bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative sensory testing of patients with long lasting Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Authors: Jensen Roar , Hystad Torill , Kvale Alice , Baerheim Anders
Published: January 2007

Background: Anterior knee pain, diagnosed as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems found in adolescents and young adults. There is no consensus in medical literature concerning the aetiology of the PFPS.

Aims: To assess by means of Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) whether patients suffering from long‐lasting unilateral PFPS demonstrate somatosensory dysfunction related to afferent fibres from the local pain area.

Methods: A descriptive non‐experimental study with two independent samples, consisting of 25 men and women between 18 and 44 years of age with unilateral PFPS, and a comparable group of 23 healthy subjects. Somedic Thermotest apparatus was used to assess thresholds of thermal perception, and of heat and cold pain thresholds. Von Frey filaments were used to detect tactile sensitivity. Furthermore, quality and intensity of knee pain, symptoms and signs from a clinical neurological examination were recorded.

Results: Decreased sensitivity to tactile stimulation, when tested with von Frey filaments, was demonstrated on both the painful and pain‐free knee in subjects with PFPS, compared to the mean between the knees of the control group (p ≤ 0.001). The mean detection threshold for warmth was increased by 1.9 °C (p ≤ 0.01) in the painful knee, and 1.4 °C (p ≤ 0.01) in the non‐painful knee in the PFPS group, compared to the mean of the healthy control group. The mean detection threshold for cold was increased by 1.6 °C (p ≤ 0.01) in the painful knee of the PFPS group, compared to the control group. These findings were supported by clinical sensory tests. No significant differences of mean thermal pain thresholds between the PFPS group and controls were found, and there were no significant differences in mean detection thresholds for warmth, cold or thermal pain thresholds between the painful and the non‐painful knees in the PFPS group.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated an abnormal sensory function in the painful and non‐painful knee in some individuals with long lasting unilateral Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome using Quantitative Sensory Testing supported by clinical neurological examinations. A dysfunction of the peripheral and/or the central nervous system may cause neuropathic pain in some subjects with PFPS.
Analysis of intranuclear binding process of glucocorticoid receptor using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Mikuni Shintaro , Tamura Mamoru , Kinjo Masataka
Published: January 2007

The diffusion properties of EGFP‐hGRα and mutants C421G, A458T and I566 in living cells were analyzed. The wild type and mutants C421G and A458T translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus after addition of Dex; however, the Brownian motions of the proteins were different. The diffusion constant of wild‐type GRα after addition of Dex slowed to 15.6% of that in the absence of Dex, whereas those of A458T and C421G slowed to 34.8% and 61.7%, respectively. This is the first report that dimer formation is less important than the binding activity of GRα to GRE in the living cell.
GSH‐dependent regulation of Fas‐mediated caspase‐8 activation by acrolein
Authors: Hristova Milena , Heuvelmans Sjanneke , van der Vliet Albert
Published: January 2007

Activation of the cysteine protease caspase‐8 by the death receptor Fas (CD95/APO‐1) in B lymphoblastoid SKW6.4 cells or Jurkat T cells is associated with GSH depletion. Conversely, GSH depletion by the aldehyde acrolein (3–30 μM) was associated with inhibition of Fas‐induced caspase‐8 activation, although GSH depletion by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) did not affect caspase‐8 activation. In contrast to BSO, acrolein caused a loss of caspase‐8 cysteine content in association with direct alkylation of caspase‐8. Our findings indicate that inhibition of caspase‐8 by thiol‐reactive agents such as acrolein is not due to GSH depletion but caused by direct protein thiol modifications.
Photometrical analysis with photosensory domains of photoreceptors in green algae
Authors: Kagawa Takatoshi , Suetsugu Noriyuki
Published: January 2007

Chloroplast photoorientation in the green alga Mougeotia scalaris is controlled by blue and red light. The properties of the LOV domains of phototropin A and B were consistent with previous data of action spectra and photoreceptor lifetime for blue light‐mediated photoorientation. The LOV domains of the neochromes did not bind flavin, while the domains of neochrome 2 contributed to multimer formation. The absorption spectra of the neochrome phytochrome photosensory domain with phytochromobilin were very similar to the action spectra for red light‐induced photoorientation. These results indicate that phototropin and neochrome work as the blue and red photoreceptors involved in photoorientation.
Functional glycosylation of human podoplanin: Glycan structure of platelet aggregation‐inducing factor
Authors: Kaneko Mika Kato , Kato Yukinari , Kameyama Akihiko , Ito Hiromi , Kuno Atsushi , Hirabayashi Jun , Kubota Tomomi , Amano Koh , Chiba Yasunori , Hasegawa Yasushi , Sasagawa Isoji , Mishima Kazuhiko , Narimatsu Hisashi
Published: January 2007

Podoplanin (Aggrus) is a mucin‐type sialoglycoprotein that plays a key role in tumor cell‐induced platelet aggregation. Podoplanin possesses a platelet aggregation‐stimulating (PLAG) domain, and Thr52 in the PLAG domain of human podoplanin is important for its activity. Endogenous or recombinant human podoplanin were purified, and total glycosylation profiles were surveyed by lectin microarray. Analyses of glycopeptides produced by Edman degradation and mass spectrometry revealed that the disialyl‐corel (NeuAcα2‐3Galβl‐3(NeuAcα2‐6)GalNAcαl‐O‐Thr) structure was primarily attached to a glycosylation site at residue Thr52. Sialic acid‐deficient podoplanin recovered its activity after additional sialylation. These results indicated that the sialylated Corel at Thr52 is critical for podoplanin‐induced platelet aggregation.
Vesicular glutamate transporters VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in the developing mouse barrel cortex
Authors: Liguz‐Lecznar M. , Skangiel‐Kramska J.
Published: January 2007

Three vesicular glutamate transporters have been identified in mammals. Two of them, VGLUT1 and VGLUT2, define the glutamatergic phenotype and their distribution in the brain is almost complementary. In the present study we examined the distribution and expression levels of these two VGLUTs during postnatal development of the mouse barrel cortex. We also investigated changes in the localization of VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 within particular compartments of the barrel field (barrels/septa) during its development. We found differences in the time course of developmental expression, with VGLUT1 peaking around P14, while VGLUT2 increased gradually until adulthood. Over the examined period (P3 – adult) both transporters had stronger expression in the barrel interiors, and in this compartment VGLUT2 dominated, whereas in the inter‐barrel septa VGLUT1 dominated over VGLUT2. Furthermore, we found that some nerve terminals in the barrel cortex coexpressed both transporters until adulthood. Colocalization was observed within the barrels, but not within the septa.
Ultrastructural identification of oligodendrocyte/myelin proteins in corpus callosum of hypothyroid animals
Authors: Ferreira A.A. , Pereira M.J.S. , Manhães A.C. , Barradas P.C.
Published: January 2007

Thyroid hormone (T3) deficiency impairs the development of the CNS, particularly myelination. We have previously described an increase in the frequency of morphological abnormalities in the central myelin sheath in a hypothyroidism model, which reinforced the hypothesis of a role for T3 in myelin compaction. However, there are no data concerning the cellular distribution of myelin proteins in hypothyroid animals. In the present work, we describe the distribution of 2′,3′‐cyclic nucleotide 3′‐phosphodiesterase (CNPase), myelin basic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP) throughout the central myelin sheath of a hypothyroidism model. We used euthyroid and hypothyroid adult rats at 90 days of age. In order to induce hypothyroid status, animals received 0.02% methimazol from the 19th gestation day onwards. After perfusion with a fixative mixture, small pieces of corpus callosum were obtained, dehydrated and embedded in LR White resin. Ultrathin sections were immunoreacted, using specific antibodies revealed by a secondary antibody coupled to colloidal gold particles of 10 nm. Gold particle density per region of myelin sheath for each one of these proteins was obtained. In normal animals, CNPase, PLP and MBP were identified in sites that had already been described in previous studies. In hypothyroid animals, CNPase was identified in the region corresponding to compact lamellae, which normally does not contain this protein, while, in this same region, PLP and MBP immunolabeling were decreased. These results suggest that thyroid hormone deficiency impairs the distribution of the major oligodendrocyte/myelin markers. This effect may justify the reduction in myelin sheath compaction previously demonstrated in a similar model of hypothyroidism.
Does Epidural Analgesia Affect the Rate of Spontaneous Obstetric Lacerations in Normal Births?
Authors: Albers Leah L. , Migliaccio Laura , Bedrick Edward J. , Teaf Dusty , Peralta Patricia
Published: January 2007

The precise relationship between epidural use and genital tract lacerations in normal childbirth is unclear. Data from a clinical trial on measures to lower genital tract trauma in vaginal birth were used for a secondary analysis. The goal was to assess whether epidurals affect the rate of spontaneous obstetric lacerations in normal vaginal births. Maternal characteristics and intrapartum variables were compared in women who did and did not use an epidural in labor, and also in those with and without any sutured lacerations following vaginal birth. Variables that were statistically different in both cases were entered into regression equations for simultaneous adjustment. Epidural use was not an independent predictor of sutured lacerations. Predictors of sutured lacerations included nulliparity, a prolonged second stage, being non‐Hispanic white, and an infant birthweight greater than 4000 grams. Elements of midwifery management need further research.
CEU; Collaborative Management of Women with Bipolar Disorder During Pregnancy and Postpartum: Pharmacologic Considerations
Authors: Ward Sheila , Wisner Katherine L.
Published: January 2007

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition characterized by periods of mania, depression, or mixed states (co‐occurring mania and depression). The postpartum period is associated with a high risk for symptom relapse or intensification, which can be reduced with the use of medications. Abrupt discontinuation of these medications increases the probability of relapse, which is associated with high‐risk behaviors, significant family dysfunction, and suicide. Drugs used to treat patients with bipolar disorder vary in teratogenic potential. Although first trimester lithium use is associated with Ebstein's anomaly, the risk was overestimated in the past. Valproate and its derivatives and carbamazepine are human teratogens. Lamotrigine does not negatively impact major reproductive outcomes, but the data are limited. Typical antipsychotic medications are relatively well studied and the data do not identify major morphologic teratogenicity. There are fewer studies of newer atypical antipsychotic medications, and registries have been developed to collect prospective data. Clinical management of bipolar disorder during pregnancy, postpartum, and lactation requires a careful balancing of maternal and fetal risks and benefits. Communication and careful comanagement between the obstetric and psychiatric team is essential when treating women with bipolar disorder during the reproductive years.
The DNP and Entry Into Midwifery Practice: An Analysis
Authors: Avery Melissa D. , Howe Carol
Published: January 2007

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recently published a policy statement calling for the requirement of the Doctor of Nursing Practice for entry into practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse by the year 2015. Certified nurse‐midwives, defined as those educated in both nursing and midwifery, are commonly included in the definition of Advanced Practice Nurses, along with nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. This paper explores issues related to the practice doctorate as an entry requirement for midwifery practice in the United States. The results of a brief survey of midwifery students indicate mixed interest in a clinical doctorate. At the present time, evidence points to the fact that current education requirements produce safe, knowledgeable, competent midwives. Because data are lacking regarding the potential impact of the proposed Doctor of Nursing Practice on the cost of education to both the institution and the student, on the applicant pool, and on the health care system, the Directors of Midwifery Education endorse a statement affirming support for multiple routes of midwifery education based on the ACNM Core Competencies, and does not endorse a mandatory requirement for the clinical doctorate for entry into practice at this time.
The Top 100 Drug Interactions. A Guide to Patient Management; By Philip D. Hansten, PharmD and John R. Horn, PharmD. Freeland, WA: H&H Publications, 2006. 226 pages. $16.95, paperback
Authors: Van Hoover Cheri , McCraw Vivian D.
Published: January 2007

Drug books do not make the liveliest reading. They tend to be reiterations of manufacturers'minutiae and current studies. Finding what you are looking for can be a daunting task. Many clinicians have a favorite drug book that may weigh heavily toward pregnant/postpartum/breastfeeding/menopausal clients. However, with the trend to expand practice into primary care, it may be time to widen one's knowledge base.
Midwifery Models: Students’Conceptualization of A Midwifery Philosophy in Clay
Authors: Walker Deborah S.
Published: January 2007

Formulating a professional and personal philosophy statement assists nurses and midwives in clarifying focus and direction. It also facilitates grounding of the nursing and midwifery professions or professionals by enabling the identification of both shared beliefs and unique elements. The purpose of this activity was to assist beginning student nurse‐midwives (SNMs) in exploring the intersection of their own and the profession's philosophy. Through the creation of a clay representation of their philosophical model, eight SNMs expressed their midwifery philosophies at the beginning of their clinical sequence by sculpting them in clay and then described their sculptures and how they exemplified their philosophies.
The Functional Significance of the Oblique Retinacular Ligament of Landsmeer. A Review and New Proposals
Authors: BENDZ PER
Published: January 2007

The author presents a review of the current ideas of the function of the oblique retinacular ligament, first introduced by Landsmeer.

It was suggested that the oblique ligament plays an important role in synchronizing the movements of the two distal phalanges and that it initiates extension of the maximally flexed distal phalanx.

The author raises some objections to these ideas, referring partly to experiments performed by Harris and partly to some experiments reported in the present paper.

These experiments disclosed that extension of the maximally flexed distal phalanges was actively initiated by motor forces.

The author proposes another function of the oblique retinacular ligament, i.e. as a restraining and thus stabilizing force of the flexed terminal phalanx when the fingertip is used for pressure while the proximal interphalangeal joint is forced into full extension.
Median Nerve Function After Tendon Transfer For Ulnar Paralysis
Authors: BRANDSMA J. W. , BRAND P. W.
Published: January 2007

This is a long term follow-up study of the median nerves of 128 leprosy patients who originally had pure ulnar palsy for which they had tendon transfers to correct claw hand.

Of the thirty-one cases in which the carpal tunnel was not used as a pathway for tendon grafts, 16% developed median palsy in the subsequent years.

Of the ninety-seven cases in which tendon grafts were passed through the carpal tunnel, 7% developed a transient median nerve palsy and 11% developed permanent median palsy. None of the median nerve palsies developed during the weeks or months of post-operative re-education or observation, but were noted at follow-up visits months or years later.

It is concluded that the use of the carpal tunnel did not significantly affect the status of those high-risk median nerves in cases of leprosy.
Injury to the Medial Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve During Cubital Tunnel Surgery
Authors: DELLON A. LEE , MACKINNON SUSAN E.
Published: January 2007

This report calls attention to the increasingly common operative complication of injury to the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve during surgery on the cubital tunnel. The anatomical variations of site of this nerve are described, as well as typical examples of injury seen clinically.
Digital Nerve Grafting Using the Dorsal Sensory Branch of the Ulnar Nerve
Authors: GREENE T. L. , STEICHEN J. B.
Published: January 2007

The dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve has been found to have the appropriate size and sufficient length for use as a digital nerve graft. This donor nerve was utilised fifteen times in twelve patients for the bridging of defects in thirteen digital nerves of the fingers. After an average follow-up of 23.2 months, only one patient failed to achieve any two point discrimination in the area supplied by the involved digital nerve. The other eleven patients had an average two point discrimination of 9.5 mm with a range of 5 to 18 mm. Painful neuroma formation or loss of hand function related to the use of the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve as a donor for digital nerve grafts was not encountered.
The Pathobiology of Human Neuromas: An Electron Microscopic and Biochemical Study
Authors: BADALAMENTE MARIE A. , HURST L. C. , ELLSTEIN J. , McDEVITT C. A.
Published: January 2007

The formation of neuroma scar after trauma or neurorrhaphy is believed to be mediated by the response of collagen forming fibroblasts. In this study of twenty human neuromas, myofibroblasts were identified as a component of the scar. These cells occurred singly or as aggregates. There was a qualitative increase of myofibroblasts during the period from two to six months post-injury. From six months to one and one-half years post-injury, numbers and aggregations of myofibroblasts diminished, concurrent with collagen proliferation. Ultrastructural alcian blue staining and biochemical analyses revealed a glucosamine—glycosaminoglycan matrix within neuromas when compared to control nerves. Myofibroblasts appear to play a part in the pathobiology of human neuromas.
Surgical Treatment of the Non-Functional Spastic Hand
Authors: SUSO S. , VICENTE P. , ANGLES F.
Published: January 2007

The authors use Zancolli's classification for the surgical evaluation of the spastic upper limb. The paper describes the surgical technique used by the authors in the treatment of twenty-six patients grade III, having a “non-functional hand”. After justifying the treatment, the technique is described which includes a time for the elbow to relax the antebrachii flexors and M. Epitrochlearis, a time for defunctioning the pronators and relaxing the flexors by intramuscular tenotomy. Transplantation of the flexors of the wrist is carried out to the extensors of the wrist and fingers. The thumb-in-palm is corrected by a tenotomy of the Adductor and Flexor Pollicis Brevis and transplanting the Brachioradialis to the tendons of the first dorsal compartment.
Methods of Evaluation of the Functional Results of Flexor Tendon Repair of the Fingers
Authors: NIELSEN A. B. , JENSEN P. Ø.
Published: January 2007

The methods used by Buck-Gramcko, Kleinert and Tsuge in evaluating the functional results of flexor tendon repair were each applied to assess the functional outcome in sixty-seven fingers where both tendons had been severed in “no man's land”. The method of Buck-Gramcko gave the highest rating, and the three methods showed evident differences in the results of evaluation after surgery. The study suggests a need for one standard method of measurement and recording, if a comparison of results after flexor tendon repair is to be of value. We found that the method of Buck-Gramcko incorporated the most essential features in the functional evaluation.
Does Surgical Glove Powder Increase Adhesions in Flexor Tendon Surgery?
Authors: JAFFRAY D. , MA A. , IRVING C.
Published: January 2007

The effects of surgical glove powder on adhesion formation after surgery on the flexor tendons in the chicken was analysed biomechanically. Surgical glove powder did not increase adhesion formation in flexor tendon surgery.
Postoperative Results of Looped Nylon Suture Used in Injuries of The Digital Flexor Tendons
Authors: IKUTA Y. , TSUGE K.
Published: January 2007

Primary or delayed suture was performed on 174 patients involving 234 digits with flexor tendon injury on the day of injury to a maximum of 486 days after injury during the past eight years from 1974. In the treatment a 4-0 or 5-0 looped nylon suture was used.

Follow-up study was made on 121 patients involving 164 digits in whom at least six months had elapsed since the operation. The evaluation showed the results in 53.0% excellent, 15.3% good, 18.9% fair and 12.8% poor. Discussion is made of a number of factors which have effects upon the results of treatment of flexor tendon injury of the hand.
Cross Transposition of Short Amputation Stumps for Reconstruction of the Thumb
Authors: KESSLER ISIDOR
Published: January 2007

Cross transposition of digital rays is illustrated by a case of amputation of the thumb and the middle finger. A remnant of the stump of the middle finger was mobilised and brought on top of the first metacarpal, in order to restore a functional length to the amputated thumb. A cross transposition of the second digital ray to the third was also carried out, closing the gap left by the resection of the third metacarpal.
Osteocutaneous Digital Fillet Flap a Technical Modification
Authors: GAINOR BARRY J.
Published: January 2007

A modified osteocutaneous digital fillet flap was used to reconstruct the thumb of a fifty-three year old male with a severe gunshot wound to the dominant hand. An arthrodesis in the central portion of the bone graft sustained a fatigue fracture that progressed to union without treatment. The one stage procedure avoided the immobilization of a distant pedicle flap, revisional surgery of a complex free flap, and donor site morbidity.
New Surgical Procedure for Correction of Club Hand
Authors: TSUGE K. , WATARI S.
Published: January 2007

Two cases of radial club hand were treated by a new surgical procedure. This procedure consisted of correction of the wrist deviation and pollicization. The metacarpal of the pollicized digit was used for radial osseous support.
Irreducible Buttonhole Dislocation of The Proximal Interphalangeal Joint of The Finger (A Case Report)
Authors: ONI O. O. A.
Published: January 2007

Dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joints of the finger rarely present a problem in reduction. However, reduction may be prevented by buttonholing of the joint capsule and volar plate by the head of the proximal phalanx.
Osteoarthritis of the Carpometacarpal Joint of the Thumb. An analysis of operative procedures
Authors: KVARNES LASSE , REIKERÅS OLAV
Published: January 2007

This paper presents a clinical review of patients operated by different procedures for disabling osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb. Fusion of the joint resulted in pain relief, and the patients achieved a stable thumb with excellent strength. Although a minor loss of thumb motion was noted, this was not considered a problem. Excision of the trapezium gave good results with respect to pain relief, but there was loss of thumb stability and strength. Implant arthroplasty with a silicone prosthesis appeared to give a painfree, stable and mobile thumb, but there was loss of power. In conclusion, arthrodesis is the method of choice if reduction of strength is to be avoided.
Hand Injury with Paint-Gun
Authors: THAKORE H. K. D.
Published: January 2007

Paint-gun injuries are notoriously disabling, far more so than those caused by other foreign materials as they carry a high morbidity rate. Forty-three cases of high pressure injection injury due to paint-guns have been reported in the English literature. The four new cases reported here reflect the effects of injury by the epoxy resins, relatively recently introduced and widely used in heavy industry.
Juvenile Aponeurotic Fibroma
Authors: ADEYEMI-DORO H. O. , OLUDE O.
Published: January 2007

A large aponeurotic fibroma situated on the dorsum of the hand of a fourteen-year-old Nigerian male is reported. Out of forty-three juvenile aponeurotic fibromata of the hand documented in the literature, only two cases occurred on the dorsum.
Autonomy in language teaching and learning
Authors: Benson Phil
Published: January 2007

There has been a remarkable growth of interest in the theory and practice of autonomy in language teaching and learning in recent years. Focusing on work published since the turn of the 20th century, this review examines major trends in the recent literature on autonomy related to the emergence of alternative views of autonomy, new contexts of practice and interaction with concepts such as self-regulation, motivation, sociocultural theory and teacher development. The review also covers relevant developments in the philosophy of autonomy and the role of autonomy in global educational policy and reform. It concludes by discussing possible directions for future research in the field.
Gender and Cultural Patterns of Suicidal Behavior
Authors: van Bergen Diana D. , Smit Johannes H. , Kerkhof Ad J.F.M. , Saharso Sawitri
Published: January 2007

Patterns of suicidal behavior vary among cultures and along gender. Young Hindustani immigrant women attempt suicide four times more often than young Dutch women. This article explores multi-disciplinary explanations for suicidal behavior in this group. The interconnection of Durkheimian concepts of social integration and regulation with ecological insights into family relations and psychological and psychiatric theories on individual distress are relevant. It is suggested that young Hindustani women who display suicidal behavior possess certain personality and cognitive constellations that are interlocked with specific parenting styles in stressful family environments. These families are embedded in a context of moral transformations resulting from migration to a Western culture and may be facing difficulties accompanying the transitional processes encountered in the West, particularly those regarding gender roles. Durkheimian fatalistic and anomic suicides elucidate this. The Hindustani women who appear most at risk are those facing contradictory norms and overregulation, which prevent them from developing autonomy.
Mars' atmospheric argon: Tracer for understanding Martian atmospheric circulation and dynamics
Authors: Sprague Ann L. , Boynton William V. , Kerry Kris E. , Janes Daniel M. , Kelly Nora J. , Crombie M. Katherine , Nelli Steven M. , Murphy James R. , Reedy Robert C. , Metzger Albert E.
Published: January 2007

One and one half Mars years, from 8 June 2002 to 2 April 2005, of atmospheric argon (Ar) measurements are described and studied in the context of understanding how Ar, a minor constituent of the Martian atmosphere that does not condense at temperatures found on Mars, can be used to study Martian circulation and dynamics. The Ar data are from the gamma subsystem of the gamma ray spectrometer currently operating on the Mars Odyssey spacecraft in orbit around Mars. A comprehensive data analysis including γ ray production and attenuation by the atmosphere is presented. Four discoveries are discussed. (1) There is a factor of 6 enhancement of Ar measured over south polar latitudes (75°S to 90°S) for 2 consecutive Mars years occurring near the onset of southern winter. (2) There is no similar strong enhancement of Ar over north polar regions during northern winter. Part of this difference is explained by the global topographic dichotomy and the fact that the duration of northern autumn and winter is only ∼80% as long as that of southern autumn and winter. (3) Rapid seasonal fluctuations in Ar abundance from 60°S to 90°S may be evidence for wave activity at the perimeter of the southern seasonal polar cap. (4) The magnitude of the Ar enhancement over the south polar region lacks spatial coincidence with either the relatively dark “cryptic terrain” or the relatively bright albedo regions; however, a divergence in Ar abundance near Ls = 267.5° may be an expression of later CO2 sublimation in the bright terrain rather than in the cryptic region.
Diurnal variations of summer precipitation over contiguous China
Authors: Yu Rucong , Zhou Tianjun , Xiong Anyuan , Zhu Yanjun , Li Jiming
Published: January 2007

Diurnal variations of summer precipitation over contiguous China are studied using hourly rain‐gauge data from 588 stations during 1991–2004. It is found that summer precipitation over contiguous China has large diurnal variations with considerable regional features. Over southern inland China and northeastern China summer precipitation peaks in the late afternoon, while over most of the Tibetan Plateau and its east periphery it peaks around midnight. The diurnal phase changes eastward along the Yangtze River Valley, with a midnight maximum in the upper valley, an early morning peak in the middle valley, and a late afternoon maximum in the lower valley. Summer precipitation over the region between the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers has two diurnal peaks: one in the early morning and another in the late afternoon.
Hotspots of deep ocean mixing on the Oregon continental slope
Authors: Nash J. D. , Alford M. H. , Kunze E. , Martini K. , Kelly S.
Published: January 2007

Two deep ocean hotspots of turbulent mixing were found over the Oregon continental slope. Thorpe‐scale analyses indicate time‐averaged turbulent energy dissipation rates of ε > 10−7 W/kg and eddy diffusivities of Kρ ∼ 10−2 m2/s at both hotspots. However, the structure of turbulence and its generation mechanism at each site appear to be different. At the 2200‐m isobath, sustained >100‐m high turbulent overturns occur in stratified fluid several hundred meters above the bottom. Turbulence shows a clear 12.4‐h periodicity proposed to be driven by flow over a nearby 100‐m tall ridge. At the 1300‐m isobath, tidally‐modulated turbulence of similar intensity is confined within a stratified bottom boundary layer. Along‐slope topographic roughness at scales not resolved in global bathymetric data sets appears to be responsible for the bulk of the turbulence observed. Such topography is common to most continental slopes, providing a mechanism for turbulence generation in regions where barotropic tidal currents are nominally along‐isobath.
Quasi‐analytic models for density bubbles and plasma clouds in the equatorial ionosphere: Closed form solutions for electric fields and potentials
Authors: Bernhardt Paul A.
Published: January 2007

The equatorial ionosphere contains imbedded bubbles that rise vertically through a horizontally stratified plasma. When gravity, neutral winds or external electric fields act on the F region plasma, electric fields form in the density perturbations that comprise the bubbles. The second order differential equation that describes the electric fields is a nonseparable elliptic equation. Exact solutions of this nonlinear differential equation for the electric fields and potentials are derived assuming linear or circular symmetry to the density structures imbedded in the background plasma. A wide variety of analytic solutions for electric potentials are found for both density cavities and density enhancements. These solutions may be used for quasi‐analytic transport of the bubbles with equations derived from the continuity equation for the plasma. The analytic solutions may also be used to test numerical solvers of the nonseparable elliptic equations that describe the electric fields in the unstable plasma.
Effects of shock‐induced cracks on the ultrasonic velocity and attenuation in granite
Authors: Ai Huirong A. , Ahrens Thomas J.
Published: January 2007

Measurements of the compressional wave velocity and the attenuation coefficients of 1‐cm cubes were conducted. Samples were taken at various radii and depths beneath a 20 × 20 × 15 cm San Marcos granite block, impacted by a lead bullet at a velocity of 1200 m/s. The damage parameters of the cubes are calculated from the measured preimpact and postimpact P wave velocities, Vp0 and Vp, and the crack density is inverted from the measured P wave velocities. The anisotropic orientation of cracks is more obvious from the attenuation than crack density and damage parameters calculated from the ultrasonic velocity. P wave velocity and the normalized distance from the impact point follow an exponential decay relation. Other properties, such as the damage parameter, crack density, and attenuation coefficient, are expressed by a power law decay with distance. The damage parameter and attenuation coefficients are approximately linearly related. The slope of the linear fitting results in directions normal to the crack orientation is about twice the value in direction along the crack orientation. The attenuation coefficient is found to be a more useful parameter than elastic velocity in describing the anisotropic orientation of cracks.
Nitric acid measurements at Eureka obtained in winter 2001–2002 using solar and lunar Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy: Comparisons with observations at Thule and Kiruna and with results from three‐dimensional models
Authors: Farahani Elham , Fast H. , Mittermeier R. L. , Makino Y. , Strong K. , McLandress C. , Shepherd T. G. , Chipperfield M. P. , Hannigan J. W. , Coffey M. T. , Mikuteit S. , Hase F. , Blumenstock T. , Raffalski U.
Published: January 2007

For the first time, vertical column measurements of nitric acid (HNO3) above Eureka (80.1°N, 86.4°W), Canada, have been made during polar night using lunar spectra recorded with a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, from October 2001 to March 2002. This site is part of the primary Arctic station of the Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Change. These measurements were compared with FTIR measurements at two other Arctic sites: Thule, Greenland (76.5°N, 68.8°W), and Kiruna, Sweden (67.8°N, 20.4°E). Eureka lunar measurements are in good agreement with solar ones made with the same instrument. Eureka and Thule HNO3 columns are consistent within measurement error. Differences between HNO3 columns at Kiruna and those at Eureka and Thule can be explained on the basis of available sunlight hours and location of the polar vortex. The measurements were also compared with results from a chemistry‐climate model, the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model (CMAM), and from a three‐dimensional chemical transport model, SLIMCAT. This is the first time that CMAM HNO3 columns have been compared with observations in the Arctic. The comparison of CMAM HNO3 columns with Eureka and Kiruna data shows good agreement. The warm 2001–2002 winter with almost no polar stratospheric clouds makes the comparison with this version of CMAM, which has a known warm bias, a good test for CMAM under these conditions. SLIMCAT captures the magnitude of HNO3 columns at Eureka, and the day‐to‐day variability, but generally reports higher values than were measured at Thule and Kiruna.
Comparison of microwave and optical cloud water path estimates from TMI, MODIS, and MISR
Authors: Horváth Ákos , Davies Roger
Published: January 2007

This study investigated the consistency between microwave and optical water path estimates of oceanic clouds from Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR). We used microwave estimates from the Wentz algorithm for warm, nonprecipitating clouds and both Wentz retrievals and standard TMI profiles for cold, precipitating clouds. Optical estimates were derived from cloud optical thickness and particle effective radius. For warm, nonprecipitating clouds the two methods showed good agreement at the 25‐km resolution of the microwave measurements, with liquid water path means being within 5–10%, an overall correlation of 0.85, and RMS difference of ∼25 g m−2. Multiangle optical retrievals showed only weak variations with view zenith angle, building further confidence in the results. An error analysis suggested that optical estimates were more certain than microwave ones, primarily because 1‐D plane‐parallel radiative transfer seemed to apply well at the coarser comparison scales. However, there appeared to be a slight but systematic dependence on cloud amount as microwave retrievals increasingly overestimated optical ones at cloud fractions below ∼65%. For cold, precipitating clouds we tested three common interpretations of optical retrievals: liquid water path, ice water path, and total water path. The relationship between microwave and optical estimates was weak in all cases, with correlations no more than 0.5, and RMS differences at least an order of magnitude larger than for warm clouds. The weakest correlation (0.37) was found when optical retrievals were interpreted as ice water paths. If anything, optical estimates appeared best correlated with microwave cloud liquid water paths.
Why did Sudicky [1986] find an exponential‐like spatial correlation structure for hydraulic conductivity at the Borden research site?
Authors: Ritzi Robert W. , Allen‐King Richelle M.
Published: January 2007

The exponential‐like spatial correlation structure for hydraulic conductivity that Sudicky (1986) found at the Borden research site arises from hierarchical sedimentary architecture. The sediments can be described in terms of a hierarchy of stratal unit types wherein larger‐scale unit types (hierarchical level II) are composed of smaller‐scale unit types (hierarchical level I). There is a hierarchy of permeability populations corresponding to this stratal hierarchy. The shape and effective range of the composite semivariogram is mostly defined by how the proportion of lag transitions crossing these unit types grows as a function of lag distance. Lag transitions across level I units but within the same level II unit type and transitions across level II unit types contribute about equally in defining the composite sample semivariogram in the vertical direction. These two types of cross transitions have shorter and longer length scales, respectively. The composite semivariogram reflects additive contributions from the two length scales. The proportion of cross‐transition lags grows with an exponential‐like curve because the unit types at either level reoccur with a relatively high variability in length. The shape and range of the semivariogram are modeled from knowing only the univariate statistics for length among the unit types, and the sill is modeled from knowing univariate statistics for hydraulic conductivity populations among the unit types. Understanding the relationship between the semivariogram structure and these quantifiable attributes of the hierarchical stratal architecture helps in reducing the equivocal aspects of choosing a semivariogram model. It also helps in identifying bias in sample semivariograms and in assessing stationarity of second‐order spatial bivariate statistics.
Behavioural responses of Australian freshwater crayfish (Cherax cainii and Cherax albidus) to exotic fish odour
Authors: Height S. G. , Whisson G. J.
Published: January 2007

Exotic finfish and crayfish have been translocated into Western Australia for more than 100 years. Deliberate stocking and subsequent escape from man-made impoundments have resulted in widespread distribution of non-native yabbies (Cherax albidus) and the exotic redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) in the State’s south-west. Both species are considered invasive and are known to compete with indigenous species for resources. The nature and degree of impact on native marron (Cherax cainii) is unclear and the subject of current debate. Other researchers have hypothesised that invasive species modify their behaviour in the presence of predators in a more rapid and advantageous manner than native species. This greater behavioural plasticity can result in displacement of indigenous species and successful colonisation of invaders. The aim of this study was to investigate behavioural responses of an indigenous crayfish (C. cainii) and an invasive crayfish (C. albidus) to odours from a native predator (Tandanus bostocki) and an exotic predatory fish (P. fluviatilis) present in Western Australia. Crayfish behaviour was observed in individual glass tanks following the addition of odours from native (T. bostocki) or exotic (P. fluviatilis) finfish predators. Marron exhibited minor behavioural modifications when presented with odours from native or exotic finfish. In contrast, the invasive yabby showed greater detection of odours, displaying significant changes in behaviour (P < 0.05). Yabbies also appeared to distinguish between food odour (commercial crayfish feed) and predator odour; however, neither marron nor yabbies displayed behaviour indicating that they could distinguish between a native or exotic fish predator. Results support the hypothesis that invasive crayfish species have a greater capacity for behavioural plasticity than non-invasive crayfish.
Dietary variation in spectacled flying foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus) of the Australian Wet Tropics
Authors: Parsons Jennifer G. , Cairns Andi , Johnson Christopher N. , Robson Simon K. A. , Shilton Louise A. , Westcott David A.
Published: January 2007

The diet of Pteropus conspicillatus, a large flying fox, was examined by collecting faeces in traps beneath daytime roost trees in four geographically distinct camps in the Wet Tropics bioregion of North-eastern Queensland, Australia. Faecal analyses revealed that P. conspicillatus utilise a broad variety of plant resources from a variety of habitats. Seed and pulp from figs (Ficus spp., Moraceae) and pollen from the family Myrtaceae were most frequently represented in the faeces from a range of both wet sclerophyll and rainforest habitats. The dietary composition of P. conspicillatus at individual camps could not be predicted by the habitats located within a typical foraging distance of each camp (20 km), and although consistent dietary changes were seen across all camps over time, each camp had a unique dietary signature indicative of feeding on a distinct subset of available vegetation. The unique diet of each camp and the variety of dietary items consumed suggest that camps may need to be managed on an individual camp-specific basis, and that P. conspicillatus are utilising a broader range of resources than would be expected if the species was a strict ‘rainforest-fruit specialist’.
Controlled expression of transgenes introduced by
in vivo
electroporation
Authors: Matsuda Takahiko , Cepko Constance L.
Published: January 2007

In vivo
electroporation is a powerful technique for the introduction of genes into organisms. Temporal and spatial regulation of expression of introduced genes, or of RNAi, would further enhance the utility of this method. Here we demonstrate conditional regulation of gene expression from electroporated plasmids in the postnatal rat retina and the embryonic mouse brain. For temporal regulation, Cre/loxP-mediated inducible expression vectors were used in combination with a vector expressing a conditionally active form of Cre recombinase, which is activated by 4-hydroxytamoxifen. Onset of gene expression was regulated by the timing of 4-hydroxytamoxifen administration. For spatial regulation, transgenes were expressed by using promoters specific for rod photoreceptors, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, Müller glia or progenitor cells. Combinations of these constructs will facilitate a variety of experiments, including cell-type-specific gene misexpression, conditional RNAi, and fate mapping of progenitor and precursor cells.
A mutation in separase causes genome instability and increased susceptibility to epithelial cancer
Authors: Shepard Jennifer L. , Amatruda James F. , Finkelstein David , Ziai James , Finley K. Rose , Stern Howard M. , Chiang Ken , Hersey Candace , Barut Bruce , Freeman Jennifer L. , Lee Charles , Glickman Jonathan N. , Kutok Jeffery L. , Aster Jon C. , Zon Leonard I.
Published: January 2007

Proper chromosome segregation is essential for maintenance of genomic integrity and instability resulting from failure of this process may contribute to cancer. Here, we demonstrate that a mutation in the mitotic regulator separase is responsible for the cell cycle defects seen in the zebrafish mutant, cease&desist (cds). Analysis of cds homozygous mutant embryos reveals high levels of polyploidy and aneuploidy, spindle defects, and a mitotic exit delay. Carcinogenesis studies demonstrated that cds heterozygous adults have a shift in tumor spectrum with an eightfold increase in the percentage of fish bearing epithelial tumors, indicating that separase is a tumor suppressor gene in vertebrates. These data strongly support a conserved cross-species role for mitotic checkpoint genes in genetic stability and epithelial carcinogenesis.
Bcl2L12 inhibits post-mitochondrial apoptosis signaling in glioblastoma
Authors: Stegh Alexander H. , Kim Hyunggee , Bachoo Robert M. , Forloney Kristin L. , Zhang Jean , Schulze Harald , Park Kevin , Hannon Gregory J. , Yuan Junying , Louis David N. , DePinho Ronald A. , Chin Lynda
Published: January 2007

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an astrocytic brain tumor characterized by an aggressive clinical course and intense resistance to all therapeutic modalities. Here, we report the identification and functional characterization of Bcl2L12 (Bcl2-like-12) that is robustly expressed in nearly all human primary GBMs examined. Enforced Bcl2L12 expression confers marked apoptosis resistance in primary cortical astrocytes, and, conversely, its RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown sensitizes human glioma cell lines toward apoptosis in vitro and impairs tumor growth with increased intratumoral apoptosis in vivo. Mechanistically, Bcl2L12 expression does not affect cytochrome c release or apoptosome-driven caspase-9 activation, but instead inhibits post-mitochondrial apoptosis signaling at the level of effector caspase activation. One of Bcl2L12’s mechanisms of action stems from its ability to interact with and neutralize caspase-7. Notably, while enforced Bcl2L12 expression inhibits apoptosis, it also engenders a pronecrotic state, which mirrors the cellular phenotype elicited by genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of post-mitochondrial apoptosis molecules. Thus, Bcl2L12 contributes to the classical tumor biological features of GBM such as intense apoptosis resistance and florid necrosis, and may provide a target for enhanced therapeutic responsiveness of this lethal cancer.
Eukaryotic regulatory RNAs: an answer to the ‘genome complexity’ conundrum
Authors: Prasanth Kannanganattu V. , Spector David L.
Published: January 2007

A large portion of the eukaryotic genome is transcribed as noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). While once thought of primarily as “junk,” recent studies indicate that a large number of these RNAs play central roles in regulating gene expression at multiple levels. The increasing diversity of ncRNAs identified in the eukaryotic genome suggests a critical nexus between the regulatory potential of ncRNAs and the complexity of genome organization. We provide an overview of recent advances in the identification and function of eukaryotic ncRNAs and the roles played by these RNAs in chromatin organization, gene expression, and disease etiology.