bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric Moisture Transport over the United States and Mexico as Evaluated in the NCEP Regional Reanalysis
Authors: Mo Kingtse C. , Chelliah Muthuvel , Carrera Marco L. , Higgins R. Wayne , Ebisuzaki Wesley 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
The large-scale atmospheric hydrologic cycle over the United States and Mexico derived from the 23-yr NCEP regional reanalysis (RR) was evaluated by comparing the RR products with satellite estimates, independent sounding data, and the operational Eta Model three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) system (EDAS).
In general, the winter atmospheric transport and precipitation are realistic. The climatology and interannual variability of the Pacific, subtropical jet streams, and low-tropospheric moisture transport are well captured. During the summer season, the basic features and the evolution of the North American monsoon (NAM) revealed by the RR compare favorably with observations. The RR also captures the out-of-phase relationship of precipitation as well as the moisture flux convergence between the central United States and the Southwest. The RR is able to capture the zonal easterly Caribbean low-level jet (CALLJ) and the meridional southerly Great Plains low-level jet (GPLLJ). Together, they transport copious moisture from the Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Plains, respectively. The RR systematically overestimates the meridional southerly Gulf of California low-level jet (GCLLJ). A comparison with observations suggests that the meridional winds from the RR are too strong, with the largest differences centered over the northern Gulf of California. The strongest winds over the Gulf in the RR extend above 700 hPa, while the operational EDAS and station soundings indicate that the GCLLJ is confined to the boundary layer.
Mikrogehäuste mediengetrennte Silizium-Druck- und Differenzdrucksensoren für industrielle Anwendungen (Silicon-based Microsensors for Pressure and Differential Pressure with Media Separation for Industrial Applications)
Authors: Wohlgemuth Christian , Sindlinger Stefan , Werthschützky Roland , Thiele Peter 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Die mediengetrennte Gehäusung piezoresistiver Drucksensoren ist gegenüber den Kosten für das Silizium-Messelement unverhältnismäßig teuer. Der Einsatz neuer Werkstoffe und Fertigungsverfahren ermöglicht es, die Sensoren zu miniaturisieren, Kosten einzusparen und eine mikrocontrollerbasierte Fehlerkorrektur zu integrieren.
In Vitro and In Vivo Inhibition of Skin Matrix Metalloproteinases by Pothomorphe umbellata Root Extract
Authors: Ropke Cristina D. , da Silva Vanessa V. , Kera Clarissa Z. , Miranda Denise V. , de Almeida Rebeca L. , Sawada Tâia C. H. , Barros Silvia B. M. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTExposure to UV radiation up‐regulates the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of matrix‐degrading enzymes. MMPs are regarded as promising therapeutic targets and the development of effective inhibitors is an important research focus. The plant Pothomorphe umbellata has been shown to exert a potent antioxidant activity on the skin and to delay the onset and reduce the incidence of UVB‐induced chronic skin damage. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of P. umbellata ethanolic root extract on MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. The in vitro inhibition of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 was measured by gelatin zymography in the presence of different concentrations of P. umbellata extract, as well as in the presence of its isolated active principle 4‐nerolidylcatechol (4‐NC). The inhibitory effect of the P. umbellata extract was stronger than that of 4‐NC. Gelatin zymography and histo‐logical analysis revealed that P. umbellata was able to inhibit constitutive MMP‐9 activity in vivo in mice sacrificed 2 h after UVB irradiation. The intensity of the MMP‐2 band was unchanged. Our data contribute to the elucidation of the mechanism of prevention of photoaging by P. umbellata and may provide a rational basis for the use of this plant in prophylaxis against and treatment of skin cancer.
Effect of Sodium Alendronate on Alveolar Bone Resorption in Experimental Periodontitis in Rats
Authors: Menezes Adriana M.A. , Rocha Francisco Airton C. , Chaves Hellíada V. , Carvalho Cibele B.M. , Ribeiro Ronaldo A. , Brito Gerly Anne C. 
Published: November 2005

Background: Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of bone resorption and were shown to inhibit bone resorption in experimental periodontitis by unknown mechanisms. We studied the effect of the aminobisphosphonate sodium alendronate (SA) in experimental periodontitis. Wistar rats were subjected to ligature placement around the second upper left molars.Methods: Animals were treated with SA 0.01 to 0.25 mg/kg subcutaneously (sc), either 1 hour before (prophylactic) or starting 5 days after (therapeutic) periodontitis induction and daily until the rats were sacrificed (11 days). Controls received saline. Animals were weighed daily. Alveolar bone loss was measured as the difference (in millimeters) between the cusp tip and the alveolar bone. The periodontium and the surrounding gingivae were examined at histopathology, and the neutrophil influx into the gingivae was assayed using myeloperoxidase activity. The local bacterial flora was assessed through culture of the gingival tissue in standard aerobic and anaerobic media.Results: Alveolar bone loss was significantly and dose dependently inhibited by SA either as a prophylactic or therapeutic treatment compared to the control. SA reduced tissue lesion at histopathology, with partial preservation of the periodontium, coupled to decreased myeloperoxidase activity compared to the control. The reduced neutrophil influx was also shown in carrageenan‐induced peritonitis, used as a control experiment for this parameter. SA also significantly inhibited the growth of pigmented bacilli and Fusobacterium nucleatum, which are important in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. SA also inhibited the in vitro growth of isolated Peptostreptococcus sp.Conclusion: Sodium alendronate preserves alveolar bone resorption and has anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial activities in experimental periodontitis.
Can plants betray the presence of multiple herbivore species to predators and parasitoids? The role of learning in phytochemical information networks
Authors: Takabayashi Junji , Sabelis Maurice W. , Janssen Arne , Shiojiri Kaori , van Wijk Michiel 
Published: November 2005

AbstractIn response to feeding by phytophagous arthropods, plants emit volatile chemicals. This is shown to be an active physiological response of the plant and the released chemicals are therefore called herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPV). One of the supposed functions of HIPV for the plant is to attract carnivorous natural enemies of herbivores. Depending on which plant and herbivore species interact, blends of HIPV show qualitative and quantitative variation. Hence, one may ask whether this allows the natural enemies to discriminate between volatiles from plants infested by herbivore species that are either suitable or unsuitable as a food source for the natural enemy. Another question is whether natural enemies can also recognise HIPV when two or more herbivore species that differ in suitability as a food source simultaneously attack the same plant species. By reviewing the literature we show that arthropod predators and parasitoids can tell different HIPV blends apart in several cases of single plant–single herbivore systems and even in single plant–multiple herbivore systems. Yet, there are also cases where predators and parasitoids do not discriminate or discriminate only after having learned the association between HIPV and herbivores that are either suitable or non‐suitable as a source of food. In this case, suitable herbivores may profit from colonising plants that are already infested by another non‐suitable herbivore. The resulting temporal or partial refuge may have important population dynamical consequences, as such refuges have been shown to stabilise otherwise unstable predator–prey models of the Lotka‐Volterra or Nicholson‐Bailey type.
The prevalence of self‐reported health problems and haemoglobin status of Sudanese adolescents
Authors: Moukhyer M.E. , de Vries N.K. , Bosma H. , van Eijk J.Th.M. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTIn this paper we describe self‐reported health problems and haemoglobin status among 1200 Sudanese adolescents (53.2% females, 46.8% males). Many adolescents report their general health as excellent and good (84%). A large number, however, report separate physical and psychological complaints. Report of psychological complaints is equal for both gender, and more psychological problems are reported with increasing age. Females and age groups 13–15 more often report chronic diseases. Malaria consistently has a relatively high prevalence. The overall prevalence of anaemia in our study is 32% (46.9% males, 19.2% females). The findings in our study do not sustain the traditional assumption that adolescence is a healthy period in human life. Implications for Sudanese health policies are discussed.
Bottlenose dolphins around Aberdeen harbour, north-east Scotland: a short study of habitat utilization and the potential effects of boat traffic
Authors: Sini M.I. , Canning S.J. , Stockin K.A. , Pierce G.J. 
Published: November 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that affect the patterns of occurrence and habitat utilization of bottlenose dolphins around Aberdeen harbour, on the north-east coast of Scotland (UK), and their responses to boat traffic. Land-based surveys were conducted over a period of nine weeks, between early May and late July, 2002. During this time 83 sightings of bottlenose dolphins were recorded. Dolphins occurred more frequently around midday and early afternoon, while their abundance was greater around high tide and late afternoon. Foraging was the most commonly observed activity.Dolphins were usually concentrated around the entrance of Aberdeen harbour. Their responses to boats varied considerably according to boat size, activity and speed, but there is evidence of habituation to boat traffic.
Residue-rotamer-reduction algorithm for the protein side-chain conformation problem
Authors: Xie Wei , Sahinidis Nikolaos V. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
Motivation: The protein side-chain conformation problem is a central problem in proteomics with wide applications in protein structure prediction and design. Computational complexity results show that the problem is hard to solve. Yet, instances from realistic applications are large and demand fast and reliable algorithms.
Results: We propose a new global optimization algorithm, which for the first time integrates residue reduction and rotamer reduction techniques previously developed for the protein side-chain conformation problem. We show that the proposed approach simplifies dramatically the topology of the underlining residue graph. Computations show that our algorithm solves problems using only 1–10% of the time required by the mixed-integer linear programming approach available in the literature. In addition, on a set of hard side-chain conformation problems, our algorithm runs 2–78 times faster than SCWRL 3.0, which is widely used for solving these problems.
Availability: The implementation is available as an online server at
Contact: nikos@uiuc.edu
Methylosarcina lacus sp. nov., a methanotroph from Lake Washington, Seattle, USA, and emended description of the genus Methylosarcina
Authors: Kalyuzhnaya Marina G. , Stolyar Sergey M. , Auman Ann J. , Lara Jimmie C. , Lidstrom Mary E. , Chistoserdova Ludmila 
Published: November 2005

An obligately methanotrophic bacterial strain, LW14T, isolated from the sediment of Lake Washington, Seattle, USA, is described taxonomically. The isolate is an aerobic, Gram-negative, non-motile bacterium capable of growth on methane, and possesses type I intracytoplasmic membranes (i.e. it is a type I methanotroph). The strain possesses particulate methane monooxygenase (MMO) and has no soluble MMO. Formaldehyde is assimilated via the ribulose monophosphate cycle. The isolate grows within a pH range of 4–8, with the optimum between pH 5·5 and 6·5. The cellular fatty acid profile is dominated by C16 :
ω18c, C16 : 1
ω7c and C16 : 1
ω5t fatty acids. The DNA G+C content is 53·3±0·4 mol%. On the basis of sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, isolate LW14T is related most closely to representatives of the genus Methylosarcina. However, DNA–DNA hybridization analysis reveals only a distant relationship between isolate LW14T and the previously described Methylosarcina species. On the basis of its phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, LW14T represents a novel species of the genus Methylosarcina, for which the name Methylosarcina lacus sp. nov. is proposed, with LW14T (=ATCC BAA-1047T=JCM 13284T) as the type strain.
Transcriptional up‐regulation of histamine receptor‐1 in epithelial, mucus and inflammatory cells in perennial allergic rhinitis
Authors: Dinh Q. T. , Cryer A. , Dinh S. , Peiser C. , Wu S. , Springer J. , Hamelmann E. , Klapp B. F. , Heppt W. , Fischer A. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryBackgroundHistamine receptors play an important role in the pathogenesis of nasal allergy. Activation of histamine receptor 1 (H1R) and 2 (H2R) can cause allergic symptoms which can be blocked effectively by antihistamines. H1R and H2R transcript levels have been found to be up‐regulated in perennial – but not in seasonal – allergic rhinitis (AR). The present study aimed to explore H1R and H2R expression in complex tissues of the nasal mucosa of perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR).MethodsTen patients with PAR and 13 non‐AR subjects were recruited for the study by medical history, physical examination and laboratory screening tests. In this study, we have analysed single cells dissected from the nasal mucosa biopsies by laser‐assisted microdissection. H1R mRNA expression was analysed in different cell types such as epithelial, endothelial, mucus and inflammatory cells isolated from the nasal mucosa of PAR in comparison with non‐AR subjects.ResultsH1R mRNA gene expression level was significantly increased in the nasal mucosa of PAR in comparison with non‐AR (P<0.0001). H1R mRNA was significantly elevated in epithelial (P<0.001) and mucus cells (P<0.05) of PAR in comparison with non‐AR whereas H1R gene expression levels in endothelial cells between both groups were not changed (P=0.23). Interestingly, inflammatory cells in the nasal mucosa of PAR patients were also strongly expressed H1R mRNA (P<0.001).ConclusionThe present study indicates that PAR alters the expression of H1R mRNA in epithelial, mucus and inflammatory cells of the nasal mucosa and but not in endothelial cells. Therefore, epithelial, mucus and inflammatory cells may play an important role in histamine‐mediated allergic airway inflammation in PAR.
Allergic rhinitis with or without concomitant asthma: difference in perception of dyspnoea and levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide
Authors: Aronsson D. , Tufvesson E. , Bjermer L. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryBackground/aim
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a risk factor for developing clinical asthma. Moreover, AR is often associated with bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether patients with AR and asthma differed from AR with or without BHR in degree of perception of dyspnoea and airway inflammation, measured as fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (NO).Materials
Twenty‐nine patients with seasonal AR (timothy) were investigated with metacholine challenge test. Fourteen healthy non‐reactive subjects served as controls.Methods
(1) Metacholine challenge test, cut‐off value forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) PD20 2000 μg. Slope value for metacholine was calculated as %fall in FEV1/mol metacholine. Dyspnoea during challenge was measured with a 10‐graded modified Borg score. (2) Measurement of fractional‐exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) at flow rate 50 mL/s.Results
Eighteen patients reported AR only, without asthma symptoms, and 12 (67%) were BHR. Eleven subjects had both rhinitis and asthma symptoms. Patients with rhinitis and asthma reported significantly more dyspnoea per percent fall in FEV1 compared with those with rhinitis and BHR. Moreover, those with rhinitis and asthma had significantly higher NO values compared with those with rhinitis and BHR.Conclusion
The difference between rhinitis patients with or without asthma symptoms seems to be mainly a question of perception of dyspnoea. However, FENO measurement indicates that dyspnoea may also be associated with increased inflammatory activity in the peripheral airways.
Using geophysical information to define benthic habitats in a large river
Authors: STRAYER DAVID L. , MALCOM HEATHER M. , BELL ROBIN E. , CARBOTTE SUZANNE M. , NITSCHE FRANK O. 
Published: November 2005

Summary1. Most attempts to describe the distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates in large rivers have used local (grab‐scale) assessments of environmental conditions, and have had limited ability to account for spatial variation in macroinvertebrate populations.2. We tested the ability of a habitat classification system based on multibeam bathymetry, side‐scan sonar, and chirp sub‐bottom seismics to identify large‐scale habitat units (‘facies’) and account for macroinvertebrate distribution in the Hudson River, a large tidal river in eastern New York.3. Partial linear regression analysis showed that sediment facies were generally more effective than local or positional variables in explaining various aspects of the macroinvertebrate community (community structure, density of all invertebrates, density of fish forage, density of a pest species –Dreissena polymorpha).4. Large‐scale habitats may be effective at explaining macroinvertebrate distributions in large rivers because they are integrative and describe habitat at the spatial scales of dominant controlling processes.
Consequences of violating the recapture duration assumption of mark–recapture models: a test using simulated and empirical data from an endangered tortoise population
Authors: O'BRIEN SUSAN , ROBERT BOUROU , TIANDRY HAFANY 
Published: November 2005

Summary
Mark–recapture methods are frequently used to estimate survival rates, which inform wildlife management policies. Mark–recapture models assume zero mortality of marked animals during the period of recapture and therefore that this period is of negligible duration relative to the interval between recapture events. This ‘recapture duration assumption’ is frequently violated yet is rarely tested for its potential to bias survival estimates. We investigated whether violating the recapture duration assumption increased precision at the cost of increased bias in estimates of survival.
Using both simulation and empirical approaches, annual survival and recapture rates were estimated under recapture period durations that either conformed to, or violated, the recapture duration assumption. Empirical data were derived from a population of endangered Madagascar ploughshare tortoises Geochelone yniphora.
Estimates of ploughshare tortoise survival were higher and had smaller standard errors when the recapture duration assumption was violated. As the ‘true’ ploughshare tortoise survivorship was unknown, a simulation approach was used to assess whether short or long recapture periods gave the most reliable estimates.
The simulation study showed that violating the recapture duration assumption increased precision but did not increase bias in parameter estimates, even if up to 50% of the annual mortality occurred during the recapture period. The most precise and least biased survival estimates were obtained when sample size (number of marked individuals) was greatest, i.e. when both survival and recapture rates were high. Bias in survival estimates was negligible unless the recapture rate during the recapture period was < 0·2. We conclude that the most precise ploughshare tortoise parameter estimates were generated by using lengthy recapture occasions that violated the recapture duration assumption.
Synthesis and applications. To achieve the most precise and least biased survival estimates we recommend violating the recapture duration assumption and using a recapture period that maximizes sample size and achieves a recapture rate of > 0·2 during the recapture period. If both survival and recapture rates are relatively constant during the recapture period, survival estimates will then have negligible bias. If a recapture rate of > 0·2 during the recapture period cannot be achieved, methods other than mark–recapture should be used to quantify demographics. These recommendations apply to any species with an annual survival rate > 0·05.
Activity of purified QscR, a Pseudomonas aeruginosa orphan quorum‐sensing transcription factor
Authors: Lee Joon‐Hee , Lequette Yannick , Greenberg E. Peter 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa has two acyl‐homoserine lactone (acyl‐HSL) signalling systems, LasR‐I and RhlR‐I. LasI catalyses the synthesis of N‐3‐oxododecanoyl homoserine lactone (3OC12) and LasR is a transcription factor that requires 3OC12 as a ligand. RhlI catalyses the synthesis of N‐butanoyl homoserine lactone (C4) and RhlR is a transcription factor that responds to C4. LasR and RhlR control the transcription of hundreds of P. aeruginosa genes. There is a third P. aeruginosa LasR‐RhlR homologue encoded by qscR for which there is no cognate acyl‐HSL synthase gene. To test the hypothesis that QscR functions by direct control of specific promoters in an acyl‐HSL‐dependent manner we purified QscR and characterized QscR activity in vitro. We also studied QscR activity in recombinant Escherichia coli. QscR binds to promoters that have elements similar in sequence to those found in LasR‐ or RhlR‐dependent promoters but QscR does not bind to the LasR‐ or RhlR‐specific promoters we examined. QscR binding to DNA requires 3OC12, but QscR exhibits a relaxed acyl‐HSL specificity compared with the 3OC12‐cognate signal receptor LasR. Our results support the hypothesis that there is a specific QscR‐dependent regulon. We show that QscR controls genes in this regulon directly and that regulation is dependent on an acyl‐HSL produced by LasI. Because of its relaxed signal specificity QscR may also respond to acyl‐HSLs made by other bacteria in mixed bacterial communities.
RNA interference of Arabidopsis beta‐amylase8 prevents maltose accumulation upon cold shock and increases sensitivity of PSII photochemical efficiency to freezing stress
Authors: Kaplan Fatma , Guy Charles L. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryIt has been suggested that beta‐amylase (BMY) induction during temperature stress in Arabidopsis could lead to starch‐dependent maltose accumulation, and that maltose may contribute to protection of the electron transport chain and proteins in the chloroplast stroma during acute stress. A time‐course transcript profiling analysis for cold shock at 4°C revealed that BMY8 (At4g17090) was induced specifically in response to cold shock, while major induction was not observed for any of the other eight beta‐amylases. A parallel metabolite‐profiling analysis revealed a robust transient maltose accumulation during cold shock. BMY8 RNAi lines with lower BMY8 expression exhibited a starch‐excess phenotype, and a dramatic decrease in maltose accumulation during a 6‐h cold shock at 4°C. The decreased maltose content was also accompanied by decreased glucose, fructose and sucrose content in the BMY8 RNAi plants, consistent with the roles of beta‐amylase and maltose in transitory starch metabolism. BMY8 RNAi lines with reduced soluble sugar content exhibited diminished chlorophyll fluorescence as Fv/Fm ratio compared with wild type, suggesting that PSII photochemical efficiency was more sensitive to freezing stress. Together, carbohydrate analysis and freezing stress results of BMY8 RNAi lines indicate that increased maltose content, by itself or together through a maltose‐dependent increase in other soluble sugars, contributes to the protection of the photosynthetic electron transport chain during freezing stress.