bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemodynamic Surrogates for Excitatory Membrane Potential Change During Interictal Epileptiform Events in Rat Neocortex
Authors: Ma Hongtao , Zhao Mingrui , Suh Minah , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: February 2009

Hemodynamic changes in the brain are often used as surrogates for epileptic neuronal activity in both the laboratory and the clinic (e.g., intrinsic signal, functional magnetic resonance imaging and single-photon emission computed tomography) in spite of the fact that perfusion-based signals have been shown to overestimate the population of spiking neurons. In addition, mechanisms of neurovascular coupling that apply during normal cortical processing may not be relevant in pathological circumstances such as epilepsy. For these reasons, we investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of epileptic neurovascular coupling using voltage-sensitive dyes (VSDs) to generate spatial maps of excitatory membrane activity and intrinsic optical spectroscopy (IOS) to measure deoxy-hemoglobin and total hemoglobin, i.e., cerebral blood volume (CBV), in vivo during interictal spikes in rat neocortex to examine their spatiotemporal correlations. We hypothesized that the IOS signal would correlate spatially with subthreshold excitatory activity, which involves a larger area of cortex than suprathreshold neuronal spiking. However, we found that both perfusion and oximetric signals spatially overshot the extent of the excitatory VSD signal by ∼2x. Nevertheless, a high correlation could be found at specific time points in the evolution and dissolution of the hemodynamic signals. The increase in deoxy-hemoglobin reached the highest correlation with the excitatory VSD signal earlier than CBV signals although CBV signals correlated equally well at certain time points. The amplitude of the hemodynamic signals had a linear correlation with the amplitude of the VSD signals except for small nonlinearities in the very center of the focus and in the periphery of the surround, indicating a tight spatial coupling. Our data suggest that hemodynamic signals can accurately define the spatial extent of excitatory interictal epileptiform subthreshold membrane activity at specific time points in their evolution.
Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux after Puberty
Authors: Austin J. Christopher
Published: February 2009

Vesicoureteral reflux is uncommonly diagnosed and treated after puberty. The natural history of uncorrected VUR after puberty is not documented. Postpubertal patients with recurrent pyelonephritis and VUR should be considered for treatment. Ureteral reimplantation, endoscopic injections, and laparoscopic or robotic ureteral reimplantation may be utilized. Endoscopic injection is an appealing option for these patients. The role of laparoscopic or robotic ureteral reimplantation in these patients is evolving.
A New Design of Compact 4×4 Butler Matrix for ISM Applications
Authors: Traii Mbarek , Nedil Mourad , Gharsallah Ali , Denidni Tayeb A.
Published: February 2009

A novel design of a compact 4×4 Butler matrix is presented. All the design is based on the use of a Lange coupler with certain geometrical characteristics. This matrix occupies only 20% of the size of the conventional Butler matrix at the same frequency (80% of compactness). To examine the performance of the proposed matrix, the Lange coupler and the Butler matrix were simulated using Momentum (ADS) and IE3D softwares. Simulation results of magnitude and phase show a good performance. Furthermore, a four-antenna array was also designed at 2.45 GHz and then connected to the matrix to form a beamforming antenna system. As a result, four orthogonal beams at −45∘, −15∘, 15∘, and 45∘ are produced. This matrix is suitable for wireless application at ISM band of 2.45 GHz.
Modified Jacobian Newton Iterative Method: Theory and Applications
Authors: Geiser Jürgen
Published: February 2009

This article proposes a new approach to the construction of a linearization method based on the
iterative operator‐splitting method for nonlinear differential equations. The convergence properties
of such a method are studied. The main features of the proposed idea are the linearization
of nonlinear equations and the application of iterative splitting methods. We present an iterative
operator‐splitting method with embedded Newton methods to solve nonlinearity. We confirm
with numerical applications the effectiveness of the proposed iterative operator‐splitting method
in comparison with the classical Newton methods. We provide improved results and convergence rates.
Correlation of Hydronephrosis Index to Society of Fetal Urology Hydronephrosis Scale
Authors: Venkatesan Krishnan , Green Joel , Shapiro Steven R. , Steinhardt George F.
Published: February 2009

Purpose. We seek to correlate conventional hydronephrosis (HN) grade and hydronephrosis index (HI).Methods. We examined 1207 hydronephrotic kidneys by ultrasound. HN was classified by Society of Fetal Urology guidelines. HN was then gauged using HI, a reproducible, standardized, and dimensionless measurement of renal area. We then calculated average HI for each HN grade.Results. Comparing HI to standard SFU HN grade, average HI is 89.3 for grade I; average HI is 83.9 for grade II; average HI is 73.0 for grade III; average HI is 54.6 for SFU grade IV.Conclusions. HI correlates well with SFU HN grade. The HI serves as a quantitative measure of HN. HI can be used to track HN over time. Versus conventional grading, HI may be more sensitive in defining severe (grades III and IV) HN, and in indicating resolving, stable, or worsening HN, thus providing more information for clinical decision-making and HN management.
An Awkward, but Potent, Fit Photographs and Political Narratives of the Tianjin Incidents During the Sino-Japanese Conflict, November 1931
Authors: Sheehan Brett
Published: February 2009

In November 1931, Japanese-hired Chinese 'plainclothesmen' attacked strategic locations in the Chinese portions of Tianjin leading to the eruption of a mini war for most of the month. At the time the Chinese and Japanese sides engaged in a bitter dispute about the basic facts of the events. The use of photographs in the service of these conflicting narratives shows that on the Chinese side coverage emphasised the link between the plainclothesmen and Japan by contrasting Japanese aggression with Chinese victimhood. Photographs in Japanese sources portrayed an enclosed and claustrophobic Japanese concession surrounded by threats from Chinese agitators goaded on by the Nationalist government. In all versions, photographic content and political narrative often fit awkwardly. Captions, juxtaposition and accompanying news stories placed otherwise cryptic photographs in larger political narratives. The ubiquitous use of photographs indicates a belief in their power which derived from both their claim on veracity and their ability to create an emotional conenction with the viewer. As a political tool, the photograph functioned in public mass media where readers hungered for the poignant and sensational. In the end, veracity and emotional charge, political narrative and sensationalist photo, militarism and wartime reporting were all inextricably linked.
Changing Socio-Economic Environments, Housing Culture and New Urban Segregation in Seoul
Authors: Gelézeau Valérie
Published: February 2009

The paper focuses on the recent transformation of the urban housing culture in South Korea through a geographical analysis of Seoulite apartment complexes (ap'at'ŭu tanji). The paper first analyses the changes in housing policy and the housing production system since the late 1970s, which have long been oriented mainly towards the middle and upper-middle classes. Not only have the lower-income classes been excluded from this new apartment culture, it also seems that the housing situation testifies to the partial failure of the so-called filtering process (in which the benefits of development are purported to spread through society from top to bottom). The paper then analyses the post-Asian crisis transformation of the housing environment in the city, where housing redevelopment projects are concentrated in highly speculative areas (Kangnam) and new forms of luxury condominium apartments (such as the Acroville complex) are appearing. At the same time, older apartment complexes are faced with more and more maintenance problems as well as with the constant pressure to reduce management fees. As in many world metropolises, emerging 'gated communities' and increasing social spatial segregations seem to characterise the housing culture and geography of Seoul today.
Recurrent Limb Weakness in a 17-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Thapa Rajoo , Biswas Biswajit , Mallick Debkrishna
Published: February 2009

Wilson disease is a relatively rare inherited disorder of copper accumulation and toxicity, caused by a defect in an enzyme that is part of the pathway of biliary excretion of excess copper. A 17-year-old boy presented with numerous episodes of hypokalemic weakness of the lower limbs of undetermined etiology since 12 years of age. Clinically, lower-motor neuron type of weakness of the limbs with preserved reflexes and paucity of sensory abnormalities were prominent. The investigations revealed distal renal tubular acidosis, hepatitis, and bilateral Kayser—Fleischer ring. The diagnosis of Wilson disease was confirmed by the demonstration of low serum ceruloplasmin, high serum copper, and high urinary copper excretion per se and after penicillamine challenge. He responded satisfactorily to penicillamine and zinc. Careful search of an underlying etiology in children presenting with hypokalemic weakness of the limbs in the face of metabolic acidosis and unexplained hepatitis may reveal Wilson disease.
Genealogical Tourism: A Phenomenological Examination
Authors: Santos Carla Almeida , Yan Grace
Published: February 2009

Seeking to contribute to ongoing investigations of diverse contexts of tourism consumption, the current investigation explores the meanings genealogical tourists attribute to their lived experiences and contextualizes those findings within larger social approaches to the human dynamics that drive contemporary tourism. Taking an interpretive turn, it proposes genealogical tourism as reflecting contemporary tourists’ call for diversity of leisure interests and opportunities as well as their desire for a full range of varying intimacies, intensities, and complexities in their tourism lived experiences. In particular, it reveals tourism as a reflexive response to a sense of loss that underpins modern society, assisting in reaffirming both a generational sense of the self and a self-recognition that one has one’s own perspective on the world.
Images of the Other
Authors: Caton Kellee , Santos Carla Almeida
Published: February 2009

Representation of cultural Others in tourism texts is an important concern. Thus far, analyses of mass-mediated tourism representations have focused on promotional materials produced by for-profit agencies or by governments charged with encouraging development through tourism. Lacking have been assessments of materials produced by non-profit brokers with humanitarian missions. This study interrogates the promotional literature of one such agency, Semester at Sea (SAS), to determine whether its representational practices differ from the mainstream. Grounded in postcolonial theory and employing content, semiotic, and discourse analysis, it argues that although SAS embraces a mission of promoting cross-cultural interaction and global citizenship, the program nevertheless continues to (re)produce hegemonic depictions of non-Westerners, asserting a Western superiority ideology by polarizing the West and the Rest into binaries of modern-traditional, technologically advanced-backward, and master -servant and decomplexifying the globalization process by presenting the non-West as exotic, culturally pristine, and filled with happy natives.
Review Essay: Pyrrhic Victories and a Trojan Horse in the Strauss Wars
Authors: Altman William H. F.
Published: February 2009

A careful reading of Harvey C. Mansfield's Manliness (2006) and the recent translation (2007) of Daniel Tanguay's Leo Strauss; une biographie intellectuelle (2003) reveals that neither text supports the view that Leo Strauss was a harmless if qualified friend of liberal democracy.
Social network analyses of positive and negative relationships among Japanese preschool classmates
Authors: Fujisawa Keiko K. , Kutsukake Nobuyuki , Hasegawa Toshikazu
Published: February 2009

Using social network analysis, we investigated the characteristics of social networks composed of positive relationships (positive network: PN) and negative relationships (negative network: NN) in classrooms of Japanese 3- and 4-year-olds. Analysis of “density” showed that PNs were denser than NNs among 4-year-olds but that this was not the case among 3-year-olds. The difference between the probability of dyads of girls forming cliques, between PNs and NNs, was larger than that for dyads of boys or mixed-sex dyads. Four-year-olds formed cliques more often in PNs than in NNs, compared to 3-year-olds. This study showed that both sex combination of dyads and age affect the quantified properties of social networks among preschoolers.
Maternal socialization of children's anger, sadness, and physical pain in two communities in Gujarat, India
Authors: Vidhatri Raval Vaishali , Martini Tanya Susan
Published: February 2009

Despite the recognition of cultural influences in child socialization, little is known about socialization of emotion in children from different cultures. This study examined (a) Gujarati Indian mothers' reports concerning their beliefs, affective and behavioral responses to their children's displays of anger, sadness, and physical pain, and (b) their children's reported decisions to express felt emotion. Eighty mothers and their children (between 5 and 9 years) from two urban communities (suburban and old city) in Gujarat, India participated. Results indicated that Gujarati mothers considered their children's expressions of anger and sadness to be less acceptable than physical pain, and were more likely to convey to the child that the angry or sad expression was unacceptable than with physical pain. Mothers' beliefs about the acceptability of their children's displays were correlated with their reported behaviors in response to those displays, as well as with their children's decisions to express those feelings. Within-culture findings indicated that mothers in the old city considered their children's expressions to be less acceptable than mothers in the suburban community. The findings are discussed in the context of collectivist orientation, Hindu ideology, and social organization across the two communities that influence mothers' reported beliefs and behaviors.
Preschool children's views on emotion regulation: Functional associations and implications for social-emotional adjustment
Authors: Dennis Tracy A. , Kelemen Deborah A.
Published: February 2009

Previous studies show that preschool children view negative emotions as susceptible to intentional control. However, the extent of this understanding and links with child social-emotional adjustment are poorly understood. To examine this, 62 3- and 4-year-olds were presented with puppet scenarios in which characters experienced anger, sadness, and fear. Forty-seven adults were presented with a parallel questionnaire. Participants rated the degree to which six emotion-regulation strategies were effective in decreasing negative emotions. Results showed that even the youngest preschoolers viewed cognitive and behavioral distraction and repairing the situation as relatively effective; compared to adults, however, preschoolers favored relatively “ineffective” strategies such as venting and rumination. Children also showed a functional view of emotion regulation; that effective strategies depend on the emotion being regulated. All participants favored repairing a negative situation to reduce anger and behavioral distraction to reduce sadness and fear. Finally, the more children indicated that venting would reduce negative emotions, the lower their maternal report of social skills. Findings are discussed in terms of functional emotion theory and implications of emotion-regulation understanding for child adjustment.
Was IMF-Imposed Economic Regime Change in Korea Justified? The Political Economy of IMF Intervention
Authors: Crotty James , Lee Kang-Kook
Published: February 2009

As late as October 1997 the IMF declared that the Korean economy was experiencing a temporary liquidity squeeze, not a solvency crisis. Yet in December 1997 Deputy Managing Director Stanley Fischer declared that Korea suffered from a systemic “breakdown of economic relations” so complete that only radical economic restructuring could restore prosperity. The IMF attached what it called “extreme structural conditionality” to its loan agreements with Korea, demanding a complete and rapid transition from Korea's traditional East Asian economic model to a globally integrated neoliberal model. We subject the IMF's assertion that the allocative efficiency of the Korean economy had collapsed by 1997 to a number of empirical tests. The evidence does not support the IMF's systemic breakdown claim. We conclude that the IMF's imposition of “extreme structural conditionality” on Korea is best understood as an illegitimate and antidemocratic exercise of power designed to meet the needs of the IMF's key constituents rather than those of the majority of Korea's people.
Economics and “Nature's Standard”: Wes Jackson and The Land Institute
Authors: Richards Donald G.
Published: February 2009

This essay introduces or re-acquaints readers with the work of Wes Jackson and The Land Institute in Salinas, Kansas. At the center of this work is an effort to develop perennial poly-culture as an alternative to industrial agriculture. The latter dominant model of food and fiber production is shown to involve severe problems in terms of short-run ecological costs and long-run sustainability. It is also argued that the perennial poly-culture model has much to recommend it to radical economists as a corrective to capitalist inefficiency. Finally, notwithstanding Jackson's facile criticism of Marx, it is argued that Marx's own writing actually anticipates Jackson's agro-ecological critique of capitalism.
Interpretations of Marxian Value Theory in Terms of the Fundamental Marxian Theorem
Authors: Rieu Dong-Min
Published: February 2009

This paper focuses on the theoretical status of the fundamental Marxian theorem in various interpretations of Marxian value theory, particularly with regard to the logical consistency rather than the analytical implication. It will be shown that each interpretation proves the fundamental Marxian theorem in its own way, and therefore the proof of the theorem is not a decidability criterion for the correct interpretation of Marxian value theory.
Post-curing Effects on Hygrothermal Behavior of RT-cured Glass/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Krishna Ramya , Revathi A. , Srihari Shylaja , Rao RMVGK
Published: February 2009

Studies were carried out on RT-cured glass/epoxy composite specimens, subjected to different post-cure schedules (50, 60, 70, and 85°C and durations) and immersed until saturation in distilled water at 50°C. The effects of different post-cure schedules, on the moisture diffusion characteristics of the composite were studied. Results showed that the saturation moisture levels decreased with increased post curing, a trend attributed to increased matrix cross-linking, as evidenced by the increase in Tg (glass transition temperature) values with extent of post cure. The diffusion parameter-like composite diffusion coefficient (Dc) and time of saturation (t m) showed either insignificant or marginal changes, within the range of post-cure schedule considered in these studies.
Water and Moisture Absorption and Thickness Swelling Behavior in Polypropylene/Wood Flour/Glass Fiber Hybrid Composites
Authors: Mohebby Behbood , Younesi Hamed , Ghotbifar Alireza , Kazemi-Najafi Saeed
Published: February 2009

The purpose of the current research was to investigate water/moisture absorption and associated thickness swelling and their rates in hybrid wood flour/E-glass fiber/propylene composite immersed in water, exposed to steam, and the influence of application of the glass fiber as well as maleic-anhydride-polypropylene (MAPP 2%) as coupling agent on those properties.

The sample strips with 10 mm thickness and 70 mm width were made by using a laboratory twin-screw extruder. The specimens were immersed in water and exposed to steam for 4320 min to determine the water/moisture absorption and the thickness swelling as well as their rates in the composites.

Results revealed that application of the glass fibers increased in the water/moisture absorption significantly in the hybrid composites due to formed micro-gaps in interfaces between wood flour and the glass fibers. However, application of the coupling agent (MAPP 2%) significantly reduced the micro-gaps and diminished the water/moisture absorption as well as the related thickness swelling in the hybrid composites.
Experimental Study of Bistable Behaviors of Deployable Composite Structure
Authors: Yi Ming Lei  , Xue Feng Yao
Published: February 2009

The bistable behaviors of deployable composite shell structures are experimentally studied. First, carbon/epoxy and glass/epoxy thin-walled composite shell structures are fabricated using resin transfer mould technology, respectively. Second, deployable behaviors of the thin-walled composite shell structure are investigated including deployable process, bending moment, and flexural radius. Finally, the bistable critical conditions of the thin-walled composite shell structure are discussed. The results show that the bistable behaviors of composite structure are directly related with material type, material properties and lay-ups.
Investigation on Bio-waste Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: Mishra S.C. , Nadiya Bihari Nayak  , Satapathy Alok
Published: February 2009

In this paper, the alkali treated keratin present in natural fibers like chicken feathers are used as reinforcing phase in epoxy matrix to form composites. Mechanical properties of these composites such as tensile strength, flexural strength, etc. are evaluated and possible chemical reactions taking place during composite making are identified. The present communication also throws light on the structural features engraved on alkali treated keratin and the functional groups involved in the composition of the resulting composite material by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis.
Public Markets as Community Development Tools
Authors: Morales Alfonso
Published: February 2009

Public markets were once essential parts of the cityscape and they are becoming so again. Markets serve several purposes, social, political, and economic, and so planners interested in multipurpose tools for development will be interested in public markets. Markets can help achieve a variety of goals including place-making, employment, and entrepreneurship. This article focuses on markets as tools of business incubation. Archival data and literature shows how important markets once were to cities. Ethnographically collected data from Chicago's Maxwell Street market illustrates the individual and structural factors that account for businesses created at the market. Rural and urban markets are emerging or being rehabilitated all over the country — this research helps planners understand the history of markets, their multi-disciplinary nature, and the circumstances of people creating businesses at markets.
Are Some Planning Transactions Intrinsically Sovereign?
Authors: Webster Chris J.
Published: February 2009

The laws, policies, customary practices and other institutions that govern a country's land development and the pattern of its spatial economy are constantly evolving. They change at the margin and by catastrophe; involving major land reform, minor statutes, economic crises, and gradual shifts in the way things are done. This article analyses the institutions of planning using qualitative models of incomplete contracting. It portrays them as fluid social constructs that adapt according to the relative costs of organizing the transactions that constitute a planning service. The focus is on the way organizational and institutional structures influence and are determined by post-contractual hazards. Post-contractual hazards are risks to the desired outcome of a transaction (for example the risk that a commissioned plan proves to be unworkable or irrelevant). Attention is specifically drawn to probity hazard (following economist Oliver Williamson, 1999). A set of core planning functions (transactions) are examined with the purpose of discovering if there are a priori arguments for retaining certain parts of a planning system within the public bureaucracy.
Linking Social Capital and Indirect Policy Tools
Authors: Casey Colleen L.
Published: February 2009

Governance perspectives suggest the boundaries between public and private sectors are blurred, and recognize the involvement of third party actors in carrying out public objectives. Traditional policy models neglect to consider the involvement of third part actors and limit our understanding of the effectiveness of these approaches. By adopting a policy tools perspective, the potential and limitations of governance approaches can be better understood. Indirect policy tools can foster collective action around public problems by incorporating third party actors; however, it is necessary to understand the interaction between indirect tools and structural social capital. The actors involved in carrying out public objectives may depend upon the linkages between top-down and bottom-up social capital. A qualitative analysis of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 suggests indirect policy tools can foster collective reinvestment responses, but the effectiveness of indirect policy tools is contingent upon the existence of linking social capital.
Association between Excess Bodyweight and Intake of Red Meat and Vegetables among Urban and Rural Adult Chinese in Nanjing, China
Authors: Xu F. , Yin XM , Tong SL
Published: February 2009

The objective of this study was to examine the association of red meat and vegetable consumption with excess bodyweight. This is a cross sectional study, conducted between October 2000 and March 2001. Participants included 23,316 local residents aged 35 and above from 45 administrative villages randomly selected from urban and rural areas of Nanjing, China, with a population of 5.6 million. The response rate was 90.1%. Logistic regression model was used for the analysis. The prevalence of excess body weight, overweight and obesity was 34.1%, 28.2% and 6.0%, respectively. After adjustment for age, educational attainment, family average income, occupational and leisure-time physical activity, smoking, drinking, consumption of white meat, consumption of rice and cooking oil as well as fruits, participants in the moderate or higher level of red meat consumption were more likely to have excess body weight (OR: 1.13 (95% CI=1.02, 1.26) and 1.15 (1.02, 12.9) for males; 1.11 (0.98, 1.25) and 1.25 (1.10, 1.42) for females respectively), compared with those in the lower level of red meat consumption. There was no statistically significant association for consumption of vegetables. Consumption of more red meat was suggested to be a factor contributing to body weight gain in China. For residents who want to have healthy body weight, it is important to consume less red meat in the process of socioeconomic transition. Asia Pac J Public Health 2007; 19(3): 3-9.
Waist Circumference, Body Mass Index and Health Risk Factors among Middle Aged Thais
Authors: Narksawat K. , Podang J. , Punyarathabundu P. , Podhipak A.
Published: February 2009

Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are important contributors to major causes of health risk factors such as high blood cholesterol, high fasting blood sugar and high blood pressure. This analysis was designed to assess the associations between WC, BMI and each health risk factor in suitable cut-off points for WC and BMI among middle aged men and women of Thai population. Cross sectional data from the Second National Health Survey in Thailand was analysed. This set of data collected by the Ministry of Public Health from 1996 to 1997 was obtained from a total of 998 subjects (comprising 396 men and 602 women) aged 45-50. Results from the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC curve) identified those with health risk factors demonstrating cut-off points for WC between 81.5-84 centimeters for men and 76-80.5 centimeters for women and BMI between 23.3-23.9 kg/m2 for both genders, respectively. Results from the Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated lower risks of having high blood cholesterol, high fasting blood sugar and high blood pressure with cut-off points 84 cm for men, 80 cm for women and BMI 23 kg/m2 for both genders compared to cut-off points 102 cm for men, 88 cm for women and BMI 25 kg/m2 for both genders as specified for the population in Western countries. This study has proposed a waist circumference of 84 cm (33.6 inches) for middle aged Thai men and 80 cm (32 inches) for middle aged Thai women and BMI of 23 kg/m2 for both genders. Monitoring changes in the waist circumference over time along with BMI may be convenient and useful for middle aged Thais to prevent health risk conditions, even in the absence of a change in BMI. Asia Pac J Public Health 2007; 19(3): 10-15.
The State of Lipid Control in Patients with Diabetes in a Public Health Care Centre
Authors: Wong JS , Tan F. , Lee PY
Published: February 2009

Achieving treatment targets has been difficult in treating diabetic patients. This cross-sectional study describes the lipid profiles of patients with diabetes mellitus at a public primary health care centre in Sarawak, Malaysia. The targets for lipid control were based on the International Diabetes Federation recommendation (2002). 1031 patients (98% Type 2 Diabetes) were studied. Fasting lipid profiles were available in 990 (96%) patients. The mean total cholesterol was 5.3 ± 1.0 mmol/L, Triglycerides 1.90 ± 1.26 mmol/L, HDL-C 1.28 ± 0.33 mmol/ L and LDL-C 3.2 ± 0.9 mmol/L. Overall, 22% of patients achieved the treatment target for LDL-C level <2.6mmol/L. 67% of patients had HDL-C > 1.1 mmol/L and 42% of patients had a target TG level below 1.5 mmol/L. Of the 40% of patients who received lipid-lowering drug, 17% achieved LDL-C target, 50% had LDL-C 2.6-4.4mmol/ L and 33% have LDL-C > 4.0 mmol/L. For the remaining 60% not receiving any lipid lowering therapy, 68% had LDL-C between 2.6-4.0 mmol/L and 7% had LDL-C level > 4 mmol/L. Dyslipidemia is still under-treated despite the availability of effective pharmacological agents and the greatly increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients. Asia Pac J Public Health 2007; 19(3): 16-21.
Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes and Physical Activity Status in Elderly Men and Women from Cyprus (the MEDIS STUDY)
Authors: Panagiotakos DB , Polystipioti A. , Polychronopoulos E.
Published: February 2009

Our aim is to investigate the association of being physically active on the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus among elderly people. We enrolled 53 men and 97 women, aged 65 to 100, from various areas of Cyprus. Physical activity was evaluated through a validated questionnaire (the short International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ). Prevalence of diabetes was 26% in men and 18% in women, while 55% of men and 50% of women were reported as being moderately or vigorously active. Furthermore, 5% of the participants reported that they smoked, 4% had stopped smoking, and 8% reported alcohol consumption. People in the upper tertile of the IPAQ score were 0.26 times less likely to have diabetes (p < 0.05); on the other hand people in the lower tertile of the score were 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes (p < 0.05). Our findings support the notion of a beneficial effect of physical activity on the burden of diabetes in the elderly. Asia Pac J Public Health 2007; 19(3): 22-28.
Inter-Rater and Intra-Rater Reliability of the Bahasa Melayu Version of Rose Angina Questionnaire
Authors: Hassan NB , Choudhury SR , Naing L. , Conroy RM , Rahman Ara
Published: February 2009

The objective of the study is to translate the Rose Questionnaire (RQ) into a Bahasa Melayu version and adapt it cross-culturally, and to measure its inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. This cross sectional study was conducted in the respondents' homes or workplaces in Kelantan, Malaysia. One hundred respondents aged 30 and above with different socio-demographic status were interviewed for face validity. For each inter-rater and intra-rater reliability, a sample of 150 respondents was interviewed. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities were assessed by Cohen's kappa. The overall inter-rater agreements by the five pair of interviewers at point one and two were 0.86, and intra-rater reliability by the five interviewers on the seven-item questionnaire at poinone and two was 0.88, as measured by kappa coefficient. The translated Malay version of RQ demonstrated an almost perfect inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and further validation such as sensitivity and specificity analysis of this translated questionnaire is highly recommended. Asia Pac J Public Health 2007; 19(3): 45-51.
Perceived Barriers to Self-Management in Malaysian Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Loh SY , Packer T. , Yip CH , Low WY
Published: February 2009

Naturalistic inquiry using focus group interviews was undertaken to explore experiences and perceived barriers to self management in women with breast cancer. The aim was to identify their perceived barriers to self management to aid the development of rehabilitation programmes. Successful programmes are strongly linked to patients' perceived needs. Four focus groups consisted of 39 women, were purposively recruited. Women's needs within the three areas of medical, emotional and role management of breast cancer were explored. The main barriers were unavailability of information, inability to access services-and-support, and socioeconomic-cultural issues (entrenched myths, low-socioeconomic status, and inadequate insurance-health legislative coverage). The findings provide the critically lacking 'expert-view' of survivors, who verified the importance of the medical, emotional and role management tasks, and highlighted barriers and structural solutions. With breast cancer becoming recognised as a form of chronic illness, this study is timely. Asia Pac J Public Health 2007; 19(3): 52-57.
The Views of Older Malaysians on Advanced Directive and Advanced Care Planning: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Htut Y. , Shahrul K. , Poi PJH
Published: February 2009

The provision of optimum care for the ageing population is dependent on the understanding of their views and values on end of life issues. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to describe views of elderly Malaysians on Advanced Care Planning (henceforth ACP) and Advanced Directives (henceforth AD), and explore factors influencing these views. Fifteen elderly subjects with ages ranging from 65 to 83 years, representing different ethnic and religious groups in Malaysia were selected for in-depth interviews guided by a questionnaire. Five core themes were extracted from the interviews:1) Considering the future 2) Contingency plans for future illnesses 3) Attitudes towards life prolonging treatment procedures 4) Doctor-patient relationships and 5) Influence of religion on decisions related to future illness. Despite the lack of knowledge on ACP and AD, older respondents were very receptive to their concept. Although the majority agreed on the importance of planning for future medical management and having open discussion on end of life issues with their doctor, they felt it unnecessary to make a formal written AD. Most felt that the future was best left to fate or God, and none had made any contingency plan for severe future illnesses citing religion as reason for this view. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mechanical ventilation and dialysis were considered by most to be invasive life prolonging treatments. We suggest that doctors initiate discussions on end of life care with every older patient and their family so as to promote awareness and introduce the concept of ACP/AD to a Malaysian setting. Asia Pac J Public Health 2007; 19(3): 58-67.
Paget-Schroetter Syndrome Forerunning the Diagnoses of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Thrombophilia
Authors: Özçakar Levent , Dönmez Gürhan , Yörübulut Mehmet , Aydoğ Sedat Tolga , Demirel Haydar , Paşaoğlu İlhan , Doral Mahmut Nedim
Published: February 2009

Reported here is a 22-year-old professional wrestler who was diagnosed to have Paget-Schroetter syndrome after Greco-Roman wrestling. On substantial neuromuscular examination and laboratory testing, he was found to have also thoracic outlet syndrome and heterozygous mutations for factor V Leiden and methyltetrahydrofolate reductase genes. To the best knowledge of the authors, the concomitance of these pathologies is discussed for the first time in the literature.
Progression of Pathological Changes in the Middle Cerebellar Peduncle by Diffusion Tensor Imaging Correlates With Lesser Motor Gains After Pontine Infarction
Authors: Liang Zhijian , Zeng Jinsheng , Zhang Cuimei , Liu Sirun , Ling Xueying , Wang Fang , Ling Li , Hou Qinghua , Xing Shihui , Pei Zhong
Published: February 2009

Background. Wallerian degeneration in pyramidal tract following supratentorial stroke has been detected by some studies using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), but the Wallerian degeneration in middle cerebellar peduncle after pontine infarction and its potential clinical significance remain to be confirmed. Methods. Seventeen patients with a recent focal pontine infarct underwent 3 DTIs at week 1 (W1), week 4 (W4), and week 12 (W12) after onset. Seventeen age-matched and gender-matched controls underwent DTI one time. Mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured in the basis pontis and bilateral middle cerebellar peduncles. Neurological deficit, motor deficit, functional independence, and limbs ataxia were assessed with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale, Fugl-Meyer scale, Barthel Index, and the second part of International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale. Results. FA values at the bilateral middle cerebellar peduncles decreased significantly from W1 to W12 progressively ( P < .01). The patients improved on the NIH Stroke Scale, Fugl-Meyer scale, and Barthel Index over time ( P < .01). Greater absolute value of percentage reduction of FA at the bilateral middle peduncles, however, was associated with the less absolute value of percentage reduction of the NIH Stroke Scale and less increase in the Fugl-Meyer scale, as well as greater ataxia over time. Conclusions. Wallerian degeneration in the middle cerebellar peduncle revealed by DTI may hinder the process of neurological recovery following a focal pontine infarct.
Iterative Bayesian Model Averaging: a method for the application of survival analysis to high-dimensional microarray data
Authors: Annest Amalia , Bumgarner Roger E , Raftery Adrian E , Yeung Ka Yee
Published: February 2009

Background

Microarray technology is increasingly used to identify potential biomarkers for cancer prognostics and diagnostics. Previously, we have developed the iterative Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) algorithm for use in classification. Here, we extend the iterative BMA algorithm for application to survival analysis on high-dimensional microarray data. The main goal in applying survival analysis to microarray data is to determine a highly predictive model of patients' time to event (such as death, relapse, or metastasis) using a small number of selected genes. Our multivariate procedure combines the effectiveness of multiple contending models by calculating the weighted average of their posterior probability distributions. Our results demonstrate that our iterative BMA algorithm for survival analysis achieves high prediction accuracy while consistently selecting a small and cost-effective number of predictor genes.

Results

We applied the iterative BMA algorithm to two cancer datasets: breast cancer and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) data. On the breast cancer data, the algorithm selected a total of 15 predictor genes across 84 contending models from the training data. The maximum likelihood estimates of the selected genes and the posterior probabilities of the selected models from the training data were used to divide patients in the test (or validation) dataset into high- and low-risk categories. Using the genes and models determined from the training data, we assigned patients from the test data into highly distinct risk groups (as indicated by a p-value of 7.26e-05 from the log-rank test). Moreover, we achieved comparable results using only the 5 top selected genes with 100% posterior probabilities. On the DLBCL data, our iterative BMA procedure selected a total of 25 genes across 3 contending models from the training data. Once again, we assigned the patients in the validation set to significantly distinct risk groups (p-value = 0.00139).

Conclusion

The strength of the iterative BMA algorithm for survival analysis lies in its ability to account for model uncertainty. The results from this study demonstrate that our procedure selects a small number of genes while eclipsing other methods in predictive performance, making it a highly accurate and cost-effective prognostic tool in the clinical setting.
Prostaglandin E2-EP1 and EP2 receptor signaling promotes apical junctional complex disassembly of Caco-2 human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Tanaka Marcelo N , Diaz Bruno L , de Souza Wanderley , Morgado-Diaz Jose A
Published: February 2009

Background

The apical junctional complex (AJC) is a dynamic structure responsible to maintain epithelial cell-cell adhesions and it plays important functions such as, polarity, mechanical integrity, and cell signaling. Alteration of this complex during pathological events leads to an impaired epithelial barrier by perturbation of the cell-cell adhesion system. Although clinical and experimental data indicate that prostaglandin E2(PGE2) plays a critical function in promoting cell motility and cancer progression, little is known concerning its role in AJC disassembly, an event that takes place at the beginning of colorectal tumorigenesis. Using Caco-2 cells, a cell line derived from human colorectal cancer, we investigated the effects of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) treatment on AJC assembly and function.

Results

Exposition of Caco-2 cells to PGE2promoted differential alteration of AJC protein distribution, as evidenced by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting analysis and impairs the barrier function, as seen by a decrease in the transepithelial electric resistance and an increase in the permeability to ruthenium red marker. We demonstrated the involvement of EP1 and EP2 prostaglandin E2receptor subtypes in the modulation of the AJC disassembly caused by prostanoid. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of protein kinase-C, but not PKA and p38MAPK significantly prevented the PGE2effects on the AJC disassembly.

Conclusion

Our findings strongly suggest a central role of Prostaglandin E2-EP1 and EP2 receptor signaling to mediate AJC disassembly through a mechanism that involves PKC and claudin-1 as important target for the TJ-related effects in human colorectal cancer cells (Caco-2).
Global gene expression analysis reveals reduced abundance of putative microRNA targets in human prostate tumours
Authors: Sun Ruping , Fu Xuping , Li Yao , Xie Yi , Mao Yumin
Published: February 2009

Background

Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have taken centre stage in the field of human molecular oncology. Several studies have shown that miRNA profiling analyses offer new possibilities in cancer classification, diagnosis and prognosis. However, the function of miRNAs that are dysregulated in tumours remains largely a mystery. Global analysis of miRNA-target gene expression has helped illuminate the role of miRNAs in developmental gene expression programs, but such an approach has not been reported in cancer transcriptomics.

Results

In this study, we globally analysed the expression patterns of miRNA target genes in prostate cancer by using several public microarray datasets. Intriguingly, we found that, in contrast to global mRNA transcript levels, putative miRNA targets showed a reduced abundance in prostate tumours relative to benign prostate tissue. Additionally, the down-regulation of these miRNA targets positively correlated with the number of types of miRNA target-sites in the 3' untranslated regions of these targets. Further investigation revealed that the globally low expression was mainly driven by the targets of 36 specific miRNAs that were reported to be up-regulated in prostate cancer by a miRNA expression profiling study. We also found that the transcript levels of miRNA targets were lower in androgen-independent prostate cancer than in androgen-dependent prostate cancer. Moreover, when the global analysis was extended to four other cancers, significant differences in transcript levels between miRNA targets and total mRNA backgrounds were found.

Conclusion

Global gene expression analysis, along with further investigation, suggests that miRNA targets have a significantly reduced transcript abundance in prostate cancer, when compared with the combined pool of all mRNAs. The abnormal expression pattern of miRNA targets in human cancer could be a common feature of the human cancer transcriptome. Our study may help to shed new light on the functional roles of miRNAs in cancer transcriptomics.
Efficacy of chloroquine, amodiaquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria: revisiting molecular markers in an area of emerging AQ and SP resistance in Mali
Authors: Tekete Mamadou , Djimde Abdoulaye A , Beavogui Abdoul H , Maiga Hamma , Sagara Issaka , Fofana Bakary , Ouologuem Dinkorma , Dama Souleymane , Kone Aminatou , Dembele Demba , Wele Mamadou , Dicko Alassane , Doumbo Ogobara K
Published: February 2009

Background

To update the National Malaria Control Programme of Mali on the efficacy of chloroquine, amodiaquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria.

Methods

During the malaria transmission seasons of 2002 and 2003, 455 children – between six and 59 months of age, with uncomplicated malaria in Kolle, Mali, were randomly assigned to one of three treatment arms. In vivo outcomes were assessed using WHO standard protocols. Genotyping of msp1, msp2 and CA1 polymorphisms were used to distinguish reinfection from recrudescent parasites (molecular correction).

Results

Day 28 adequate clinical and parasitological responses (ACPR) were 14.1%, 62.3% and 88.9% in 2002 and 18.2%, 60% and 85.2% in 2003 for chloroquine, amodiaquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, respectively. After molecular correction, ACPRs (cACPR) were 63.2%, 88.5% and 98.0% in 2002 and 75.5%, 85.2% and 96.6% in 2003 for CQ, AQ and SP, respectively. Amodiaquine was the most effective on fever. Amodiaquine therapy selected molecular markers for chloroquine resistance, while in the sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine arm the level of dhfr triple mutant and dhfr/dhps quadruple mutant increased from 31.5% and 3.8% in 2002 to 42.9% and 8.9% in 2003, respectively. No infection with dhps 540E was found.

Conclusion

In this study, treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine emerged as the most efficacious on uncomplicated falciparum malaria followed by amodiaquine. The study demonstrated that sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine were appropriate partner drugs that could be associated with artemisinin derivatives in an artemisinin-based combination therapy.