bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Look (Closely) at All the Lonely People
Authors: Schnittker Jason
Published: August 2007

Objective: This article explores the relationship between age and social support. Previous research on the relationship has reached inconsistent conclusions. Methods: Three theories are tested using the Americans' Changing Lives survey. Results: The likelihood of reporting no close friends or confidants increases with age, and role changes (such as the growing likelihood of living alone) account for much of this increase. Yet these cases are exceptional, and in general, the number of friends and confidants stays the same. Moreover, evaluations of support become more positive with age, and loneliness declines. Discussion: Improvements in perceived support appear to be premised on psychological processes rather than role changes: They occur despite changes in the environment and independent of how individuals make choices among friends. Indeed, this process is so powerful that loneliness declines even among those who are living alone, have no children, and report no confidants.
Lay Explanations and Self-Management of Diabetes in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Kart Cary S. , Kinney Jennifer M. , Subedi Janardan , Basnyat Kelina B. , Vadakkan Mary F.
Published: August 2007

Objectives: This research explores the lay explanations and self-management of diabetes among residents in greater Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods: Interviews were done with 300 respondents drawn from diabetes patient listings and members of a national diabetes club. Sociodemographic and health-related data were collected with two standardized instruments: the Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities. Hierarchical ordinary least squares regression analyses were employed to examine predictors of self-management of diabetes. Results: Across seven equations, R2 values ranged from .020 to .221, and with the exception of one domain of self-management (blood sugar testing), one or more lay explanatory factors entered each equation. Discussion: Respondents from this sample appear to hold lay explanations of diabetes that are similar to those of their peers in developed nations. Findings are discussed, including the caveat that these mostly male, relatively educated, and urban-residing adults with diabetes are not necessarily representative of Nepali society.
Prevalence Estimates and Health-Related Correlates of Cognitive Impairment From a Probability Sample of Community-Residing Latino Elders
Authors: Ramírez Mildred , Teresi Jeanne A. , Holmes Douglas , Martínez Virginia , Lantigua Rafael
Published: August 2007

Objective: Prevalence estimates of cognitive impairment are provided from a probability sample of Latino elders, mostly Puerto Ricans. A profile of those with cognitive impairment is provided. Predictors of cognitive impairment and the association between depressive symptomatology and cognitive impairment are examined. Method: A prevalence survey was conducted among a community sample of 205 Latino elders in New York City, drawn from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare beneficiary tape files. Results: The prevalence ratio for cognitive impairment using scale-cut scores was 12%; the latent class estimate was .15 ( SE = .025; 95% CI = .10—.21). Individuals with cognitive impairment were older; had lower levels of education, income, and acculturation; and reported higher levels of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and depressive symptomatology. Discussion: This study resulted in the identification of a cluster of socioeconomic, health, and mental health factors that may influence the functional ability of older Puerto Ricans.
Assessment of mental capacity: a flow chart guide
Authors: Church Michael , Watts Sarah
Published: August 2007

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides a new legal framework within which health and social care professionals (as well as informal carers) must act when providing care and treatment for the estimated 2 million people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who lack the capacity to make certain decisions for themselves. Although the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of Practice provides comprehensive advice on good practice in assessing capacity, it does not identify a specific process to be used. Good clinical practice depends on the exercise of clinical judgement within a valid and contestable process. This article outlines a flow chart (Fig. 1) that can be used to guide the process of capacity assessments in more complex cases, in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Code of Practice.
Specialist psychiatric beds for people with learning disability
Authors: Lyall Ros , Kelly Maria
Published: August 2007

Aims and Method

To examine the use of specialist psychiatric beds for people with learning disability, created following the closure of a long-stay institution. Admission and discharge data were examined, including history of previous institutional admission, diagnosis at discharge and number of subsequent readmissions.

Results

Out of 348 admission episodes, 59 were accounted for by 40 patients who were previously resident in the long-stay institution. Most admissions were for new patients from the community. Over time, admissions to the specialist unit decreased when occupancy reached and persisted at 100%, coinciding with a significant rise in admissions of adults with learning disability to general adult psychiatric wards.

Clinical Implications

Resettlement after closure of long-stay learning disability institutions has not been accompanied by a high readmission rate for former residents, but neither has there been a decreasing need for psychiatric beds for those with learning disability and severe psychiatric disturbance. Most of these admissions are for people with learning disability who are relatively new to the service. There has been a persistent problem with full occupancy of these beds, which reflects delayed discharges indicating a lack of community resources and an increasing demand for admission.
Changes to mental healthcare for working age adults: impact of a crisis team and an assertive outreach team
Authors: Keown Patrick , Tacchi Mary Jane , Niemiec Stephen , Hughes John
Published: August 2007

Aims and Method

To investigate changes to admissions, compulsory detentions, diagnosis, length of stay and suicides following introduction of crisis resolution home treatment and assertive outreach teams.

Results

There was a 45% reduction in admissions with an increase in the median length of stay from 15.5 to 25 days. Bed occupancy fell by 22%. The number of suicides remained constant. Detentions under sections 2 and 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983 increased whereas those under sections 5(2) and 5(4) declined.

Clinical Implications

The introduction of crisis and assertive outreach teams was followed by a reduction in admissions, particularly short admissions. The impact differed according to gender (reduction in female bed occupancy). This and the increased length of stay need to be considered when determining the number of acute psychiatric beds needed.
Services for adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: national survey
Authors: Edwin Febin , McDonald Joe
Published: August 2007

Aims and Method

The aim of the study was to obtain numbers of adult patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on consultant adult and adolescent psychiatrists' case-loads. A brief semi-structured confidential postal questionnaire was sent to 1947 consultant psychiatrists in England and Wales.

Results

There were 1030 consultants who responded (52.9%), which clearly indicates that there is an increasing demand and need for a service, and the resources, to treat adult ADHD. Only 197 consultants offered a service for adults with ADHD. Adult ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in males (n=995, 73%), and the total number of patients with a diagnosis of adult ADHD was 1345. Most patients were aged 18–25 years (n=209, 54%). The most commonly prescribed stimulant medication was methylphenidate (n=251, 55%).

Clinical Implications

There is a clear need to improve services and funding for adults with ADHD. The study shows there are already services available for adult ADHD patients in some areas of the country. However, more research is needed to establish the prevalence of adult ADHD in England and Wales.
Lorazepam prescription and monitoring in acute adult psychiatric wards
Authors: Choke Aislinn , Perumal Mani V. , Howlett Mary
Published: August 2007

Aims and Method

This study examines prescription and monitoring of lorazepam on three acute adult psychiatric wards at a university teaching hospital. Retrospective data from 102 consecutive in-patients were analysed.

Results

There were 83 patients (81.4%) who were prescribed lorazepam, however 45 of these (46%) were never administered it. Indication for lorazepam prescription was documented by the doctor in 35 patients (42.2%). Administration by nursing staff was documented in the medical notes on 86 occasions (60.0%) and on 32 of these (37.0%) the indication was unclear. On 21 occasions (14.7%) more than 2 mg was given; 13.7% of prescriptions were not reviewed and 64% of those reviewed after more than 4 weeks.

Clinical Implications

Lorazepam was overprescribed and inadequately monitored, which may increase the risk of dependence.
Service user involvement in psychiatric training: a practical perspective
Authors: Haeney Owen , Moholkar Rajesh , Taylor Nicholas , Harrison Thomas
Published: August 2007

The systematic involvement of service users (patients or clients; McGuire-Snieckus et al, 2003) and carers in an active educational role in psychiatric training is a relatively recent development. The National Service Framework for Mental Health states that ‘Service users and carers should be involved in planning, providing and evaluating training for all health care professionals' (Department of Health, 1999). The Royal College of Psychiatrists declared that from June 2005 all psychiatric trainees must have training from service users or carers. This is a sizeable shift away from traditional medical teaching, where patients have been involved only in a passive way, as the possessor of symptoms and signs, with teaching delivered by experienced clinicians and academics. The reasons behind these changes have been discussed frequently in recent medical literature (Livingston & Cooper, 2004). The primary arguments for this initiative are that service users have a unique understanding of their illness and are best placed to judge trainees on their empathy and communication skills. Increasingly, service users' views are being taken into account in training and examination of medical students and doctors (Vijayakrishnan et al, 2006).
Learning portfolios in psychiatric training
Authors: Seed Kitty , Davies Lisa , McIvor Ronan J.
Published: August 2007

Major changes are taking place in the way doctors are trained and assessed. A new curriculum, devised by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges on behalf of Modernising Medical Careers, will be implemented for current junior doctors as part of the foundation and specialist training programmes. Every junior doctor will be expected to have a ‘personal learning plan’ to guide professional development and assist appraisal, and to build a portfolio to document their experiences. This marks a shift from traditional summative (i.e. examinations-based) evaluation to the use of more formative methods based on experience and workplace assessment. It reflects greater emphasis on continuing professional development and life-long learning (Wilkinson et al, 2002).
The French Aesthetic of Spenser's Feminine Rhyme
Authors: Wilson-Okamura David Scott
Published: August 2007

David Scott Wilson-Okamura is assistant professor of English at East Carolina University. His articles on Virgil, Shakespeare, Spenser, and Dante have appeared in ELH, English Literary Renaissance, Spenser Studies, and Dante Studies. He is author of two forthcoming books, Spenser's International Style and Virgil in the Renaissance.
Against Apollo: Góngora's Soledad Primera and the Mapping of Empire
Authors: Padrón Ricardo
Published: August 2007

Ricardo Padrón is associate professor of Spanish at the University of Virginia. His article in this issue builds on the argument advanced in The Spacious Word: Cartography, Literature, and Empire in Early Modern Spain (2004). He is working on Spanish interest in the Pacific and Asia during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Don Quijote 1 and the Forging of National History
Authors: Fuchs Barbara
Published: August 2007

Barbara Fuchs is professor of Romance languages and comparative literature at the University of Pennsylvania. She is author of Mimesis and Empire: The New World, Islam, and European Identities (2001), Passing for Spain: Cervantes and the Fictions of Identity (2003), and Romance (2004), as well as coeditor of two special issues of MLQ, “Postcolonialism and the Past” and “Genre and History.” She is working on a project on maurophilia and the European construction of Spain.
Aesthetic Specialists and Public Intellectuals: Ruskin, Emerson, and Contemporary Professionalism
Authors: Leypoldt Günter
Published: August 2007

Günter Leypoldt is professor of American literature and culture at the University of Mainz. He has published on literary transcendentalism, eighteenth-century aesthetics, pragmatist literary theory, and 1980s neorealist fiction.
A Molecular Gyroscope Having Phenylene Rotator Encased in Three-spoke Silicon-based Stator
Authors: Setaka Wataru , Ohmizu Soichiro , Kabuto Chizuko , Kira Mitsuo
Published: August 2007

A molecular gyroscope which has a phenylene rotator encased in three long siloxaalkane spokes was synthesized. The phenylene ring is observed by X-ray crystallography at three rotational positions around the 1,4-axis between 223–303 K. The area in which the phenylene ring is found is significantly reduced at 173 K owing to the deformation of a siloxaalkane spoke; the temperature-dependent phenylene disorder is reversible.
One-pot Efficient Synthesis of Cbz-protected β-Amino Ketones: Three-component Coupling of Aldehydes, Ketones, and Benzyl Carbamate
Authors: Das Biswanath , Majhi Anjoy , Chowdhury Nikhil , Reddy Kongara Ravinder , Ravikanth Bommena
Published: August 2007

An efficient one-pot three-component reactions of aldehydes, ketones, and benzyl carbamate in the presence of a catalytic amount of (bromodimethyl)sulfonium bromide have been accomplished in short reaction time to afford the corresponding Cbz-protected β-amino ketones in high yields and good diastereoselectivity.
Lipase-catalyzed Separation of Geometrical Isomers: Geraniol–Nerol
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Taneja Subhash C , Shah Bhahwal A , Sethi Vijay K , Qazi Ghulam N
Published: August 2007

The substrate/lipase ratio as well as pH of the buffer medium played important roles in the resolution of geometrical isomeric mixture of geraniol–nerol. Based on the results, an immobilized lipase from Pseudomonas fluorescens (PFL) was found effective in selective transesterifications whereas Pseudomonas sp. Lipase (PSL) was found to be useful in hydrolyzing the esters.
Intramolecular Singlet Excited Energy Transfer in a Zinc Porphyrin–Free-base Porphyrin Dyad Linked with an Si–Si σ Bond
Authors: Shibano Yuki , Sasaki Mikio , Kawanishi Yutaka , Araki Yasuyuki , Tsuji Hayato , Ito Osamu , Tamao Kohei
Published: August 2007

We have synthesized the diphenyldisilane-linked zinc porphyrin–free-base porphyrin dyad ZnP–[Si2]–H2P and measured its photophysical properties. These measurements indicate that energy transfer from the ZnP to the H2P moiety occurs at the rate constant of 9.5×109 s−1. The silicon–silicon bond is found to effectively mediate the singlet excited energy transfer.
A Novel Ruthenium–Quinonoid Complex. Structural, Spectroscopic, and Electrochemical Characterization of Ruthenium(II) Bis(2,2′-bipyridine) Chloranilate
Authors: Ishikawa Ryuta , Kabir Md Khayrul , Adachi Keiichi , Nozaki Koichi , Kawata Satoshi
Published: August 2007

[Ru(bpy)2(CA)]·EtOH (1) (CA2− = chloranilate) has been characterized by X-ray diffractometry, electrochemistry, UV–vis, IR, and Raman spectroscopy. Spectroscopic and theoretical characterization reveal that the chloranilate ligand allows for the fine-tuning of the electronic property of 1.
Oxidative Removal of Heterocyclic Alkyl or Sugar Side Chain by Microwave: A Simple Step to Xanthopterin, 6-Formylpterin, and 3-Hydroxymethyl-2(1H)-quinoxalinone
Authors: Goswami Shyamaprosad , Maity Annada C
Published: August 2007

One-step microwave-assisted oxidative removal of 3-methyl and 3-sugar side chain in 2(1H)-quinoxalinone system by selenium dioxide and sodium periodate respectively resulting 2(1H)-quinoxalinone has been reported. Similarly xanthopterin (as acetyl derivative 11) was isolated from selenium dioxide oxidation of 7-methylxanthopterin. In the absence of adjacent lactam moiety, sodium periodate efficiently oxidizes 2-acetylaminopterin tetrols 7 and 8 to 2-acetylamino-6-formylpterin (16) and the quinoxaline tetrols 9 and 10 respectively to quinoxaline aldehyde 17. However, all the compounds remained unchanged on refluxing with selenium dioxide. The new quinoxalone compounds 15 and 18 were simply synthesized by manganese dioxide oxidation of the completely unprotected 3-substituted sugar of 2(1H)-quinoxalinone 5 and quinoxaline 10 respectively under microwave condition.
Theoretical Determination of Hypervalent Bond Energy of 10–S–3 Sulfurane Derivatives
Authors: Yamauchi Yusuke , Akiba Kin-ya , Nakai Hiromi
Published: August 2007

The energy of a 10–S–3 hypervalent, i.e., N–S–N, bond was theoretically determined to be 60.6 kcal/mol using bond energy density analysis with the density functional theory. Upon rotation of the pyrimidine ring of a sulfurane compound, the hypervalent bond is broken. The total energy of the system changes by 15.7 kcal/mol. The broken N–S bond is destabilized by 56.5 kcal/mol, while another is stabilized by 44.2 kcal/mol. The results support previous experimental data.
Conformation Equilibrium of 1,2-Dichloroethane as a Probe for Solvent Properties of Liquid and Supercritical CO2
Authors: Tono-oka Mariko , Nakayama Hideyuki , Ishii Kikujiro
Published: August 2007

Gibbs-energy difference between the gauche and trans isomers of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) in liquid and supercritical (SC) CO2 was investigated using Raman spectroscopy. The gauche isomer was relatively stabilized in these solvents compared with in non-polar organic solvents. This was attributed to the interaction of the dipolar gauche isomer with the quadrupole moment of the CO2 molecule, as well as the local density enhancement in SC CO2. Conformation equilibrium of DCE was suggested to be useful as a probe for studying solvent properties of SC fluids.
Hydrogen-adsorption Properties of a Novel Lantern-type Dinuclear Co(BDC)(DABCO)1⁄2
Authors: Takei Tohru , Ii Takato , Kawashima Jiro , Ohmura Tetsushi , Ichikawa Masao , Hosoe Mitsuya , Shinya Yoshiaki , Kanoya Izuru , Mori Wasuke
Published: August 2007

A three-dimensional (3-D) cobalt coordination polymer Co(BDC)(DABCO)1⁄2 (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate; DABCO = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), which has a novel lantern-type structure, was synthesized and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction patterns and elemental analysis. In addition, hydrogen-adsorption characteristics were evaluated at 77 K. The highest measured hydrogen uptake was 2.28 wt % at 77 K and 0.1 MPa for Co(BDC)(DABCO)1⁄2.
Incumbent and Entrant Rivalry in a Deregulated Industry
Authors: Madsen Tammy L. , Walker Gordon
Published: August 2007

This paper examines how two general cohorts of firms, entrants and incumbents, differ in their competitive intensity following price and entry deregulation in the trucking industry from 1980 to 1993. The results demonstrate that the competitive strength associated with entrants’ experience is reduced as they grow. However, organizational size dampens the positive effect of competitive experience on the exit rate more slowly for incumbents that were large at deregulation than it does for entrants. The results suggest that two types of firms exert the strongest pressure on rivals: entrants that gain experience but remain small under deregulation, and incumbents that are large but had limited prederegulation experience.
Putting Employees in Their Place: The Impact of Hot Desking on Organizational and Team Identification
Authors: Millward Lynne J. , Haslam S. Alexander , Postmes Tom
Published: August 2007

A study of employees in the finance industry tested the propositions (a) that work team identity is more salient than organizational identity when desks are assigned, whereas organizational identity is more salient when they are not; and (b) that this is partly because physical arrangements have a significant bearing on the way in which employees engage with the organization as well as who they are most likely to engage with (i.e., impacting on the type and focus of organizational participation). The study measured levels of work team and organizational identity in matched samples of employees (N=142) assigned to desks and not assigned (i.e., hot desked), as well as their perceptions of the use, importance, and effectiveness of electronic and face-to-face communication as indicators of different types of organizational participation. Results support the hypotheses. The perceived value of electronic communication also accounted for significant variance in organizational identification for all employees. Findings point to a number of practical implications relating to the use of hot desking in the workplace.
Developing Issue-Selling Effectiveness over Time: Issue Selling as Resourcing
Authors: Howard-Grenville Jennifer A.
Published: August 2007

This paper considers how issue sellers advance new issues within an organization over time, and how they gain competence at doing so. Using ethnographic, archival, and interview data spanning a six-year period, it describes the moves made by members of a high-tech manufacturer to introduce environmental considerations into the design of new manufacturing processes. A significant shift occurred in the pattern of moves used over time, and explanations for the shift are found in two accompanying dynamics: The gradual accumulation of assets by the group advancing the issues and their adjustment of moves used based on earlier experiences. The findings are used to develop a model of issue selling as resourcing; that is, a practical accomplishment through which issue sellers’ moves enact key schemas held by issue recipients, triggering their attention and action on the issue. Issue selling as resourcing builds on recent work on resources and organizational boundaries to address how organizational contexts shape opportunities for and barriers to issue selling, and to identify how issue sellers learn to operate effectively within them.
Unraveling HRM: Identity, Ceremony, and Control in a Management Consulting Firm
Authors: Alvesson Mats , Kärreman Dan
Published: August 2007

This paper addresses human resources management (HRM) systems and practices in a large multinational management consultancy firm. The firm invests considerable resources in HRM, and is frequently praised by employees for its accomplishments in hiring, developing, and promotion. However, this general faith in HRM does not align particularly well with employees’ experiences and perceptions of the specific HRM practices in the firm. The paper critically interprets the meaning and the functions of the HRM system and the beliefs supporting it. The paper suggests a reinterpretation of HRM systems and practices based on a cultural-symbolic perspective. It introduces the concepts of excess ceremonialism, identity projects, and aspirational control to highlight and interpret the significance of organizational symbolism in accounting for the role of HRM systems and practices, and the various effects of HRM systems and practices on employee identity and compliance.
The Evolution of Collective Strategy Frames in High- and Low-Velocity Industries
Authors: Nadkarni Sucheta , Narayanan V. K.
Published: August 2007

We argue that the collective assumptions of firms drive their actions and practices, and create the conditions of industry velocity. In our view, cognitive construction by firms is the primary driver of industry velocity. This is in contrast to the contingency views common in the literature, which hold that industry velocity plays a role by constraining and shaping firm strategies. Specifically, we suggest that firms develop unique assumptions, social networks, and feedback mechanisms; that these mechanisms perpetuate patterns of changes in collective beliefs and aggregate actions; and that these patterns in turn shape high- and low-velocity conditions. We examine these assertions by tracing the collective beliefs of three aircraft (low-velocity) and semiconductor (high-velocity) firms over a 20-year period (1977–1997). Our results suggest that the cognitive construction view of industry velocity is reasonable.
Familiarity, Complexity, and Team Performance in Geographically Distributed Software Development
Authors: Espinosa J. Alberto , Slaughter Sandra A. , Kraut Robert E. , Herbsleb James D.
Published: August 2007

While prior research has found that familiarity is beneficial to team performance, it is not clear whether different kinds of familiarity are more or less beneficial when the work has different types of complexity. In this paper, we theorize how task and team familiarity interact with task and team coordination complexity to influence team performance. We posit that task familiarity is more beneficial with more complex tasks (i.e., tasks that are larger or with more complex structures) and that team familiarity is more beneficial when team coordination is more difficult (i.e., for larger or geographically dispersed teams). Finally, we propose that the effects of task familiarity and team familiarity on team performance are complementary. Based on a field study of geographically distributed software teams, two of our hypotheses are disconfirmed: Our results show that the beneficial effects of task familiarity decline when tasks are more structurally complex and are independent of task size. Conversely, the hypotheses for team familiarity are confirmed as the benefit of team familiarity for team performance is enhanced when team coordination is more challenging—i.e., when teams are larger or geographically dispersed. Finally, surprisingly, we find that task and team familiarity are more substitutive than complementary in their joint effects on team performance: Task familiarity improves team performance more strongly when team familiarity is weak and vice versa. Our study contributes by revealing how different types of familiarity can enhance team performance in a real-world setting where the task and its coordination can be highly complex.
From Plan to Plant: Effects of Certification on Operational Start-up in the Emergent Independent Power Sector
Authors: Sine Wesley D. , David Robert J. , Mitsuhashi Hitoshi
Published: August 2007

In this paper, we study the transition from planned venture to operational start-up in the emergent independent power sector. Planned ventures face tremendous obstacles in assembling the resources necessary to begin operations; we hypothesize and show that formal certification from authorized actors increases the likelihood of making this transition. Moreover, we find that the effects of certification are contingent on the legitimacy of the sector as a whole: Certifications have a stronger effect on start-ups when sector legitimacy is low than when it is high. This research helps us understand a rarely studied organizational transition—from entrepreneurial intention to actual operations—within nascent sectors. It directs attention to the legitimating effects of formal certification, highlights the importance of a multilevel approach to legitimacy, and contributes to the growing rapprochement between entrepreneurial studies and institutional theory.
Patients With High Bone Mass Phenotype Exhibit Enhanced Osteoblast Differentiation and Inhibition of Adipogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Qiu Weimin , Andersen Tom E , Bollerslev Jens , Mandrup Susanne , Abdallah Basem M , Kassem Moustapha
Published: August 2007

Genetic mutations in the LRP5 gene affect Wnt signaling and lead to changes in bone mass in humans. Our in vivo and in vitro results show that activated mutation T253I of LRP5 enhances osteogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis. Inactivating mutation T244M of LRP5 exerts opposite effects.

Introduction: Mutations in the Wnt co-receptor, LRP5, leading to decreased or increased canonical Wnt signaling, result in osteoporosis or a high bone mass (HBM) phenotype, respectively. However, the mechanisms whereby mutated LRP5 causes changes in bone mass are not known.

Materials and Methods: We studied bone marrow composition in iliac crest bone biopsies from patients with the HBM phenotype and controls. We also used retrovirus-mediated gene transduction to establish three different human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) strains stably expressing wildtype LRP5 (hMSC-LRP5WT), LRP5T244 (hMSC-LRP5T244, inactivation mutation leading to osteoporosis), or LRP5T253 (hMSC-LRP5T253, activation mutation leading to high bone mass). We characterized Wnt signaling activation using a dual luciferase assay, cell proliferation, lineage biomarkers using real-time PCR, and in vivo bone formation.

Results: In bone biopsies, we found increased trabecular bone volume and decreased bone marrow fat volume in patients with the HBM phenotype (n = 9) compared with controls (n = 5). The hMSC-LRP5WT and hMSC-LRP5T253 but not hMSC-LRP5T244 transduced high level of Wnt signaling. Wnt3a inhibited cell proliferation in hMSC-LRP5WT and hMSC-LRP5T253, and this effect was associated with downregulation of DKK1. Both hMSC-LRP5WT and hMSC-LRP5T253 showed enhanced osteoblast differentiation and inhibited adipogenesis in vitro, and the opposite effect was observed in hMSC-LRP5T244. Similarly, hMSC-LRP5WT and hMSC-LRP5T253 but not hMSC-LRP5T244 formed ectopic mineralized bone when implanted subcutaneously with hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate in SCID/NOD mice.

Conclusions: LRP5 mutations and the level of Wnt signaling determine differentiation fate of hMSCs into osteoblasts or adipocytes. Activation of Wnt signaling can thus provide a novel approach to increase bone mass by preventing the age-related reciprocal decrease in osteogenesis and increase in adipogenesis.
Chromosome 2q32 May Harbor a QTL Affecting BMD Variation at Different Skeletal Sites
Authors: Wang Liang , Liu Yong-Jun , Xiao Peng , Shen Hui , Deng Hong-Yi , Papasian Christopher J , Drees Betty M , Hamilton James J , Recker Robert R , Deng Hong-Wen
Published: August 2007

BMDs at different skeletal sites share some common genetic determinants. Using PCA and bivariate linkage analysis, we identified a QTL on chromosome 2q32 with significant pleiotropic effects on BMDs at different skeletal sites.

Introduction: BMDs at the hip, spine, and forearm are genetically correlated, suggesting the existence of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with concurrent effects on BMDs at these three skeletal sites. Consequently, it is important to identify these QTLs in the human genome and, for those implicated QTLs, it is important to differentiate between pleiotropic effects, caused by a single gene that concurrently effects these traits, and co-incident linkage, caused by multiple, closely linked, genes that independently effect these traits.

Materials and Methods: For a sample of 451 American white pedigrees made up of 4498 individuals, we evaluated the correlations between BMDs at the three skeletal sites. We carried out principal component analysis (PCA) for the three correlated traits and obtained a major component, PC1, which accounts for >75% of the co-variation of BMDs at the three sites. We subsequently conducted a whole genome linkage scan for PC1 and performed bivariate linkage analysis for pairs of the three traits (i.e., forearm/spine BMD, hip/forearm BMD, and hip/spine BMD).

Results: Chromosome region 2q32, near the marker GATA65C03M, showed strong linkage to PC1 (LOD = 3.35). Subsequent bivariate linkage analysis substantiated linkage at 2q32 for each trait pair (LOD scores were 2.65, 2.42, and 2.13 for forearm/spine BMD, hip/forearm BMD, and hip/spine BMD, respectively). Further analyses rejected the hypothesis of co-incident linkage (p0[forearm/spine] = 0.0005, p0[hip/forearm] = 0.004, p0(hip/spine] = 0.001) but failed to reject the hypothesis of pleiotropy (p1[forearm/spine] = 0.35, p1[hip/forearm] = 0.07, p1[hip/spine] = 0.15).

Conclusions: Our results strongly support the conclusion that chromosome region 2q32 may harbor a QTL with pleiotropic effects on BMDs at different skeletal sites.
Extracellular Matrix Made by Bone Marrow Cells Facilitates Expansion of Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells and Prevents Their Differentiation Into Osteoblasts
Authors: Chen Xiao-Dong , Dusevich Vladimir , Feng Jian Q , Manolagas Stavros C , Jilka Robert L
Published: August 2007

We cultured MSCs on an ECM made by bone marrow cells to attempt to reconstitute the MSC niche. This ECM promoted replication of mesenchymal progenitors and retention of their multipotentiality. We conclude that the marrow ECM facilitates expansion of mesenchymal progenitors and hypothesize that it plays an important role in the maintenance of MSC stemness.

Introduction: Mesenchymal colony-forming cells of the bone marrow comprise mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their transit amplifying progeny, which we term mesenchymal colony-forming units (MCFUs). These progenitors undergo self-renewal and can differentiate into many different cell types including osteoblasts. However, they lose their unique properties when cultured on tissue culture plastic. This indicates that a critical feature of the marrow microenvironment that facilitates retention of stem cell properties is missing in such culture systems. In other tissues, the extracellular matrix (ECM) forms part of the specialized niche that controls stem cell behavior. Therefore, we examined whether a marrow cell–derived ECM promotes retention of the stem cell characteristics of MCFUs in vitro.

Materials and Methods: A cell-free ECM was prepared from cultured murine marrow adherent cells. The replication and multipotentiality of murine MCFUs maintained on this marrow cell–derived ECM were examined in vitro and in vivo and compared with the behavior of MCFUs maintained on plastic.

Results: The marrow cell–derived ECM was made up of collagen types I, III, and V, syndecan-1, perlecan, fibronectin, laminin, biglycan, and decorin, similar to the composition of the marrow ECM. This ECM preparation promoted MCFU replication, restrained their “spontaneous” differentiation toward the osteoblast lineage, and preserved their ability to differentiate into osteoblasts or adipocytes. Moreover, transplantation of MCFUs expanded on the marrow cell–derived ECM into immunocompromised mice generated five times more bone and eight times more hematopoietic marrow compared with MCFUs expanded on plastic.

Conclusions: The marrow ECM facilitates expansion of MCFUs in vitro while preserving their stem cell properties. We hypothesize that the ECM made by bone marrow cells plays an important role in the maintenance of MSC function.
Treatment With Anti-γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Antibody Attenuates Osteolysis in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Mice
Authors: Ishizuka Yasuyuki , Moriwaki Sawako , Kawahara-Hanaoka Miyuki , Uemura Yasunori , Serizawa Isao , Miyauchi Mutsumi , Shibata Shunichi , Kanaya Toshimichi , Takata Takashi , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Niida Shumpei
Published: August 2007

The effectiveness of a new antibody treatment on arthritis-associated osteolysis was studied by using CIA mice. GGT, a newly identified bone-resorbing factor, was upregulated in arthritic joints. We generated monoclonal antibodies against GGT and injected them into CIA mice. Mice treated with antibodies showed a reduction in osteoclast number and bone erosion.

Introduction: γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) acts as a bone-resorbing factor that stimulates osteoclast formation. GGT expression has been detected in active lymphocytes that accumulate at inflammation sites, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We hypothesize that GGT is an effective target for suppression of arthritis-related osteoclastogenesis and joint destruction. Here, we describe the therapeutic effect of neutralizing antibodies against GGT on joint destruction using a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model.

Materials and Methods: GGT expression in the synovium of RA patients and CIA mice was determined by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Monoclonal antibodies were generated against recombinant human GGT (GGT-mAbs) using BALB/c mice. Antibody treatment was performed by intraperitoneal injections of GGT-mAbs into CIA mice. Effects of antibody treatment on arthritis and bone erosion were evaluated by incidence score, arthritis score, and histopathological observations. The role of GGT in osteoclast development was examined by using the established osteoclastogenic culture system.

Results: GGT expression was significantly upregulated in inflamed synovium. Immunohistochemistry revealed that GGT was present in lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages, as well as capillaries. Injection of GGT-mAbs significantly decreased the number of osteoclasts and attenuated the severity of joint destruction in CIA mice. In vitro examination showed that GGT enhanced RANKL-dependent osteoclast formation. GGT stimulated the expression of RANKL in osteoblasts and its receptor RANK in osteoclast precursors, respectively.

Conclusions: This study indicates that inflamed synovial tissue–derived GGT acts as a risk factor for joint destruction and that the antibody-mediated inhibition of GGT significantly decreases osteoclast number and bone erosion in CIA mice. GGT antagonists might be novel therapeutic agents for attenuating joint destruction in RA patients.
Comparisons of Body Size, Composition, and Whole Body Bone Mass Between North American and South African Children
Authors: Micklesfield Lisa K , Norris Shane A , Nelson Dorothy A , Lambert Estelle V , van der Merwe Lize , Pettifor John M
Published: August 2007

We compared whole body BMC of 811 black, white, and mixed ancestral origin children from Detroit, MI; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Cape Town, South Africa. Our findings support the role of genetic and environmental influences in the determination of bone mass in prepubertal children.

Introduction: Higher bone mass and lower fracture rates have been shown in black compared with white children and adults in North America.

Materials and Methods: We compared whole body BMC (WBBMC), whole body fat mass (WBFM), and whole body fat free soft tissue (WBFFST) data between three ethnic groups of children from Detroit, MI (n = 181 white, USW; n = 230 black, USB), Johannesburg, South Africa (n = 73 white, SAW; n = 263 black, SAB), and Cape Town, South Africa (n = 64 mixed ancestral origin, SAM).

Results: SAB and SAW groups were slightly older than USW and USB groups (9.5 ± 0.3 versus 9.3 ± 0.1 yr); however, USB and USW boys were significantly taller, were heavier, and had a higher BMI than SAM and SAB boys. USB girls were significantly taller than SAB girls and heavier than SAB and SAM girls. In South Africa and the United States, black children had a significantly higher WBBMC than white children, after adjusting for selected best predictors. After adjusting for age, weight, and height, WBBMC was significantly higher in the SAB and SAW boys than in USW and USB and in the SAM group compared with the USW and USB groups. WBFFST and WBFM made significant contributions to a best linear model for log(WBBMC), together with age, height, and ethnicity. The best model accounted for 79% of the WBBMC variance. When included separately in the model, the model containing WBFFST accounted for 76%, and the model containing WBFM accounted for 70%, of the variance in WBBMC.

Conclusions: WBBMC is lower in children of European ancestry compared with African ancestry, irrespective of geographical location; however, South African children have significantly higher WBBMC compared with USB and USW groups, thereby acknowledging the possible contribution of environmental factors. Reasons for the significantly higher WBBMC in the children of mixed ancestral origin compared with the other groups need to be studied further.
Augmentation of germination in Sapindus mukorossi due to acid scarification in Jhanjhatpur nursery
Authors: Thapa H.B. , Gautam S.K.
Published: August 2007

The study on ‘effects of pre-sowing treatments on germination of Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn,’ was carried out in Jhanjhatpur nursery, Kailali district in April 2004. About 15- months old healthy seeds were treated in one of thirty ways before sowing and sown from 1 to 7 April 2004 in drills in a nursery bed at a spacing of 5 cm x 10 cm. The analysis revealed that thirty pre-treatments significantly differed in germination in 1-month (4-weeks) and 2-months (9-weeks) but these pre-treatments did not vary in 3-months (13-weeks). In 4-weeks, the pre-treatment, 90-minutes in concentrated hydrochloric acid significantly differed with twenty-five pre-treatments except the four pre-treatments of 15, 45, 60 and 75 minutes in concentrated acid. The highest germination (90%) was found in the pretreatment, 90-minutes in acid, which was followed by the germination (63%) in the pretreatment, 75-minutes in concentrated acid in 3-weeks. The highest non-germinated good seeds were in pre-treatment, 30% in 96 hours in cold water, followed by the pre-treatment, 27% in 5-minutes in boiled water and 72-hours in cold water. The highest non-germinated rotten seeds were in the pre-treatments, 3-minutes in boiled water and 72-hours in cold water and 10 minutes in acid, followed by the five pre-treatments, 3-minutes in boiled water and 120 hours in cold water, 5-minutes in boiled water then 24 and 72 hours in cold water, 5-minutes and 60-minutes in concentrated acid. The two pre-treatments, 75 and 90 minutes in concentrated acid can be used to get quicker and higher germination. The four pre-treatments, 3 minutes in boiled water and 48 hours in cold water, 5-minutes in boiled water and 120 hours in cold water, 144 hours in cold water and 120 hours in cow dung slurry are suggested as an alternative to acid treatments, if acid is not readily available in the market and there is a problem of handling the acid.

Key words: Sapindus mukorossi, germination, acid, pre-treatment

Banko Janakari Vol.16(1) 2006 pp14-20
The issues of oppressed groups’ access to collectively managed resources: an empirical analysis
Authors: Dhakal Bhubaneswor
Published: August 2007

Oppressed groups’ problem in collective management of resource is examined in the case of Kami’s (Blacksmith) access to charcoal in community forests in Nepal. A field survey shows that almost a half forest user groups have excluded the Kami for charcoal collection. In the government policies, rights of households with special needs are not clearly defined and protected. In an econometric analysis of the user groups, this study identified forest size, group size, intensive external support and groups’ meeting frequency are the factors determining the charcoal distribution in community forests.

Key words: Community forest, exclusion, livelihood, protected rights, special need group

Banko Janakari Vol.16(1) 2006 pp25-31
Growth of Uttis (Alnus nepalensis) monitored in a trial plantation at Pakhribas, Dhankuta, Nepal
Authors: Barakoti T. P.
Published: August 2007

A long-term growth monitoring experiment on Uttis (Alnus nepalensis) was conducted in the permanent sample plots of the Agricultural Research Station (ARS) Pakhribas, Dhankuta for 10 years (1992-2001). The average annual increment in diameter at breast height was 2.14 cm in the 8th year, and was 0.13 cm in the 16th year of planting. The trees grew 44 cm to 130 cm per year irrespective of the age. The highest growth rate correspondend with higher rainfall during summer (March-April). Estimated biomass of stem and branches increased by 2-2.5 times within the 10 year period. Thinning and felling of the trees needed to provide better growing environment. The data would be useful for growth modelling and proper management of Uttis plantation in Nepal.

Key words: Nepalese alder vs Uttis, height, diameter, biomass, Pakhribas

Banko Janakari Vol.16(1) 2006 pp41-45
INTERACTIVE EFFECT OF AIR POLLUTION AND NUTRIENTS ON BIOCHEMICAL PROCESSES AND YIELD OF WHEAT GROWN IN PERI-URBAN AREAS OF ALLAHABAD CITY
Authors: Agrawal S. B. , Singh Anoop , Rathore Dheeraj
Published: August 2007

Agricultural production is greatly affected by the increase of urban air pollution in many cities of India and other developing countries. The present field study investigated the interacting effect of air pollutants and mineral nutrients on physiological and biochemical processes and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. HD 2329) plants grown in pots from germination to maturity having similar edaphic conditions at nine sites in periurban areas of Allahabad city having different concentration of air pollutants. SO2, NO2 and O3 in ambient air were found in the ranges between 2.5 to 42.5, 10.13 to 65.04 and 3.33 to 30.83 μg m-3, respectively. Various physiological and biochemical processes showed adverse effect at sites receiving higher pollution load. Reduction in photosynthetic pigments, protein and ascorbic acid contents was noticed with an increase in pollution load, while phenol content was increased. Higher reduction in grain yield was noticed at heavily polluted sites. Fertilizer amendment showed positive response in minimizing the negative impact of air pollution by increasing the photosynthetic pigments and yield of wheat plants. The present investigation also suggests that urban air quality of Allahabad city is affecting the agricultural production unfavorably in periurban areas.

Key words: Air pollution, mineral nutrients, photosynthetic pigments, protein, yield, Triticum

Ecoprint Vol.11(1) 2004
NESTING AND BREEDING ECOLOGY OF MARINE TURTLE IN ST. MARTIN'S CORAL ISLAND, BANGLADESH
Authors: Hossain M.L. , Jaman M.F. , Sarker S.U. , Mahmood S.U.
Published: August 2007

Observations on nesting and breeding ecology of three species of marine turtle were made in St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh. The egg laying period was found to be in winter season between October and March. The peak breeding period was in December and January. The mean diameter of the nests of Olive ridley turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea was 27.42 ± 5.2 cm. Green turtle, Chelonia mydas 25.67 ± 1.53 cm and Loggerheaded turtle, Caretta caretta 27.65 ± 1.52 cm. The mean depth of nest of L. olivacea was 49.17 ± 5.61 cm, C. mydas 51 ± 2.65 cm and C. caretta 54.33 ± 1.53 cm. Mean clutch size of L. olivacea was 115.6 ± 16.7 eggs, C. mydas 112.15 ± 11.52 eggs and C. caretta 122 ± 18.62 eggs. The mean weight of eggs of L. olivacea was 31.63 ± 1.83. C. mydas 32.71 ± 1.26 and C, caretta 32.45 ± 3.75, Mean incubation period of L. olivacea was 63.9 ± 3.5 days, C. mydas 61.85 ± 2.57 days and C. caretta 61.5 ± 1.29 days. The mean hatching success of L. olivacea was 81.14%, C. mydas was 80.11%, and C. caretta 84.43%. The mean weight of hatchlings of L. olivacea was 14.7 ± 0.58g, C. mydas 15.4 ± 0.78 g and C. caretta 16.20 ± 0.3 5 g. Loss of nesting ground by the local people and visitors and poaching of eggs and injured of mother turtles by the dogs was the main problems for breeding of turtles on this island. Construction of embankments for control of erosion, destruction of nests by indigenous dogs and monitor lizards should be protected. Immediate conservation measures are warranted to save the breeding of turtles on this island.

Key words: Nesting, breeding, ecology, marine turtles, conservation.

Ecoprint Vo.11(1) 2004.