bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean Comparison: Manifest Variable Versus Latent Variable
Authors: Yuan Ke-Hai , Bentler Peter M.
Published: June 2006

Mean comparisons are of great importance in the application of statistics. Procedures for mean comparison with manifest variables have been well studied. However, few rigorous studies have been conducted on mean comparisons with latent variables, although the methodology has been widely used and documented. This paper studies the commonly used statistics in latent variable mean modeling and compares them with parallel manifest variable statistics. Our results indicate that, under certain conditions, the likelihood ratio and Wald statistics used for latent mean comparisons do not always have greater power than the Hotelling T2 statistics used for manifest mean comparisons. The noncentrality parameter corresponding to the T2 statistic can be much greater than those corresponding to the likelihood ratio and Wald statistics, which we find to be different from those provided in the literature. Under a fixed alternative hypothesis, our results also indicate that the likelihood ratio statistic can be stochastically much greater than the corresponding Wald statistic. The robustness property of each statistic is also explored when the model is misspecified or when data are nonnormally distributed. Recommendations and advice are provided for the use of each statistic.
Limited information estimation and testing of discretized multivariate normal structural models
Authors: Maydeu-Olivares Albert
Published: June 2006

Discretized multivariate normal structural models are often estimated using multistage estimation procedures. The asymptotic properties of parameter estimates, standard errors, and tests of structural restrictions on thresholds and polychoric correlations are well known. It was not clear how to assess the overall discrepancy between the contingency table and the model for these estimators. It is shown that the overall discrepancy can be decomposed into a distributional discrepancy and a structural discrepancy. A test of the overall model specification is proposed, as well as a test of the distributional specification (i.e., discretized multivariate normality). Also, the small sample performance of overall, distributional, and structural tests, as well as of parameter estimates and standard errors is investigated under conditions of correct model specification and also under mild structural and/or distributional misspecification. It is found that relatively small samples are needed for parameter estimates, standard errors, and structural tests. Larger samples are needed for the distributional and overall tests. Furthermore, parameter estimates, standard errors, and structural tests are surprisingly robust to distributional misspecification.
Relationships at school and stage‐environment fit as resources for adolescent engagement and achievement
Authors: Zimmer‐Gembeck Melanie J. , Chipuer Heather M. , Hanisch Michelle , Creed Peter A. , McGregor Leanne
Published: June 2006

Guided by Self‐Determination and associated theories, we examined whether adolescent (, M , 52% female) competence (academic engagement and achievement) were supported by relationships at school and school fit. Aspects of relationships and school fit that were measured included adolescents’ perceptions of each context as promoting autonomy, relatedness and competence. Within a latent‐variable structural equation model, direct and indirect path estimates, standard errors and confidence intervals were produced using maximum likelihood and bootstrapping. Results supported the hypothesized model. As predicted, school fit partially mediated the association between teacher–student relationships and engagement, but fully mediated the association between peer relationships and engagement. Engagement fully mediated the path from school fit to achievement. The use of SEM and bootstrapping are encouraged as the combination of these techniques can increase power to detect direct and indirect effects, and can be a better choice for data that do not conform to normal theory assumptions. Overall, these techniques allowed for more firm conclusions about the importance of a hierarchy of multidimensional contextual experiences for adolescent competence.
Competence under challenge: Exploring the protective influence of parental support and ethnic identity in Latino college students
Authors: Ong Anthony D. , Phinney Jean S. , Dennis Jessica
Published: June 2006

This longitudinal study examined the protective influence of psychological and family factors on academic achievement in 123 Latino college (101 Mexican American, 14 Central American, 8 mixed Mexican/Central American) students. Three cultural resources—ethnic identity, family interdependence, and parental support—were hypothesized as protective factors that modify the effects of socioeconomic disadvantage in a positive direction. The pattern of findings suggests that Latino students with greater psychological and family resources evidence greater academic achievement. After covarying between‐person differences in gender and generational status, both ethnic identity and parental support moderated the effects of low socioeconomic status on academic achievement.
Profound redox sensitivity of peptidyl‐prolyl isomerase activity in Arabidopsis thylakoid lumen
Authors: Shapiguzov Alexey , Edvardsson Anna , Vener Alexander V.
Published: June 2006

Proteomic, enzymatic, and mutant analyses revealed that peptidyl‐prolyl isomerase (PPIase) activity in the chloroplast thylakoid lumen of Arabidopsis is determined by two immunophilins: AtCYP20‐2 and AtFKBP13. These two enzymes are responsible for PPIase activity in both soluble and membrane‐associated fractions of thylakoid lumen suggesting that other lumenal immunophilins are not active towards the peptide substrates. In thiol‐reducing conditions PPIase activity of the isolated AtFKBP13 and of the total thylakoid lumen is suppressed several fold. Profound redox‐dependence of PPIase activity implies oxidative activation of protein folding catalysis under oxidative stress and photosynthetic oxygen production in the thylakoid lumen of plant chloroplasts.
Mismatched siRNAs downregulate mRNAs as a function of target site location
Authors: Martin Scott E. , Caplen Natasha J.
Published: June 2006

In mammalian cells, RNA interference can be mediated by synthetic duplex RNAs, termed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which assist in cleaving completely complementary mRNA transcripts. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small RNAs that assist in translationally repressing mRNAs with regions of partial complementarity, but may also reduce transcript levels. Since miRNAs predominantly interact with the 3′ UTRs of transcripts, we sought to ask if mismatched siRNAs mimicking miRNAs affect cognate mRNA levels as a function of target site location. We find that mismatched siRNAs targeting the 3′ UTRs of two endogenous transcripts yield a greater reduction in mRNA levels than those targeting the coding region. Our findings demonstrate the importance of target site location within endogenous mRNAs for small RNAs associated with RNAi.
Goat SRY induces testis development in XX transgenic mice
Authors: Pannetier Maëlle , Tilly Gaëlle , Kocer Ayhan , Hudrisier Marthe , Renault Lauriane , Chesnais Nathalie , Costa José , Le Provost Fabienne , Vaiman Daniel , Vilotte Jean-Luc , Pailhoux Eric
Published: June 2006

The testis‐determining gene SRY is not well‐conserved among mammals, particularly between mouse and other mammals, both in terms of protein structure and of expression regulation. To evaluate SRY phylogenic conservation in regards to its function, we expressed the goat gene (gSRY) in XX transgenic mouse gonads. Here, we show that gSRY induces testis formation, despite a goat expression profile. Our results demonstrate that sex‐reversal can be induced in XX‐mice by a non‐mouse SRY thus suggesting a conserved molecular mechanism of action of this testis‐determining gene across mammalian species.
Novel potential of tunicamycin as an activator of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor – dioxin responsive element signaling pathway
Authors: Horikawa Kyohei , Oishi Naoki , Nakagawa Jin , Kasai Ayumi , Hayakawa Kunihiro , Hiramatsu Nobuhiko , Takano Yosuke , Yokouchi Makiko , Yao Jian , Kitamura Masanori
Published: June 2006

Tunicamycin is a well‐known inhibitor of protein glycosylation and used as an inducer of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We found that tunicamycin induced expression of cytochrome P450 1A1 in a dose‐dependent manner. Like dioxin, the transcriptional induction was associated with dose‐dependent activation of the dioxin responsive element (DRE). This effect was independent of inhibition of protein glycosylation or induction of ER stress. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) significantly attenuated activation of DRE by tunicamycin. These results elucidated the novel potential of tunicamycin as an activator of the AhR – DRE signaling pathway.
The public worth of Mary Somerville
Authors: Brock CLAIRE
Published: June 2006

This article assesses the reputation of Mary Somerville in the 1830s and suggests that critical confusion over her status in the changing world of early nineteenth-century science is not new. Drawing on Somerville’s own writings, contemporary newspaper and periodical reviews, political debates and unpublished manuscripts, Somerville's ‘uniqueness’ as a public figure is examined through the eyes of both the nascent scientific community of the time as well as the wider audience for her work. Somerville's status as a popularizer and an educator is more complicated than may have previously been assumed and can be both confirmed and undermined by an analysis of contemporary public opinion. Although her works were directed at the public who indirectly paid her pension for services to science, Somerville's private and published comments about and within her writings offer an alternative interpretation. Despite an apparent turn to more popular works in order to bolster her finances, Mary Somerville relished the specialist aspect of her writings and valued the difficulties which prevented the ordinary reader from obtaining ultimate insight into celestial mechanics.
JOHN FELTON, POPULAR POLITICAL CULTURE, AND THE ASSASSINATION OF THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM
Authors: COGSWELL THOMAS
Published: June 2006

This article analyses the motivation behind John Felton's assassination of the duke of Buckingham in August 1628. It focuses attention on his family's tortured relationship with the regime, and it highlights Felton's military service in Spain, Ireland, and France. Wounded in the disastrous withdrawal from the Ile de Ré, he returned to London to convalesce, and there he slipped into the metropolitan ‘underground’ manuscript culture that was saturated with poems and tracts excoriating the duke. Finally he was able to witness the mounting violence in the city in the summer of 1628 that culminated in the murder of the duke's sorcerer, Dr Lamb. Felton's murder of the duke was far from inevitable, but as this article hopes to show, his ability to slot his own personal frustration into the increasingly virulent hostility to the favourite ultimately transformed Felton into the instrument of public retribution.
RIOT ACTS, POPULAR PROTEST, AND PROTESTANT MENTALITIES IN EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY IRELAND
Authors: GARNHAM NEAL
Published: June 2006

The condition of the Anglican elite in eighteenth-century Ireland has been the focus of some debate by historians. Members of the Protestant Ascendancy class have been variously cast as a community under constant threat, or as a self-confident group secure in their control of the country's political and economic systems. Various contributions to this dialogue have been made through the study of popular movements and civil disorder. Rather than further comment on such phenomena this article seeks to examine the reactions of the Irish political elite to them. Although the country had no general Riot Act on the English model until 1787, legislative initiatives were made on several occasions prior to this. While these initially tended to be unsuccessful in parliament, local in their application, and to impose relatively lenient punishments, attitudes began to change in the 1770s. The political elite then moved comparatively rapidly to general legislation that created riot as a felony. Such developments suggest that prior to the last quarter of the eighteenth century civil disorder was not seen as a real threat to Protestant ascendancy, though Protestant fears finally culminated in legislative action in 1787. Arguably it was this event that marked the first great nadir in Anglican self-confidence in eighteenth-century Ireland.
SOCIAL DEMOCRACY AND THE RISE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN CALIFORNIA, 1950–1964
Authors: BELL JONATHAN
Published: June 2006

In the 1950s the Democratic Party in California grew from a struggling, rump organization into the major political party in the state. This was in large part due to the activities of a network of liberal activists in the California Democratic Council, a group formed in 1953 to encourage the creation of local Democratic ‘clubs’ across California in which those interested in left-of-centre politics could debate issues of the day and campaign for Democratic candidates in elections. This article argues that the rise of the Democrats in the Golden State was predicated on the espousal by both amateur activists and party politicians of an explicitly social democratic ideology that provided a bridge between the policies of the New Deal in the 1930s and the more ambitious goals of the Great Society at the national level in the 1960s. The article examines the ideas embraced by liberal politicians in the 1950s and looks at how those ideas underpinned a massive expansion of California's welfare state in the early 1960s.
A systematic review of longitudinal outcome studies of first-episode psychosis
Authors: MENEZES N. M. , ARENOVICH T. , ZIPURSKY R. B.
Published: June 2006

Background. Existing outcome literature has had an over-representation of chronic patients and suggested a progressive course and poor outcome for schizophrenia. The current study aimed to recombine data of samples from longitudinal studies of first-episode psychosis (FEP) to describe outcome and its predictors.

Method. A literature search (1966–2003) was conducted for prospective studies examining outcome in first-episode non-affective psychosis using the following key words: early, first, incident, episode, admission, contact, psychosis, schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, course, outcome, follow-up, longitudinal, cohort. These were pooled and analyzed using descriptive and regression analyses.

Results. Thirty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria, representing 4100 patients with a mean follow-up of 35·1±6·0 months. Studies varied in the categories of outcome used, the most common being ‘good’ (54% of studies) and ‘poor’ (34% of studies), variably defined. In studies reporting these categories, good outcomes were reported in 42·2% (3·5%) and poor outcomes in 27·1% (2·8%) of cases. Predictors associated with better outcome domains were: combination of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial therapy, lack of epidemiologic representativeness of the sample, and a developing country of origin. Use of typical neuroleptics was associated with worse outcome. Stratification analyses suggested that populations with schizophrenia only, and those with prospective design, were associated with worse outcome domains.

Conclusions. Outcome from FEP may be more favorable than previously reported, and treatment and methodological variables may be important contributors to outcome. Significant heterogeneity in definitions and methodology limited the comparison and pooling of data. A multi-dimensional, globally used definition of outcome is required for future research.
Bright light, negative air ions and auditory stimuli produce rapid mood changes in a student population: a placebo-controlled study
Authors: GOEL NAMNI , ETWAROO GLENDA R.
Published: June 2006

Background. Bright light and high-density negative air ion exposure are efficacious for winter and non-seasonal depression compared with a low-density negative ion placebo. Similarly, auditory stimuli improve mood in clinical populations. This study compared the short-term effects of bright light, an auditory stimulus, and high- and low-density negative ions on mood and alertness in mildly depressed and non-depressed adults.

Method. One hundred and eighteen subjects, 69 women and 49 men (mean age±S.D., 19·4±1·7 years), participated once across the year. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: bright light (10000 lux; n=29), auditory stimuli (60 dB; n=30), or high-density (4·5×1014 ions/s flow rate; n=29) or low-density (1·7×1011 ions/s; n=30; placebo control) negative ions. Exposure was for 30 min on three consecutive evenings between 1900 and 2100 hours. Mood and alertness assessments, using standardized scales, occurred before, and 15 and 30 min during exposure. The Beck Depression Inventory classified subjects as depressed ([ges ]10; n=35) or non-depressed (<10; n=83).

Results. The three active stimuli, but not the low-density placebo, reduced depression, total mood disturbance (a global affect measure) and/or anger within 15–30 min. Neither testing season nor degree of depressive symptoms affected response to stimuli.

Conclusions. The auditory stimulus, bright light and high-density ions all produced rapid mood changes – with small to medium effect sizes – in depressed and non-depressed subjects, compared with the low-density placebo, despite equivalent pre-study expectations. Thus, these stimuli improve mood acutely in a student sample, including a subset with depressive symptoms.
The participation of older Europeans in volunteer work
Authors: ERLINGHAGEN MARCEL , HANK KARSTEN
Published: June 2006

The contemporary discussion about the growing ‘burden of population ageing’ should not neglect the substantial productive potential of older people. Using micro-data from the 2004 Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), this paper examines the relationships between selected socio-demographic characteristics and the rates of participation in voluntary work in 10 European countries among those aged 50 or more years. The analysis reveals a clear spatial pattern, with relatively high participation rates in Northern Europe and relatively low participation rates in Mediterranean countries, and shows that age, education, health and involvement in other social activities strongly influence an individual's propensity to engage in volunteer work. A multivariate logistic regression provided no indication that the country differences can be explained by variations in population composition or attributes, such as the age structure or differences in health status. The findings have important implications for future cross-national research and for policies to promote the participation of older adults in voluntary work, and suggest that policies and programmes to encourage older citizens to make greater use of their productive capacities are feasible. It is concluded that further research needs to account for the influences of institutions and culture on participation in volunteering, the finding of this paper.
Leisure-styles and life satisfaction among recent retirees in Israel
Authors: NIMROD GALIT , ADONI HANNA
Published: June 2006

This article examines the leisure behaviour, attitudes and life satisfaction of a sample of 383 retirees aged 50 or more years in an Israeli national survey. Multivariate analyses identified four leisure-styles on the basis of the type of leisure activity engaged in, its relative sophistication, whether it was a formally-organised cultural activity, and its location (at home or outdoors). The four styles were: ‘company seekers’, ‘media consumers’, ‘culture enthusiasts’ and ‘sophisticated choosers’. The levels of participation in the four styles were associated with nine background characteristics: gender, education, income, former occupation, work status, retirement pattern, origin, residential area and health. Differences in life satisfaction were associated with leisure participation and leisure satisfaction. Two of the groups, the ‘culture enthusiasts’ and the ‘sophisticated choosers’, were relatively active, and enjoyed significantly higher levels of satisfaction in both their leisure and their lives. These findings tend to support Havighurst's ‘activity theory’. Since these two leisure-styles were followed by minorities, and most of the sample pursued the other leisure-styles, the findings imply that a large proportion of the retired population are inadequately prepared to take up ‘active leisure’. If more older people are to become engaged in active leisure, with benefits to both themselves and to society, they require more guidance and support.
Transformations in economic security during old age in Korea: the implications for public-pension reform
Authors: CHOI YOUNG-JUN
Published: June 2006

The South Korean National Pension scheme was instituted in 1988 and now covers all private-sector employees and the self-employed. Since the financial crisis of 1997, however, it has become controversial and is under considerable pressure, not least because of the perceived financial implications of the country's rapidly ageing population. Predictions of financial shortfalls or ‘unsustainability’ have prompted calls for severe ‘downsizing’ of the scheme. The debate on the reform of the scheme has been dominated by the need to respond to demographic change in ways that assist the national economy, invariably by reducing social expenditure. The debate, however, has given little attention to the social or welfare functions of the pension scheme, though the material insecurity of older people has been exacerbated by major changes in the labour market and the family. This paper details recent socio-demographic changes in Korea and discusses their implications for old-age security and pension reform. It argues that public-pension schemes should be developed to strengthen social protection against the insecurities of old-age, that intra-generational redistribution should be at the core of the reformed arrangements, and that the introduction of a comprehensive non-contributory pension scheme should be seriously considered.
Social relations, language and cognition in the ‘oldest old’
Authors: KELLER-COHEN DEBORAH , FIORI KATHERINE , TOLER AMANDA , BYBEE DEBORAH
Published: June 2006

This paper reports a study of the associations between social relations, language and cognition among people aged 85 or more years (hereafter the ‘oldest old’). Although the links between cognition and both social relations and language ability are well-established, less is known about the relationship between social relations and language skills, especially among the oldest old. With a sample of 20 adults aged 85–93 years living independently in two retirement communities (a seniors' apartment complex and independent apartments in a continuum-of-care setting), we used the approach of the Rochester Interaction Record to assess the frequency, purpose and quality of their social interactions over one week. It was hypothesised that aspects of social relations, as well as the type of residential setting, would associate with both cognitive skills (measured using the Composite Cognistat) and language skills (measured using the Boston Naming Test). It was found that participants who had a low proportion of interactions with family members, or a high proportion with friends, as well as those with diverse relationships, performed better on the cognitive and language tasks. Furthermore, those from the setting with more programmed activities performed better on the language task. The conclusion critically examines the findings about the influence of family relationships and the importance of residential setting.
Age: a dubious criterion in legislation
Authors: BREDA JEF , SCHOENMAEKERS DAVID
Published: June 2006

Policymakers like to make use of age criteria, because they provide a transparent and seemingly objective standard. In reality, however, age limits are not as innocent as they appear: distinctions on the basis of age are often irrelevant and the actual age thresholds tend to be arbitrary. Age limits can also be criticised from a theoretical perspective: how can the heterogeneity of today's older people be reconciled with uniform age-defined classes? In response to a European Union Directive of 2000, Belgium implemented strict anti-discrimination legislation. This provides all the more reason to ascertain the prevalence and justification of the use of age criteria in legislation. Belgium is a federal state with three communities and three regions, and the scrutiny has been restricted to the Flemish community and region. All legislation has been screened for the use of 50 or more years as an age criterion, and all occurrences have been critically examined. The paper focuses on three fields of statutory regulation: early retirement, concessionary public transport fares, and the different care entitlements of people with disabilities and of older people. Evidence of age discrimination was found, although often in a form that benefits older people. The justification of the age criterion was often inadequate, so the adoption often appears no more than convenient standard practice. The paper concludes that policy makers should consider the systematic replacement of age thresholds by other criteria.
Consuming the Canon: Theatre, Commodification and Social Mobility in Late Nineteenth-Century German Theatre
Authors: MARX PETER W.
Published: June 2006

Max Reinhardt's theatre is an intriguing example of the social function of commodification in the late nineteenth century; while critics praised him as the leading figure of a renewed theatre, they also blamed him for a merely decorative style. Notwithstanding the fact that economic success was a substantial precondition of Reinhardt's theatre, Reinhardt's style was highly eclectic and determined by a visual or pictorial order rather than by literary concepts. But this theatre not only followed an aesthetic programme, it also answered to a major change in German society: the process of urbanization which produced a new community of urban dwellers which had to be integrated in the role models of society. The paradoxical reception of Reinhardt thus is not only a matter of taste but rather the hallmark of bourgeois theatre in a period of transition, rearticulating the cultural legacy by commodifying it for a new audience.
Verdi and the undoing of women
Authors: KERMAN JOSEPH
Published: June 2006

For a brief period in his career, Verdi wrote operas about compromised or ‘fallen’ women, women condemned for their sexuality: not only Lina in Stiffelio and Violetta in La traviata, but also – if we take into account the way their men regard them – Lida in La battaglia di Legnano, Luisa in Luisa Miller and Leonora in Il trovatore. These women suffer or die. Gilda also dies, in Rigoletto, ultimately a victim of her sexual availability. This essay examines Verdi's contribution to ‘the undoing of women’ and relates it speculatively to his experience as Giuseppina Strepponi's lover around the same time.
Rameau's Platée returns: A case of double identity in the Querelle des bouffons
Authors: THOMAS DOWNING A.
Published: June 2006

Although the première of Jean-Philippe Rameau’s comic opera Platée predated the Querelle des bouffons by several years, it raised questions that were at the centre of the debate that shook the Paris Opéra in the early 1750s. Commentators had difficulty situating Platée within the French operatic tradition; and many identified it as a work derived from Italian models. The opera’s music and libretto, mentioned in many of the letters and pamphlets written during the Querelle, clearly struck a nerve. Platée challenged the aesthetic status of French opera by foregrounding aspects of the French language to which participants in the Querelle, most notably Jean-Jacques Rousseau, objected: the silent ‘e’, the presence of diphthongs and an overabundance of consonants. In the end, by undermining the traditional poetic framework through which operatic works were understood in the mid-eighteenth century, the debate on Platée during the Querelle opened up new possibilities for discourse on music.
Pollen and seed dispersal among dispersed plants
Authors: Ghazoul Jaboury
Published: June 2006

The ecological significance of spacing among plants in contributing to the maintenance of species richness, particularly in tropical forests, has received considerable attention that has largely focussed on distance ‐ and density‐dependent seed and seedling mortality. More recently it has become apparent that plant spacing is also relevant to pollination, which often constrains seed production. While seed and seedling survival is reduced at high conspecific densities, pollination success, by contrast, is positively correlated to local conspecific density. Distance‐dependent mechanisms acting on pollination and seed production have now been described for a variety of plants, with relatively isolated plants or fragmented populations generally suffering reduced fecundity due to pollen limitation. Yet there is considerable variability in the vulnerability of plant species to pollination failure, which may be a function of breeding system, life history, the pollination vector, the degree of specialisation among plants and their pollinators, and other indirect effects of habitat change acting on plants or pollinators. As reduced tree densities and population fragmentation are common outcomes of anthropogenically altered landscapes, understanding how pollination processes are affected in such degraded landscapes can inform effective conservation and management of remaining natural areas.
A complete phylogeny of the whales, dolphins and even‐toed hoofed mammals (Cetartiodactyla)
Authors: Price Samantha A. , Bininda‐Emonds Olaf R. P. , Gittleman John L.
Published: June 2006

Despite the biological and economic importance of the Cetartiodactyla, the phylogeny of this clade remains controversial. Using the supertree approach of matrix representation with parsimony, we present the first phylogeny to include all 290 extant species of the Cetacea (whales and dolphins) and Artiodactyla (even‐toed hoofed mammals). At the family‐level, the supertree is fully resolved. For example, the relationships among the Ruminantia appear as (((Cervidae, Moschidae) Bovidae) (Giraffidae, Antilocapridae) Tragulidae). However, due to either lack of phylogenetic study or contradictory information, polytomies occur within the clades Sus, Muntiacus, Cervus, Delphinidae, Ziphiidae and Bovidae. Complete species‐level phylogenies are necessary for both illustrating and analysing biological, geographical and ecological patterns in an evolutionary framework. The present species‐level tree of the Cetartiodactyla provides the first opportunity to examine comparative hypotheses across entirely aquatic and terrestrial species within a single mammalian order.
Wenn eine atopische Dermatitis nicht abheilt – der interessante Fall aus der medizinischen Universitätspoliklinik
Authors: Fluri  , Nievergelt  , Kernland  , Leibundgut
Published: June 2006

Die atopische Dermatitis zeigt mit aktuell 15–20% eine steigende Prävalenz, 60% der Erstmanifestationen erfolgen im ersten Lebensjahr. Mit konsequent eingesetzten rückfettenden Massnahmen lässt sich ein grosser Teil der Patienten befriedigend behandeln, teilweise ist auch der Einsatz von topischen Steroiden notwendig. Ekzematöse Veränderungen, die trotz korrekter Therapie keine Besserungstendenz zeigen, sind hochgradig verdächtig auf das Vorliegen einer Langerhans-Zell-Histiozytose und bedürfen einer Hautbiopsie. Bei histologischem Nachweis einer kutanen Langerhanszell-Histiozytose ist die Überweisung an ein kinderonkologisches Zentrum zur weiteren Staging-Untersuchung sowie entsprechender Therapie unerlässlich. Die Prognose bei isoliert kutaner Langerhanszell-Histiozytose ist insgesamt günstig.
Assimilation of Argo float positions in the north western Mediterranean Sea and impact on ocean circulation simulations
Authors: Taillandier V. , Griffa A. , Poulain P.‐M. , Béranger K.
Published: June 2006

Assimilation of Argo float trajectories (350m parking depth) in a high resolution model of the Mediterranean Sea has been performed to test the importance of this type of data for operational systems. Starting from a state corresponding to the 28th year of the simulation, two experiments were performed, one with assimilation and one without, during three months in winter 2005. Four Argo floats released in the context of the MFSTEP project are used. The results are very encouraging, showing significant and consistent changes in the ocean circulation. Comparison with independent data of transport through the Channel of Corsica indicates that the results are more realistic with assimilation, showing a non negligible impact of the assimilation process on the large scale circulation of the basin.
On using infrasound from interacting ocean swells for global continuous measurements of winds and temperature in the stratosphere
Authors: Le Pichon A. , Ceranna L. , Garcés M. , Drob D. , Millet C.
Published: June 2006

Microbaroms are permanent infrasonic waves produced by interacting open ocean swells near low‐pressure systems. Continuous infrasound monitoring over 5 years show that microbaroms are globally observed at several middle‐ and high‐latitude infrasound stations that are part of the International Monitoring System (IMS). The arrival azimuths and amplitude of the signals exhibit clear seasonal trends driven primarily by the seasonal reversal of the zonal stratospheric wind. A scaling relation between the signal amplitude and the strength of the upper wind suggests that most of the microbarom energy propagates in the ground to stratosphere waveguide. We show that continuous microbarom measurements can help to evaluate global infrasound detection capabilities, providing new insights on quantitative relationships between infrasonic observables and atmospheric specifications.
Ability of multiangle remote sensing observations to identify and distinguish mineral dust types: 2. Sensitivity over dark water
Authors: Kalashnikova Olga V. , Kahn Ralph
Published: June 2006

We explore the ability of multiangle, multispectral measurements, such as those from the Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), to retrieve mineral dust properties. We first investigate MISR sensitivity theoretically, to a selection of medium‐mode particle shapes, to single‐scattering albedo (SSA), and to the ratio of medium‐ to large‐mode aerosol optical thickness (AOT). Favorable, but not ideal, viewing conditions over dark water are assumed, and new dust optical models are adopted. This study shows sensitivity to differences in the angular spectral signals of medium‐mode shapes when column midvisible AOT is greater than ∼0.15 for components contributing 15–20% or more to the AOT. MISR‐like retrievals can also distinguish strongly absorbing (red channel SSA ∼ 0.94) from less absorbing (SSA ∼ 0.98–0.99) dust particles. Bimodal size sensitivity results suggest that MISR can distinguish the ratio of medium to larger components in roughly 20% midvisible AOT increments. For five Saharan dust field events over homogeneous, cloud‐free dark water near the Cape Verde AERONET station, MISR research retrieval results were dominated by weakly absorbing medium grains. MISR‐retrieved spectral AOT was within 0.02 of the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET), except for one spatially heterogeneous AOT > 1 case, and one where AERONET retrieved a significant component <0.1 μm in radius. In two cases where AERONET ran retrievals assuming nonspherical (spheroidal) particles, SSA fell within 0.02 of MISR. When included in the MISR Standard Aerosol Retrieval Algorithm, the new dust optical models improve both the coverage of successful retrievals and the spectral AOT agreement with near‐coincident AERONET measurements. Large‐mode dust models and available field constraint limitations are being addressed in continuing work.
Why does the Ballenas Channel have the coldest SST in the Gulf of California?
Authors: López Manuel , Candela Julio , Argote María L.
Published: June 2006

Moored and hydrographic observations at the three most important sills in the northern Gulf of California (NGC) are used to describe the circulation. At the deepest San Esteban (SE) sill (600 m), the mean along‐gulf flow is weak and outward (toward the mouth of the gulf) in the entire water column, whereas the mean deep flow is inward and bottom‐intensified at the San Lorenzo (SL) sill (400 m), which controls the southern entrance to the Ballenas Channel (BC). However, large tidal currents (>1 m/s during spring tides) in the SE sill drive a net inward bottom transport of 0.09 Sv (1 Sv = 1 × 106 m3/s), due to a tidal pumping process. At the SL sill the net transport is also about 0.09 Sv, but here the mean flow contributes more than the tides and both are into the gulf. At the northern BC sill, which controls the northward entrance to the BC, the mean near‐bottom flow is southward, implying that the bottom water of this deep basin is renewed at both of its ends. Moreover, the mean surface flow at both ends of the BC is out of the channel and, hence, the convergence at the bottom is compensated by a divergence at the surface, generating a persistent upwelling (∼5 m/day) within the channel. This circulation pattern primarily explains why the BC has the coldest SST and is one of the most biologically productive basins in the Gulf of California.
Mu and Delta opioid receptors activate the same G proteins in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Alt A , Clark M J , Woods J H , Traynor J R
Published: June 2006

There is evidence for interactions between mu and delta opioid systems both in vitro and in vivo. This work examines the hypothesis that interaction between these two receptors can occur intracellularly at the level of G protein in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells.

The [35S]GTPγS binding assay was used to measure G protein activation following agonist occupation of opioid receptors. The agonists DAMGO (EC50, 45 nM) and SNC80 (EC50, 32 nM) were found to be completely selective for stimulation of [35S]‐GTPγS binding through mu and delta opioid receptors respectively. Maximal stimulation of [35S]‐GTPγS binding produced by SNC80 was 57% of that seen with DAMGO. When combined with a maximally effective concentration of DAMGO, SNC80 caused no additional [35S]‐GTPγS binding. This effect was also seen when measured at the level of adenylyl cyclase.

Receptor activation increased the dissociation of pre‐bound [35S]‐GTPγS. In addition, the delta agonist SNC80 promoted the dissociation of [35S]‐GTPγS from G proteins initially labelled using the mu agonist DAMGO. Conversely, DAMGO promoted the dissociation of [35S]‐GTPγS from G proteins initially labelled using SNC80.

Tolerance to DAMGO and SNC80 in membranes from cells exposed to agonist for 18 h was homologous and there was no evidence for alteration in G protein activity.

The findings support the hypothesis that mu‐ and delta‐opioid receptors share a common G protein pool, possibly through a close organization of the two receptors and G protein at the plasma membrane.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 135, 217–225; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704430
Tissue‐specific expression of human lipoprotein lipase in the vascular system affects vascular reactivity in transgenic mice
Authors: Esenabhalu Victor E , Cerimagic Mirza , Malli Roland , Osibow Karin , Levak‐Frank Sanja , Frieden Maud , Sattler Wolfgang , Kostner Gerhard M , Zechner Rudolf , Graier Wolfgang F
Published: June 2006

The role of smooth muscle‐derived lipoprotein lipase (LPL) that translocates to the endothelium surface on vascular dysfunction during atherogenesis is unclear. Thus, the role of vascular LPL on blood vessel reactivity was assessed in transgenic mice that specifically express human LPL in the circulatory system.

Aortic free fatty acids (FFAs) were increased by 69% in the transgenic mice expressing human LPL in aortic smooth muscle cells (L2LPL) compared with their non‐transgenic littermates (L2).

Contractility to KCl was increased by 33% in aortae of L2LPL mice. Maximal contraction to phenylephrine (PE) was comparable in L2 and L2LPL animals, while the frequency of tonus oscillation to PE increased by 104% in L2LPL mice.

In L2LPL animals, •NO mediated relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) and ATP was reduced by 47 and 32%, respectively. In contrast, endothelium‐independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was not different in both groups tested.

ATP‐initiated Ca2+ elevation that triggers •NO formation was increased by 41% in single aortic endothelial cells freshly isolated from L2LPL animals.

In aortae from L2LPL mice an increased •O2− release occurred that was normalized by removing the endothelium and by the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor DPI and the PKC inhibitor GF109203X.

The reduced ACh‐induced relaxation in L2LPL animals was normalized in the presence of SOD, indicating that the reduced relaxation is due, at least in part, to enhanced •NO scavenging by •O2−.

These data suggest that despite normal lipoprotein levels increased LPL‐mediated FFAs loading initiates vascular dysfunction via PKC‐mediated activation of endothelial NAD(P)H oxidase. Thus, vascular LPL activity might represent a primary risk factor for atherosclerosis independently from cholesterol/LDL levels.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 135, 143–154; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704440
Pathological role of a constitutively active population of α1D‐adrenoceptors in arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Gisbert Regina , Ziani Khalid , Miquel Raquel , Noguera M Antonia , Ivorra M Dolores , Anselmi Elsa , D'Ocon Pilar
Published: June 2006

The role of a constitutively active population of α1D‐adrenoceptors was analysed in arteries obtained from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and controls (WKY) divided into three groups: young prehypertensive, adult hypertensive, and adult animals chronically treated with captopril (50 mg kg−1per day orally) in order to prevent the hypertensive state.

In adult SHR, a significant increase in BMY 7378 potency (not in prazosin potency) was observed in aorta, mesenteric artery, and the first and second branches of the small mesenteric arteries with respect to WKY rats. This difference was not observed in iliac and tail arteries, which suggests an increased functional role of α1D‐adrenoceptors only in some vessels of SHR.

The increase in the resting tone (IRT) observed in absence of agonist, inhibited by BMY 7378, that represents the constitutively active population of α1D‐adrenoceptors, was also significantly greater in aorta and mesenteric artery from adult SHR.

In young and captopril treated adult animals, no differences between strains with respect to BMY 7378 potency, or IRT were observed.

The increase in the functional role of α1D‐adrenoceptors and their constitutive activity observed in hypertension is prevented by captopril treatment. The pathological consequence of this change is the slower rate of recovery of the basal tone after removal of an adrenergic stimulus, observed in vessels from hypertensive animals that had shown an increase in the functionality of constitutively active α1D‐adrenoceptors. This change was not observed in prehypertensive or captopril treated animals.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2002)135, 206–216; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704447
Sodium butyrate induces P53‐independent, Fas‐mediated apoptosis in MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells
Authors: Chopin Valérie , Toillon Robert‐Alain , Jouy Nathalie , Bourhis Xuefen Le
Published: June 2006

This study was performed to determine the effect and action mechanisms of sodium butyrate (NaB) on the growth of breast cancer cells.

Butyrate inhibited the growth of all breast cancer cell lines analysed. It induced cell cycle arrest in G1 and apoptosis in MCF‐7, MCF‐7ras, T47‐D, and BT‐20 cells, as well as arrest in G2/M in MDA‐MB‐231 cells.

Transient transfection of MCF‐7 and T47‐D cells with wild‐type and antisense p53 did not modify butyrate‐induced apoptosis. Pifithrin‐α, which inhibits the transcriptional activity of P53, did not modify cell growth or apoptosis of MCF‐7 and T47‐D cells treated with butyrate. These results indicate that P53 was not involved in butyrate‐induced growth inhibition of breast cancer cells.

Treatment of MCF‐7 cells with anti‐Fas agonist antibody induced cell death, indicating that Fas was functional in these cells. Moreover, butyrate potentiated Fas‐induced apoptosis, as massive apoptosis was observed rapidly when MCF‐7 cells were treated with butyrate and anti‐Fas agonist antibody. In addition, butyrate‐induced apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells was considerably reduced by anti‐Fas antagonist antibody. Western blot analysis showed that butyrate increased Fas and Fas ligand levels (Fas L), indicating that butyrate‐induced apoptosis may be mediated by Fas signalling.

These results demonstrate that butyrate inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells in a P53‐independent manner. Moreover, it induced apoptosis via the Fas/Fas L system and potentiated Fas‐triggered apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells. These findings may open interesting perspectives in human breast cancer treatment strategy.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 135, 79–86; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704456
Multiple mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle relaxation by the activation of Proteinase‐Activated Receptor 2 in mouse mesenteric arterioles
Authors: McGuire John J , Hollenberg Morley D , Andrade‐Gordon Patricia , Triggle Chris R
Published: June 2006

Activation of PAR2 in second‐order mesenteric arteriole (MA) rings from C57BL/6J, NOS3 (−/−) and PAR2 (−/−) mice was assessed for the contributions of NO, cyclo‐oxygenases, guanylyl cyclase, adenylyl cyclase, and of K+channel activation to vascular smooth muscle relaxation.

PAR2 agonist, SLIGRL‐NH2(0.1 to 30 μM), induced relaxation of cirazoline‐precontracted MA from C57BL/6J and NOS3 (−/−), but not PAR2 (−/−) mice. Maximal relaxation (Emax) was partially reduced by a combination ofL‐GN‐nitroarginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), 1H‐[1,2,4]‐oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ) and indomethacin. An ODQ/L‐NAME/indomethacin resistant relaxation was also caused by trypsin (30 nM) in PAR2 (+/+), but not in PAR2 (−/−) mice. Relaxation was endothelium‐dependent and inhibited by either 30 mMKCl‐precontraction, or pretreatment with apamin, charybdotoxin, and their combination; iberiotoxin did not substitute for charybdotoxin nor did scyllatoxin substitute fully for apamin.

Tetraethylammonium (TEA), glibenclamide, tetrodotoxin, 17‐octadecynoic acid, carboxy‐2‐phenyl‐4,4,5,5,‐tetramethyl‐imidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide, SQ22536, carbenoxolone, arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone, 7‐nitroindazole, N‐(3‐(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine (1400W), N‐(2‐cyclohexyloxy‐4‐nitrophenyl)‐methanesulfonamide (NS‐398) and propanolol did not inhibit relaxation. 4‐aminopyridine significantly increased the potency of SLIGRL‐NH2. A combination of 30 μMBaCl2and 10 μMouabain significantly reduced the potency for relaxation, and in the presence ofL‐NAME, ODQ and indomethacin, Emaxwas reduced.

We conclude PAR2‐mediated relaxation of mouse MA utilizes multiple mechanisms that are both NO‐cGMP‐dependent, and ‐independent. The data are also consistent with a role for endothelium‐dependent hyperpolarization of vascular smooth muscle that involves the activation of an apamin/charybdotoxin‐sensitive K+channel(s) and, in part, may be mediated by K+.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2002)135, 155–169; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704469