bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer‐associated mutations are preferentially distributed in protein kinase functional sites
Authors: Izarzugaza Jose M. G. , Redfern Oliver C. , Orengo Christine A. , Valencia Alfonso
Published: June 2009

Protein kinases are a superfamily involved in many crucial cellular processes, including signal transmission and regulation of cell cycle. As a consequence of this role, kinases have been reported to be associated with many types of cancer and are considered as potential therapeutic targets. We analyzed the distribution of pathogenic somatic point mutations (drivers) in the protein kinase superfamily with respect to their location in the protein, such as in structural, evolutionary, and functionally relevant regions. We find these driver mutations are more clearly associated with key protein features than other somatic mutations (passengers) that have not been directly linked to tumor progression. This observation fits well with the expected implication of the alterations in protein kinase function in cancer pathogenicity. To explain the relevance of the detected association of cancer driver mutations at the molecular level in the human kinome, we compare these with genetically inherited mutations (SNPs). We find that the subset of nonsynonymous SNPs that are associated to disease, but sufficiently mild to the point of being widespread in the population, tend to avoid those key protein regions, where they could be more detrimental for protein function. This tendency contrasts with the one detected for cancer associated‐driver‐mutations, which seems to be more directly implicated in the alteration of protein function. The detailed analysis of protein kinase groups and a number of relevant examples, confirm the relation between cancer associated‐driver‐mutations and key regions for protein kinase structure and function. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of ligand binding sites using homologous structures and conservation at CASP8
Authors: Wass Mark N. , Sternberg Michael J. E.
Published: June 2009

The critical assessment of protein structure prediction experiment is a blind assessment of the prediction of protein structure and related topics including function prediction. We present our results in the function/binding site prediction category. Our approach to identify binding sites combined the use of the predicted structure of the targets with both residue conservation and the location of ligands bound to homologous structures. We obtained an average coverage of 83% and 56% accuracy. Analysis of our predictions suggests that overprediction reduces the accuracy obtained due to large areas of conservation around the binding site that do not bind the ligand. In some proteins such conserved residues may have a functional role. A server version of our method will soon be available. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of P‐glycoprotein function by procyanidine on blood–brain barrier
Authors: He Ling , Zhao Chuan , Yan Ming , Zhang Lu‐Yong , Xia Yuan‐Zheng
Published: June 2009

The inhibitory effects of procyanidine, one of the components from the bark ofPinus massonianaLamb, on the P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) function of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) were studied usingin vitrorat brain microvessel endothelial cells (RBMECs) and nude mice transplanted with human cerebroma. Quantitative accumulation and efflux of rhodamine 123 (Rh123), a P‐gp substrate, were determined using a fluorescence spectrophotometer as a measure of P‐gp function. Procyanidine markedly increased the accumulation of Rh123 by inhibiting its efflux in a dose‐dependent manner. A 5‐fold increase in cellular Rh123 was observed for procyanidine at 10 µmol/L. The verapamil‐stimulated ATPase activity in plasma membrane vesicles from the RBMECs was estimated by measuring inorganic phosphate liberation. Procyanidine significantly inhibited the verapamil‐induced P‐gp ATPase activity by 78% when pretreated with 10 µmol/L in a concentration‐dependent manner. The inhibition of P‐gp by procyanidine was suggested to be at least partly due to its inhibition of P‐gp ATPase. Procyanidine markedly improved the therapeutic effects of adriamycin (ADM) on nude mice transplanted with human cerebroma, compared with solitary treatment of ADM. The combination of 80 mg/kg procyanidine with 2 mg/kg ADM significantly elevated the days of survival with an increase in life span of 76%. The findings suggested that procyanidine was a potent inhibitor of P‐gp on BBB and could improve the therapeutic effects on cerebral tumors of some drugs which are difficult to accumulate in the brain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The super‐droplet method for the numerical simulation of clouds and precipitation: a particle‐based and probabilistic microphysics model coupled with a non‐hydrostatic model
Authors: Shima S. , Kusano K. , Kawano A. , Sugiyama T. , Kawahara S.
Published: June 2009

A novel, particle‐based, probabilistic approach for the simulation of cloud microphysics is proposed, which is named the super‐droplet method (SDM). This method enables the accurate simulation of cloud microphysics with a less demanding cost in computation. SDM is applied to a warm‐cloud system, which incorporates sedimentation, condensation/evaporation and stochastic coalescence. The methodology to couple super‐droplets and a non‐hydrostatic model is also developed. It is confirmed that the result of our Monte Carlo scheme for the stochastic coalescence of super‐droplets agrees fairly well with the solutions of the stochastic coalescence equation. The behaviour of the model is evaluated using a simple test problem, that of a shallow maritime cumulus formation initiated by a warm bubble. Possible extensions of SDM are briefly discussed. A theoretical analysis suggests that the computational cost of SDM becomes lower than the spectral (bin) method when the number of attributes—the variables that identify the state of each super‐droplet—becomes larger than some critical value, which we estimate to be in the range$2\sim4$. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Organizational attributes of Highly Reliable complex systems
Authors: Gifun J. F. , Karydas D. M.
Published: June 2009

Organizations that effectively anticipate, resist, and recover from disasters and system disturbances follow the successful practices of organizations that embody high organizational quality, reliability, disaster resistance, and resilience as a precondition for product or service quality and reliability. The model proposed herein was developed and derived from acomprehensive examination of the following organizational models: the High Reliability Organization, the Disaster Resistant University, the Resilient Enterprise, Enterprise Risk Management, Risk‐Based Process Safety, Reactor Oversight Process, Hearts and Minds, and Business Continuity Planning. The proposed model, named the Highly Reliable Resilient Organization, integrates the common attributes of each these models and optimizes the balance of complexity and simplicity to ensure that the model is comprehensive enough to reflect reality and yet manageable within the operational systems of the organization. This balance provides value to the organization and ensures sustained use of the model. A case study describing the method used by a stakeholder group to verify the model and assign weights to the criteria therein is included. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cumulative impacts of river engineering, Mississippi and Lower Missouri rivers
Authors: Pinter Nicholas , Jemberie Abebe A. , Remo Jonathan W. F. , Heine Reuben A. , Ickes Brian S.
Published: June 2009

The goal of this study was to construct a large, data‐rich model to test hydrological responses to engineering modifications on over 3200 km of the Mississippi and Lower Missouri Rivers. We compiled model explanatory variables from a geospatial database quantifying construction of all bridges, wing dikes, bendway weirs, levees, artificial meander cutoffs, channel constriction and navigational dams over the past 100–150 years. Response variables were derived from 68 rated and un‐rated hydrologic stations in the study area, with responses analysed across a range of discharges from within‐channel flows up to moderate floods. Correlation analysis, multiple linear regression and stepwise regression analyses document strong and consistent responses to construction history, both in individual reach‐scale models and systemwide. Meander cutoffs are associated with degradation and acceleration of flow that has reduced stages across the full discharge range. Navigational dams on the Upper Mississippi River increased low‐flow stages and flood levels to a lesser extent, with little or no post‐dam change. One of the strongest signals was the hydrologic response to wing‐dike construction, which resulted in large back‐water increases in stage upstream of wing dikes and mixed effects downstream, including the overlapping effects of incision and velocity losses. Levees were associated with local flow concentration, overbank storage loss and floodplain conveyance loss depending on reach‐scale conditions. The results presented here (1) quantify incremental and cumulative hydrologic responses to a range of engineering activities and (2) provide an empirical tool for verifying and assessing hydraulic and other models of river‐system change. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cotransplantation of Placental Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Enhances Single and Double Cord Blood Engraftment in Nonobese Diabetic/Severe Combined Immune Deficient Mice
Authors: Hiwase Smita D , Dyson Pamela G , To L. Bik , Lewis Ian D.
Published: June 2009

Limited cell numbers in a unit restricts cord blood transplantation (CBT) in adults. We evaluated whether cotransplantation of placental mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) would enhance engraftment. Plastic adherent cells from placenta demonstrated typical characteristics of MSCs. In six individual experiments, 4 cohorts of 24 nonobese diabetic/severe combined immune deficient (NOD/SCID) mice were evaluated. Cohort 1 received 5 × 104 CD34+ cells from unit (U) one (SCBT); cohort 2 received 5 × 104 CD34+ cells from U1 + 4 × 104 MSCs (SCBT+MSCs); cohort 3 received 2.5 × 104 CD34+ cells from U1 + 2.5 × 104 CD34+ cells from U2 (double cord blood transplant [DCBT]); cohort 4 received 2.5 × 104 CD34+ cells from U1 + 2.5 × 104 CD34+ cells from U2 + 4 × 104 MSCs (DCBT+MSCs). Hematopoietic engraftment evaluated after 6 to 8 weeks, was similar in recipients of SCBT and DCBT. MSC cotransplantation demonstrated enhanced engraftment in DCBT (51.8 ± 6.8% versus 14.9 ± 6.5%; p = .04) with an increased trend in SCBT (48.7 ± 7.7% versus 17.5 ± 6.1%; p = .07). In DCBT, cotransplantation of placental MSCs reduced single cord dominance. Self-renewal capacity was assessed by serial transplantation in secondary recipients infused with engrafted human cells from primary mice transplanted with or without MSCs. In secondary transplant experiments, 13 of 17 evaluable mice engrafted at levels of 1% to 6.5%. Despite enhanced engraftment in primary mice, long-term engraftment capacity was unaltered with MSC cotransplantation. Imaging studies showed MSCs migrated to pelvic region and improved cord blood (CB) CD34+ homing. Cotransplantation of placental MSCs enhanced cord blood engraftment and may act by improving homing of CD34+ cells.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Species composition, diversity, and abundance of lianas in different secondary and primary forests in a subtropical mountainous area, SW China
Authors: Yuan Chun‐ming , Liu Wen‐yao , Tang Cindy Q. , Li Xiao‐shuang
Published: June 2009

The species composition, diversity, and abundance of lianas were studied in four secondary forests (a 100‐year‐old forest, a middle‐aged forest, and two younger secondary forests), and compared with an undisturbed primary forest in the Ailao Mountains of subtropical SW China. The results showed that the species composition of lianas differed greatly from the secondary forests to the primary forest, which exhibit early and late‐successional species. The abundance of lianas was relatively higher in the two younger and middle‐aged secondary forests than in the old‐growth secondary and primary forests. However, liana species richness was very limited in the four secondary forests as compared to the primary forest. Root climbers mainly grew in the primary forest, whereas tendril and hook climbers predominated in the four secondary forests, while stem twiners were common in both. The majority of lianas recorded in this study reproduced by animal dispersal, and there was no variation in dispersal modes across the five forest types. A step‐wise regression showed that the abundance of small lianas (dbh <4 cm) was positively correlated with the abundance of small‐ and medium‐sized tree stems and negatively correlated with the abundance of large‐sized tree stems, whereas there is a strong positive correlation between the abundance of large lianas (dbh ≥4 cm) and large tree stems. Results from the CCA indicate that canopy openness, soil moisture, and average canopy height were the most important factors that influenced the abundance and distribution of lianas.
Preparation and Characterization of Silica-Coated Magnetic–Fluorescent Bifunctional Microspheres
Authors: Xiao Qi , Xiao Chong
Published: June 2009

Bifunctional magnetic–fluorescent composite nanoparticles (MPQDs) with Fe3O4MPs and Mn:ZnS/ZnS core–shell quantum dots (QDs) encapsulated in silica spheres were synthesized through reverse microemulsion method and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibration sample magnetometer, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Our strategy could offer the following features: (1) the formation of Mn:ZnS/ZnS core/shell QDs resulted in enhancement of the PL intensity with respect to that of bare Mn:ZnS nanocrystals due to the effective elimination of the surface defects; (2) the magnetic nanoparticles were coated with silica, in order to reduce any detrimental effects on the QD PL by the magnetic cores; and (3) both Fe3O4MPs and Mn:ZnS/ZnS core–shell QDs were encapsulated in silica spheres, and the obtained MPQDs became water soluble. The experimental conditions for the silica coating on the surface of Fe3O4nanoparticles, such as the ratio of water to surfactant (R), the amount of ammonia, and the amount of tetraethoxysilane, on the photoluminescence properties of MPQDs were studied. It was found that the silica coating on the surface of Fe3O4could effectively suppress the interaction between the Fe3O4and the QDs under the most optimal parameters, and the emission intensity of MPQDs showed a maximum. The bifunctional MPQDs prepared under the most optimal parameters have a typical diameter of 35 nm and a saturation magnetization of 4.35 emu/g at room temperature and exhibit strong photoluminescence intensity.
Synthesis of Tin Nitride Sn
x
N
y
Nanowires by Chemical Vapour Deposition
Authors: Zervos Matthew , Othonos Andreas
Published: June 2009

Tin nitride (Sn
x
N
y
) nanowires have been grown for the first time by chemical vapour deposition on n-type Si(111) and in particular by nitridation of Sn containing NH4Cl at 450 °C under a steady flow of NH3. The Sn
x
N
y
nanowires have an average diameter of 200 nm and lengths ≥5 μm and were grown on Si(111) coated with a few nm’s of Au. Nitridation of Sn alone, under a flow of NH3is not effective and leads to the deposition of Sn droplets on the Au/Si(111) surface which impedes one-dimensional growth over a wide temperature range i.e. 300–800 °C. This was overcome by the addition of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) which undergoes sublimation at 338 °C thereby releasing NH3and HCl which act as dispersants thereby enhancing the vapour pressure of Sn and the one-dimensional growth of Sn
x
N
y
nanowires. In addition to the action of dispersion, Sn reacts with HCl giving SnCl2which in turn reacts with NH3leading to the formation of Sn
x
N
y
NWs. A first estimate of the band-gap of the Sn
x
N
y
nanowires grown on Si(111) was obtained from optical reflection measurements and found to be ≈2.6 eV. Finally, intricate assemblies of nanowires were also obtained at lower growth temperatures.
Metabolites from an Endophytic Fungus Sphaceloma sp. LN‐15 Isolated from the Leaves of Melia azedarach
Authors: Zhang An‐Ling , He Li‐Ying , Gao Jin‐Ming , Xu Xu , Li Shi‐Qing , Bai Ming‐Sheng , Qin Jian‐Chun
Published: June 2009

Two new natural compounds, a symmetrical disulfide dimer didodecyl 3,3″‐dithiodipropionate (1) and a pregnane steroid 5,16‐pregnadien‐3β‐ol‐20‐one acetate (2), were isolated together with two known compounds, ergosta‐4,6,8(14),22‐tetraen‐3‐one (3) and ergosterol peroxide (4), from the ethyl acetate soluble extract of fermentation broth of an endophytic fungus, Sphaceloma sp. LN‐15 isolated from the leaves of Melia azedarach L. and grown in pure culture. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) experiments and by mass spectrometric measurements (MS). These fungal metabolites were isolated for the first time from the genus Sphaceloma. The structure of 1 was also confirmed by chemical synthesis.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analysis of Goat Fats: Comparison of Chemical Composition and Thermal Properties
Authors: Yılmaz Mustafa Tahsin , Karakaya M.
Published: June 2009

The physical–chemical properties, fatty acid composition and thermal properties of goat subcutaneous (SF), tallow (TF) and intestinal (IF) fats were determined. SF differed from other fat types with respect to its lower melting (41.6 °C), lower saponification (190.3 mg KOH/g) and higher iodine (40.4) values as compared to those of other fats. Goat fat types contained palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1ω9) and linoleic acid (C18:2ω6) as the major components of the fatty acid composition (23.06–23.52, 22.95–39.03, 21.94–36.16 and 1.96–2.22%, respectively). A differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study revealed that two characteristic peaks were detected in both crystallization and melting curves. Major peaks (Tpeak) of TF and IF were similar and determined as 34.02–35.24 and 9.95–10.72 °C, respectively for the crystallization peaks and 15.11–18.26 and 50.70–52.76 °C, respectively for the melting peaks in the DSC curves; but those of SF (27.14 and 4.36 °C for crystallization peaks and 8.39 and 44.93 °C for melting peaks) differed remarkably from those of other fat types.
TGF‐β upregulates tumor‐associated carbonic anhydrase IX gene expression in Hep3B cells
Authors: Yıldırım Hatice , Köçkar Feray
Published: June 2009

Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a membrane‐associated carbonic anhydrase (CA) that is overexpressed in a variety of tumor types and associated with increased metastasis, giving a poor prognosis. Transcriptional regulation of transmembrane protein CAIX is complex. We describe further characterization of the 1.2 kb hCA9 promoter, and the effect of TGF‐β on the transcriptional activity and expression of hCAIX in Hep3B cells. Transcriptional activity of different promoter regions of hCA9 promoter showed the presence of negative regulatory region between −300 bp and −500 bp of hCAIX promoter. The −116/+38 region was enough for basal transcriptional activity in Hep3B cells. TGF‐β upregulates all promoter regions of hCA9 with the highest beig for −466/+38 that has a negatively regulated region. The transcriptional activation of hCA9 promoter by TGF‐β is consistent with hCAIX mRNA levels revealed by RT‐PCR and hCAIX protein expression levels by flow cytometry in Hep3B cells.
Co‐occurrence and associations of pain and fatigue in a community sample of Dutch adults
Authors: Creavin Samuel T. , Dunn Kate M. , Mallen Christian D. , Nijrolder Iris , van der Windt Daniëlle A.W.M.
Published: June 2009

Widespread pain and chronic fatigue are common in the general population. Previous research has demonstrated co‐occurrence of syndromes that are associated with pain and fatigue (fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome), but there is limited existing data on the co‐occurrence of these symptoms in general. This study investigates the co‐occurrence of pain and fatigue, and characterises people with these symptoms individually, and in combination. A postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 4741 community dwelling Dutch adults registered with five general practices. There were 2447 participants (adjusted response = 53.5%). Persistent fatigue was reported by 60% of the 451 subjects with chronic widespread pain. Chronic widespread pain was reported by 33% of the 809 responders with persistent fatigue. Anxiety and depression were more common in subjects who reported both symptoms than those who reported either one or neither. Participants who had chronic disease, high body mass index, low activity levels or did not perceive ability to influence health had higher adjusted odds of reporting both symptoms (but not one alone) than subjects not having these characteristics. Pain and fatigue occur more often than would be expected by chance and there are a number of reasons for this. Clinicians should be aware that co‐occurrence of the symptoms is common, especially in people who have high BMI or chronic disease, and that people with both symptoms are often anxious or depressed. Further work should address longitudinal associations of pain and fatigue.
An observational study on the effect of S(+)‐ketamine on chronic pain versus experimental acute pain in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 patients
Authors: Sigtermans Marnix , Noppers Ingeborg , Sarton Elise , Bauer Martin , Mooren René , Olofsen Erik , Dahan Albert
Published: June 2009

Aims The aim of the study was to explore the analgesic effect of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist ketamine in acute experimental versus chronic spontaneous pain in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS‐1) patients.

Methods: Ten patients suffering from chronic CRPS‐1 and with a Visual Analogue pain Score (VAS) of >5 were recruited. Seven intravenous 5‐min low‐dose S(+)‐ketamine infusions with increasing doses at 20‐min intervals were applied. Spontaneous pain ratings and VAS responses to experimental heat stimuli were obtained during infusion and for 3‐h following infusion.

Results: CRPS pain: Ketamine produced potent analgesia with a significant VAS reduction from 6.2 ± 0.2 to 0.4 ± 0.3 cm at the end of infusion. Analgesia persisted beyond the infusion period (VAS = 2.8 ± 1.0 cm at 5‐h), when measured plasma ketamine concentrations were low (<100 ng/ml). Experimental pain: Ketamine had a dose‐dependent antinociceptive effect on experimental pain that ended immediately upon the termination of infusion.

Discussion: The data indicate that while ketamine's effect on acute experimental pain is driven by pharmacokinetics, its effect on CRPS pain persisted beyond the infusion period when drug concentrations were below the analgesia threshold for acute pain. This indicates a disease modulatory role for ketamine in CRPS‐1 pain, possibly via desensitization of NMDAR in the spinal cord or restoration of inhibitory sensory control in the brain.
Manipulation of Sod1 expression ubiquitously, but not in the nervous system or muscle, impacts age‐related parameters in Drosophila
Authors: Martin Ian , Jones Melanie A. , Grotewiel Mike
Published: June 2009

Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is an important antioxidant previously shown to impact life span in Drosophila. We examined the consequences of manipulating Sod1 expression throughout the body or in the nervous system or musculature on life span and age‐related locomotor impairment (ARLI) in Drosophila. Ubiquitous overexpression of SOD1 extended life span but did not substantially forestall ARLI, whereas ubiquitous knock‐down of Sod1 shortened life span and accelerated ARLI. Interestingly, neither overexpression of Sod1 nor expression of Sod1 RNAi in the nervous system or muscle altered life span or ARLI. Our studies suggest that the control of reactive oxygen species by SOD1 in tissues other than the nervous system and musculature support life span and ARLI in Drosophila.
Pattern of tau isoforms expression during development in vivo
Authors: Bullmann Torsten , Holzer Max , Mori Hiroshi , Arendt Thomas
Published: June 2009

Neuronal morphology and axonal growth during development are correlated to specific expression of various microtubule‐associated protein tau isoforms. Using RT‐PCR and Western blotting we found the unexpected result that the shift from fetal towards adult isoforms does not differ between rat cerebral cortex and cerebellum, two temporally differently developing areas. By immunohistochemistry we observed a cell type specific isoform expression during development and adulthood. The developmental expression of tau isoforms was compared to the appearance of stable microtubules assessed by the immunohistochemical detection of tubulin modifications. The tau isoform shift shows an apparent disconnect to neurogenesis, migration and volume growth, but coincides with the formation of synapses and the appearance of stable microtubules.
Women living with HIV and AIDS: Right to prevention, treatment, and health care
Authors: Titus Mokete Joseph , Moodley Jack
Published: June 2009

Women living with HIV/AIDS not only bear the burden of this pandemic in under‐resourced countries, but are faced with the human rights issues concerning the management of their condition, not only for their own health, but also for prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of the virus and infertility investigation. This article tackles the issues of reproductive health rights pertaining to prevention of HIV, and rights regarding HIV testing including the ethical dilemmas associated with “opt in,” “opt out,” and mandatory testing. Accountability, rights to treatment and travel, and employment issues are also discussed.
To have or not to have: The critical importance of reproductive rights to the paradox of population policies in the 21st century
Authors: Greer Gill
Published: June 2009

Reproductive rights continue to be under threat, even some 15 years after the landmark International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo declared the importance of a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to have children, and the right to decide on the timing, number, and spacing. The right to choose whether and when to have children is at risk both from some who seek to increase birth rates through pronatalist policies and from some who seek a return to “population control” as a response to global climate change, environmental degradation, endemic poverty, global recession, and food shortages. This paper argues the success of the rights‐based approach to family planning, reproductive health and health education, and outlines issues and policy responses related to low fertility. This is contrasted with the unmet need for family planning in the poorest countries. It calls for health providers to advocate for reproductive rights, affirming that the freedom of women to control their fertility is the basis for other essential freedoms.
Sexual rights and gender roles in a religious context
Authors: Zaidi Shahida , Ramarajan Arulmozhi , Qiu Renzong , Raucher Michal , Chadwick Ruth , Nossier Amna
Published: June 2009

A common feature of the five faiths discussed in this article is change over time. This allowed diversity within the religions, and generally led to a degree of liberalization, but in some faiths or their sects, resulted in a narrow or rigid interpretation. For example, the golden Vedic Period of Hinduism in India when “women were worshipped” gradually faded, ushering in the social evils of female feticide, child marriage, and “sati.” The advent of Islam in the seventh century banned female infanticide, but has been unable to abolish many tribal pre‐Islamic customs such as female genital mutilation in Africa and “honor killings” in parts of Asia. On the other hand, in China, the inferior status of women accorded by Confucianism has been rectified to a large extent by legislation; this has, however, been offset by a restrictive population policy allowing only one child or two children per couple in some areas of the country (with no limit in Tibet), which has led millions of women to resort to prenatal sex diagnosis and abortion if the fetus is female. In the West, the debate over the use of biomedical technology continues, with various rabbinic rulings permitting the use of assisted reproductive technologies by Jews to fulfill the obligation to procreate, and the Vatican reinforcing its opposition to these and to genetic testing on embryos and embryonic stem cell research.
Right to protection from unsafe abortion and postabortion care
Authors: Faúndes Anibal , Rao Kamini , Briozzo Leonel
Published: June 2009

The International Congress on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action urged governments and intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations to reduce women's recourse to abortion through improved family planning services; reliable information and counseling should be readily accessible to women who have unwanted pregnancies; where abortion is legal, it should be safe; and in all cases, quality services for management of abortion complications should be accessible. Review of the extent to which these recommendations have been implemented over the last 15 years shows that, with few exceptions, little attention has been given to this serious problem. Because of its political and religious implications, abortion is mostly ignored. Those with the power to promote change have an obligation to raise the issue of abortion from the darkness in which it is currently hidden, and bring it into the public light as a human drama and a health problem that is not difficult to solve if the ICPD recommendations are taken seriously.
Right to assisted reproductive technology: Overcoming infertility in low‐resource countries
Authors: Inhorn Marcia C.
Published: June 2009

This article examines the high prevalence of primary and secondary infertility in low‐resource countries. Provision of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to overcome both female and male infertility is in line with the reproductive rights agenda developed at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo 15 years ago. In addition to the right to control fertility, reproductive rights must encompass the right to facilitate fertility when fertility is threatened. Facilitation of fertility may require resort to ART, among both men and women. Egypt is highlighted as a positive example of progress in this regard.
DISTANCE GEOMETRY IN QUASIHYPERMETRIC SPACES. I
Authors: NICKOLAS PETER , WOLF REINHARD
Published: June 2009

Let (X,d) be a compact metric space and let ℳ(X) denote the space of all finite signed Borel measures on X. Define I:ℳ(X)→ℝ by and set M(X)=sup I(μ), where μ ranges over the collection of signed measures in ℳ(X) of total mass 1. The metric space (X,d) is quasihypermetric if for all n∈ℕ, all α1,…,αn∈ℝ satisfying ∑ i=1nαi=0 and all x1,…,xn∈X, the inequality ∑ i,j=1nαiαjd(xi,xj)≤0 holds. Without the quasihypermetric property M(X) is infinite, while with the property a natural semi-inner product structure becomes available on ℳ0(X), the subspace of ℳ(X) of all measures of total mass 0. This paper explores: operators and functionals which provide natural links between the metric structure of (X,d), the semi-inner product space structure of ℳ0(X) and the Banach space C(X) of continuous real-valued functions on X; conditions equivalent to the quasihypermetric property; the topological properties of ℳ0(X) with the topology induced by the semi-inner product, and especially the relation of this topology to the weak-* topology and the measure-norm topology on ℳ0(X); and the functional-analytic properties of ℳ0(X) as a semi-inner product space, including the question of its completeness. A later paper [P. Nickolas and R. Wolf, Distance geometry in quasihypermetric spaces. II, Math. Nachr., accepted] will apply the work of this paper to a detailed analysis of the constant M(X).
SOLVABILITY FOR A NONLINEAR FRACTIONAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION
Authors: GUO YINGXIN
Published: June 2009

In this paper, we consider the existence of nontrivial solutions for the nonlinear fractional differential equation boundary-value problem (BVP)where 1<α≤2,η∈(0,1),β∈ℝ=(−∞,+∞),βηα−1≠1,Dαis the Riemann–Liouville differential operator of orderα, andf:[0,1]×ℝ→ℝ is continuous,q(t):[0,1]→[0,+∞) is Lebesgue integrable. We give some sufficient conditions for the existence of nontrivial solutions to the above boundary-value problems. Our approach is based on the Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative. Particularly, we do not use the nonnegative assumption and monotonicity onfwhich was essential for the technique used in almost all existed literature.
NONEXPANSIVE MAPPINGS ON THE UNIT SPHERES OF SOME BANACH SPACES
Authors: TAN DONG-NI
Published: June 2009

We characterize surjective nonexpansive mappings between unit spheres of ℒ∞(Γ)-type spaces. We show that such mappings turn out to be isometries and can be extended to linear isometries on the whole space ℒ∞(Γ).
n-JORDAN HOMOMORPHISMS
Authors: GORDJI M. ESHAGHI
Published: June 2009

Letn∈ℕ and letAandBbe rings. An additive maph:A→Bis called ann-Jordan homomorphism ifh(an)=(h(a))nfor alla∈A. Every Jordan homomorphism is ann-Jordan homomorphism, for alln≥2, but the converse is false in general. In this paper we investigate then-Jordan homomorphisms on Banach algebras. Some results related to continuity are given as well.
Acute effects of calcium carbonate, calcium citrate and potassium citrate on markers of calcium and bone metabolism in young women
Authors: Karp Heini J. , Ketola Maarit E. , Lamberg-Allardt Christel J. E.
Published: June 2009

Both K and Ca supplementation may have beneficial effects on bone through separate mechanisms. K in the form of citrate or bicarbonate affects bone by neutralising the acid load caused by a high protein intake or a low intake of alkalising foods, i.e. fruits and vegetables. Ca is known to decrease serum parathyroid hormone (S-PTH) concentration and bone resorption. We compared the effects of calcium carbonate, calcium citrate and potassium citrate on markers of Ca and bone metabolism in young women. Twelve healthy women aged 22–30 years were randomised into four controlled 24 h study sessions, each subject serving as her own control. At the beginning of each session, subjects received a single dose of calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, potassium citrate or a placebo in randomised order. The diet during each session was identical, containing 300 mg Ca. Both the calcium carbonate and calcium citrate supplement contained 1000 mg Ca; the potassium citrate supplement contained 2250 mg K. Markers of Ca and bone metabolism were followed. Potassium citrate decreased the bone resorption marker (N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen) and increased Ca retention relative to the control session. Both Ca supplements decreased S-PTH concentration. Ca supplements also decreased bone resorption relative to the control session, but this was significant only for calcium carbonate. No differences in bone formation marker (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) were seen among the study sessions. The results suggest that potassium citrate has a positive effect on the resorption marker despite low Ca intake. Both Ca supplements were absorbed well and decreased S-PTH efficiently.
Changes in vitamin biomarkers during a 2-year intervention trial involving increased fruit and vegetable consumption by free-living volunteers
Authors: Macdonald Helen M. , Hardcastle Antonia C. , Duthie Garry G. , Duthie Susan J. , Aucott Lorna , Sandison Rena , Shearer Martin J. , Reid David M.
Published: June 2009

Trials in free-living populations involving increased consumption of fruit and vegetables are difficult to monitor. We evaluated biomarkers for assessing fruit and vegetable intake and compliance in a 2-year trial. Postmenopausal women were randomised to 300 g additional fruit and vegetables per d (n 66), placebo (n 70) or potassium citrate (n 140). They completed dietary checklists (3-monthly) and food diaries or FFQ (yearly). We measured whole-blood folate, plasma vitamin C and homocysteine (yearly), serum vitamin E and carotenoids (at 12 months) and urinary vitamin K metabolites (yearly). Plasma vitamin C was associated with fruit and vegetable intake at baseline (r +0·31; P < 0·01), remaining significant only for the non-fruit and vegetable group at 12 months (r +0·43; P < 0·01). For the fruit and vegetable group, vitamin C increased by 5·9 μmol/l (P = 0·07) but was not significantly associated with fruit and vegetable intake; vitamin E, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were higher compared with the non-fruit and vegetable group (P < 0·05); and whole-blood folate and the urinary 5C-aglycone metabolite of vitamin K were associated with vegetable intake. For all participants plasma vitamin C increased with increasing fruit and vegetable intakes, reaching a plateau of 90–95 μmol/l at intakes>500 g/d, whereas whole-blood folate, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin continued to increase. Concentrations of vitamin C, folate and β-cryptoxanthin were lower and the 7C-aglycone metabolite of vitamin K higher, in smokers compared with non-smokers. Suitable markers for monitoring fruit and vegetable compliance include β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin. Plasma vitamin C and whole-blood folate may be suitable for monitoring intakes in populations but for monitoring compliance the former may be restricted to low intakes of fruit and vegetables and the latter to vegetable intake.
Role of adipose tissue in body-weight regulation: mechanisms regulating leptin production and energy balance
Authors: Havel Peter J.
Published: June 2009

Adipose tissue performs complex metabolic and endocrine functions. Among the endocrine products produced by adipose tissue are tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, acylation-stimulating protein and leptin. The present review will focus primarily on mechanisms regulating leptin production and leptin action, and the implications of this regulation in the control of energy balance. Leptin acts in the central nervous system where it interacts with a number of hypothalamic neuropeptide systems to regulate feeding behaviour and energy expenditure. The presence of extreme obesity in animals and human subjects with mutations of the leptin gene or the leptin receptor demonstrates that normal leptin production and action are critical for maintaining energy balance. Insulin is the major regulator of leptin production by adipose tissue. Insulin infusions increase circulating leptin concentrations in human subjects. Plasma leptin levels are markedly decreased in insulin-deficient diabetic rodents, and the low leptin levels contribute to diabetic hyperphagia. Based onin vitrostudies, the effect of insulin to stimulate leptin production appears to involve increased glucose metabolism. Blockade of glucose transport or glycolysis inhibits leptin expression and secretion in isolated adipocytes. Evidence suggests that anaerobic metabolism of glucose to lactate does not stimulate leptin production. Alterations in insulin-mediated glucose metabolism in adipose tissue are likely to mediate the effects of energy restriction to decrease, and refeeding to increase, circulating leptin levels. Changes in glucose metabolism may also explain the observation that high-fat meals lower 24 h circulating leptin levels relative to high-carbohydrate meals in human subjects, suggesting a mechanism that may contribute to the effects that high-fat diets have in promoting increased energy intake, weight gain and obesity. The decreased circulating leptin observed during energy restriction is related to increased sensations of hunger in human subjects. Thus, decreases in leptin during energy-restricted weight-loss regimens may contribute to the strong propensity for weight regain. A better understanding of the precise mechanisms regulating leptin production and leptin action may lead to new approaches for managing obesity.
The output of a laser amplifier with simultaneous amplified spontaneous emission and an injected seed
Authors: Huang H. , Tallents G.J.
Published: June 2009

The minimum irradiance needed to overcome amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of a seed beam injected into a laser amplifier is evaluated. The treatment is particularly applicable to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray laser schemes to inject laser harmonic radiation as a seed into (1) plasma laser amplifiers and (2) free-electron lasers. Simple expressions and calculations are given for the minimum injected irradiance required for amplification of the injected seed beam to exceed ASE from the amplifier, including the effects of gain saturation, assuming one dimensional radiative transfer.
Theory and simulation of heavy ion stopping in plasma
Authors: Zwicknagel Günter
Published: June 2009

The theoretical description of the energy loss of heavy ions in fully ionized matter is considered, where we focus on the many–body and plasma physics aspects of the stopping of point like projectiles with a fixed charge by free electrons, disregarding the atomic physics of the projectile and the target ions. This starts by identifying different coupling regimes for a heavy ion which passes through an electron plasma, and continues with a discussion of the available and appropriate analytical and numerical treatments of the energy loss and their applicability in these various regimes. Special attention is given to a nonlinear coupling regime with significant strong coupling effects on the projectile-target energy transfer where standard perturbative approaches cease to be valid. More advanced theoretical treatments, which are required for this regime, are presented, discussed and evaluated by comparison with simulation results.
The Netherlands
Authors: Banta David , Oortwijn Wija J.
Published: June 2009

Objective:The aim of this report was to describe the history of health technology assessment (HTA) in the Netherlands.

Methods:This article is a descriptive review from two people who have been very much involved in the events described and is based on review of relevant policy documents and Web sites.

Results:HTA has been progressively developed in the Netherlands since (at least) the early 1980s. Beginning in 1985, there were progressive attempts to expand and institutionalized HTA in the Netherlands healthcare system. These attempts were generally successful, but did not result in a national agency for HTA. An important development in HTA in the Netherlands was a special fund (Ontwikkelingsgeneeskunde) designed to support prospective HTAs with the main purpose of affecting insurance coverage decisions. The administration of this fund moved progressively to broaden the subjects chosen for analysis to include such subjects as chronic illness and disability. A more-or-less hidden conflict developed in the question of the leadership and orientation of this fund, with the result that it was largely moved to a more research-oriented and less policy-oriented site.

Conclusions:The situation today is that HTA is visible and is used by the government in policy decisions, especially in the areas of prevention and screening. In addition, HTA is influential in insurance coverage decision making, especially in the field of pharmaceuticals. The principles of HTA and evidence-based medicine are generally familiar to physicians and other clinicians, however, the influence of HTA on clinical and administrative decisions is less than in some other countries.
History of health technology assessment: Spain
Authors: Sampietro-Colom Laura , Asua Jose , Briones Eduardo , Gol Jordi ,   the AuNETS Group
Published: June 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of the introduction and diffusion of health technology assessment (HTA) in Spain.

Methods: A survey to summarize the evolution of HTA was sent to representatives of different HTA initiatives in Spain.

Results: HTA was introduced in the late 1980s. The main factors were the trend to an increase in healthcare expenditure, concerns regarding efficiency in providing health care, as well as in the level of rationality introducing high technology. Spain has direct (i.e., regulation) and indirect (i.e., payment systems, evidence-based programs, HTA) mechanisms to control health technologies. A recent high priority regulation has established the need of HTA to decide the introduction of a new health technology in the lists of public healthcare coverage, although similar regulations existed in the past and were scarcely implemented. HTA initiatives started at the regional government level. Its introduction followed a progressive pattern among regions. In the beginning, resources were scarce and expertise limited, with work done at intramural level. With time, expertise increase, and promotion of commissioned work was implemented. HTA knowledge transfer in the healthcare system has been carried out through courses, publications, and commissioned research. Currently, there are seven HTA units/agencies, which coordinate their work.

Conclusions: HTA in Spain is in its maturity. Facing the unavoidable change of health care environment over time, HTA is also evolving and, currently, there is a trend to broaden the areas of influence of HTA by devolving capacity to hospitals and applying principles to very early phases of health technology development, under the umbrella of regional HTA units/agencies. However, there are two main challenges ahead. One is to have a real impact at the highest level of healthcare policy coordination among Spanish regions, which is done at the Central Ministry of Health. The other is to avoid the influence of political waves in the level of recognition of HTA at the policy decision-making level and to have an adequate and stable funding of HTA initiatives.
Health technology assessment in the Philippines
Authors: De Rosas-Valera Madeleine
Published: June 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to discuss the development of health technology assessment (HTA) in the Philippines.

Methods: A new national health insurance program began to be implemented in the Philippines in 1995 after passage of the Health Insurance Act.

Results: The program is known as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). HTA was introduced to the Philippines in 1998. PhilHealth began to develop an HTA program subsequently.

Conclusions: As a developing country struggling to provide comprehensive health care to all citizens, PhilHealth sees HTA as an essential part of assuring that only effective and cost-effective care is provided for the public sector.
The development of health technology assessment in Brazil
Authors: Banta David , Almeida Rosimary T.
Published: June 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the developing health technology assessment (HTA) activities in Brazil, both historically and in the present day.

Methods: This report is a descriptive analysis based on personal experiences of the authors and on selected literature.

Results: Interest in HTA in Brazil began in the mid-1980s. Several seminars and consultations were held, often with invited foreign participants. A cadre of people with knowledge and expertise in HTA was gradually developed. In 2003, several policies were developed by the federal government of Brazil to encourage HTA and base clinical, management, and policy decisions on HTA. During the past 5 years, institutional development has been rapid in government, private companies (mainly prepaid health plans), academia, and research institutes. Further policy changes are needed to maximize the impact of these developments. Nevertheless, although the growing network of HTA programs will have a considerable impact on Brazilian health care, further institutional development could stimulate this change.

Conclusions: It would be desirable if the Federal Ministry of Health of Brazil were to proceed to develop a national agency for HTA.