bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of heat therapy using magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with cationic liposomes on prostate tumor in bone
Authors: Kawai Noriyasu , Futakuchi Mitsuru , Yoshida Tatsuro , Ito Akira , Sato Shinya , Naiki Taku , Honda Hiroyuki , Shirai Tomoyuki , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: February 2008

Background

We have developed magnetite nanoparticles conjugated with cationic liposomes (MCLs) to induce intracellular hyperthermia with exposure to an alternating magnetic field (AMF). We have previously demonstrated the hyperthermic effect of MCLs against certain types of malignant tumor cells in vivo. Here, we examine the effects of MCL + AMF heat therapy on prostate cancer tissue in a bone microenvironment and on bone destruction in a rat model.

Materials and Methods

Rat prostate cancer nodules were transplanted onto the calvaria of 6‐week‐old F344 male rats. MCLs were injected into the tumor which reached 7 mm in diameter, and then the animals were exposed to repeated AMF irradiation. The distribution of MCL, tumor necrosis, cell proliferation, and bone destruction in the bone microenvironment were evaluated.

Results

MCL + AMF heat therapy suppressed tumor growth on the calvaria, and histologically, the induction of a necrotic mass was observed around magnetic particles in the tumor. The bone destruction index, which indicates the degree of osteolysis associated with prostate tumor growth in the bone microenvironment, was 34.8% in the MCL group and 67.2% in the control group with significant difference. However, almost half of rats were dead in this experiment.

Conclusion

MCL + AMF heat therapy suppressed tumor proliferation in the bone microenvironment, in addition to bone destruction. However, this method may exhibit side effects for central nerve system. If MCL are specifically taken into the prostate cancer cells in the bone microenvironment, this method may be useful for the treatment of bone metastatic lesions of prostate cancer. Prostate 68: 784–792, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gene amplification and mutation analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor in hormone refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Cho Kang Su , Lee Joong Shik , Cho Nam Hoon , Park Kyeongmee , Ham Won Sik , Choi Young Deuk
Published: February 2008

Background

Amplification and mutation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Her‐2 genes were analyzed in both hormone sensitive and hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).

Methods

Gene amplifications of EGFR and Her‐2 were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with direct sequencing. Studies were performed on a total of 10 patients; tissues were sampled at the time of initial diagnosis and after the conversion to HRPC (a total of 20 tissue samples). Direct sequencing was performed on exons 18–24 of EGFR and exons 19 and 20 of Her‐2. Amplification and mutation were compared with clinicopathologic features.

Results

Gene amplification of EGFR was observed in 6 (30%) out of 20 samples. A total of six EGFR mutations in exons 18 and 19 were detected in three pairs of tissues (three patients). One patient, with hormone refractory status, had a novel deletion mutation in EGFR exon 19. EGFR mutations were associated with the acinar type of prostate cancer but were not associated with the ductal type. No significant correlation was found between mutation change and hormone sensitive or refractory status. However, the time to convert to HRPC was significantly shorter in the patients with a mutation in the EGFR gene (P = 0.017). There were no Her‐2 gene amplifications or mutations found in any of the samples.

Conclusions

EGFR gene mutation and amplification occurred frequently in advanced prostate cancer cases. EGFR mutations do not appear to play a significant role in the hormone refractory pathway but are associated with prognosis. Prostate 68:803–808, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aliskiren: first direct renin inhibitor for essential hypertension
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Sever Peter
Published: February 2008

Aliskiren (Rasilez) is the first of a new class of antihypertensive agents, the direct renin inhibitors. Here, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects, and Professor Sever comments on its potential place in the treatment of hypertension. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Treatment and identification of restless legs syndrome
Authors: MacMahon Douglas , Muzerengi Sharon , Chaudhuri K Ray
Published: February 2008

Restless legs is a common condition characterised by abnormal involuntary movements of the legs, often occurring during sleep. Here the authors describe its features and treatment. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Isomerization of HNO to HON in the singlet state assisted by amino acid residues and/or water molecules
Authors: Shi Junyou , Li Ping , Bu Yuxiang , Wang Weihua , Mou Zhaoxia , Song Rui
Published: February 2008

The effects of amino acid residues in the presence or absence of water molecules on the isomerization of the singlet state of HNO/HON have been systematically investigated at the B3LYP/6‐311++G** level of theory. The structural characteristics, proton transfer (PT) mechanisms, and the corresponding thermodynamic and kinetic parameters, have been discussed, respectively. All the optimized complexes have been characterized by the ring structures through the intermolecular H‐bonds. The origin of the increase in NH stretching frequency (blue shifts) occurring in the reactants has also been investigated using the natural bonding orbital (NBO) analyses, which is mainly attributed to the decrease of the electron densities in the antibonding orbital of the NH bonds as well as the increase of the polarization of the NH bond. All the PTs proceed with the concerted mechanisms since no ionic intermediates have been located during PT processes. At the same time, the cooperative effects of amino acid residues and water molecules on the selected PT processes have been observed, where the PTs assisted solely by the selected residues cannot occur without the participation of the water molecule. Overall, the introductions of one or two water molecules are more favorable for the isomerization of HNO assisted by the amino acid residues. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Determination of enantiomeric compositions of DOPA by tandem mass spectrometry using the kinetic method with fixed ligands
Authors: Lee Min‐Kwon , Kumar Avvaru Praveen , Jin Dongri , Lee Yong‐Ill
Published: February 2008

A fixed ligand (FL) version of the kinetic method was applied to rapid, simple, and accurate chiral analysis of DOPA, which is an important drug used for treatment of Parkinson's disease. Singly charged clusters containing the transition metal ion CuII, pyridyl ligands which serve as a fixed ligand, some amino acid as a reference, and the analyte DOPA were generated by electrospray ionization. The cluster ion of interest was mass‐selected, and the kinetics of its competitive unimolecular dissociations was investigated in an ion trap mass spectrometer. The chiral selectivity (Rchiral), the ratio of the two fragment ion abundances when the cluster contains one pure enantiomer of the analyte expressed relative to that for the other enantiomer, varies with fixed ligands, references, and transition metals. Chiral discrimination was optimized in 1,10‐phenanthroline as a FL, L‐Phe and L‐Pro as a reference, and Cu(II) as a central metal ion. Quantitative determinations of the enantiomeric composition of DOPA were achieved using two‐point calibration curves. The linear relationship between the logarithm of the fragment ion abundance ratio (ln R) and enantiomeric compositions (ee%) of the DOPA allows the determination of the chiral purity of enantiomeric mixtures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and trace level determination of brominated flame retardants by liquid chromatography/quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Guerra Paula , de la Torre Adrián , Martínez M. Angeles , Eljarrat Ethel , Barceló Damià
Published: February 2008

We describe the development of instrumental methodology for the simultaneous determination of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) diastereoisomers and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and its derivatives by liquid chromatography/quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LC‐QqLIT‐MS). Two different experiments were developed, optimized and compared. The first is based on a selected reaction monitoring (SRM) method in which the two most abundant transitions were selected for each analyte, as well as for the internal standards. In the second, the ion trap was used for the storage and subsequent fragmentation of precursor ions, obtaining an enhanced product ion (EPI) experiment. Both methods were validated by measuring quality parameters such as linearity, sensitivity, reproducibility and repeatability. Limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 0.1–1.8 pg and 0.01–0.5 pg for SRM and EPI experiments, respectively, being lower than those published for the LC/QqQ‐MS methods. Thus, LC‐QqLIT‐MS, used for quantification and confirmation, proved to be a powerful and very sensitive analytical tool. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling intra‐tumor protein expression heterogeneity in tissue microarray experiments
Authors: Shen Ronglai , Ghosh Debashis , Taylor Jeremy M. G.
Published: February 2008

Tissue microarrays (TMAs) measure tumor‐specific protein expression via high‐density immunohistochemical staining assays. They provide a proteomic platform for validating cancer biomarkers emerging from large‐scale DNA microarray studies. Repeated observations within each tumor result in substantial biological and experimental variability. This variability is usually ignored when associating the TMA expression data with patient survival outcome. It generates biased estimates of hazard ratio in proportional hazards models. We propose a Latent Expression Index (LEI) as a surrogate protein expression estimate in a two‐stage analysis. Several estimators of LEI are compared: an empirical Bayes, a full Bayes, and a varying replicate number estimator. In addition, we jointly model survival and TMA expression data via a shared random effects model. Bayesian estimation is carried out using a Markov chain Monte Carlo method. Simulation studies were conducted to compare the two‐stage methods and the joint analysis in estimating the Cox regression coefficient. We show that the two‐stage methods reduce bias relative to the naive approach, but still lead to under‐estimated hazard ratios. The joint model consistently outperforms the two‐stage methods in terms of both bias and coverage property in various simulation scenarios. In case studies using prostate cancer TMA data sets, the two‐stage methods yield a good approximation in one data set whereas an insufficient one in the other. A general advice is to use the joint model inference whenever results differ between the two‐stage methods and the joint analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Board vigilance, director experience, and corporate outcomes
Authors: Kroll Mark , Walters Bruce A. , Wright Peter
Published: February 2008

Agency‐based studies of boards of directors address factors relevant to board vigilance with respect to the monitoring of senior managers. We argue that relying solely on director vigilance may be limiting because vigilance without relevant experience is unlikely to ensure board effectiveness. Our contention is that boards comprising vigilant directors, as well as directors with appropriate knowledge gained through experience, not only will be better monitors, but also more useful advisors to top managers. The focus of our study is on the effect on acquisition outcomes of the interaction of board vigilance and director experiential learning. Consistent with our expectations, the empirical findings indicate that vigilant boards rich in appropriate experience are associated with superior acquisition outcomes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shape Control of Colloidal Metal Nanocrystals
Authors: Tao Andrea R. , Habas Susan , Yang Peidong
Published: February 2008

Colloidal metal nanoparticles are emerging as key materials for catalysis, plasmonics, sensing, and spectroscopy. Within these applications, control of nanoparticle shape lends increasing functionality and selectivity. Shape‐controlled nanocrystals possess well‐defined surfaces and morphologies because their nucleation and growth are controlled at the atomic level. An overall picture of shaped metal particles is presented, with a particular focus on solution‐based syntheses for the noble metals. General strategies for synthetic control are discussed, emphasizing key factors that result in anisotropic, nonspherical growth such as crystallographically selective adsorbates and seeding processes.
Modeling and optimization of integration processes using dynamic programming
Authors: Tahan Meir , Ben‐Asher Joseph Z.
Published: February 2008

Incremental integration of systems is investigated. The modeling problem to predict the properties (cost and duration) of a given integration process, and the optimization problem to find the optimal integration order are addressed. The proposed integration model is divided into two parts: a time duration effort model and a cost effort model. Both models accumulate the major cost elements and time durations involved with the integration process. Dynamic Programming is employed to find the time and effort optimal integration orders. The methodology is demonstrated by a small tactical missile integration process. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Bridging the Gap Between Prevention Research and Practice: The Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation
Authors: Wandersman Abraham , Duffy Jennifer , Flaspohler Paul , Noonan Rita , Lubell Keri , Stillman Lindsey , Blachman Morris , Dunville Richard , Saul Janet
Published: February 2008

If we keep on doing what we have been doing, we are going to keep on getting what we have been getting. Concerns about the gap between science and practice are longstanding. There is a need for new approaches to supplement the existing approaches of research to practice models and the evolving community‐centered models for bridging this gap. In this article, we present the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) that uses aspects of research to practice models and of community‐centered models. The framework presents three systems: the Prevention Synthesis and Translation System (which distills information about innovations and translates it into user‐friendly formats); the Prevention Support System (which provides training, technical assistance or other support to users in the field); and the Prevention Delivery System (which implements innovations in the world of practice). The framework is intended to be used by different types of stakeholders (e.g., funders, practitioners, researchers) who can use it to see prevention not only through the lens of their own needs and perspectives, but also as a way to better understand the needs of other stakeholders and systems. It provides a heuristic for understanding the needs, barriers, and resources of the different systems, as well as a structure for summarizing existing research and for illuminating priority areas for new research and action.
5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol selectively activates the canonical PI3K/AKT pathway: a bioinformatics-based evidence for androgen-activated cytoplasmic signaling
Authors: Dozmorov Mikhail G. , Yang Qing , Matwalli Adam , Hurst Robert E. , Culkin Daniel J. , Kropp Bradley P. , Lin Hsueh-Kung
Published: February 2008

5α-Androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol) is reduced from the potent androgen, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), by reductive 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3α-HSDs) in the prostate. 3α-diol is recognized as a weak androgen with low affinity toward the androgen receptor (AR), but can be oxidized back to 5α-DHT. However, 3α-diol may have potent effects by activating cytoplasmic signaling pathways, stimulating AR-independent prostate cell growth, and, more importantly, providing a key signal for androgen-independent prostate cancer progression. A cancer-specific, cDNA-based membrane array was used to determine 3α-diol-activated pathways in regulating prostate cancer cell survival and/or proliferation. Several canonical pathways appeared to be affected by 3α-diol-regulated responses in LNCaP cells; among them are apoptosis signaling, PI3K/AKT signaling, and death receptor signaling pathways. Biological analysis confirmed that 3α-diol stimulates AKT activation; and the AKT pathway can be activated independent of the classical AR signaling. These observations sustained our previous observations that 3α-diol continues to support prostate cell survival and proliferation regardless the status of the AR. We provided the first systems biology approach to demonstrate that 3α-diol-activated cytoplasmic signaling pathways are important components of androgen-activated biological functions in human prostate cells. Based on the observations that levels of reductive 3α-HSD expression are significantly elevated in localized and advanced prostate cancer, 3α-diol may, therefore, play a critical role for the transition from androgen-dependent to androgen-independent prostate cancer in the presence of androgen deprivation.
Antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of maslinic and oleanolic acids, two pentacyclic triterpenes from olives, on HT-29 colon cancer cells
Authors: Juan M. Emília , Planas Joana M. , Ruiz-Gutierrez Valentina , Daniel Hannelore , Wenzel Uwe
Published: February 2008

We have previously reported the anticarcinogenic effects of an olive fruit extract composed of pentacyclic triterpenes, the main components of which are maslinic acid (73·25 %) and oleanolic acid (25·75 %). Here we examined the effects of the individual components on proliferation, necrosis and apoptosis rates by fluorescence-based techniques in human HT-29 colon cancer cells. Oleanolic acid showed moderate antiproliferative activity, with an ec50 of 160·6 (se 10·6) μmol/l, and moderate cytotoxicity at high concentrations ( ≥ 250 μmol/l). On the other hand, maslinic acid inhibited cell growth with an ec50 of 101·2 (se 7·8) μmol/l, without necrotic effects. Oleanolic acid, which lacks a hydroxyl group at the carbon 2 position, failed to activate caspase-3 as a prime apoptosis protease. In contrast, maslinic acid increased caspase-3-like activity at 10, 25 and 50 μmol/l by 3-, 3·5- and 5-fold over control cells, respectively. The detection of ROS in the mitochondria, which serve as pro-apoptotic signal, evidenced the different bioactivity of the two triterpenes. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed that maslinic acid generated superoxide anions while oleanolic acid-treated cells did not differ from the control. Completion of apoptosis by maslinic acid was confirmed microscopically by the increase in plasma membrane permeability, and detection of DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, the anticancer activity observed for olive fruit extracts seems to originate from maslinic acid but not from oleanolic acid. Maslinic acid therefore is a promising new compound for the chemoprevention of colon cancers.
Carnosic acid prevents the migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells by inhibiting the activation and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9
Authors: Yu Ya-Mei , Lin Hsing-Chun , Chang Weng-Cheng
Published: February 2008

The migration and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation of vascular smooth muscle cells may play key roles in the development of atherosclerosis. Carnosic acid (CA) is a phenolic compound found in herbs, including rosemary and sage. Previous studies indicated that CA possesses antioxidant activityin vitro. In this study, we investigated the effects of CA on TNF-α-induced cell migration, the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, the translocation of NF-κB and the activation and expression of MMP-9 in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC). The Matrigel migration assay showed that CA (10 and 20 μmol/l) effectively inhibited TNF-α-induced migration of HASMC as compared with the control group. To explain this inhibitory effect, MMP-9 was assayed by gelatin zymography and Western blot. The results indicated that CA inhibited MMP-9 activity and expression. Furthermore, the production of reactive oxygen species and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p50 and p65 induced by TNF-α were dose-dependently suppressed by CA pretreament. These results indicate that CA has anti-inflammatory properties and may prevent the migration of HASMC by suppressing MMP-9 expression through down-regulation of NF-κB.
Evaluation of treatment effects by ranking
Authors: HALEKOH U. , KRISTENSEN K.
Published: February 2008

In crop experiments measurements are often made by a judge evaluating the crops' conditions after treatment. In the present paper an analysis is proposed for experiments where plots of crops treated differently are mutually ranked. In the experimental layout the crops are treated on consecutive plots usually placed side by side in one or more rows. In the proposed method a judge ranks several neighbouring plots, say three, by ranking them from best to worst. For the next observation the judge moves on by no more than two plots, such that up to two plots will be re-evaluated again in a comparison with the new plot(s). Data from studies using this set-up were analysed by a Thurstonian random utility model, which assumed that the judge's rankings were obtained by comparing latent continuous utilities or treatment effects. For the latent utilities a variance component model was considered to account for the repeated measurements. The estimation was based on a Bayesian approach, which was analysed via Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling. A simulation study showed that the approach was able to estimate the relative ordering of the treatments. The efficiency of the estimation increased with the overlap of the ranked observations. The approach was compared with a more traditional analysis of variance analysis applied to a proportional score for each plot by applying both methods to a real experiment. The relative ranking of the treatment effects were almost the same for both approaches. This method seems to be less sensitive to the judge and also eliminates any possible drift over the judging process in the more traditional method.
Annular self-similar solutions in ideal magnetogasdynamics
Authors: LOCK R. M. , MESTEL A. J.
Published: February 2008

We consider the possibility of self-similar solutions describing the implosion of hollow cylindrical annuli driven by an azimuthal magnetic field, in essence a self-similar imploding liner z-pinch. We construct such solutions for gasdynamics, for ideal ‘β=0’ plasma and for ideal magnetogasdynamics (MGD). In the latter two cases some quantities are singular at the annular boundaries. Numerical solutions of the full ideal MGD initial value problem indicate that the self-similar solutions are not attractive for arbitrary initial conditions, possibly as a result of flux-freezing.
KERNEL ESTIMATION WHEN DENSITY MAY NOT EXIST
Authors: Zinde-Walsh Victoria
Published: February 2008

Nonparametric kernel estimation of density and conditional mean is widely used, but many of the pointwise and global asymptotic results for the estimators are not available unless the density is continuous and appropriately smooth; in kernel estimation for discrete-continuous cases smoothness is required for the continuous variables. Nonsmooth density and mass points in distributions arise in various situations that are examined in empirical studies; some examples and explanations are discussed in the paper. Generally, any distribution function consists of absolutely continuous, discrete, and singular components, but only a few special cases of nonparametric estimation involving singularity have been examined in the literature, and asymptotic theory under the general setup has not been developed. In this paper the asymptotic process for the kernel estimator is examined by means of the generalized functions and generalized random processes approach; it provides a unified theory because density and its derivatives can be defined as generalized functions for any distribution, including cases with singular components. The limit process for the kernel estimator of density is fully characterized in terms of a generalized Gaussian process. Asymptotic results for the Nadaraya–Watson conditional mean estimator are also provided.
SEMI-NONPARAMETRIC INTERVAL-CENSORED MIXED PROPORTIONAL HAZARD MODELS: IDENTIFICATION AND CONSISTENCY RESULTS
Authors: Bierens Herman J.
Published: February 2008

In this paper I propose estimating distributions on the unit interval semi-nonparametrically using orthonormal Legendre polynomials. This approach will be applied to the interval-censored mixed proportional hazard (ICMPH) model, where the distribution of the unobserved heterogeneity is modeled semi-nonparametrically. Various conditions for the nonparametric identification of the ICMPH model are derived. I will prove general consistency results forM-estimators of (partly) non-euclidean parameters under weak and easy-to-verify conditions and specialize these results to sieve estimators. Special attention is paid to the case where the support of the covariates is finite.
A NOTE ON INEQUALITY CONSTRAINTS IN THE GARCH MODEL
Authors: Tsai Henghsiu , Chan Kung-Sik
Published: February 2008

We consider the parameter restrictions that need to be imposed to ensure that the conditional variance process of a GARCH(p,q) model remains nonnegative. Previously, Nelson and Cao (1992,Journal of Business ’ Economic Statistics10, 229–235) provided a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for the aforementioned nonnegativity property for GARCH(p,q) models withp≤ 2 and derived a sufficient condition for the general case of GARCH(p,q) models withp≥ 3. In this paper, we show that the sufficient condition of Nelson and Cao (1992) forp≥ 3 actually is also a necessary condition. In addition, we point out the linkage between the absolute monotonicity of the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic (GARCH) generating function and the nonnegativity of the GARCH kernel, and we use it to provide examples of sufficient conditions for this nonnegativity property to hold.
NOVITATES GABONENSES 67. A NEW SPECIES OF BAPHIA (LEGUMINOSAE – PAPILIONOIDEAE) FROM GABON
Authors: Breteler F. J.
Published: February 2008

The new species Baphia megaphylla Breteler (Leguminosae – Papilionoideae) from Gabon is described and illustrated. It is most closely related to Baphia maxima Baker. The differences between the two species are summarised in a key.
A NEW SPECIES OF DUBYAEA (ASTERACEAE) FROM THE BURMA/CHINA BORDER
Authors: Mamgain S. K. , Rao R. R.
Published: February 2008

A new species of Dubyaea (Asteraceae), D. forrestii Mamgain & R.R.Rao, from the Burma/China border is described, illustrated and compared with D. atropurpurea. The affinities of the new species to Dubyaea atropurpurea are discussed.
REVISION OF SOLANUM SECTION REGMANDRA (SOLANACEAE)
Authors: Bennett J. R.
Published: February 2008

Solanum section Regmandra (Solanaceae), a group of 11 species from the lomas of Chile and Peru, is revised. Two new species are described, Solanum indivisum Witasek ex J.R.Benn. and S. coquimbense J.R.Benn., and a new name, S. trinominum J.R.Benn., is proposed for S. heterantherum Witasek ex Reiche. Two species, Solanum multifidum Lam. and S. edmonstonei Hook.f., are endemic to Peru, seven species are endemic to Chile, and only two species are found in both countries. Descriptions, distribution maps and a key to the species are presented and several species illustrated.
HYPSERPA ADEMAE (MENISPERMACEAE), A DISTINCTIVE NEW SPECIES FROM THE BOWUTU ULTRABASICS OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Authors: Takeuchi W.
Published: February 2008

Hypserpa ademae Takeuchi (Menispermaceae) is described from the Bowutu Range of Papua New Guinea. The novelty is distinguished by its whiplike inflorescence, 6-merous male flowers, and glabrous, cordate leaves.
CEPHALARIA BIGAZZII (DIPSACACEAE), A NEW RELIC SPECIES OF THE CEPHALARIA SQUAMIFLORA GROUP FROM SARDINIA
Authors: Bacchetta G. , Brullo S. , Giusso del Galdo G. P.
Published: February 2008

A new species of Cephalaria, C. bigazzii Bacch., Brullo & Giusso (Dipsacaceae), is described and illustrated. It is a typical chasmophyte, exclusive to a small area of SW Sardinia where it grows together with several other rare endemics. It belongs to the Cephalaria squamiflora group, showing close relationships with C. mediterranea and C. balearica. Its ecology, distribution and conservation status are examined. A distribution map of the new species and related species is provided. A new status and combination is proposed for Cephalaria ebusitana.
ARABIA'S LAST FORESTS UNDER THREAT: PLANT BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION IN THE VALLEY FOREST OF JABAL BURA (YEMEN)
Authors: Hall M. , Al-Khulaidi A. W. , Miller A. G. , Scholte P. , Al-Qadasi A. H.
Published: February 2008

The isolated massif Jabal Bura (Yemen) is home to the largest area of ‘valley forest’ in southwest Arabia's western escarpment mountains. This study surveys the composition of this very rare forest and records the diversity of vascular plant species. It notes the valley forest as the home of several regionally rare species and records new locations for these taxa. A brief analysis of the canopy layer is provided, enabling comparisons with similar vegetation in northeast Africa. The paper discusses the importance of this regionally rare vegetation as well as threats to its conservation.
Ecology and Evolution of Flowers . Edited by Lawrence D. Harder & Spencer C. H. Barrett.
Authors: Citerne H.
Published: February 2008

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Criterion validity and user acceptability of a CD-ROM-mediated food record for measuring fruit and vegetable consumption among black adolescents
Authors: Di Noia Jennifer , Contento Isobel R
Published: February 2008

Objectives

To determine the criterion validity and user acceptability of the Healthy Eating Self-Monitoring Tool (HEST), a CD-ROM-mediated food record for measuring fruit and vegetable consumption among economically disadvantaged black adolescents.

Design

Item intakes, daily intake measures of fruit, vegetables and juices, and daily and total fruit and vegetable intake assessed with the HEST over a 3 d interval were compared with observed intake using Spearman correlations and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests. Mean ratings of participants’ interest in, enjoyment of and likelihood of recommending the HEST to peers were compared with an a priori criterion rating for establishing user acceptability of the HEST.

Setting

Youth services agencies in New York City.

Subjects

Eighty-nine black adolescents aged 11 to 14 years.

Results

Spearman correlations were significant for 67 % of items, for daily intake measures of fruit (days 1 and 3), vegetables and juices (days 1 and 2), and for fruit and vegetable intake (all three days). Wilcoxon signed ranks tests found non-significant intake differences for 78 % of these items, for daily intake measures of fruit and vegetables, and for fruit and vegetable intake (days 2 and 3). HEST-recorded 3 d intake of 14·65 servings was significantly correlated with and did not differ significantly from observed 3 d intake of 15·21 servings. Youths’ HEST-recorded intake was accurate to within 0·56 of a serving of their observed intake. Mean ratings of the HEST were above the criterion rating across user acceptability dimensions assessed.

Conclusions

The HEST is a promising food record approach that is acceptable to youths.
Constraints on food choices of women in the UK with lower educational attainment
Authors: Barker M , Lawrence WT , Skinner TC , Haslam CO , Robinson SM , Inskip HM , Margetts BM , Jackson AA , Barker DJP , Cooper C ,   the Food Choice Group, University of Southampton
Published: February 2008

Objective

Women of lower educational attainment have less balanced and varied diets than women of higher educational attainment. The diets of women are vital to the long-term health of their offspring. The present study aimed to identify factors that influence the food choices of women with lower educational attainment and how women could be helped to improve those choices.

Design

We conducted eight focus group discussions with women of lower educational attainment to identify these factors. We contrasted the results of these discussions with those from three focus group discussions with women of higher educational attainment.

Setting

Southampton, UK.

Subjects

Forty-two white Caucasian women of lower educational attainment and fourteen of higher educational attainment aged 18 to 44 years.

Results

The dominant theme in discussions with women of lower educational attainment was their sense that they lacked control over food choices for themselves and their families. Partners and children exerted a high degree of control over which foods were bought and prepared. Women’s perceptions of the cost of healthy food, the need to avoid waste, being trapped at home surrounded by opportunities to snack, and having limited skill and experience with food, all contributed to their sense they lacked control over their own and their family’s food choices.

Conclusions

An intervention to improve the food choices of women with lower educational attainment needs to increase their sense of control over their diet and the foods they buy. This might include increasing their skills in food preparation.
Using spatially distributed parameters and multi‐response objective functions to solve parameterization of complex applications of semi‐distributed hydrological models
Authors: Marcé Rafael , Ruiz Carlos E. , Armengol Joan
Published: February 2008

Application of semi‐distributed hydrological models to large, heterogeneous watersheds deals with several problems. On one hand, the spatial and temporal variability in catchment features should be adequately represented in the model parameterization, while maintaining the model complexity in an acceptable level to take advantage of state‐of‐the‐art calibration techniques. On the other hand, model complexity enhances uncertainty in adjusted model parameter values, therefore increasing uncertainty in the water routing across the watershed. This is critical for water quality applications, where not only streamflow, but also a reliable estimation of the surface versus subsurface contributions to the runoff is needed. In this study, we show how a regularized inversion procedure combined with a multiobjective function calibration strategy successfully solves the parameterization of a complex application of a water quality‐oriented hydrological model. The final value of several optimized parameters showed significant and consistent differences across geological and landscape features. Although the number of optimized parameters was significantly increased by the spatial and temporal discretization of adjustable parameters, the uncertainty in water routing results remained at reasonable values. In addition, a stepwise numerical analysis showed that the effects on calibration performance due to inclusion of different data types in the objective function could be inextricably linked. Thus caution should be taken when adding or removing data from an aggregated objective function.
Scanning micro‐X‐ray fluorescence elemental mapping: A new tool for the study of laminated sediment records
Authors: Shanahan T. M. , Overpeck J. T. , Hubeny J. B. , King J. , Hu F. S. , Hughen K. , Miller G. , Black J.
Published: February 2008

The utility of elemental mapping by scanning X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) in the study of annual laminated sedimentary records was investigated on eight annually laminated sediment types. The examples were chosen to illustrate the potential of this approach in environments dominated by terrigenous, biological and chemical deposition. Individual laminae were identifiable in elemental maps of all sediment types and were enhanced through the use of data reduction techniques (e.g., principal components transformation). Laminae were least apparent in clastic dominated systems with no seasonal changes in sediment sources. In biologically dominated systems, element maps provided insights into the composition of the varve subcomponents, related to alternating terrigenous and biologically dominated seasonal periods of deposition. Chemically precipitated structures were more prevalent than expected from visual investigations alone and may provide an underutilized paleoenvironmental signature of changing limnological conditions. Elemental mapping offers a valuable tool for the study of laminated records that complements existing techniques (e.g., SEM, digital image analysis).
Identification of sublimation‐type thermal contraction crack polygons at the proposed NASA Phoenix landing site: Implications for substrate properties and climate‐driven morphological evolution
Authors: Levy Joseph S. , Head James W. , Marchant David R. , Kowalewski Douglas E.
Published: February 2008

We identify a surface within the NASA Phoenix landing site Area D characterized by boulder‐topped, polygonally‐patterned mounds comparable in radius and cross‐sectional morphology to terrestrial sublimation polygons found in Antarctica. Both Martian and Antarctic polygons display topographic asymmetry, with shallow equator‐facing slopes and steep pole‐facing slopes, interpreted to indicate insolation‐dependent, differential sublimation of buried ice. On the basis of morphological similarities, we classify the Phoenix Box 1 polygons as sublimation polygons. Terrestrial sublimation polygons form where ice volumes exceeding available pore space occur in the shallow subsurface and where near‐surface conditions are too cold and dry to permit the development of saturated active layers: conditions comparable to those recently modeled for Mars in the Phoenix landing site Area D, Box 1. The identification of sublimation polygons on Mars would provide direct evidence for shallow, ground ice exceeding pore‐ice volumes and shed light on the emplacement mechanism of this ice.
Influence of Saharan dust on cloud glaciation in southern Morocco during the Saharan Mineral Dust Experiment
Authors: Ansmann A. , Tesche M. , Althausen D. , Müller D. , Seifert P. , Freudenthaler V. , Heese B. , Wiegner M. , Pisani G. , Knippertz P. , Dubovik O.
Published: February 2008

Multiwavelength lidar, Sun photometer, and radiosonde observations were conducted at Ouarzazate (30.9°N, 6.9°W, 1133 m above sea level, asl), Morocco, in the framework of the Saharan Mineral Dust Experiment (SAMUM) in May–June 2006. The field site is close to the Saharan desert. Information on the depolarization ratio, backscatter and extinction coefficients, and lidar ratio of the dust particles, estimates of the available concentration of atmospheric ice nuclei at cloud level, profiles of temperature, humidity, and the horizontal wind vector as well as backward trajectory analysis are used to study cases of cloud formation in the dust with focus on heterogeneous ice formation. Surprisingly, most of the altocumulus clouds that form at the top of the Saharan dust layer, which reaches into heights of 4–7 km asl and has layer top temperatures of −8°C to −18°C, do not show any ice formation. According to the lidar observations the presence of a high number of ice nuclei (1–20 cm−3) does not automatically result in the obvious generation of ice particles, but the observations indicate that cloud top temperatures must typically reach values as low as −20°C before significant ice production starts. Another main finding is that liquid clouds are obviously required before ice crystals form via heterogeneous freezing mechanisms, and, as a consequence, that deposition freezing is not an important ice nucleation process. An interesting case with cloud seeding in the free troposphere above the dust layer is presented in addition. Small water clouds formed at about −30°C and produced ice virga. These virga reached water cloud layers several kilometers below the initiating cloud cells and caused strong ice production in these clouds at temperatures as high as −12°C to −15°C.
Multivariate streamflow forecasting using independent component analysis
Authors: Westra Seth , Sharma Ashish , Brown Casey , Lall Upmanu
Published: February 2008

Seasonal forecasting of streamflow provides many benefits to society, by improving our ability to plan and adapt to changing water supplies. A common approach to developing these forecasts is to use statistical methods that link a set of predictors representing climate state as it relates to historical streamflow, and then using this model to project streamflow one or more seasons in advance based on current or a projected climate state. We present an approach for forecasting multivariate time series using independent component analysis (ICA) to transform the multivariate data to a set of univariate time series that are mutually independent, thereby allowing for the much broader class of univariate models to provide seasonal forecasts for each transformed series. Uncertainty is incorporated by bootstrapping the error component of each univariate model so that the probability distribution of the errors is maintained. Although all analyses are performed on univariate time series, the spatial dependence of the streamflow is captured by applying the inverse ICA transform to the predicted univariate series. We demonstrate the technique on a multivariate streamflow data set in Colombia, South America, by comparing the results to a range of other commonly used forecasting methods. The results show that the ICA‐based technique is significantly better at representing spatial dependence, while not resulting in any loss of ability in capturing temporal dependence. As such, the ICA‐based technique would be expected to yield considerable advantages when used in a probabilistic setting to manage large reservoir systems with multiple inflows or data collection points.
Human circulating monocytes can express receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand and differentiate into functional osteoclasts without exogenous stimulation
Authors: Seta Noriyuki , Okazaki Yuka , Kuwana Masataka
Published: February 2008

Osteoclast formation from mononuclear precursors is believed to require accessory cells expressing receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL). We recently identified a human cell population originated from circulating CD14+ monocytes, called monocyte‐derived multipotential cells (MOMCs), which can differentiate into several distinct mesenchymal cells, neuron and endothelial cells. This study was undertaken to examine whether MOMCs can differentiate into functional osteoclasts. MOMCs prepared from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers cultured on fibronectin for 7 days at high density (8 × 105 cells cm−2), but not at regular density (2 × 104 cells cm−2), resulted in the appearance of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive giant multi‐nucleated cells forming actin ring without exogenous osteoclastogenic factors. A subset of these cells showed bone resorption capacity on dentine slices and expression of genes for cathepsin K and calcitonin receptor, characteristic of functional osteoclasts. Such osteoclast differentiation was not observed in high‐density culture of circulating monocytes, macrophages or dendritic cells, or the high‐density culture of MOMCs on type I collagen. Among cells of the monocyte lineage, untreated MOMCs exclusively showed gene and protein expression of RANKL. When osteoprotegerin/IgG1 Fc chimera was added to high‐density MOMC cultures, osteoclast formation was completely inhibited by neutralizing the endogenous RANKL. These results indicate that human MOMCs derived from circulating monocytes can express RANKL and differentiate into functional osteoclasts without RANKL‐expressing accessory cells.
Fetal Hox11 expression patterns predict defective target organs: a novel link between developmental biology and autoimmunity
Authors: Lonyai Anna , Kodama Shohta , Burger Douglas , Faustman Denise L
Published: February 2008

Developmental biology has long been ignored in the etiology and diverse manifestations of autoimmune diseases. Yet a role for development is suggested by intriguing overlaps in particular organs targeted in autoimmune diseases, in this case type 1 diabetes and Sjogren's syndrome. Patients with type 1 diabetes have high rates of co‐occurring Sjogren's syndrome, and both conditions are associated with hearing loss and tongue abnormalities. All of these co‐occurrences are found in organs tracing their lineage to the developmental transcription factor Hox11, which is expressed in embryonic cells destined for the pancreas, salivary glands, tongue, cranial nerves and cochlea. To determine whether development contributes to autoimmunity, we compared four target organs in NOD mice (an animal model for type 1 diabetes and Sjogren's syndrome) with NOD‐SCID mice (which lack lymphocytes) and normal controls. We examined the structure and/or function of the cochlea, salivary glands, pancreas and tongue at early time points after birth. Before the usual time of the onset of type 1 diabetes or Sjogren's syndrome, we show that all four Hox11‐derived organs are structurally abnormal in both NOD mice and NOD‐SCID mice versus controls. The most striking functional defect is near complete hearing loss occurring before the normal time of the onset of autoimmunity. The hearing loss is associated with severe structural defects in the cochlea, suggesting that near‐deafness occurs independent of autoimmune attack. The pancreas and salivary glands are also structurally abnormal in NOD and NOD‐SCID mice, but they are functionally normal. This suggests that autoimmune attack of these two organs is required for functional failure. We conclude that a developmental lineage of cells contributes to autoimmunity and predicts which organs may be targeted, either structurally and/or functionally. Taken together, our findings challenge the orthodoxy that autoimmunity is solely caused by a defective immune system.
Resonance frequency analysis for surface-coupled atomic force microscopy cantilever in ambient and liquid environments
Authors: Mirman Boris , Kalinin Sergei V.
Published: February 2008

Shifts in the resonance frequencies of surface-coupled atomic force microscope (AFM) probes are used as the basis for the detection mechanisms in a number of scanning probe microscopy techniques including atomic force acoustic microscopy (AFAM), force modulation microscopy, and resonance enhanced piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). Here, we analyze resonance characteristics for AFM cantilever coupled to surface in liquid environment, and derive approximate expressions for resonant frequencies as a function of vertical and lateral spring constant of the tip-surface junction. This analysis provides a simplified framework for the interpretation of AFAM and PFM data in ambient, liquid, and vacuum environments.
Using state space differential geometry for nonlinear blind source separation
Authors: Levin David N.
Published: February 2008

Given a time series of multicomponent data, the usual objective of nonlinear blind source separation (BSS) is to find a “source” time series, comprised of statistically independent combinations of the measured components. In this paper, we seek a source time series that has a phase-space density function equal to the product of density functions of individual components. In an earlier paper, it was shown that the phase space density function induces a Riemannian geometry on the data’s state space with the metric equal to the local velocity correlation matrix of the data. From this geometric perspective, the vanishing of the curvature tensor is a necessary condition for BSS. If the curvature tensor is zero, there is only one possible set of source variables (up to permutations and transformations of individual components), and it is possible to compute these explicitly and to determine if they do have a factorizable phase space density function. The method is illustrated by using it to separate two simultaneous synthetic “utterances” recorded with a single microphone. A more general method that performs nonlinear multidimensional BSS is described in Appendix A, where it is illustrated with analytic and numerical examples.