bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Becoming mother and father in late adoption: a case study
Authors: Do Amaral Costa Nina Rosa , Rossetti‐Ferreira Maria Clotilde
Published: January 2009

Adoption in Brazil has long been related to practices of not disclosing the child's history and origins, which become a family secret. As a consequence, most couples who apply for adoption prefer newborns. Late adoption is still an uncommon practice and requires a ‘family project’ which accepts a different family model, new meanings of motherhood and fatherhood, and different ways of building affectionate bonds. It is important to investigate how a man and a woman become parents under those circumstances. This study aimed to follow up the emergence of adoption, motherhood and fatherhood meanings, in the discursive practices involved in the construction of adoptive parenthood in the Brazilian setting. This paper presents important meanings regarding parenthood produced by a couple who adopted two sisters, aged 4 and 5 years. Analysis revealed that to better understand the late adoption process, the meanings that emerge in the discursive practices should be considered. Those meanings pervade and circumscribe the family relationships, influencing how the individuals constitute their roles in the family. It is through the analysis of this dialogical process of construction that it is possible to identify the challenges in late adoption and to unravel the process of constructing affectionate relationships.
From Seebohm to Think Family: reflections on 40 years of policy change of statutory children's social work in England
Authors: Parton Nigel
Published: January 2009

This paper critically reflects upon the changes in the role, tasks and aspirations of local authority social work with children and families in England since the publication of the Seebohm Report in 1968. In particular, it analyses how far the current changes related to the Every Child Matters: Change for Children programme, The Children's Plan: Building Brighter Futures and the Think Family report will have the effect of either furthering or undermining the principles and ambitions set out in the Seebohm Report. It concludes by suggesting that while the aims of the current changes have much in common with those of the Seebohm Report, the roles and tasks of social workers have been recast. While social work can be seen as occupying a somewhat marginal role in the new arrangements and it functions on a much narrower terrain than that envisaged by Seebohm, at the same time its importance and contribution has been legitimated.
Protein levels of CC chemokine ligand (CCL)15, CCL16 and macrophage stimulating protein in patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: Arakelyan A , Kriegova E , Kubištova Z , Mrazek F , Kverka M , Du Bois R M , Kolek V , Petrek M
Published: January 2009

The objective of this study was to assess protein levels for candidate cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with polar forms of pulmonary sarcoidosis, i.e. Löfgren's syndrome (LS) and more advanced chest X-ray (CXR) stage III disease. Twenty-four inflammatory molecules were analysed in unconcentrated BALF samples from 10 sarcoidosis patients with CXR stage III and 10 patients with LS by semiquantitative protein array. Four novel molecules [CC chemokine ligand (CCL)15, CCL16, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and macrophage stimulating protein (MSP)], detected for the first time in association with sarcoidosis, were then quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a second cohort of 68 sarcoidosis patients and 17 control subjects. The protein levels of CCL15, CCL16, CCL24, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, interleukin-16, MIF, MSP and matrix metallopeptidase 1 were increased in CXR stage III patients when compared with patients with LS. CCL15 and MSP up-regulation in CXR stage III patients in comparison with LS patients and controls was confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, MSP was associated with treatment requirement (P = 0·001) and CCL15 was elevated in patients with disease progression at 2-year follow-up (P = 0·016). CCL16 levels were increased in sarcoidosis versus controls (P < 0·05), but no difference was observed between patient subgroups. MIF up-regulation was not confirmed in a larger patient group. In conclusion, chemokines CCL15, CCL16 and MSP were found elevated for the first time in BALF from sarcoidosis patients; our results showed that CCL15 and MSP may affect disease course.
AMP‐activated protein kinase phosphorylates glutamine : fructose‐6‐phosphate amidotransferase 1 at Ser243 to modulate its enzymatic activity
Authors: Eguchi Satoshi , Oshiro Noriko , Miyamoto Takafumi , Yoshino Ken‐ichi , Okamoto Sumiko , Ono Takamasa , Kikkawa Ushio , Yonezawa Kazuyoshi
Published: January 2009

Glutamine : fructose‐6‐phosphate amidotransferase 1 (GFAT1) was identified as a protein phosphorylated in glucose‐deprived cells by immunoprecipitation using the anti‐phospho Akt substrates (PAS) antibody, which recognizes the phosphorylation motif site by AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), followed by mass fingerprinting analysis. Glucose depletion‐induced phosphorylation of endogenous GFAT was potentiated by 2‐deoxyglucose (2‐DG), an AMPK activator, and the 2‐DG‐stimulated phosphorylation of FLAG‐tagged GFAT1 in transfected cells was suppressed by Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. The 2‐DG induced phosphorylation of GFAT1 was attenuated by the introduction of the kinase‐negative mutant of AMPK, and the phosphorylation was observed in the cells expressing the constitutively active mutant of AMPK even in the absence of 2‐DG. Subsequent analysis revealed that the PAS antibody recognized GFAT1 phosphorylated at Ser243, which is conserved among different species. The assay of the GFAT enzymatic activity in the cell lysates indicated that the 2‐DG‐treatment inhibited the enzymatic activity, and Compound C‐preincubation partially prevented the 2‐DG‐induced decrease of the activity. Furthermore, the mutant replacing Ser243 by alanine partially prevented the decrease of GFAT activity by 2‐DG treatment. These results indicate that the phosphorylation of GFAT1 at Ser243 by AMPK has an important role in the regulation of the GFAT1 enzymatic activity.
Retroendocytosis pathway of ABCA1/apoA‐I contributes to HDL formation
Authors: Azuma Yuya , Takada Mie , Shin Hye‐Won , Kioka Noriyuki , Nakayama Kazuhisa , Ueda Kazumitsu
Published: January 2009

ATP‐binding cassette protein A1 (ABCA1) mediates transfer of cellular free cholesterol and phospholipids to apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I), an extracellular acceptor in plasma, to form high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). It is currently unknown to what extent ABCA1 endocytosis and recycling contribute to the HDL formation. To address this issue, we expressed human ABCA1 constructs with either an extracellular HA tag or an intracellular GFP tag in cells, and used this system to characterize endocytosis and recycling of ABCA1 and apoA‐I. Under basal conditions, ABCA1 and apoA‐I are endocytosed via a clathrin‐ and Rab5‐mediated pathway and recycled rapidly back to the cell surface, at least in part via a Rab4‐mediated route; approximately 30% of the endocytosed ABCA1 is recycled back to the cell surface. When receptor‐mediated endocytosis is inhibited, the level of ABCA1 at the cell surface increases and apoA‐I internalization is blocked. Under these conditions, apoA‐I mediated cholesterol efflux from cells that have accumulated lipoprotein‐derived cholesterol is decreased, whereas efflux from cells without excess cholesterol is increased. These results suggest that the retroendocytosis pathway of ABCA1/apoA‐I contributes to HDL formation when excess lipoprotein‐derived cholesterol has accumulated in cells.
Antiandrogenic activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra in male rats
Authors: Zamansoltani Farzaneh , Nassiri‐Asl Marjan , Sarookhani Mohammad‐Reza , Jahani‐Hashemi Hassan , Zangivand Amir‐Abdollah
Published: January 2009

Abnormal levels of androgens cause many diseases like benign prostatic hyperplasia and hormone dependent cancers. Although the reduction in serum testosterone (T) by Glycyrrhiza glabra has been reported, its effects on seminal vesicle (SV) and prostate tissues have never been reported. This study was carried out to investigate different aspects of antiandrogenic properties of this plant. Immature male rats were divided into five groups (n = 7): castrated rats without any treatment received only vehicle; castrated rats plus T replacement; three castrated groups with T replacement plus various doses of G. glabra extract (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg). All of the injections were carried out once daily in subcutaneous manner for 7 days. On the eighth day, blood samples were collected for total T measurement. Ventral prostate (VP), SV and levator ani muscle were dissected and weighed. Slides prepared from prostate were assessed histologically. The variation in the relative and absolute volume of the prostate tissue compartments was determined. Those receiving the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in prostate weight, total T and VP epithelium/stroma ratio (V/V). These results in SV and levator ani were shown in response to 300 mg/kg of extract. Increasing in T metabolism, down‐regulation of androgen receptors or activation of oestrogen receptors could be involved mechanisms. This study showed that alcoholic extract of G. glabra has antiandrogenic properties.
Assessment of postural adjustments in persons with intellectual disability during balance on the seesaw
Authors: Carvalho R. L. , Almeida G. L.
Published: January 2009

Background  The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinematic and electromyography strategy used by individuals with intellectual disability to keep equilibrium during anterior–posterior balance on seesaws with different degrees of instability.

Method  Six individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and six control group individuals (CG) balanced on three seesaws. The movement of the hip, knee and ankle joints and electromyography activities of selected leg and trunk muscles were recorded.

Results  Both groups maintained their balance mainly at the ankle joint. Contrary to the CG, the individuals with DS adopted a pattern of co‐contraction and were not able to modulate the magnitude of postural response with the seesaw's degree of instability.

Conclusions  These unusual strategies used by individuals with DS, such as their inability to discriminate different levels of mechanical demands in terms of the seesaw's instability, can reflect deficits in the proprioceptive system. The integration at cerebellum level could be a good candidate.
The complex enterprise of modelling prenatal exposure to cigarettes: what is ‘enough’?
Authors: Pickett Kate E. , Rathouz Paul J. , Dukic Vanja , Kasza Kristen , Niessner Marina , Wright Rosalind J. , Wakschlag Lauren S.
Published: January 2009

While there is a burgeoning body of research linking smoking during pregnancy to problem behaviour in offspring, a major criticism of this work has been the crude measurement of exposure in these studies (e.g. retrospective, self‐reported only) that could lead to biased estimates. To address this issue, we used a pregnancy cohort with repeated prospective measures of exposure as well as biological assays to generate estimates of exposure patterns using a range of modelling techniques. In this paper we report on the analytical approaches we have developed, including patterns of exposure over time and best‐estimate approaches that combine self‐report and cotinine measures, and compare their predictive value in relation to different dimensions of fetal growth as a first step towards examining the utility of greater precision of exposure measurement.

Surprisingly, in this sample the more complex assessments of exposure, including biological measures, generally did not perform better than simple indicators of exposure based on repeated self‐report measures, with one exception: a combined self‐report cotinine ‘best estimate’ of third trimester exposure was uniquely associated with lower brain : body ratio. Further study is needed using more sophisticated cotinine assays and testing prediction of a range of outcomes to ascertain whether these findings represent true differences or are specific to the sample, methods and outcomes used. Such research will inform the development of guidelines for adequate exposure characterisation in developmental studies.
Association of canine anal furunculosis with TNFA is secondary to linkage disequilibrium with DLA‐DRB1*
Authors: Barnes A , O’Neill T , Kennedy L. J. , Short A. D. , Catchpole B. , House A. , Binns M. , Fretwell N. , Day M. J. , Ollier W. E. R.
Published: January 2009

Anal furunculosis (AF) is a chronic inflammatory disease of perianal tissues that particularly affects German Shepherd dogs (GSD). An immune‐mediated aetiopathogenesis is suggested by T‐cell infiltration, upregulated cytokine gene expression, clinical response to ciclosporin therapy and a strong genetic association with the DLA‐DRB1*00101 allele. Given the close proximity of TNFA and DLA‐DRB1 in the canine major histocompatibility complex (MHC), together with the strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) observed across this region, the primary disease association could be with either locus. We have investigated whether there may be an association of AF with TNFA gene polymorphism in GSDs. Cohorts of AF‐affected and AF‐unaffected GSDs of known dog leucocyte antigen (DLA) class II profile were genotyped for 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the canine TNFA locus using Sequenom iPLEX technology. Seven discrete TNFA haplotypes were identified in GSDs for combinations of these SNPs. TNFA haplotype frequencies were compared in cases and controls. The TNFA haplotype 3 (ATCGTTACGG), was at significantly increased frequency in cases (29% vs 15%, OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4–4.8; P = 0.003). All seven discrete TNFA SNP haplotypes were examined for their association with DLA‐DRB1/DQA1/DQB1 established haplotypes. TNFA haplotype 3 was preferentially associated with both DLA‐DRB1*00101(3A)‐ and DLA‐DRB1*00102(3B)‐positive haplotypes. The DLA‐DRB1* 00101/TNFA‐3A haplotype was significantly associated with AF (19.3% vs 5.8%; OR 3.7, 95% CI: 1.5–8.9; P = 0.003), whereas the DLA‐DRB1*00102/TNFA‐3B haplotype was not (P = NS). These findings suggest that susceptibility to AF in GSDs is primarily associated with DLA‐DRB1*00101 and any association with the TNFA locus is secondary and is likely to be because of LD.
Analysis of NOD1, NOD2, TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6 and TLR9 genes in anal furunculosis of German shepherd dogs
Authors: House A. K. , Binns M. M. , Gregory S. P. , Catchpole B.
Published: January 2009

Anal furunculosis (AF) primarily affects German shepherd dogs (GSD) and is characterised by inflammation and ulceration of the perianal tissues with development of cutaneous sinuses or rectocutaneous fistulae. Investigation of pattern recognition receptor (PRR) function has suggested that defective responses might occur in AF‐affected GSD. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether canine PRR genes are involved in determining susceptibility to AF in this breed. Chromosomal location and coding sequences for NOD1, NOD2, TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6 and TLR9 were determined and microsatellite markers identified for each gene. Microsatellite genotyping of 100 control GSD and 47 AF‐affected GSD showed restricted allelic variation for AHT H91 (associated with TLR5) and REN216 NO5 (associated with both TLR1 and TLR6) compared with non‐GSD dogs. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms identified in canine TLR1, TLR5, TLR6 and NOD2 genes failed to show any significant associations between PRR polymorphisms and AF. The highly restricted PRR genotypes seen in GSD are likely to have resulted from selective breeding and might influence innate immune responses in this breed.
Biological and Molecular Characterization of Three Isolates ofTomato aspermy virusInfecting Chrysanthemums in India
Authors: Raj Shri Krishna , Kumar Susheel , Choudhari Sulbha , Verma Dev Kumar
Published: January 2009

Severe mosaic, chlorotic ringspots and flower deformation were observed during the winter of November 2006–February 2007 on chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) at three locations in India: Lucknow (UP), Dhanbad (MP) and Kolkata (WB).Tomato aspermy virus(TAV) was detected in affected plants by ELISA and by RT‐PCR using TAV specific primers. These TAV isolates were mechanically transmitted to test plant species and also by aphids (Aphis gossypii) toLycopersicon esculentum. The complete RNA 3 of each TAV isolate was cloned and sequenced and determined to be 2386 nucleotides (nt) long, and to encode two open reading frames (ORFs): the movement protein (MP) of 741 nt and the coat protein (CP) of 657 nt translating in to 246 and 218 amino acid (aa), respectively. When RNA 3 sequences of the Indian isolates were multiple aligned with seven other strains of TAV occurring worldwide, Indian isolates shared 98–99% identities among themselves and with the KC, V, P, B, I and C strains of TAV. In phylogenetic analysis, the Lucknow and Kolkata isolates of TAV clustered together and showed a close relationship with the KC‐TAV strain from South Korea, whereas the Dhanbad isolate formed an independent cluster and showed closeness with the V‐TAV strains from Spain and Australia. Recombination events were also observed in the CP region of the Dhanbad isolate, supporting its diverse behaviour. This is the first report of the complete RNA 3 sequence of these three Indian TAV isolates.
Family–Peer Linkages: The Mediational Role of Attentional Processes
Authors:   NICHD Early Child Care Research Network
Published: January 2009

The goal of this study was to examine the role of attention regulation as a mediator between parent–child relationships and peer social skills. Using the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development data set, mother–child and father–child relationships measured at 54 months and grade 1 predicted peer social skills at first and third grades. Attentional control processes, especially ability to sustain attention and ratings of attention problems, served as mediators between parent–child relationships and peer outcomes. The implications of these processes for theories of family‐peer relationships are noted.
Affective Qualities of Sibling Disputes, Mothers' Conflict Attitudes, and Children's Theory of Mind Development
Authors: Randell Angela C. , Peterson Candida C.
Published: January 2009

Preschoolers' theory of mind (ToM) was examined in relation to emotional features of their conflicts with siblings, using mothers as privileged informants. Fifty‐four children aged 3 to 5 years and their 54 mothers took part. Children were given 10 standard false belief tasks and a standardized language test. Mothers completed questionnaires, rated vignettes, and kept a conflict diary to provide detailed data on siblings' conflicts, mothers' conflict attitudes, and mothers' use of mental state language to talk about children's disputes. Results revealed that children's ToM scores were significantly correlated with affective dimensions of their sibling disputes, including more frequent expression of positive emotion while disagreeing and less post‐conflict distress. Logistic regression showed these associations were independent of age and verbal ability. Mothers' conflict attitudes were significantly correlated with the affective outcome of their children's disputes but not with the preschooler's level of ToM understanding. Findings are discussed in relation to possible reciprocal influences between ToM development and the growth of affectively positive and constructive conflict resolution skills.
Comparative Sacred Texts and Interactive Interpretation: Another Alternative to the “World Religions” Class
Authors: Patton Laurie L. , Robbins Vernon K. , Newby Gordon D.
Published: January 2009

In this article we argue for an introductory course in the study of religion that proceeds through interactive interpretation as a responsible form of comparison. Interactive interpretation proceeds provisionally, and encourages students to formulate new questions of the materials instead of making final categories about the materials. We use examples from a typical classroom to show how we work with three pedagogical principles: (1) critical reading; (2) pluralism within religious traditions as well as between religious traditions; and (3) the use of the working hypothesis as a tool in analyzing religious texts. We also make an argument for textual reading as a form of living intellectual practice, which can work alongside of, and not in opposition to, other approaches to the study of religion, such as ethnographic or historical approaches.
Chronic Migraine and Medication Overuse Headache: Clarifying the Current International Headache Society Classification Criteria
Authors: Sun-Edelstein C , Bigal ME , Rapoport AM
Published: January 2009

Despite the recent advances in the understanding and classification of the chronic daily headaches, considerable controversy still exists regarding the classification of individual headaches, including chronic migraine (CM) and medication overuse headache (MOH). The original criteria, published in 2004, were difficult to apply to most patients with these disorders and were subsequently revised, resulting in broader clinical applicability. Nonetheless, they remain a topic of debate, and the revisions to the criteria have further added to the confusion. Even some prominent headache specialists are unsure which criteria to use. We aimed to explain the nature of the controversies surrounding the entities of CM and MOH. A clinical case will be used to illustrate some of the problems faced by clinicians in diagnosing patients with chronic daily headache.
Accruals Quality, Information Risk and Cost of Capital: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Gray Philip , Koh Ping‐Sheng , Tong Yen H
Published: January 2009

Abstract:  Recent theoretical work argues that information risk is a non‐diversifiable risk factor that is priced in the capital market. Using accruals quality to proxy for information risk, Francis et al. (2005) provide empirical support for this argument using a sample of US firms. This paper re‐examines the interplay of accruals quality, information risk and cost of capital in Australia, where a number of important institutional and regulatory differences are hypothesized to affect the relation between accruals quality and cost of capital. The results suggest that, while accruals quality impacts on the cost of capital for Australian firms, some salient differences exist. In contrast to findings for US firms, the costs of debt and equity for Australian firms are largely influenced by accruals quality arising from economic fundamentals (i.e., innate accrual quality) but not discretionary reporting choices (i.e., discretionary accrual quality). This finding is consistent with our predictions based on the Australian institutional and regulatory environment. In addition, using both the asset pricing tests in Francis et al. (2005) and Core et al. (2008), we provide evidence consistent with accruals quality being a priced risk factor.
Restored degradation of the Alzheimer’s amyloid‐β peptide by targeting amyloid formation
Authors: Crouch Peter J. , Tew Deborah J. , Du Tai , Nguyen Diem Ngoc , Caragounis Aphrodite , Filiz Gulay , Blake Rachel E. , Trounce Ian A. , Soon Cynthia P. W. , Laughton Katrina , Perez Keyla A. , Li Qiao‐Xin , Cherny Robert A. , Masters Colin L. , Barnham Kevin J. , White Anthony R.
Published: January 2009

Accumulation of neurotoxic amyloid‐β (Aβ) is central to the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Elucidating the mechanisms of Aβ accumulation will therefore expedite the development of Aβ‐targeting AD therapeutics. We examined activity of an Aβ‐degrading protease (matrix metalloprotease 2) to investigate whether biochemical factors consistent with conditions in the AD brain contribute to Aβ accumulation by altering Aβ sensitivity to proteolytic degradation. An Aβ amino acid mutation found in familial AD, Aβ interactions with zinc (Zn), and increased Aβ hydrophobicity all strongly prevented Aβ degradation. Consistent to all of these factors is the promotion of specific Aβ aggregates where the protease cleavage site, confirmed by mass spectrometry, is inaccessible within an amyloid structure. These data indicate decreased degradation due to amyloid formation initiates Aβ accumulation by preventing normal protease activity. Zn also prevented Aβ degradation by the proteases neprilysin and insulin degrading enzyme. Treating Zn‐induced Aβ amyloid with the metal‐protein attenuating compound clioquinol reversed amyloid formation and restored the peptide’s sensitivity to degradation by matrix metalloprotease 2. This provides new data indicating that therapeutic compounds designed to modulate Aβ‐metal interactions can inhibit Aβ accumulation by restoring the catalytic potential of Aβ‐degrading proteases.
Aminoglycoside‐induced histone deacetylation and hair cell death in the mouse cochlea
Authors: Chen Fu‐Quan , Schacht Jochen , Sha Su‐Hua
Published: January 2009

Post‐translational modification of histones is an important form of chromatin regulation impacting transcriptional activation. Histone acetyltransferases, for example, acetylate lysine residues on histone tails thereby enhancing gene transcription, while histone deacetylases (HDACs) remove those acetyl groups and repress gene transcription. Deficient histone acetylation is associated with pathologies, and histone deacetylase inhibitors have been studied in the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Here we explore histone acetylation in cochlear sensory cells following a challenge with gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic known to cause loss of auditory hair cells and hearing. The addition of the drug to organotypic cultures of the mouse organ of Corti decreased the acetylation of histone core proteins (H2A Ack5, H2B Ack12, H3 Ack9, and H4 Ack8) followed by a loss of sensory cells. Protein levels of HDAC1, HDAC3 and HDAC4 were increased while the histone acetyltransferases such as CREB‐binding protein and p300 remained unchanged. We next hypothesized that protecting histone acetylation should prevent cell death and tested the effects of HDAC‐inhibitors on the actions of gentamicin. Co‐treatment with trichostatin A maintained near‐normal levels of acetylation of histone core proteins in cochlear hair cells and attenuated gentamicin‐induced cell death. The addition of sodium butyrate also rescued hair cells from damage by gentamicin. The results are consistent with an involvement of deficient histone acetylation in aminoglycoside‐induced hair cell death and point to the potential value of HDAC‐inhibitors in protection from the side effects of these drugs.
Mean stress dependence of the thermoelastic constant
Authors: Machin A. S. , Sparrow J. G. , Stimson M. G.
Published: January 2009

The SPATE 8000 thermoelastic stress analyser has been used to demonstrate the mean stress dependence of the thermoelastic constant. This dependence has potential application in the measurement of residual stress provided the material has not yielded.
Age and extent of the Barents and Kara ice sheets in Northern Russia
Authors: MANGERUD JAN , SVENDSEN JOHN INGE , ASTAKHOV VALERY I.
Published: January 2009

The youngest ice marginal zone between the White Sea and the Ural mountains is the W‐E trending belt of moraines called the Varsh‐Indiga‐Markhida‐Harbei‐Halmer‐Sopkay, here called the Markhida line. Glacial elements show that it was deposited by the Kara Ice Sheet, and in the west, by the Barents Ice Sheet. The Markhida moraine overlies Eemian marine sediments, and is therefore of Weichselian age. Distal to the moraine are Eemian marine sediments and three Palaeolithic sites with many C‐14 dates in the range 16–37 ka not covered by till, proving that it represents the maximum ice sheet extension during the Weichselian. The Late Weichselian ice limit of M. G. Grosswald is about 400 km (near the Urals more than 700 km) too far south. Shorelines of ice dammed Lake Komi, probably dammed by the ice sheet ending at the Markhida line, predate 37 ka. We conclude that the Markhida line is of Middle/Early Weichselian age, implying that no ice sheet reached this part of Northern Russia during the Late Weichselian. This age is supported by a series of C‐14 and OSL dates inside the Markhida line all of >45 ka. Two moraine loops protrude south of the Markhida line; the Laya‐Adzva and Rogavaya moraines. These moraines are covered by Lake Komi sediments, and many C‐14 dates on mammoth bones inside the moraines are 26–37 ka. The morphology indicates that the moraines are of Weichselian age, but a Saalian age cannot be excluded. No post‐glacial emerged marine shorelines are found along the Barents Sea coast north of the Markhida line.
Surface form of the south‐western sector of the last Kara Sea Ice Sheet
Authors: TVERANGER JAN , ASTAKHOV VALERY , MANGERUD JAN , SVENDSEN JOHN INGE
Published: January 2009

Recent results concerning the extent of the last Weichselian (Valdaian) Kara Sea Ice Sheet in the area around the Polar Urals and the north‐eastern Russian Plain allow reconstruction of the surface form of this part of the ice sheet by using a combination of moraine‐ridge elevation data and ice‐flow indicators. The resulting reconstruction suggests a thin ice sheet with a pronounced lowering of surface gradient at the transition from bedrock substrate around the Urals to a substrate consisting of unconsolidated sediments in the Pechora Basin. Comparison with similar reconstructions from along the southern and north‐western parts of the Laurentide Ice Sheet margin, for which a deformable‐bed model of glacier dynamics has been proposed, shows strong similarities in surface gradients and ice thicknesses as well in overall sedimentological and morphological characteristics of the associated basal till‐deposits. This suggests comparable styles of glacier dynamics for the two ice sheets. If this first approximation of the Kara Sea Ice Sheet surface form is correct, it can be postulated that at least the south‐western part of the ice sheet was much more mobile and dynamic than previously expected.
Weichselian geology and palaeoenvironmental history of the central Taymyr Peninsula, Siberia, indicating no glaciation during the last global glacial maximum
Authors: MÖLLER PER , BOLSHIYANOV DMITRY YU. , BERGSTEN HELENE
Published: January 2009

The Taymyr Peninsula constitutes the eastern delimitation of a possible Kara Sea basin ice sheet. The existence of such an ice sheet during the last global glacial maximum (LGM), i.e. during the Late Weichselian/Upper Zyryansk, is favoured by some Russian scientists. However, a growing number of studies point towards a more minimalistic view concerning the areal extent of Late Weichselian/Upper Zyryansk Siberian glaciation. Investigations carried out by us along the central Byrranga Mountains and in the Taymyr Lake basin south thereof, reject the possibility of a Late Weichselian/Upper Zyryansk glaciation of this area. Our conclusion is based on the following: Dating of a continuous lacustrine sediment sequence at Cape Sabler on the Taymyr Lake shows that it spans at least the period 39–17 ka BP. Even younger ages have been reported, suggesting that this lacustrine environment prevailed until shortly before the Holocene. The distribution of these sediments indicates the existence of a paleo‐Taymyr lake reaching c. 60 m above present sea level. A reconnaissance of the central part of the Byrranga Mountains gave no evidence of any more recent glacial coverage. The only evidence of glaciation — an indirect one — is deltaic sequences around 100–120 m a.s.l., suggesting glacio‐isostatic depression and a large input of glacial meltwater from the north. However, 14C and ESR datings of these marine sediments suggest that they are of Early Weichselian/Lower Zyryansk or older age. As they are not covered by till and show no glaciotectonic disturbances, they support our opinion that there was no Late Weichselian/Lower Zyryansk glaciation in this area. We thus suggest that the Taymyr Peninsula was most probably glaciated during the early part of the last glacial cycle (when there was only small‐ to mediumscale glaciation in Scandinavia), but not glaciated during the later part of that cycle (which had the maximum ice‐sheet coverage over north‐western Europe). This fits a climatic scenario suggesting that the Taymyr area, like most of Siberia, would come into precipitation shadow during times with large‐scale ice‐sheet coverage of Scandinavia and the rest of north‐western Europe.
Age and extent of the Scandinavian ice sheet in northwest Russia
Authors: LARSEN EILIV , LYSÅ ASTRID , DEMIDOV IGOR , FUNDER SVEND , HOUMARK‐NIELSEN MICHAEL , KJÆR KURT H. , MURRAY ANDREW S.
Published: January 2009

The last glacial maximum (LGM) of the Scandinavian ice sheet in the Arkhangelsk region has been identified morphologically as ridges and hummocks in an otherwise flat topography. Stratigraphically the limit is marked by the presence of till above Mikhulinian (last interglacial) sediments inside the ridges and by the absence of till outside the ridges. During the LGM, ice flowed into the region from the north and northwest forming a lobe in the Dvina—Vaga depression. The continuation northward, northeast of Arkhangelsk, is still somewhat uncertain, but evidence suggests that the outer margin of the Scandinavian ice sheet was situated in the Mezen drainage basin. Luminescence and radiocarbon dates suggest that the maximum position was attained after some 17 ka ago, and that deglaciation started close to 15 ka ago. This age for the maximum position is younger than the maximum position in the western peripheral areas of the Scandinavian ice sheet. This may be accounted for by initial ice build‐up in the west followed by a successive migration of the ice divide(s) to the east as ice growth continued. Deglaciation was either by lateral retreat or isolation of dead ice masses causing areal downwasting.
Late Quaternary palaeoenvironmental reconstructions from a permafrost sequence (North Siberian Lowland, SE Taymyr Peninsula)—a multidisciplinary case study
Authors: KIENEL ULRIKE , SIEGERT CHRISTINE , HAHNE JÜRGEN
Published: January 2009

A Late Quaternary permafrost profile from the Labaz Lake area (Taymyr Peninsula, Central Siberia) has been investigated using analyses of diatoms, pollen, sedimentology and geochemistry. A sedimentation gap for the termination of the Pleistocene and the start of lacustrine sedimentation in the Boreal can be inferred. At that time shallow‐lake conditions prevailed and a connection to the Labaz Lake is probable. The diatom data provide indications for the assessment of the Holocene environmental development of the study site in more detail. The most favourable climatic conditions and comparatively higher water level stands are inferred for the early Atlantic. Towards the end of this period the gradual transition to a wetland with poor‐fen character took place. Within the Subboreal there was a short episode with mild climate conditions. At that time the last trees occurred in the Labaz Lake area and somewhat higher water level stands were likely. The Subatlantic climate deterioration led to further drying up of the wetland along with a lowering of water pH and permafrost aggradation. The transition from a locality with low‐centre to one with high‐centre polygons is still underway.
Depositional environment of the Laptev Sea (Arctic Siberia) during the Holocene
Authors: BAUCH HENNING A. , KASSENS HEIDEMARIE , ERLENKEUSER HELMUT , GROOTES PIETER M. , THIEDE JÖRN
Published: January 2009

The Holocene depositional setting of the Laptev Sea was studied using three marine sediment cores from water depths between 77 and 46 m. Based on sedimentary parameters (TOC content, δ13Corg, sedimentation rates) controlled by radiocarbon age models the palaeoenvironment of a strongly coupled river‐shelf system was reconstructed since ˜11 ka BP. Caused by a transgressing sea after the last glaciation, all cores reveal progressive decreases in sedimentation rates. Using the sedimentary records of a core from the Khatanga‐Anabar river channel in the western Laptev Sea, several phases of change are recognized: (1) an early period lasted until ˜10 ka BP characterized by an increased deposition of plant debris due to shelf erosion and fluvial runoff; (2) a transitional phase with consistently increasing marine conditions until 6 ka BP, which was marked at its beginning near 10 ka BP by the first occurrence of marine bivalves, high TOC content and an increase in δ13Corg; (3) a time of extremely slow deposition of sediments, commencing at ˜6 ka BP and interpreted as Holocene sea‐level highstand, which caused a southward retreat of the depositional centres within the now submerged river channels on the shelf; (4) a final phase with the establishment of modern conditions after ˜2 ka BP.
Maximum extent of the Eurasian ice sheets in the Barents and Kara Sea region during the Weichselian
Authors: SVENDSEN JOHN INGE , ASTAKHOV VALERY I. , BOLSHIYANOV DMITRI YU. , DEMIDOV IGOR , DOWDESWELL JULIAN A. , GATAULLIN VALERY , HJORT CHRISTIAN , HUBBERTEN HANS W. , LARSEN EILIV , MANGERUD JAN , MELLES MARTIN , MÖLLER PER , SAARNISTO MATTI , SIEGERT MARTIN J.
Published: January 2009

Based on field investigations in northern Russia and interpretation of offshore seismic data, we have made a preliminary reconstruction of the maximum ice‐sheet extent in the Barents and Kara Sea region during the Early/Middle Weichselian and the Late Weichselian. Our investigations indicate that the Barents and Kara ice sheets attained their maximum Weichselian positions in northern Russia prior to 50 000 yr BP, whereas the northeastern flank of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet advanced to a maximum position shortly after 17000 calendar years ago. During the Late Weichselian (25 000–10000 yr BP), much of the Russian Arctic remained ice‐free. According to our reconstruction, the extent of the ice sheets in the Barents and Kara Sea region during the Late Weichselian glacial maximum was less than half that of the maximum model which, up to now, has been widely used as a boundary condition for testing and refining General Circulation Models (GCMs). Preliminary numerical‐modelling experiments predict Late Weichselian ice sheets which are larger than the ice extent implied for the Kara Sea region from dated geological evidence, suggesting very low precipitation.
Forest Regeneration from Pasture in the Dry Tropics of Panama: Effects of Cattle, Exotic Grass, and Forested Riparia
Authors: Griscom Heather P. , Griscom Bronson W. , Ashton Mark S.
Published: January 2009

We currently have the opportunity to restore one of the most threatened tropical ecosystems on the Pacific coast of Panama as a consequence of land use change. Factors that influence succession must be understood in order to capitalize on natural regeneration mechanisms. In this study, we determined the effects of exotic grass removal, cattle removal, proximity to forested riparian zones, and topography (upslope vs. downslope) on the initial stages of forest regeneration from pasture in a dry tropical region. After 3 years, basal area, stem density, and species richness of plants (trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs) were significantly and positively affected by exclusion of cattle, presence of exotic grass (no herbicide application), and presence of adjacent forested riparian zones (p< 0.01). Interactions between factors were not significant. Cattle foraged and stomped on vegetation, whereas herbicide application, although effectively removing grass, also killed tree and shrub sprouts, the major source of regrowth. Proximity to forested riparian zones had the greatest effect on species diversity. Shannon’s index for diversity (H) equaled 3.23 in plots adjacent to forested riparian zones as compared to 2.78 in plots not associated with these areas. Our recommendations during the early stages of forest succession are to (1) exclude cattle, (2) make site‐specific decisions about herbicide application based on the presence or absence of forested riparia and prevalence of coppicing, and (3) actively conserve and protect riparian zones, which function as a critical source of diverse propagules.
Foot‐and‐Mouth Disease Entrance Assessment Model Through Air Passenger Violations
Authors: Lin Xiao‐Wei , Chiang Chin‐Tsang , Shih Tai‐Hwa , Jiang Yan‐Nian , Chou Chin‐Cheng
Published: January 2009

This article aims to construct a risk model for the prediction of foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) entrance caused by passengers who illegally carry meat products of cloven‐hoofed animals through international airports into a country. The risk that meat contaminated with the FMD virus is formulated as the probabilities of FMD factor events (the prevalence of FMD), the commodity factor event (the transportation, storage, and distribution (TSD) factor event), and the passenger event. Data used for analysis were records of illegal meat product carriers from areas A and B intercepted at an international airport in Taiwan. A risk model was proposed to simulate the probability distributions in disease prevalence, probability of FMD virus existing in the meat products after meat processing, and estimation of survival of virus and time period for TSD. The probability of the passenger event was hypothesized with the odds of intercepted passengers and estimated via logistic regression. The results showed that the odds of passengers being intercepted by beagles were higher than those intercepted by Customs. By conducting Monte Carlo simulations, the probability of FMD virus risk caused by FMD factors from area A was 149 times lower than that from area B. The probability of FMD virus risk caused by the passenger event from area A was four times lower than the corresponding probability from area B. The model provides a contribution to FMD prevention and can be a reference for developing models of other diseases.
Tanning as an addictive behavior: a literature review
Authors: Nolan Bridgit V. , Taylor Sarah L. , Liguori Anthony , Feldman Steven R.
Published: January 2009

Background: Recent studies have identified reinforcing properties associated with tanning and suggest a possible physiologic mechanism and addiction driving tanning behavior.

Objective: This article attempts to synthesize the existing literature on tanning and addiction to investigate possible associations.

Methods: We investigated a variety of substance dependence models to define what constitutes dependence/addiction and to determine how current studies on tanning meet these criteria.

Results: In some individuals, tanning has met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria for a substance‐related disorder or tanning‐modified Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye‐opener criteria. Trial studies have demonstrated the induction of withdrawal symptoms in frequent tanners.

Limitations: Additional studies are needed to investigate the associated dependency and addiction more fully and to elucidate its similarities to other better‐known addictive syndromes.

Discussion: Tanning is a problem behavior, both as a health risk and as a possible dependency. Future studies, especially in the area of cognitive mapping and cue‐related stimuli are needed. Imaging studies may be important in elucidating whether the same areas of the brain are involved in tanning addiction as in other addictive syndromes.
Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of a giant superficial basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Calista Donato
Published: January 2009

A 74‐year‐old man was referred to our department for the treatment of a 15 × 15 cm superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on his lumbar region. As surgical excision was considered too destructive, photodynamic therapy (PDT) was proposed. Methyl 5‐aminolevulinate (MAL) cream was applied under occlusion for 3 h before illumination with a light‐emitting diode lamp with an emission peak of 632 nm, a fluence rate of 83.3 mW/cm, and a light dose of 37 J/cm. A second MAL‐PDT session was repeated 1 week later. The neoplastic area healed in 30 days. No recurrence has occurred after a 40‐month follow‐up period, but clinical observation continues. Although surgery still remains the treatment of choice for giant BCC, for which the local invasiveness and metastatic potential are well known, we offered our patient the option of PDT because we believed that classical surgery could hardly provide the same satisfactory outcome. As far as we know, this is the first case of giant BCC treated with PDT.
Acne‐photodynamic therapy with intra‐lesional injection of 5‐aminolevulinic acid
Authors: Ryou J. H. , Lee S. J. , Park Y. M. , Kim H. O. , Kim H. S.
Published: January 2009

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment option for acne patients who fail to respond to conventional therapy. Although potent, we experience side effects such as erythema, exfoliation and dyspigmentation. In attempt to specify treatment and shorten the incubation time, we injected 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to the individual lesion. The results of intralesional injection ILI‐PDT and conventional PDT are compared in this study.
A pilot study to assess the efficacy of photodynamic therapy for Japanese patients with actinic keratosis in relation to lesion size and histological severity
Authors: Nakano A. , Tamada Y. , Watanabe D. , Ishida N. , Yamashita N. , Kuhara T. , Yanagishita T. , Kawamura C. , Akita Y. , Matsumoto Y.
Published: January 2009

Background/purpose: Topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐based photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective for actinic keratosis (AK); few studies have examined Oriental patients. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of PDT for the treatment of Japanese AK patients classified by lesion size and histological severity.

Methods: Thirty patients with solitary AK lesions were divided into two groups according to diameter: a small lesion group (SL), diameter ≤10 mm and a larger lesion group (LL), diameter >10 mm, and histological severity: Group I (mild and moderate) and Group II (severe). After application of 20% ALA for 4 h, exposure to an excimer‐dye laser at 630 nm was performed at a dose of 50 J/cm2 three times at an interval of 7 days. Therapeutic effects were assessed and followed for 12 months.

Results: In all 10 SL patients, atypical cells disappeared after PDT and did not recur for 12 months. However, for the 20 LL patients, recurrence was seen in 2 of the 14 Group I patients, while 4 of 6 Group II patients showed residual tumor cells after the first PDT session.

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that ALA‐PDT might be useful for treatment of Japanese AK. The therapeutic outcome might depend on the lesion size and the histopathological severity.