including breast cancer. Nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) from symptomatic women could potentially serve as a minimally invasive sample for breast cancer screening by detecting somatic mutations in this biofluid. This study is aimed at 1) demonstrating the feasibility of NAF recovery from symptomatic women, 2) examining the feasibility of sequencing the entire mitochondrial genome from NAF samples, 3) cross validation of the Human mitochondrial resequencing array 2.0 (MCv2), and 4) assessing the somatic mtDNA mutation rate in benign breast diseases as a potential tool for monitoring early somatic mutations associated with breast cancer.

Methods

NAF and blood were obtained from women with symptomatic benign breast conditions, and we successfully assessed the mutation load in the entire mitochondrial genome of 19 of these women. DNA extracts from NAF were sequenced using the mitochondrial resequencing array MCv2 and by capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods as a quality comparison. Sequencing was performed independently at two institutions and the results compared. The germline mtDNA sequence determined using DNA isolated from the patient's blood (control) was compared to the mutations present in cellular mtDNA recovered from patient's NAF.

Results

From the cohort of 28 women recruited for this study, NAF was successfully recovered from 23 participants (82%). Twenty two (96%) of the women produced fluids from both breasts. Twenty NAF samples and corresponding blood were chosen for this study. Except for one NAF sample, the whole mtgenome was successfully amplified using a single primer pair, or three pairs of overlapping primers. Comparison of MCv2 data from the two institutions demonstrates 99.200% concordance. Moreover, MCv2 data was 99.999% identical to CE sequencing, indicating that MCv2 is a reliable method to rapidly sequence the entire mtgenome. Four NAF samples contained somatic mutations.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that NAF is a suitable material for mtDNA sequence analysis using the rapid and reliable MCv2. Somatic mtDNA mutations present in NAF of women with benign breast diseases could potentially be used as risk factors for progression to breast cancer, but this will require a much larger study with clinical follow up.
Steroid hormone regulation of EMP2 expression and localization in the endometrium
Authors: Wadehra Madhuri , Mainigi Monica , Morales Shawn A , Rao Rajiv G , Gordon Lynn K , Williams Carmen J , Braun Jonathan
Published: April 2008

Background

The tetraspan protein epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2), which mediates surface display of diverse proteins, is required for endometrial competence in blastocyst implantation, and is uniquely correlated with poor survival from endometrial adenocarcinoma tumors. Because EMP2 is differentially expressed in the various stages of the murine and human estrous cycle, we tested the hypothesis that the steroid hormones progesterone and estrogen influence EMP2 expression and localization.

Methods

Frozen human proliferative and secretory endometrium were collected and analyzed for EMP2 expression using SDS-PAGE/Western blot analysis. The response of EMP2 to progesterone and estradiol was determined using a combination of real-time PCR, SDS-PAGE/Western blot analysis, and confocal immunofluorescence in the human endometrial carcinoma cell line RL95-2. To confirm the in vitro results, ovariectomized mice were treated with progesterone or estradiol, and EMP2 expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Within normal human endometrium, EMP2 expression is upregulated in the secretory phase relative to the proliferative phase. To understand the role of steroid hormones on EMP2 expression, we utilized RL95-2 cells, which express both estrogen and progesterone receptors. In RL95-2 cells, both estradiol and progesterone induced EMP2 mRNA expression, but only progesterone induced EMP2 protein expression. To compare steroid hormone regulation of EMP2 between humans and mice, we analyzed EMP2 expression in ovarectomized mice. Similar to results observed in humans, progesterone upregulated endometrial EMP2 expression and induced EMP2 translocation to the plasma membrane. Estradiol did not promote translocation to the cell surface, but moderately induced EMP2 expression in cytoplasmic compartments in vivo.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that targeting of EMP2 to specific locations under the influence of these steroid hormones may be important for integrating the molecular responses required for implantation competence.
Three-Dimensional Micro- and Nano-Structuring of Materials by Tightly Focused Laser Radiation
Authors: Juodkazis Saulius , Mizeikis Vygantas , Matsuo Shigeki , Ueno Kosei , Misawa Hiroaki
Published: April 2008

Three-dimensional laser microfabrication blends microscopy, optical nonlinear phenomena, photomodification, laser trapping, and creates novel possibilities for fabrication of micro- and nano-structures in a wide range of materials. This work reviews various implementations of laser photo-structuring and micromanipulation applied to photo-modification of various materials: glasses, crystals, polymers, gels, and liquid crystals.
Resonant Microwave Irradiation Effect on the Emission Process of an Organic Electroluminescent Material
Authors: Okimi Hiroshi , Sakaguchi Yoshio , Asada Kohei , Hara Masahiko
Published: April 2008

Microwave irradiation to energized electroluminescent cells made of a copolymer of p-phenylenevinylene (PPV) derivatives under a resonant magnetic field resulted in a decrease in emission intensity. This is due to a reduction of singlet radical ion pairs by forced spin conversion into the triplet manifold. This microwave effect became 1.6±0.1 and 2.3±0.1 times larger after the “turn-off,” the removal of the driving voltage of 8 and 10 V, respectively. Since the formation of radical ions terminates at turn-off, this increase cannot be attributed to the increase of radical ion pairs. The magnetic field effect on the emission intensity also increased from 1.09±0.01 to 1.12±0.03 after turn-off. These phenomena are ascribed to the decrease of the exchange interaction between radical ions in a pair by the removal of the electric field.
Bis(1-methylimidazolyl)diselenide and 1-Methylimidazole-2-selenolate Complexes of Zinc, Cadmium, and Mercury: Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Conversion to Metal Selenide Quantum Dots
Authors: Kedarnath Gotluru , Kumbhare Liladhar Baburao , Jain Vimal Kumar , Wadawale Amey , Dey Gautam Kumar , Thinaharan Chidamabaranathan , Naveen Shivalingegowda , Sridhar Mandayam Anandalwar , Prasad Javaregowda Shashidhara
Published: April 2008

Treatment of a methanolic solution of metal acetate with bis(1-methylimidazolyl)diselenide, [(MeImSe)2], yields complexes of composition [M(OAc)2{(MeImSe)2}] (M = Zn, Cd, or Hg) whereas reactions of [MX2(Me2NCH2CH2NMe2)] (X = Cl or OAc) with sodium 1-methylimidazole-2-selenolate gave selenolate complexes of the general formula [M(MeImSe)2] (M = Zn or Cd). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–vis, NMR (1H, 13C, and 77Se) data. The crystal structure of [Cd(OAc)2{(MeImSe)2}] was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The cadmium atom adopts a distorted octahedral configuration defined by asymmetrically chelated acetate groups and chelating diselenide ligand. Thermal behavior of adducts was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. Pyrolysis in hexadecylamine/tri-n-octylphosphine oxide gave MSe quantum dots, which were characterized by UV–vis, photoluminescence, XRD, EDAX, SAED, and TEM.
Total Syntheses of Bistratamides J, E, and H from Two Types of ΔAla-Containing Oligopeptides
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Andoh Masanori , Yonezawa Yasuchika , Akai Shoji , Shin Chung-gi , Sato Ken-ichi
Published: April 2008

The total syntheses of naturally occurring bis- and tris(heterocyclic)cyclopeptide bistratamides J (1), H (2), and E (3) from two types of dehydropeptides are described. The strategy involves the preparation of the promising building blocks: N-{2-[(S)-1-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-2-methylpropyl]thiazol-4-ylcarbonyl}-l-Val-(S)NH2 (4) as the left-half component, and methyl N-(3-bromo-2-oxopropanoyl)-l-Val-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-l-threonate (5) as the right-half. The subsequent Hantzsch thiazole synthesis between 4 and 5 afforded a linear N,O-protected bis(heterocyclic)peptide as the precursor of 1. Upon deprotection, the precursor was converted to 1 via macrocyclization under high-dilution condition, using BOP [benzotriazol-1-yloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate] as the condensing agent. Furthermore, 1 was converted to 2, which was transformed into 3 via ring-opening and re-oxazolination.
Rhodium-Catalyzed Reaction of 1-Alkynylphosphines with Water Yielding (E)-1-Alkenylphosphine Oxides
Authors: Kondoh Azusa , Yorimitsu Hideki , Oshima Koichiro
Published: April 2008

Treatment of 1-alkynylphosphines with a rhodium catalyst in 1,4-dioxane/H2O at reflux provides (E)-1-alkenylphosphine oxides in good yields with perfect stereoselectivity. The reaction proceeds as follows. Oxidative addition of 1-alkynylphosphine to rhodium followed by hydrolysis yields the corresponding terminal alkyne and diphenylphosphine oxide. Rhodium-catalyzed hydrophosphinylation of the terminal alkyne then proceeds to afford (E)-1-alkenylphosphine oxide.
Regio- and Stereoselective Additions of Diphenyldithiophosphinic Acid to N-(1-Alkynyl)amides and 1-Alkynyl Sulfides
Authors: Kanemura Shigenari , Kondoh Azusa , Yasui Hiroto , Yorimitsu Hideki , Oshima Koichiro
Published: April 2008

Treatment of N-(1-alkynyl)amides and 1-alkynyl sulfides with diphenyldithiophosphinic acid affords (E)-ketene N,S-acetals and S,S-acetals, respectively. The addition reactions proceed in syn fashions, which consist of protonation of the electron-rich alkynes and the following nucleophilic addition of diphenyldithiophosphinate anion to the resulting cationic intermediates.
Copper(I) Thiophene-2-carboxylate (CuTC): A Versatile Non-Nitrogen Ligand-Based Catalyst for Direct N-Arylation of Imidazole and Pyrazole Using Aryl Iodides, Aryl Bromides, and Aryl Chlorides
Authors: Maheswaran Hariharasarma , Krishna Gaddamanugu Gopi , Srinivas Vandanapu , Prasanth Kurushunkal Leon , Rajasekhar Chinamukthevi Venkata
Published: April 2008

A new protocol to prepare N-aryl heterocyclic adducts in excellent yields via cross-coupling of HN-heterocycles with aryl halides is reported using commercially available and easy-to-prepare copper(I) thiophene-2-carboxylate (CuTC) as catalyst.
Synthesis and Characterization of 2,9-Bis(perfluorobutyl)pentacene as an n-Type Organic Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Okamoto Kazuo , Ogino Kenji , Ikari Mitsuaki , Kunugi Yoshihito
Published: April 2008

A novel organic semiconductor, 2,9-bis(perfluorobutyl)pentacene, was synthesized in seven steps, and was characterized by NMR, IR, and UV spectroscopy. From differential scanning calorimetry analyses, no liquid crystalline phase was observed, unlike 2,9-dibutylpentacene. The morphology of thin films formed at different substrate temperatures was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction analysis. Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) fabricated with this compound showed electron mobility of 1.7×10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1 using Ag source–drain electrodes.
Electrochemical and Chemical Doping Behavior of Bithiophene–Bithiazole Copolymer
Authors: Otsuka Syun-ichi , Fukumoto Hiroki , Yamamoto Takakazu
Published: April 2008

An alternating copolymer of 4,4′-dialkyl-2,2′-bithiazole (alkyl = tridecyl) and 2,2′-bithiophene receives electrochemical p-doping and n-doping with a peak current anode potential (Epa) and a peak current cathode potential (Epc) of 0.69 and −2.13 V vs. Ag+/Ag, respectively. The copolymer undergoes chemical p-doping with NOBF4. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data of the p-doped copolymer indicate that the π-stacking distance of the copolymer is shortened from 3.62 to 3.52 Å after the p-doping. Location of the BF4− dopant in the p-doped copolymer is discussed.
Affinity Maturation of Tacrolimus Antibody for Improved Immunoassay Performance
Authors: Siegel Robert W , Baugher Wade , Rahn Tanya , Drengler Susan , Tyner Joan
Published: April 2008

Background: Organic solvents used for extraction of tacrolimus from whole blood samples lower the apparent affinity of the antibody used in a diagnostic immunoassay, thereby affecting the detection limit.

Methods: We used in vitro recombinant antibody engineering to screen and isolate clones from diverse libraries with mutagenic complementarity regions (CDRs) from tacrolimus 1-60-46 hybridoma cell line, with improved binding to tacrolimus in the presence of 10% methanol organic solvent solution.

Results: We isolated a number of clones with mutations in variable heavy (VH) CDR 2, variable light (VL) CDR 1, and VL CDR 3 with improved binding. Various combinatorial pairings constructed from these individual mutations contained >10-fold improvements in both the dissociation rate and overall equilibrium affinity constants. Selected clones produced as IgG have increased functional sensitivity, with a 3- to 6-fold reduction in the limit of detection relative to the parental tacrolimus 1-60-46 monoclonal antibody in the Architect® Tacrolimus immunodiagnostic assay.

Conclusions: The recent advent of recombinant in vitro antibody display technologies in general, and yeast surface display in particular, allows the flexibility to engineer new or augment specific analytical characteristics, such as affinity, specificity, or stability, into previously isolated and otherwise desirable antibodies to enhance assay performance. These in vitro selections can also be performed under conditions meant to mimic the assay in which the reagent will ultimately be used, to increase the likelihood of successful assay development.