bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Random effects models for assessing diagnostic accuracy of traditional Chinese doctors in absence of a gold standard
Authors: Wang Zheyu , Zhou Xiao‐Hua
Published: May 2011

Two common problems in assessing the accuracy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctors in detecting a particular symptom are the unknown true symptom status and the ordinal‐scale of the symptom status. Wang et al. (Biostatistics 2011; DOI: 10.1093/biostatistics/kxq075) proposed a nonparametric maximum likelihood method for estimating the accuracy of different TCM doctors without a gold standard when the true symptom status is measured on an ordinal‐scale. A key assumption of their work is that the diagnosis results are independent conditional on the gold standard. This assumption can be violated in many practical situations. In this paper, we propose a random effects modeling approach that extends their method to incorporate dependence structure among different tests or doctors. The proposed method is illustrated on a real data set from TCM, which contains the diagnostic results from five doctors for the same patients regarding symptoms related to Chills disease. The same data set was analyzed by Wang et al. under the conditional independence assumption. In addition, we also discuss an ad hoc test for the model fitting and a likelihood ratio test on the random effects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation of Chemical Reaction Intermediates by Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Centrone Andrea , Santiso Erik E. , Hatton T. Alan
Published: May 2011

HPLC columns custom‐packed with metal–organic framework (MOF) materials are used for the separation of four small intermediates and byproducts found in the commercial synthesis of an important active pharmaceutical ingredient in methanol. In particular, two closely related amines can be separated in the methanol reaction medium using MOFs, but not with traditional C18 columns using an optimized aqueous mobile phase. Infrared spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis are used in combination with molecular dynamic simulations to study the separation mechanism for the best‐performing MOF materials. It is found that separation with ZIF‐8 is the result of an interplay between the thermodynamic driving force for solute adsorption within the framework pores and the kinetics of solute diffusion into the material pores, while the separation with Basolite F300 is achieved because of the specific interactions between the solutes and Fe3+ sites. This work, and the exceptional ability to tailor the porous properties of MOF materials, points to prospects for using MOF materials for the continuous separation and synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds.
Design and Application of Inorganic Nanoparticle Superstructures: Current Status and Future challenges
Authors: Gao Yan , Tang Zhiyong
Published: May 2011

Self‐assembly of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) into superstructures, which is used as a general way to integrate functional inorganic NPs into macroscale devices, has attracted much research interest. This review will summarize the recent progress and discuss future challenges of the inorganic NP superstructures. Examples include both DNA‐based and polymer‐based NP assemblies with controlled positioning and geometries, and quasicrystalline ordered structures from the self‐assembly of binary or ternary NPs. Different from their individual NP counterparts, these self‐assembled superstructures possess unique properties, such as optical chirality and dynamic structural change under an external stimulus. Due to their diversified structures and functionalities, inorganic NP superstructures have shown a wide range of promise for applications in electronic and photonic devices, such as field‐effect transistors, magnetoresistive components, optical information recording, and solar cells.
Agreement between two‐ and three‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound methods in assessing fetal head descent in the first stage of labor
Authors: Torkildsen E. A. , Salvesen K. Å. , Eggebø T. M.
Published: May 2011

Objective

To study intraobserver repeatability and intermethod agreement between two‐ (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) transperineal ultrasound methods in assessing fetal head descent during the first stage of labor.

Methods

Fetal head descent was measured with transperineal ultrasound as the fetal head–perineum distance and the angle of progression in 106 primiparous women with prolonged first stage of labor. A single obstetrician performed all the scans, and another obstetrician analyzed the acquired 2D images and 3D volumes, blinded to clinical assessments and labor outcome. Intraobserver repeatability and intermethod agreement between 2D and 3D methods were analyzed.

Results

The repeatability coefficient was ± 4.1 mm in 2D acquisitions and ± 1.7 mm in 3D acquisitions of fetal head–perineum distance. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were 0.94 for 2D and 0.99 for 3D measurements. The angle of progression repeatability coefficients were ± 6.7° using 2D and ± 5.7° using 3D ultrasound and ICCs were 0.91 and 0.94, respectively. The intermethod ICC for fetal head–perineum distance in 2D vs 3D acquisitions was 0.95 and for angle of progression it was 0.93; the intermethod 95% limits of agreement were − 5.8 mm to + 7.2 mm and − 8.9° to + 13.7°, respectively. Cohen's kappa for 2D vs 3D acquisitions was 0.85 using 40 mm as a cut‐off level for fetal head–perineum distance and 0.79 using 110° as cut‐off level for angle of progression.

Conclusions

For one ultrasound operator the intraobserver repeatability and agreement between 2D and 3D ultrasound methods in prolonged first stage of labor were good. Given that 2D methods are simpler to learn and can be analyzed quickly online, 2D equipment might therefore be preferred in the labor room. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variability in the clinical management of fatty acid oxidation disorders: results of a survey of Canadian metabolic physicians
Authors: Potter Beth K. , Little Julian , Chakraborty Pranesh , Kronick Jonathan B. , Evans Jessica , Frei Julia , Sutherland Sarah C. , Wilson Kumanan , Wilson Brenda J.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

There is little robust empirical evidence on which to base treatment recommendations for fatty acid oxidation disorders. While consensus guidelines are important, understanding areas where there is a lack of consensus is also critical to inform priorities for future evaluative research.

Methods

We surveyed Canadian metabolic physicians on the treatment of medium‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency, very long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency, long‐chain 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency, and mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP) deficiency. We ascertained physicians’ opinions on the use of different interventions for the long‐term management of patients as well as for the management of acute illness, focusing on identifying interventions characterized by high variability in opinions. We also investigated factors influencing treatment decisions.

Results

We received 18 responses (response rate 45%). Participants focused on avoidance of fasting and increased meal frequency as interventions for the management of MCAD deficiency. For the long‐chain disorders, avoidance of fasting remained the most consistently endorsed intervention, with additional highly endorsed treatments differing for VLCAD versus LCHAD/MTP deficiency. L‐carnitine supplementation and restriction of dietary fat were characterized by high variability in physicians’ opinions, as were several interventions specific to long‐chain disorders. Social factors and patient characteristics were important influences on treatment decisions.

Conclusions

Based on our findings we suggest that high priority treatments for rigorous effectiveness studies could include L‐carnitine supplementation (MCAD and LCHAD/MTP deficiencies), restriction of dietary fat, and, for the long‐chain disorders, feeding practices for breastfed infants and the use of various supplements (essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, cornstarch, multivitamins).
Factor Analysis via Components Analysis
Authors: Bentler Peter M. , de Leeuw Jan
Published: May 2011

When the factor analysis model holds, component loadings are linear combinations of factor loadings, and vice versa. This interrelation permits us to define new optimization criteria and estimation methods for exploratory factor analysis. Although this article is primarily conceptual in nature, an illustrative example and a small simulation show the methodology to be promising.
Ending the Enp's ‘schizophrenia’: Addressing Myths, Narrowing Focus, Improving Implementation
Authors: Jarábik Balázs , Kobzová Jana
Published: June 2011

The Communication of the European Commission on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) has re-confirmed conditionality and differentiation as the two guiding principles for the EU's assistance to its Eastern neighbours. While this is the right step in principle, in reality this approach only succeeds insofar as the countries themselves want to embark on a path of reform and transformation. However, most of the EU's Eastern neighbours currently lack the will to do so. The lack of a promise of membership by the EU is partly to blame, but the region's own political, economic and social development needs to be taken stronger into consideration.
Continuous spectra of the Batchelor vortex
Authors: MAO XUERUI , SHERWIN SPENCER
Published: May 2011

The spectra of the Batchelor vortex are obtained by discretizing its linearized evolution operator using a modified Chebyshev polynomial approximation at a Reynolds number of 1000 and zero azimuthal wavenumber. Three types of eigenmodes are identified from the spectra: discrete modes, potential modes and free-stream modes. The discrete modes have been extensively documented but the last two modes have received little attention. A convergence study of the spectra and pseudospectra supports the classification that discrete modes correspond to discrete spectra while the other two modes correspond to continuous spectra. Free-stream modes have finite amplitude in the far field whilst potential modes decay to zero in the far field. The free-stream modes are therefore a limiting form of the potential modes when the radial decay rate of velocity components reduces to zero. The radial form of the free-stream modes with axial and radial wavenumbers is investigated and the penetration of the free-stream mode into the vortex core highlights the possibility of interaction between the potential region and the vortex core. A wavepacket pseudomode study confirms the existence of continuous spectra and predicts the locations and radial wavenumbers of the eigenmodes. The pseudomodes corresponding to the potential modes are observed to be in the form of one or two wavepackets while the free-stream modes are not observed to be in the form of wavepackets.
In vitroandin vivoevaluation of the anticarcinogenic and cancer chemopreventive potential of a flavonoid-rich fraction from a traditional Indian herbSelaginella bryopteris
Authors: Mishra Pradyumna Kumar , Raghuram Gorantla Venkata , Bhargava Arpit , Ahirwar Alok , Samarth Ravindra , Upadhyaya Ravi , Jain Subodh Kumar , Pathak Neelam
Published: May 2011

Prevention of cancer through nutritional intervention has gained significant recognition in recent years. Evidence revealed from mechanistic investigations coupled with molecular epidemiology show an inverse association of dietary flavonoids intake with cancer risk. The chemopreventive and anticarcinogenic potential ofSelaginella bryopteris, a traditional Indian herb referred to as ‘Sanjeevani’ in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, was examined in the present study. Comprehensivein vitroandin vivostudies were conducted on the flavonoid-rich benzene fraction of the aqueous extract that demonstrated a significant cytoprotective activity. Biomarkers of chemoprevention such as proliferative index and status of cell-cycle regulatory proteins, antioxidant property, anti-inflammatory effect, reversal of stress-induced senescence and genoprotective effect were investigated in human and murine cell cultures. Chemopreventive potential was assessed in benzopyrene-induced lung carcinogenesis and 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene-mediated skin papillomagenesis test models. Inhibition of DNA fragmentation, unperturbed cell-cycle regulation, maintenance of intracellular antioxidant defence, anti-inflammatory activity, prevention of stress-induced senescence and genoprotective effects against methyl isocyanate carcinogenicity was observed. Medium-term anticarcinogenicity and two-stage skin papillomagenesis tests strongly substantiated ourin vitroobservations. Results from the present study provide evidence of anticarcinogenic and chemopreventive activities ofS. bryopterishitherto unreported and reaffirm the nutritional significance of flavonoids in cancer prevention.
Grape seed extract supplementation prevents high-fructose diet-induced insulin resistance in rats by improving insulin and adiponectin signalling pathways
Authors: Meeprom Aramsri , Sompong Weerachat , Suwannaphet Wannaporn , Yibchok-anun Sirintorn , Adisakwattana Sirichai
Published: May 2011

Recent evidence strongly supports the contention that grape seed extract (GSE) improves hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia in high-fructose-fed rats. To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of action, we examined the effects of GSE on the expression of muscle proteins related to the insulin signalling pathway and of mRNA for genes involved in the adiponectin signalling pathway. Compared with rats fed on a normal diet, high-fructose-fed rats developed pathological changes, including insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia, hypertriacylglycerolaemia, a low level of plasma adiponectin and a high level of plasma fructosamine. These disorders were effectively attenuated in high-fructose-fed rats supplemented with GSE. A high-fructose diet causes insulin resistance by significantly reducing the protein expression of insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate-1, Akt and GLUT4, and the mRNA expression of adiponectin, adiponectin receptor R1 (AdipoR1) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-α in the skeletal muscle. Supplementation of GSE enhanced the expression of insulin signalling pathway-related proteins, including Akt and GLUT4. GSE also increased the mRNA expression of adiponectin, AdipoR1 and AMPK-α. In addition, GSE increased the mRNA levels of glycogen synthase and suppressed the mRNA expression of glycogen synthase kinase-3-α, causing an increase in glycogen accumulation in the skeletal muscle. These results suggest that GSE ameliorates the defective insulin and adiponectin signalling pathways in the skeletal muscle, resulting in improved insulin resistance in fructose-fed rats.
Chronic oestrogen replacement in ovariectomised rats attenuates food intake and augments c-Fos expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus specifically during the light phase
Authors: Takamata Akira , Torii Kayo , Miyake Kana , Morimoto Keiko
Published: May 2011

Oestrogen replacement in ovariectomised (OVX) rats has been reported to attenuate food intake, especially during the light phase. To gain better insight into the central mechanism of oestrogen-induced reduction of food intake, we examined the effect of chronic oestrogen replacement in OVX rats on c-Fos expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and on food intake during the light and dark phases. Eight-week-old female rats were ovariectomised and implanted with either an oestradiol (E2) or a vehicle pellet (Veh) subcutaneously. The animals were housed in an environment with a 12 h light–12 h dark cycle with the lights on at 07.00 hours. The amount of spontaneous food intake relative to each animal's body weight was significantly less for the E2 group than for the Veh group during the light phase, but there were no differences shown between these groups during the dark phase. There were no differences shown in the number of c-Fos-immunoreactive cells in the SCN in the E2 group compared with the Veh group during the early dark phase (22.00 hours; Zeitgeber time 15.00 (ZT15)), but the number was significantly higher than in the Veh group during the early light phase (10.00 hours; ZT3). This finding suggests that chronic oestrogen replacement chronically enhances SCN activity, specifically during the light phase. The oestrogen-induced enhancement of SCN activity during the light phase is possibly involved in the light phase-specific attenuation of food intake by oestrogen replacement in OVX rats.
Nutrition support in intensive care units in England: a snapshot of present practice
Authors: Sharifi Mahtab N. , Walton Anna , Chakrabarty Gayatri , Rahman Tony , Neild Penny , Poullis Andrew
Published: May 2011

Nutrition support is an important part of care management in critically ill patients, not only to prevent and treat malnutrition but also it has a significant impact on recovery from illness and overall outcome. There is little information available about present nutritional support practice for patients in intensive care units (ICU) in the UK. This survey was designed to evaluate the present nutrition support practice in ICU and high dependency units (HDU) in England. Data were gathered by a 72 h phone survey from 245 ICU and HDU in 196 hospitals in England. A questionnaire was completed over the telephone, including general information, nutrition support and teams involved in the nutrition management in the ICU. Of 1286 total patients in the ICU, 703 (54·6 %) were receiving nasogastric feeding, two (1·5 %) were receiving feeding via a percutaneous endoscopically placed gastrostomy tube and two (1·5 %) were receiving nasojejunal feeding. One hundred and forty-seven (11·4 %) patients were on parenteral feeding during the study period. A nutrition support team was not available in 158 (83·1 %) ICU and there was no dietitian or specialist nutrition nurse to cover ICU in nine (4·7 %) hospitals. In conclusion, the present survey reported an increased trend in usage of enteral feeding in ICU in England, and a reduction in the use of parenteral nutrition compared with previous surveys. However, we are still far from integrating nutrition into care management in the ICU.
Impact of low v. moderate intakes of long-chain n-3 fatty acids on risk of coronary heart disease
Authors: Musa-Veloso Kathy , Binns Malcolm A. , Kocenas Alexandra , Chung Catherine , Rice Harry , Oppedal-Olsen Hilde , Lloyd Hilary , Lemke Shawna
Published: May 2011

The objective of the present study was to determine whether the consumption of ≥ 250 v. < 250 mg of the long-chain n-3 fatty acids (n-3 LCFA) per d is associated with a reduction in the risk of fatal and non-fatal CHD in individuals with no prior history of CHD. A comprehensive and systematic review of the published scientific literature resulted in the identification of eight prospective studies (seven cohorts and one nested case–control study) that met predefined inclusion criteria. Relative to the consumption of < 250 mg n-3 LCFA per d, the consumption of ≥ 250 mg/d was associated with a significant 35·1 % reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death and a near-significant 16·6 % reduction in the risk of total fatal coronary events, while the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction was not significantly reduced. In several meta-analyses, which were based on US studies, risk of CHD death was found to be dose-dependently reduced by the n-3 LCFA, with further risk reductions observed with intakes in excess of 250 mg/d. Prospective observational and intervention data from Japan, where intake of fish is very high, suggest that n-3 LCFA intakes of 900 to 1000 mg/d and greater may confer protection against non-fatal myocardial infarction. Thus, the intake of 250 mg n-3 LCFA per d may, indeed, be a minimum target to be achieved by the general population for the promotion of cardiovascular health.
Immunostimulatory effect of faecalBifidobacteriumspecies of breast-fed and formula-fed infants in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell/Caco-2 co-culture system
Authors: Pozo-Rubio T. , Mujico J. R. , Marcos A. , Puertollano E. , Nadal I. , Sanz Y. , Nova E.
Published: May 2011

Bifidobacteriumspp. typical of the human intestinal microbiota are believed to influence the balance of immune responses in the intestinal mucosa. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different bifidobacterial species and their mixtures inin vitroexperiments with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and Caco-2 cells.Bifidobacterium adolescentis,B. angulatum,B. breve,B. catenulatum,B. infantis,B. longumand two combinations of these bifidobacteria simulating the species composition found in faecal samples from breast-fed (BF) and formula-fed (FF) infants were used. The levels of several cytokines were measured by direct stimulation of PBMC and by stimulation of a Caco-2/PBMC co-culture with bifidobacteria.B. catenulatumandB. brevewere the strongest enhancers of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production by direct stimulation of PBMC.B. longumwas the highest inducer of IL-10 and the lowest TNF-α stimulus. In the Caco-2/PBMC system,B. brevewas the highest inducer of IL-8 production by Caco-2 cells, significantly different fromB. infantis,B. adolescentisand the FF mixture (P < 0·05). IFN-γ produced by PBMC stimulated with the BF mixture (containing 22 %B. breve, compared with 7 % in the FF mixture) was significantly higher compared withB. adolescentis,B. infantisandB. longum.B. adolescentisalso inhibited IFN-γ production compared with the FF mixture andB. longum. The proportion of differentBifidobacteriumstrains seems to be an important determinant of the cytokine balance in the simulated intestinal environment studied.B. breveand the combination of theBifidobacteriumspecies typically found in the microbiota of BF infants have shown the most significant effects.
Ethnic differences in the relationship between body mass index and percentage body fat among Asian children from different backgrounds
Authors: Liu Ailing , Byrne Nuala M. , Kagawa Masaharu , Ma Guansheng , Poh Bee Koon , Ismail Mohammad Noor , Kijboonchoo Kallaya , Nasreddine Lara , Trinidad Trinidad Palad , Hills Andrew P.
Published: May 2011

Overweight and obesity in Asian children are increasing at an alarming rate; therefore a better understanding of the relationship between BMI and percentage body fat (%BF) in this population is important. A total of 1039 children aged 8–10 years, encompassing a wide BMI range, were recruited from China, Lebanon, Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand. Body composition was determined using the 2H dilution technique to quantify total body water and subsequently fat mass, fat-free mass and %BF. Ethnic differences in the BMI–%BF relationship were found; for example, %BF in Filipino boys was approximately 2 % lower than in their Thai and Malay counterparts. In contrast, Thai girls had approximately 2·0 % higher %BF values than in their Chinese, Lebanese, Filipino and Malay counterparts at a given BMI. However, the ethnic difference in the BMI–%BF relationship varied by BMI. Compared with Caucasian children of the same age, Asian children had 3–6 units lower BMI at a given %BF. Approximately one-third of the obese Asian children (%BF above 25 % for boys and above 30 % for girls) in the study were not identified using the WHO classification and more than half using the International Obesity Task Force classification. Use of the Chinese classification increased the sensitivity. Results confirmed the necessity to consider ethnic differences in body composition when developing BMI cut-points and other obesity criteria in Asian children.
Vitamin D status in pregnant Indian women across trimesters and different seasons and its correlation with neonatal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels
Authors: Marwaha R. K. , Tandon N. , Chopra S. , Agarwal N. , Garg M. K. , Sharma B. , Kanwar R. S. , Bhadra K. , Singh S. , Mani K. , Puri S.
Published: May 2011

The present cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the vitamin D status of pregnant Indian women and their breast-fed infants. Subjects were recruited from the Department of Obstetrics, Armed Forces Clinic and Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Delhi. A total of 541 apparently healthy women with uncomplicated, single, intra-uterine gestation reporting in any trimester were consecutively recruited. Of these 541 women, 299 (first trimester, ninety-seven; second trimester, 125; third trimester, seventy-seven) were recruited in summer (April–October) and 242 (first trimester, fifty-nine, second trimester, ninety-three; third trimester, ninety) were recruited in winter (November–March) to study seasonal variations in vitamin D status. Clinical, dietary, biochemical and hormonal evaluations for the Ca–vitamin D–parathormone axis were performed. A subset of 342 mother–infant pairs was re-evaluated 6 weeks postpartum. Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) of pregnant women was 23·2 (sd12·2) nmol/l. Hypovitaminosis D (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l) was observed in 96·3 % of the subjects. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in winter in the second and third trimesters, while serum intact parathormone (iPTH) and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher in winter in all three trimesters. A significant negative correlation was found between serum 25(OH)D and iPTH in mothers (r− 0·367,P = 0·0001) and infants (r− 0·56,P = 0·0001). A strong positive correlation was observed between 25(OH)D levels of mother–infant pairs (r0·779,P = 0·0001). A high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was observed in pregnancy, lactation and infancy with no significant inter-trimester differences in serum 25(OH)D levels.
Viscosity rather than quantity of dietary fibre predicts cholesterol-lowering effect in healthy individuals
Authors: Vuksan Vladimir , Jenkins Alexandra L. , Rogovik Alexander L. , Fairgrieve Christopher D. , Jovanovski Elena , Leiter Lawrence A.
Published: May 2011

The well-documented lipid-lowering effects of fibre may be related to its viscosity, a phenomenon that has been understudied, especially when fibre is given against the background of a typical North American (NA) diet. In this three-arm experiment, we compared the lipid-lowering effect of low-viscosity wheat bran (WB), medium-viscosity psyllium (PSY) and a high-viscosity viscous fibre blend (VFB), as part of a fibre intervention aimed at increasing fibre intake to recommended levels within the context of a NA diet in apparently healthy individuals. Using a randomised cross-over design, twenty-three participants (twelve males and eleven females; age 35 (sd 12) years; LDL-cholesterol (C) 2·9 (sem 0·6) mmol/l) consuming a typical NA diet received a standard, fibre-enriched cereal, where approximately one-third of the fibre was either a low-viscosity (570 centipoise (cP)) WB, medium-viscosity (14 300 cP) PSY or a high-viscosity (136 300 cP) novel VFB, for 3 weeks separated by washout periods of ≥ 2 weeks. There were no differences among the treatments in the amount of food consumed, total dietary fibre intake, reported physical activity and body weight. Final intake of the WB, PSY and VFB was 10·8, 9·0 and 5·1 g, respectively. Reduction in LDL-C was greater with the VFB compared with the medium-viscosity PSY ( − 12·6 (sem 3·5) %, P = 0·002) and low-viscosity WB ( − 14·6 (sem 4·2) %, P = 0·003). The magnitude of LDL-C reduction showed a positive association with fibre apparent viscosity (r − 0·41, P = 0·001). Despite the smaller quantity consumed, the high-viscosity fibre lowered LDL-C to a greater extent than lower-viscosity fibres. These data support the inclusion of high-viscosity fibre in the diet to reduce plasma lipids among apparently healthy individuals consuming a typical NA diet.
Maternal protein restriction in mice causes adverse metabolic and hypothalamic effects in the F1 and F2 generations
Authors: Peixoto-Silva Nayara , Frantz Eliete Dalla Corte , Mandarim-de-Lacerda Carlos Alberto , Pinheiro-Mulder Alessandra
Published: May 2011

Maternal protein restriction causes metabolic alterations associated with hypothalamic dysfunction. Because the consequences of metabolic programming can be passed transgenerationally, the present study aimed to assess whether maternal protein restriction alters the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides in offspring and to evaluate hormonal and metabolic changes in male offspring from the F1 and F2 generations. Female Swiss mice (F0) were mated and fed either a normal-protein (NP group; 19 % protein) or a low-protein (LP group; 5 % protein) diet throughout gestation of the F1 generation (NP1 and LP1). At 3 months of age, F1 females were mated to produce the F2 generation (NP2 and LP2). Animals from all groups were evaluated at 16 weeks of age. LP1 offspring had significantly lower weights and shorter lengths than NP1 offspring at birth, but they underwent a phase of rapid catch-up growth. Conversely, the LP2 offspring were not significantly different from the NP2 offspring in either weight or length. At 16 weeks, no differences were found in body mass among any of the groups, although LP1 and LP2 offspring showed hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriacylglycerolaemia, hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, increased levels of insulin, leptin and resistin, decreased endogenous leptin sensitivity, increased adiposity with elevated leptin levels and leptin resistance characterised by altered expression of neuropeptide Y and pro-opiomelanocortin without any changes in the leptin receptor Ob-Rb. We conclude that severe maternal protein restriction promotes metabolic programming in F1 and F2 male offspring due to a dysregulation of the adipoinsular axis and a state of hypothalamic leptin resistance.
Nutrient-based standards for school lunches complement food-based standards and improve pupils' nutrient intake profile
Authors: Haroun Dalia , Wood Lesley , Harper Clare , Nelson Michael
Published: May 2011

Following concerns about the nutritional content of school lunches and the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in the UK, changes to the standards of school meals were made. From September 2008, all primary schools in England were required, by law, to be fully compliant with the new food-based standards (FBS) and nutrient-based standards (NBS) for school lunches. The aim of the present survey was to evaluate the introduction of the NBS for school lunches on the nutritional profile of food and drink items provided by schools and chosen by pupils at lunchtime. A nationally representative sample of 6696 pupils from 136 primary schools in England aged 3–12 years and having school lunches was recruited. Data were collected on lunchtime food and drink provision at each school and on pupil food and drink choices at lunchtime. Caterers also provided planned menus, recipes and other cooking information. Compliance with both the FBS and NBS was then assessed. Results show that even when the FBS was met, many schools did not provide a school lunch that met the NBS as well. The average school lunch eaten was significantly lower in fat, saturated fat and Na in schools that met both the FBS and NBS for school lunches compared with schools that met only the FBS. Change in school lunch policy has contributed to improvements in pupils' choices and the nutritional profile of foods selected at lunchtime.
Megaspora rimisorediata (Pertusariales, Megasporaceae), a new sorediate species from Iran and its affinities with Aspicilia sensu lato
Authors: VALADBEIGI Tahereh , NORDIN Anders , TIBELL Leif
Published: May 2011

The new species Megaspora rimisorediata Valadbeigi & A. Nordin is described from Iran, where it mainly grows on tree bark but also on calciferous rocks and mosses. It is characterized by a pale ochraceous to bluish grey, cracked and sorediate thallus, very rarely producing ascomata. It appears to be rather commonly distributed in Iran. Its close affinity with Megaspora verrucosa is illustrated in a graph resulting from a phylogenetic network analysis of nuclear rDNA ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences from specimens representing the different genera of Megasporaceae.
A new species ofLlimoniella(Ascomycota,Helotiales) onRamboldia cinnabarinafrom Alaska
Authors: PÉREZ-ORTEGA Sergio , ETAYO Javier , SPRIBILLE Toby
Published: May 2011

The new lichenicolous fungusLlimoniella cinnabarinaegrowing onRamboldia cinnabarinafrom Alaska is described. The lack of excipular or epihymenial K+ purplish, violet or green pigments places it near the recently describedL. phaeophysciaegroup. Its affinity withLlimoniellaand other members of lichenicolousHelotialesis discussed.
Sporodochiolichen, a new genus of tropical hyphomycetous lichens
Authors: APTROOT André , SIPMAN Harrie J. M.
Published: May 2011

The lichen genus Sporodochiolichen is installed to accommodate a group of four, so far undescribed, tropical corticolous lichen species with arthric conidia in discrete sporodochia. Three species are so far only known from Papua New Guinea; one is known from five countries on two continents and is probably pantropical.
Three new free-living marine nematode species of the genus Micoletzkyia (Phanodermatidae) from China Sea
Authors: Huang Yong , Cheng Bo
Published: May 2011

Three new species of free-living marine nematodes Micoletzkyia longispicula sp. nov., Micoletzkyia filicaudata sp. nov. and Micoletzkyia nanhaiensis sp. nov. from the Yellow Sea and the South China Sea are described. Micoletzkyia longispicula sp. nov. is characterized by spicules elongated and straight, 7 a.b.d. long, pear-shaped proximally and pointed distally; gubernaculum conical, without apophysis, and tubular supplement headlike proximally. Micoletzkyia filicaudata sp. nov. is characterized by slender body with relatively long filiform tail (8.1 a.b.d.), spicules elongated and straight (4.4 a.b.d.), cephalate proximally and pointed distally, gubernaculum tubular, with dorsal apophysis. Micoletzkyia nanhaiensis sp. nov. is characterized by spicules slender and curved, 2.5 a.b.d. long, cephalous proximally and chapiter-shaped distally, and gubernaculum with relatively long dorsal apophysis. A key for all known species of Micoletzkyia is proposed.
Gonochoric sexual system in the caridean shrimpsProcessa riveroiandP. bermudensis(Decapoda: Processidae) inhabiting a tropical seagrass meadow
Authors: Bauer Raymond T. , Conner Sara Laporte
Published: May 2011

The sexual system of two caridean shrimps (Processa riveroiandP. bermudensis) was investigated, stimulated by reports of male to female sex change (protandry) inProcessa edulisfrom European waters. Shrimps used in the study were obtained from monthly samples taken from March 1982 to February 1983 in aThalassia–Syringodiumseagrass meadow in Puerto Rico. Observations on size, sex, and reproductive condition were used to construct monthly size–frequency distributions and sex-ratios by size-class (SC). Males were smaller than reproductive females, but there was extensive overlap in size between males and immature females. A sex-ratio (SR) analysis by SC of the overall year-long population sample showed an equal or female-biased SR in the smallest SC, a male-biased SR in 1–3 intermediate SC, with larger SC dominated by females incubating embryos. Such a population structure might result from slower growth in males than females and higher mortality in larger males. Observations on and allometric analysis of sexual characters failed to identify transitional individuals (sex-changers) intermediate in reproductive morphology between males and females. Thus, a hypothesis of protandry is rejected, and that of gonochory (separate sexes) is accepted in these twoProcessaspecies, revealing possible variation in sexual systems amongProcessaspecies.
Feeding of tub gurnardChelidonichthys lucerna(Scorpaeniformes: Triglidae) in the north-east Mediterranean
Authors: Stagioni Marco , Montanini Stefano , Vallisneri Maria
Published: May 2011

The stomach contents of 1096 specimens ofChelidonichthys lucernawere examined in order to analyse their diet composition according to fish size, sex, depth and season. Sampling was carried out from May 2005 to March 2007 during several bottom trawl surveys in the Adriatic Sea (north-east Mediterranean). Feeding activity was more intense in juveniles than in adults. The most important prey was Crustacea (mainly Decapoda: Brachyura, such asGoneplax rhomboides, Liocarcinus spp.,Philocherasspp.) and Teleostei (mainly European anchovyEngraulis encrasicolusand black gobyGobius niger). There was no difference between male and female diet. Feeding habits varied with size, with fish dominating the stomach contents of larger specimens. Finally, fish increased in winter and crustaceans in summer.Chelidonichthys lucernashows a generalist and opportunistic foraging behaviour, preying mainly epibenthic and nectobenthic organisms.
Pre-operative nutrition and carbohydrate loading
Authors: Kratzing Caroline
Published: May 2011

An optimal nutritional state is an important consideration in providing successful operative outcomes. Unfortunately, many aspects of surgery are not constructive to providing this. In addition, the metabolic and immune response to injury induces a catabolic state and insulin resistance, a known risk factor of post-operative complications. Aggressive insulin therapy post-operatively has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality but similar results can be achieved when insulin resistance is lessened by the use of pre-operative carbohydrate loading. Consuming carbohydrate-containing drinks up to 2 h before surgery has been found to be an effective way to attenuate insulin resistance, minimise protein losses, reduce hospital stays and improve patient comfort without adversely affecting gastric emptying. Enhanced recovery programmes have employed carbohydrate loading as one of several strategies aimed at reducing post-operative stress and improving the recovery process. Studies examining the benefits of these programmes have demonstrated significantly shorter post-operative hospital stays, faster return to normal functions and lower occurrences of surgical complications. As a consequence of the favourable evidence they are now being implemented in many surgical units. Further benefit to post-operative recovery may be found with the use of immune-enhancing diets, i.e. supplementation with n-3 fatty acids, arginine, glutamine and/or nucleotides. These have the potential to boost the immune system, improve wound healing and reduce inflammatory markers. Research exploring the benefits of immunonutrition and solidifying the use of carbohydrate loading is ongoing; however, there is strong evidence to link good pre-operative nutrition and improved surgical outcomes.
Caring for grandchildren and intergenerational support in rural China: a gendered extended family perspective
Authors: CONG ZHEN , SILVERSTEIN MERRIL
Published: May 2011

This investigation examines how support from adult children is affected by their parents' involvement in grandchild care. Instead of focusing on dyadic interactions, we adopt a gendered extended family perspective to examine how financial and emotional support from children was influenced when their siblings received help with child care from their elder parents. The data were from a two-wave (2001, 2003) longitudinal study of 4,791 parent–child dyads with 1,162 parents, aged 60 and older, living in rural areas of Anhui Province, China. Random effects regression showed that emotional support from both sons and daughters was strengthened when parents provided more child care for their other adult children; in addition, daughters were more emotionally responsive than sons under this situation. Concerning dyadic parent–child relationships, daughter and sons increased their financial support, and sons increased their emotional support when they themselves received help with child care from parents. We suggest taking a gendered extended family perspective when studying intergenerational relationships in rural China.
CAPITALISM IN THE CLASSICAL AND HIGH LIBERAL TRADITIONS
Authors: Freeman Samuel
Published: May 2011

Liberalism generally holds that legitimate political power is limited and is to be impartially exercised, only for the public good. Liberals accordingly assign political priority to maintaining certain basic liberties and equality of opportunities; they advocate an essential role for markets in economic activity, and they recognize government's crucial role in correcting market breakdowns and providing public goods. Classical liberalism and what I call “the high liberal tradition” are two main branches of liberalism. Classical liberalism evolved from the works of Adam Smith and the classical utilitarian economists; its major 20th century representatives include Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman. The high liberal tradition developed from John Stuart Mill's works, and its major philosophical representatives in the 20th century are John Dewey and, later, John Rawls. This paper discusses the main distinguishing features of the classical and the high liberal traditions and their respective positions regarding capitalism as an economic and social system. Classical liberals, unlike high liberals, regard economic liberties and rights of private property in productive resources to be nearly as important as basic liberties. They conceive of equality of opportunity in more formal terms, and regard capitalist markets and the price system as essential not only to the allocation of production resources, but also as the fundamental criterion for the just distribution of income, wealth, and economic powers. High liberals, by contrast, regard the economic liberties as subordinate to the exercise of personal and civic liberties. They are prepared to regulate and restrict economic liberties to achieve greater equality of opportunities, reduce inequalities of economic powers, and promote a broader conception of the public good. And while high liberals endorse markets and the price system as essential to allocation of productive resources, they do not regard markets as the fundamental criterion for assessing just distributions of income, wealth, and economic powers and positions of responsibility. The paper concludes with some reflections upon the essential role that dissimilar conceptions of persons and society play in grounding the different positions on economic justice that classical and high liberals advocate.
JUDICIAL LIBERALISM AND CAPITALISM: JUSTICE FIELD RECONSIDERED
Authors: Zuckert Michael P.
Published: May 2011

Justice Stephen J. Field was the champion of a form of liberalism often said to be especially friendly to capitalism, the approach to the Constitution traditionally identified with “Lochnerism,” i.e., a laissez-faire oriented judicial activism. More recently a form of judicial revisionism has arisen, challenging the accepted descriptions of “Lochnerism” and of Field's jurisprudence. This article is an attempt to extend the revisionist approach by arriving at a more satisfactory understanding of the grounding of Field's jurisprudence in the natural rights philosophy. Field, it turns out, orienting around natural rights, was not so unambiguously friendly to capitalism as previous generations of scholars maintained, but his approach is surely friendlier than the constitutional theories that have replaced natural rights since Field's day.
EUVOLUNTARY OR NOT, EXCHANGE IS JUST
Authors: Munger Michael C.
Published: May 2011

The arguments for redistribution of wealth, and for prohibiting certain transactions such as price-gouging, both are based in mistaken conceptions of exchange. This paper proposes a neologism, “euvoluntary” exchange, meaning both that the exchange is truly voluntary and that it benefits both parties to the transaction. The argument has two parts: First, all euvoluntary exchanges should be permitted, and there is no justification for redistribution of wealth if disparities result only from euvoluntary exchanges. Second, even exchanges that are not euvoluntary should generally be permitted, because access to market exchange may be the only means by which people in desperate circumstances can improve their position.
LIBERALISM, CAPITALISM, AND “SOCIALIST” PRINCIPLES
Authors: Arneson Richard J.
Published: May 2011

One way to think about capitalism-versus-socialism is to examine the extent to which capitalist economic institutions are compatible with the fulfillment of socialist ideals. The late G. A. Cohen has urged that the two are strongly incompatible. He imagines how it would make sense for friends to organize a camping trip, distills the socialist moral principles that he sees fulfilled in the camping trip model, and observes that these principles conflict with a capitalist organization of the economy. He adds that these principles are ethically attractive, so if it is feasible to organize the economy on the camping trip model, we ought to do so. This essay argues to the contrary that for all that has been said, capitalist economic arrangements might be in the set of institutional arrangements that overall would best fulfill the camping trip principles, and anyway, the principles themselves ought to be rejected, so the question whether or not a capitalist set-up might satisfy these principles should not interest us. The grounds for rejecting the camping trip principles support a form of welfarist consequentialism that denies that equality of distribution of any sort is per se ethically desirable and also denies that liberal freedoms to live as one chooses are per se morally desirable. Equality and freedom should rather be regarded as in the light of possible means (or hindrances) to advancing good for people, fairly distributed.
NONTESTABILITY OF EQUAL WEIGHTS SPATIAL DEPENDENCE
Authors: Martellosio Federico
Published: May 2011

We show that any invariant test for spatial autocorrelation in a spatial error or spatial lag model with equal weights matrix has power equal to size. This result holds under the assumption of an elliptical distribution. Under Gaussianity, we also show that any test whose power is larger than its size for at least one point in the parameter space must be biased.
Interactions between the invasive treeMelia azedarach(Meliaceae) and native frugivores in South Africa
Authors: Voigt Friederike A. , Farwig Nina , Johnson Steven D.
Published: May 2011

The spread of many invasive plants is facilitated through seed dispersal by frugivorous animals. The effectiveness of various frugivores as dispersers of the seeds ofMelia azedarach, a highly invasive alien tree species, was evaluated in South Africa in savanna and bushveld vegetation. During 264 h of observation, seven bird species and one bat species were recorded foraging on fruiting trees ofM. azedarach. The most common visitors were the dark-capped bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) followed by Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat (Epomophorus wahlbergi), but both species dropped nearly as many seeds as they dispersed. Knysna turaco (Tauraco corythaix) dispersed the highest number of fruits per minute, but occurred in low abundance in our study sites. Seed germination differed significantly between de-pulped fruits and untreated fruits after 2 mo, but was similar after 4 mo. Germination success did not differ between animal-handled and hand-depulped fruits. In contrast to the high germination success in the greenhouse, seedlings showed very low recruitment in the field. Thus,M. azedarachseems likely to benefit from frugivores (particularly dark-capped bulbul and Wahlberg's epauletted fruit bat) dispersing seeds to suitable microsites.