bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A note on Brock: prioritarianism, egalitarianism and the distribution of life years
Authors: Norheim O F
Published: August 2009

The moral philosopher Dan Brock has argued that equality of health outcomes “even if achievable” is problematic as a goal in its own right—because it is open to the levelling down objection. The levelling down objection to egalitarianism has received surprisingly little attention in the bioethics literature on distribution of health and healthcare and deserves more attention. This paper discusses and accepts an example given by Brock showing that prioritarianism and egalitarianism may judge distributions of health outcomes differently. We should accept that levelling down is never a good thing, all things considered, but that equality often is. By discussing variants of Brock’s example, it is demonstrated that if equality, prioritarianism and aggregation are combined, as in a population-wide summary measure of health, such as the health achievement index, this combined set of principles is not open to levelling down. The paper suggests—although a more thorough investigation of the properties of the achievement index is needed—that this measure (a) is always sensitive to inequality in health, (b) is always sensitive to average health, (c) can assign priority to those with lowest health outcomes and (d) is not sensitive to levelling down. Levelling down is not an embarrassment for egalitarians if they adopt a pluralist theory that integrates fairness with goodness. Equality is not the only value egalitarians promote. But equality is so important that we should not reject it.
Disfigured anatomies and imperfect analogies: body integrity identity disorder and the supposed right to self-demanded amputation of healthy body parts
Authors: Patrone D
Published: August 2009

Patients with the controversial diagnosis of body integrity identity disorder (BIID) report an emotional discomfort with having a body part (usually a limb) that they feel should not be there. This discomfort is so strong that it interferes with routine functioning and, in a majority of cases, BIID patients are motivated to seek amputation of the limb. Although patient requests to receive the best available treatment are generally respected, BIID demands for amputation, at present, are not. However, what little has been said in the ethics literature on the subject tends to favour doing so in cases of BIID. The general argument is that BIID demands should be respected, first, because of the importance that is already placed on respecting autonomy in medical decision-making contexts and second, because of the potential harm of not providing amputation coupled with the fact that no alternative means of relieving suffering exists. The defence of the right to self-demanded amputation is thus typically supported by the use of analogies with other unproblematical cases in order to show that the denial of BIID patient demands is inconsistent with conventional medical norms and practices. This paper criticises the appropriateness of the particular analogies that are thought to shed light on the allegedly unproblematical nature of BIID demands and argues that a proper understanding of the respect for autonomy in the medical decision-making context prohibits agreeing to BIID demands for amputation.
Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and morphological variation in the western North American range ofChrysosplenium tetrandrum(Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Levsen Nicholas D. , Mort Mark E.
Published: August 2009

The herbaceous perennial Chrysosplenium tetrandrum (Lund ex Malmgr.) Th. Fr. (Saxifragaceae) is a self-pollinating, circumpolar species with a broad latitudinal distribution and a disjunct North American range. The southernmost populations are isolated in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Montana, distantly separated from elements of the main range, which is largely coincident with known glacial refugia (e.g., Beringia) and recently deglaciated regions. We employed analyses of inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) and morphology to determine patterns of variation within the western North American range of C. tetrandrum and test hypotheses of glacial population history and reproductive strategy. Analyses revealed very low estimates of range-wide genetic differentiation (θII= 0.085) and diversity (HS= 0.077, HT= 0.084), which are similar to levels found in other arctic plant species and have been primarily attributed to recent population establishment. Low levels of genetic differentiation among populations of Alaska (θII= 0.072), British Columbia (θII= 0.088), and Washington (θII= 0.058) suggest recent bottleneck or range expansion events. Both the Colorado and Alaska regions showed strong differentiation from each of the other regions, suggesting long-term isolation. The non-association between morphological and genetic variation indicates the effects of phenotypic plasticity or sexual reproduction.
A General Multivariate Dose–Response Model
Authors: Schnute J. , Jensen J. O. T.
Published: August 2009

This paper presents a general model for describing and predicting biological response to environmental factors. The theory embraces concepts and models used in earlier studies of the effects of toxicity on fish, and it extends these ideas in several directions. It can include an arbitrary number of factors, either detrimental or beneficial to the organism. Also, its statistical formulation allows (1) hypothesis testing to determine the relative importance of various factors and (2) calculation of critical factor levels that (with prescribed confidence) assure a community response no worse than a specified level. Our model is based on earlier work by Schnute and McKinnell, and, like theirs, its parameters have biologically meaningful interpretations. Our discussion includes an explanation of how the model relates specifically to toxicity studies. In a companion paper (Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 43: 1694–1709), we use our model to investigate salmonid response to gas supersaturation and ancillary factors.
MODIFYING THE DATA-HOLDING COMPONENTS OF THE MICROPROCESSORS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Authors: OSMANLIOǦLU YUSUF , HANAY Y. SİNAN , ERGİN OǦUZ
Published: August 2009

Storage components are a major source of energy dissipation in modern superscalar microprocessors. As the instruction windows get larger with each generation of processors, register files and other structures that hold intermediate data become larger and dissipate more power. Therefore it is important to find new ways to reduce the energy dissipation of data holding components. Many values written to and read from these storage components are known to require fewer bits than is provided by the storage space. Upper order bits of these values are unnecessary and energy savings can be achieved by not writing and reading these bits. Floating value data has different characteristics and offer special energy savings opportunities. In this paper we analyze the bit-level statistics of data values and propose simple modifications to data holding components that save significant energy inside the processors. Our results show that by using simple modifications on the storage components it is possible to achieve 40% reduction in the integer register file energy dissipation and up to 60% reduction in the immediate field of the issue queue. We also show that energy dissipation can be reduced by half for some floating point benchmarks by identifying values that indicate a zero operand.
Role of lung iron in determining the bacterial and host struggle in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Reid D. W. , Anderson G. J. , Lamont I. L.
Published: August 2009

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal genetic disorder in Caucasian populations. It is a multiorgan system disease that affects the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas. The majority of morbidity and mortality in CF relates to chronic airway infection with a variety of bacterial species, commencing in very early infancy, which results in lung destruction and ultimately organ failure ( 41 , 43 ). This review focuses on iron homeostasis in the CF lung and its role in determining the success and chronicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. There have been previous excellent reviews regarding iron metabolism in the lower respiratory tract and mechanisms of P. aeruginosa iron acquisition, and we direct readers to these articles for further background reading ( 31 , 53 , 58 , 77 , 96 ). In this review, we have brought the “two sides of the coin” together to provide a holistic overview of the relationship between host and bacterial iron homeostasis and put this information into the context of current understanding on infection in the CF lung.
Influence of cytoskeletal structure and mechanics on epithelial cell injury during cyclic airway reopening
Authors: Yalcin H. C. , Hallow K. M. , Wang J. , Wei M. T. , Ou-Yang H. D. , Ghadiali S. N.
Published: August 2009

Although patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome require mechanical ventilation, these ventilators often exacerbate the existing lung injury. For example, the cyclic closure and reopening of fluid-filled airways during ventilation can cause epithelial cell (EpC) necrosis and barrier disruption. Although much work has focused on minimizing the injurious mechanical forces generated during ventilation, an alternative approach is to make the EpC less susceptible to injury by altering the cell's intrinsic biomechanical/biostructural properties. In this study, we hypothesized that alterations in cytoskeletal structure and mechanics can be used to reduce the cell's susceptibility to injury during airway reopening. EpC were treated with jasplakinolide to stabilize actin filaments or latrunculin A to depolymerize actin and then exposed to cyclic airway reopening conditions at room temperature using a previously developed in vitro cell culture model. Actin stabilization did not affect cell viability but significantly improved cell adhesion primarily due to the development of more numerous focal adhesions. Surprisingly, actin depolymerization significantly improved both cell viability and cell adhesion but weakened focal adhesions. Optical tweezer based measurements of the EpC's micromechanical properties indicate that although latrunculin-treated cells are softer, they also have increased viscous damping properties. To further investigate the effect of “fluidization” on cell injury, experiments were also conducted at 37°C. Although cells held at 37°C exhibited no changes in cytoskeletal structure, they did exhibit increased viscous damping properties and improved cell viability. We conclude that fluidization of the actin cytoskeleton makes the EpC less susceptible to the injurious mechanical forces generated during cyclic airway reopening.
Pseudotumoral Hydatid Cyst: Report of a Case
Authors: Petrakis Ioannis E. , Grysbolaki Evaggelia , Paraskakis Stefanos , Lagoudis Theodore , Filis Demetrios , Chalkiadakis George
Published: August 2009

Hydatidosis due to Echinococcus granulosus is an endemic parasitic zoonosis characterized by worldwide distribution particularly in Mediterranean countries. The most commonly involved anatomical locations are the liver and lung. Occasionally the cyst may progressively increase in size, mimicking gross ascites or intrabdominal tumor. Herein, are reported a case of a 40-year-old patient with a giant exophytically expanded hepatic echinococcus cyst, misdiagnosed as an abdominal malignancy during formal investigation. The patient was admitted to the hospital complaining for mild diffuse abdominal tenderness, moderate abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. A CT scan revealed the presence of a giant abdominal mass cm, resembling a tumor, adherent to the liver edges and parietal peritoneum, displacing intestinal loops. During the ensuing days the patient’s clinical condition worsened, and he became febrile. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and an exophytically grown giant liver hydatid cyst was removed, despite the radiological findings and the preoperative clinical suspicion.
Joint Brain Parametric T1‐Map Segmentation and RF Inhomogeneity Calibration
Authors: Chen Ping-Feng , Steen R. Grant , Yezzi Anthony , Krim Hamid
Published: August 2009

We propose a constrained version of Mumford and Shah′s (1989) segmentation model with an information‐theoretic point of view in order to devise a systematic procedure to segment brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for parametric T1‐Map and T1‐weighted images, in both 2‐D and 3D settings. Incorporation of a tuning weight in particular adds a probabilistic flavor to our segmentation method, and makes the 3‐tissue segmentation possible. Moreover, we proposed a novel method to jointly segment the T1‐Map and calibrate RF Inhomogeneity (JSRIC). This method assumes theaverageT1value of white matter is the same across transverse slices in the central brain region, and JSRIC is able to rectify the flip angles to generate calibrated T1‐Maps. In order to generate an accurate T1‐Map, the determination of optimal flip‐angles and the registration of flip‐angle images are examined. Our JSRIC method is validated on two human subjects in the 2D T1‐Map modality and our segmentation method is validated by two public databases, BrainWeb and IBSR, of T1‐weighted modality in the 3D setting.
Automated Monitoring of the Establishment of the Adsorption Equilibrium: Adsorption of Polyethylene from 1,2,4‐Trichlorobenzene onto a Zeolite at Temperature 140∘C
Authors: Macko Tibor , Brüll Robert , Brinkmann Christoph , Pasch Harald
Published: August 2009

The automated procedure for the monitoring of the adsorption process in the solute‐sorbent‐solvent system has been elaborated. It uses commercially available instrument CRYSTAF model 200. The application of CRYSTAF enabled monitoring of adsorption of linear polyethylene with weight average molar masses of 2, 14, and 53 kg/mol from 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene onto zeolite SH‐300 at temperature as high as 140∘C. It is the authors′ understanding that this is the first demonstration of an adsorption isotherms for polyethylene. The measurement with the CRYSTAF instrument reduces manual manipulations with dangerous solvents at high temperature and enables automated long‐time monitoring of the concentration of the solute in an adsorption system.
Instantaneous Triple‐Frequency GPS Cycle‐Slip Detectionand Repair
Authors: Dai Zhen , Knedlik Stefan , Loffeld Otmar
Published: August 2009

A real‐time algorithm to detect, determine, and validate the cycle‐slips for triple‐frequency GPS is proposed. The cycle‐slip detection is implemented by simultaneously applying two geometry‐free phase combinations in order to detect more insensitive cycle‐slips, and it is applicable for high data rate applications. The cycle‐slip determination adaptively uses the predicted phase data and the code data. LAMBDA technique is applied to search for the cycle‐slip candidates. The cycle‐slip validation provides strict test criteria to identify the cycle‐slip candidates under low phase noise. The reliability of the proposed algorithms is tested in different simulated scenarios.
The Horizon of Unintentional Injuries among Children in Low-Income Setting: An Overview from Bangladesh Health and Injury Survey
Authors: Chowdhury S. M. , Rahman A. , Mashreky S. R. , Giashuddin S. M. , Svanström L. , Hörte L. G. , Rahman F.
Published: August 2009

Introduction. The paper aims to explore the magnitude and distribution of unintentional injuries among Bangladeshi children ( years).Methodology. A cross sectional survey was conducted during 2003 (January to December) in 12 randomly selected districts and Dhaka Metropolitan City of Bangladesh. Nationally representative data were collected from 171 366 households comprising of 351 651 children of under 18 years. Information includes the number of deaths and illness at the household in the preceding year. Verbal autopsy and verbal diagnosis form was used to determine the cause of mortality and morbidity respectively.Results. There were 351651 children in the study, of which 5577 had one or more injuries in the past one year. Drowning and falls was the leading cause of injury mortality and morbidity in children over 1 year of age respectively. Incidence of unintentional injuries was significantly higher among boys (95% CI = 2157.8) than girls (95% CI = 968.7 1085.8) while rural children were the most vulnerable group. Home and its premises was the most common place for the injury incidence.Conclusion. The result of the study could be an insight to the policy makers to develop realistic and effective strategies to address the issue.
P2P and MPEG FGS Encoding: A Good Recipe for Multipoint Video Transmission on the Internet
Authors: Lombardo Alfio , Reforgiato Diego , Schembra Giovanni
Published: August 2009

In the last years Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems have gained ground for content sharing between communities, determining a real revolution on the Internet. The characteristics of P2P systems make them a very good choice for multimedia content distribution over IP networks. However, although P2P technology gives new opportunities to define an efficient multimedia streaming application, at the same time it involves a set of technical challenges and issues due to the best-effort service offered by the Internet and its dynamic and heterogeneous nature. The most of existent protocols for video communications over P2P mainly focus on tree topology maintenance, without paying any attention to the encoding problem. The idea of this paper is to propose a multipoint video broadcast framework over a heterogeneous content distribution P2P network. In the proposed system the source generates the video flow by using an MPEG-4/FGS encoder, in such a way that no losses occur at the Baselayer stream even in the presence of short-term bandwidth fluctuations. Although in the past the FGS was not employed due to its encoding complexity, today, thanks to advances in hardware technology, we were able to develop an MPEG-4/FGS encoder on low-cost PCs which turned out to be more feasible and appealing for its flexibility. The FGS layer is sent together with the Base layer, but with a lower priority. The source uses a rate controller to regulate the encoding rate of the Base layer. To this aim, a protocol is defined in order to provide the source with information related to the most stringent bottleneck link on the overlay network. A technique to reorganize the content distribution tree is proposed and discussed. To evaluate the performance of the proposed framework a case study is introduced; improvements obtained with respect to several reference cases where FGS is not applied are also shown.
Interleukin-8 Producing Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Pyrexia
Authors: Harimoto Norifumi , Shirabe Ken , Abe Tomoyuki , Kajiyama Kiyoshi , Nagaie Takashi , Gion Tomonobu , Kuroda Yousuke , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: August 2009

We discuss a patient who had poorly differentiated HCC with pyrexia and high CRP in laboratory data, which are not commonly observed in the usual HCC. A 50-year-old man with a history of liver dysfunction was admitted with a chief complaint of a prolonged fever and general fatigue. Preoperative diagnosis was HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus. Posterior segmentectomy of the liver and thrombectomy was performed. Rapid tumor recurrence occurred after surgery, and he died 79 days after the operation. Immunohistochemical stain of HCC in this patient revealed the production of proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-8 (IL-8). IL-8 production may have contributed to the high fever, high inflammatory reaction, and poor prognosis in this case.
The SPES3 Experimental Facility Design for the IRIS Reactor Simulation
Authors: Carelli Mario , Conway Lawrence , Dzodzo Milorad , Maioli Andrea , Oriani Luca , Storrick Gary , Petrovic Bojan , Achilli Andrea , Cattadori Gustavo , Congiu Cinzia , Ferri Roberta , Ricotti Marco , Papini Davide , Bianchi Fosco , Meloni Paride , Monti Stefano , Berra Fabio , Grgic Davor , Yoder Graydon , Alemberti Alessandro
Published: August 2009

IRIS is an advanced integral pressurized water reactor, developed by an international consortium led by Westinghouse. The licensing process requires the execution of integral and separate effect tests on a properly scaled reactor simulator for reactor concept, safety system verification, and code assessment. Within the framework of an Italian R&D program on Nuclear Fission, managed by ENEA and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, the SPES3 facility is under design and will be built and operated at SIET laboratories. SPES3 simulates the primary, secondary, and containment systems of IRIS with 1 : 100 volume scale, full elevation, and prototypical thermal‐hydraulic conditions. The simulation of the facility with the RELAP5 code and the execution of the tests will provide a reliable tool for data extrapolation and safety analyses of the final IRIS design. This paper summarises the main design steps of the SPES3 integral test facility, underlying choices and phases that lead to the final design.
Genome‐Wide Transcriptional Profiling of the Response of Staphylococcus aureus to Cryptotanshinone
Authors: Feng Haihua , Xiang Hua , Zhang Jiyu , Liu Guowen , Guo Na , Wang Xuelin , Wu Xiuping , Deng Xuming , Yu Lu
Published: August 2009

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strains with multiple antibiotic resistances are increasingly widespread, and new agents are required for the treatment of S. aureus. Cryptotanshinone (CT), a major tanshinone of medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, demonstrated effective in vitro antibacterial activity against all 21 S. aureus strains tested in this experiment. Affymetrix GeneChips were utilized to determine the global transcriptional response of S. aureus ATCC 25923 to treatment with subinhibitory concentrations of CT. Transcriptome profiling indicated that the antibacterial action of CT may be associated with its action as active oxygen radical generator; S. aureus undergoes an oxygen‐limiting state upon exposure to CT.
q‐Gaussian Distributions: Simplifications and Simulations
Authors: Szabłowski Paweł J.
Published: August 2009

We present some properties of measures (q‐Gaussian) that orthogonalize the set of q‐Hermite polynomials. We also present an algorithm for simulating i.i.d. sequences of random variables having q‐Gaussian distribution.
Searching for MIND: MicroRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Barbato Christian , Ruberti Francesca , Cogoni Carlo
Published: August 2009

In few years our understanding of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis, molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate gene expression, and the functional roles of miRNAs has been expanded. Interestingly, numerous miRNAs are expressed in a spatially and temporally controlled manner in the nervous system, suggesting that their posttrascriptional regulation may be particularly relevant in neural development and function. MiRNA studies in neurobiology showed their involvement in synaptic plasticity and brain diseases. In this review ,correlations between miRNA‐mediated gene silencing and Alzheimer′s, Parkinson′s, and other neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed. Molecular and cellular neurobiological studies of the miRNAs in neurodegeneration represent the exploration of a new Frontier of miRNAs biology and the potential development of new diagnostic tests and genetic therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Antifungal and Spectral Studies of Cr(III) and Mn(II) Complexes Derived from 3,3′-Thiodipropionic Acid Derivative
Authors: Chandra Sulekh , Sharma Amit Kumar
Published: August 2009

The Cr(III) and Mn(II) complexes with a ligand derived from 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements, IR, UV, and EPR spectral studies. The complexes are found to have [Cr(L)X]X2 and [Mn(L)X]X, compositions, where L = quinquedentate ligand and X=NO3−, Cl− and OAc−. The complexes possess the six coordinated octahedral geometry with monomeric compositions. The evaluated bonding parameters, Aiso and β, account for the covalent type metal-ligand bonding. The fungicidal activity of the compounds was evaluated in vitro by employing Food Poison Technique.
Toxicity of Xanthene Food Dyes by Inhibition of Human Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes in a Noncompetitive Manner
Authors: Mizutani Takaharu
Published: August 2009

The synthetic food dyes studied were rose bengal (RB), phroxine (PL), amaranth, erythrosine B (ET), allura red, new coccine, acid red (AR), tartrazine, sunset yellow FCF, brilliant blue FCF, and indigo carmine. First, data confirmed that these dyes were not substrates for CYP2A6, UGT1A6, and UGT2B7. ET inhibited UGT1A6 (glucuronidation of p-nitrophenol) and UGT2B7 (glucuronidation of androsterone). We showed the inhibitory effect of xanthene dye on human UGT1A6 activity. Basic ET, PL, and RB in those food dyes strongly inhibited UGT1A6 activity, withIC50values = 0.05, 0.04, and 0.015 mM, respectively. Meanwhile, AR of an acidic xanthene food dye showed no inhibition. Next, we studied the inhibition of CYP3A4 of a major phase I drug-metabolizing enzyme and P-glycoprotein of a major transporter by synthetic food dyes. Human CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein were also inhibited by basic xanthene food dyes. TheIC50values of these dyes to inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein were the same as the inhibition level of UGT1A6 by three halogenated xanthene food dyes (ET, PL, and RB) described above, except AR, like the results with UGT1A6 and UGT2B7. We also confirmed the noninhibition of CYP3A4 and P-gp by other synthetic food dyes. Part of this inhibition depended upon the reaction ofO12originating on xanthene dyes by light irradiation, because inhibition was prevented byO1 2quenchers. We studied the influence of superoxide dismutase and catalase on this inhibition by dyes and we found prevention of inhibition by superoxide dismutase but not catalase. This result suggests that superoxide anions, originating on dyes by light irradiation, must attack drug-metabolizing enzymes. It is possible that red cosmetics containing phloxine, erythrosine, or rose bengal react with proteins on skin under lighting and may lead to rough skin.
New Statistical Multiparticle Approach to the Acceleration of Electrons by the Ion Field in Plasmas
Authors: Oks Eugene
Published: August 2009

The phenomenon of the acceleration of the (perturbing) electrons by the ion field (AEIF) significantly reduces Stark widths and shifts in plasmas of relatively high densities and/or relatively low temperature. Our previous analytical calculations of the AEIF were based on the dynamical treatment: the starting point was the ion-microfield-caused changes of the trajectories and velocities of individual perturbing electrons. In the current paper, we employ a statistical approach: the starting point is the electron velocity distribution function modified by the ion microfield. The latter had been calculated by Romanovsky and Ebeling in the multiparticle description of the ion microfield. The result shows again the reduction of the electron Stark broadening. Thus two totally different analytical approaches (dynamical and statistical) agree with each other and therefore disprove the corresponding recent fully-numerical simulations by Stambulchik et al. that claimed an increase of the electron Stark broadening.
Consumption of Cross-Linked Resistant Starch (RS4XL) on Glucose and Insulin Responses in Humans
Authors: Al-Tamimi Enas K. , Seib Paul A. , Snyder Brian S. , Haub Mark D.
Published: August 2009

Objective. The objective was to compare the postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses to nutrition bars containing either cross-linked RS type 4 (RS4XL) or standard wheat starch in normoglycemic adults (n= 13; age = 27±5 years; BMI = 25±3 kg/m2).Methods. Volunteers completed three trials during which they consumed a glucose beverage (GLU), a puffed wheat control bar (PWB), and a bar containing cross-linked RS4 (RS4XL) matched for available carbohydrate content. Serial blood samples were collected over two hours and glucose and insulin concentrations were determined and the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was calculated.Results. TheRS4XLpeak glucose and insulin concentrations were lower than the GLU and PWB (P<.05). The iAUC for glucose and insulin were lower following ingestion of RS4 compared with the GLU and PWB trials.Conclusions. These data illustrate, for the first time, that directly substituting standard starch withRS4XL, while matched for available carbohydrates, attenuated postprandial glucose and insulin levels in humans. It remains to be determined whether this response was due to the dietary fiber and/or resistant starch aspects of theRS4XLbar.
Alcohol Intake, Myocardial Infarction, Biochemical Risk Factors, and Alcohol Dehydrogenase Genotypes
Authors: Tolstrup Janne S. , Gr�nb�k Morten , Nordestgaard B�rge G.
Published: August 2009

Background—

The risk of myocardial infarction is lower among light-to-moderate alcohol drinkers compared with abstainers. We tested associations between alcohol intake and risk of myocardial infarction and risk factors and whether these associations are modified by variations in alcohol dehydrogenases.

Methods and Results—

We used information on 9584 men and women from the Danish general population in the Copenhagen City Heart Study. During follow-up, from 1991 to 2007, 663 incident cases of myocardial infarction occurred. We observed that increasing alcohol intake was associated with decreasing risk of myocardial infarction, decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fibrinogen, increasing diastolic and systolic blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and with U-shaped nonfasting triglycerides. In contrast,
ADH1B
and
ADH1C
genotypes were not associated with risk of myocardial infarction or with any of the cardiovascular biochemical risk factors, and there was no indication that associations between alcohol intake and myocardial infarction and between alcohol intake and risk factors were modified by genotypes.

Conclusions—

Increasing alcohol intake is associated with decreasing risk of myocardial infarction, decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fibrinogen, increasing diastolic and systolic blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and U-shaped nonfasting triglycerides. These associations were not modified by
ADH1B
and
ADH1C
are genotypes.
Morphology, molecular characterisation and systematic position of Hemiplectus muscorum Zell, 1991 (Nematoda: Plectida)
Authors: Holovachov Oleksandr , Boström Sven , Mundo-Ocampo Manuel , Tandingan De Ley Irma , Yoder Melissa , Burr A. H. Jay , De Ley Paul
Published: August 2009

Hemiplectus muscorum, the type and single representative of its genus, is
redescribed on the basis of abundant new material collected in the UK,
Canada and the USA using both light and scanning electron microscopy. The
phylogenetic relationships of the species are inferred from morphological as
well as molecular data. Maximum parsimony, neighbour joining and maximum
likelihood analyses of small subunit (SSU) rRNA sequences support a position
nested among the Plectidae. This conflicts with our morphological
assumptions of character polarity, as it implies that the absence of a
valvate bulb in Hemiplectus is a reversal rather than a plesiomorphy. The
excretory system of Hemiplectus is described more precisely. Its structure
is highly reminiscent of the system in Plectus but differs in the presence
of an anterior and posterior pair of pseudocoelomocytes flanking the renette
cell. A pair of lateral somatic setae is identified as possible homologues
of the 'deirids' in Plectus and Rhabditida. Measurements and descriptions
are given of all four juvenile stages.
What Happened to the Promise?
Authors: Niewolny Kim L. , Wilson Arthur L.
Published: August 2009

Cleary it is no longer possible to think about learning without context. Although context cannot be ignored anymore, educators often struggle to explain how people learn in and with various contexts. Situated cognition and cultural—historical activity theory (CHAT) hold promise for understanding how adult learners are cultural and historical agents embedded within and constituted by socially structured relationships and tool-mediated activity. This promise, however, is not yet realized as the politicized nature of learning in practice that is foundational to both situated cognition and CHAT remains overlooked in adult learning literature. To move toward fulfilling the promise, this literature review emphasizes the neglected dimensions of recursivity and power within situated cognition and CHAT frameworks.
Management of West Syndrome in a Patient With Methylmalonic Aciduria
Authors: Campeau Philippe M. , Valayannopoulos Vassili , Touati Guy , Bahi-Buisson Nadia , Boddaert Nathalie , Plouin Perrine , Rabier Daniel , Benoist Jean-François , Dulac Olivier , de Lonlay Pascale , Desguerre Isabelle
Published: August 2009

Infantile spasms (or West syndrome) occur occasionally in patients with branched-chain organic acidurias. We describe a patient diagnosed with methylmalonic aciduria at 4.5 months of age during an episode of metabolic decompensation. The child was developmentally delayed and hypotonic; his electroencephalography (EEG) showed hypsarrythmia and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated moderate abnormalities in the globi pallidi. Following the failure of vigabatrin and lamotrigine to control the spasms, hydrocortisone was introduced. Methylmalonic acid excretion increased at the onset of steroid therapy but was rapidly corrected with transient protein restriction and initiation of metronidazole therapy. Full control of spasms and hypsarrythmia permitted the discontinuation of hydrocortisone therapy a year following its initiation. Tone and development improved although the latter remained delayed. This case illustrates the importance of screening for inborn errors of metabolism in seizure disorders, and that, although challenging, the management of methylmalonic aciduria with concurrent steroid therapy is possible and beneficial.
The Impacts of Variations in Development Context on Employment Growth: A Comparison of Central Cities in Michigan and Ontario, 1980-2006
Authors: Jacobs A.J.
Published: August 2009

This study compares post-1980 central city employment trends in the state of Michigan and the province of Ontario, similar-sized, closely linked by trade, and situated within the same natural region but in different federalist nations. Guided by interviews with 124 development officials, the study describes how variations in Michigan’s and Ontario’s central cities’ employment mix, “state” approach to development, framework for local authority, and sociodemographic dynamics (e.g., interracial relations, racial distribution, and others) have been among several embedded or contextual factors fostering divergent employment trends in their respective central cities.The study’s findings also demonstrate how state/provincial embeddedness has remained especially influential.To help bridge the gap between theory and concrete public policy making, the article’s conclusion offers a set of factors to be considered by scholars and practitioners in their efforts to understand and compare growth trends in urban areas.As a group, these elements are called the contextualized model of urban-regional development.
Development of the Ghent Multidimensional Somatic Complaints Scale
Authors: Beirens Koen , Fontaine Johnny R. J.
Published: August 2009

The present study aimed at developing a new scale that operationalizes a hierarchical model of somatic complaints. First, 63 items representing a wide range of symptoms and sensations were compiled from somatic complaints scales and emotion literature. These complaints were rated by Belgian students ( n = 307) and Belgian adults ( n = 603). Exploratory factor analyses identified a gastrointestinal, cardiorespiratory, pain, temperature regulation, and fatigue factor. Next, the number of complaints was reduced to 18. Second, the short scale, called the Ghent Multidimensional Somatic Complaints Scale (GMSC), was administered to Belgian students ( n = 735), Belgian adults ( n = 664), and Turkish adults ( n = 222). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that a higher-order model with five first-order and one second-order factor fitted best. Regression analyses demonstrated that the first-order factors were differentially related to anxiety, depression, anger, age, and gender. In sum, the GMSC scale offers the possibility to assess individual differences in somatic complaints from a hierarchical perspective.
Expanding the Construct Validity of the Relationship Profile Test: Associations With Physical Health and Anaclitic and Introjective Traits
Authors: Huprich Steven K. , Wei Cheng Hsiao  , Porcerelli John H. , Bornstein Robert F. , Markova Tsveti
Published: August 2009

The authors examined the construct validity of the Relationship Profile Test (RPT) with respect to measures of two related constructs—physical health and well-being (functional health status), and depression-linked personality type (anaclitic vs. introjective). In Study 1, the authors administered the RPT, Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (MOS SF-20) to 116 undergraduate students. In Study 2, the RPT, DEQ, and MOS SF-20 were administered to 110, mostly African American female, primary care outpatients. Destructive Overdependence was positively correlated with anaclitic and introjective trait scores in both samples. Dysfunctional Detachment was positively correlated with introjective scores in both samples and with anaclitic scores in the primary care sample. Healthy Dependency was negatively correlated with introjective scores in both samples and with anaclitic scores in the primary care sample. These studies support the construct validity of the RPT in ethnically diverse nonclinical and clinical samples, and extend previous findings documenting links between RPT subscale scores and scores on measures of other theoretically related constructs.
From Guidance Signals to Movement: Signaling Molecules Governing Growth Cone Turning
Authors: Hong Kyonsoo , Nishiyama Makoto
Published: August 2009

Directed growth cone movements in response to external guidance signals are required for the establishment of functional neuronal connections during development, adult nerve regeneration, and adult neurogenesis. Growth cone intrinsic properties permit different growth cone responses (e.g., attraction or repulsion) to a guidance signal, and alterations to these intrinsic properties often result in opposite growth cone responses. This article reviews the current knowledge of growth cone signaling, emphasizing the dependency of Ca2+ signaling on membrane potential shifts, and cyclic nucleotide and phosphoinositide signaling pathways during growth cone turning in response to guidance signals. We also discuss how asymmetrical growth cone signaling is achieved for the fine-tuned growth cone movement.
Computerized Cognitive Assessment of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Urban African Americans
Authors: Doniger Glen M. , Jo Mi-Yeoung , Simon Ely S. , Crystal Howard A.
Published: August 2009

Few objective cognitive assessment tools have been validated for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in African Americans despite higher prevalence of disease. This preliminary study evaluated discriminant validity of a computerized cognitive assessment battery for MCI in an urban African American cohort. Twenty-seven participants with MCI and 22 cognitively healthy individuals completed a multidomain battery (Mindstreams, NeuroTrax Corp, New Jersey). Mild cognitive impairment participants performed more poorly than cognitively healthy participants in all domains, with significant differences in memory (P = .003; d = 0.96), executive function (P = .046; d = 0.64), and overall battery performance (P = .041; d = 0.63). Adjustment for intelligence quotient (IQ) yielded significant differences in memory (P < .001; d = 1.34), executive function (P = .007; d = 0.86), attention (P = .014; d = .80), and overall performance (P = .001; d = 1.09). Such a validated battery may help to address an important clinical need in this population.
The Northwestern Anagram Test: Measuring Sentence Production in Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Weintraub Sandra , Mesulam M.-Marsel , Wieneke Christina , Rademaker Alfred , Rogalski Emily J. , Thompson Cynthia K.
Published: August 2009

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a clinical dementia syndrome with early symptoms of language dysfunction. Postmortem findings are varied and include Alzheimer disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), both tauopathies and TAR DNA binding protein (TDP-43) proteinopathies. Clinical-pathological correlations in PPA are complex but the presence in the clinical profile of agrammatism has a high association with tauopathy. Grammatical competence is difficult to assess in the clinical setting with available methods. This article describes the Northwestern Anagram Test (NAT), a new clinical measure of sentence production. A total of 16 patients with PPA and their controls assembled single printed words to create sentences describing pictures. Northwestern Anagram Test performance was significantly correlated with a measure of sentence production and with aphasia severity but not with measures of naming, single word comprehension, object recognition, or motor speech. The NAT can be used to assess syntax competence when patients cannot be tested with measures that require intact speech production.
Selenoprotein N is dynamically expressed during mouse development and detected early in muscle precursors
Authors: Castets Perrine , Maugenre Svetlana , Gartioux Corine , Rederstorff Mathieu , Krol Alain , Lescure Alain , Tajbakhsh Shahragim , Allamand Valérie , Guicheney Pascale
Published: August 2009

Background

In humans, mutations in the SEPN1 gene, encoding selenoprotein N (SelN), are involved in early onset recessive neuromuscular disorders, referred to as SEPN1-related-myopathies. The mechanisms behind these pathologies are poorly understood since the function of SelN remains elusive. However, previous results obtained in humans and more recently in zebrafish pointed to a potential role for SelN during embryogenesis. Using qRT-PCR, Western blot and whole mount in situ hybridization, we characterized in detail the spatio-temporal expression pattern of the murine Sepn1 gene during development, focusing particularly on skeletal muscles.

Results

In whole embryos, Sepn1 transcripts were detected as early as E5.5, with expression levels peaking at E12.5, and then strongly decreasing until birth. In isolated tissues, only mild transcriptional variations were observed during development, whereas a striking reduction of the protein expression was detected during the perinatal period. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Sepn1 is expressed early in somites and restricted to the myotome, the sub-ectodermal mesenchyme and the dorsal root ganglia at mid-gestation stages. Interestingly, Sepn1 deficiency did not alter somitogenesis in embryos, suggesting that SelN is dispensable for these processes in mouse.

Conclusion

We characterized for the first time the expression pattern of Sepn1 during mammalian embryogenesis and we demonstrated that its differential expression is most likely dependent on major post-transcriptional regulations. Overall, our data strongly suggest a potential role for selenoprotein N from mid-gestation stages to the perinatal period. Interestingly, its specific expression pattern could be related to the current hypothesis that selenoprotein N may regulate the activity of the ryanodine receptors.
Hippocampal volumes are important predictors for memory function in elderly women
Authors: Ystad Martin A , Lundervold Astri J , Wehling Eike , Espeseth Thomas , Rootwelt Helge , Westlye Lars Tjelta , Andersson Martin , Adolfsdottir Steinunn , Geitung Jonn Terje , Fjell Anders M , Reinvang Ivar , Lundervold Arvid
Published: August 2009

Background

Normal aging involves a decline in cognitive function that has been shown to correlate with volumetric change in the hippocampus, and with genetic variability in the APOE-gene. In the present study we utilize 3D MR imaging, genetic analysis and assessment of verbal memory function to investigate relationships between these factors in a sample of 170 healthy volunteers (age range 46–77 years).

Methods

Brain morphometric analysis was performed with the automated segmentation work-flow implemented in FreeSurfer. Genetic analysis of the APOE genotype was determined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on DNA from whole-blood. All individuals were subjected to extensive neuropsychological testing, including the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT). To obtain robust and easily interpretable relationships between explanatory variables and verbal memory function we applied the recent method of conditional inference trees in addition to scatterplot matrices and simple pairwise linear least-squares regression analysis.

Results

APOE genotype had no significant impact on the CVLT results (scores on long delay free recall, CVLT-LD) or the ICV-normalized hippocampal volumes. Hippocampal volumes were found to decrease with age and a right-larger-than-left hippocampal asymmetry was also found. These findings are in accordance with previous studies. CVLT-LD score was shown to correlate with hippocampal volume. Multivariate conditional inference analysis showed that gender and left hippocampal volume largely dominated predictive values for CVLT-LD scores in our sample. Left hippocampal volume dominated predictive values for females but not for males. APOE genotype did not alter the model significantly, and age was only partly influencing the results.

Conclusion

Gender and left hippocampal volumes are main predictors for verbal memory function in normal aging. APOE genotype did not affect the results in any part of our analysis.
Risk of obesity in immigrants compared with Swedes in two deprived neighbourhoods
Authors: Faskunger Johan , Eriksson Ulf , Johansson Sven-Erik , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan
Published: August 2009

Background

Despite a strong social gradient in the prevalence of obesity, there is little scientific understanding of obesity in people settled in deprived neighbourhoods. Few studies are actually based on objectively measured data using random sampling of residents in deprived neighbourhoods. In addition, most studies use a crude measure, the body mass index, to estimate obesity. This is of concern because it may cause inaccurate estimations of the true prevalence and give the wrong picture of the factors associated with obesity. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of, and analyse the sociodemographic factors associated with, three indices of obesity in different ethnic groups settled in two deprived neighbourhoods in Sweden.

Methods

Height and weight, waist circumference and body fat percentage were objectively measured in a random sample (n = 289). Sociodemographic data were obtained through a survey. Established cut-offs were used to determine obesity. Country of birth was categorized as Swedish, Other European, and Middle Eastern. Odds ratios were estimated by unconditional logistic regression.

Results

One third of the sample was classified as obese overall, with 39.0% of women being abdominally obese. After adjusting for age, we found higher odds of obesity in Middle Eastern women than in Swedish women regardless of outcome with odds ratios ranging between 2.74 and 5.53. Men of other European origin had higher odds of BMI obesity than Swedish men. Most associations between country of birth and obesity remained in the full model.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the magnitude of the obesity problem and the need for prevention programmes targeting native and immigrant adults in deprived neighbourhoods in Sweden. The initiatives should also focus on particular groups, e.g. immigrant women and those experiencing economic difficulties. Further studies are needed on behavioural and environmental factors influencing the risk of obesity in residents settled in deprived neighbourhoods.