bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of Depressive Symptoms in Young–Old Hemodialysis Patients: Relationship between Beck Depression Inventory and 15-Item Geriatric Depression Scale
Authors: Giordano Mauro , Tirelli Paolo , Ciarambino Tiziana , Gambardella Antonio , Ferrara Nicola , Signoriello Giuseppe , Paolisso Giuseppe , Varricchio Michele
Published: June 2007

Aims: We studied the relationship between the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) in young–old hemodialysis and hospitalized patients in order to evaluate the possible usefulness of GDS-15 in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Thirty-one hospitalized and 31 young–old hemodialysis patients aged 65–74 (young–old) were enrolled in the study. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), BDI, GDS-15, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL)) was made for all patients. The internal consistency between BDI and GDS-15 was evaluated with Cronbach’s α coefficient. Sensitivity, specificity and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for GDS-15 were determined using BDI as the standard. Results: In the hospitalized group, the prevalence of depressive symptoms, as evaluated by BDI (≧14) and GDS-15 (≧6), were 29 and 32%, respectively. In the hemodialysis group, the prevalence of depressive symptoms, as evaluated by BDI and GDS-15, were 61 and 58%, respectively. A significantly positive correlation between the BDI and GDS-15 was found in hospitalized (r = 0.808; p < 0.001), hemodialysis (r = 0.692; p < 0.001) and both patient groups together (r = 0.777; p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.99 in the hospitalized and 0.95 in the hemodialysis groups. The ROC curves indicate a best effectiveness cutoff point (balancing sensitivity and specificity) of ≧6 for GDS-15 compared to BDI. Conclusions: The GDS-15 could be a useful instrument for evaluating depressive symptoms in young–old hemodialysis patients.
Quantifying the Strength of Soil Moisture–Precipitation Coupling and Its Sensitivity to Changes in Surface Water Budget
Authors: Wang Guiling , Kim Yeonjoo , Wang Dagang
Published: June 2007

This paper presents a new index to quantify the strength of soil moisture–precipitation coupling in AGCMs and explores how the soil moisture–precipitation coupling in Community Atmosphere Model version 3 (CAM3)–Community Land Model version 3 (CAM3–CLM3) responds to parameterization-induced surface water budget changes. Specifically, this study (a) compares the regions of strong coupling identified by the newly proposed index and the index currently used in the Global Land–Atmosphere Coupling Experiment (GLACE); (b) examines how the surface water budget changes influence the strength of soil moisture–precipitation coupling as measured by the two indexes, respectively; and (c) examines how these changes influence the memory of the coupled land–atmosphere system as measured by the correlation between soil moisture and subsequent precipitation. The new index and the GLACE index are consistent in identifying central North America and West Africa as major regions of strong coupling during June–August (JJA). However, in some areas of western Europe and of subtropical South America where the GLACE index is low, the new index suggests a modest significant coupling during JJA. In response to the surface water budget changes that presumably favor a stronger soil moisture–precipitation coupling, the new index increases, but the GLACE index decreases in a majority of the regions of modest-to-strong coupling, although both show some mixed response. Changes in the land–atmosphere system memory suggest an increase of coupling strength, consistent with results from the new index. The strong dependence of the GLACE index on the relative importance of atmospheric internal variability is identified as a potential cause for the differences between the two indexes. The two indexes emphasize different aspects of soil moisture–precipitation coupling, and one might be more suitable than the other depending on the purpose of individual studies.
A Hydrometeorological Modeling Study of a Flash-Flood Event over Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Amengual A. , Romero R. , Gómez M. , Martín A. , Alonso S.
Published: June 2007

During the early morning of 10 June 2000, the Catalonia region was affected by a hazardous convective rainfall episode that produced a large increase on flow regimes in many internal catchments of the region. The present modeling study is focused upon the Llobregat basin, the biggest internal catchment with a drainage area of 5040 km2. The first objective of the study is the characterization of the watershed hydrological response to this flash-flood event based on rain gauge data and the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s Hydrological Modeling System (HEC-HMS) runoff model. The HEC-HMS model has been calibrated using five episodes of similar torrential characteristics, and the effects of the spatial segmentation of the basin and of the temporal scale of the input rainfall field have been examined. These kinds of episodes present short recurrence intervals in Mediterranean Spain, and the use of mesoscale forecast driven runoff simulation systems for increasing the lead times of the emergency management procedures is a valuable issue to explore. The second objective uses NCEP and ECMWF analyses to initialize the nonhydrostatic fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5) in order to simulate the 10 June 2000 flash-flood episode with appropriate space and time scales to force the runoff model. The final objective analyzes the sensitivity of the catchment’s response to the spatial and temporal uncertainty of the rainfall pattern based on an ensemble of perturbed MM5 simulations. MM5 perturbations are introduced through small shifts and changes in intensity of the precursor upper-level synoptic-scale trough. Main results indicate that 1) an optimum configuration of the runoff model can be clearly defined that best adjusts the simulated basin’s hydrological response to observed peak discharges, their timing, and total volume; 2) the MM5-control driven runoff simulation shows a reasonable reproduction of the observed discharge at the basin’s outlet and appears to be a suitable tool for the hydrometeorological forecasting of flash floods in the Llobregat basin as a whole; and 3) the ensemble of perturbed runoff simulations does not exhibit any relevant degradation of the forecast skill, and some of the members even outperform the control experiment at different stream gauge locations. That is, the catchment is relatively insensitive to rainfall forecast errors of a few tenths of kilometers and no more than 1–2 h.
The Outstanding 2004/05 Drought in the Iberian Peninsula: Associated Atmospheric Circulation
Authors: García-Herrera Ricardo , Hernández Emiliano , Barriopedro David , Paredes Daniel , Trigo Ricardo M. , Trigo Isabel Franco , Mendes Manuel A.
Published: June 2007

The 2004/05 hydrological year (October 2004 to September 2005) was characterized by intense dry conditions affecting most of western Europe (35°–55°N and 10°W–10°E). In Iberia the drought affected every month of this period, with the southern half of Iberia receiving roughly 40% of the usual precipitation by June 2005. Moreover, this episode stands as the driest event in the last 140 yr, producing major socioeconomic impacts particularly due to the large decrease in hydroelectricity and agricultural production in both Iberian countries (Portugal and Spain).

To assess the atmospheric submonthly circulation associated with this drought an Eulerian [weather types (WTs)] and a Lagrangean (objective storm tracks) analysis were combined. There was a dramatic drop in “wet” WT frequency during winter, with less than 50% of the normal value, and a corresponding increase of “dry” WTs. The storm-track analysis reveals an impressive northward displacement of cyclone trajectories in the North Atlantic sector in winter months, resulting in an almost complete absence of cyclones crossing Iberia and western Europe.

At the monthly scale, the intense drought in Iberia was due to a combination of different physical mechanisms. First, the scarce precipitation observed between November 2004 and January 2005 was associated with positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) indexes for these months. In February, the East Atlantic (EA) pattern seems to be the main driver. In March neither the negative NAO (−1.8) nor the positive EA (1.1) are capable of explaining the large negative precipitation anomalies. However, it is shown that during March 2005, an intense and anomalous blocking was displaced southward of its usual location, inhibiting the occurrence of precipitation over Iberia and leading to a negative NAO index anomalously associated with low precipitation records.
Interannual Variability and Ensemble Forecast of Upper Blue Nile Basin Kiremt Season Precipitation
Authors: Block Paul , Rajagopalan Balaji
Published: June 2007

Ethiopian agriculture and Nile River flows are heavily dependent upon the Kiremt season (June–September) precipitation in the upper Blue Nile basin, as a means of rain-fed irrigation and streamflow contribution, respectively. Climate diagnostics suggest that the El Niño–Southern Oscillation phenomenon is a main driver of interannual variability of seasonal precipitation in the basin. One-season (March–May) lead predictors of the seasonal precipitation are identified from the large-scale ocean–atmosphere–land system, including sea level pressures, sea surface temperatures, geopotential height, air temperature, and the Palmer Drought Severity Index. A nonparametric approach based on local polynomial regression is proposed for generating ensemble forecasts. The method is data driven, easy to implement, and provides a flexible framework able to capture any arbitrary features (linear or nonlinear) present in the data, as compared to traditional linear regression. The best subset of predictors, as determined by the generalized cross-validation (GCV) criteria, is selected from the suite of potential large-scale predictors. A simple technique for disaggregating the seasonal precipitation forecasts into monthly forecasts is also provided. Cross-validated forecasts indicate significant skill in comparison to climatological forecasts, as currently utilized by the Ethiopian National Meteorological Services Agency. This ensemble forecasting framework can serve as a useful tool for water resources planning and management within the basin.
What Controls Evapotranspiration in the Amazon Basin?
Authors: Hasler Natalia , Avissar Roni
Published: June 2007

Global climate models (GCMs) and regional climate models (RCMs) generally show a decrease in the dry season evapotranspiration (ET) rate over the entire Amazon basin. Based on anecdotal observations, it has been suggested that they probably overestimate tropical rain forest water stress. In this study, eddy covariance flux measurements from eight different towers of the Large-Scale Biosphere–Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (LBA) were used to provide a first look at the spatial variability and temporal cycle of ET throughout the basin. Results show strong seasonality in ET for stations near the equator (2°–3°S), with ET increasing during the dry season (June–September) and decreasing during the wet season (December–March), both correlated (0.75 to 0.94) and in phase with the net radiation annual cycle. In stations located farther south (9°–11°S) no clear seasonality could be identified in either net radiation or ET. For these more southerly stations, net radiation and ET are still correlated (0.76–0.92) in the wet season, but correlations decrease in the dry season (0–0.71), which is likely associated with water stress. For both pasture sites, located in southern Amazonia, ET decreases during the second half of the dry season, indicating progressively increased water stress. GCMs and RCMs indeed tend to overestimate dry season water stress in the Amazon basin and, therefore, should be revised to better simulate this region, which has a key role in the global hydrometeorology.
Stochastic Multisite Generation of Daily Precipitation Data Using Spatial Autocorrelation
Authors: Khalili Malika , Leconte Robert , Brissette François
Published: June 2007

There are a number of stochastic models that simulate weather data required for various water resources applications in hydrology, agriculture, ecosystem, and climate change studies. However, many of them ignore the dependence between station locations exhibited by the observed meteorological time series.

This paper proposes a multisite generation approach of daily precipitation data based on the concept of spatial autocorrelation. This theory refers to spatial dependence between observations with respect to their geographical adjacency. In hydrometeorology, spatial autocorrelation can be computed to describe daily dependence between the weather stations through the use of a spatial weight matrix, which defines the degree of significance of the weather stations surrounding each observation.

The methodology is based on the use of the spatial moving average process to generate spatially autocorrelated random numbers that will be used in a stochastic weather generator. The resulting precipitation processes satisfy the daily spatial autocorrelations computed using the observed data. Monthly relationships between the spatial moving average coefficients and daily spatial autocorrelations of the precipitation processes have been developed to find the spatial moving average coefficients that reproduce the observed daily spatial autocorrelations in the synthetic precipitation processes.

To assess the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, seven stations in the Peribonca River basin in the Canadian province of Quebec were used. The daily spatial autocorrelations of both precipitation occurrences and amounts were adequately reproduced, as well as the total monthly precipitations, the number of rainy days per month, and the daily precipitation variance. Using appropriate weight matrices, the proposed multisite approach permits one not only to reproduce the spatial autocorrelation of precipitation between the set of stations, but also the interstation correlation of precipitation between each pair of stations.
Impact of Initial Soil Moisture Anomalies on Subsequent Precipitation over North America in the Coupled Land–Atmosphere Model CAM3–CLM3
Authors: Kim Yeonjoo , Wang Guiling
Published: June 2007

To investigate the impact of anomalous soil moisture conditions on subsequent precipitation over North America, a series of numerical experiments is performed using a modified version of the Community Atmosphere Model version 3 and the Community Land Model version 3 (CAM3–CLM3). First, the mechanisms underlying the impact of spring and summer soil moisture on subsequent precipitation are examined based on simulations starting on 1 April and 1 June, respectively. How the response of precipitation to initial soil moisture anomalies depends on the characteristics of such anomalies, including the timing, magnitude, spatial coverage, and vertical depth, is then investigated. There are five main findings. First, the impact of spring soil moisture anomalies is not evident until early summer although their impact on the large-scale circulation results in slight changes in precipitation during spring. Second, precipitation increases with initial soil moisture almost linearly within a certain range of soil moisture. Beyond this range, precipitation is less responsive. Third, during the first month following the onset of summer soil moisture anomalies, the precipitation response to wet anomalies is larger in magnitude than that to dry anomalies. However, the resulting wet anomalies in precipitation quickly dissipate within a month or so, while the resulting dry anomalies in precipitation remain at a considerable magnitude for a longer period. Consistently, wet spring anomalies are likely to be ameliorated before summer, and thus have a smaller impact (in magnitude) on summer precipitation than dry spring anomalies. Fourth, soil moisture anomalies of smaller spatial coverage lead to precipitation anomalies that are smaller and less persistent, compared to anomalies at the continental scale. Finally, anomalies in shallow soil can persist long enough to influence the subsequent precipitation at the seasonal time scale. Dry anomalies in deep soils last much longer than those in shallow soils.
“A Vile and Abject Woman”: Noble Mistresses, Legal Power, and the Family in Early Modern Spain
Authors: Coolidge Grace E.
Published: June 2007

Mistresses of Spanish noblemen between 1360 and 1600 occupied a place within the Spanish patriarchy where concerns about gender and class intersected, revealing contradictions between the ideals of honor, the moral injunctions of Catholic doctrine, and the practical needs of noble families. Mistresses occupied a flexible space in the Spanish patriarchy where a woman's social status, her ability to produce male heirs, and her ability to use the legal system to her advantage shaped her experience as a mistress and made her more likely to disrupt or change the inheritance processes of noble families. Concentrating on noble mistresses reveals that Spanish society had ambiguities about issues of morality, honor, status, and gender that allowed both male and female Spaniards to manipulate social attitudes as skillfully as they manipulated the law.
Violence, Stress, and Somatic Syndromes
Authors: Crofford Leslie J.
Published: June 2007

Syndromes characterized by pain, fatigue, mood disorder, cognitive dysfunction, and sleep disturbance have been referred to as stress-related somatic disorders by virtue of the observation that onset and exacerbation of symptoms occur with stress. These syndromes include but are not limited to fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, temporomandibular disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome. As with most chronic illnesses, genetic susceptibility and lifetime environmental exposures play a role in creating vulnerability to disease. Cumulative lifetime stress has been associated with a number of physiologic changes in the brain and body that reflect dysregulated hormonal and autonomic activity. Exposure to the stressor of violence is likely to create a state of vulnerability for the stress-related somatic syndromes and also to contribute to symptom expression and severity. Understanding the relationship between violence, stress, and somatic syndromes will help in clarifying the consequences of violence exposure to long-term health and health-related quality of life.
Social Conflict Exacerbates an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Meagher Mary W. , Johnson Robin R. , Vichaya Elisabeth Good , Young Erin E. , Lunt Shannon , Welsh C. Jane
Published: June 2007

A growing body of evidence suggests that social conflict is associated with inflammatory disease onset and exacerbations in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and in animal models of MS. This review illustrates how animal research can be used to elucidate the biobehavioral mechanisms underlying the adverse health effects of social conflict. The authors review studies indicating that social conflict exacerbates a virally initiated animal model of MS. This research suggests that the deleterious effects of social conflict may be partially mediated by stress-induced increases in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the central nervous system. In addition, they provide evidence that the adverse health effects of social conflict can be prevented by blocking the stress-induced increases in cytokine activity. This suggests that interventions designed to prevent or reverse the stress-induced increases in cytokine activity may be able to prevent or reverse some of the negative health effects of social conflict in humans.
Expression, processing and transcriptional regulation of granulysin in short-term activated human lymphocytes
Authors: Latinovic-Golic Sonja , Walch Michael , Sundstrom Hanna , Dumrese Claudia , Groscurth Peter , Ziegler Urs
Published: June 2007

Background

Granulysin, a cytotoxic protein expressed in human natural killer cells and activated T lymphocytes, exhibits cytolytic activity against a variety of intracellular microbes. Expression and transcription have been partially characterised in vitro and four transcripts (NKG5, 519, 520, and 522) were identified. However, only a single protein product of 15 kDa was found, which is subsequently processed to an active 9 kDa protein.

Results

In this study we investigated generation of granulysin in lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells and antigen (Listeria) specific T-cells. Semiquantitative RT-PCR revealed NKG5 to be the most prominent transcript. It was found to be up-regulated in a time-dependent manner in LAK cells and antigen specific T-cells and their subsets. Two isoforms of 519 mRNA were up-regulated under IL-2 and antigen stimulation. Moreover, two novel transcripts, without any known function, comprising solely parts of the 5 prime region of the primary transcript, were detected. A significant increase of granulysin expressing LAK cells as well as antigen specific T-cells was shown by fluorescence microscopy. On the subset level, increase in CD4+granulysin expressing cells was found only under antigen stimulation.

Immunoblotting showed the 15 kDa form of granulysin to be present in the first week of stimulation either with IL-2 or with bacterial antigen. Substantial processing to the 9 kDa form was detected during the first week in LAK cells and in the second week in antigen specific T-cells.

Conclusion

This first comprehensive study of granulysin gene regulation in primary cultured human lymphocytes shows that the regulation of granulysin synthesis in response to IL-2 or bacterial antigen stimulation occurs at several levels: RNA expression, extensive alternative splicing and posttranslational processing.
Gene expression changes associated with Barrett's esophagus and Barrett's-associated adenocarcinoma cell lines after acid or bile salt exposure
Authors: Hao Ying , Sood Sumita , Triadafilopoulos George , Kim Jong Hyeok , Wang Zheng , Sahbaie Peyman , Omary M Bishr , Lowe Anson W
Published: June 2007

Background

Esophageal reflux and Barrett's esophagus represent two major risk factors for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Previous studies have shown that brief exposure of the Barrett's-associated adenocarcinoma cell line, SEG-1, or primary cultures of Barrett's esophageal tissues to acid or bile results in changes consistent with cell proliferation. In this study, we determined whether similar exposure to acid or bile salts results in gene expression changes that provide insights into malignant transformation.

Methods

Using previously published methods, Barrett's-associated esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines and primary cultures of Barrett's esophageal tissue were exposed to short pulses of acid or bile salts followed by incubation in culture media at pH 7.4. A genome-wide assessment of gene expression was then determined for the samples using cDNA microarrays. Subsequent analysis evaluated for statistical differences in gene expression with and without treatment.

Results

The SEG-1 cell line showed changes in gene expression that was dependent on the length of exposure to pH 3.5. Further analysis using the Gene Ontology, however, showed that representation by genes associated with cell proliferation is not enhanced by acid exposure. The changes in gene expression also did not involve genes known to be differentially expressed in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Similar experiments using short-term primary cultures of Barrett's esophagus also did not result in detectable changes in gene expression with either acid or bile salt exposure.

Conclusion

Short-term exposure of esophageal adenocarcinoma SEG-1 cells or primary cultures of Barrett's esophagus does not result in gene expression changes that are consistent with enhanced cell proliferation. Thus other model systems are needed that may reflect the impact of acid and bile salt exposure on the esophagus in vivo.
Acute drug induced hepatitis secondary to a weight loss product purchased over the internet
Authors: Joshi Deepak , Cross Tim JS , Wong Voi Shim
Published: June 2007

Background

Many people now seek alternative methods of weight loss. The internet provides a readily available source of weight reduction products, the ingredients of which are often unclear. The authors describe a case of acute hepatitis in a 20 year old woman caused by such a product purchased over the internet.

Case Presentation

A 20-year old woman presented with a two day history of abdominal pain, vomiting and jaundice. There were no identifiable risk factors for chronic liver disease. Liver function tests demonstrated an acute hepatitis (aminoaspartate transaminase 1230 IU/L). A chronic liver disease screen was negative. The patient had started a weight loss product (Pro-Lean), purchased over the internet two weeks prior to presentation. The patient was treated conservatively, and improved. The sequence of events suggests an acute hepatitis caused by an herbal weight loss product.

Conclusion

This case report highlights the dangers of weight loss products available to the public over the internet, and the importance of asking specifically about alternative medicines in patients who present with an acute hepatitis.
Estrogen Regulation of Genes Important for K+ Channel Signaling in the Arcuate Nucleus
Authors: Roepke Troy A. , Malyala Anna , Bosch Martha A. , Kelly Martin J. , Rønnekleiv Oline K.
Published: June 2007

Estrogen affects the electrophysiological properties of a number of hypothalamic neurons by modulating K+ channels via rapid membrane actions and/or changes in gene expression. The interaction between these pathways (membrane vs. transcription) ultimately determines the effects of estrogen on hypothalamic functions. Using suppression subtractive hybridization, we produced a cDNA library of estrogen-regulated, brain-specific guinea pig genes, which included subunits from three prominent K+ channels (KCNQ5, Kir2.4, Kv4.1, and Kvβ1) and signaling molecules that impact channel function including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase Cε (PKCε), cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), A-kinase anchor protein (AKAP), phospholipase C (PLC), and calmodulin. Based on these findings, we dissected the arcuate nucleus from ovariectomized guinea pigs treated with estradiol benzoate (EB) or vehicle and analyzed mRNA expression using quantitative real-time PCR. We found that EB significantly increased the expression of KCNQ5 and Kv4.1 and decreased expression of KCNQ3 and AKAP in the rostral arcuate. In the caudal arcuate, EB increased KCNQ5, Kir2.4, Kv4.1, calmodulin, PKCε, PLCβ4, and PI3Kp55γ expression and decreased Kvβ1. The effects of estrogen could be mediated by estrogen receptor-α, which we found to be highly expressed in the guinea pig arcuate nucleus and, in particular, proopiomelanocortin neurons. In addition, single-cell RT-PCR analysis revealed that about 50% of proopiomelanocortin and neuropeptide Y neurons expressed KCNQ5, about 40% expressed Kir2.4, and about 60% expressed Kv4.1. Therefore, it is evident that the diverse effects of estrogen on arcuate neurons are mediated in part by regulation of K+ channel expression, which has the potential to affect profoundly neuronal excitability and homeostatic functions, especially when coupled with the rapid effects of estrogen on K+ channel function.
Ethics, Law, and the Emergence of Pharmacists’ Responsibility for Patient Care
Authors: Fassett William E
Published: June 2007

An ethical and corresponding legal structure based on physician supremacy over patients and other healthcare professionals has evolved over the past 40 years to recognize patient autonomy and realize that systems and societal structure influence healthcare outcomes as greatly as do provider-patient interactions. Future ethical and lega) imperatives for pharmacists will necessitate a profession prepared to deliver primary, secondary, and tertiary care services as part of teams of providers, and less devoted to drug distribution as a professional raison d'ětre.
Centrifuge modelling of embedded retaining walls with stabilising bases
Authors: Powrie W. , Daly M. P.
Published: June 2007

Embedded retaining walls are sometimes supported by means of a rigid platform or stabilising base projecting in front of the wall at formation level. This form of construction is useful where props reacting against a retaining wall on the opposite side of the excavation cannot be installed. The potential mechanisms of collapse of an embedded wall with the stabilising base in place are not well understood. In this paper, the results of four centrifuge model tests on stabilising base retaining walls of two different embedment depths in two different types of soil are presented, and shown to be consistent with the results of an approximate limit equilibrium type stress analysis.
Simulated Crop Yields Response to Irrigation Water and Economic Analysis: Increasing Irrigated Water Use Efficiency in the Indian Punjab
Authors: Jalota S. K. , Sood A. , Vitale J. D. , Srinivasan R.
Published: June 2007

The Indian Punjab has been heralded for its technical achievements but increasingly criticized for leveraging its success on the environment. Irrigation has been one of the main pillars of the Punjab's Green Revolution. The availability of water has pushed rice and wheat productivity to new heights. Cheap water policies have enabled farmers to exploit groundwater. Water tables are shrinking in some areas, while water logging poses a major problem in other parts of the Indian Punjab. This article investigates the potential for reducing irrigation water use through policies that align irrigation water prices with their true social cost. This includes charging Punjabi farmers for irrigation water and introducing alternative, more water efficient crops. Results indicate that alternative crops, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], would enter cropping patterns provided that irrigation water prices moved to about 25% of the price charged by municipal water authorities. Shifting cropping patterns toward more water‐efficient enterprises would decrease irrigation water use on a typical paddy by nearly 66%. Future policy considerations are required to offset the declines in producer welfare that would accompany the irrigation water pricing.
Genetic Variation and Genotype × Environment Interaction for Yield and Other Agronomic Traits in Cassava in Nigeria
Authors: Egesi C. N. , Ilona P. , Ogbe F. O. , Akoroda M. , Dixon A.
Published: June 2007

The identification of superior genotypes and mega‐environments on the basis of multiple traits is a key objective of multi‐environment trials in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). The objective of this study was to examine the genetic variation and genotype × environment interaction (GEI) effects for fresh root yield, six other agronomic traits, and severity ratings for cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava green mite (CGM) in 40 genotypes of cassava. Experiments were conducted using a randomized complete‐block design with four replications for 2 yr in three representative agro‐ecological zones in Nigeria. Site regression (SREG) analysis revealed that GEI was a major source of fresh root yield variation and the different testing sites discriminated among the genotypes. Genotypes TMS 98/0581, TMS 97/4763, TMS 98/0002, TMS 99/3073, and M98/0068 were highest yielding at Otobi and Umudike, whereas TMS 98/0510, TMS 97/4779, and TMS 92B/00068 yielded the most at Ishiagu. TMS 98/2226, TMS 92/0325, and M98/0028 had the poorest performance across all locations. Genotypes with the highest yield showed the lowest CMD scores, whereas very tall (well above 2 m) plants had low harvest index on the basis of multiple trait analysis. We identified optimally adapted genotypes for commercial cassava production in different areas in Nigeria.
Occasional Tillage of No‐Till Systems: Carbon Dioxide Flux and Changes in Total and Labile Soil Organic Carbon
Authors: Quincke J. A. , Wortmann C. S. , Mamo M. , Franti T. , Drijber R. A.
Published: June 2007

Soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation occurs mostly in the top 5 cm of soil with continuous no‐till (NT) while SOC losses often occur at deeper depths. We hypothesize that one‐time tillage conducted once in >10 yr to mix the high SOC surface layer with deeper soil will not result in large SOC losses following tillage with a net positive gain in SOC eventually. Two experiments in long‐term NT fields were installed under rainfed corn (Zea mays L.) or sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.] rotated with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in eastern Nebraska. Tillage treatments were applied in the spring or fall and included: NT, disk, chisel with 10‐cm wide twisted shanks, moldboard plow (MP), and mini‐moldboard plow (miniMP). A portable infrared gas analyzer was used to monitor CO2 flux immediately following tillage. Effect of tillage on profile distribution of total and labile (particulate and oxidizable) SOC was determined. At 24 to 32 mo following tillage, SOC mass was determined for depths of 0 to 5, 5 to 20, and 20 to 30 cm. Some tillage operations effectively redistributed total and labile SOC with little increase in CO2 flux compared with NT. Total and labile SOC concentrations were reduced by 24 to 88% in the 0‐ to 2.5‐cm depth and increased by 13 to 381% for the 5‐ to 10‐cm depth for the various tillage operations. Moldboard plowing caused the greatest redistribution of SOC. On an equivalent soil mass basis, tillage did not cause significant losses of total or labile SOC between tillage and planting of the next crop or by 24 to 32 mo after tillage. Stratification of SOC in long‐term NT soil could be reduced most effectively by means of one‐time MP tillage without increased loss of labile SOC.
Cardioprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Interleukin Converting Enzyme Inhibition in Experimental Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Westermann Dirk , Van Linthout Sophie , Dhayat Sameer , Dhayat Nasser , Escher Felicitas , Bücker-Gärtner Carola , Spillmann Frank , Noutsias Michel , Riad Alexander , Schultheiss Heinz-Peter , Tschöpe Carsten
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE—We investigated the effect of pharmacological inhibition of the interleukin converting enzyme (ICE) on cardiac inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis, and left ventricular function in an animal model of diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Diabetes was induced in 24 Sprague-Dawley rats by injection of streptozotozin (STZ) (70 mg/kg). Diabetic animals were treated with the interleukin converting enzyme (ICE) inhibitor (ICEI) (n = 12) or with a placebo (n = 12). Nondiabetic rats served as controls (n = 12). Left ventricular function was documented 6 weeks after induction of diabetes. Cardiac tissue was analyzed for the expression of cytokines, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, leukocyte and macrophage integrins, and collagen. Phosphorylation of Akt was analyzed by Western blot and apoptosis by Blc-2 and Bax measurements.

RESULTS—Left ventricular function was significantly impaired in diabetic animals. This was accompanied by a significant increase of cytokines, cell adhesion molecules, leukocytes and macrophages, and collagen content. In addition, the phosphorylation state of Akt was reduced. These changes were significantly attenuated in the diabetic group treated with ICEI.

CONCLUSIONS—Cardiac dysfunction is associated with cardiac inflammation in experimental diabetic cardiomyopathy. Both of these—cardiac dysfunction and inflammation—are attenuated after treatment with ICEI. These data suggest that anticytokine-based therapies might be beneficial in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Alzheimer-Like Changes in Rat Models of Spontaneous Diabetes
Authors: Li Zhen-guo , Zhang Weixian , Sima Anders A.F.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE—To examine whether changes characteristic of Alzheimer's disease occur in two rat models with spontaneous onset of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The frontal cortices of 8-month-diabetic rats were examined with respect to neuronal densities, neurite degeneration, expression, and/or immunolocalization of amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-secretase, β-amyloid, COOH-terminal fragment (CTF), insulin receptor, IGF-1 receptor, glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK-3β), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated τ (phospho-τ), synaptophysin, and phosphorylated neurofilaments (SMI-31).

RESULTS—Neuronal loss occurred in both models, significantly more so in type 2 diabetic BBZDR/Wor rats compared with type 1 diabetic BB/Wor rats and was associated with a ninefold increase of dystrophic neurites. APP, β-secretase, β-amyloid, and CTF were significantly increased in type 2 diabetic rats, as was phospho-τ. The insulin receptor expression was decreased in type 1 diabetes, whereas IGF-1 receptor was decreased in both models, as were Akt and GSK-3β expression.

CONCLUSIONS—The data show that β-amyloid and phospho-τ accumulation occur in experimental diabetes and that this is associated with neurite degeneration and neuronal loss. The changes were more severe in the type 2 diabetic model and appear to be associated with insulin resistance and possibly hypercholesterolemia. The two models will provide useful tools to unravel further mechanistic associations between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
Changing Patterns of Type 2 Diabetes Incidence Among Pima Indians
Authors: Pavkov Meda E. , Hanson Robert L. , Knowler William C. , Bennett Peter H. , Krakoff Jonathan , Nelson Robert G.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE— The rising prevalence of obesity and high prevalence of diabetes among Pima Indians suggest that the incidence of diabetes has risen over time. We examined trends in the incidence rate of type 2 diabetes among Pima Indians between 1965 and 2003.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Incidence rates were computed independently in three 13-year time periods in Pima Indians aged ≥5 years. Diabetes was defined by the presence of at least one of two criteria: 1) 2-h plasma glucose concentration ≥200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) or 2) hypoglycemic treatment.

RESULTS— Among 8,236 subjects without diabetes at baseline, 1,005 incident cases occurred during follow-up. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates of diabetes were 25.3 cases/1,000 patient-years (95% CI 22.5–28.0) in 1965–1977, 22.9 cases/1,000 patient years (20.0–25.8) in 1978–1990, and 23.5 cases/1,000 patient years (20.5–26.5) in 1991–2003 (P = 0.3). The incidence rate in subjects aged 5–14 years was 5.7 (1.9–17.4) times as high in the last as in the first period, but the rate declined in those aged 25–34 years (incidence rate ratio 0.6 [0.4–0.8]). Sex-adjusted prevalence increased significantly over time only in those aged 5–24 years (Ptrend < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS— The overall incidence of diabetes among Pima Indians remained stable over the past four decades, with a significant rise occurring only in the youth.
Circulating Retinol-Binding Protein-4, Insulin Sensitivity, Insulin Secretion, and Insulin Disposition Index in Obese and Nonobese Subjects
Authors: Broch Montserrat , Vendrell Joan , Ricart Wifredo , Richart Cristóbal , Fernández-Real José-Manuel
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE—Recent investigations disclosed an upregulation of retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) in the adipose tissue of several insulin-resistant mouse models and increased serum RBP4 concentration in subjects with obesity and type 2 diabetes in association with insulin resistance. There is some experimental evidence that RBP4 also could been linked to insulin secretion.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We aimed to evaluate insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, insulin disposition index (minimal model analysis), and circulating RBP4 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in nondiabetic men with a wide range of obesity (n = 107).

RESULTS—Serum RBP4 concentration was nonsignificantly different among lean, overweight, and obese subjects. Circulating RBP4 was not associated with age, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, or metabolic parameters, including insulin sensitivity (r = −0.03, P = 0.6). On the contrary, circulating RBP4 was negatively associated with insulin secretion, especially in obese subjects (r = −0.48, P = 0.007), in whom RBP4 also was linked to insulin disposition index (r = −0.44, P = 0.01). On multiple regression analyses to predict insulin secretion (acute insulin response [AIRg]), insulin sensitivity was the only factor that contributed to 17% of AIRg variance in nonobese subjects. In obese subjects, however, RBP4 emerged as an independent factor that contributed independently to AIRg variance (23%).

CONCLUSIONS—Our results suggest that oversecretion of RBP4 may negatively affect β-cell function directly or by preventing the binding of transthyretin to its receptor. These mechanisms could be behind the association between increased circulating RBP4 and type 2 diabetes. RBP4 could be one signal from insulin-resistant tissues that impacts on β-cell secretion.
Outpatient Assessment of Karlsburg Diabetes Management System–Based Decision Support
Authors: Augstein Petra , Vogt Lutz , Kohnert Klaus-Dieter , Freyse Ernst-Joachim , Heinke Peter , Salzsieder Eckhard
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE— We sought to assess the benefit of the Karlsburg Diabetes Management System (KADIS) in conjunction with the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in an outpatient setting.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— A multicentric trial was performed in insulin-treated outpatients (n = 49), aged 21–70 years, with a mean diabetes duration of 14.2 years. Subjects were recruited from five outpatient centers and randomized for CGMS- or CGMS/KADIS-based decision support and followed up for 3 months. After two CGMS monitorings, the outcome parameters A1C (%), mean sensor glucose of the CGMS profile (MSG) (mmol/l), and duration of hyperglycemia (h/day) were evaluated.

RESULTS— In contrast with the CGMS group (0.27 ± 0.67%), mean change in A1C decreased in the CGMS/KADIS group during the follow-up (−0.34 ± 0.49%; P < 0.01). MSG levels were not affected in the CGMS group (7.75 ± 1.33 vs. 8.45 ± 2.46 mmol/l) but declined in the CGMS/KADIS group (8.43 ± 1.33 vs. 7.59 ± 1.47 mmol/l; P < 0.05). Net KADIS effect (−0.60 [95% CI −0.96 to − 0.25%]; P < 0.01) was associated with reduced duration of hyperglycemia (4.6 vs. 1.0 h/day; P < 0.01) without increasing hypoglycemia. Multiple regression revealed that the A1C outcome was dependent on KADIS-based decision support. Age, sex, physician's specialty, diabetes type, and BMI had no measurable effect.

CONCLUSIONS— If physicians were supported by CGMS/KADIS in therapeutic decisions, they achieved better glycemic control for their patients compared with support by CGMS alone. KADIS is a suitable decision support tool for physicians in outpatient diabetes care and has the potential to improve evidence-based management of diabetes.
Ferritin and Transferrin Are Associated With Metabolic Syndrome Abnormalities and Their Change Over Time in a General Population
Authors: Vari Istvan S. , Balkau Beverley , Kettaneh Adrian , André Philippe , Tichet Jean , Fumeron Frédéric , Caces Emile , Marre Michel , Grandchamp Bernard , Ducimetière Pierre ,   for the DESIR Study Group
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE—The aim of this work was to study cross-sectional and longitudinal relations between iron stocks (ferritin) and the iron transport protein (transferrin) with the metabolic syndrome and its abnormalities.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 469 men and 278 premenopausal and 197 postmenopausal women from the French Data from an Epidemiological Study on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome (DESIR) cohort, aged 30–65 years, were followed over 6 years.

RESULTS—Higher concentrations of both ferritin and transferrin were associated with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults Adult Treatment Panel III original and revised definitions of the metabolic syndrome at baseline: for the IDF definition of the metabolic syndrome, the standardized, age-adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for log(ferritin) were 1.49 (1.14–1.94) for men, 2.10 (1.27–3.48) for premenopausal women, and 1.80 (1.21–2.68) for postmenopausal women; for transferrin they were, respectively, 1.94 (1.53–2.47), 2.22 (1.32–3.75), and 2.14 (1.47–3.10). After 6 years of follow-up, the change in the presence of the metabolic syndrome was associated with higher baseline values in all three groups: log(ferritin), 1.46 (1.13–1.89), 1.28 (0.85–1.94), and 1.62 (1.10–2.38); and transferrin, 1.41 (1.10–1.81), 1.63 (1.05–2.52), and 1.51 (1.02–2.22). Among syndrome components, hypertriglyceridemia at 6 years was the component most strongly associated with baseline ferritin and transferrin. The odds of an incident IDF-defined metabolic syndrome after 6 years was more than fourfold higher when ferritin and transferrin values were both above the group-specific top tertile, in comparison with participants with both parameters below these thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS—This is the first prospective study associating ferritin and transferrin with the metabolic syndrome and its components. When both markers of the iron metabolism are elevated, the incidence of the metabolic syndrome is increased in men and both pre- and postmenopausal women.
Clustering of Multiple Healthy Lifestyle Habits and Health-Related Quality of Life Among U.S. Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Li Chaoyang , Ford Earl S. , Mokdad Ali H. , Jiles Ruth , Giles Wayne H.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE— We sought to examine the association between clustering of multiple healthy lifestyle habits (HLHs) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among adults with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We analyzed the representative sample of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population aged ≥18 years with diabetes using data from the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n = 16,428). Four HRQOL measures were general health rating, physically unhealthy days, mentally unhealthy days, and impaired activity days. Three HLHs included not smoking, engaging in adequate leisure time physical activity, and consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

RESULTS— The proportion of having 0, 1, 2, and 3 HLHs was 10.5, 44.7, 32.9, and 11.9%, respectively. The age-adjusted prevalence rates of poor or fair health, ≥14 physically unhealthy days, ≥14 mentally unhealthy days, and ≥14 impaired activity days were 43.07, 27.61, 17.22, and 18.87%, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders and comparison with none of the three HLHs, people with all three HLHs were less likely to report poor or fair health (adjusted odds ratio 0.49 [95% CI 0.33–0.71]), ≥14 physically unhealthy days (0.56 [0.39–0.80]), ≥14 mentally unhealthy days (0.35 [0.23–0.55]), or ≥14 impaired activity days (0.35 [0.23–0.56]).

CONCLUSIONS— Accumulation of multiple HLHs was significantly associated with better HRQOL among people with diabetes.