bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes after discontinuing immunotherapy for allergic fungal sinusitis
Authors: Mabry Richard L. , Marple Bradley F. , Mabry Cynthia S.
Published: November 2005

Although the treatment of allergic fungal sinusitis with specific immunotherapy after surgical intervention has proved successful, the question of what happens when such injections are discontinued remains unanswered. In this initial, admittedly small series, no recurrence has been noted in follow‐up of 7 to 17 months. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;122:104‐6.)
Effects of dimethylthiourea, melatonin, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the survival of reimplanted rabbit auricular composite grafts
Authors: Lim Alan A. Tan , Wall Maryann P. , Greinwald John H.
Published: November 2005

Microvascular reconstruction currently offers the best chance of survival for an ear segment reimplanted after amputation. Unfortunately, this technique is possible only when ear and scalp vessels remain intact. Direct reattachment of the amputated segment as a composite graft is less reliable because survival is poor for grafts larger than 2 cm in diameter. However, if survival could be improved, direct reattachment would be an attractive alternative in situations in which microsurgical revascularization is not possible. Certain pharmacologic agents have been shown to enhance the survival of composite grafts. This study demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen, dimethylthiourea, and melatonin significantly affected the survival of reimplanted auricular composite grafts at day 7. However, by day 21 the average percentage of survival for all groups approached 13% to 14%. Dimethylthiourea had the most beneficial effect on survival early in the postoperative period, whereas the hyperbaric oxygen group demonstrated the poorest survival.
Predicting airway risk in angioedema: Staging system based on presentation
Authors: Ishoo Edwin , Shah Udayan K. , Grillone Gregory A. , Stram John R. , Fuleihan Nabil S.
Published: November 2005

Angioedema is an immunologically mediated, anatomically limited, nonpitting edema that can lead to life‐threatening airway obstruction. To predict the risk of airway compromise in angioedema, we retrospectively reviewed 93 episodes in 80 patients from 1985 to 1995. Intubation or tracheotomy was necessary in 9 (9.7%) cases. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor use in 36 cases (39%) was associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission (P = 0.05). ICU stay correlated significantly with presentation with voice change, hoarseness, dyspnea, and rash (P < 0.05). Voice change, hoarseness, dyspnea, and stridor were present in patients requiring airway intervention (P < 0.05). On the basis of our data, we propose a staging system by which airway risk may be predicted from the anatomic site of presentation. Patients with facial rash, facial edema, lip edema (stage I), and soft palate edema (stage II) were treated as outpatients and on the hospital ward. Patients with lingual edema (stage III) usually required ICU admission. All patients with laryngeal edema (stage IV) were admitted to the ICU. Airway intervention was necessary in 7% of stage III patients and in 24% of stage IV cases. No deaths were caused by angioedema. Airway risk in angioedema may be predicted by anatomic site of presentation, allowing appropriate triage with preparation for airway intervention in selected cases.
Does choice of hearing selection criterion and reporting criteria affect the hearing preservation rate in vestibular schwannoma surgery?
Authors: Cruz Melville J. Da , Moffat David A. , Baguley David M. , Beynon Graham J. , Hardy David G.
Published: November 2005

With increasing refinement in the surgery of vestibular schwannoma the aims of complete tumor removal and facial nerve preservation have been largely fulfilled. However, the reputation of and place for hearing‐preservation surgery still remain uncertain. A major part of this uncertainty is the result of difficulties in interpretation of the various reported results of hearing‐preservation surgery. Meaningful comparison between series is difficult because of the varied number of postoperative reporting criteria commonly in use today. Although it is acknowledged that the postoperative reporting criteria affect the hearing‐preservation rates, what is not readily appreciated is that preoperative selection criteria for hearing‐preservation cases can also significantly affect the success rate of hearing‐preservation acoustic neuroma surgery. This article models the many possible outcomes of hearing‐preservation schwannoma surgery by use of the previously reported Cambridge series as an illustrative example. With these models some understanding can be gained of the effect of choosing various preoperative and postoperative hearing criteria on the overall hearing‐preservation success rate.
Posturography does not Test Vestibulospinal Function
Authors: EVANS MARY K. , KREBS DAVID E.
Published: November 2005

The clinical usefulness of posturography is unknown, despite its costing more than $500 per test in some areas of the United States, including Boston. We cross‐sectionally and prospectively studied blinded vestibulo‐ocular and vestibulospinal tests from 29 stable patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction; 22 patients were affected bilaterally (BVH), and 7 were affected unilaterally (UVH). Vestibulo‐ocular function was assessed by electronystagmo‐graphic caloric stimulation and sinusoidal vertical axis rotation gains at 0.05 Hz. Vestibulospinal function was assessed by moving‐platform and visual‐surround posturography sensory organization tests (SOTs), paced and free gait in a gait laboratory, and clinical tests of timed gait and standing. Posturography SOT moving‐platform tests 4 through 6, designed to assess vestibular function, correlated significantly (r≤ 0.72, P ≥ 0.01) with vestibulo‐ocular tests in 5 of 6 comparisons among BVH patients. Posturography SOT results, however, correlated poorly with other vestibulospinal measures: correlations were statistically significant for only 7 of 18 comparisons with clinical balance and gait function (r ≤ 0.69, P ≥ 0.01) and with 2 of 12 comparisons for gait laboratory dynamic stability measures (r ≤ 0.55, P ≥ 0.01) among the BVH patients. When both the platform and visual surround moved (SOT 6), however, correlations were statistically significant with static standing clinical measures (r = 0.51 to 0.69, P < 0.01) and with whole‐body maximum moment arm during paced gait (r= 0.55, P< 0.01). Posturography scores for the UVH patients did not significantly correlate with any vestibulo‐ocular or other vestibulospinal measures. These data indicate that among patients with BVH posturography SOT scores relate at best modestly with accepted measures of vestibulo‐ocular function, less well with clinical measures of balance control, and poorly with dynamic gait‐performance measures. We conclude that posturography SOT does not assess vestibulospinal function.
Microscopic Detection of Occult Malignancy in the Adult Tonsil
Authors: REITER EVAN R. , RANDOLPH GREGORY W. , PILCH BEN Z.
Published: November 2005

Microscopic evaluation of all adult tonsillar specimens has been considered essential despite the low incidence of unsuspected pathologic conditions. We evaluate whether routine histologic examination of clinically benign adult tonsillar specimens is indicated. We retrospectively reviewed pathology results from all tonsillectomies performed on patients ages 18 years or older at our institution from 1989 through 1996. Three groups were created on the basis of indications for tonsillectomy: (1) routine tonsillectomies for benign disease, (2) asymmetric tonsils, and (3) search for unknown primary lesions. Demographic data and pathologic findings in each group were analyzed. In 1280 tonsillectomies performed for benign disease there were no malignancies (0%) and 32 cases (2.50%) with clinically unsuspected benign pathologic conditions. In 31 cases of tonsillar asymmetry, two cases with malignant lymphoma (6.5%) and three cases with benign pathology (9.7%) were identified. In nine patients with squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to the neck, two occult primary lesions were identified in the ipsilateral tonsil. Our results suggest that histologic evaluation of adult tonsils removed for benign disease may be clinically unnecessary. The elimination of microscopic examination of tonsils removed from patients whose clinical presentation is entirely consistent with benign disease poses minimal risk of missing clinically significant pathologic conditions. Substantial costs for negative examinations may be avoided.
Ozone Effects on the Immediate‐Phase Response to Allergen in the Nasal Airways of Allergic Asthmatic Subjects
Authors: MICHELSON PETER H. , DAILEY LISA , DEVLIN ROBERT B. , PEDEN DAVID B.
Published: November 2005

Epidemiologic and clinical trials have suggested that exposure to ozone increases airway hyperre‐sponsiveness and inflammatory response to inhaled nasal allergen challenge in allergic asthmatic subjects. Previous studies have demonstrated an increased late‐phase response to nasal allergen challenge; however, the early‐phase response is unknown. We sought to characterize the early‐phase response by measuring mast‐cell inflammatory mediators and cellular influx at time points immediately following ozone exposure and subsequent allergen challenge. A cohort of mild, asymptomatic dust mite–sensitive asthmatic subjects was identified. Each subject underwent two separate exposures to both 0.4 ppm ozone and clean air in a randomized manner. Nasal lavage was performed before and after each exposure. Nasal allergen was then administered to a defined clinical end point, followed by nasal lavage. Differential cell counts and mast‐cell products were identified in each lavage specimen. The mast‐cell mediators tryptase and prostaglandin D2 were analyzed, as was a marker of epithelial cell permeability, albumin. Although allergen produced an increase in early‐onset mediator release (mast cell–derived), no enhancement was noted after exposure to ozone. Neutrophil and eosinophil inflammatory mediators were not increased after ozone exposure or enhanced after allergen exposure, although ozone did enhance eosinophilic influx after exposure to allergen. Ozone exposure does not promote early‐phase–response mediator release or enhance the response to allergen challenge in the nasal airways of extrinsic asthmatic subjects. Ozone, however, may promote an inflammatory cell influx, which helps induce a more significant late‐phase response in this population.
Detection of the Nasal Cycle with Acoustic Rhinometry: Techniques and Applications
Authors: GUNGOR ANIL , MOINUDDIN RIZWAN , NELSON ROBERT H. , COREY JACQUELYNNE P.
Published: November 2005

Acoustic rhinometry is an appropriate method for detecting and recording the nasal cycle in normal subjects in terms of the cross‐sectional areas and volume of the nasal cavity. In this study, we tried to detect and to define the nasal cycle in normal subjects so that we might develop a reliable and reproducible technique to be used in conjunction with studies on the physiology and pathology of nasal disease. We used normal volunteer adult subjects and performed bilateral acoustic rhinometry measurements every 15 minutes over 4 hours, along with the use of a visual analog scale for assessment of the subjective feeling of congestion (or patency) just before each acoustic rhinometry measurement. Volume and cross‐sectional area changes were observed along with subjective patency‐score changes in each subject. The subjective feeling of patency was not related to the volume and cross‐sectional area changes measured simultaneously. The technique of recording the nasal cycle with acoustic rhinometry in nasal research is presented.
Association of Adhesive Macromolecules with Terminal Sprouts at the Neuromuscular Junction after Botulinum Treatment
Authors: LEE ROY E. , TARTELL PAUL B. , KARMODY COLIN S. , HUNTER DALE D.
Published: November 2005

Small quantities of botulinum toxin (BTX) are useful in the treatment of certain movement disorders, such as laryngeal spasmodic dysphonia, blepharo‐spasm, and cervical dystonia. However, the corrective paralytic effects of BTX are only temporary, in part because of the formation of remodeled neuro‐muscular junctions. Here, we questioned whether various factors within and near the neuromuscular junction could contribute to the remodeling seen after BTX treatment. BTX was injected subcutaneously in the region of the levator auris longus muscle. At 1‐week intervals, levator auris longus muscles were removed and examined histochemically. As previously described, BTX treatment results in a progressive elongation of end plates. The neural cell adhesion molecule was not associated with the elongated end plates but was associated with the BTX‐induced nerve sprouts after long intervals (3 to 4 weeks). Similarly, after BTX, laminin‐1 (composed of α1, β1, and γ1 chains) reactivity was associated with the nerve sprouts, but not with the end plates. Laminin β2 reactivity at the end plate dispersed somewhat within 1 week but remained diffusely associated with the elongating end plates for up to 5 weeks. Together these results suggest that neural cell adhesion molecule and laminins may participate in the sprouting observed after BTX treatment and that alterations in laminin β2 expression may participate in initial loss of contacts.
Fibrous Dysplasia as a Cause of Periorbital Abscess
Authors: STOECKLI SANDRO J. , MOE KRIS S. , KAUFMANN THOMAS , BRUDER ELISABETH
Published: November 2005

Subperiosteal abscess of the orbit is not a rare entity. Its source is typically ethmoid sinusitis, with direct or hematogenous spread through the lamina papyracea. The treatment usually involves confirmation of the diagnosis through CT imaging, intravenous antibiotics, and either internal or external surgical drainage. We report a case of acute ethmoid sinusitis with periorbital abscess from a unique source—fibrous dysplasia of the middle turbinate—and discuss the therapy and management dilemmas of this unusual problem.
Editorial Notice
Authors: Allen Mark , Budd Graham , McCave Nick , Pyle David
Published: November 2005

At about the time this issue is published, Geological Magazine converts to an electronic submission and tracking system for the on-line submission of manuscripts for publication. Many thanks to our Assistant Editor, Jane Holland, and staff at Cambridge University Press for their efforts in getting this system live. For on-line details of the new submission system, please go to the website at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/cup/geo.
Action research: an evolving paradigm?
Authors: Burns Anne
Published: November 2005

Action research is a relatively recent phenomenon in the field of English language teaching, having emerged in the literature predominantly since the late 1980s. In this article, I discuss the antecedents, definitions, processes, and purposes of action research in the field of English language teaching. Action research is also considered in relation to more established notions of basic and applied research. The current scope and nature of action research studies found in the literature are then analysed. The article concludes with a consideration of some of the challenges to the status of action research as a research methodology and the issues that will need to be addressed if action research by language teachers is to be sustainable.
Current molecular understanding of Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome
Authors: Hjalt Tord A. , Semina Elena V.
Published: November 2005

Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome (ARS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited
disorder affecting the development of the eyes, teeth and abdomen. The syndrome
is characterised by complete penetrance but variable expressivity. The ocular
component of the ARS phenotype has acquired most clinical attention and has
been dissected into a spectrum of developmental eye disorders, of which open-angle
glaucoma represents the main challenge in terms of treatment. Mutations in several
chromosomal loci have been implicated in ARS, including PITX2, FOXC1
and PAX6. Full-spectrum ARS is caused primarily by mutations in the PITX2
gene. The homeobox transcription factor PITX2 is produced as at least four different
transcriptional and splicing isoforms, with different biological properties.
Intriguingly, PITX2 is also involved in left–right polarity determination,
although asymmetry defects are not a feature of ARS. In experimental animal
models and in cell culture experiments using PITX2, abundant evidence
indicates that a narrow window of expression level of this gene is vital for
its correct function.
Update on chemoprevention in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers
Authors: Stumacher M. , Domchek S. M.
Published: November 2005

Chemoprevention with tamoxifen and oophorectomy are thought to be effective in decreasing the incidence of breast cancer in women at increased risk for the disease. There is mounting data supporting the idea that hormonal interventions that reduce estrogen exposure to breast epithelium, such as prophylactic oophorectomy and tamoxifen, are effective in breast cancer prevention in both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations carriers. Several recent studies directly address the protective effect of tamoxifen and oophorectomy in BRCA mutation carriers and suggest that these endocrine manipulations decrease the risk of primary and secondary breast cancers. Ongoing studies aim to better define the effect of tamoxifen in these very high-risk women and determining whether factors, such as earlier age of use or prior prophylactic oophorectomy, impact tamoxifen's effect. Based on existing data, we recommend that women with deleterious mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 be informed of the beneficial effect of oophorectomy on breast cancer risk and that women who choose breast cancer screening instead of prophylactic mastectomy be offered tamoxifen as a prevention option.
Estrogen receptor acetylation and phosphorylation in hormone responses
Authors: Wang C. , Fu M. , Pestell R. G.
Published: November 2005

Histone acetylation is thought to facilitate binding of transcription factors (TFs) to specific target DNA sequences by destabilizing nucleosomes bound to the promoter region of a target gene. In addition, non-histone proteins including a subset of TFs and co-activators are acetylated by p300/CBP and P/CAF. The regulation of estrogen signaling by direct estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) post-translational modification reveals a novel role for histone acetyltransferase in hormone signaling. ERα is acetylated and phosphorylated and phosphorylation occurs at multiple sites in response to kinase signaling. The finding that mutations with the ERα hinge domain lysine residues enhance hormone sensitivity suggests these residues may be involved in ligand-dependent transcriptional repression or transcriptional attenuation. Phosphorylation and acetylation of the ER regulates hormone signaling and is being assessed for a role in resistance to anti-estrogen therapy of ERα-positive patients.
Applications of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Singletary S. E.
Published: November 2005

Physicians are testing minimally invasive ablation techniques to determine if they will be acceptable substitutes for surgical removal of primary breast tumors. In radiofrequency ablation (RFA), frictional heating of the tissue is caused by the rapid movement of ions attempting to follow a high frequency alternating current moving between two electrodes. Localization of a small electrode in the tumor is accomplished under ultrasound guidance, and a larger electrode pad is placed on the outside of the body. Five pilot studies have demonstrated that RFA can effectively ablate tumors up to 3 cm in size. In addition to treating small primary tumors, RFA may also be useful for consolidation therapy after lumpectomy, for treatment of inoperable tumors in end-stage patients, for treatment of locally advanced disease as a substitute for neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and for treatment of breast cancer metastases, such as bone, liver, and kidney. Clinical trials are needed to assess treatment outcomes and to monitor the long-term fate of ablated tissue.
Variations of southern California seismicity: Empirical evidence and possible physical causes
Authors: Selva Jacopo , Marzocchi Warner
Published: November 2005

We investigate southern California seismicity in order to characterize its temporal evolution during the last decades. We analyze the time series composed of the number of events per year and the focal mechanisms of earthquakes since 1933. The results show a statistically significant nonstationarity, with a change that occurred in the 1960s in both time series. The seismicity before the change point is mostly characterized by a strike‐slip focal mechanism of San Andreas type; after the 1960s the seismicity appears to show more scattered focal mechanisms and a lower seismicity rate. We provide a possible physical explanation of the significant nonstationarity by modeling the postseismic stress perturbation field induced by the two strongest earthquakes of the last century, the Chile (1960) and Alaska (1964) earthquakes, which both occurred in the 1960s. To first order, the postseismic stress rate seems to be in agreement with the observed changes in seismicity, supporting a causality hypothesis. The model also foretells the future behavior of the trend of southern California seismicity; this forward prediction provides an important opportunity to validate the causal hypothesis of a remote (and long‐term) coupling between earthquakes.
On the influence of the meridional circulation and surface pressure change on the Arctic Oscillation
Authors: Kuroda Yuhji
Published: November 2005

Eddy‐forced meridional circulation and the corresponding surface pressure change associated with the month‐to‐month variability of the Arctic Oscillation (AO) are examined in the framework of Eulerian mean dynamics and are compared with the AO‐like variability associated with stratospheric vacillation known as the Polar‐night Jet Oscillation (PJO). Surface signals associated with both the AO and the AO‐like variability associated with the PJO are produced through the eddy‐forced meridional circulation. In the case of the AO, however, a surface pressure change is found to be produced by meridional circulation driven mainly by the mechanical forcing of zonal wave number 2 or 3 and high‐frequency transient eddies in the troposphere. This largely contrasts with the AO‐like variability associated with the PJO, which is mainly produced by the eddy forcings of zonal wave number 1 in the troposphere and stratosphere. A close relationship among the eddy forcing, meridional velocity, surface pressure change, and AO index was found to exist not only for the month‐to‐month variability but also on a decadal timescale. The separation of the AO index into tropospheric and stratospheric components in the decadal timescale revealed that the recent increasing trend mainly comes from the stratosphere whereas the decadal variation comes from the troposphere.
Hydraulic performance of a morphology‐based stream channel design
Authors: Smith Sean M. , Prestegaard Karen L.
Published: November 2005

The inconsistent performance of stream rehabilitation projects has generated debates over the use of morphological templates rather than detailed hydraulic information for channel designs. A rehabilitation project conducted in a reach of Deep Run, Maryland (United States), was monitored in order to assess commonly used approaches to channel design that rely on classification systems to describe the channel form, empirical relations to predict channel dimensions, and a single design discharge to evaluate the hydraulic conditions. Results from field measurements and observations indicated that the morphological conditions created in Deep Run were unstable. The morphology of the constructed channel was altered by storm flows smaller than the designed bank‐full discharge and by floods that extended the flow width to the limits of the created meander belt. Hydraulic conditions associated with stabilization practices, vegetation, and gravel deposits influenced stability and unplanned adjustment patterns during flows contained within the active channel. Stability during flooding was diminished by reductions in floodplain roughness from vegetation removal and a decrease in flow path sinuosity. These findings illustrate the need for enhanced consideration of the relations between channel stability and hydraulic conditions at multiple scales and over a range of flow conditions in stream rehabilitation projects.
New insights into the origin and distribution of the DUPAL isotope anomaly in the Indian Ocean mantle from MORB of the Southwest Indian Ridge
Authors: Meyzen Christine M. , Ludden John N. , Humler Eric , Luais Béatrice , Toplis Michael J. , Mével Catherine , Storey Michael
Published: November 2005

We report new Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope data for Mid‐Ocean Ridge Basalts (MORB) dredged between 35 and 69°E along a ∼4100 km section of the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR), which is one of the slowest spreading ridges of the global mid‐ocean ridge system (full rate of 16 mm yr−1). The SWIR appears isotopically more heterogeneous than other mid‐ocean ridges over similar length scales and comparable sampling density. Isotopic variations are generally independent of ridge segmentation, and the degree of heterogeneity decreases from west to east. This decrease in heterogeneity correlates with the observed increase in axial depth and decrease in crustal thickness, commonly attributed to decreasing mantle potential temperature. Data for the easternmost SWIR in the vicinity of the Indian Triple Junction confirm that these lavas are isotopically distinct from those of the Triple Junction, the Southeast Indian Ridge, and the Central Indian Ridge, reflecting the presence of an isotopic boundary over an along‐axis distance of less than 78 km. Results for lavas from the 39–41°E section extend the isotopic range of MORB to the lowest 206Pb/204Pb values (to 16.58) yet found among oceanic islands and spreading centers worldwide and confirm their extremely anomalously high 87Sr/86Sr, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb and low 143Nd/144Nd. This extreme Indian signature does not bear any isotopic affinities with recent products of the nearby Marion hot spot. Furthermore, the presence of old subducted marine sediment as a source for the low 206Pb/204Pb component is excluded, as no sediment group has the appropriate parent‐daughter Th/Pb and U/Pb characteristics to yield such compositions, not even when dewatering subduction processes are considered. Incorporation of old subduction‐modified mantle into the MORB source does not yield high enough 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb to explain the features of lavas from the 39–41°E section. The unusual isotopic attributes of this section (low 206Pb/204Pb and 143Nd/144Nd and high 87Sr/86Sr, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb) are best explained by the presence of stranded lower continental crust embedded in the upper mantle. This component is also inferred to be present in MORB from other spreading centers in the Indian Ocean.
Multi‐model representation of the North Atlantic Oscillation in the 20th and 21st centuries
Authors: McHugh Maurice J. , Rogers Jeffrey C.
Published: November 2005

Ten coupled ocean‐atmosphere general circulation models (CGCM) are used to reproduce NAO mean sea level pressure and 2 meter air temperature fields highly correlated to the North Atlantic Oscillation index (NAOI), during a control period from 1961–1990. Three enhanced CO2 perturbation scenarios are compared to the control for 2070–2099, using pattern correlations and normalized root mean square errors between perturbation and control periods. It is found that models can successfully reproduce observed NAO sea level pressure and temperature anomaly fields. Model control SLP anomaly fields, however, more closely resemble the Arctic Oscillation than the expected NAO SLP distribution due to an expansion of the North Atlantic low pressure area. Analysis for the period 2070–2099 under the 3 enhanced CO2 scenarios shows intensification of the NAOI due to CO2 forcing, but with a weaker temporal trend relative to the control period.
Radiative forcing due to anthropogenic vegetation change based on MODIS surface albedo data
Authors: Myhre Gunnar , Kvalevåg Maria M. , Schaaf Crystal B.
Published: November 2005

In this study we use the capabilities of the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land surface product to estimate the radiative forcing due to surface albedo changes caused by anthropogenic vegetation changes. We improve the representation of the present surface albedo by using data retrieved from MODIS. The change in surface albedo is based on the current vegetation land cover from MODIS, the MODIS surface albedos for those vegetation types, and a data set for potential natural vegetation. We arrive at a radiative forcing due to anthropogenic vegetation changes of −0.09 Wm−2 since pre‐agriculture times to present, weaker than most earlier published results for this climate forcing mechanism. This is mainly due to a lower surface albedo associated with cropland and further with the use of MODIS data to allow us to constrain the surface albedo change.
The impact of snow depth and snowmelt on the vegetation variability over central Siberia
Authors: Grippa M. , Kergoat L. , Le Toan T. , Mognard N. M. , Delbart N. , L'Hermitte J. , Vicente‐Serrano S. M.
Published: November 2005

We report the results of a joint analysis of NDVI data derived from NOAA‐AVHRR and snow parameters (snow depth and snowmelt timing) derived from satellite passive microwave measurements over Central Siberia. We investigate the influence of interannual variability in snowmelt and snow depth on vegetation activity from 1989 to 2000. In addition to the effects of temperature and precipitation, we observe significant correlations between the snow parameters and the NDVI. Later snowmelt dates and thicker winter snowpacks are related to higher NDVI values over a large latitudinal band at about 65°N. This may be explained by either increased water availability for plants after snowmelt or thermal insulation of soil by snow. These results reflect the importance of snow‐related winter processes on the vegetation development and on the carbon cycle in boreal regions.
Ring current ions and radiation belt electrons during geomagnetic storms driven by coronal mass ejections and corotating interaction regions
Authors: Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Kataoka Ryuho
Published: November 2005

Superposed epoch analyses of ring current (RC) ions and radiation belt (RB) electrons are conducted for geomagnetic storms with Dst < −100 nT during solar cycle 23. As a new approach, the storms are categorized into three groups in terms of the solar wind structures; storms with Dst > −130 nT associated with corotating interaction regions (CIRs), storms with Dst > −130 nT driven by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and CME‐driven great storms with Dst < −130 nT. The flux enhancements of RB electrons and RC ions at L > 3.5 during the recovery phase largely depend on the solar wind structures; CIRs are significantly more effective for the evolution of the outer belt than are CMEs because of the existence of a series of particle injections driven by Alfvén waves within the fast coronal hole stream following the CIR. On the other hand, the flux enhancements of RB electrons and RC ions at L ≤ 3.0 largely depend on the strength of storms; only particular CMEs with a huge motional electric field and large dynamic pressure are effective in increasing the RB electrons and RC ions at L ≤ 3.0.
Comparison and analysis of two aerosol retrievals over the ocean in the Terra/Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System–Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer single scanner footprint data: 1. Global evaluation
Authors: Zhao Tom X.‐P. , Laszlo Istvan , Minnis Patrick , Remer Lorraine
Published: November 2005

Satellite aerosol remote sensing entered a new era with the deployment of advanced satellite imaging instruments such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the NASA Terra and Aqua satellites. These new instruments provide the opportunity to learn more about aerosol properties than was possible using the simpler NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), which has been used to retrieve aerosol optical thickness for more than 20 years. Combining historical AVHRR and the more advanced MODIS aerosol retrievals to form a long‐term aerosol data record is critical for studying aerosol climate forcing. To achieve this objective, it is necessary to build a connection and establish consistency between the two retrievals through a careful evaluation of the two retrieval methods applied to the same data. As a first step in this effort, this paper exploits the potential of the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) Single‐Scanner Footprint (SSF) data set that includes aerosol products derived from Terra MODIS data at the same locations using both the multichannel MODIS and the two‐channel AVHRR aerosol retrieval algorithms. The analysis examines the differences in the results seen over oceans on a global scale. It was found in a global mean sense that advancement in the aerosol retrieval over ocean from the MODIS algorithm relative to the AVHRR method is realized mostly in the improvement of the aerosol size parameter (ASP) rather than in the aerosol optical thickness (AOT). However, regional differences were observed in both AOT and ASP retrieved from the MODIS and AVHRR algorithms. These are examined further in the second part of this two‐part paper. Cloud contamination and surface roughness appear to affect both aerosol retrievals, effects that need further investigation.
Estimates of 4.7 μm surface emissivity and their impact on the retrieval of tropospheric carbon monoxide by Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT)
Authors: Ho Shu‐Peng , Edwards David P. , Gille John C. , Chen Jarmei , Ziskin Daniel , Francis Gene L. , Deeter Merritt N. , Drummond James R.
Published: November 2005

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an important tropospheric trace species. The Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument uses the 4.7 μm CO band to measure the global CO profile and total column amount in the troposphere from space. In the operational MOPITT CO retrieval algorithm, surface skin temperature (Ts) and emissivity (E) are retrieved simultaneously with the CO profile. However, because both Ts and E are retrieved from the same piece of information from the MOPITT measurements, the accuracy of both variables may be limited, which leads to an increase of uncertainty in the CO retrievals. An accurate specification of the surface skin temperature is required to determine surface emissivity and vice versa. In this study, a method is developed which uses Ts from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and MOPITT radiances to derive an improved 4.7 μm surface emissivity estimate (E) for use in retrievals by the MOPITT instrument. Monthly mean 4.7 μm surface emissivity maps for 1 year are generated and used as the a priori E in the MOPITT Ts and CO retrieval algorithm. We show that the geographical distribution of the 4.7 μm emissivity is very consistent with MODIS normalized difference vegetation index distribution, which is strongly tied to the surface emissivity. This a priori E has a much smaller standard deviation than values currently used in the MOPITT retrieval. As a result, more radiance information tends to be used in the MOPITT Ts and CO retrievals. By using the improved a priori E over the land, the information content of MOPITT radiances increases 15% at night and 5% during the day relative to the current version MOPITT data products. The difference between day and night information content (or diurnal difference) decreases from 0.3 (current version) to 0.21, showing that nighttime retrievals are improved. Over the global ocean the diurnal difference of the MOPITT information content decreases from 0.15 (current version) to 0.06. The differences between the new profile retrievals and those of current profile retrievals are very consistent with their corresponding diurnal and geographical information content distributions. Over the global ocean the new MOPITT CO profile is lower by 3–11% during the night in the lower troposphere. Over the global land the new CO profile is higher by 3.2% in the lower troposphere during the night. The differences between the new profile retrieval and those of current retrieval are small during the day.
Arctic and Antarctic polar vortices 1957–2002 as seen from the ERA‐40 reanalyses
Authors: Karpetchko A. , Kyrö E. , Knudsen B. M.
Published: November 2005

We have studied the climatological structure, interannual variability and interrelationship of various characteristics of the Arctic and Antarctic stratospheric vortices at several isentropic levels on the basis of the ECMWF ERA‐40 reanalysis (1957–2002). Because of suspect data in the presatellite period in the Southern Hemisphere, only data from 1979 onward are used to study the climatology of the Antarctic vortex. The climatological structure of the vortices in both hemispheres is mainly consistent with previous climatologies obtained from other data sets. A study of the interrelationship between the vortex characteristics suggests that in the Arctic a larger vortex is usually colder and stronger whereas in the Antarctic winter such a relationship is not established. It is found that the Arctic PSC area has increased during the 1958–2002 period, but, in contrast to earlier studies, no statistically significant trends in size, coldness or longevity of the Arctic lower‐stratospheric vortex since 1979 are found. During the period 1979–2001 the Antarctic spring vortex has become stronger and colder, and it breaks up later. However, the Antarctic vortex cooling has not affected the October vortex area, which shows only little change for the same period. It is found that the area of the Antarctic vortex during late winter and spring depends on the planetary wave propagation to the stratosphere in the preceding period, whereas the corresponding relationship between these waves and the PSC area in October is destroyed by the trends in the PSC area.
Taking apart the Big Pine fault: Redefining a major structural feature in southern California
Authors: Onderdonk Nathan W. , Minor Scott A. , Kellogg Karl S.
Published: November 2005

New mapping along the Big Pine fault trend in southern California indicates that this structural alignment is actually three separate faults, which exhibit different geometries, slip histories, and senses of offset since Miocene time. The easternmost fault, along the north side of Lockwood Valley, exhibits left‐lateral reverse Quaternary displacement but was a north dipping normal fault in late Oligocene to early Miocene time. The eastern Big Pine fault that bounds the southern edge of the Cuyama Badlands is a south dipping reverse fault that is continuous with the San Guillermo fault. The western segment of the Big Pine fault trend is a north dipping thrust fault continuous with the Pine Mountain fault and delineates the northern boundary of the rotated western Transverse Ranges terrane. This redefinition of the Big Pine fault differs greatly from the previous interpretation and significantly alters regional tectonic models and seismic risk estimates. The outcome of this study also demonstrates that basic geologic mapping is still needed to support the development of geologic models.
Death-signal-induced relocalization of cyclin-dependent kinase 11 to mitochondria
Authors: Feng Yongmei , Ariza Maria E. , Goulet Anne-Christine , Shi Jiaqi , Nelson Mark A.
Published: November 2005

Fas receptor–Fas ligand interaction appears to be important in carcinogenesis, tumour outgrowth and metastasis. Emerging evidence suggests that CDK11 (cyclin-dependent kinase 11) plays a role in apoptosis and melanoma development. Here, we show that CDK11p110 protein kinase was cleaved after induction of apoptosis by Fas. The N-terminal portion of CDK11p110, CDK11p60, was translocated from the nucleus to the mitochondria. The targeting of CDK11p60 to mitochondria occurred as early as 12 h after treatment. Overexpression of EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein)-tagged CDK11p60 could partially break down the mitochondrial membrane potential, induce cytochrome c release and promote apoptosis. Reduction of endogenous CDK11p110 protein levels with siRNA (small interfering RNA) resulted in the suppression of both cytochrome c release and apoptosis. In addition, subcellular fractionation studies of Fas-mediated apoptosis demonstrated that CDK11p60 was associated with the mitochondrial import motor, mitochondrial heat shock protein 70. Taken together, our data suggest that CDK11p60 can contribute to apoptosis by direct signalling at the mitochondria, thereby amplifying Fas-induced apoptosis in melanoma cells.
Arsenite induces a cell stress-response gene, RTP801, through reactive oxygen species and transcription factors Elk-1 and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein
Authors: Lin Lin , Stringfield Teresa M. , Shi Xianglin , Chen Yan
Published: November 2005

RTP801 is a newly discovered stress-response gene that is induced by hypoxia and other cell stress signals. Arsenic is a heavy metal that is linked to carcinogenesis in humans. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which arsenic induces RTP801 transcription. In HaCaT human keratinocytes, arsenite was able to induce a rapid rise in the RTP801 mRNA level. Correspondingly, arsenite treatment was capable of stimulating a 2.5 kb human RTP801 promoter. Such a stimulatory effect was inhibited by co-expression of superoxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase, and was abrogated by N-acetylcysteine, implying that ROS (reactive oxygen species) were involved in transcriptional regulation of the RTP801 gene. A series of deletion studies with the promoter revealed a critical arsenic-responsive region between −1057 and −981 bp of the promoter. Point mutations of the putative Elk-1 site and the C/EBP (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein) site within this region were able to reduce the stimulatory effect of arsenite, indicating that Elk-1 and C/EBP are involved in transcriptional regulation of the RTP801 gene by arsenite. Furthermore, a gel mobility-shift assay demonstrated that arsenite was able to mount the rapid formation of a protein complex that bound the arsenic-responsive region as well as the C/EBP-containing sequence. The arsenite stimulation on RTP801 transcription was partly mediated by the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) pathway, since the effect of RTP801 was inhibited by a selective ERK inhibitor. In addition, overexpression of Elk-1 and C/EBPβ was able to elevate the promoter activity. Therefore these studies indicate that RTP801 is a transcriptional target of arsenic in human keratinocytes, and that arsenic and ROS production are linked to Elk-1 and C/EBP in the transcriptional control.
Functional basis for the overlap in ligand interactions and substrate specificities of matrix metalloproteinases-9 and -2
Authors: Xu Xiaoping , Chen Zhihua , Wang Yao , Yamada Yoshishige , Steffensen Bjorn
Published: November 2005

The MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) MMP-9 and -2 each possess a unique CBD (collagen-binding domain) containing three fibronectin type II-like modules. The present experiments investigated whether the contributions to ligand interactions and enzymatic activities by the CBD of MMP-9 (CBD-9) corresponded to those of CBD in MMP-2 (CBD-2). The interactions of recombinant CBD-9 with a series of collagen types and extracellular matrix molecules were characterized by protein–protein binding assays. CBD-9 bound native and denatured type I, II, III, IV and V collagen, as well as Matrigel and laminin, with apparent Kd values of (0.1–6.8)×10−7 M, which were similar to the Kd values for CBD-2 [(0.2–3.7)×10−7 M]. However, CBD-9 bound neither native nor denatured type VI collagen. We also generated two modified MMPs, MMP-9E402A and MMP-2E404A, by site-specific mutations in the active sites to obtain enzymes with intact ligand binding, but abrogated catalytic properties. In subsequent competitive binding assays, CBD-9 and MMP-9E402A inhibited the interactions of MMP-2E404A and, conversely, CBD-2 and MMP-2E404A competed with MMP-9E402A binding to native and denatured type I collagens, pointing to shared binding sites. Importantly, the capacity of CBD-9 to disrupt the MMP-9 and MMP-2 binding of collagen translated to inhibition of the gelatinolytic activity of the enzymes. Collectively, these results emphasize the essential contribution of CBD-9 to MMP-9 substrate binding and gelatinolysis, and demonstrate that the CBDs of MMP-9 and MMP-2 bind the same or closely positioned sites on type I collagen.
Transcriptional co-operativity between distant retinoic acid response elements in regulation ofCyp26A1inducibility
Authors: Loudig Olivier , Maclean Glenn A. , Dore Naomi L. , Luu Luong , Petkovich Martin
Published: November 2005

Cyp26A1 encodes an RA (retinoic acid)-catabolizing CYP (cytochrome P450) protein that plays a critical role in regulating RA distribution in vivo. Cyp26A1 expression is inducible by RA, and the locus has previously been shown to contain a RARE (RA response element), R1, within the minimal promoter [Loudig, Babichuk, White, Abu-Abed, Mueller and Petkovich (2000) Mol. Endocrinol. 14, 1483–1497]. In the present study, we report the identification of a second functional RARE (R2) located 2.0 kb upstream of the Cyp26A1 transcriptional start site. Constructs containing murine sequences encompassing both R1 and R2 showed that these elements work together to generate higher transcriptional activity upon treatment with RA than those containing R1 alone. Inclusion of R2 also dramatically enhanced the sensitivity of reporter constructs to RA, as even treatment with 10−8 M RA resulted in a 5-fold induction of reporter activity. Mutational analysis identified R2 as the functional element responsible for the increased RA inducibility of promoter constructs. The element was shown to bind RARγ (RA receptor γ)/RXRα (retinoid X receptor α) heterodimers in vitro, and inclusion of nuclear receptors in transfections boosted the transcriptional response. A construct containing both R1 and R2 was used to generate a stable luciferase reporter cell line that can be used as a tool to identify factors regulating Cyp26A1 expression. The analysis of R1 and R2 has led to the proposal that the two elements work synergistically to provide a maximal response to RA and that R2 is an upstream enhancer.