bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Effects of Drought and Density on Body and Antler Size of Male Iberian Red Deer Cervus Elaphus Hispanicus: Climate Change Implications
Authors: Torres‐Porras Jerónimo , Carranza Juan , Pérez‐González Javier
Published: July 2009

Hunting management of red deer Cervus elaphus populations may tend to increase population densities to maximise annual yield. Some studies have shown that density and low winter temperatures affect red deer populations in central and northern Europe, but these results cannot be extrapolated to red deer populations in the Mediterranean region where the limiting season is summer instead of winter. The two regions are predicted to experience different climate change effects: while rainfall may increase in northern latitudes, heavier droughts are expected in the Mediterranean region. We studied red deer populations of different densities on 19 hunting estates in southern Spain during two years with contrasting precipitation levels. Our aim was to quantify the combined effects of drought and population density on the development of stags, which is the main economic objective of hunting management in these areas. We found that drought affected body and antler size negatively, and that the effects were more severe in populations of high density. On the basis of our results, we recommend reducing the current densities of red deer in southern Spain to maintain the economic and environmental sustainability of hunting exploitation in the context of global climate change.
Hypothyroidism with Ascites
Authors: Miah Md Titu , Khan Raihan Rotap , Nur Zannatun , Romel Syed Mohammad Ali , Patwary Md Kamal Hossain , Kabir Shah Mohd Eftar Jahan
Published: July 2009

Primary hypothyroidism is a common clinical condition. Ascites caused by hypothyroidism is rare. So its diagnosis is often delayed and patients frequently receive unnecessary procedures such as liver biopsies and exploratory laparotomies. We report a male person of 58 years with hypothyroidism with ascites who responded well with thyroid hormone replacement therapy with complete resolution of ascites. Analyses of ascites from patients in this condition usually shows exudative ascites with high protein (>2.5 g/dL) and SAAG < 1.1 gm/dl. High index of suspicion is required to reach at such diagnosis. Though it is a rare but prognosis is excellent with replacement therapy. Key words: Ascites, Hypothyroidism.   doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2828   J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 121-123
Pork Tapeworm (Taenia Saginata Asiatica) Infection in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Amin Md Robed , Rabbi Shekh Fazle , Zaman Md Ferdous , Rahman Md Khalilur
Published: July 2009

Tapeworm infection is most common in cattle and pork breeding areas. Humans are the definitive host. Gravid segments of T saginata are passed in human feces to soil, where they are ingested by grazing animals, especially cattle. The eggs then hatch to release embryos that encyst in muscle as cysticerci. Humans are infected by eating raw or undercooked infected beef. Most individuals infected with T saginata are asymptomatic, but abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms may be present. Eosinophilia is common. The most common presenting finding is the passage of proglottids in the stool. Treatment is highly satisfactory with praziquantel. Taenia Saginata Asiatica is a variant of Taenia saginata where the intermediate host is Pork. Normally the pork tapeworm is mean for Taenia solium. But in case of asiatica variant it is Taenia Saginata that can also lead to pork tapeworm infection. It is not uncommon in south east asia region. Here is a case report of pork tapeworm in a primary are hospital in Bangladesh Key words: Pork, Tapeworm, Taenia Saginata Asiatica, Rural   doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2832   J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 135-138
Content-based Image Retrieval for Scientific Literature Access
Authors: Antani S. , Long Rodney , Deserno T. M.
Published: July 2009

Objectives: An increasing number of articles are published electronically in the scientific literature, but access is limited to alphanumerical search on title, author, or abstract, and may disregard numerous figures. In this paper, we estimate the benefits of using content-based image retrieval (CBIR) on article figures to augment traditional access to articles. Methods: We selected four high-impact journals from the Journal Citations Report (JCR) 2005. Figures were automatically extracted from the PDF article files, and manually classified on their content and number of sub-figure panels. We make a quantitative estimate by projecting from data from the Cross-Language Evaluation Forum (Image-CLEF) campaigns, and qualitatively validate it through experiments using the Image Retrieval in Medical Applications (IRMA) project.

Results: Based on 2077 articles with 11,753 pages, 4493 figures, and 11,238 individual images, the predicted accuracy for article retrieval may reach 97.08%.

Conclusions: Therefore, CBIR potentially has a high impact in medical literature search and retrieval.
CDISC Standard-based Electronic Archiving of Clinical Trials
Authors: Aerts J. , Semler S. C. , Ohmann C. , Kuchinke W.
Published: July 2009

Objectives: Our objectives were to develop, based on the analysis of archived clinical trial documents and data and on the requirements of GCP-compliant electronic archiving, a concept for legally secure and technically feasible archiving of the entire clinical trial, including the essential documents of the trial master file and the study database.

Methods: Based on own experiences with CDISC, existing implementations and future developments, CDISC standards were evaluated concerning requirements for archiving clinical studies. Trial master files of a small, medium and large clinical study were analyzed to collect specifications for electronic archiving of records.

Results: Two different ways of long-term storage exist for the clinical trial archive: document-oriented archival and data archiving of the study database. The trial master file has a highly complex structure; its different parts can vary greatly in size, depending of the working style of investigators, number of patients recruited, the number of adverse event reports and the number of queries. The CDISC standard ODM is especially suited for archiving clinical trials, because among other features it contains the entire clinical trial data and full audit trail information. On the other hand SDTM is a content standard suited for data warehouses. Two recent developments in CDISC will affect the archival of studies: the further development of ODM in the area of “eCRF submission” and the use of “Electronic Source Data”.

Conclusions: The complexity and size of the trial master file requires new solutions. Though ODM provides effective means to archive the study database, it shows still deficiencies, especially for the joint archiving of data and the complex documentation of the trial master file. A concept was developed in which the ODM standard is part of an integrated archiving of the trial data and documents. ODM archiving of the study database enables long-term storage which is GCP-compliant. Archiving of documents of the trial master file in PDF/A, including links and electronic signatures, as well as the storage of selected study data in a data warehouse at the sponsor site in SDTM are the other components of the concept.
An Updated Review on the Efficacy of Adjuvant Endocrine Therapies in Hormone Receptor–Positive Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Verma S. , Sehdev S. , Joy A. , Madarnas Y. , Younus J. , Roy J. A.
Published: July 2009

The third-generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are largely replacing tamoxifen in the adjuvant treatment of early-stage breast cancer in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive tumours. To date, multiple trials have been conducted comparing tamoxifen treatment with an AI, and all have demonstrated improved disease-free survival with AI treatment. Trials have included direct 5-year comparisons between tamoxifen and an AI, switching to an AI within 5 years after initial tamoxifen treatment, or extending treatment with an AI after 5 years of completed tamoxifen treatment. Some of these trials have been completed; others are ongoing; and head-to-head trial comparisons of individual AIs are also in progress. The present article summarizes the data obtained from various clinical trials of hormonal therapy for early breast cancer. It also reviews recent data so as to shed light on the current status of these therapies. The focus is on the efficacy of treatment with an AI. Toxicity is discussed in the second article in this supplement.
Análisis de la variación temporal en la letalidad de ETA
Authors: Sánchez-Cuenca Ignacio
Published: July 2009

Este artículo analiza la variación temporal en la violencia letal de la organización terrorista ETA. Dada la estructura dinámica de la serie temporal de víctimas mortales, se estudia el efecto de una serie de variables independientes (celebración de distintos tipos de elecciones, actividad anti-ETA de la extrema derecha y del GAL, detenciones policiales y sucesos especiales como los referendos sobre la Constitución o el Estatuto de Autonomía de Guernica). Para ello, se estiman diversos modelos ARIMA con la serie trimestral de víctimas mortales entre 1968 y 2007. Además, se completan los resultados obtenidos con un análisis histórico-político del periodo de máxima violencia durante la transición a la democracia.
CD1d-Based Combination Therapy Eradicates Established Tumors in Mice
Authors: Teng Michele W. L. , Sharkey Janelle , McLaughlin Nicole M. , Exley Mark A. , Smyth Mark J.
Published: July 2009

The use of Abs that induce tumor cell death together with immunostimulatory reagents to activate innate and adaptive immune cells has emerged as a potent approach for the treatment of cancer. We have previously demonstrated that the use of three mAbs (anti-DR5, anti-CD40, anti-CD137) termed TriMab can induce rejection in a majority of mice with established experimental or carcinogen-induced tumors. However, given the potential toxicity of CD40 agonists in the clinic, we tested an alternative approach to directly activate/mature APCs using anti-CD1d mAbs. In this study, we used a combination of three mAbs (anti-DR5, anti-CD137, anti-CD1d) that we termed 1DMab and demonstrated that this approach suppressed and/or eradicated established experimental renal, breast, and colon carcinomas in mice. Tumor suppression induced by 1DMab therapy required CD8+ T cells, IFN-γ, and CD1d, while NK cells and IL-12 were partially required. Interestingly 1DMab therapy was more effective than TriMab in tumor models regulated by CD1d-restricted type II NKT cells, but less efficacious against tumors where T regulatory cells were critical. Anti-CD1d mAbs could also be relatively effective in combination with anti-CD137 and conventional chemotherapeutics. This is the first study to illustrate the antitumor activity of CD1d-reactive mAbs in combination and our results strongly suggest that rational combination chemoimmunotherapies based on tumor immunoregulation may improve the efficacy of treatment.
Incorporation of NKT Cell-Activating Glycolipids Enhances Immunogenicity and Vaccine Efficacy of Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin
Authors: Venkataswamy Manjunatha M. , Baena Andres , Goldberg Michael F. , Bricard Gabriel , Im Jin S. , Chan John , Reddington Faye , Besra Gurdyal S. , Jacobs William R. , Porcelli Steven A.
Published: July 2009

The attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis known as bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has been widely used as a vaccine for prevention of disease by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but with relatively little evidence of success. Recent studies suggest that the failure of BCG may be due to its retention of immune evasion mechanisms that delay or prevent the priming of robust protective cell-mediated immunity. In this study, we describe an approach to enhance the immunogenicity of BCG by incorporating glycolipid activators of CD1d-restricted NKT cells, a conserved T cell subset with the potential to augment many types of immune responses. A method was developed for stably incorporating two forms of the NKT cell activator α-galactosylceramide into live BCG organisms, and the impact of this on stimulation of T cell responses and protective antimycobacterial immunity was evaluated. We found that live BCG containing relatively small amounts of incorporated α-galactosylceramide retained the ability to robustly activate NKT cells. Compared with immunization with unmodified BCG, the glycolipid-modified BCG stimulated increased maturation of dendritic cells and markedly augmented the priming of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells responses. These effects were correlated with improved protective effects of vaccination in mice challenged with virulent M. tuberculosis. These results support the view that mycobacteria possess mechanisms to avoid stimulation of CD8+ T cell responses and that such responses contribute significantly to protective immunity against these pathogens. Our findings raise the possibility of a simple modification of BCG that could yield a more effective vaccine for control of tuberculosis.
Activating Water: Efficient Intramolecular General Base Catalysis of the Hydrolysis of a Phosphate Triester
Authors: Kirby Anthony J. , Medeiros Michelle , Oliveira Pedro S. M. , Brandão Tiago A. S. , Nome Faruk
Published: July 2009

We have identified the first highly efficient intramolecular general base catalysis (IGBC) of a hydrolysis reaction, in a system where two general bases are available to assist the attack of the same nucleophilic water molecule. The suggested mechanism, available uniquely to a phosphate triester model, is readily available in enzyme active sites, and the results suggest a possible solution to the long‐unsolved question of how enzymes are able to activate a water molecule to be a highly effective nucleophile.
A finite element formulation of Mindlin plates for limit analysis
Authors: Capsoni A. , Vicente da Silva M.
Published: July 2009

This paper presents a Mindlin plate finite element for the analysis of plastic limit loads with von Mises yielding criterion. The element is derived from a natural approach, based on a mixed b‐bar strain formulation. The proposed element is locking free and is able to produce accurate results for thick plates as well as for thin plates (below Kirchhoff limit). Moreover, the model also reveals a satisfactory behavior to mesh distortion sensitivity. The effectiveness of the approach is illustrated by means of some numerical examples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dementia in Kerala, South India: prevalence and influence of age, education and gender
Authors: Mathuranath P. S. , Cherian P. Joseph , Mathew Robert , Kumar Suresh , George Annamma , Alexander Aley , Ranjith Neelima , Sarma P. S.
Published: July 2009

Background

Data on the prevalence of dementia in India with a large and aging population is scant. We studied prevalence of AD and dementia in Kerala, South India, and effects of age, education and gender on it.

Methods

2‐phase survey on 2466 individuals aged ≥ 55 years living in community. Men constituted 41%, < 75 years age in 76.9% and education ≥ 4 years in 69.6%. Screening (Phase I) using the instrumental activity of daily living scale for the elderly (IADL‐E) and the Addenbrooke's cognition examination (ACE). Diagnostic‐assessment (Phase II) was in 532 screen‐positives and 247 (10%) screen‐negatives.

Results

93 (3.77%) ≥ 55 years and 81 (4.86%) ≥ 65 years of age had dementia. Age adjusted (against US‐population in 2000) dementia (and AD) rates were 4.86% (1.91%) in age ≥ 55 years and 6.44% (3.56%) in ≥ 65 years. Odds for dementia (and AD) were high with increasing‐age 5.89 (15.33) in 75–84, 13.23 (25.92) ≥ 85 years, and in women 1.62 (2.95); and low 0.27 (0.16) if education was ≥ 9 years. Age and low education increased dementia. Age and female gender increased AD.

Conclusion

Prevalence of dementia and AD is higher than any reported from the subcontinent suggesting that dementia in Kerala in South India is not uncommon. Increasing age increased dementia and AD. Low‐education is associated with dementia and female‐gender with AD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo evidence of duality effects for lovastatin in a nude mouse cancer model
Authors: Wang Chih‐Yuan , Shui Hao‐Ai , Chang Tien‐Chun
Published: July 2009

Statins, hydroxy‐methyl‐glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are the most effective medication for lowering cholesterol, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. On the basis of our previous in vitro experimental results on an anaplastic thyroid cancer cell line, we designed a nude mouse model in which cancer cells were seeded subcutaneously to examine the potential anticancer effects of lovastatin in vivo. As expected, tumor growth was significantly reduced in the mice treated with 5 or 10 mg/kg/day of lovastatin compared with the positive control group. However, the tumor grew much faster in the mice treated with 1 mg/kg/day of lovastatin than in the positive control group. We suspect this result might be related to vascular endothelial growth factor. In this model, we found that lovastatin inhibits tumor growth at a high dosage (5 or 10 mg/kg/day), suggesting it could be used as an effectively adjuvant chemotherapy for cancer. However, it also promotes tumor growth at a low dosage (1 mg/kg/day). This duality effect should be further studied for patients treated with various dosages of statins.
Patient and physician perceptions after software‐assisted hospital discharge: Cluster randomized trial
Authors: Graumlich James F. , Novotny Nancy L. , Nace G. Stephen , Aldag Jean C.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Hospital discharge software potentially improves communication and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE:

To measure patient and physician perceptions after discharge with computerized physician order entry (CPOE) software.

DESIGN:

Cluster randomized controlled trial.

SETTING:

Tertiary care, teaching hospital in central Illinois.

PATIENTS:

A total of 631 inpatients discharged to home with high risk for readmission.

INTERVENTION:

A total of 70 internal medicine hospital physicians randomly assigned (allocation concealed) to discharge software vs. usual care, handwritten discharge.

MEASUREMENTS:

Discharge perceptions from patients, outpatient primary care physicians, and hospital physicians.

RESULTS:

One week after discharge, 92.4% (583/631) of patients answered interviews. For 78.6% (496/631) of patients, their outpatient physicians returned questionnaires 19 days (median) postdischarge. Generalized estimating equations gave intervention variable coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). When comparing patients assigned to discharge software vs. usual care, patient mean (standard deviation [SD]) scores for discharge preparedness were higher (17.7 [4.1] vs. 17.2 [4.0]; coefficient = 0.147; 95% CI = 0.005‐0.289; P = 0.042), patient scores for satisfaction with medication information were unchanged (12.3 [4.8] vs. 12.1 [4.6]; coefficient = −0.212; 95% CI = −0.937‐0.513; P = 0.567), and their outpatient physicians scored higher quality discharge (17.2 [3.8] vs. 16.5 [3.9]; coefficient = 0.133; 95% CI = 0.015‐0.251; P = 0.027). Hospital physicians found mean effort to use discharge software was more difficult than the usual care (6.5 [1.9] vs. 7.9 [2.1]; P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS:

Discharge software with CPOE caused small improvements in discharge perceptions by patients and their outpatient physicians. These small improvements might balance the difficulty perceived by hospital physicians who used discharge software. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:356–363. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Rejection of persistent‐bounded disturbances in linear time‐delay systems by output‐feedback
Authors: Mahmoud Magdi S.
Published: July 2009

In this paper, the problem of persistent‐bounded disturbance rejection of linear continuous‐time systems with time‐varying delays is investigated using the tools of invariant set analysis and Lyapunov‐function methodology. We derive less conservative sufficient conditions on robust attractor for time‐delay systems in terms of strict linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to guarantee the desired ℒ︁1‐performance. A robust output‐feedback controller is designed and the associated gain is determined using strict LMIs. The developed results are tested on two representative time‐delay examples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hair as Forensic Evidence of Explosive Handling
Authors: Oxley Jimmie C. , Smith James L. , Bernier Evan , Moran Jesse S. , Luongo Justin
Published: July 2009

Hair has the ability to assimilate a variety of chemical compounds. The analysis of hair for determining first‐hand exposure to illegal drugs is a popular forensic technique [1–6]. Molecules such as explosives can also become trapped in hair due to external exposure and detected at trace levels [7–12]. Hair analysis could prove a powerful, non‐invasive method for the detection of individual exposure to illicit explosives. Previous studies showed that in a sealed vessel with adequate headspace, military explosives such as PETN, TNT, and RDX were sorbed to human hair. These organic explosives persisted on hair even after the hair was washed with detergents or solvent [7, 8]. Such sorption was influenced by hair color, and the levels of contamination were on the order of micrograms per gram hair after thousands of hours of exposure. It was assumed that in the “real‐world” explosives would sorb to hair through the condensation of vapors or by the deposition of solid particulates. This study involved the sampling of hair from students and instructors attending field classes for handling explosives at Fort A. P. Hill, Fredericksburg, VA and Redstone Arsenal, AL. Hair was sampled using combs fitted with cheesecloth, and the cheesecloth was extracted and analyzed by GC‐ECD for PETN, TNT, and RDX. On average, 80% of the participants were contaminated with PETN, found in detonating cord, after daily field exercises. Average participant contamination with TNT and RDX in hair ranged from 30 to 50%.
A Genetic Algorithm for Solving Combinatorial Problems and the Effects of Experimental Error – Applied to Optimizing Catalytic Materials
Authors: Clegg Janet , Dawson John F. , Porter Stuart J. , Barley Mark H.
Published: July 2009

A new form of Genetic Algorithm (GA) is introduced which has been developed to solve combinatorial problems. A combinatorial problem involves choosing the best subset of components from a pool of possible components in order that the mixture has some desired quality. This paper concentrates on applying the new technique to the optimization of catalytic materials. The new form of GA is compared to an evolutionary algorithm developed by Wolf et al. and shown to produce faster convergence. The paper also reports on the best GA parameter values (crossover technique, parent selection etc.) for problems such as these. Finally a statistical analysis of the effects of experimental error is performed, and the effects that these errors have on the convergence of the GA are reported.
Antioxidant Activity of Phytochemicals from Distillers Dried Grain Oil
Authors: Winkler‐Moser Jill Kristine , Vaughn Steven Francis
Published: July 2009

A distillate was obtained by molecular distillation of oil extracted from distillers dried grains (DDG). The distillers dried grain oil distillate (DDGD) contained phytosterols, steryl ferulates, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and carotenoids. DDGD was tested for its impact on the oxidative stability index (OSI) at 110 °C of soybean, sunflower, and high‐oleic sunflower oils, as well as the same oils that were stripped of their natural tocopherols and phytosterols. In addition, the impact of added DDGD on the stability of stripped sunflower oil during an accelerated storage study conducted at 60 °C was also determined. DDGD (0.5–1% w/w) had little impact on the OSI of soybean, sunflower, and high‐oleic sunflower oil, but at levels of 0.1–1% it significantly increased the OSI for stripped soybean, sunflower, and high‐oleic sunflower oil in a dose‐dependent manner. DDGD also delayed peroxide value, conjugated diene, and hexanal formation during accelerated storage of stripped sunflower oil. The antioxidant activity is probably due to the combination of tocopherols, tocotrienols, and steryl ferulates.
Cell cycle regulation of the mammalian CDK activator RINGO/Speedy A
Authors: Dinarina Ana , Santamaria Patricia G. , Nebreda Angel R.
Published: July 2009

MINT‐7226413:RINGO A (uniprotkb:Q5MJ70) physically interacts (MI:0914) with Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62988) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)MINT‐7226431, MINT‐7226448:RINGO A (uniprotkb:Q5MJ70) physically interacts (MI:0914) with Skp2 (uniprotkb:Q13309) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
A solar storm observed from the Sun to Venus using the STEREO, Venus Express, and MESSENGER spacecraft
Authors: Rouillard A. P. , Davies J. A. , Forsyth R. J. , Savani N. P. , Sheeley N. R. , Thernisien A. , Zhang T.‐L. , Howard R. A. , Anderson B. , Carr C. M. , Tsang S. , Lockwood M. , Davis C. J. , Harrison R. A. , Bewsher D. , Fränz M. , Crothers S. R. , Eyles C. J. , Brown D. S. , Whittaker I. , Hapgood M. , Coates A. J. , Jones G. H. , Grande M. , Frahm R. A. , Winningham J. D.
Published: July 2009

The suite of SECCHI optical imaging instruments on the STEREO‐A spacecraft is used to track a solar storm, consisting of several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and other coronal loops, as it propagates from the Sun into the heliosphere during May 2007. The 3‐D propagation path of the largest interplanetary CME (ICME) is determined from the observations made by the SECCHI Heliospheric Imager (HI) on STEREO‐A (HI‐1/2A). Two parts of the CME are tracked through the SECCHI images, a bright loop and a V‐shaped feature located at the rear of the event. We show that these two structures could be the result of line‐of‐sight integration of the light scattered by electrons located on a single flux rope. In addition to being imaged by HI, the CME is observed simultaneously by the plasma and magnetic field experiments on the Venus Express and MESSENGER spacecraft. The imaged loop and V‐shaped structure bound, as expected, the flux rope observed in situ. The SECCHI images reveal that the leading loop‐like structure propagated faster than the V‐shaped structure, and a decrease in in situ CME speed occurred during the passage of the flux rope. We interpret this as the result of the continuous radial expansion of the flux rope as it progressed outward through the interplanetary medium. An expansion speed in the radial direction of ∼30 km s−1 is obtained directly from the SECCHI‐HI images and is in agreement with the difference in speed of the two structures observed in situ. This paper shows that the flux rope location can be determined from white light images, which could have important space weather applications.
Results from parallel observations of superconducting and absolute gravimeters and GPS at the Hsinchu station of Global Geodynamics Project, Taiwan
Authors: Hwang Cheinway , Kao Ricky , Cheng Ching‐Chung , Huang Jiu‐Fu , Lee Chiung‐Wu , Sato Tadahiro
Published: July 2009

The Hsinchu (HS) superconducting gravimeter (SG, serial T48) station is a newly established site in the Global Geodynamics Project (GGP). Simultaneous observations of T48, three FG5 absolute gravimeters, and GPS at four stations are studied. GPS shows few mm a−1 of horizontal and vertical motions around HS. The calibration factor and drifting rate of T48 are −75.96 ± 0.07 μGal V−1 and 0.2 ± 0.7 μGal a−1 (1 μGal = 10−8 m s−2). Both the SG and absolute gravity records contain trends of about 2–3 μGal a−1. The ocean tide gravity effects (OTGEs) were estimated from NAO.99b, FES2004, and CSR4.0, and their amplitudes agree with the SG observations at the submicroGal level, but their phases differ from the observations up to 10°. The Newtonian effect of ocean tide contributes 20% to the total OTGE at HS, and it is larger at islands in the Taiwan Strait. The inelastic body tide model of Dehant et al. (1999) is more consistent with the SG observations than the elastic model. Modeled gravity‐atmosphere admittances based on an exponential distribution of air mass explain well the observed admittances. The average gravity‐atmosphere admittance during typhoons is 30% larger than that in a nontyphoon time. A list of coseismic gravity changes from T48 caused by earthquakes over 2006–2007 is given for potential studies of fault parameters. The modeled effects of atmospheric pressure, groundwater, soil moisture, and polar motion explain the FG5 observed gravity trend to 1.1 μGal a−1. Seasonally, the groundwater‐induced gravity change contributes the most to the SG residual gravity, but its phase leads the latter by 63 days.
Dynamics of globally delay-coupled neurons displaying subthreshold oscillations
Authors: Masoller Cristina , Torrent M. C. , García-Ojalvo Jordi
Published: July 2009

We study an ensemble of neurons that are coupled through their time-delayed collective mean field. The individual neuron is modelled using a Hodgkin–Huxley-type conductance model with parameters chosen such that the uncoupled neuron displays autonomous subthreshold oscillations of the membrane potential. We find that the ensemble generates a rich variety of oscillatory activities that are mainly controlled by two time scales: the natural period of oscillation at the single neuron level and the delay time of the global coupling. When the neuronal oscillations are synchronized, they can be either in-phase or out-of-phase. The phase-shifted activity is interpreted as the result of a phase-flip bifurcation, also occurring in a set of globally delay-coupled limit cycle oscillators. At the bifurcation point, there is a transition from in-phase to out-of-phase (or vice versa) synchronized oscillations, which is accompanied by an abrupt change in the common oscillation frequency. This phase-flip bifurcation was recently investigated in two mutually delay-coupled oscillators and can play a role in the mechanisms by which the neurons switch among different firing patterns.
Detection of Flavescence dorée and Bois noir phytoplasmas, Grapevine leafroll associated virus‐1 and ‐3 and Grapevine virus A from the same crude extract by reverse transcription‐RealTime Taqman assays
Authors: Margaria P. , Turina M. , Palmano S.
Published: July 2009

Multiple detection of the phytoplasmas associated with Flavescence dorée (FD) and Bois noir (BN) diseases and of the viruses Grapevine leafroll associated virus ‐1 and ‐3 (Ampelovirus) and Grapevine virus A (Vitivirus) is described, using the same crude extract as template. Sap was prepared by semi‐automatic maceration requiring minimal time and effort, consisting of a tissue grinding step in carbonate buffer and a boiling step in glycine buffer; two microlitres were used as template in each pathogen‐specific assay. RealTime reverse transcription (RT)‐PCR for FD phytoplasma detection was found to be five orders of magnitude more sensitive than the RT‐PCR method described previously. However, the RealTime RT‐PCR assay for the detection of BN phytoplasma needed a nested step to achieve high sensitivity, suggesting low concentration of template in the host. The viruses were detected by RealTime nested‐PCR, which was more sensitive than the ELISA and RealTime RT‐PCR assays previously described. The methods presented here have been successfully used to monitor infections in field and nursery samples during the 2008 grapevine growing season.
Unexpectedly high genetic variation in large unisexual clumps of the subdioecious plant Honckenya peploides (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Sánchez‐Vilas J. , Philipp M. , Retuerto R.
Published: July 2009

Honckenya peploides is a subdioecious dune plant that reproduces both sexually and by clonal growth. In northwest Spain this species was found to exhibit an extreme spatial segregation of the sexes, and our objective was to investigate genetic variation in unisexual clumps. Genetic variation was studied in six unisexual clumps of H. peploides, three of them exclusively composed of males and three exclusively female. In total, 193 samples were analysed using isozyme analysis and 80 samples were analysed using two AFLP primer combinations. Both techniques revealed considerably high genetic diversity (average proportion of distinguishable genotypes: 0.22 for isozymes and 0.36 for AFLP; average Simpson’s D: 0.65 for isozymes and 0.68 for AFLP). Our results show that, in spite of clonal growth, each unisexual clump consists of different genotypes. Genetic diversity within clumps is similar for both sexual morphs. Reasons for unisexuality of the clumps are discussed.
Learning Strategies of Highly Educated Refugees in the Netherlands: Habitus or Calculation?
Authors: Glastra Folke , Vedder Paul
Published: July 2009

In an analysis of 25 semi‐structured interviews with highly educated asylum seekers and refugees in The Netherlands, we have traced their learning strategies, the stability of their educational and professional career patterns between home and host country, the calculative nature of the choices made in this context and the influence of family ties. In the analysis, we explored the fit of two competitive theoretical perspectives: Pierre Bourdieu’s field theory and the biographical approach. The respondents showed a surprising degree of stability with regard to their career patterns, calculation with regard to educational choices was weak and there was a strong influence of family ties. From these results, it would seem that the field theory shows a better fit than the biographical approach. Longitudinal research is needed to test this hypothesis in more rigorous ways. Moreover, the research has pointed at omissions and ambivalences with regard to the relationship of changes in field structures and habitus change, the relative relevance of mental and material conditions for human agency in the work of Bourdieu. In the analysis, several variables specifically related to the situation of refugees and asylum seekers could be traced that additionally explain the findings.
Serb Returnees in Croatia – the Question of Return Sustainability1
Authors: Mesić Milan , Bagić Dragan
Published: July 2009

The authors report on representative field research dealing with ethnic Serb returnees to Croatia. The total sample consisted of 1,500 randomly chosen persons from a population of 120,000 officially registered Serb returnees to Croatia. The main questionnaire was answered by 403 respondents. Drawing on references relating to the concept of sustainability, they further develop it through differentiation of seven sustainability aspects or dimensions: safety; socio‐demographic structure of returnees; socio‐economic conditions of return; refugee experiences; citizenship and minority rights; and subjective perceptions of sustainability. According to field findings, between 35 and 45 per cent of the registered returnees reside permanently at the addresses they reported upon return, and an additional 3,5 per cent moved to other locations within Croatia. At the same time, between 35 and 42 per cent actually reside in their refugee countries (mostly in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina). Some 6 per cent of returnees occasionally stay in Croatia and occasionally outside of it. The interviewers were unable to get any reliable information regarding permanent stay for 15 per cent of the people from the sample. Finally, 11 per cent of them have, in the meantime, passed away since registered return started in 1996. The research results confirm the prevailing impression that Serb returnees are predominantly old people. The average age of all interviewed family members is around 51.

The findings and conceptualization suggest the need for a differentiated approach to a returnee body to better understand the complexity of a return. First, we have to distinguish among refugees potential returnees from non‐returnees (political and economic ones). Returnees themselves can then be grouped into several types: I) unconditional permanent; II) conditional permanent; III) semi‐returnees or trans‐national; IV) non‐formal and V) formal or quasi‐returnees.
Back to the South: Social and Political Aspects of Latin American Migration to Southern Europe
Authors: Peixoto João
Published: July 2009

When migration from the Latin American and Caribbean countries to Europe is studied, a preferential stream can be noted towards southern Europe. There would also appear to have been a remarkable growth in the volume of flows in this direction in recent years. The flows themselves vary: in the case of Spain, nationals from Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Argentina predominate; Portugal is the recipient of Brazilians; and Italy mainly plays host to nationals from Peru and Ecuador. These flows reveal the importance of various factors: economic push and pull mechanisms; the former presence in the region of Spain and Portugal as erstwhile colonial powers; the earlier waves of emigrants in that direction from Spain, Portugal and Italy; a relatively more favourable social reception; and political initiatives that favour the new sending countries. In other words, economic gaps, former historical links, cultural and linguistic affinities, family ties and diplomatic channels suggest that a special route exists for migrants from Latin America.

The topics that will be expanded upon in this paper include the factors explaining recent immigration to southern Europe; the economic incorporation of immigrants; the social framework of flows, including reactions from local populations; and the tentative and multiple policy responses to immigration. Conclusions indicate that the potential for movements from Latin America, resulting from both previous and current links, has proved to be a favourable response to the need for immigrant workers in the case of southern European societies. Despite the familiar path (albeit in the reverse direction), the economic incorporation of immigrants has mainly occurred in the low‐ranking jobs, as was the case with other inflows. This stemmed from market needs, state failures and the importance of the family. However, given the numerous links between Latin America and southern Europe, the social and policy responses adopted towards these immigrants seem to have been more beneficial than towards other groups.
Blood flow rate measurements with indicator techniques revisited
Authors: Sejrsen Per , Bülow Jens
Published: July 2009

In view of the emerging role, disturbances in regional blood flow rate seem to play in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome; we review the concepts of the classical indicator dilution and washout techniques used for determinations of regional blood flow rate. Prerequisites, assumptions, necessary precautions for the application of these experimental techniques are emphasized. Special attention has been carried out to elucidate the consequence of a choice of indicators having a large distribution volume in the tissues.
A non‐apoptotic function of caspase‐3 in pharmacologically‐induced differentiation of K562 cells
Authors: Sztiller‐Sikorska M , Jakubowska J , Wozniak M , Stasiak M , Czyz M
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose:  Several anticancer drugs with diverse chemical structures can induce differentiation of cancer cells. This study was undertaken to explore the potential contribution of caspase‐3 to pharmacologically‐induced differentiation of K562 cells.

Experimental approach:  We assessed differentiation by measuring the expression of glycophorin A and haemoglobin synthesis in K562 cells treated with low concentrations of doxorubicin, hydroxyurea, cytosine arabinoside, cisplatin and haemin. Caspase‐3 activation, mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation and viability were assessed by FACS. GATA‐1‐binding activity was evaluated by EMSA.

Key results:  Treatment of K562 cells with low concentrations of the tested drugs activated caspase‐3 but did not trigger detectable apoptosis. Instead, elevated levels of haemoglobin‐positive and glycophorin A/caspase‐3‐double‐positive cells were observed, suggesting involvement of caspase‐3 in drug‐induced differentiation. Inhibition of caspase‐3 activity significantly reduced the ability of K562 cells to execute the differentiation programme. Mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation was observed, indicating involvement of the mitochondrial pathway. Binding activity of GATA‐1, transcription factor responsible for differentiation and cell survival, was not diminished by increased caspase‐3 activity during drug‐stimulated differentiation.

Conclusions and implications:  Our results could explain how anticancer drugs, with diverse structures and modes of action, can stimulate erythroid differentiation in leukaemic cells with appropriate genetic backgrounds. Our findings imply that some similarities exist between pharmacologically‐induced differentiation of erythroleukaemic cells and normal erythropoiesis, both involving caspase‐3 activation at high levels of anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐XL and chaperone protein Hsp70 (heat shock protein 70). Therefore, the functions of caspase‐3, unrelated to cell death, can be extended to pharmacologically‐induced differentiation of some cancer cells.
Chronic Migraine: A Prospective Descriptive Clinical Study in a Headache Center Population
Authors: Beckmann Yeşim Yetimalar , Seçil Yaprak , Kendir Ayşen İnceoğlu , Başoğlu Mustafa
Published: July 2009

This study describes the pain characteristics of the chronic migraine, including duration, intensity, quality, aggravation by activity, associated features in a headache clinic. One hundred twenty‐one chronic migraine patients were evaluated. A total of 79% patients were female, and the mean age was 43.6 years, ranging from 19.0 to 54.2 years. The pain characteristics were predominantly unilateral; either side attacks (43.8%), strictly left‐side (19%), or right side (19%). Headache character was reported as throbbing (67%), aching (14%), stabbing (10%), and pressure (9%). Of the associated autonomic features, lacrimation was the most common. Photophobia (83.5%) and phonophobia (72.7%) often were noted. When compared, only previous headache diagnosis, headache character and onset of headache were found to be statistically different between female and male patients (P < 0.05).
Peri‐implant parameters in head and neck reconstruction: influence of extraoral skin or intraoral mucosa
Authors: Kwon Yong‐Dae , Karbach Julia , Wagner Wilfried , Al‐Nawas Bilal
Published: July 2009

Objective: This study is designed to assess dental implants supporting overdentures in edentulous patients with operated head and neck malignancies using parameters to detect peri‐implant disease.

Material and methods: Thirty‐four implants supporting overdentures in 34 oral cancer patients were examined. Clinical parameters [plaque index, probing depth, bleeding on probing (BOP), origin of peri‐implant soft tissue, and amount of irradiation] were recorded, and microbiological identification of periodontal pathogens was carried out by DNA–DNA hybridization. To identify yeast species, the samples were cultivated on Sabouraud agar plates and subsequently identified by API 20C AUX plates. An implant site showing BOP, probing pocket depth (PPD)≥5 mm and radiographic vertical bone loss was considered to have peri‐implant disease.

Results: Colonization by periodontal pathogens was found on 15 implants, while yeast species were found in 14 cases. Using a univariate analysis, none of the investigated parameters (microbiologic sign, detection of yeast, origin of peri‐implant soft tissue and irradiation) were significantly correlated to signs of peri‐implant disease. In the multivariate analysis, yeast [odds ratio (OR) 12.32, P=0.033] and periodontal pathogen (OR 9.88, P=0.046) were significant predictor variables for peri‐implant disease. Yeasts were less frequently detected around implants placed in re‐vascularized skin flaps if irradiation was set as a confounder (P=0.019).

Conclusions: With respect to the pilot study nature of the study peri‐implant soft tissue origin and irradiation had little influence on the development of peri‐implant disease. Yeast and periodontal pathogen were explanatory variables for the development of peri‐implant disease. Considering the effect of irradiation on the prevalence of yeast, yeast was less frequently observed in peri‐implant soft tissue of the skin. Based on these data, future studies on the role of yeast and soft tissue in peri‐implant disease should be encouraged.

To cite this article:
 Kwon Y‐D, Karbach J, Wagner W, Al‐Nawas B. Peri‐implant parameters in head and neck reconstruction: influence of extraoral skin or intraoral mucosa. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 316–320. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01763.x
Leptin and Its Receptor are Overexpressed in Brain Tumors and Correlate with the Degree of Malignancy
Authors: Riolfi Mirko , Ferla Rita , Valle Luis Del , Piña‐Oviedo Sergio , Scolaro Laura , Micciolo Rocco , Guidi Micol , Terrasi Marianna , Cetto Gian Luigi , Surmacz Eva
Published: July 2009

Although leptin and its receptor (ObR) have emerged as important cancer biomarkers, the role of the leptin system in brain tumor development remains unknown. We screened 87 human brain tumor biopsies using immunohistochemistry and detected leptin and ObR in 55.2% and 60.9% cases, respectively. In contrast, leptin and ObR were absent in 14 samples of normal brain tissue. The presence of leptin correlated with ObR with overall concordance 80.5%. The leptin/ObR system was highly expressed in glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas, while lower expression of both markers was noted in low‐grade astrocytomas and gangliogliomas. The association between leptin/ObR and the degree of tumor malignancy was highly significant (P < 0.001). Using double immunofluorescence of glioblastoma tissues, we found co‐expression of leptin with ObR and with the proliferation marker Ki‐67 in 87% and 64% of cells, respectively. The leptin/ObR‐positive tissues also expressed activated forms of STAT3 and Akt. In line with this finding, ObR‐positive glioblastoma cells responded to leptin with cell growth and induction of the STAT3 and Akt pathways as well as inactivation of the cell cycle suppressor Rb. In summary, our data demonstrate that the leptin/ObR system is expressed in malignant brain tumors and might be involved in tumor progression.
Despite high uptake efficiency, non‐mycorrhizal Rumex acetosella increases available phosphorous in the rhizosphere soil, whereas Viscaria vulgaris, Plantago lanceolata and Achillea millefolium does not
Authors: Sandberg Jakob , Jones David L. , Fransson Ann‐Mari
Published: July 2009

The phosphorous (P) uptake efficiency, reduction of the soil extractable P, and the root morphology was determined for the four common grassland species Rumex acetosella, Viscaria vulgaris, Plantago lanceolata and Achillea millefolium in one pot cultivation and one microcosm experiment. Rumex acetosella produced more than tree times as much biomass as each of V. vulgaris, P. lanceolata and A. millefolium, and could maintain a P concentration in the tissue that was twice as high as in the other species. R. acetosella was able to take up 10 times more phosphorous than the other species but the high uptake was not reflected in reduced Olsen P levels in the root affected soil. Calculating the uptake efficiency of the roots with a diameter less than 0.5 mm showed that the P uptake, calculated per root area, had been more efficient in R. acetosella than in the other species. The calculated rhizosphere volume (explored by the plant) seemed to correlate with the higher uptake efficiency of R. acetosella. We can conclude that R. acetosella have mechanisms to maintain a high P availability in the soil and may sustain a high uptake without any mycorrhizal interactions.