bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporation of laurate and hydroxylaurate into phosphatidylcholines and acylglycerols in castor microsomes
Authors: Lin Jiann‐Tsyh , Wani Seiji , He Xiaohua , Nguyen Tasha , McKeon Thomas A.
Published: November 2006

Because castor produces oil with a high content of hydroxyl FA (90% ricinoleate), we were interested in determining the flexibility of castor seed microsomes in incorporating other hydroxyl FA into castor oil. To this end, we incubated the [14C]‐labeled 12:0 FA laurate (La), 11‐hydroxylaurate, and 12‐hydroxylaurate with castor microsomes that were capable of synthesizing castor oil. The molecular species of PC and acylglycerols (AG) incorporating these nonendogenous FA of castor were identified by reversed‐phase C8 and C18 HPLC, respectively. [14C]Laurate was incorporated into the molecular species of PC and AG at levels of 10 and 4%, respectively, that of [14C]ricinoleate. Similar to those from the incorporation of six [14C]FA reported previously [ricinoleate (R), oleate (O), linoleate (L), linolenate (Ln), stearate (S), and palmitate (P)], the molecular species of PC incorporating [14C]laureate were LLa‐PC>PLa‐PC>OLa‐PC>LnLa‐PC>SLa‐PC>RLa‐PC. The molecular species of AG incorporating [14C]laurate were RRLa>LaLa>RLa>RLLa>ROLa>LOLa>LLLa>LLa>LLnLa>RSLa>OOLa. The retention times for lipids incorporating laurate were similar to those of lipids incorporating linolenate, because the equivalent carbon numbers of laurate and linolenate are the same. Relative retention times of the molecular species of PC and AG containing laurate are also reported here. The incorporation of 11‐hydroxylaurate and 12‐hydroxylaurate into PC and AG was not detected.
Oxidation stability of methyl esters studied by differential thermal analysis and rancimat
Authors: Polavka J. , Paligová J. , Cvengroš J. , Simon P.
Published: November 2006

The oxidation stability of methyl esters derived from fresh rapeseed oil and waste frying oil, used as alternative biodiesel fuels, both distilled and undistilled, unstabilized and stabilized by pyrogallol and BHT, was studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA) under nonisothermal conditions at various heating rates and by the Rancimat test under isothermal conditions at 110°C. The results obtained by both techniques are compared. Both techniques show that oxidation stability increases considerably with the addition of antioxidants and that pyrogallol is very efficient. Distillation of the methyl esters prepared from rapeseed oil decreases their oxidation stability, obviously owing to the removal of natural antioxidants. The stability of methyl esters prepared from the waste frying oil is determined mainly by the history of the oil. From the DTA measurements, the kinetic parameters of an Arrhenius‐like equation describing the temperature dependence of the oxidation induction period were obtained. The parameters enable one to assess the protective factor of antioxidants for temperatures outside the measuring region, estimate the residual stability, and model the process of biodiesel oxidation under nonisothermal conditions.
Isomerization of α‐pinene, limonene, α‐terpinene, and terpinolene on sulfated zirconia
Authors: Comelli Nora A. , Ponzi Esther N. , Ponzi Marta I.
Published: November 2006

Transformations of α‐pinene, limonene, terpinolene, and α‐terpinene were studied in liquid phase on sulfated zirconia having 15% H2SO4, with the aim of identifing the pathway of α‐pinene isomerization. The principal products obtained in α‐pinene isomerization were camphene, tricyclene, limonene, and terpinolene; the concentration maxima observed at 120°C and 180 min were 53, 6.1, 7.7, and 3.0%, respectively. The principal products formed in the limonene transformation after a 20‐min reaction time were terpinolene, α‐terpinene, and γ‐terpinene; then the concentration of these products decreased. The terpinolene reaction yielded principally m‐cymenene, whereas the α‐terpinene transformation produced p‐cymene. Studies of the initial rates of transformation of terpenes indicate a very high rate for α‐pinene, intermediate for limonene and α‐terpinene, and very low for terpinolene. The scheme proposed to interpret the results of the α‐pinene isomerization reaction on sulfated zirconia is in agreement with reaction schemes proposed by A. Allahverdiev, S. Irandoust, and D. Y. Murzin (Isomerization of α‐Pinene over Clinoptilolite.
Conversion of oils and fats using advanced mesoporous heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Mbaraka Isa K. , Shanks Brent H.
Published: November 2006

Natural oils and fats are emerging as a biobased alternative feedstock to conventional crude oil in the production of chemicals and transportation fuel. However, many of these biobased chemicals are not currently cost competitive with petrochemicals because of high raw material and production costs. To improve the economic outlook of the biobased chemicals, the use of suitable catalysts becomes imperative. Recently, the discovery of advanced material synthesis strategies such as supramolecular‐assembled mesoporous materials has created new opportunities in tailoring catalyst properties specifically for the conversion challenges encountered with oils and fats. These nanostructured materials have a combination of extremely high surface areas and flexible pore sizes that makes them attractive for catalysis applications. This article reviews the application of this new class of advanced materials for the conversion of oils and fats to biobased chemicals.
Effect of substrate on sophorolipid properties
Authors: Glenns Robert N. , Cooper David G.
Published: November 2006

This research demonstrates that the formation of a crystalline sophorolipid product, by Candida bombicola can be attributed to two overlapping types of discrimination by the enzymes of this yeast. The first of these is a preference for direct incorporation of hydrocarbons having a chain length between 15 and 18 carbon atoms if these are in the medium. The second is a preference for the formation of the diacetylated lactone structure if hydroxycarboxylic acids that are 16 or 17 carbon atoms long are attached to the disaccharide. The combined effect is to produce a product mixture that contains a large amount of a single structure of sophorolipid that can result, in a crystalline product if either hexadecane or heptadecane is the sole lipophilic carbon source. Surface tension measurements of the various components isolated from the sophorolipid mixtures showed that the mono‐and diacetylated lactones were the most effective surfactants. This is consistent with literature reports that the lactone form of the sophorolipids is more useful for a number of applications than the open acidic structure. The surface tension behavior of some of the sophorolipids demonstrated patterns similar to those usually observed for carboxylic acids and other sparingly soluble amphipathic compounds.
QTL mapping of grain length in rice (Oryza sativa L.) using chromosome segment substitution lines
Authors: WANG JIANKANG , WAN XIANGYUAN , CROSSA JOSE , CROUCH JONATHAN , WENG JIANFENG , ZHAI HUQU , WAN JIANMIN
Published: November 2006

Chromosome segment substitution (CSS) lines have the potential for use in QTL fine mapping and map-based cloning. The standard t-test used in the idealized case that each CSS line has a single segment from the donor parent is not suitable for non-idealized CSS lines carrying several substituted segments from the donor parent. In this study, we present a likelihood ratio test based on stepwise regression (RSTEP-LRT) that can be used for QTL mapping in a population consisting of non-idealized CSS lines. Stepwise regression is used to select the most important segments for the trait of interest, and the likelihood ratio test is used to calculate the LOD score of each chromosome segment. This method is statistically equivalent to the standard t-test with idealized CSS lines. To further improve the power of QTL mapping, a method is proposed to decrease multicollinearity among markers (or chromosome segments). QTL mapping with an example CSS population in rice consisting of 65 non-idealized CSS lines and 82 chromosome segments indicated that a total of 18 segments on eight of the 12 rice chromosomes harboured QTLs affecting grain length under the LOD threshold of 2·5. Three major stable QTLs were detected in all eight environments. Some minor QTLs were not detected in all environments, but they could increase or decrease the grain length constantly. These minor genes are also useful in marker-assisted gene pyramiding.
Mapping candidate genes for Drosophila melanogaster resistance to the parasitoid wasp Leptopilina boulardi
Authors: HITA M. , ESPAGNE E. , LEMEUNIER F. , PASCUAL L. , CARTON Y. , PERIQUET G. , POIRIE M.
Published: November 2006

Drosophila melanogaster resistance against the parasitoid wasp Leptopilina boulardi is under the control of a single gene (Rlb), with two alleles, the resistant one being dominant. Using strains bearing deletions, we previously demonstrated that the 55E2–E6; 55F3 region on chromosome 2R is involved in the resistance phenomenon. In this paper, we first restricted the Rlb containing region by mapping at the molecular level the breakpoints of the Df(2R)Pc66, Df(2R)P34 and Df(2R)Pc4 deficiencies, using both chromosomal in situ hybridization and Southern analyses. The resistance gene was localized in a 100 kb fragment, predicted to contain about 10 different genes. Male recombination genetic experiments were then performed, leading to identification of two possible candidates for the Rlb gene. Potential involvement of one of this genes, edl/mae, is discussed.
Palliating the impact of fixation of a major gene on the genetic variation of artificially selected polygenes
Authors: SÁNCHEZ LEOPOLDO , CABALLERO ARMANDO , SANTIAGO ENRIQUE
Published: November 2006

Selective sweeps of variation caused by fixation of major genes may have a dramatic impact on the genetic gain from background polygenic variation, particularly in the genome regions closely linked to the major gene. The response to selection can be restrained because of the reduced selection intensity and the reduced effective population size caused by the increase in frequency of the major gene. In the context of a selected population where fixation of a known major gene is desired, the question arises as to which is the optimal path of increase in frequency of the gene so that the selective sweep of variation resulting from its fixation is minimized. Using basic theoretical arguments we propose a frequency path that maximizes simultaneously the effective population size applicable to the selected background and the selection intensity on the polygenic variation by minimizing the average squared selection intensity on the major gene over generations up to a given fixation time. We also propose the use of mating between carriers and non-carriers of the major gene, in order to promote the effective recombination between the major gene and its linked polygenic background. Using a locus-based computer simulation assuming different degrees of linkage, we show that the path proposed is more effective than a similar path recently published, and that the combination of the selection and mating methods provides an efficient way to palliate the negative effects of a selective sweep.
Use‐dependent inhibition of hHCN4 by ivabradine and relationship with reduction in pacemaker activity
Authors: Thollon C , Bedut S , Villeneuve N , Cogé F , Piffard L , Guillaumin J‐P , Brunel‐Jacquemin C , Chomarat P , Boutin J‐A , Peglion J‐L , Vilaine J‐P
Published: November 2006

Background and purpose:

Ivabradine, a specific and use‐dependent I
f inhibitor, exerts anti‐ischaemic activity purely by reducing heart rate. The aim of this work was to characterize its effect on the predominant HCN channel isoform expressed in human sino‐atrial nodes (hSAN), to determine its kinetics in HCN channels from multicellular preparations and rate‐dependency of its action.

Experimental approach:

RT‐PCR analysis of the four HCN channel isoforms was carried out on RNAs from hSAN. Patch‐clamp and intracellular recordings were obtained from CHO cells stably expressing hHCN4 and isolated SAN, respectively. Beating rate of rat isolated atria was followed using a transducer.

Key results:

hHCN4 mRNAs were predominant in hSAN. Ivabradine induced a time‐dependent inhibition of hHCN4 with an IC50 of 0.5 μM. In rabbit SAN, ivabradine progressively reduced the frequency of action potentials: by 10% after 3 h at 0.1 μM, by 14% after 2 h at 0.3 μM and by 17% after 1.5 h at 1 μM. After 3h, ivabradine reduced the beating rate of rat right atria with an IC30 of 0.2 μM. The onset of action of ivabradine was use‐dependent rather than time‐dependent with slower effects than caesium, an extracellular I
f blocker. Ivabradine 3 μM decreased the frequency of action potentials in SAN from guinea‐pig, rabbit and pig by 33%, 21% and 15% at 40 min, respectively.

Conclusions and implications:

The use‐dependent inhibition of hHCN4 current by ivabradine probably contributes to its slow developing effect in isolated SAN and right atria and to its increased effectiveness in species with rapid SAN activity.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 37–46. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706940
Seasonal changes in major ions, nutrients and chlorophyll a at two sites in the Swan River estuary, Western Australia
Authors: Hamilton D. P. , Douglas G. B. , Adeney J. A. , Radke L. C.
Published: November 2006

Seasonal variations in major ions, nutrients and chlorophyll a were examined at two sites in the upper reaches of the Swan River estuary, Western Australia. Intra-annual variations between the variables were strongly influenced by seasonal riverine discharge, though major ions behaved highly conservatively across a wide range of salinity. Reduced discharge following winter produced strong density stratification that coincided with upstream salt wedge propagation and produced distinct physico-chemical identities of surface and bottom waters. Anoxia of bottom waters associated with the salt wedge region induced increased concentrations of ammonium and phosphate, especially at the deeper of the two sites. Locally variable groundwater flow may have also been important in transporting sediment porewater nutrients into the water column. The seasonality of riverine discharge produced large intra-annual variations in temperature (13–29°C) and salinity (3–30). Transient increases in turbidity occurred when the salt wedge coincided with the position of sampling locations. The subsequent flocculation process likely contributed to further oxygen consumption and nutrient regeneration from the bottom sediments, while simultaneously depositing nutrient-rich flocs with low molar N:P ratios (3–8) to the sediment surface. Nutrient ratios and absolute nutrient concentrations suggest that nitrogen is the nutrient most likely to limit phytoplankton growth over most of the year.
The diet and trophic positions of translocated, sympatric populations of Cherax destructor and Cherax cainii in the Hutt River, Western Australia: evidence of resource overlap
Authors: Beatty Stephen J.
Published: November 2006

This study tested the hypothesis that the introduced yabbie Cherax destructor Clark, 1936 has the potential to compete with the endemic marron Cherax cainii Austin, 2002 for food resources. Multiple stable isotope analyses were conducted in the Hutt River, Western Australia, in summer (December) and winter (July), 2003. Summer samples indicated that these species occupied similar predatory trophic positions when their assimilated diet consisted of a large proportion of Gambusia holbrooki. Although C. cainii continued to assimilate mostly animal matter based on winter signatures, those of C. destructor appeared to shift towards a more herbivorous trophic position. The study suggests that C. destructor and C. cainii may be keystone species in the Hutt River, possibly altering the cycling of nutrients and structure of the aquatic food web since their introduction into this system. The ecological implications of the continued invasion of C. destructor into the aquatic systems of south-western Australia, particularly with regard to competition with the other endemic freshwater crayfishes, are discussed.
Thermal structure above the Perth Canyon reveals Leeuwin Current, Undercurrent and weather influences and the potential for upwelling
Authors: Rennie Susan J. , McCauley Robert D. , Pattiaratchi Charitha B.
Published: November 2006

The Perth Canyon is a focal feeding area for pygmy blue whales on the Western Australian coast. Studies aimed at elaborating oceanographic mechanisms within the canyon were conducted between 2002 and 2005. Strings of temperature loggers set around the canyon rim were used to examine the water column’s response to climatological forcing, current meanders, upwelling and downwelling. Six moorings were positioned on a plateau in 500 m of water on the northern canyon rim, and one was positioned at the canyon head. Loggers were positioned to sample the whole water column, including the Leeuwin Current and Undercurrent. Moorings revealed spatial temperature differences between the plateau and canyon head. Observed temperature features ranged temporally from seasonal to <1 day. Seasonal changes in water temperature agreed with published Leeuwin Current studies: for example, mixed layer and stratification changes were apparent. Other observed temperature changes were related to Leeuwin Current movement and wind forcing such as the summer sea breeze and winter storms. Storms induced mixing, re-stratification, downwelling and upwelling as the wind changed direction and strength. Changes lasting a day were associated with diurnal sea breezes, internal waves and possibly solitary waves. Bottom loggers indicated that upwelling and downwelling events each occurred up to 20% of the time.
Will rising salinity in the Murray - Darling Basin affect common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)?
Authors: Whiterod Nick R. , Walker Keith F.
Published: November 2006

Salinisation in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia, may affect aquatic flora and fauna, including the common carp, an alien species that has become the most common fish in the river system. This study describes the responses of juvenile carp (31–108 mm total length) to salinity levels that prevail in some wetlands of the lower reaches of the River Murray. Carp are moderately tolerant of salinity (direct transfer LC50: 11 715 mg L–1), particularly after slow acclimation (LC50: 13 070 mg L–1), but sub-lethal effects are evident at lower salinities. These include effects on osmoregulation (>7500 mg L–1), behaviour (7500–12 500 mg L–1) and sperm motility in mature fish (150–300 mm) (8330 mg L–1). Salinities in some Murray–Darling Basin wetlands already approach half seawater (17 500 mg L–1) and carp populations in these important nursery areas could be impacted through sub-lethal effects on adults and lethal effects on juveniles, eggs and sperm.
Genetic analyses of thiopurine methyltransferase polymorphisms in Greenlandic and Danish populations
Authors: TOFT NINA , NYGAARD ULRIKKA , GREGERS JANNIE , SCHMIEGELOW KJELD
Published: November 2006

Aim: To determine the frequency of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) low‐activity alleles in the Greenlandic and Danish populations. Methods: 142 Greenlandic individuals and 200 Danish blood donors were screened for the TPMT G460A and A719G low‐activity alleles. Results: Thiopurine methyltransferase low‐activity alleles were significantly higher in the Greenlandic compared to the Danish population, being 8.1% (95% CI 4.9–11.3) and 3.5% (95% CI 1.7–5.3) (p<0.01), respectively. Except for one Danish patient with an A719G allele (TPMT*3C), all the aberrant alleles were compound G460A and A719G alleles (TPMT*3A).

Conclusion: In the Danish population, the incidence of thiopurine methyltransferase low‐activity alleles was found to be similar to other Caucasian populations previously described. In contrast, the Greenlandic population showed a significantly higher frequency of thiopurine methyltransferase low‐activity alleles.
Epilepsy with a de novo missense mutation in the sodium channel a1 subunit: A case report
Authors: STEFANAKI EVANGELIA , AGGELAKOU VASILIKI , ORFANOU M. , KOKORI E. , BOUTOUFIANAKIS S.
Published: November 2006

Most epilepsies are characterized as “idiopathic” because of the lack of a known cause. Nevertheless, recently, there has been significant progress in the molecular genetics of idiopathic epilepsy. Mutations in gene‐encoding ion channels were found to be the underlying disorder in all idiopathic epilepsies with a known molecular basis. Missense mutations in the voltage‐gated sodium channel a1 subunit gene (SCN1A) were firstly identified in patients with generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus additional symptoms (GEFS+). Subsequently, mutations of SCN1A were also found in patients with severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI) or Dravet syndrome, and in patients with borderline SMEI (SMEB), a milder form of Dravet syndrome. We describe a case of a new missense de novo mutation of SCN1A in a child with the clinical features of borderline SMEI syndrome.
Influence of health, lifestyle, working conditions, and sociodemography on early retirement among nurses: The Danish Nurse Cohort Study
Authors: Friis Karina , Ekholm Ola , Hundrup Yrsa A. , Obel Erik B. , Grønbæk Morten
Published: November 2006

Aims: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between health, lifestyle, work-related and sociodemographic factors, and older nurses' exit from the labor market to Post-Employment Wage (PEW). PEW is an early retirement scheme to make it possible for workers to retire at the age of 60. Methods: The study was based on 5,538 nurses in the age of 51—59 who in 1993 completed a questionnaire on health, lifestyle, working environment, and sociodemographic factors. The survey information was combined with longitudinal data from the Danish Integrated Database for Labor Market Research compiled by Statistics Denmark. The follow-up period was from 1993 to 2002. Results: Nurses who had poor self-rated health were more likely to join PEW compared with nurses who considered their health as good (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.16— 1.41). Low job influence, high workload, and physical job demands only marginally increased the probability of retiring. Nurses who have relatively low gross incomes had an increased probability of entering PEW compared with nurses with relatively high gross incomes (HR 1.60, CI 1.43—1.79). Having a spouse increased the probability of joining PEW, especially having a spouse who had retired or was unemployed. Conclusions: The retirement age among nurses is influenced by a number of sociodemographic, work-related, and health-related factors. Poor health, low income, living outside the Copenhagen area, being married, having a spouse who is outside the labor force, and working in the daytime are all predictors of early retirement among nurses. Poor working environment only marginally increased the probability of retiring early.
How valid are parents' questionnaire responses regarding building characteristics, mouldy odour, and signs of moisture problems in Swedish homes?
Authors: Hägerhed Engman Linda , Bornehag Carl-Gustaf , Sundell Jan
Published: November 2006

Aim: Questionnaires are a cheap means of studying large populations but the information obtained from them is seldom validated. Earlier studies have reported both high and low levels of agreements between inspectors' observations and occupants' reports regarding home environmental factors that included moisture problems. The aim of this study was to validate information received from a questionnaire survey regarding building characteristics, mouldy odour, and signs of moisture problems in 390 Swedish homes. Method: In a case control study on the association between home environmental factors and asthma/allergy among children, 390 homes were visited by trained inspectors for ocular inspection of visible moisture damage and perceptions of mouldy odour. Their observations were then compared with questionnaire reports collected 18—24 months earlier from the families. Results: A high level of agreement was found between the inspectors' observations and the occupants' questionnaire reports on technical parameters. This included type of house, type of ventilation system, and foundation, particularly in single-family houses. There was low agreement regarding vinyl or linoleum floor coverings and indications of dampness and mouldy odour. However, the stronger the mouldy odour experienced by the inspector, the higher the level of agreement. Conclusions: The questionnaire was a quite reliable source regarding technical parameters of the home but not for dampness problems. The questionnaire was better for predicting buildings without problems than detecting problems of mouldy odour and visible indications of moisture. To increase the validity of future questionnaires, simple drawings or information on critical spots for dampness could be used.
Privacy in occupational health practice: Promoting and impeding factors
Authors: Heikkinen Anne M. , Wickström Gustav J. , Leino-Kilpi Helena
Published: November 2006

Aim: This article describes the views of occupational health professionals, employees, and employers on factors that are thought to promote and impede privacy in occupational health practice. Methods: The data were collected through theme interviews with 44 subjects and were analysed by content analysis. Results: Both promoting and impeding factors organized around two content areas: ``caregiving'' (patient—caregiver relationship) and ``tripartite cooperation'' (cooperation between occupational health professionals, employees, and employer). The content areas illustrated the two different roles Finnish occupational health professionals have toward their two groups of clients: employees and employers. ``Adequate behaviour'' (respect, good communication, presence) and ``Adequate knowledge base'' (instinct, work experience, ethical thinking, knowledge of legislation) promoted privacy in caring relationship, whereas ``Inadequate behaviour'' (untrustworthy, busy, distant, ``friend'') impeded its realization. In tripartite cooperation, the promoting factors had to do with ``Common good'' (impartiality, regular contacts, community spirit, fair play) and ``Individual good'' (informed consent, advocacy). The main category, ``Confusions in loyalties'', emerged from three subcategories (confusions in confidentiality, confusions in duties, and confusions in roles) illustrating the impeding factors in tripartite cooperation. Conclusions: Questions of privacy are crystallized in occupational health professionals' diverse duties and roles towards employees and employers. In occupational health practice, privacy cannot be seen only as a privilege of employees, but must also be viewed as an instrumental value serving the interests of employers and whole work community. Confusions in loyalties need more discussion and research before privacy can be optimally realized. Lapses in confidentiality should never happen.
Review Article: Child health in Greenland
Authors: Niclasen Birgit V.L. , Bjerregaard Peter
Published: November 2006

Aim: To review the knowledge on child health and child health problems in Greenland. Method: The review was based on theses, national statistics, national and international reports, and a search in Pub Med, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and WHOLIB databases from 1985 to 2005. The resulting articles were sorted by topic, type, quality of study, and relevance for child health today, providing 47 articles. Results: Children in Greenland have become taller and have improved their general health. The morbidity found in Greenlandic children is similar to that found elsewhere even though the magnitude of problems might differ. The child mortality is relatively high and unevenly distributed. The acute disease pattern is dominated by infections, mostly airway infections. Otitis and its sequelae is a problem. An increase in chronic conditions such as atopy, asthma, obesity, and disabilities has taken place. Overweight and obesity have tripled in 20 years and are a health threat as well as constituting negative health behaviour. Social ill health, socioeconomic inequity, and sociocultural changes also influence health but their consequences are not well investigated in children. Conclusions: A relatively high child mortality but the same morbidity pattern as in other Western societies was found. Negative health behaviour is frequent in schoolchildren. The influence of rapid cultural changes, and familial and societal factors related to social ill health, together with socioeconomic inequity, are of major importance to the health of children in Greenland. More accurate data on child health are necessary in the future to secure better prioritization. It is suggested to construct a set of reliable indicators of child health in Greenland to monitor the health of children on a national and regional basis.
Socioeconomic determinants of infant mortality: A worldwide study of 152 low-, middle-, and high-income countries
Authors: Schell Carl Otto , Reilly Marie , Rosling Hans , Peterson Stefan , Mia Ekström Anna
Published: November 2006

Background: To reach the Millennium Development Goals for health, influential international bodies advocate for more resources to be directed to the health sector, in particular medical treatment. Yet, health has many determinants beyond the health sector that are less evident than proximate predictors. Aim: To assess the relative importance of major socioeconomic determinants of population health, measured as infant mortality rate (IMR), at country level. Methods: National-level data from 152 countries based on World Development Indicators 2003 were used for multivariate linear regression analyses of five socioeconomic predictors of IMR: public spending on health, GNI/capita, poverty rate, income equality (Gini index), and young female illiteracy rate. Analyses were performed on a global level and stratified for low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Results: In order of importance, GNI/capita, young female illiteracy, and income equality predicted 92% of the variation in national IMR whereas public spending on health and poverty rate were non-significant determinants when adjusted for confounding. In low-income countries, female illiteracy was more important than GNI/capita. Income equality (Gini index) was an independent predictor of IMR in middle-income countries only. In high-income countries none of these predictors was significant. Conclusions: The relative importance of major health determinants varies between income levels, thus extrapolating health policies from high- to low-income countries is problematic.

Since the size, per se, of public health spending does not independently predict health outcomes, functioning health systems are necessary to make health investments efficient. Potential health gains from improved female education and economic growth should be considered in low- and middle-income countries
News Media Coverage, Body Mass Index, and Public Attitudes about Obesity
Authors: Evans W. Douglas , Renaud Jeanette M. , Kamerow Douglas B.
Published: November 2006

This study investigated change in and effects of exposure to news media coverage of the obesity epidemic. Investigators compared self-reported news media exposure between two Research Triangle Institute obesity surveys and examined interactions between exposure and body mass index (BMI) on beliefs about the causes of obesity and support for childhood obesity prevention. We found that higher exposure and BMI were each individually and in combination associated with beliefs about the causes of obesity and support for prevention. For instance, those with higher BMI and exposure were more likely to believe that societal factors cause obesity. This research has implications for media advocacy, social marketing, and policies to promote obesity prevention.
From equivalence of standards to equivalence of objectives: The entitlement of prisoners to health care standards higher than those outside prisons
Authors: Lines Rick
Published: November 2006

It is generally accepted that people in prison have a right to a standard of health care equivalent to that available outside of prisons. This “principle of equivalence” is one that enjoys broad consensus among international health and human rights instruments and organisations. However, given the extreme health problems evident in prisons worldwide, the legal obligations of the State to safeguard the lives and well‐being of people it holds in custody and the implications of poor prison health on overall public health, this article suggests that ‐ even if achieved ‐ standards of prison health care only equivalent to that in the community would in some cases fall short of human rights obligations and
public health needs. The article argues it is time to move beyond the concept of equivalent standards of health care, and instead promote standards that achieve equivalent objectives. In some circumstances, meeting this new standard will require that the scope and accessibility of prison health services are higher than that outside of prisons.
Young offenders’ perceptions and expectations of dental health services in the north east of England: A qualitative study
Authors: Russell Andrew , White Valerie , Landes David
Published: November 2006

This article looks at the attitudes and perceptions that young offenders have of dental health and services prior to and during their time at a Young Offenders’ Institution in the North East of England. The recent incorporation of prison health services into National Health Service (NHS) structures and funding arrangements brings with it statutory responsibilities concerning the amount and equivalence of health care in and out of prison settings. It also requires evaluation of services in comparable ways. Prison health in general and prison dental health in particular have previously been isolated from mainstream NHS health care in terms of both practice and research. The results from this study highlight the need for those responsible for dental health services at all penal institutions to examine the levels of provision they provide and how the perspectives of this marginalized and vulnerable group
can be taken into account in the planning and improvement of services.
The health needs of ex‐prisoners, implications for successful resettlement: A qualitative study
Authors: Burgess‐Allen Jilla , Langlois Michele , Whittaker Paula
Published: November 2006

The ex‐prisoner population is an under‐researched, socially excluded group, whose broad health needs are seldom assessed and often unmet. This qualitative study aims to identify the broad health needs of ex‐prisoners living in an urban borough in the NorthWest of England. We interviewed 27 exprisoners and 14 of the service providers who work with them, from all the resettlement pathways. We asked them about the resettlement experience and how it impacts on ex‐prisoners’ health, what broad
health concerns ex‐prisoners have, and how these could be rectified or improved. This study contributes detail from the perspective of ex‐prisoners themselves, and the workers who know their needs best. We have been able to demonstrate that the transition from prison to community is often a health depleting experience, particularly when accommodation has not been adequately arranged. We have found that whilst ex‐prisoners doubtless suffer very poor health they do not often prioritise their own health. However, the majority of ex‐prisoners clearly suffer particularly from mental health and substance misuse problems. Much can be done to tackle these issues by improving communication and partnership working between key stakeholders.
From the principle of equivalence to the practice of care: Thoughts from the 9th ENDIPP conference
Authors: Melis Martina
Published: November 2006

Is there such a thing as ‘prison health’? Or is prison health simply public health in prison? How should ‘equivalence’ be interpreted ‐ as an end goal or as a starting point? Can politically‐driven decisions be challenged by evidence based interventions? Can the concept of corporate manslaughter be applied to the failures associated with inadequate responses to healthcare emergencies in prison? Are the current political and operational frameworks for delivery of responses adequate and effective? These were some of the questions addressed at the 9th European Conference on Drugs and Infections in Prison, held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 5‐7 October 2007 and co‐organised by Cranstoun Drug Services, the European Network on Drugs and Infections Prevention in Prison (ENDIPP) and the Slovenian Prison Service. The Conference provided a forum for delegates from approximately 40 countries to discuss debate and share views. One of the primary challenges posed is the urgent need to provide health responses to address the use of drugs and the concomitant proliferation of related infections in prisons. Of equal concern is that such responses should respect the human‐rights of prisoners and conform to the principle of equivalence.
Fine scale genetic population structure of the freshwater and Omono types of nine‐spined stickleback Pungitius pungitius (L.) within the Omono River system, Japan
Authors: Tsuruta T. , Goto A.
Published: November 2006

The fine scale geographic population structure of two types of nine‐spined stickleback Pungitius pungitius (the widely distributed freshwater type and a local endemic, the Omono type) within the Omono River system, Japan, was investigated. A principal components analysis of allele frequencies and neighbour‐joining tree for pair‐wise FST values, based on 10 allozyme loci, revealed that the Omono type was comprised of four regional groups with relatively high genetic divergence. This grouping was also supported by hierarchical analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) with a higher variance component among the regional groups, and by an exact test with significant genotypic differentiation for all sample pairs among the regional groups. Moreover, in the clustering of individuals using the Bayesian method, most of individuals in each regional group were assigned the corresponding cluster. On the other hand, there were less pronounced regional groups of the freshwater type, although AMOVA, exact test for genotypic differentiation and Bayesian analysis indicated genetic divergence between two sampling sites in lower reach of the Omono River and other sites. The results suggest that the Omono type represented an earlier colonization, with subsequent invasion of the freshwater type.
Na+/K+ATPase immunoreactivity in olfactory epithelium of small‐spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula (L.): possible presence of ion exchanging cells?
Authors: Ferrando S. , Bottaro M. , Gallus L. , Girosi L. , Vacchi M. , Tagliafierro G.
Published: November 2006

Na+/K+ATPase immunoreactivity in olfactory epithelium of Scyliorhinus canicula was localized in well featured light large cells. It was distributed in the basolateral membranes as reported in the literature for typical ion exchanging cells.
Polymorphism and signature of selection in the MHC class I genes of the three‐spined sticklebackGasterosteus aculeatus
Authors: Schaschl H. , Wegner K. M.
Published: November 2006

The role and intensity of positive selection maintaining the polymorphism of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes in the three‐spined sticklebackGasterosteus aculeatuswas investigated. The highly polymorphic set of MHC class I genes found was organized in a single linkage group. Between 5 and 14 sequence variants per individual were identified by single‐stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Segregation analysis studied in 10 three‐spined stickleback families followed the expected pattern of Mendelian inheritance. The gamete fusion in three‐spined stickleback thus seems to be random with respect to the MHC class I genes. The DNA sequence analyses showed that the expressed MHC class I loci are under strong selection pressure, possibly mediated by parasites. Codons that were revealed to be under positive selection are potentially important in antigen binding. MHC class I sequences did not form significant supported clusters within a phylogenetic tree. Analogous to MHC class II genes, it was not possible to assign the class I sequences to a specific locus, suggesting that the class I genes may have been generated by recent gene duplication.
Loss of genetic variation in hatchery‐reared Indian major carp, Catla catla
Authors: Hansen M. M. , Simonsen V. , Mensberg K.‐L. D. , Sarder Md. R. I. , Alam Md. S.
Published: November 2006

The hypothesis that effective population sizes are low in hatchery‐reared catla (Catla catla) from Bangladesh, possibly leading to inbreeding and loss of variation, was tested. The study was based on analysis of seven microsatellite loci in three samples of hatchery‐reared catla and four samples representing wild populations. Pair‐wise estimates of genetic differentiation between samples were low between wild samples (θ ranging from 0·012 to 0·034), but high between hatchery samples (θ ranging from 0·153 to 0·185), suggesting strong genetic drift in hatcheries. Genetic variation, both in terms of expected heterozygosity and allelic richness, was significantly lower in hatchery samples than in samples of wild catla. Application of a method for reconstructing families among offspring without parental genetic data showed that the hatchery samples consisted of very few half‐ and full‐sib families, whereas the wild samples consisted of a high number of families, suggesting that most individuals were unrelated. Finally, estimation of the effective number of parents (Nb) in the largest sample of hatchery fish confirmed that effective population size was low (Nb= 14·9 for multiallelic loci and Nb= 10·6 if alleles were pooled into two composite alleles). The results show that low effective population sizes leading to loss of variation and possibly inbreeding depression should be a matter of serious concern in aquaculture production of catla.
DNA‐based identification of Alaska skates (Amblyraja, Bathyraja and Raja: Rajidae) using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (coI) variation
Authors: Spies I. B. , Gaichas S. , Stevenson D. E. , Orr J. W. , Canino M. F.
Published: November 2006

Variation at the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mt‐COI) gene was examined in 15 species of North Pacific skates. Thirteen species had unique sequences, indicating that a DNA‐based barcoding approach may be useful for species identification.
SURFACE AREA AND ITS EFFECT ON EXCHANGE CAPACITY OF MONTMORILLONITE*
Authors: Johnson A. L.
Published: November 2006

Abstract

The particle size and exchange capacity of several samples of montmorillonite were measured. It is shown that the particle size does influence the exchange capacity. Based on recent observations of thickness of particles, the surface area can be calculated more precisely; this in turn can be related to the exchange capacity. This relationship and that existing for kaolinite are compared. It is shown that the exchange capacity is directly related to the broken Si—O, Al—O, or Al—OH linkages.
Stabilized Barium Titanate Ceramics for Capacitor Dielectrics
Authors: MacCHESNEY J. B. , GALLAGHER P. K. , DiMARCELLO F. V.
Published: November 2006

The effects of additions of La2O3 and La2O3‐3TiO2 on the electronic properties of barium titanate have been investigated. It has been found that small additions of these components markedly increase the lifetime of this material subjected to dc fields of 50 v per mil at 200°C.
Some Structural and Electrical Properties of Lithium Silicate Glasses
Authors: CHARLES R. J.
Published: November 2006

Dielectric measurements, analyzed in terms of the Maxwell‐Wagner‐Sillars theories of inhomogeneous dielectrics, have been used to investigate the phase‐separation characteristics of various lithium silicate glasses. Such measurements are shown to provide evidence of the continuous or discontinuous nature of separated phases and to allow estimates of their shape factors and concentrations. The results indicate that dielectric measurements are particularly useful in following phase‐separation processes in glasses from the initial to the final stages.
Strain Effects and Spalling in Alpha‐Bombarded ThO2
Authors: CLINARD F. W. , DOUGLASS DANA L. , LAND C. C.
Published: November 2006

Samples of bulk polycrystalline ThO2 were bombarded with 5‐MeV α‐particles to doses between 9.4×1016 and 6.0×1017 ions/cm2. The sample which received the highest dose spalled during bombardment; those receiving lower doses either did not spall or did so only after postirradiation annealing. The spalling was investigated by X‐ray analysis and replica and transmission electron microscopy. It is concluded that spalling resulted from severe lattice strains at the interface between damaged and undamaged material and that sintering pores played a part in the fracture process. The role of lattice defects in initiating fracture is discussed.
Oxygen Grain‐Boundary Diffusion in MgO
Authors: McKENZIE D. R. , SEARCY ALAN W. , HOLT J. B. , CONDIT R. H.
Published: November 2006

Proton activation and autoradiography were combined to measure18O grain‐boundary diffusion in undoped and Fe‐doped MgO bicrystals. Additions of 7000 ppm Fe enhance O grain‐boundary diffusion at 1700°C by at most a factor of 5 over that in samples that contain 1000 atomic ppm total Al and Ca. From these results, the relative importance of grain‐boundary and volume diffusion to O transport in dense polycrystalline MgO at 1700°C was estimated.
Hot‐Pressing of MgO with NaF
Authors: RICE ROY W.
Published: November 2006

The results of using NaF additives in hot‐pressing MgO are described and compared with the results when LiF is used. To obtain nearly theoretical density, the temperatures required for hot‐pressing with NaF are ∼100°C higher than those required with LiF. Specimens made with NaF were generally translucent after hot‐pressing or subsequent annealing. Sodium fluoride inhibits grain growth and can produce a duplex grain structure, whereas LiF enhances grain growth during annealing. Both NaF and LiF wet MgO and lubricate it well. The present study and other investigations of fluoride densification aids indicate that the formation of a liquid phase, with resultant wetting and lubrication, is important, especially in the early stages of densification. Possible solution of anions and cations is discussed.
The t(14;19)(q32;q13)‐positive small B‐cell leukaemia: a clinicopathologic and cytogenetic study of seven cases
Authors: Huh Yang O. , Abruzzo Lynne V. , Rassidakis George Z. , Parry‐Jones Nilima , Schlette Ellen , Brito‐Bapabulle Vasantha , Matutes Estella , Wotherspoon Andrew , Keating Michael J. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Catovsky Daniel
Published: November 2006

The t(14;19)(q32;q13), involving the BCL3 locus at chromosome 19q13 and the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene at 14q32, is a rare recurrent cytogenetic abnormality identified in B‐cell neoplasms, most of which have been classified as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in the literature. We describe the clinicopathological, immunophenotypic and cytogenetic findings in seven patients with B‐cell neoplasms associated with t(14;19)(q32;q13). There were five men and two women, with a median age of 48 years (range 33–68). All had absolute lymphocytosis, six had lymphadenopathy, and one had splenomegaly. Lymphocytes in blood and bone marrow aspirate smears were predominantly small and cytologically atypical. Flow cytometric immunophenotyping showed an atypical immunophenotype with low CLL scores. The growth pattern in bone marrow biopsy specimens was interstitial to diffuse; immunohistochemical stains were positive for bcl3 and negative for cyclin D1. Lymph node biopsy specimens of two patients revealed total architectural effacement by neoplasm with proliferation centres. In addition to t(14;19), cytogenetic studies demonstrated trisomy 12 in five patients. These results suggest that B‐cell neoplasms with the t(14;19)(q32;q13) present frequently as leukaemia composed of small B‐lymphocytes and share many features with CLL. However, these neoplasms also differ from CLL cytologically and in their immunophenotype.