bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The endocannabinoid system as a target for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Scotter Emma L , Abood Mary E , Glass Michelle
Published: March 2010

TheCannabis sativaplant has been exploited for medicinal, agricultural and spiritual purposes in diverse cultures over thousands of years. Cannabis has been used recreationally for its psychotropic properties, while effects such as stimulation of appetite, analgesia and anti‐emesis have lead to the medicinal application of cannabis. Indeed, reports of medicinal efficacy of cannabis can been traced back as far as 2700 BC, and even at that time reports also suggested a neuroprotective effect of the cultivar. The discovery of the psychoactive component of cannabis resin, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) occurred long before the serendipitous identification of a G‐protein coupled receptor at which Δ9‐THC is active in the brain. The subsequent finding of endogenous cannabinoid compounds, the synthesis of which is directed by neuronal excitability and which in turn served to regulate that excitability, further widened the range of potential drug targets through which the endocannabinoid system can be manipulated. As a result of this, alterations in the endocannabinoid system have been extensively investigated in a range of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review we examine the evidence implicating the endocannabinoid system in the cause, symptomatology or treatment of neurodegenerative disease. We examine data from human patients and compare and contrast this with evidence from animal models of these diseases. On the basis of this evidence we discuss the likely efficacy of endocannabinoid‐based therapies in each disease context.

This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids. To view the editorial for this themed issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00831.x
Electrophysiological classification of P2X7 receptors in rat cultured neocortical astroglia
Authors: Nörenberg W , Schunk J , Fischer W , Sobottka H , Riedel T , Oliveira JF , Franke H , Illes P
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: P2X7 receptors are ATP‐gated cation channels mediating important functions in microglial cells, such as the release of cytokines and phagocytosis. Electrophysiological evidence that these receptors also occur in CNS astroglia is rare and rather incomplete.

Experimental approach: We used whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings to search for P2X7 receptors in astroglial–neuronal co‐cultures prepared from the cerebral cortex of rats.

Key results: All the astroglial cells investigated responded to ATP with membrane currents, reversing around 0 mV. These currents could be also detected in isolated outside‐out patch vesicles. The results of the experiments with the P2X [α,β‐methylene ATP and 2′‐3′‐O‐(4‐benzoyl) ATP] and P2Y receptor agonists [adenosine 5′‐O‐(2‐thiodiphosphate), uridine 5′‐diphosphate, uridine 5′‐triphosphate (UTP) and UDP‐glucose] suggested the involvement of P2X receptors in this response. The potentiation of ATP responses in a low divalent cation or alkaline bath, but not by ivermectin, made it likely that a P2X7 receptor is operational. Blockade of the ATP effect by the P2X7 antagonists Brilliant Blue G, calmidazolium and oxidized ATP corroborated this assumption.

Conclusions and implications: Rat cultured cortical astroglia possesses functional P2X7 receptors. It is suggested that astrocytic P2X7 receptors respond to high local ATP concentrations during neuronal injury.
Family Matters: The Early Modern Atlantic from the European Side
Authors: Hardwick Julie
Published: March 2010

This article is part of aHistory Compasscluster on ‘Rethinking Gender, Family, and Sexuality in the Early Modern Atlantic World’.

The cluster is made up of the following articles:

‘On Currents and Comparisons: Gender and the Atlantic ‘Turn’ in Spanish America’, Bianca Premo,History Compass8.3 (2010): 223–237, doi:10.1111/j.1478‐0542.2009.00658.x

‘Women and Families in Early (North) America and the Wider (Atlantic) World’, Karin Wulf,History Compass8.3 (2010): 238–247, doi:10.1111/j.1478‐0542.2009.00659.x

‘Family Matters: The Early Modern Atlantic from the European Side’, Julie Hardwick,History Compass8.3 (2010): 248–257, doi:10.1111/j.1478‐0542.2009.00660.x

The following essay originated as one of these three contributions to a roundtable discussion held at the 14th Berkshire Conference on the History of Women, June 2008. The roundtable, ‘Rethinking Gender, Family, and Sexuality in the Early Modern Atlantic World’, was meant to be as much invitation as inventory and was astonishingly well attended at 08:00 in the morning, with standing room only for a thoughtful, lively audience whose comments, questions, and suggestions are reflected here (although in no way fully represented). As historians of gender and family in the North Atlantic, European, and Iberian worlds, we had hoped to encourage more central and systematic attention to gender within the Atlantic World paradigm by cataloging some recent works in their fields and pointing the way for future studies. Yet, a funny thing happened on the way to the conference. Independently, each of us began to engage with the challenges of simply inserting family and gender into ‘the Atlantic’ as both as conceptual place and a historical practice. The essays that emerged, therefore, departed from conventional historiographies that survey the state of the field. Rather, these are theoretical and methodological reflections on the implications of de‐centering national and colonial narratives about the history of gender. At a time when transnational historical scholarship on early modern women promises to explode, these essays aim to inspire debate about the conceptual utility of the Atlantic as a paradigm for understanding issues of gender, family, and sexuality, as well as its ramifications for feminist scholarship everywhere.
Political and Socioeconomic Transformation in the GCC: Image and Reality
Authors: Sage Mitchell Jocelyn
Published: March 2010

Although the Middle East remains one of the least free regions of the world in 2009, it is possible to study political transformation in the region. This paper provides an overview of political transformation in the six Gulf states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, over the past 20 years. After a brief overview of the formal political changes, which are often superficial and provide little real transformation of the political sphere, I turn to an analysis of the socioeconomic transformation in the GCC and how these developments affect the political realm. New developments in the areas of the media, education, and business hold particular promise for eventually leading to true political transformation of the GCC.
Britain and the Middle East: New Historical Perspectives on the Eastern Question
Authors: Tusan Michelle
Published: March 2010

Recent work on Britain and the Middle East promises to reinvigorate the field by introducing a new set of questions and archival sources. This essay reviews current scholarship by looking back at the historiography of the Eastern Question. First defined as a field in the wake of WWI, the study of British foreign and domestic policy in the Ottoman Empire inspired generations of historical work on the region. This early wave of historiography provokingly demonstrated that the contest for the Middle East largely happened at home and helped shape the priorities of modern liberal democratic political culture. Contemporary events, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, coupled with the emergence of new methodologies have contributed to a shift in historical writing from the ‘Eastern Question’ to more regionally focused studies of the ‘Middle East.’ This shift has recast the field as an important new frontier of the New Imperial History.
Teaching Method and Theory to History Undergraduates. Intellectual Challenges and Professional Responsibilities
Authors: Gow Andrew
Published: March 2010

This article seeks to demonstrate why university instructors should make greater efforts to teach our undergraduates about historical methods and the challenges to traditional ways of doing history posed by important recent theoretical approaches and critiques. The stakes are high because liberal progressivist narratives of historical progress are inadequate for the professional study of history, though very powerful for legitimating the political status quo. It is also my goal to show why our experience (and what common sense can make of it) cannot lead us to intellectually responsible methods for the study of history. Unfortunately, 'common sense' can, on the other hand, lead us to ways of doing history that shore up existing power structures. Every refusal to engage with theoretical and methodological issues implies taking a political position about power and the ways in which traditional history‐writing helps to construct and legitimate power. A historian who employs only traditional empiricist methods (common sense, arguments from human nature, etc.) is not really refusing to articulate and apply a theory, but holds and applies a theoretical approach while at the same time denying its existence, its effects and its power to organize and shape historical issues. Hiding behind commonsensical and other unexamined methods reduces history as a practice and as a profession to either antiquarianism or partisanship, both in the service of the (neo‐) liberal establishment. Any such engagement (for or against an establishment) must be clear and declared, not camouflaged as objectivity, neutrality or freedom from theory. We owe it to our students to declare our positions and to encourage them to think systematically and in an informed fashion about theirs as well.
Medication Overuse Headache: Withdrawal and Prophylactic Therapeutic Regimen
Authors: Trucco Marco , Meineri Piero , Ruiz Luigi , Gionco Maurizio
Published: March 2010

(Headache 2010;50:989‐997)

Background.— Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a secondary headache, whose diagnostic criteria were settled by the Second Edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders and its subsequent revisions. Its diagnosis and treatment represent a growing problem worldwide and a challenge for headache specialists.

Objective.— The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a therapeutic regimen for withdrawal of the overused drug and prophylaxis of headache in a population of patients suffering from MOH in 8 hospitals of Piemonte – Liguria – Valle d'Aosta.

Patients and Methods.— Seventy patients, 58 females (82.9%) and 12 males (17.1%), mean age at observation 51.04 ± 12.59 years, affected by MOH following International Headache Society diagnostic revised criteria were treated as inpatients (n = 40) or in Day Hospital (n = 30). Headache Index (HI) and Daily Drug Intake (DDI) were used for evaluating the severity of headache and medication overuse. The patients were treated by abrupt discontinuation of the overused drug and by a therapeutic protocol including i.v. hydration, dexhamethasone, metoclopramide, and benzodiazepines for 7‐15 days. Prophylactic medication was started at the beginning of therapeutic protocol. Patients underwent follow‐up controls 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge. The initial diagnosis was MOH in all patients included in the study. The overused medications were simple analgesics in 18 cases (25.7%), combination analgesics in 26 cases (37.1%), triptans alone in 9 cases (12.9%), or in combination with analgesics in 13 cases (18.6%), and ergot derivatives (in combination) in 4 cases (5.7%). We collected data from 59 patients at first follow‐up (1 month), 56 after 3 months, and 42 after 6 months.

Results.— Mean HI was 0.92 at admission, 0.19 at discharge, 0.35 after 30 days, 0.39 after 3 months, and 0.42 after 6 months. Mean DDI was 2.72 at admission, 0.22 at discharge, 0.31 after 1 month, 0.38 after 3 months, and 0.47 after 6 months. These results proved to be highly statistically significant.

Conclusions.— The protocol was generally effective, safe, and well‐tolerated. The results tend to remain stable with time, and seem to be encouraging about long‐term use of this therapeutic protocol on a larger number of patients suffering from MOH.
Clonazepam for Refractory Headache: Three Cases Illustrative of Benefit and Risk
Authors: Maizels Morris
Published: March 2010

Many patients with migraine are poorly responsive to conventional preventive therapies. Comorbid anxiety and depression may contribute to headache refractoriness, but studies of headache preventives have not typically addressed the patient with psychiatric comorbidity. The author has used clonazepam empirically to treat a subgroup of headache patients with associated anxiety, who were poorly responsive to conventional preventives. The use of a benzodiazepine as a headache preventive raises concerns regarding tolerance and addiction. The author presents 3 cases that illustrate different outcomes associated with this therapy, and suggests guidelines for its use.

(Headache 2010;50:650‐656)
Altered Regional Brain Morphology in Patients With Chronic Facial Pain
Authors: Schmidt‐Wilcke Tobias , Hierlmeier Stefanie , Leinisch Elke
Published: March 2010

Background.— Persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) is defined as a persistent, unilateral facial pain, not associated with sensory loss or other physical signs and with no obvious structural abnormalities that would sufficiently explain pain experience.

Objective.— We were interested whether there is evidence of altered brain morphology in patients with PIFP as it has been described in other chronic pain conditions.

Methods.— Using voxel‐based morphometry we investigated regional gray matter volume in 11 PIFP patients and 11 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Furthermore we calculated lateralization indices (LI) to investigate differences in interhemispheric gray matter asymmetries.

Results.— We report a decrease in gray matter volume in the left anterior cingulate gyrus and left temporo‐insular region, as well as in the left and right sensory‐motor area, projecting to the representational area of the face. Analyses of LI values demonstrated an increased rightward asymmetry in the middle‐anterior insular cortex in patients in comparison with healthy controls.

Conclusion.— Our data support previous findings showing that chronic pain states are display‐altered brain morphology in brain regions know to be part of the pain system.

(Headache 2010;50:1278‐1285)
A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Acetaminophen for Treatment of Migraine Headache
Authors: Prior Mary Jane , Codispoti Joseph R. , Fu Min
Published: March 2010

(Headache 2010;50:819‐833)

Objective.— To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acetaminophen 1000 mg for the treatment of episodic migraine headache.

Background.— While acetaminophen is commonly used to treat migraine, there have been limited published clinical trial efficacy results.

Design/Methods.— Ten investigators at 13 private, ambulatory, primary care sites in the United States enrolled and treated 346 outpatient adults 18‐72 years of age with migraine headache of moderate to severe intensity into a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial of 6 hours duration. Each patient was randomly assigned to a single dose of study medication of acetaminophen 1000 mg (n = 177) or placebo (n = 169). The percentage of patients with a reduction in baseline headache pain intensity from severe or moderate to mild or none 2 hours after treatment and the headache pain intensity difference from baseline at 2 hours were the primary efficacy measures. Other measures of pain relief, severity differences from baseline for migraine‐associated symptoms of nausea, photophobia, phonophobia, and functional disability, and percentage of patients with migraine‐associated symptoms reduced to none were also assessed.

Results.— Significantly (P = .001) more patients treated with acetaminophen 1000 mg reported mild to no pain after 2 hours (52.0%) compared with those treated with placebo (32.0%). The mean pain intensity difference from baseline measured at 2 hours was significantly (P < .001) greater for patients treated with acetaminophen 1000 mg (0.82) compared with those treated with placebo (0.46). A significant difference in favor of acetaminophen 1000 mg over placebo was also observed at 1 hour after treatment for the percentage of patients with mild to no pain and for mean pain intensity difference from baseline. Acetaminophen 1000 mg was significantly more effective than placebo for all but 1 (pain reduced to none at 2 hours) clinically important secondary pain relief outcomes. Mean severity changes from baseline in migraine‐associated symptoms of nausea, photophobia, phonophobia, and functional disability at 2 and 6 hours were significantly (P < .001) in favor of acetaminophen over placebo; the percentage of patients with no symptoms at 2 and 6 hours statistically significantly favored acetaminophen in 6 of 8 comparisons. Adverse events, overall, and specifically for nausea, were reported more frequently in the placebo group.

Conclusions.— Acetaminophen 1000 mg, a nonprescription drug, is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for episodic and moderate migraine headache. In addition, acetaminophen generally provided a beneficial effect on associated symptoms of migraine including nausea, photophobia, phonophobia, and functional disability.
A 2 × 2 Conceptual Foundation for Entrepreneurial Discovery Theory
Authors: Murphy Patrick J.
Published: March 2010

Theories about entrepreneurial discovery are important to entrepreneurship. However, the dominant conceptual foundation underlying such theories hinders their development. It assumes that opportunities form based on either deliberate search or serendipitous discovery. I examine this unidimensional logic and identify a gap in its informative content. Then, I reframe it into orthogonal dimensions. The multidimensional model not only describes the same cases as the unidimensional model but also describes what the unidimensional model cannot, including cases that are high or low on both dimensions. This extension yields a 2 × 2 conceptual foundation for entrepreneurial discovery theory that promotes the development and coordination of distinct theoretic streams.
Valuing University–Based Firms: The Effects of Academic Affiliation on IPO Performance
Authors: Bonardo Damiano , Paleari Stefano , Vismara Silvio
Published: March 2010

This paper investigates for the first time the valuation of university–based companies and their ability to translate the potential benefits of academic affiliation into long–term performance gains. It contributes to the literature on technology transfer by expanding the view from the product market to the financial market. Among the 499 high–tech SMEs that went public on the stock markets of Germany, the U.K., France, and Italy between 1995 and 2003, we find that 131 were university–based firms. For firms who publicize the fact that they are university based and have chosen to go public, the affiliation with a university is recognized as beneficial by investors. Our econometric models show that affiliation with a university enhances valuation, in particular when academics are present in the Top Management Team at the time of the initial public offering. However, over the long run, university–based companies exhibit worse operating performance than independent firms.
Social Bricolage: Theorizing Social Value Creation in Social Enterprises
Authors: Di Domenico MariaLaura , Haugh Helen , Tracey Paul
Published: March 2010

Current theorizations of bricolage in entrepreneurship studies require refinement and development to be used as a theoretical framework for social entrepreneurship. Our analysis traces bricolage's conceptual underpinnings from various disciplines, identifying its key constructs as making do, a refusal to be constrained by limitations, and improvisation. Although these characteristics appear to epitomize the process of creating social enterprises, our research identifies three further constructs associated with social entrepreneurship: social value creation, stakeholder participation, and persuasion. Using data from a qualitative study of eight U.K. social enterprises, we apply the bricolage concept to social entrepreneurial action and propose an extended theoretical framework of social bricolage.
The Interplay of Form, Structure, and Embeddedness in Social Intrapreneurship
Authors: Kistruck Geoffrey M. , Beamish Paul W.
Published: March 2010

While the influence of form and structure on social entrepreneurship has received some attention within academe, the perception of form as discrete rather than embedded in organizational history, and structure as an individual, dichotomous choice between simple for–profit and nonprofit alternatives, has painted an incomplete picture. Through a rigorous analysis of 10 case studies located within Africa and Latin America involving social intrapreneurship, our findings suggest that cognitive, network, and cultural embeddedness each play an important constraining role that is even more pronounced in organizations that were historically nonprofit in form. However, our results also suggest a variety of decoupled structural approaches that may help mitigate such constraints.
Rapid Institutional Shifts and the Co–evolution of Entrepreneurial Firms in Transition Economies
Authors: Ahlstrom David , Bruton Garry D.
Published: March 2010

Economies in transition such as Russia's are among the world's fastest growing. Entrepreneurial firms in an environment like Russia's face rapid and dramatic shifts in the institutional environment. These shifts represent significant challenges to entrepreneurial firms as they seek not only to survive but also to prosper in that environment by rapidly co–evolving with institutional changes. Prior research has focused on institutional change and its impact in developed economies. But the rate of evolution of institutions in transition economies tends to be faster and less predictable. This article reports a longitudinal study of high technology entrepreneurial firms in Russia employing a grounded theory methodology to understand how entrepreneurial ventures co–evolve with rapid institutional changes and still manage to prosper.
Efficacy of Ivabradine in a Case of Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia and Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: SETTE ANTONELLA , MARTINO ANNAMARIA , LIOY ERNESTO , CALÒ LEONARDO
Published: March 2010

Ivabradine in IST.  We present a case of a 49‐year‐old man with inappropriate sinus tachycardia and ventricular dysfunction. The conventional treatment (ace‐inhibitor and beta‐blockers) was not well tolerated by the patient, so Ivabradine, a specific inhibitor of If current in the sinus node, was started. After 3 months of using this medication, we observed an improvement of ejection fraction and quality of life. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. pp. 815‐817, July 2010)
Pneumopericardium Following Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Insights into the Natural History of Atrial Esophageal Fistula Formation
Authors: GRUBINA ROZALINA , CHA YONG‐MEI , BELL MALCOLM R. , SINAK LAWRENCE J. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J.
Published: March 2010

Pneumopericardium Following Atrial Fibrillation Ablation. We present a case of large pneumopericardium resulting from an esophageal pericardial fistula following ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The presentation, evaluation, and management of this specific patient, along with a review of present techniques to diagnose esophageal injury, provide a unique insight into the pathophysiology of left atrial‐esophageal fistula formation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1046‐1049, September 2010)
Prognostic Value of Exercise Myocardial Scintigraphy in Patients with Coronary Chronic Total Occlusions
Authors: GALASSI ALFREDO R. , WERNER GERALD S. , TOMASELLO SALVATORE D. , AZZARELLI SALVATORE , CAPODANNO DAVIDE , BARRANO GIOMBATTISTA , MARZA' FRANCESCO , COSTANZO LUCA , CAMPISANO MARIABARBARA , TAMBURINO CORRADO
Published: March 2010

Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic value of exercise myocardial scintigraphy in patients undergoing incomplete revascularization by means of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with at least a residual chronic total occlusion (CTO) left untreated.

Methods: Of 569 consecutive patients with multivessel disease undergoing myocardial scintigraphy after incomplete revascularization by PCI between March 1997 and December 2004, 126 (79% male, 64±10 years) with ≥ 1 residual CTO fulfilled the eligibility criteria and entered in the study. Hard events defined as cardiac death and myocardial infarction, soft events defined as incidence of unstable angina and PCI procedures, and their composite were assessed at a median follow‐up period of 44 months.

Results: Hard events were observed in six patients (4.8%). All of them had severely abnormal perfusion defects detected by myocardial scintigraphy. Soft events occurred in 0 (0%), 10 (7.9%), and 15 (11.9%) patients with normal, mildly abnormal, and severely abnormal perfusion, respectively. In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, the log‐rank test was statistically significant across patients stratified by summed stress score either in terms of hard, soft and hard, or soft events. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards showed an incremental significant information when the scintigraphic variables were added to clinical, angiographic, left ventricular ejection fraction, and Duke treadmill score, for prediction of the composite of hard and soft cardiac events (P < 0.006).

Conclusions: Among patients with a residual CTO left untreated after PCI, myocardial perfusion imaging provides significant independent information concerning the subsequent risk of cardiac events. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:139‐148)
Preparation and Photoluminescence Properties of Novel Color‐Tunable MgY4Si3O13:Ce3+, Tb3+ Phosphors for Ultraviolet Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Chung Hau‐Yun , Lu Chung‐Hsin , Hsu Chia‐Hao
Published: March 2010

Oxide‐based phosphors MgY4Si3O13 codoped with Ce3+ and Tb3+ were prepared in this study. Broad Ce3+ excitation spectra with the highest intensity at 330 nm were found for MgY4Si3O13:Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphors. Emission lines ranging from 450 to 650 nm originated from the 5D4→7FJ (J=6, 5, 4, 3) transitions of Tb3+ ions. The energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+ occurred effectively in MgY4Si3O13:Ce3+, Tb3+ with a dipole–quadrupole interaction. Codoping Ce3+ with Tb3+ significantly increased the emission intensity of the prepared phosphors. Increasing the Tb3+ concentration led to the chromaticity coordinates of the prepared samples greatly shifting from the blue to the green region, extending the applicability of MgY4Si3O13:Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphors in solid‐state lighting.
Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Freestanding Films with Sheet Geometry‐Enhanced High‐Field Piezoelectric Coefficients
Authors: Li Huidong , Shih Wei‐Heng , Shih Wan Y.
Published: March 2010

(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3‐based materials are promising lead‐free piezoelectrics because of their relatively high Curie temperatures and piezoelectric coefficients. Using precursor powders made by a coating method, (Na0.5K0.5)0.945Li0.055Nb0.96Sb0.04O3 thick films were successfully fabricated by pressureless sintering. Large high‐field −d31 value of 1700 pm/V, >20 times larger than that of the bulk counterpart, was observed at an applied dc electric field of 6–8 kV/cm. In situ X‐ray diffraction study showed that the large piezoelectric response was partially due to non‐180° domain switching under the electric field. Further investigation is needed to elucidate this enhancement effect. The enhanced high‐field piezoelectric property observed should encourage the use of lead‐free piezoelectrics.
Enhanced Light Response of Titania Nanotube Arrays Sensitized with Pyrite FeS2
Authors: Song Xiao‐Mei , Wu Jin‐Ming , Meng Liang , Yan Mi
Published: March 2010

Titania nanotube arrays were fabricated through anodic oxidation of Ti substrates in a glycol‐based electrolyte and sensitized with pyrite FeS2 by using cathodic electrodeposition of Fe/Fe2O3 followed by sulfurizing with evaporative sulfur. The field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman, and XPS characterizations evidenced a successful sensitization of the nanotubes with ca. 3.8 wt% FeS2. The UV‐Vis spectra confirmed the extension of the absorption edge to visible light for the titania nanotube arrays after the sensitization. The much‐enhanced visible light response of the FeS2‐sensitized film under the simulated solar light was revealed by the photocurrent and open‐circuit potential measurements. Because of the high light‐harvesting efficiency, the pyrite FeS2 is found to be an effective sensitizer for titania nanotube arrays to assist the photodegradation of rhodamine B in water under solar light illumination.
Melatonin inhibits serotonin transporter activity in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Matheus Nyurky , Mendoza Carmen , Iceta Ruth , Mesonero José Emilio , Alcalde Ana Isabel
Published: March 2010

Abstract: Gastrointestinal serotonin (5‐HT) and melatonin are two closely related neuromodulators which are synthesised in the enterochromaffin cells of the intestinal epithelium and which have been shown to be involved in the physiopathology of the gastrointestinal tract. The effects of 5‐HT depend on 5‐HT availability which is, in part, modulated by the serotonin transporter (SERT). This transporter provides an efficient 5‐HT uptake after release and is expressed in the membrane of the enterocytes. Although the origin and effects of 5‐HT and melatonin are similar, the interrelationship between them in the gastrointestinal tract is unknown. The main aim of this study was to determine whether melatonin affects SERT activity and expression, and, if so, to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Caco‐2 cell line was used to carry out the study as these cells have been shown to endogenously express SERT. The results showed that melatonin inhibits SERT activity by affecting bothVmaxandkt kinetic constants although SERT synthesis or intracellular trafficking did not appear to be affected. The melatonin effect seemed to be independent of melatonin receptors MT1and MT2and protein kinase C and cAMP intracellular pathways. Our results suggest that the inhibition of SERT might be due to a catalytic effect of melatonin on the allosteric citalopram‐sensitive site in SERT. This study shows, for the first time, that melatonin modulates SERT activity, thus demonstrating the feedback system between melatonin and the serotoninergic system in the gastrointestinal tract.
The enigma of the welfare state: excellent child health prerequisites – poor subjective health
Authors: Lindgren C , Lindblad F
Published: March 2010

The rate of subjective health complaints among Swedish children is increasing by age and over time, and more so than among children in other Scandinavian countries. In contrast, the somatic health and prerequisites for wellbeing are excellent. This paradoxical situation, The Enigma of the Welfare State, is the focus of this viewpoint. We argue that one important background factor may be late adverse effects of the welfare society itself and some of its inherent values. We have identified several possible pathways. We have given them names of diseases – on the society level – like health obsession, stress panic, welfare apathy and hyper‐individualism. Together with other factors such as a dysfunctional school and an unsatisfactory labour market for youth, these diseases are involved in an interplay that is constantly inducing anxiety and low self‐esteem.

Conclusion:  The gradually deteriorating self‐reported health among Swedish youth may, to some degree, be explained as a late adverse effect of the welfare society itself and its inherent values.
Intrauterine exposure to caffeine and inattention/overactivity in children
Authors: Bekkhus M , Skjøthaug T , Nordhagen R , Borge AIH
Published: March 2010

Aim:  To determine the association between intrauterine exposure to timing and sources of caffeine and inattention/overactivity, suggesting ADHD in the child.

Method:  This study used prospectively collected data from the large population‐based study, The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Participants were 25 343 mothers and their 18‐month‐old children. Mothers reported on consumption of a number of caffeine sources at the 17th week and 30th week of gestation, as well as child inattention/overactivity at 18 months. Data were analysed using univariate analyses of covariance (ancova).

Results:  Once we controlled for confounders, there was a small effect of caffeine intake at 17th week of gestation on inattention/overactivity combined, and both 17th and 30th week of gestation on overactivity, when investigated separately from inattention. Surprisingly, the caffeine effect was only found for soft drinks, not tea or coffee.

Conclusion:  Intrauterine exposure to soft drinks rather than coffee, the traditional focus, is associated with maternal reports of overactive behaviour in children aged 18 months.
Invasive pneumococcal disease in children prior to implementation of the conjugate vaccine in the Zurich region, Switzerland
Authors: Gessler P , Martin F , Suter D , Berger C
Published: March 2010

Objective:  To describe symptoms, disease manifestations and outcome of invasive pneumococcal disease in children prior to implementation of the pneumococcal vaccine.

Patients and methods:  Analysis of children younger than 16 years of age with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD; n = 119). Children with culture‐confirmed IPD, without underlying illness at risk for invasive disease, were included.

Results:  IPD in 90 children (age: median 2, mean 3.2 years) included 15 with meningitis, 16 with septicaemia, 14 with bacteraemia, 24 with pneumonia and 21 with skin, bone and joint infections. Symptoms of IPD most often described were fever and gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea), and coughing. More than 90% of children with pneumonia were coughing. Most importantly, clinical signs significantly predictive for severe IPD included tachycardia for sepsis, tachypnea for pneumonia, and meningeal signs for meningitis. Leukocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts were lower and C‐reactive protein concentrations were higher on admission in children with complicated than in children with uncomplicated IPD but, due to wide overlap of these numbers, the difference was not of prognostic help to predict clinical course and outcome. Overall, 40% of children with IPD manifested complications and IPD showed a mortality rate of 6.6%.

Conclusions:  IPD is a serious disease with a high complication rate and mortality. The clinical signs tachycardia, tachypnea, and meningism were highly predictive for severe IPD. The initial clinical presentation and laboratory evaluation were mostly unpredictable with respect to complications and outcome in contrast to the clinical signs.
The Time Dynamics of Individual Fertility Preferences Among Rural Ghanaian Women
Authors: Kodzi Ivy A. , Casterline John B. , Aglobitse Peter
Published: March 2010

Fertility preferences are revised in the light of changing life and reproductive circumstances. Over time, an individual's fertility preferences may fluctuate along a continuum. In this study, we describe typical patterns of change (or stability) in individual fertility preferences over a period of five years using a prospective panel study of women of reproductive age in six communities in southern Ghana. We investigate whether patterns of change are consistent with women's reproductive life circumstances by first comparing responses between successive interviews and then over multiple interviews using latent class analysis. We find that approximately 20 percent of the sample changed their fertility preference from one interview to the next. Women who had attained or exceeded their ideal family size show considerable stability in their desire to stop childbearing over multiple interviews. This desire does not waver even when they experience unwanted pregnancies. The attainment of ideal family size appears to be an important correlate of preference stability.
A Randomized Community Trial of Enhanced Family Planning Outreach in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Lutalo Tom , Kigozi Godfrey , Kimera Edward , Serwadda David , Wawer Maria J. , Zabin Laurie Schwab , Gray Ronald H.
Published: March 2010

A randomized community trial of a family planning outreach program was conducted in Rakai District, Uganda. Five communities received standard services; six intervention communities received additional family planning information, counseling, and contraceptive methods from government service providers and community‐based volunteer agents using social marketing and other strategies. Condom use was promoted in all of the communities. The community‐based family planning outreach program was implemented in two phases—1999–2000 (early) and 2001 (late)—and its impact was evaluated by means of population surveys in 2002–03. At follow‐up, hormonal contraceptive prevalence was 23 percent in the intervention communities, compared with 20 percent in the control communities. The differential was greater in the early‐intervention communities than the late‐intervention communities. Pregnancy rates at follow‐up were 15 percent in the control and 13 percent in the intervention communities. No differentials in condom use were found between study arms. Family planning outreach via social marketing can significantly increase hormonal contraceptive use and decrease pregnancy rates, but the impact of this outreach program was modest.
The Protective Effect of Bee Venom against Ethanol‐Induced Hepatic Injury via Regulation of the Mitochondria‐Related Apoptotic Pathway
Authors: Kim Kyung‐Hyun , Kum Yoon‐Seup , Park Yoon‐Yup , Park Ji‐Hyun , Kim Soo‐Jung , Lee Woo‐Ram , Lee Kwang‐Gil , Han Sang‐Mi , Park Kwan‐Kyu
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  Alcohol consumption increases apoptosis of hepatocytes. Death of hepatocytes is a characteristic feature of chronic liver disease for various causes. Bee venom (Apis mellifera) has been traditionally used for the treatment of various chronic diseases, such as chronic inflammatory arthritis and chronic liver disease. However, the precise mechanism for bee venom in chronic liver disease is not still cleared. To assess the effects of bee venom in chronic liver disease, we investigated the potential role of the bee venom in the ethanol‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis. Bee venom treatment inhibited the apoptotic cell morphology and increased the cell viability in ethanol‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis. With ethanol treatment, bee venom‐treated hepatocytes increased activity of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL, reduced activity of Bax, Caspase and PARP. In conclusion, bee venom treatment in ethanol‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis occurred through the regulation of Bcl family with subsequent inactivation of the Caspase and PARP. These results suggest that bee venom could be an effective agent to reduce ethanol‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis.
Emergence d'un nouveau systeme productif en agriculture
Authors: Allaire Gilles
Published: March 2010

Les changements qui affectent le modèle de production agricole, dans le nouveau contexte économique, peuvent être caractéhsés par un renversement de quatre principes fondamentaux d'organisation. La séparation de la conception et de la production qui était le principe moteur du productivisme est relayé par l'adaptation de la production au marché avec une différenciation des produits (ce que nous désignons comme une logique de qualité). Mais la standardisation exige néanmoins une adaptation des techniques de la production de masse aux contextes locaux, notamment assurée par l'organisation professionnelle des producteurs. La transformation du métier exige de nouvelles formes d'organisation professionnelle. De nouvelles activitès ayant pour base les exploitations agricoles peuvent, dans certains cas, s'inscrirent dans une nouvelle vitalité des zones rurales.

Issues of innovation in the agricultural sector arise from the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union, the accompanying reform of socio‐structural policies, the establishment of an agri‐environmental policy and the adoption of quality indicators based on the geographic origin of production. This paper deals with the shift in management principles and the transformation of systems of innovation. This transformation is described as a shift from a productivist logic (Fordism in agriculture) to a logic of quality that takes into account the diversity of demand and the opportunities linked to the rural location of production. The evolution towards precision agriculture is contributing to this shift. This new logic of production harms, to some extent, the professional organisation of farmers. The paper uses a schematic analysis of the old and emergent production models to show the relationships between the old and new logic of organisation.

Fordist principles, especially the separation of design and production, are generally standard in agri‐food production systems. But agriculture is characterised by land‐based production and a family workforce that leads to a specific role for the professional organisation of farmers. After an analysis of this professional and productivist model, we show how the analysis leads to a structural crisis. We focus mainly on the endogenous mechanisms of a quality crisis and its contribution to a professional crisis. However, the professional crisis is a different type compared to the tensions that appear in Fordist labour management. At this level, the analogy with Fordism is not much help.

We use four principles that are generally used in the literature, to describe an alternative productive system. The main features of organisational change in agriculture can be integrated into this model. Nevertheless, in agriculture, the new principles seem to correspond to a rather wide variety of organisations. It is not easy to predict the consequences for rural employment from this agricultural model of production change.
Drag-gravity torques on galaxies in clusters: radial small-scale alignment effects
Authors: González-Sánchez Alejandro , Teodoro Luís F. A.
Published: March 2010

We calculate the torque on galaxies in clusters due to gravity and to dynamical friction forces in order to study the possible origin of small-scale alignment effects as the result of interactions with their environment. The equation of motion for the position angle of a galaxy is derived by using a simple model. We find that weak radial alignment effects can be produced by this mechanism involving only the most massive galaxies. We also introduce a dependence on the cluster eccentricity to our equations in order to explore the alignment of galaxies with the cluster's major axis. We find that in the inner regions of high eccentricity clusters, alignments of massive galaxies with the cluster's major axis dominate over the radial ones. This mechanism could account for the observed alignment effects of the most massive galaxies with the major axis of their host cluster. Our results suggest that dynamical friction is a viable generator of alignment only for the most massive cluster galaxies. For the observed alignments of normal galaxies a primordial origin has to be explored.
Diameter, geometric albedo and compositional constraints for (298) Baptistina through visible and mid-infrared photometry
Authors: Carvano J. M. , Lazzaro D.
Published: March 2010

Here we present visible and mid-infrared observations of the asteroid (298) Baptistina, obtained with the Gemini South telescope, the 2.2-m European Southern Observatory (ESO) telescope in La Silla and the 1.5-m telescope at the Observatório do Pico dos Dias (OPD). From photometry at the R band and observations with a solar phase angle separation of 11° we have determined HR= 10.92+0.13−0.11 and GR= 0.25+0.13−0.11. From VRI photometry we determined V−R= 0.38 ± 0.03 and R−I= 0.39 ± 0.02. Finally, from thermal photometry in the N band, and using the derived values of H and G, we obtained pV= 0.347+0.1090.076–, η= 0.969+0.221−0.210 and D= 12.4km, for the geometric albedo, beaming parameter and diameter, respectively. If one assumes that Baptistina is indeed a member of the family it names, these results rule out the recently suggested link between the dynamical family associated with this asteroid and the cretaceous/tertiary (K/T) event since (1) this albedo is incompatible with the mineralogy of the impactor and (2) the age of the family derived through Yarkovisky spreading would be too young to be related to that event.
COMPARISON OF VOLATILE COMPOUNDS AND CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES IN ORANGE JUICE FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF JINCHEN FRUIT
Authors: QIAO YU , XIE BI JUN , ZHANG CHI , FAN GANG , PAN SI YI
Published: March 2010

Jinchen is a native sweet cultivar of Citrus sinensis and one of the most important varieties used in orange juice processing in China. The study of flavor components of Jinchen orange juice has not been carried out before. In this paper, the color characteristics, pH value, total soluble solids, total acids, as well as organic acids and sugars were determined in Jinchen orange juice from different parts of fruit (peeled juice, pulp juice, whole fruit juice). The color characteristics were significantly different among three types of Jinchen orange juice. The level of vitamin C and total soluble solids/total acids ratio (TSS/TA) is higher in whole fruit juice. The organic acids and sugars also changed. Pulp juice is rich in the highest amounts of organic acids and sugars. Volatiles from three juices were studied using the solid phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The whole fruit juice has the highest amount of volatile compounds (53.07 mg/L) followed by peeled juice (51.044 mg/L) and pulp juice (27.107 mg/L). Some differences in the constituents of the volatile compounds of three type juices were observed. These results indicated that volatile compounds and quality properties differed in Jinchen orange juice from different parts of fruit.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The peeled orange fruits are usually used for juice processing. Great amounts of aroma components with intensive odor are located in the peel of orange. The aroma of pulp possessing weak fresh citrus odor is different from peel. The different parts of the orange utilized in processing have direct impact on juice quality. It is very essential to obtain the data of chemical and physical properties in juice from different parts of orange fruit. The quality information could be used to modify the orange aroma.
EFFECTS OF COWPEA FLOUR FRACTIONATION ON SENSORY QUALITIES AND ACCEPTABILITY OF KPEJIGAOU (A GRIDDLED COWPEA PASTE FOOD)
Authors: AMONSOU E. , SAKYI‐DAWSON E. , SAALIA F.
Published: March 2010

The particle size (PS) of cowpea flour may have influence on the final product quality and acceptability. This study investigated the effects of cowpea flour fractionation on the quality of kpejigaou (a griddled cowpea paste). Samples of kpejigaou made using whole and fractionated (fine, medium and coarse) flours from both dehulled and undehulled cowpea were evaluated for sensory quality and acceptability. The protein content (23 ± 2.14%) of cowpea flour was not significantly influenced by fractionation. Extractable starches increased with decreasing PS of flour. Fractionation showed significant effects on the functionality of cowpea flour and the quality of processed kpejigaou. Medium PS flour showed higher water absorption and air incorporation during mixing and consequently yielded spongier and less dense kpejigaou that was most preferred and acceptable by the consumers. Coarse flour was the least preferred and was rejected because of poor performance in kpejigaou production. Dehulling improved the color of kpejigaou.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Kpejigaou is a nutritious griddled cowpea product that has the potential of expansion into the fast‐food delivery system. The product also meets the current demand for low‐fat foods. From this study, standard cowpea flour was developed for the production of good quality and acceptable kpejigaou by the consumers. This would help ensure consistency in the quality of the finished product. The application of this research is also relevant to food industries.