bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thioredoxin targets in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Marchand Christophe H. , Vanacker Hélène , Collin Valérie , Issakidis‐Bourguet Emmanuelle , Maréchal Pierre Le , Decottignies Paulette
Published: April 2010

The importance of redox‐regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana roots has been investigated through the identification of the proteins interacting with thioredoxin (TRX), an ubiquitous thiol‐disulfide reductase. We have applied a proteomic approach based on affinity chromatography on a monocysteinic mutant of plastidial y‐type TRX used as a bait to trap putative partners in a crude extract of root proteins. Seventy‐two proteins have been identified, functioning mainly in metabolism, detoxification and response to stress, protein processing and signal transduction. This study allowed us to isolate 24 putative new targets and to propose the mevalonic acid‐dependent biosynthesis of isoprenoids as a new redox‐mediated process. The redox‐regulation of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis is also suggested, three enzymes of this pathway being retained on the column. We also provided experimental evidence that phenylammonia‐lyase was enzymatically more active when reduced by TRXy in root crude extract. Among the high number of partners involved in defense against stress we isolated from the column, we focused on plastidial monodehydroascorbate reductase and showed that its activity was dramatically increased in vitro in the presence of DTT‐reduced TRXy1 in root crude extracts. Our data strongly suggest that TRXy1 could be the physiological regulator of monodehydroascorbate reductase in root plastids.
Understanding the cancer pain experience in American Indians of the Northern Plains
Authors: Haozous Emily A. , Knobf M. Tish , Brant Jeannine M.
Published: April 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of cancer pain in American Indians (AI) from the Northern Plains region of the United States.

Design: This was a qualitative descriptive study.

Setting: Southeastern Montana.

Participants: The sample consisted of 10 participants from Northern Plains AI tribes/nations, aged 31–75 years, with both solid and hematologic malignancies.

Main outcome measures: Data were produced through semi‐structured interviews and through the use of the Brief Pain Inventory‐Short Form.

Results: Participants reported mild‐to‐moderate pain on a daily basis, and pain negatively interfered with their daily activities and enjoyment of life. The average pain score at the time of interview was 4.2 out of 10. Participants described both somatic and neuropathic pain. Participants reported psychosocial distress through feelings of guilt, depression, and isolation related to their cancer, and they relied strongly on prayer and traditional medicine in coping with pain. Dominant themes were ‘Isolating Within’ and ‘Making Connections’.

Conclusions: This study suggests that there is very little difference between AI and other cultural groups regarding cancer pain in the description of pain, patterns, and types of pain management. However, this study identified notable differences in the high degree of isolation reported by AI, their desire to endure pain with stoicism, their intense desire to protect their privacy, and their distrust of outsiders. Findings from this study will inform future research on pain and pain interventions in AI patients with cancer. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer patients' trust in their physician—a review
Authors: Hillen Marij A. , de Haes Hanneke C. J. M. , Smets Ellen M. A.
Published: April 2010

Objective: Patient's trust in their physician is crucial for desirable treatment outcomes such as satisfaction and adherence. In oncology, trust is possibly even more essential, due to the life‐threatening nature of cancer. A review was undertaken of the current knowledge of the conceptualization, assessment, correlates, and consequences of cancer patients' trust in their physician.

Methods: The empirical literature published in peer‐reviewed journals between October 1988 and October 2008 was searched, employing all combinations and variations of the following keywords: trust, physician–patient relations, and cancer.

Results: The search identified 45 relevant papers, only 11 of which drew attention to the conceptualization of trust, and 5 of which focused on trust as the primary subject of interest. Trust in physicians was strong overall. Patients' trust appeared to be enhanced by the physician's perceived technical competence, honesty, and patient‐centred behaviour. A trusting relationship between patient and physician resulted in facilitated communication and medical decision making, a decrease of patient fear, and better treatment adherence.

Conclusions: A lack of focus on trust and the conceptualization thereof, strong methodological variations between studies and a possible publication bias lead us to conclude that cancer patients' trust in their physician deserves more systematic, theoretically based, research attention. Consequently, studies are needed aimed at gaining a thorough understanding of the nature and impact of cancer patients' trust in their physician, and how the interaction between physician and patient may contribute to such trust. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purification of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase using a self‐cleaving elastin‐like polypeptide tag
Authors: Fong Baley A. , Gillies Alison R. , Ghazi Iraj , LeRoy Gary , Lee Kathleen C. , Westblade Lars F. , Wood David W.
Published: April 2010

A self‐cleaving elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP) tag was used to purify the multisubunit Escherichia coli RNA polymerase (RNAP) via a simple, nonchromatographic method. To accomplish this, the RNAP α subunit was tagged with a self‐cleaving ELP‐intein tag and coexpressed with the β, β′, and ω subunits. The assembled RNAP was purified with its associated subunits, and was active and acquired at reasonable yield and purity. To remove residual polynucleotides bound to the purified RNAP, two polymer precipitation methods were investigated: polyethyleneimine (PEI) and polyethylene (PEG) precipitation. The PEG procedure was shown to enhance purity and was compatible with downstream ELP‐intein purification. Thus, this simple ELP‐based method should be applicable for the nonchromatographic purification of other recombinant, in vivo‐assembled multisubunit complexes in a single step. Further, the simplicity and low cost of this method will likely facilitate scale up for large‐scale production of additional multimeric protein targets. Finally, this technique may have utility in isolating protein interaction partners that associate with a given target.
Radiative recombination dynamics of CdSe/Zn(S,Se)/MgS quantum dots up to room temperature
Authors: Zaitsev S. V. , Arians R. , Kümmell T. , Bacher G. , Gust A. , Kruse C. , Hommel D.
Published: April 2010

The recombination dynamics and its temperature dependence are studied in detail in epitaxially grown CdSe/Zn(S,Se) quantum dots (QDs) with additional wide‐band MgS barriers. Such design allows to preserve a very high quantum yield and to track the QD recombination dynamics up to room temperature. At low temperatures, a fast initial decay ∼0.6 ns is observed which is followed by a long decay with a time constant ∼25 ns. The fast initial decay disappears with increasing temperature and above 100 K only a single‐exponential decay is observed with a decay time τ of 1.2–1.5 ns, which is weakly dependent on temperature up to 300 K. A two‐level model including bright and dark exciton states and temperature dependent spin‐flip between them describes well the experimental findings. According to the model, the long decay tail results from a thermally activated population of the bright exciton state from the energetically lowest dark state.
Fluorine‐doped ZnSe for applications in quantum information processing
Authors: Ladd T. D. , Sanaka K. , Yamamoto Y. , Pawlis A. , Lischka K.
Published: April 2010

Devices based on group II–VI semiconductors, and in particular ZnSe, show several advantages for single‐photon sources in comparison to group III–V and group IV devices. Additionally, the spin system of the neutral 19F donor has strong potential as a quantum memory.

Here, we summarize these advantages and some initial demonstrations of the promise of 19F:ZnSe for quantum information, including the observation of the interference of photons from independent single 19F:ZnSe emitters and the fabrication of 19F‐doped microdisk cavities showing low‐threshold lasing.
Robotic single‐incision transabdominal and transvaginal surgery: initial experience with intersecting robotic arms
Authors: Hagen Monika E. , Wagner Oliver J. , Inan Ihsan , Morel Philippe , Fasel Jean , Jacobsen Garth , Spivack Adam , Thompson Kari , Wong Brian , Fischer Lauren , Talamini Mark , Horgan Santiago
Published: April 2010

Background

Single‐incision laparoscopic and natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) are technically challenging methods. Robotics might have the potential to overcome such hurdles with computer technology.

Methods

The da Vinci® Standard and S System (Intuitive, Sunnyvale, USA) were used in human cadavers and pigs to perform single‐incision transabdominal and transvaginal surgery. Robotic arms were crossed and control‐switched to achieve intuitive control.

Results

It was possible to perform robotic single‐incision laparoscopy in the typical, intuitive fashion. Transvaginal set‐up, including docking of the system and introduction of instruments into the abdominal cavity, was possible but no useful manipulation could be performed.

Conclusions

While robotic NOTES with the da Vinci surgical system was not successful, robotic single‐incision surgery is feasible using the above set‐up. This new approach seems to offer the advantages of single‐incision surgery while maintaining the intuitive control of robotic surgery. Clinical application appears justified. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust control for uncertain nonlinear systems with state‐dependent control direction
Authors: Yang Zaiyue , Yam S. C. P. , Li L. K. , Wang Yiwen
Published: April 2010

The control direction is the multiplier of the control term. In this study, the control direction is considered as an unknown function of state and allowed to cross zero and change its sign smoothly. Based on the analysis of system dynamics at the points where the control direction is zero, a robust controller is proposed by integrating with a bounding function and a Nussbaum‐type gain. Under the proposed controller, the system approaches zero if zero is accessible, or to the accessible point closest to zero if zero is not accessible by any control. The control performance is illustrated by simulated examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of atomic force microscopy in bacterial research
Authors: Dorobantu Loredana S. , Gray Murray R.
Published: April 2010

The atomic force microscope (AFM) has evolved from an imaging device into a multifunctional and powerful toolkit for probing the nanostructures and surface components on the exterior of bacterial cells. Currently, the area of application spans a broad range of interesting fields from materials sciences, in which AFM has been used to deposit patterns of thiol‐functionalized molecules onto gold substrates, to biological sciences, in which AFM has been employed to study the undesirable bacterial adhesion to implants and catheters or the essential bacterial adhesion to contaminated soil or aquifers. The unique attribute of AFM is the ability to image bacterial surface features, to measure interaction forces of functionalized probes with these features, and to manipulate these features, for example, by measuring elongation forces under physiological conditions and at high lateral resolution (<1 Å). The first imaging studies showed the morphology of various biomolecules followed by rapid progress in visualizing whole bacterial cells. The AFM technique gradually developed into a lab‐on‐a‐tip allowing more quantitative analysis of bacterial samples in aqueous liquids and non‐contact modes. Recently, force spectroscopy modes, such as chemical force microscopy, single‐cell force spectroscopy, and single‐molecule force spectroscopy, have been used to map the spatial arrangement of chemical groups and electrical charges on bacterial surfaces, to measure cell–cell interactions, and to stretch biomolecules. In this review, we present the fascinating options offered by the rapid advances in AFM with emphasizes on bacterial research and provide a background for the exciting research articles to follow. SCANNING 32: 74–96, 2010. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An assessment of gum‐based environmental enrichment for captive gummivorous primates
Authors: Huber Hillary F. , Lewis Kerrie P.
Published: April 2010

In the wild, many primates consume gums exuded from trees, and many species are gum specialists. In spite of this, few data exist concerning gum feeding in captivity. Using a web‐based survey of 46 zoos in 12 countries, we evaluated the extent to which zoos feed gum to primates. We found that although callitrichids and galagos receive gum‐based enrichment, cercopithecines generally do not. Environmental enrichment is important for stimulating naturalistic behavior to promote the psychological wellbeing of animals. Thus, gum‐based enrichment is important for captive gummivores. Our study highlights the need to improve environmental enrichment for captive gummivores, in particular that of cercopithecines. This is most striking for the patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas), an obligate gummivore. The exchange of ecological data between field research and captive settings is crucial, and is just one way primate caretakers can contribute to the conservation and welfare of some of our closest living relatives. Zoo Biol 30:71–78, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radiographic diagnosis of metabolic bone disease in captive bred mountain chicken frogs (Leptodactylus fallax)
Authors: King Jay D. , Muhlbauer Michael C. , James Arlington
Published: April 2010

Asymptomatic captive bred and wild‐caught mountain chicken frogs (Leptodactylus fallax) were radiographed for evidence of metabolic bone disease (MBD). All 22 captive bred frogs had multiple folding fractures of long bones, decreased bone density, and cortical thinning, whereas none of the 11 wild‐caught frogs had any radiographic evidence of MBD. These findings suggest that the nutritional requirements of L. fallax need to be examined for captive management purposes. Zoo Biol 30:254–259, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age class differences in the feeding behavior of captive Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscataia) in the forested and nonvegetated enclosure groups
Authors: Jaman M. Firoj , Huffman Michael A.
Published: April 2010

Age class differences in feeding behavior of primates are affected by many factors, including feeding competition, foraging skills, habitat type, food abundance and distribution, body mass, and food types. Two captive groups of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), one housed in a forested enclosure and the other in a nonvegetated enclosure, were studied to examine the effect of environmental enrichment on age class differences in feeding behavior. Although there was no significant age class difference in time spent feeding on provisioned foods in either enclosure, the feeding rate (intake of unit food/minute) of adults consuming provisioned monkey chow was significantly higher than that of immatures in both enclosures, and was faster for both age groups in the nonvegetated than in the forested enclosure. Overall, feeding time was greatly extended for individuals of both age classes in the forested enclosure compared with their counterparts in the nonvegetated enclosure. Immatures in the forested enclosure utilized a significantly greater number of plant species and food items, exploiting many food items available among the terminal branches, and spent significantly more time feeding than adults. Perhaps constrained by larger body size, adults fed more often on the ground or middle height of the trees, likely reducing competition over plant food resources between adults and immatures. The natural vegetation played an important role in extending feeding time and segregating substrate use during feeding by adults and immatures. This study revealed the benefits concerning environmental enrichment of a naturally forested enclosure, which provides captive primates the opportunity to exhibit age class and species‐typical feeding behaviors of importance for their dietary maintenance and general health. Zoo Biol 30:260–274, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving Diagnostic Accuracy: Simple Statistical Nomograms to Interpret Medical Literature
Authors: Bliss David , Diggs Brian , Matar Marla
Published: April 2010

Background

Authors of medical diagnostic literature frequently report sensitivity and specificity as measures of the quality of an evaluative study. However, these representations are easily misinterpreted by clinicians to be indicative of the prospective value of a test as predictive of the presence (positive predictive value, PPV) or absence of disease (negative predictive value, NPV). Although these phenomena are related, the mathematical expression and, therefore, the conclusions are more complex.

Methods

Using algebraic methods, we derived simplified formulas to determine PPV, NPV, and accuracy (A). These general terms were solved by constraining individual variables, resulting in the development of curves that may be used routinely to analyze medical diagnostic literature.

Results

Equations for PPV, NPV, and A were generated by using sensitivity, specificity, and incidence/prevalence as the dependent variables. These equations have been employed to generate representative graphs of PPV, NPV, and A and to clarify trends in these features with respect to commonly reported data.

Discussion

These simplified equations allow clinicians to determine the utility of diagnostic studies in prospect, despite having only sensitivity, specificity, and incidence or prevalence of disease.
Posterior Interosseous Artery Flap for Resurfacing Posttraumatic Soft Tissue Defects of the Hand
Authors: Gavaskar Ashok S.
Published: April 2010

The need for soft tissue coverage of large defects in the hand and the wrist following trauma is a common problem for hand surgeons. Flap coverage of these defects can be either in the form of distant or regional flaps. The posterior interosseous artery flap recently has emerged as a front runner in these situations by its virtue to preserve both the major arteries to the hand. Thirty-two posterior interosseous artery flaps were used in 32 patients with complex soft tissue defects of the hand. All these defects were posttraumatic. There were associated skeletal and soft tissue injuries in 20 patients. The donor site was closed either primarily or by a split skin graft depending on the size of the defect. All flaps healed well, and there were no incidences of flap necrosis. The donor site required a split skin graft in 24 patients. The flap was bulky in one patient and transient extensor carpi ulnaris weakness was seen in three patients. The posterior interosseous artery flap is a versatile flap for coverage of soft tissue defects of the hand. Good aesthetic results can be achieved with minimal donor site morbidity. Harvesting the flap requires a precise surgical technique and as many perforators as possible should be preserved to ensure flap viability.
Rapid automatized naming as an index of genetic liability to autism
Authors: Losh Molly , Esserman Denise , Piven Joseph
Published: April 2010

This study investigated rapid automatized naming (RAN) ability in high functioning individuals with autism and parents of individuals with autism. Findings revealed parallel patterns of performance in parents and individuals with autism, where both groups had longer naming times than controls. Significant parent-child correlations were also detected, along with associations with language and personality features of the broad autism phenotype (retrospective reports of early language delay, socially reticent personality). Together, findings point towards RAN as a potential marker of genetic liability to autism.
Impact of Administered Bifidobacterium on Murine Host Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Wall Rebecca , Ross R. Paul , Shanahan Fergus , O’Mahony Liam , Kiely Barry , Quigley Eamonn , Dinan Timothy G. , Fitzgerald Gerald , Stanton Catherine
Published: April 2010

Recently, we reported that administration of Bifidobacteria resulted in increased concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in murine adipose tissue [1]. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of co‐administration of Bifidobacterium breve NCIMB 702258 and the substrate for EPA, α‐linolenic acid, on host fatty acid composition. α‐Linolenic acid‐supplemented diets (1%, wt/wt) were fed to mice (n = 8), with or without B. breve NCIMB 702258 (daily dose of 109 microorganisms) for 8 weeks. Two further groups received either supplement of B. breve alone or unsupplemented diet. Tissue fatty acid composition was assessed by gas liquid chromatography. Dietary supplementation of α‐linolenic acid resulted in higher (P < 0.05) α‐linolenic acid and EPA concentrations in liver and adipose tissue and lower (P < 0.05) arachidonic acid in liver, adipose tissue and brain compared with mice that did not receive α‐linolenic acid. Supplementation with B. breve NCIMB 702258 in combination with α‐linolenic acid resulted in elevated (P < 0.05) liver EPA concentrations compared with α‐linolenic acid supplementation alone. Furthermore, the former group had higher (P < 0.05) DHA in brain compared with the latter group. These results suggest a role for interactions between fatty acids and commensals in the gastrointestinal tract. This interaction between administered microbes and fatty acids could result in a highly effective nutritional approach to the therapy of a variety of inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions.
Cloud computing: state-of-the-art and research challenges
Authors: Zhang Qi , Cheng Lu , Boutaba Raouf
Published: April 2010

Cloud computing has recently emerged as a new paradigm for hosting and delivering services over the Internet. Cloud computing is attractive to business owners as it eliminates the requirement for users to plan ahead for provisioning, and allows enterprises to start from the small and increase resources only when there is a rise in service demand. However, despite the fact that cloud computing offers huge opportunities to the IT industry, the development of cloud computing technology is currently at its infancy, with many issues still to be addressed. In this paper, we present a survey of cloud computing, highlighting its key concepts, architectural principles, state-of-the-art implementation as well as research challenges. The aim of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the design challenges of cloud computing and identify important research directions in this increasingly important area.
Chronic widespread pain predicts physical inactivity: Results from the prospective EPIFUND study
Authors: McBeth John , Nicholl Barbara I. , Cordingley Lis , Davies Kelly A. , Macfarlane Gary J.
Published: April 2010

This study tested the hypothesis that chronic widespread pain (CWP) would predict low levels of physical activity (PA). Pain status and PA levels were ascertained at baseline and 32 months in community subjects. Three PA questions were used: “in comparison with others your own age, is your PA “the same” (referent), “more‐much more” or “less‐much less””, and “during the past month on average how many days/week have you taken exercise that has (i) lasted at least 20 min? and (ii) made you sweat?: “4–7” (referent), “1–3” or “none””. Multinomial logistic regression models quantified the relationship between baseline CWP and PA at follow‐up (relative risk ratios (RRR) (95% confidence intervals)). Two thousands one hundred and eighty‐two subjects participated and provided complete pain and PA information at both timepoints. CWP was reported by 18% (n = 429) of participants at baseline. Compared to subjects who were free of CWP at baseline, those with CWP had an increased odds of reporting “less‐much less” PA at follow‐up (RRR = 4.5 (3.2–6.2)). This relationship remained after adjustment for confounders (RRR = 1.9 (1.3–2.9)). A similar association was observed with exercise that lasted at least 20 min (RRR = 1.9 (1.3–2.8)). The current study suggests that low self‐reported levels of physical activity are a consequence of having CWP.
Risk factors for persistence of multiple musculoskeletal pains in adolescence: A 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Paananen Markus V. , Taimela Simo P. , Auvinen Juha P. , Tammelin Tuija H. , Kantomaa Marko T. , Ebeling Hanna E. , Taanila Anja M. , Zitting Paavo J. , Karppinen Jaro I.
Published: April 2010

Musculoskeletal pain in multiple sites is common already in adolescence, and may lead to subsequent musculoskeletal complaints in adulthood. We examined predictive factors for the persistence of multiple musculoskeletal pains in adolescence over a 2‐year time span. A postal questionnaire was administered to a subsample of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (n = 1773) when subjects were aged 16 and 18. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the possible risk factors of new‐onset of multiple pains at 18 years and 2‐year persistence of multiple pains were obtained using multinomial logistic regression. Multiple musculoskeletal pains were common; 43% of boys and 63% of girls at 16, and 61% of boys and 81% of girls at 18 reported pain in more than one site during the last 6 months. Moreover, multiple pains had a high persistence rate, as 75% of boys and 88% of girls with multiple pains at 16 reported multiple pains also at 18. In the multivariate analysis, emotional and behavioral problems (internalizing problems, OR 2.3; externalizing problems, OR 2.2), and high sitting time (OR 1.6) among boys, and internalizing problems (OR 3.7), high physical activity level (OR 1.6), short sleeping time (OR 1.7), and smoking (OR 1.9) among girls were predictive factors for the persistence of multiple pains. No statistically significant associations between the baseline variables and new‐onset multiple pains were found. Multiple musculoskeletal pains appear to have a high tendency to persist in adolescence; both psychosocial factors and lifestyle factors contribute to this vulnerability.
Alterations of interneurons in the striatum and frontal cortex of mice during postnatal development
Authors: Eto Risa , Abe Manami , Kimoto Hiroki , Imaoka Eri , Kato Hiroyuki , Kasahara Jiro , Araki Tsutomu
Published: April 2010

We investigated the postnatal alterations of neuronal nuclei (NeuN)‐positive neurons, parvalbumin (PV)‐positive interneurons, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)‐positive interneurons, and neurotrophic factors in the mouse striatum and frontal cortex using immunohistochemistry. NeuN, PV, nNOS, nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) immunoreactivity were measured in 1‐, 2‐, 4‐ and 8‐week‐old mice. Total number of NeuN‐positive neurons was unchanged in the mouse striatum and frontal cortex from 1 up to 8 weeks of age. In contrast, a significant decrease in the number of PV‐positive interneurons was observed in the striatum and frontal cortex of 1‐, 2‐ and 4‐week‐old mice. Furthermore, a significant increase of nNOS‐positive interneurons was found in the striatum and frontal cortex of 1‐ and/or 2‐week‐old mice. NGF‐positive neurons were unchanged in the mouse striatum from 1 up to 8 weeks of age. In the frontal cortex, a significant increase in the number of NGF‐positive neurons was observed only in 1‐week‐old mice. In contrast, a significant increase in the number of NGF‐positive glia 1 cells was found in the striatum and frontal cortex of 4‐week‐old mice. Our double‐labeled immunostaining showed that nNOS immunoreactivity was not found in PV‐immunopositive interneurons. Furthermore, BDNF immunoreactivity was observed in both nNOS‐positive and PV‐positive interneurons in the striatum of 1‐ or 2‐week‐old mice. These results show that the maturation of nNOS‐immunopositive interneurons precedes the maturation of PV‐immunopositive interneurons in the striatum and frontal cortex during postnatal development. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the expression of BDNF may play some role in the maturation of interneurons in the striatum and frontal cortex during postnatal development. Moreover, our findings suggest that the expression of NGF in glia cells may play some role in the maturation of glial cells and PV‐positive interneurons in the striatum and frontal cortex during postnatal development.
Effect of dimethylsulphoxide and curcumin on protein carbonyls and reactive oxygen species of cerebral hemispheres of mice as a function of age
Authors: Dkhar Preeticia , Sharma Ramesh
Published: April 2010

Oxidative modification alters the function of proteins and is thought to play an important role in the decline of cellular functions during aging. Reactive oxygen species generated as by‐products of oxidative metabolism frequently damage cellular macromolecules such as DNA, lipids and proteins. Protein carbonyls are commonly used as a marker of protein oxidation in cells and tissues. The brain is a highly oxidative organ consuming 20% of the body's oxygen despite accounting for only 2% of the total body weight. In the present study, we have evaluated the levels of free radicals and protein carbonyls in the cerebral hemispheres of young and old mice. Dimethylsulphoxide treatment to the mice has been shown to cause a reduction in reactive oxygen species and protein carbonylation. In this study, we have also investigated the combined effect of dimethylsulphoxide and curcumin on free radicals and protein oxidation. Curcumin (90 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in dimethylsulphoxide was administered to the mice for three consecutive days. A significant reduction in the level of reactive oxygen species and protein carbonylation was seen with co‐supplementation of the two antioxidants. The present study, thus demonstrated the antioxidative effects of dimethylsulphoxide and curcumin in the brain which may help in preventing free‐radical‐induced damage to the proteins during the later stages of life.
Histological types of breast cancer: How special are they?
Authors: Weigelt Britta , Geyer Felipe C. , Reis-Filho Jorge S.
Published: April 2010

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, comprising multiple entities associated with distinctive histological and biological features, clinical presentations and behaviours and responses to therapy. Microarray‐based technologies have unravelled the molecular underpinning of several characteristics of breast cancer, including metastatic propensity and histological grade, and have led to the identification of prognostic and predictive gene expression signatures. Furthermore, a molecular taxonomy of breast cancer based on transcriptomic analysis has been proposed. However, microarray studies have primarily focused on invasive ductal carcinomas of no special type. Owing to the relative rarity of special types of breast cancer, information about the biology and clinical behaviour of breast cancers conveyed by histological type has not been taken into account. Histological special types of breast cancer account for up to 25% of all invasive breast cancers. Recent studies have provided direct evidence of the existence of genotypic–phenotypic correlations. For instance, secretory carcinomas of the breast consistently harbour the t(12;15) translocation that leads to the formation of the ETV6–NTRK3 fusion gene, adenoid cystic carcinomas consistently display the t(6;9) MYB–NFIB translocation and lobular carcinomas consistently show inactivation of the CDH1 gene through multiple molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, histopathological and molecular analysis of tumours from conditional mouse models has provided direct evidence for the causative role of specific genes in the genesis of specific histological special types of breast cancer. Here we review the associations between the molecular taxonomy of breast cancer and histological special types, discuss the possible origins of the heterogeneity of breast cancer and propose an approach for the identification of novel therapeutic targets based on the study of histological special types of breast cancer.
Can common stocks provide a hedge against inflation? Evidence from African countries
Authors: Alagidede Paul , Panagiotidis Theodore
Published: April 2010

The extent to which the stock market provides a hedge to investors against inflation is examined for African stock markets. By employing parametric and nonparametric cointegration procedures, we show that the point estimates of the elasticities of stock prices with respect to consumer prices range from 0.015 for Tunisia to 2.264 for South Africa, evidence of a positive long‐run relationship. Further, the time path of the response of stock prices to innovations in consumer prices exhibits a transitory negative response for Egypt and South Africa, which becomes positive over longer horizons: important indication that the stock market tends to provide a hedge against rising consumer prices in African markets.
Teachers' perceptions of school phobic and truant behaviour and the influence of the youth tutor
Authors: Pritchard Colin , Butler Alan J.
Published: April 2010

Teachers are often initiators of referrals to either statutory or theraputic agencies. A perennial problem is that of non‐school‐attendance which can be schematically defined as school phobia and truancy. There is considerable evidence that this categorisation has some validity. Consequently it is important for teachers to be able to differentiate between the two conditions, as the child probably requires different regimes. This study examined a sample of teachers drawn from secondary schools in which there was a Youth Tutor present, and from schools who had no Youth Tutor. It was found that there were clear statistical significant differences in the perceptions of teachers of school phobia and truancy from the different type of schools. The teachers from the Youth Tutor Schools were more inclined to be child, parent, and socially orientated than their counterparts. The practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Internal versus external control in Asian and West Indian adolescents in Britain
Authors: Louden Delroy M.
Published: April 2010

The aim of this paper is twofold, first to examine whether the reaction to minority group status found in the United States and elsewhere will be present among the adolescents of Asian and West Indian immigrants to Britain. Secondly to ascertain the differences, if any, between Asian and West Indian adolescents in terms of their ideas concerning Locus of Control. Reading ability and social class of subjects were controlled; a minimum reading age of 10·0 years was required and the sample was drawn from categories 3–5 of the Registrar‐General's classification of occupation.

Analysis of variance revealed considerable race difference with respect to Locus of Control. Asian and English adolescents were found to be at the internal dimension whilst West Indian adolescents were at the external dimension. Within each ethnic group Asian girls were the most internal; however English girls were more external in orientation than English boys.
Adolescent depression: an illness or developmental task?
Authors: Baker Ronald
Published: April 2010

In this paper, I have discussed depression in adolescence from its occurrence as a manifestation of health, in relation to developmental tasks, and from the standpoint of it being indicative of illness and pathology. I have taken the capacity to experience'the loss of the object with the presence of appropriate levels of depressive affect as being commensurate with mental health and the achievement of adequate mastery of the developmental tasks, and have used the notion of mourning to illustrate my theoretical view. As an example of the pathological manifestation of depression I have taken the suicidal adolescent and examined his symptoms and behaviour in the context of his incapacity to negotiate the developmental tasks and the factors which militate against the mourning process. I have not included clinical examples, but the main thrust of my statement is a direct reflection of the clinical position to which I subscribe. In particular, I have emphasised the importance of the inner world of the adolescent and the importance to the professional workerof understanding the destructive nature of the counter‐transference, as evoked by these depressed adolescents.
Depression, deviation and acting out in adolescence
Authors: Williams A. Hyatt
Published: April 2010

A differentiation is made between depression which is borne, sustained, and worked through, thus revealing an integrative process, and depression of a non‐developmental kind, deviation as a means of escape from psychic pain into pleasure and excitement, and acting out in its destructive and task‐avoiding aspects. These are all manifestations of a failure to negotiate the depressive position. That position itself depends upon the ability to tolerate relinquishment and to work through the pains of separation and loss without overwhelming persecutory anxiety and the abdication from it which leads to brutalization.
Skills training for adolescent social problems: a viable treatment alternative?
Authors: Trower P.
Published: April 2010

Social skills training is a recently developed behaviour‐based therapeutic technique for a wide range of psychiatric problems, with further potential in the field of adolescent psychiatry. The procedure involves the analysis of social deficits and modifying behaviour by instructions, modelling, behaviour rehearsal and feedback. It is suggested that there are two main areas of social behaviour in adolescence to which social skills training might be applied—peer and heterosocial friendship formation and parent/authority‐figure relationships. Relevant research in these two areas is briefly described, including cognitive development and adult and adolescent norms and social rules. Finally a selection of adolescent training programmes is reviewed and further developments suggested.
An adolescent unit assessed: attitudes to a treatment experience for adolescents and their families
Authors: Jones R.M. , Allen D.J. , Wells P.G. , Morris A.
Published: April 2010

An earlier paper described how the problem behaviours of adolescents who had experienced treatment at the Young People's Unit, Macclesfield changed. This paper describes the components of that experience, the clients' and referrers' evaluation of those components and their attitudes to the treatment received. The study occurred after an average post‐discharge period of two years. A factor analysis produced two main clusters of attitudes relating to “personal growth” and “valuing of the unit experience”. Youngsters with positive attitudes towards the experience had significantly better outcomes. This finding is compared with a study of approved school boys. It is suggested that the components of the Young Peoples' Unit may be more suited to the maturational tasks of adolescence. The findings refute the justification that residential units have helped personal growth despite the continuation of problem behaviour. The study has implications for Health Service planning for disturbed adolescents and for community agencies' attitudes to the use of residential treatment.
The role of high-fat diets and physical activity in the regulation of body weight
Authors: Schrauwen Patrick , Westerterp Klaas R.
Published: April 2010

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in westernized societies. In the USA the age-adjusted prevalence of BMI ≫30 kg/m2 increased between 1960 and 1994 from 13 % to 23 % for people over 20 years of age. This increase in the prevalence of obesity has been attributed to an increased fat intake and a decreased physical activity. However, the role of the impact of the level of dietary fat intake on human obesity has been challenged. High-fat diets, due to their high energy density, stimulate voluntary energy intake. An increased fat intake does not stimulate its own oxidation but the fat is stored in the human body. When diet composition is isoenergetically switched from low to high fat, fat oxidation only slowly increases, resulting in positive fat balances on the short term. Together with a diminished fat oxidation capacity in pre-obese subjects, high-fat diets can therefore be considered to be fattening. Another environmental factor which could explain the increasing prevalence of obesity is a decrease in physical activity. The percentage of body fat is negatively associated with physical activity and exercise has pronounced effects on energy expenditure and substrate oxidation. High-intensity exercise, due to a lowering of glycogen stores, can lead to a rapid increase in fat oxidation, which could compensate for the consumption of high-fat diets in westernized societies. Although the consumption of high-fat diets and low physical activity will easily lead to the development of obesity, there is still considerable inter-individual variability in body composition in individuals on similar diets. This can be attributed to the genetic background, and some candidate genes have been discovered recently. Both leptin and uncoupling protein have been suggested to play a role in the prevention of diet-induced obesity. Indeed, leptin levels are increased on a high-fat diet but this effect can be attributed to the increased fat mass observed on the high-fat diet. No effect of a high-fat diet per se on leptin levels is observed. Uncoupling proteins are increased by high-fat diets in rats but no data are available in human subjects yet. In conclusion, the increased intake of dietary fat and a decreasing physical activity level are the most important environmental factors explaining the increased prevalence of obesity in westernized societies.
A four-stage evaluation of the Paediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score in a tertiary paediatric hospital and a district general hospital
Authors: Gerasimidis Konstantinos , Keane Orla , Macleod Isobel , Flynn Diana M. , Wright Charlotte M.
Published: April 2010

Paediatric in-patients are at high risk of malnutrition but validated paediatric screening tools suitable for use by nursing staff are scarce. The present study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the new Paediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS). During a pilot introduction in a tertiary referral hospital and a district general hospital, two research dietitians assessed the validity of the PYMS by comparing the nursing screening outcome with a full dietetic assessment, anthropometry and body composition measurements. An additional PYMS form was completed by the research dietitians to assess its inter-rater reliability with the nursing staff and for comparison with the Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics (STAMP) and the Paediatric Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment (SGNA). Of the 247 children studied, the nurse-rated PYMS identified 59 % of those rated at high risk by full dietetic assessment. Of those rated at high risk by the nursing PYMS, 47 % were confirmed as high risk on full assessment. The PYMS showed moderate agreement with the full assessment (κ = 0·46) and inter-rater reliability (κ = 0·53) with the research dietitians. Children who screened as high risk for malnutrition had significantly lower lean mass index than those at moderate or low risk, but no difference in fat. When completed by the research dietitians, the PYMS showed similar sensitivity to the STAMP, but a higher positive predictive value. The SGNA had higher specificity than the PYMS but much lower sensitivity. The PYMS screening tool is an acceptable screening tool for identifying children at risk of malnutrition without producing unmanageable numbers of false-positive cases.
Biochemical risk indices, including plasma homocysteine, that prospectively predict mortality in older British people: the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of People Aged 65 Years and Over
Authors: Bates Christopher J. , Mansoor Mohammed A. , Pentieva Kristina D. , Hamer Mark , Mishra Gita D.
Published: April 2010

Predictive power, for total and vascular mortality, of selected indices measured at baseline in the British National Diet and Nutrition Survey (community-living subset) of People Aged 65 Years and Over was tested. Mortality status and its primary and underlying causes were recorded for 1100 (mean age 76·7 (sd7·5) years, 50·2 % females) respondents from the baseline survey in 1994–5 until September 2008. Follow-up data analyses focussed especially on known predictors of vascular disease risk, together with intakes and status indices of selected nutrients known to affect, or to be affected by, these predictors. Total mortality was significantly predicted by hazard ratios of baseline plasma concentrations (persd) of total homocysteine (tHcy) (95 % CI) 1·19 (1·11, 1·27), pyridoxal phosphate 0·90 (0·81, 1·00), pyridoxic acid 1·10 (1·03, 1·19), α1-antichymotrypsin 1·21 (1·13, 1·29), fibrinogen 1·14 (1·05, 1·23), creatinine 1·20 (1·10, 1·31) and glycosylated Hb 1·23 (1·14, 1·32), and by dietary intakes of energy 0·87 (0·80, 0·96) and protein 0·86 (0·77, 0·97). Prediction patterns and significance were similar for primary-cause vascular mortality. The traditional risk predictors plasma total and HDL cholesterol were not significant mortality predictors in this age group, nor were the known tHcy-regulating nutrients, folate and vitamin B12(intakes and status indices). Model adjustment for known risk predictors resulted in the loss of significance for some of the afore-mentioned indices; however, tHcy 1·34 (1·04, 1·73) remained a significant predictor for vascular mortality. Thus, total and primary vascular mortality is predicted by energy and protein intakes, and by biochemical indices including tHcy, independent of serum folate or vitamin B12.
The Politics of Judicial Economy at the World Trade Organization
Authors: Busch Marc L. , Pelc Krzysztof J.
Published: April 2010

International institutions often moderate the legal decisions they render. World Trade Organization (WTO) panels do this by exercising judicial economy. This practice, which is evident in 41 percent of all rulings, involves the decision not to rule on some of the litigants' arguments. The constraint is that it can be appealed. We argue that panels exercise judicial economy when the wider membership is ambivalent about the future consequences of a broader ruling. This is proxied by the “mixed” (that is, nonpartisan) third-party submissions, which are informative because they are costly, jeopardizing a more decisive legal victory that would benefit these governments too. We empirically test this hypothesis, and find that mixed third-party submissions increase the odds of judicial economy by upwards of 68 percent. This suggests that panels invoke judicial economy to politically appease the wider WTO membership, and not just to gain the litigants' compliance in the case at hand.
Adaptation of super-sweet maize to cold conditions: mutant×genotype interaction
Authors: ORDÁS B. , RODRÍGUEZ V. M. , ROMAY M. C. , MALVAR R. A. , ORDÁS A. , REVILLA P.
Published: April 2010

Super-sweet maize (shrunken2,sh2) has a longer post-harvest life than standard sweetcorn (sugary1,su1), but is less well-adapted to cold conditions. The objective of the present work was to determine if the replacement ofsu1bysh2alters the combining abilities of sweetcorn inbreds for adaptation to early planting under cold conditions. Two diallel sets ofsu1andsh2near-isogenic inbred lines were evaluated in a cold chamber and by early field planting. For most of the traits related to adaptation, except silking date, there were significant mutant×genotype interactions and the estimates of general combining ability (GCA) of each version of the same inbred were different, probably due to epistasis. Therefore, to widen the genetic base of the super-sweet germplasm for adaptation, conversion of the earliestsu1inbreds tosh2, ignoring other characteristics such as emergence or early vigour in early planting or cold tests, is proposed.