bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common industrial sake yeast strains have three copies of the AQY1–ARR3 region of chromosome XVI in their genomes
Authors: Ogihara Fukashi , Kitagaki Hiroshi , Wang Qian , Shimoi Hitoshi
Published: May 2008

Genomic analysis of industrial yeast strains is important for exploitation of their potential. We analysed the genomic structure of the most widely used sake yeast strain, Kyokai no. 7 (K7), by DNA microarray. Since the analysis suggested that the copy number of the AQY1–ARR3 region in the right arm of chromosome XVI was amplified, we performed Southern blot analysis using the AQY1 gene as a probe. The probe hybridized to three bands in the widely used sake strains derived from K7, but only to one band of 1.4 kb in the laboratory strains. Since the extra two bands were not observed in old sake strains, or in other industrial strains, the amplification of this region appeared to be specific for the widely used sake strains. The copy number of the AQY1–ARR3 region appeared to have increased by chromosomal translocation, since chromosomal Southern blot analysis revealed that the AQY1 probe hybridized to chromosomes IV and XIII, in addition to chromosome XVI, in which AQY1 of the laboratory strain is encoded. The chromosomal translocation was also confirmed by PCR analysis using primers that amplify the region containing the breakpoint. Cloning and sequencing of cosmids that encode the AQY1–ARR3 region revealed that this region is flanked by TG1–3 repeats on the centromere‐proximal side in chromosomes IV and XIII, suggesting that amplification of this region occurred by homologous recombination through TG1–3 repeats. These results demonstrate the genomic characteristics of the modern widely used sake strains that discriminate them from other strains. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chromosome instability and unusual features of some widely used strains of Candida albicans
Authors: Ahmad Ausaf , Kabir M. Anaul , Kravets Anatoliy , Andaluz Encarnación , Larriba German , Rustchenko Elena
Published: May 2008

Electrophoretic karyotyping of the Candida albicans revealed a different migration pattern of ChR in three different stocks of the sequencing strain SC5314. In one stock, the high instability of ChR size prevented the migration of ChR as a compact band; ChR appeared, instead, as a smear. In some stocks, ChR and/or Ch1 ploidy diminished, suggesting mixed populations of disomic and monosomic cells. Similarly, some stocks of widely used derivatives CAI4 and BWP17 contained smearing of ChR. In addition, the most manipulated strain in the lineage of SC5314, the last derivative, BWP17, acquired an increase in the size of Ch7b and revealed an unusual property. BWP17 did not tolerate a well‐established procedure of telomere‐mediated fragmentation of a chromosome; the remaining intact homologue always duplicated. We suggest that some stocks of SC5314 are unstable and that BWP17 may not be appropriate for general studies. Instead of BWP17 or CAI4, we recommend using for general research CAF4‐2, which is a relatively stable Ura− derivative, and which has been successfully used for more than a decade in our laboratory. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tree growth and competition in a post‐logging Quercus mongolica forest on Mt. Sobaek, South Korea
Authors: Dolezal Jiri , Song Jong‐Suk , Altman Jan , Janecek Stepan , Cerny Tomas , Srutek Miroslav , Kolbek Jiri
Published: May 2008

Secondary woodlands in South Korea cover most mountains from low to middle elevations. While general patterns of forest succession are well understood, little is known about mechanisms of stand recovery after disturbance. We examined the spatio‐temporal variations in establishment, growth, size inequality, and mode of competition among trees in a 50‐year‐old post‐logging Quercus mongolica‐dominated stand. We further compared the growth and stem allometry of single trees, presumably of seed origin, with multi‐stemmed trees resprouting from stumps. Q. mongolica formed the upper canopy 16–22 m tall, 88.3% of total stand basal area, and 36.2% of total stem density, with most trees established during the first post‐logging decade (51.2% were resprouts). During the first three decades, the Q. mongolica recruits grew exponentially, and disproportionately more in diameter than few older reserved trees left after the last cutting. This substantially decreased size inequality. The reverse trend was observed from 1994 to 2004: larger trees grow more, indicating an increasing asymmetry of competition for light. Neighborhood analysis revealed that when target trees had more or larger neighbors, their exponential phase of growth was reduced and maximum size was decreased. After the 50 years of stand development, more than 70% of Q. mongolica showed growth decline as a result of competitive stress, and mortality was about 30%, concentrated in smaller size classes. Compared to single stems, resprouts within clones do not seem to compete less asymmetric as might be expected based on studies of clonal herbaceous plants and physiological integration within genets. As Q. mongolica was also negatively affected by competition from woody species currently prevailing in the lower tree stratum (Tilia amurensis, Acer mono, Fraxinus rhynchophylla, Acer pseudosieboldianum), we predict the stand will become increasingly dominated by these more shade‐tolerant trees.
Latex Paint-gun Injuries of the Hand: Are the Outcomes Better?
Authors: Lozano-Calderón Santiago A. , Mudgal Chaitanya S. , Mudgal Sharmila , Ring David
Published: May 2008

This study aims to present the functional outcome in patients who sustained paint-gun injuries to the hand with latex paint and review the current trends, recommendations, and pitfalls of surgical treatment in contemporary literature. Five male patients with an average age of 35 years were treated between 2000 and 2003 after sustaining a paint-gun injury with latex paint. All wounds were located volarly on the digits of the nondominant hand. Preoperative radiographs were obtained in every patient. All patients underwent debridement of the affected digit. Despite delayed presentation, more than 24 h post injury, our patients recovered substantial function at an average follow-up of 12 months. Every patient returned to his previous occupation and there were no amputations. Paint-gun injuries with latex paint appear to be associated with an outcome that is superior to the poor outcome traditionally associated with oil-based paints.
Influence of Rare Earth Doping on the Structural and Catalytic Properties of Nanostructured Tin Oxide
Authors: Fajardo Humberto V , Longo Elson , Probst LuizFD , Valentini Antoninho , Carreño NeftalíLV , Nunes Michael R , Maciel Adeilton P , Leite Edson R
Published: May 2008

Nanoparticles of tin oxide, doped with Ce and Y, were prepared using the polymeric precursor method. The structural variations of the tin oxide nanoparticles were characterized by means of nitrogen physisorption, carbon dioxide chemisorption, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The synthesized samples, undoped and doped with the rare earths, were used to promote the ethanol steam reforming reaction. The SnO2-based nanoparticles were shown to be active catalysts for the ethanol steam reforming. The surface properties, such as surface area, basicity/base strength distribution, and catalytic activity/selectivity, were influenced by the rare earth doping of SnO2and also by the annealing temperatures. Doping led to chemical and micro-structural variations at the surface of the SnO2particles. Changes in the catalytic properties of the samples, such as selectivity toward ethylene, may be ascribed to different dopings and annealing temperatures.
Increase of Serum Cholesterol Levels by Heat‐Moisture‐Treated High‐Amylose Cornstarch in Rats Fed a High‐Cholesterol Diet
Authors: Udagawa Haruhide , Kitaoka Chika , Sakamoto Tatsuaki , Kobayashi‐Hattori Kazuo , Oishi Yuichi , Arai Soichi , Takita Toshichika
Published: May 2008

The effects of four cornstarches containing various contents of resistant starch on serum and liver cholesterol levels in rats fed a high‐cholesterol diet were investigated. Male Sprague Dawley rats (aged 4 weeks) were divided into four groups (n = 7) and fed high‐cholesterol diets containing 15% of cornstarch (CS), heat‐moisture‐treated CS (HCS), high‐amylose CS (HA), or heat‐moisture‐treated HA (HHA) for 21 days. The results showed that the serum and hepatic level of total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, and triglyceride in rats of the HHA group and their arteriosclerosis index were significantly higher, suggesting that HHA increases the risk of arteriosclerosis under a high‐cholesterol dietary condition. No significant between‐group differences were noted in the levels of plasma mevalonic acid and hepatic HMG‐CoA reductase mRNA, whereas fecal cholesterol excretion was significantly higher in the HHA group, indicating that the elevation of the serum and liver cholesterol levels was not due to the promotion of liver cholesterol synthesis and cholesterol absorption in the intestine.
Effect of FFA of Crude Rice Bran Oil on the Properties of Diesel Blends
Authors: Saravanan Subramani , Nagarajan G. , Lakshmi Narayana Rao G.
Published: May 2008

Crude rice bran oil (CRBO) with high free fatty acid (FFA) content is not suitable for eating purposes, however, it can be used as a fuel to partially replace or fully replace No.2 diesel. The main objective of the present work was to analyse the effect of FFA content of CRBO on the combustion properties such as viscosity, calorific value, volatility and aniline point. CRBO with different FFAs were collected and mixed with No.2 diesel to prepare CRBO‐diesel blends. It was observed that the viscosity of the blends increased with increase in FFA while the calorific value decreased. Significant variations were observed in the distillation curve for the CRBO blends with different FFA. Aniline point of the blends was 10–15% lower than that of diesel and it is indirectly proportional to the FFA of CRBO in the blend. Experimental results showed that the combustion properties of CRBO are the function of the FFA in the oil. As a dilute blend with diesel, CRBO with high FFA content showed comparable combustion properties to that of diesel. The properties differed in magnitude by 10–15% when compared with diesel. From the present investigation it is concluded that in blended form, CRBO with high FFA can be a potential resource to utilize it as an alternative fuel for CI (compression ignition) engines.
A novel mutation in KNOPF uncovers the role of α‐glucosidase I during post‐embryonic development in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Furumizu Chihiro , Komeda Yoshibumi
Published: May 2008

N‐glycosylation is a common protein modification. Joining of polypeptide and carbohydrate elements into hybrid molecules provides an opportunity to fine‐tune protein properties. However, the role of N‐glycosylation on the development of multicellular organisms remains elusive. Here we report a hypomorphic allele of KNOPF/GLUCOSIDASE 1, which allows us to describe the effects of impaired α‐glucosidase I on post‐embryonic development of plants for the first time. This knf‐101 mutation alters cell shape but does not affect cell arrangements, except for the patterning of specialized epidermal cells, delineating the significance of N‐glycan processing during epidermal development in Arabidopsis.
A90V TDP‐43 variant results in the aberrant localization of TDP‐43 in vitro
Authors: Winton Matthew J. , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Kwong Linda K. , Yuan Wuxing , Wood Elisabeth McCarty , Yu Chang-En , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Rademakers Rosa , Caselli Richard , Karydas Anna , Trojanowski John Q. , Miller Bruce L. , Lee Virginia M.-Y.
Published: May 2008

TAR DNA‐binding protein‐43 (TDP‐43) is a highly conserved, ubiquitously expressed nuclear protein that was recently identified as the disease protein in frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin‐positive inclusions (FTLD‐U) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Pathogenic TDP‐43 gene (TARDBP) mutations have been identified in familial ALS kindreds, and here we report a TARDBP variant (A90V) in a FTLD/ALS patient with a family history of dementia. Significantly, A90V is located between the bipartite nuclear localization signal sequence of TDP‐43 and the in vitro expression of TDP‐43‐A90V led to its sequestration with endogenous TDP‐43 as insoluble cytoplasmic aggregates. Thus, A90V may be a genetic risk factor for FTLD/ALS because it predisposes nuclear TDP‐43 to redistribute to the cytoplasm and form pathological aggregates.
Simulation of the regulation of EGFR endocytosis and EGFR‐ERK signaling by endophilin‐mediated RhoA‐EGFR crosstalk
Authors: Ung Choong Yong , Li Hu , Ma Xiao Hua , Jia Jia , Li Bao Wen , Low Boon Chuan , Chen Yu Zong
Published: May 2008

Deregulations of EGFR endocytosis in EGFR‐ERK signaling are known to cause cancers and developmental disorders. Mutations that impaired c‐Cbl–EGFR association delay EGFR endocytosis and produce higher mitogenic signals in lung cancer. ROCK, an effector of small GTPase RhoA was shown to negatively regulate EGFR endocytosis via endophilin A1. A mathematical model was developed to study how RhoA and ROCK regulate EGFR endocytosis. Our study suggested that over‐expressing RhoA as well as ROCK prolonged ERK activation partly by reducing EGFR endocytosis. Overall, our study hypothesized an alternative role of RhoA in tumorigenesis in addition to its regulation of cytoskeleton and cell motility.
Supplementation with orange and blackcurrant juice, but not vitamin E, improves inflammatory markers in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Dalgård Christine , Nielsen Flemming , Morrow Jason D. , Enghusen-Poulsen Henrik , Jonung Torbjörn , Hørder Mogens , de Maat Moniek P. M.
Published: May 2008

Inflammation and endothelial activation are associated with an increased risk of CVD and epidemiological evidence suggests an association between levels of markers of inflammation or endothelial activation and the intake of fruit. Also, vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory properties. We performed a randomised 2 × 2 factorial, crossover trial to determine the effect of orange and blackcurrant juice (500 ml/d) and vitamin E (15 mg RRR-α-tocopherol/d) supplementation on markers of inflammation and endothelial activation in forty-eight patients with peripheral arterial disease. Patients were randomly allocated to two dietary supplements from the four possible combinations of juice and vitamin E: juice+vitamin E; juice+placebo; reference beverage (sugar drink)+vitamin E; and reference beverage+placebo. The supplementations were given for 28 d, separated by a 4-week wash-out period. Analysis of main effects showed that juice decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) by 11 % and fibrinogen by 3 % while the reference drink increased CRP by 13 % and fibrinogen by 2 % (P < 0·008 and P < 0·002, respectively). No significant differences were measured for IL-6 and the endothelial activation markers von Willebrand factor, tissue-plasminogen activator and plasmin activator inhibitor-1. Vitamin E supplementation had no significant effects on the various markers. We observed no significant interaction between juice and vitamin E. In this study, orange and blackcurrant juice reduced markers of inflammation, but not markers of endothelial activation, in patients with peripheral arterial disease, relative to sugar drinks.
Mental disorders in young adulthood
Authors: Suvisaari J. , Aalto-Setälä T. , Tuulio-Henriksson A. , Härkänen T. , Saarni S. I. , Perälä J. , Schreck M. , Castaneda A. , Hintikka J. , Kestilä L. , Lähteenmäki S. , Latvala A. , Koskinen S. , Marttunen M. , Aro H. , Lönnqvist J.
Published: May 2008

Background

The effect of mental disorders may be particularly detrimental in early adulthood, and information on mental disorders and their correlates in this age group is important.

Method

A questionnaire focusing on mental health was sent to a nationally representative two-stage cluster sample of 1863 Finns aged 19 to 34 years. Based on a mental health screen, all screen-positives and a random sample of screen-negatives were asked to participate in a mental health assessment, consisting of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I) interview and neuropsychological assessment. We also obtained case-notes from all lifetime mental health treatments. This paper presents prevalences, sociodemographic associations and treatment contacts for current and lifetime mental disorders.

Results

Forty percent of these young Finnish adults had at least one lifetime DSM-IV Axis I disorder, and 15% had a current disorder. The most common lifetime disorders were depressive disorders (17.7%) followed by substance abuse or dependence (14.2%) and anxiety disorders (12.6%). Of persons with any lifetime Axis I disorder, 59.2% had more than one disorder. Lower education and unemployment were strongly associated with current and lifetime disorders, particularly involving substance use. Although 58.3% of persons with a current Axis I disorder had received treatment at some point, only 24.2% had current treatment contact. However, 77.1% of persons with a current Axis I disorder who felt in need of treatment for mental health problems had current treatment contact.

Conclusions

Mental disorders in young adulthood are common and often co-morbid, and they may be particularly harmful for education and employment in this age group.
BALKING AND RENEGING IN M/G/s SYSTEMS EXACT ANALYSIS AND APPROXIMATIONS
Authors: Liu Liqiang , Kulkarni Vidyadhar G.
Published: May 2008

We consider the virtual queuing time (vqt, also known as work-in-system, or virtual-delay) process in an M/G/s queue with impatient customers. We focus on the vqt-based balking model and relate it to reneging behavior of impatient customers in terms of the steady-state distribution of the vqt process. We construct a single-server system, analyze its operating characteristics, and use them to approximate the multiserver system. We give both analytical results and numerical examples. We conduct simulation to assess the accuracy of the approximation.
SYSTEM RELIABILITY AND WEIGHTED LATTICE POLYNOMIALS
Authors: Dukhovny Alexander , Marichal Jean-Luc
Published: May 2008

The lifetime of a system of connected units under some natural assumptions can be represented as a random variable Y defined as a weighted lattice polynomial of random lifetimes of its components. As such, the concept of a random variable Y defined by a weighted lattice polynomial of (lattice-valued) random variables is considered in general and in some special cases. The central object of interest is the cumulative distribution function of Y. In particular, numerous results are obtained for lattice polynomials and weighted lattice polynomials in the case of independent arguments and in general. For the general case, the technique consists in considering the joint probability generating function of “indicator” variables. A connection is studied between Y and order statistics of the set of arguments.
CORRECTION TO “STOCHASTIC COMPARISONS OF PARALLEL SYSTEMS WHEN COMPONENTS HAVE PROPORTIONAL HAZARD RATES”
Authors: Kochar Subhash , Xu Maochao
Published: May 2008

In our article [3] we have found a gap in the middle of the proof of Theorem 3.2. Therefore, we do not know whether Theorem 3.2 is true for the reverse hazard rate order. However, we could prove the following weaker result for the stochastic order.
Increasing seroprevalence ofClostridium difficilein an adult Danish general population
Authors: FENGER R. V. , LINNEBERG A. , TVEDE M. , ØSTERGAARD C.
Published: May 2008

The incidence ofClostridium difficile-associated infections is increasing, but it remains to be defined whether any change in the seroprevalence ofC. difficilehas also occurred. In a population-based study of the general adult population, 734 subjects, aged 15–69 years, were examined on two occasions 8 years apart (1990 and 1998) for the presence of antibodies againstC. difficilein serum. The overall seroprevalence ofC. difficileincreased significantly from 19% in 1990 to 27% in 1998 (P<0·0001). The seroprevalence increased with increasing age in both 1990 and 1998, but the increase was about four times higher in 1998 than in 1990. In conclusion, the observed increase in seroprevalence suggests a higher exposure toC. difficilein the general Danish adult population.
Genetic relatedness of multidrug-resistantAcinetobacter baumanniiendemic to New York City
Authors: LANDMAN D. , BUTNARIU M. , BRATU S. , QUALE J.
Published: May 2008

Multidrug-resistant isolates ofAcinetobacter baumanniifrom New York City generally belong to one of three ribotypes. To assess the accuracy of ribotyping, the relatedness of representative isolates was further assessed by rep-PCR, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and DNA sequencing of five genes potentially associated with antimicrobial resistance (ampC,ompA,adeB,adeR, andabeM). The isolates fell into several major groups. The first group shared the same ribotype and had common mutations affecting OmpA, AdeR, and AbeM, but consisted of two subtypes with distinctive rep-PCR and PFGE patterns andampCmutations. The second and third groups shared common alterations in OmpA, AdeR, and AbeM, but had distinct ribotype, rep-PCR, and PFGE patterns. The resistant isolates were unrelated to the β-lactam susceptible isolates. Many of the resistant strains shared OmpA and AdeB patterns observed in several European clonal groups. Further development of a multilocus sequencing typing scheme will help determine if multidrug-resistant isolates from diverse geographic areas are indeed ancestrally related.
Response of antioxidant defence systems to thermal stress in the Antarctic clamLaternula elliptica
Authors: Park Hyun , Ahn In-Young , Park Kyung-Il , Hyun Seunghun
Published: May 2008

The effects of thermal stress on antioxidant defences in tissues of the Antarctic clamLaternula ellipticawere evaluated and the activities of some antioxidant enzymes, and levels of total glutathione (GSH) and protein carbonyl (PC) in digestive gland and gill over 0–4 days under extreme thermal stress (10°C) were measured. Superoxide dismutase activity was slightly higher after one day of thermal stress, although catalase activity was not altered significantly in either digestive gland or gill tissues. Thermal stress was associated with a significant increase in the activity of GSH-related antioxidant enzymes. Glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities increased up to 1.8- and 2.0-fold, respectively, after two days of thermal stress. Glutathione S-transferase activity drastically increased, to over 3.4- and 4.2-fold in digestive gland and gill, respectively, and remained high on day four. GSH levels also increased in both tissues and remained high on day four. PC content, a marker of protein oxidation, increased after two days of thermal stress. There is evidence that GSH-related antioxidant defence plays a significant role in relation to potential toxicity from reactive oxygen species during thermal stress.
Short Note: On the age and relation between metamorphic gneisses and the Trinity Peninsula Group, Bowman Coast, Graham Land, Antarctica
Authors: Flowerdew Michael J.
Published: May 2008

The Trinity Peninsula Group (TPG) of northern Graham Land, a weakly metamorphosed thick sequence of predominantly quartz- and feldspar-rich greywacke, has tentatively been correlated with metasedimentary rocks exposed along the Bowman Coast of Graham Land (Stubbs 1968). The base of the TPG is not observed but the Bowman Coast rocks, here newly defined as the Bowman Coast Succession (BCS), is proximal to high-grade gneisses, which may represent the local basement. Recent geological mapping along the Bowman Coast has allowed a revision of the local geology (Fig. 1) and this note focuses on the relationship of the BCS with the adjacent gneisses.
Short Note: An intriguing penguin bone from the Late Eocene of Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Jadwiszczak Piotr
Published: May 2008

Penguins (Aves: Sphenisciformes) are interesting to both neontologists and palaeontologists (e.g. Davis & Renner 2003). The fossil record of these extremely specialized inhabitants of the Southern Hemisphere extends back to the Palaeocene epoch (Slack et al. 2006). Extinct penguins are known from localities within the range of their modern-day relatives (Fordyce & Jones 1990), and the oldest diverse assemblage comes from the Eocene La Meseta Formation of Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula, the only such locality south of the Antarctic Convergence (Myrcha et al. 2002, Jadwiszczak 2006a). Several collections amounting to over three thousand bones (mainly isolated skeletal elements) have been acquired since 1901 from that formation, and 15 penguin species have been erected so far (Jadwiszczak 2006a, table 1, Tambussi et al. 2006). Only ten of them (grouped into six genera) appear to be taxonomically distinct, and their type specimens are tarsometatarsi (Simpson 1971, Myrcha et al. 2002, Jadwiszczak 2006a, 2006b, p. 296). Individuals from six species belonging to four genera most probably were not larger than those of Aptenodytes forsteri G.R. Gray, 1844, the heaviest and tallest extant penguin (Jadwiszczak 2001, table 3). Interestingly, representatives of all ten species may have co-existed in the West Antarctic during the Late Eocene epoch, just prior to the final break-up of Gondwana (Jadwiszczak 2006a). Presented here is an intriguing partial tarsometatarsus of a small-sized penguin from the Late Eocene of Antarctic Peninsula, probably representing a new genus and species.
Perspective: Arab Mathematics and Renaissance Western Art
Authors: Belting Hans
Published: May 2008

This paper deals with the transfer of Arab visual theory in the Middle Ages, as it is believed that the cultural significance of this transfer needs a new emphasis. Mathematical perspective was invented in Florentine Renaissance Art. However, except in the history of science, it is a little known fact that this visual theory was based on theBook of Optics, written by Ibn al Haithan, also known as Alhazen, and was translated, probably in Spain, with the Latin titlePerspectiva.We therefore can speak of a double history of perspective, as visual theory and as pictorial theory. The main argument is to identify the importance of images, which separate Arab thought from Western thinking. It was the transformation of mathematics into art, in the Western sense, that allows us to distinguish two different cultures. In this process, the invention of mathematical space by Biagio Pelacani was an important step. Thereafter, the gaze and its looking space became a new concern of the Renaissance.
Ways and Means of Science in Medieval Spain
Authors: Márquez-Villanueva Francisco
Published: May 2008

The concept of tolerance initially advanced by the Arabs in both the East and the Iberian peninsula, an ideal later continued at the time of the Reconquest by Spanish Christians, was the key to the transmission of Greek science to the West. This paper examines the far-reaching and peculiar ways in which both Christians and Muslims fostered on Spanish soil a thriving intellectual life in the low Middle Ages. Particular attention is given to the rich personality and precociously modern achievements of King Alfonso X, with his vast project of cultural empowerment on behalf of his subjects.
Islamic Pharmacology and Pharmacy in the Latin West: An Approach to Early Pharmacopoeias
Authors: Huguet-Termes Teresa
Published: May 2008

During the final decade of the 15th century and the first half of the 16th century, there were moves to harmonize pharmaceutical therapy in a number of areas of the Mediterranean and Central Europe. The most evident consequence was the appearance of books of compilations of simple and compound remedies specially selected from a wide range of earlier pharmacological literature. These compilations were set up as ‘standards’ by the authorities concerned with public health in many states. In theory, apothecaries were obliged to follow these ‘official’ instructions for preparing and dispensing drugs in order to ensure that the medicines prescribed by physicians were correctly made up and safe. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the persistence of Arabic drugs and recipes through the content of three of these handbooks between 1499 and 1618.
Comparison of estimates of under-nutrition for pre-school rural Pakistani children based on the WHO standard and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference
Authors: Nuruddin Rozina , Lim Meng Kin , Hadden Wilbur C , Azam Iqbal
Published: May 2008

Objective

To compare estimates of under-nutrition among pre-school Pakistani children using the WHO growth standard and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference.

Design

Prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight as defined by WHO and NCHS standards are calculated and compared.

Setting

The data are from two cross-sectional surveys conducted in the early 1990s, the time frame for setting the baseline for the Millennium Development Goals: (i) National Health Survey of Pakistan (NHSP) assessed the health status of a nationally representative sample and (ii) Thatta Health System Research Project (THSRP) was a survey in Thatta, a rural district of Sindh Province.

Subjects

In all, 1533 and 1051 children aged 0–35 months from national and Thatta surveys, respectively.

Results

WHO standard gave a significantly higher prevalence ofstuntingfor both national [36·7 (95 % CI 33·2, 40·2)] and Thatta surveys [52·9 (95 % CI 48·9, 56·9)] compared to the NCHS reference [national: 29·1 (95 % CI 25·9, 32·2) and Thatta: 44·8 (95 % CI 41·1, 48·5), respectively]. It also gave significantly higher prevalence ofwastingfor the Thatta survey [22·9 (95 % CI 20·3, 25·5)] compared to the NCHS reference [15·7 (95 % CI 13·5, 17·8)]. Differences due to choice of standard were pronounced during infancy and for severely wasted and severely stunted children.

Conclusions

Pakistan should switch to the robustly constructed and up-to-date WHO growth standard for assessing under-nutrition. New growth charts should be introduced along with training of health workers. This has implications for nutritional intervention programmes, for resetting the country’s targets for Millennium Development Goal 1 and for monitoring nutritional trends.
Socio-spatial disparities of obesity among adults in the urban setting of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouédraogo Hermann Z , Fournet Florence , Martin-Prével Yves , Gary Jean , Henry Marie C , Salem Gérard
Published: May 2008

Objectives

To document the prevalence and the socio-spatial variations of obesity and to identify individual and household characteristics, lifestyles and dietary practices contributing to obesity and its socio-spatial distribution.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional survey. We selected 1570 households from four strata characterised as unstructured and low building-density (ULBD), unstructured and high building-density (UHBD), structured and low building-density (SLBD) and structured and high building-density (SHBD) areas. Structured areas are those that were allotted by the township authority (cadastral services), with public services; unstructured areas refer to those developed with no cadastral organisation.

Setting

Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso.

Subjects

BMI was calculated in 2022 adults aged 35 years and above who were classified as obese when their BMI was ≥30 kg/m2. Obesity was investigated in relation to household and individual characteristics, lifestyles and dietary practices; adjusted odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were derived from a logistic regression model.

Results

The overall prevalence of obesity was 14·7 % (males 5·5 % and females 21·9 %). Age, gender, household equipment index, usual transport with motor vehicles and micronutrient-rich food consumption were associated with obesity. After adjustment for these factors, obesity remained associated with the area of residence: residents from SHBD areas were more likely to be obese than those from ULBD areas (OR = 1·41; 95 % CI 2·59,4·76).

Conclusions

Obesity in Ouagadougou is a preoccupant problem that calls for more consideration. Thorough investigation is needed to assess the environmental factors that contribute to the socio-spatial disparity of obesity.
THE SYMMETRIC GROUP REPRESENTATION ON COHOMOLOGY OF THE REGULAR ELEMENTS OF A MAXIMAL TORUS OF THE SPECIAL LINEAR GROUP
Authors: HENDERSON ANTHONY
Published: May 2008

We give a formula for the character of the representation of the symmetric groupSnon each isotypic component of the cohomology of the set of regular elements of a maximal torus ofSLn, with respect to the action of the centre.
CANCELLATIVE AND MALCEV PRESENTATIONS FOR FINITE REES INDEX SUBSEMIGROUPS AND EXTENSIONS
Authors: CAIN ALAN J. , ROBERTSON EDMUND F. , RUŠKUC NIK
Published: May 2008

It is known that, for semigroups, the property of admitting a finite presentation is preserved on passing to subsemigroups and extensions of finite Rees index. The present paper shows that the same holds true for Malcev, cancellative, left-cancellative and right-cancellative presentations. (A Malcev (respectively, cancellative, left-cancellative, right-cancellative) presentation is a presentation of a special type that can be used to define any group-embeddable (respectively, cancellative, left-cancellative, right-cancellative) semigroup.)
ON 2-ADJACENCY RELATION OF TWO-BRIDGE KNOTS AND LINKS
Authors: TORISU ICHIRO
Published: May 2008

We give a necessary condition for a two-bridge knot or link S(p,q) to be 2-adjacent to another two-bridge knot or link S(r,s). In particular, we show that if the trivial knot or link is 2-adjacent to S(p,q), then S(p,q) is trivial, that if S(p,q) is 2-adjacent to its mirror image, then S(p,q) is amphicheiral, and that for a prime integer p, if S(p,q) is 2-adjacent to S(r,s), then S(p,q)=S(r,s) or S(r,s)=S(1,0).
Mechanisms in allergic airway inflammation – lessons from studies in the mouse
Authors: Shum Bennett O.V. , Rolph Michael S. , Sewell William A.
Published: May 2008

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, involving recurrent episodes of airway obstruction and wheezing. A common pathological feature in asthma is the presence of a characteristic allergic airway inflammatory response involving extensive leukocyte infiltration, mucus overproduction and airway hyper-reactivity. The pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation is complex, involving multiple cell types such as T helper 2 cells, regulatory T cells, eosinophils, dendritic cells, mast cells, and parenchymal cells of the lung. The cellular response in allergic airway inflammation is controlled by a broad range of bioactive mediators, including IgE, cytokines and chemokines. The asthmatic allergic inflammatory response has been a particular focus of efforts to develop novel therapeutic agents. Animal models are widely used to investigate inflammatory mechanisms. Although these models are not perfect replicas of clinical asthma, such studies have led to the development of numerous novel therapeutic agents, of which some have already been successful in clinical trials.
Korpuskarzinom / Zervixkarzinom
Authors: Johann Silke , Mueller Michael D.
Published: May 2008

Maligne Uterustumoren können sowohl das Korpus (Endometrium und Myometrium) als auch die Zervix betreffen. Das Endometriumkarzinom mit seinen histologischen Subtypen stellt dabei die größte Gruppe der Korpusmalignome dar, aber auch die Uterussarkome (Leiomyosarkome, endometriale Stromasarkome und Karzinosarkome Synonym: maligne Müller-Mischtumoren) gehören in diese Gruppe. Das Zervixkarzinom stellt sowohl in seiner Histologie als auch in Therapie und Nachsorge eine eigene Entität dar. Das Endometriumkarzinom ist in Nordeuropa und Nordamerika das häufigste Genitalkarzinom der Frau. Es kann in zwei Typen (I und II) unterteilt werden und präsentiert sich meist als ein Tumor der älteren Frau. Die Diagnose wird durch die auftretenden Blutungsstörungen überwiegend im Frühstadium gestellt. Therapie der Wahl ist die stadiengerechte Operation (heutzutage wenn möglich laparoskopisch). Wenn notwendig, bestehen adjuvante Therapieregime meist aus vaginaler Brachytherapie und perkutaner Radiotherapie, Chemo- und hormonelle Therapien werden bei speziellen Indikationen ebenfalls eingesetzt. Die heterogene Gruppe der uterinen Sarkome besteht aus seltenen Tumoren mit meist schlechter Prognose (0,2% aller genitalen Malignome, < 40% 5-Jahres-Überlebensrate) und schlechtem Ansprechen auf adjuvante Therapien, so dass die Operation im Vordergrund steht. Eine klare Evidenz für die Nachsorge gibt es nicht, da alle bisher publizierten Studien keinen Vorteil im Vergleich zur symptombezogenen Diagnostik zeigen. Wird sie aber durchgeführt, sollte die Nachsorge besonderes Augenmerk auf die prädisponierten Rezidivstellen richten, da das früh entdeckte zentrale Lokalrezidiv potentiell heilbar ist. Das Zervixkarzinom (überwiegend histologisch Plattenepithelkarzinom) als HPV assoziierte Erkrankung liegt weltweit als Todesursache noch vor HIV und Hepatitis-Erkrankungen. Bis zum Stadium FIGO IIA steht die operative Therapie im Vordergrund, gefolgt von adjuvanter Therapie. Im fortgeschrittenen Stadium hat die kombinierte Radio-Chemotherapie eine ähnliche Überlebensrate wie die Operation, deshalb sollten die Fälle in einem interdisziplinären Tumorboard besprochen werden. Im folgenden Artikel werden die aktuellen Empfehlungen der gynäkologischen Arbeitsgruppen im deutschsprachigen Raum zusammengefasst.
Non-invasive assessment of endothelial activity in patients with coronary heart disease and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Fronek  , Allison
Published: May 2008

Background: The aim of this study was first to compare the widely used flow mediated dilation ( FMD ) method with the iontophoretically induced acetylcholine vasodilation (IAV ) procedure. The ultimate goal was to examine the endothelial activity ( EA ) in patients with various cardiovascular risk factors compared with control subjects. Patients and methods: In the upper extremities of 27 subjects, comparisons of EA by FMD and IAV measured with laser Doppler flux method (LDF) were conducted. IAV-EA was then measured using LDF in an additional 93 subjects with various cardiovascular ( CVD ) risk factors and/or a diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD). Results: The mean age of the subjects was 56.2 years and 54% were male. There was a robust and significant correlation between FMD vs IAV endothelial activity (r = 0.87, p = 0.025). After adjustment for age, there were significant differences in LDF-measured, acetylcholine-induced EA by diagnosis of CHD (p = 0.02), hyperlipidemia (p = 0.03) and diabetes (p < 0.01), as well as by sex (p < 0.01). The difference by hypertension status was of borderline significance (p = 0.07). LDF EA was higher in non-smokers compared to smokers but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.3). After adjustment for age and gender, a 10-unit increase in LDF-measured EA was associated with a 12% lower odds for a diagnosis of CHD (p = 0.07). Conclusions: Measurement of IAV-EA by LDF is a simple, noninvasive methodology which is highly correlated with post-occlusive FMD EA and is also significantly associated with a diagnosis of CHD.
Was ist ein guter Arzt? – Ethische Überlegungen zur ärztlichen Identität in ihrem modernen Wandel
Authors: Maio G.
Published: May 2008

Im Zuge der marktwirtschaftlichen Orientierung der modernen Medizin verändert sich auch das Arztbild zunehmend. Der einst von der verstehenden Fürsorge geleitete Arzt als personale Figur wird zunehmend ersetzt durch einen unparteiischen Techniker, der die Fürsorge durch die Autonomie austauscht. Es wird dargelegt, dass die Respektierung der Autonomie ohne Implementierung von verstehender Fürsorge auch für die moderne Medizin eine defizitäre Entwicklung darstellt. Menschen in schwerer Krankheit allein als Freiheitsträger zu betrachten, würde bedeuten, sie in ihrer Freiheit allein zu lassen. Die alleinige Betonung der Freiheit wäre in diesem Fall eine verschleierte Form der Gleichgültigkeit, die gerade kranke Menschen in ihrer Not alleine liesse. Daher wird dafür plädiert, die Fürsorge nicht durch die Autonomie zu ersetzen, sondern die verstehende Fürsorge eines personalen Helfers als Bedingung für eine angemessene Respektierung der Patientenautonomie zu betrachten.
Persistierender Husten und Bronchiektasen
Authors: Bauer W. , Weise M.
Published: May 2008

Eine 68-jährige Patientin klagt über chronischen Husten. Bronchiektasen werden gefunden und mit autogener Drainage behandelt. Der Husten persistiert über Jahre, obschon ein Asthma adäquat behandelt, ein Karzinoidtumor diagnostiziert und operiert und eine koronare Herzkrankheit saniert wurden. Antibiotische und steroidale Therapiemassnahmen brachten ebenfalls keinen anhaltenden Erfolg. Erst die Diagnose und Behandlung eines obstruktiven Schlafapnoesyndroms brachte dauerhaften Therapieerfolg – durch Miniaspirationen während den obstruktiven Apnoephasen kam es zur Ausbildung von Bronchiektasen.
Assessing the previous activity at the source zone of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake based on the near‐source and distant paleoseismological indicators
Authors: Rajendran C. P. , Rajendran Kusala , Thakkar M. , Goyal Bhanu
Published: May 2008

The Mw7.7 2001 Bhuj (Kachchh) earthquake was not associated with any primary surface rupture, but it produced secondary faulting, folding and liquefaction. This study highlights the potential of a secondary rupture and proxies like lateral spreads and sandblows in unraveling the past activity related to the 2001 source. Chronological constraints of an older lateral spread and far‐field paleoliquefaction features, combined with archeological data, provide evidence for occurrences of two previous earthquakes at the 2001 source zone about 4000 and 9000 years, ago. Distinct stratigraphic evidence for at least one previous offset dated at 4424 ± 656 years could be detected at a stepover zone associated with a dextral secondary fault, reactivated during the 2001 earthquake. The studies imply longer interseismic intervals for the 2001 source zone, in comparison with the source zone of the 1819 earthquake located toward the northwestern part of the Rann of Kachchh. The spatial and temporal correlation of previous events derived on the basis of the available paleoseismic data from the region suggest not only repeated activity at the 2001 source, but possibility for additional potential sources in parts of Kachchh and Cambay basins. Although we infer a longer recurrence interval for the 2001 Bhuj earthquake source, our study points to the fact that these additional sources may have the potential to rupture in the future, considering the long elapsed time.
Controls on the formation and stability of gas hydrate‐related bottom‐simulating reflectors (BSRs): A case study from the west Svalbard continental slope
Authors: Haacke R. Ross , Westbrook Graham K. , Riley Michael S.
Published: May 2008

The growth and stability of the free‐gas zone (FGZ) beneath gas‐hydrate related bottom‐simulating seismic reflectors (BSRs) is investigated using analytical and numerical analyses to understand the factors controlling the formation and depletion of free gas. For a model based on the continental slope west of Svalbard (a continental margin of north Atlantic type), we find that the FGZ is inherently unstable under a wide range of conditions because upward flow of under‐saturated liquid depletes free gas faster than it is produced by hydrate recycling. In these scenarios, the 150‐m‐thick FGZ that presently exists there would deplete within 105–106 years. We suggest the FGZ is in a stable state, however, that is formed by a diffusion‐dominated mechanism that produces low concentrations of gas in a FGZ of steady state thickness. Gas forms across a thick zone because the upward fluid flux is relatively low and because the gas–water solubility decreases to a minimum several hundred meters below the seabed. This newly understood solubility‐curvature effect is complementary to hydrate recycling, but becomes the most important factor controlling the presence and properties of the BSR in environments where the rate of upward fluid flow and the rate of hydrate recycling are both relatively low (i.e., rifted continental margins). If the present‐day FGZ is in steady state, we estimate that the upward fluid flux in the west Svalbard site must be less than 0.15 mm a−1.
Comparison of tropospheric NO2 from in situ aircraft measurements with near‐real‐time and standard product data from OMI
Authors: Bucsela E. J. , Perring A. E. , Cohen R. C. , Boersma K. F. , Celarier E. A. , Gleason J. F. , Wenig M. O. , Bertram T. H. , Wooldridge P. J. , Dirksen R. , Veefkind J. P.
Published: May 2008

We present an analysis of in situ NO2 measurements from aircraft experiments between summer 2004 and spring 2006. The data are from the INTEX‐A, PAVE, and INTEX‐B campaigns and constitute the most comprehensive set of tropospheric NO2 profiles to date. Profile shapes from INTEX‐A and PAVE are found to be qualitatively similar to annual mean profiles from the GEOS‐Chem model. Using profiles from the INTEX‐B campaign, we perform error‐weighted linear regressions to compare the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) tropospheric NO2 columns from the near‐real‐time product (NRT) and standard product (SP) with the integrated in situ columns. Results indicate that the OMI SP algorithm yields NO2 amounts lower than the in situ columns by a factor of 0.86 (±0.2) and that NO2 amounts from the NRT algorithm are higher than the in situ data by a factor of 1.68 (±0.6). The correlation between the satellite and in situ data is good (r = 0.83) for both algorithms. Using averaging kernels, the influence of the algorithm's a priori profiles on the satellite retrieval is explored. Results imply that air mass factors from the a priori profiles are on average slightly larger (∼10%) than those from the measured profiles, but the differences are not significant.
Assimilated ozone from EOS‐Aura: Evaluation of the tropopause region and tropospheric columns
Authors: Stajner Ivanka , Wargan Krzysztof , Pawson Steven , Hayashi Hiroo , Chang Lang‐Ping , Hudman Rynda C. , Froidevaux Lucien , Livesey Nathaniel , Levelt Pieternel F. , Thompson Anne M. , Tarasick David W. , Stübi René , Andersen Signe Bech , Yela Margarita , König‐Langlo Gert , Schmidlin F. J. , Witte Jacquelyn C.
Published: May 2008

Retrievals from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) and the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on EOS‐Aura were included in the Goddard Earth Observing System version 4 (GEOS‐4) ozone data assimilation system. The distribution and daily to seasonal evolution of ozone in the stratosphere and troposphere during 2005 are investigated. In the lower stratosphere, where dynamical processes dominate, comparisons with independent ozonesonde and Measurement of Ozone and Water Vapour by Airbus In‐Service Aircraft (MOZAIC) data indicate mean agreement within 10%. In the troposphere, OMI and MLS provide constraints on the ozone column, but the ozone profile shape results from the parameterized ozone chemistry and the resolved and parameterized transport. Assimilation of OMI and MLS data improves tropospheric column estimates in the Atlantic region but leads to an overestimation in the tropical Pacific and an underestimation in the northern high and middle latitudes in winter and spring. Transport and data biases are considered in order to understand these discrepancies. Comparisons of assimilated tropospheric ozone columns with ozonesonde data reveal root‐mean‐square (RMS) differences of 2.9–7.2 Dobson units (DU), which are smaller than the model‐sonde RMS differences of 3.2–8.7 DU. Four different definitions of the tropopause using temperature lapse rate, potential vorticity (PV), and isentropic surfaces or ozone isosurfaces are compared with respect to their global impact on the estimated tropospheric ozone column. The largest sensitivity in the tropospheric ozone column is found near the subtropical jet, where the ozone‐ or PV‐determined tropopause typically lies below the lapse rate tropopause.