bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroepidemiology of Q fever among domestic animals in Nova Scotia.
Authors: Marrie T J , Van Buren J , Fraser J , Haldane E V , Faulkner R S , Williams J C , Kwan C
Published: November 2008

We used the indirect microimmunofluorescence test to determine the presence of antibodies in sheep, cattle, goat, cat, and dog sera to phase I and II Coxiella burnetii antigens in Nova Scotia. Only 6.7 per cent of the 329 sheep tested had antibodies to phase II antigen and none had antibodies to phase I. Of 29 goats tested, 7 per cent and 3.5 per cent had antibodies to phase II and phase I antigens, respectively. In contrast, 23.8 per cent of the 214 cattle tested had antibodies to phase II antigen, and 24.2 per cent had antibodies to phase I antigen; 24.1 per cent of 216 cats tested had antibodies to phase II antigen and 6 per cent had antibodies to phase I antigen. None of the 447 dogs tested had antibodies detected. We conclude that cattle and cats may be reservoirs for human Q fever in Nova Scotia.
The barefoot doctor: Shanghai County revisited.
Authors: Koplan J P , Hinman A R , Parker R L , Gong Y L , Yang M D
Published: November 2008

Since a 1981 review of health status and health services in Shanghai County, there have been considerable social and economic changes in the People's Republic of China. A major question currently is the impact of the new economic "responsibility system," which was introduced in 1982, on the cooperative health structure and the "barefoot doctors" (BFDs). Investigators in other areas of China have reported the collapse of the cooperative systems and a shift in the role of the BFDs as a result of incentives for them to spend more time in agricultural production. In Shanghai County, however, BFDs continue essentially full time as before, salaried by the brigade, with fee-for-service charges prohibited. Recent evidence from Shanghai County shows that the health care system and those who direct it can remain flexible and respond positively to changes in the social, economic, and political structures.
Leptospiral exposure in Detroit rodent control workers.
Authors: Demers R Y , Frank R , Demers P , Clay M
Published: November 2008

Antibody levels to L. icterohemorrhagiae of rodent control workers and two control groups were compared with antibodies against five other leptospiral serotypes carried predominantly by species other than rats. Rodent control workers contact urban rats, 77 per cent of which are carriers of leptospiral organisms. Rodent control workers had higher antibody levels against L. icterohemorrhagiae than control groups (OR 4.37, 99 per cent CI = 3.0, 6.3 and OR 11.08, 99 per cent CI = 5.6, 22). Antibodies against the other five serotypes were almost non-existent in the study group.
Child restraint laws: an analysis of gaps in coverage.
Authors: Teret S P , Jones A S , Williams A F , Wells J K
Published: November 2008

The limiting effects of exemptions to the coverage of child restraint laws were estimated by determining the extent to which the laws would have applied to child motor vehicle occupants, ages 0-5 years, killed before the laws were passed (1976-80). The 50 state laws would have exempted about 39 per cent of child motor vehicle occupants less than 6 years of age killed in the years immediately preceding enactment of the laws. Of those children killed in pre-law years who were within the age limits set by the subsequent state laws, about 21 per cent would not have been covered. The gaps in the laws are unnecessary, and proper amendments based on these data can save lives.
Alternative paths to long-term care: nursing home, geriatric day hospital, senior center, and domiciliary care options.
Authors: Sherwood S , Morris J N , Ruchlin H S
Published: November 2008

This paper examines certain quality of life outcomes, as well as comparative costs of care, for selected types of persons entering three very distinct types of alternative service programs that address the long-term care needs of vulnerable elderly persons: nursing homes (NH), geriatric day hospitals (GDH), and senior center (SC) programs. For selected outcomes, based on secondary analysis of the data gathered in another study, it was possible to add to the comparison samples of similar types of persons entering small foster-type domiciliary care homes (DC). From pools of persons entering these programs, six separate sets of comparison samples who were similar at baseline were constructed (GDH-SC, NH-SC, NH-GDH, NH-DC, SC-DC, GDH-DC). Only analyses pertaining to institutionalization and costs were conducted for the last three sets of comparison groups. Except for the issue of institutionalization, quality of life impact analysis showed only a few more post-test differences than would be expected by chance (although the few post-test differences that were observed in each case favored less restrictive settings). This more general similarity of outcome is indeed provocative, suggesting that in many ways the applicants adapted similarly to these quite distinct programs. Cost analyses found that nursing home and geriatric day hospital care, the two most restrictive settings, were also the two most expensive interventions.
Lyme disease: epidemiologic characteristics of an outbreak in Westchester County, NY.
Authors: Williams C L , Curran A S , Lee A C , Sousa V O
Published: November 2008

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 210 cases of Lyme disease in Westchester County, New York, reported during 1982 and 1983 are described. Most cases occurred during summer months in individuals under age 40 (male: female ratio 1:2 to 1). Symptoms included skin rash (75 per cent), joint pain or swelling (50 per cent), Bell's palsy (11 per cent), and aseptic meningitis (3 per cent). With greater public and medical awareness of this tick-borne disease, Lyme disease is being recognized with increasing frequency characteristic of an emerging epidemic in Westchester County.
Two simple methods of spatial analysis and their applications in location-oriented health services research.
Authors: Khan A A
Published: November 2008

This paper illustrates the usefulness of cartographic and centrographic methods in examining the locational characteristics of health care resources, such as specialist physicians' offices. Cartographic analysis involving map comparisons not only describes the nature of particular spatial patterns, but it also suggests relevant hypotheses on the basis of observed locational relationships among the mapped phenomena. Centrographic analysis generally substantiates the findings of simple map analysis by providing certain objective quantitative measures regarding the basic characteristics of a point distribution; additionally, it generates a graphic summary, the Standard Deviational Ellipse (SDE), which offers a convenient means for direct comparison of multiple spatial patterns. The essentially complementary nature of the two methods is highlighted, and it is concluded that they are most useful when used in conjunction with one another.
Changes in Spanish surname cancer rates relative to other whites, Denver area, 1969-71 to 1979-81.
Authors: Savitz D A
Published: November 2008

Cancer incidence rates for persons of Spanish surname and other Whites in the Denver, Colorado area were derived for two time periods, 1969-71 and 1979-81. The substantial deficits in total cancers for Spanish surname males and females relative to other Whites in 1969-71 diminished considerably for all age groups by 1979-81. The major determinants of this pattern were the rapidly rising Spanish surname rates for cancer of the colon and rectum, lung cancer, kidney cancer, female breast and uterine cancers, and male prostate, bladder, and hematopoietic cancers. There was a convergence of Spanish surname rates toward the other White rates for nearly all sites, regardless of whether other Whites showed increasing, decreasing, or stable rates. Notable exceptions occurred for cervical cancer, which dropped more slowly among persons of Spanish surname than among other Whites, and Spanish surname female stomach cancer rates which rose during the 1970s in contrast to a decrease among other Whites. The overall pattern is consistent with acculturation of persons of Spanish surname towards the majority's lifestyle, suggesting the value of more detailed studies of specific cancer determinants in the Spanish surname population.
The effect of prescription eyewear on ocular exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Authors: Rosenthal F S , Bakalian A E , Taylor H R
Published: November 2008

Several studies have suggested that ultraviolet radiation in sunlight may cause cataracts and other eye disease. We evaluated the effect of prescription eyewear in attenuating ocular exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in the sunlight portions of the ultraviolet spectrum (295-350 nm). Using natural sunlight as the source, the attenuation was measured with two ultraviolet detectors, one sensitive to only UVB (295-315 nm) and one sensitive to both UVA and UVB (295-350 nm). A random sample of spectacles, spectacle lenses, and contact lenses was examined. The average transmission, as measured with either detector, was highest for soft contact lenses, followed by glass spectacle lenses, untinted hard contact lenses, and plastic spectacle lenses. Measurements performed with mannikins wearing spectacles showed that an average of 6.6 per cent of incident radiation reached the eye even when the lenses were covered with black opaque tape. The amount of exposure was increased substantially when the spectacles were moved 0.6 cm away from the forehead. The results show that the protection against ultraviolet exposure provided by prescription eyewear is highly variable and depends largely on its composition, size, and wearing position.
The prevalence and health impact of shiftwork.
Authors: Gordon N P , Cleary P D , Parker C E , Czeisler C A
Published: November 2008

Data from the National Center for Health Statistics National Survey of Personal Health Practices and Consequences were analyzed to determine the impact of variable shift schedules on health-related behaviors of persons in the United States labor force. Twenty-six per cent of men and 18 per cent of women in the US labor force reported working a variable shift in Spring 1980. As compared to men working non-variable work schedules, those working variable shifts exhibited higher rates of heavy drinking, job stress, and emotional problems. Female variable shift workers reported higher rates of sleeping pill, tranquilizer, and alcohol use, as well as lower social network scores, more job stress, and more emotional problems.
Trichinosis in Southeast Asian refugees in the United States.
Authors: Stehr-Green J K , Schantz P M
Published: November 2008

Between 1975 and 1984, the incidence of trichinosis in the United States (per million person years at risk) was 25 times greater for the Southeast Asian refugee population than for the general United States population. Cases in the southeast Asian refugees differed from those reported previously in the general population in geographic distribution and source of infected meat. Cambodians and Laotians accounted for over 90 per cent of the cases in the Southeast Asian refugees, but comprised less than 50 per cent of that total population.
The impact of 'Bottle Bill' legislation on the incidence of lacerations in childhood.
Authors: Baker M D , Moore S E , Wise P H
Published: November 2008

We studied the effect of legislation requiring deposits for beverage containers on the incidence of lacerations in urban children. Records of emergency room visits for lacerations and fractures were reviewed for three years pre-legislation (1980-82) and the immediate post-legislation period (1983). The incidence of total sutured lacerations did not change substantially after the legislation, but glass-related lacerations fell by 60 per cent, due to a reduced incidence in lacerations occurring outside of the home.
Occupational lead poisoning in Ohio: surveillance using workers' compensation data.
Authors: Seligman P J , Halperin W E , Mullan R J , Frazier T M
Published: November 2008

To determine the utility of workers' compensation (WC) data in a system for the surveillance of occupational lead poisoning, we reviewed workers' compensation claims for lead poisoning in Ohio. For the period 1979 through 1983, 92 (81 per cent) of the 114 claims attributed to lead met our case definition of lead poisoning. The likelihood that a company had a case of lead poisoning was strongly correlated with the number of claims against the company. Thirty companies accounted for the 92 cases; two companies accounted for 49 per cent of these. Inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) occurred at 14 of these companies, all of which were cited for violations of the OSHA lead standard. Comparison of the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes for the 14 companies inspected by OSHA with the 15 companies not inspected by OSHA revealed that OSHA inspected battery manufacturers, non-ferrous foundries, secondary smelters, and primary lead smelters, but not bridge painters, manufacturers of electronic components, mechanical power transmission equipment, pumps, and paints, nor a sheriff's office where firing range slugs were remelted to make new bullets. Neither the number of cases of lead poisoning at a company nor the size of a company was related to the likelihood of being inspected by OSHA. Claims for WC appear to be a useful adjunct to an occupational lead poisoning surveillance system; their usefulness should be compared to that of other systems such as laboratory reports of elevated blood lead levels in adults.
Impact and cost of public health nurse telephone follow-up of school dental referrals.
Authors: Oda D S , Fine J I , Heilbron D C
Published: November 2008

The effect and cost of nursing follow-up services on school dental screening outcomes were investigated. Experimental and control groups were randomly assigned. A positive difference in dental visit rate occurred for all nurses, with the overall dentist visit-no visit, experimental-control odds ratio being 1.64 (95% CL = 1.15, 2.35). The service averaged 27.7 minutes and $8.92 per family contacted, suggesting that nursing follow-up increased dental care utilization after screening at low cost in this population.
Social class and black-white differences in breast cancer survival.
Authors: Bassett M T , Krieger N
Published: November 2008

In the United States, Blacks have poorer survival rates than Whites for breast cancer. The root of this difference--social or genetic--is unclear. Utilizing the Western Washington Cancer Surveillance System and 1980 Census block group data, we examined social class and race as predictors of breast cancer survival in 1,506 women during their first 11 years following diagnosis (251 Blacks, 1,255 Whites). In a Cox regression model, after adjustment for Black-White differences in age, stage, and histology, Black mortality was 1.35 times that of Whites (95%CI = 1.05-1.72). Following additional adjustment for social class, as measured by a variety of block group characteristics, Black mortality was only 1.10 times that of Whites (95%CI = 0.83-1.46). In both Blacks and Whites, poorer social class was a powerful determinant of shortened survival. These results indicate that the observed breast cancer survival differences between Black and White women today in the US today is substantially due to the poorer social class standing of Blacks.
Exercise as a risk factor for infertility with ovulatory dysfunction.
Authors: Green B B , Daling J R , Weiss N S , Liff J M , Koepsell T
Published: November 2008

To examine the relation of regular vigorous exercise to ovulatory infertility, we interviewed 346 infertile women, in whom there was evidence of ovulatory failure, regarding their exercise patterns during the year preceding their unsuccessful effort to conceive. Their responses were compared with similar exercise histories in women who had successfully conceived at the time the infertile women started trying to become pregnant. Vigorous exercise for an hour or more per day was reported more commonly in nulligravid cases (n = 187) than by their primiparous controls. The difference was particularly great in the subgroup of cases without additional evidence of tubal dysfunction (relative risk = 6.2, 90% confidence interval = 1.0 - 39.8). This association was not seen among infertile women who had previously been pregnant. Vigorous exercise for an average of less than one hour per day was not associated with either primary or secondary infertility.
Alcohol use and interpersonal violence: alcohol detected in homicide victims.
Authors: Goodman R A , Mercy J A , Loya F , Rosenberg M L , Smith J C , Allen N H , Vargas L , Kolts R
Published: November 2008

To characterize the relationship between alcohol use and homicide victimization, we used data from the Los Angeles City Police Department and the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office to study 4,950 victims of criminal homicides in Los Angeles in the period 1970-79. Alcohol was detected in the blood of 1,883 (46 per cent) of the 4,092 victims who were tested. In 30 per cent of those tested, the blood alcohol level was greater than or equal to 100 mg/100 ml, the level of legal intoxication in most states. Blood alcohol was present most commonly in victims who were male, young, and Latino, categories where rates have been increasing at an alarming pace. Alcohol was also detected most commonly in victims killed during weekends, when homicides occurred in bars or restaurants, when homicides resulted from physical fights or verbal arguments, when victims were friends or acquaintances of offenders, and when homicides resulted from stabbings. The evidence for alcohol use by homicide victims focuses attention on the need for controlled epidemiologic studies of the role played by alcohol as a risk factor in homicide and on the importance of considering situational variables in developing approaches to homicide prevention.
Patterns of smokeless tobacco use in a population of high school students.
Authors: Marty P J , McDermott R J , Williams T
Published: November 2008

We assessed the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use by 901 high school students in two Arkansas communities, and identified factors associated with initiation and maintenance. Results showed that 36.7 per cent of males and 2.2 per cent of females currently used smokeless tobacco. Modal responses indicated that if smokeless tobacco was used at all, it was used with frequency on an almost daily basis. Health professionals need to monitor this phenomenon closely and take appropriate preventive actions.
Passage to Methuselah: some demographic consequences of continued progress against mortality.
Authors: Vaupel J W , Gowan A E
Published: November 2008

How will progress against mortality affect the size and age composition of the United States population over the next century? To gain some insight into this question, three scenarios are examined: no future progress against mortality; steady reductions in mortality at all ages at a rate of 2 per cent per year; and a radical breakthrough in the year 2000 that cuts mortality in half. All three scenarios substantially shift the composition of the US population toward older ages, steady progress resulting in the most radical change. If mortality is reduced 2 per cent per year, by 2080 almost two-fifths of the population would be above age 65 and the number of centenarians would approach 19 million. The social, economic, and public health consequences of this new demography, although speculative and uncertain, are so important that detailed analysis and planning are warranted.
Maternal marijuana use and neonatal outcome: uncertainty posed by self-reports.
Authors: Hingson R , Zuckerman B , Amaro H , Frank D A , Kayne H , Sorenson J R , Mitchell J , Parker S , Morelock S , Timperi R
Published: November 2008

To assess the validity of self-reported marijuana use during pregnancy, this study randomly allocated pregnant women into a group who were told their urine would be tested for marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs and another group not so tested. Women told they would be tested reported more marijuana use during pregnancy than did untested women. Moreover, urine assays identified more women who used marijuana during pregnancy than were willing to admit it in the interview even after being told their urine would be tested. No differences in reported drinking or cigarette smoking during pregnancy were found between tested and untested women.
Physician ratings of appropriate indications for six medical and surgical procedures.
Authors: Park R E , Fink A , Brook R H , Chassin M R , Kahn K L , Merrick N J , Kosecoff J , Solomon D H
Published: November 2008

We convened three panels of physicians to rate the appropriateness of a large number of indications for performing a total of six medical and surgical procedures. The panels followed a modified Delphi process. Panelists separately assigned initial ratings, then met in Santa Monica, California where they received reports showing their initial ratings and the distribution of the other panelists ratings. They discussed the indications and revised the indications lists, then individually assigned final ratings. There was generally better agreement on the final ratings than on the initial ratings. Based on reasonable criteria for agreement and disagreement, and excluding one outlying procedure, the panelists agreed on ratings for 42 to 56 per cent of the indications, and disagreed on 11 to 29 per cent.
Incidence and outcome of hospital-treated head injury in Rhode Island.
Authors: Fife D , Faich G , Hollinshead W , Boynton W
Published: November 2008

Hospital discharge summary data were used to identify and study all 2,870 Rhode Island residents hospitalized in-state with head injuries during 1979 and 1980. The overall hospitalized incidence rate was 152 per 100,000 of population per year with age and sex variations similar to those found in other studies. This is consistent with the observation that fatal injury rates in Rhode Island are only 75 per cent of the United States average. Hospitalized incidence rates of head injury for the census tracts in the lowest decile of median income were twice those for census tracts in the highest decile. Smaller increases were also observed with increasing population density. Length of hospital stay increased with age. Discharge to chronic care facilities plus in-hospital deaths increased 20-fold with increasing age. In each age group, in-hospital deaths and discharge to chronic care facilities were associated with long hospital stays.
Characteristics of sheltered homeless families.
Authors: Bassuk E L , Rubin L , Lauriat A S
Published: November 2008

To describe the characteristics of homeless families, we interviewed 80 homeless mothers and 151 children living in 14 family shelters in Massachusetts (two-thirds of the shelters in the state). Ninety-four per cent of the families were headed by women, 91 per cent were on AFDC (aid to families with dependent children), with twice as many as the state average having been on AFDC for at least two years; most had long histories of residential instability. Although 60 per cent had completed high school, only a third had worked for longer than one month. One-third of the mothers reported having been abused during their childhood, and two-thirds had experienced a major family disruption. At the time of the interview, almost two-thirds either lacked or had minimal supportive relationships and one-fourth of these named their child as the major support. Eighteen mothers were involved with the Department of Social Services because of probable child abuse or neglect. Seventy-one per cent of the mothers had personality disorders. In contrast to many adult homeless individuals, however, deinstitutionalized persons or those suffering from psychoses were not overrepresented. About 50 percent of the homeless children were found to have developmental lags, anxiety, depression, and learning difficulties, and about half required further psychiatric evaluation. Two-thirds described housing and social welfare agencies as not helpful. Given the many serious problems of the mothers and the difficulties already manifested by their children, comprehensive psychosocial and economic interventions must be made to interrupt a cycle of extreme instability and family breakdown.
Financial cost as an obstacle to hypertension therapy.
Authors: Shulman N B , Martinez B , Brogan D , Carr A A , Miles C G
Published: November 2008

A home health interview, including blood pressure measurements, was conducted on 4,688 adults representing the noninstitutionalized population of Georgia. Subjects with diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg or on antihypertensive medication were considered hypertensive. The prevalence of uncontrolled moderate or severe hypertension (diastolic greater than or equal to 105 mm Hg) was 1.9 per cent. With the exception of White women, all race-sex groups with uncontrolled moderate or severe hypertension reported substantially lower per capita income than their mild or controlled hypertensive counterparts. A larger percentage of the uncontrolled moderate to severe hypertensives on medication, as compared to their mild or controlled counterparts, reported economic barriers to pharmacologic and medical care on cost of medicines (36 per cent vs 22 per cent); refills (36 per cent vs 16 per cent); and office visits (26 per cent vs 16 per cent). Black women reported these barriers more than Whites. These findings suggest that costs of antihypertensive care may be an obstacle in blood pressure control for certain population subgroups.
Physician house call services for medically needy, inner-city residents.
Authors: Reuler J B , Bax M J , Sampson J H
Published: November 2008

To increase access to services, a non-profit, voluntary health agency was developed to provide on-site services to residents of hotels and night shelters in the Skid Road area of Portland, Oregon. From a hotel-based clinic site, volunteer physicians, nurses, and medical students make house calls. During the first 18 months, 1,184 evaluations were made, and 21 hotels and two shelters visited. Volunteers were well accepted by residents and served as members of case management teams. The additional benefits of such a program vis-a-vis extension of local government's mission and student education are discussed.
ON A STANDARD SYSTEM OF BACTERIOLOGICAL DILUTIONS
Authors: Wells William Firth
Published: November 2008

Proper bacteriological dilutions are necessary for correct interpretations. The system here proposed adopts the dilution scale for its standards. On a consistent system of laboratory technique, including logical methods of computing results and a natural scale of interpretation, depends the real practicability of bacteriological standards.
THE PRESENCE OF FECAL AND NON-FECAL TYPES OF THE COLON BACILLUS IN VARIOUS TYPES OF WATER
Authors: Stokes William Royal
Published: November 2008

An investigation of the origin of members of the colon-aërogenes group. “High ratio” aërogenes come probably from grains or cereals, while “low ratio” colon betoken probable human contamination.
THE BACTERIOLOGICAL DILUTION SCALE AND THE DILUTION AS A BACTERIOLOGICAL UNIT
Authors: Wells William Firth
Published: November 2008

Practical pollution-meter provided. Why not express results directly in terms of bacteriological findings? Simplest of scales has mathematical as well as technical advantages. A long step towards solving some of the annoying troubles of bacteriological computation.
The Effects of Pacing on the Academic Testing Performance of College Students with Adhd: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Lee Kathryn S. , Osborne Randall E. , Hayes Keith A. , Simoes Richard A.
Published: November 2008

Minimal research has been conducted contrasting the effectiveness of various testing accommodations for college students diagnosed with ADHD. The current assumption is that these students are best served by extending the time they have to take a test. It is the supposition of these investigators that paced item presentation may be a more beneficial accommodation than extended time. To test the effects of paced item presentation, the investigators designed a mixed methods sequential explanatory study to explore the relationship between computer-paced and student-paced item presentation on the academic test performance in college students diagnosed with ADHD. The participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 testing conditions. Half of the participants were provided a computer-paced testing condition, and half were provided a student-paced testing condition within a computer-based environment. Interviews were conducted after the test administration to discern the students' perceptions of the value of the various components of the testing environment. No significant differences were found in performance scores between the students tested under the two conditions; however, the interview data illuminated the quantitative findings in that the students reported that the computer-based testing environment itself, as well as other environmental variables, provided a beneficial structure and format conducive to their overall successful performance under both accommodations. The practicability of university disability offices offering a computerized format for students diagnosed with ADHD is also discussed.
Analysis of scaling methods in deriving future volume evolutions of valley glaciers
Authors: Radić Valentina , Hock Regine , Oerlemans Johannes
Published: November 2008

Volume–area scaling is a common tool for deriving future volume evolutions of valley glaciers and their contribution to sea-level rise. We analyze the performance of scaling relationships for deriving volume projections in comparison to projections from a one-dimensional ice-flow model. The model is calibrated for six glaciers (Nigardsbreen, Rhonegletscher, South Cascade Glacier, Sofiyskiy glacier, midre Lovénbreen and Abramov glacier). Volume evolutions forced by different hypothetical mass-balance perturbations are compared with those obtained from volume–area (V-A), volume–length (V-L) and volume–area–length (V-A-L) scaling. Results show that the scaling methods mostly underestimate the volume losses predicted by the ice-flow model, up to 47% for V-A scaling and up to 18% for V-L scaling by the end of the 100 year simulation period. In general, V-L scaling produces closer simulations of volume evolutions derived from the ice-flow model, suggesting that V-L scaling may be a better approach for deriving volume projections than V-A scaling. Sensitivity experiments show that the initial volumes and volume evolutions are highly sensitive to the choice of the scaling constants, yielding both over- and underestimates. However, when normalized by initial volume, volume evolutions are relatively insensitive to the choice of scaling constants, especially in the V-L scaling. The 100 year volume projections differ within 10% of initial volume when the V-A scaling exponent commonly assumed, γ = 1.375, is varied by −30% to +45% (γ = [0.95, 2.00]) and the V-L scaling exponent, q = 2.2, is varied by −30% to +45% (q = [1.52, 3.20]). This is encouraging for the use of scaling methods in glacier volume projections, particularly since scaling exponents may vary between glaciers and the scaling constants are generally unknown.
Inference of velocity pattern from isochronous layers in firn, using an inverse method
Authors: Eisen Olaf
Published: November 2008

The suitability of a kinematic approach for finding the velocity field from dated internal-layer architecture in firn is investigated. Internal layers are isochrones and the depositional age of a layer particle is treated as a tracer. The forward problem uses two-dimensional steady-state advection of age and conservation of mass to predict layer architecture. Different combinations of constraints on horizontal and vertical velocity properties are added. The inverse problem can be formulated as the solution of underdetermined and overdetermined systems of equations. The systems are solved using singular-value decomposition, allowing analysis of the singular-value spectrum, model resolution and data resolution. Solutions of the inverse problem are evaluated by comparing the velocity-field solutions with synthetic input velocity data. Unlike conventional accumulation estimates, the new approach takes lateral advection into account, enabling improved separation of spatial and temporal variations in accumulation. Two glaciological applications are presented: the determination of the migration velocity of a spatially non-stationary accumulation pattern and reconstruction of past accumulation and its stationarity over time.
Calving and ice-shelf break-up processes investigated by proxy: Antarctic tabular iceberg evolution during northward drift
Authors: Scambos T. , Ross R. , Bauer R. , Yermolin Y. , Skvarca P. , Long D. , Bohlander J. , Haran T.
Published: November 2008

Using a combination of satellite sensors, field measurements and satellite-uplinked in situ observing stations, we examine the evolution of several large icebergs drifting east of the Antarctic Peninsula towards South Georgia Island. Three styles of calving are observed during drift: ‘rift calvings’, ‘edge wasting’ and ‘rapid disintegration’. Rift calvings exploit large pre-existing fractures generated in the shelf environment and can occur at any stage of drift. Edge wasting is calving of the iceberg perimeter by numerous small edge-parallel, sliver-shaped icebergs, preserving the general shape of the main iceberg as it shrinks. This process is observed only in areas north of the sea-ice edge. Rapid disintegration, where numerous small calvings occur in rapid succession, is consistently associated with indications of surface melt saturation (surface lakes, firn-pit ponding). Freeboard measurements by ICESat indicate substantial increases in ice-thinning rates north of the sea-ice edge (from <10 m a−1 to >30 m a−1), but surface densification is shown to be an important correction (>2 m freeboard loss before the firn saturates). Edge wasting of icebergs in ‘warm’ surface water (sea-ice-free, >−1.8°C) implies a mechanism based on waterline erosion. Rapid disintegration (‘Larsen B-style’ break-up) is likely due to the effects of surface or saturated-firn water acting on pre-existing crevasses, or on wave- or tidally induced fractures. Changes in microwave backscatter of iceberg firn as icebergs drift into warmer climate and experience increased surface melt suggest a means of predicting when floating ice plates are evolving towards disintegration.
In situ measurements of snow surface roughness using a laser profiler
Authors: Lacroix P. , Legrésy B. , Langley K. , Hamran S.E. , Kohler J. , Roques S. , Rémy F. , Dechambre M.
Published: November 2008

The snow surface roughness at centimetre and millimetre scales is an important parameter related to wind transport, snowdrifts, snowfall, snowmelt and snow grain size. Knowledge of the snow surface roughness is also of high interest for analyzing the signal from radar sensors such as SAR, altimeters and scatterometers. Unfortunately, this parameter has seldom been measured over snow surfaces. The techniques used to measure the roughness of other surfaces, such as agricultural or sand soils, are difficult to implement in polar regions because of the harsh climatic conditions. In this paper we develop a device based on a laser profiler coupled with a GPS receiver on board a snowmobile. This instrumentation was tested successfully in midre Lovénbreen, Svalbard, in April 2006. It allowed us to generate profiles of 3 km sections of the snow-covered glacier surface. Because of the motion of the snowmobile, the roughness signal is mixed with the snowmobile signal. We use a distance/frequency analysis (the empirical mode decomposition) to filter the signal. This method allows us to recover the snow surface structures of wavelengths between 4 and 50 cm with amplitudes of >1 mm. Finally, the roughness parameters of snow surfaces are retrieved. The snow surface roughness is found to be dependent on the scales of the observations. The retrieved RMS of the height distribution is found to vary between 0.5 and 9.2 mm, and the correlation length is found to be between 0.6 and 46 cm. This range of measurements is particularly well adapted to the analysis of GHz radar response on snow surfaces.
Modeling dynamic controls on ice streams: a Bayesian statistical approach
Authors: Berliner L.M. , Jezek K. , Cressie N. , Kim Y. , Lam C.Q. , Van Der Veen C.J.
Published: November 2008

Our main goal is to exemplify the study of ice-stream dynamics via Bayesian statistical analysis incorporating physical, though imperfectly known, models using data that are both incomplete and noisy. The physical–statistical models we propose account for these uncertainties in a coherent, hierarchical manner. The initial modeling assumption estimates basal shear stress as equal to driving stress, but subsequently includes a random corrector process to account for model error. The resulting stochastic equation is incorporated into a simple model for surface velocities. Use of Bayes’ theorem allows us to make inferences on all unknowns given basal elevation, surface elevation and surface velocity. The result is a posterior distribution of possible values that can be summarized in a number of ways. For example, the posterior mean of the stress field indicates average behavior at any location in the field, and the posterior standard deviations describe associated uncertainties. We analyze data from the ‘Northeast Greenland Ice Stream’ and illustrate how scientific conclusions may be drawn from our Bayesian analysis.
Variation in the Composition of the Essential Oil of Senecio Filaginoides Dc
Authors: Balzaretti V. T. , Arancibia A. , Marchiaro A. , Arce M. E. , Feijóo M. S.
Published: November 2008

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Addition of Aromatic Nucleophiles to a C=N Double Bond of 1,2,5-Thiadiazole 1,1-Dioxide
Authors: Rozas M. , Piro O. , Castellano E. , Mirífico M. , Vasini E.
Published: November 2008

A new synthesis of 3,4-diphenyl-4-aryl-1,2,5-thiadiazolines 1,1-dioxide through the addition of aromatic derivatives to 1,2,5-thiadiazole 1,1-dioxide is presented. Anhydrous AlCl3 is used as catalyst.
Assessment of a Nuclear Affinity Labeling Method for Tracking Implanted Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Leiker Merced , Suzuki Gen , Iyer Vijay S. , John M Canty , Lee Techung
Published: November 2008

Therapeutic implantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is entering the realm of clinical trials for several human diseases, and yet much remains uncertain regarding their dynamic distribution and cell fate after in vivo application. Discrepancies in the literature can be attributed in part to the use of different cell labeling/tracking methods and cell administration protocols. To identify a stem cell detection method suitable for myocardial implantation in a large animal model, we experimented on three different MSC labeling methods: adenovirus-mediated expression of enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) and β-galactosidase (LacZ), and nuclear staining with DAPI. Intramuscular and intracoronary administrations of labeled porcine MSCs identified the nuclear affinity dye to be a reliable stem cell tracking marker. Stem cell identification is facilitated by an optimized live cell labeling condition generating bright blue fluorescence sharply confined to the nucleus. DAPI-labeled MSCs retained full viability, ceased proliferation, and exhibited an increased differentiation potential. The labeled MSCs remained fully active in expressing key growth factor and cytokine genes, and notably exhibited enhanced expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand SDF1, indicating their competency in response to tissue injury. Histological analysis revealed that approximately half a million MSCs or ~2% of the administered MSCs remained localized in the normal pig heart 2 weeks after coronary infusion. That the vast majority of these identified MSCs were interstitial indicated the ability of MSCs to migrate across the coronary endothelium. No evidence was obtained indicating MSC differentiation to cardiomyocyte.
The Use of Clinically Approved Small Particles of Iron Oxide (SPIO) for Labeling of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Aggravates Clinical Symptoms in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Influences Their In Vivo Distribution
Authors: Schäfer Richard , Ayturan Miriam , Bantleon Rüdiger , Kehlbach Rainer , Pintaske Joerg , Conrad Sabine , Wolburg Hartwig , Wiskirchen Jakub , Weissert Robert
Published: November 2008

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been shown to ameliorate symptoms in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of MS. Using cloned MSC labeled with clinically approved small particles of iron oxide (SPIO) for treatment of EAE we analyzed the tissue localization of transferred cells. Treatment with unlabeled MSC led to disease amelioration compared to controls. In contrast, treatment with SPIO-labeled MSC lead to increase in disease severity. Treatment with SPIO alone did not alter disease course. After transplantation labeled and nonlabeled MSC were detected in the CNS and the liver with significantly more SPIO-labeled cells present in the CNS. Iron deposition was present in the group treated with SPIO-labeled MSC, indicating that in vivo the initially cell surface-bound iron detached from the MSC. These results could be of great importance for imaging of patients in the clinical setting, indicating that in vivo application of SPIO-labeled MSC needs to be performed with caution because the cell-derived exposure of iron can lead to disease aggravation.
Preparation and characterization of polyaniline with high electrical conductivity
Authors: Zhang Keqing , Jing Xinli
Published: November 2008

In the present paper, polyaniline (PANI) was polymerized by ammonium persulphate using a chemically oxidative process under mild tempertures ranging from −5–20°C. Electrical conductivity of as synthesized PANI got enhanced gradually owing to the increase in molecular weight and crystallinity with decrease in synthesis temperature. Extraction with tetrahydrofuran (THF) was employed as the purification method of emeraldine base (EB) to enhance the electrical conductivity of PANI effectively attributed to the removal of the low molecular weight fractions and defective molecular chains. Methanesulfonic acid (MSA) was used to dope EB due to its strong acidity and small molecular size, and the amount of dopant versus EB was also optimized. Using a novel “synergistic doping” process with m‐cresol, electrical conductivity of PANI is further enhanced owing to more regular molecular chains which resulted in better interchain charge carriers' conduction. The emeraldine salts obtained finally have high electrical conductivity reaching up to 32.5 S cm−1, which is much higher than that of the conventionally synthesized sample reported previously. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioral Science and the Study of Gene–Nutrition and Gene–Physical Activity Interactions in Obesity Research
Authors: Faith Myles S.
Published: November 2008

This report summarizes emerging opportunities for behavioral science to help advance the field of gene–environment and gene–behavior interactions, based on presentations at The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Workshop, “Gene–Nutrition and Gene–Physical Activity Interactions in the Etiology of Obesity.” Three opportunities are highlighted: (i) designing potent behavioral “challenges” in experiments, (ii) determining viable behavioral phenotypes for genetics studies, and (iii) identifying specific measures of the environment or environmental exposures. Additional points are underscored, including the need to incorporate novel findings from neuroimaging studies regarding motivation and drive for eating and physical activity. Advances in behavioral science theory and methods can play an important role in advancing understanding of gene–brain–behavior relationships in obesity onset.
mTORC2 is the hydrophobic motif kinase for SGK1
Authors: Yan Lijun , Mieulet Virginie , Lamb Richard F.
Published: November 2008

The activation of the AGC (protein kinase A/protein kinase G/protein kinase C)-family kinase SGK1 (serum- and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1) by insulin via PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) signalling has been appreciated for almost 10 years. PDK1 (phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1), a kinase that phosphorylates the SGK1 catalytic domain at Thr256, is known to play a critical role in SGK1 activation. However, the identity of the protein kinase(s) responsible for phosphorylation of Ser422, a site outside the catalytic domain (the so-called hydrophobic motif, or HM) that promotes activation of the kinase by PDK1, was unclear. In work reported in this issue of the Biochemical Journal, García-Martínez and Alessi have revealed the identity of a ‘PDK2’ kinase that catalyses Ser422 phosphorylation as mTORC2 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2), a multiprotein kinase that phosphorylates a similar site in PKB (protein kinase B).
Diversity sustains an evolving network
Authors: Mehrotra Ravi , Soni Vikram , Jain Sanjay
Published: November 2008

We study an evolutionary model of a complex system that evolves under catalytic dynamics and Darwinian selection and exhibits spontaneous growth, stasis and then a collapse of its structure. We find that the typical lifetime of the system increases sharply with the diversity of its components or species. We also find that the prime reason for crashes is a naturally occurring internal fragility of the system. This fragility is captured in the network organizational character and is related to a reduced multiplicity of pathways or feedback loops between its components. These results apply to several generalizations of the model as well. This work suggests new parameters for understanding the robustness of evolving molecular networks, ecosystems, societies and markets.
Thermally induced pulsatile motion of solids
Authors: Croll James G.A
Published: November 2008

Solid objects lying on slopes for which gravity alone would be insufficient to overcome frictional resistance have long been known to experience downslope motions when subject to alternations in temperature. This paper will suggest that similar motions are possible in situations where gravity is either absent or even working against the prospective motions. It will be argued that the effects of differential material properties when the solid is subject to alternations of tension and compression, accompanying periodic cycles of high and low temperatures, can also produce motion. While most of the illustrative examples will be chosen from certain movements of either ice and ice-rich materials or asphalt pavements, it would appear that similar behaviour could be experienced by much wider classes of materials. It is suggested that this form of thermal ratchet process could be of importance far wider than is currently recognized.
Implications for Asset Pricing Puzzles of a Roll‐over Assumption for the Risk‐Free Asset*
Authors: WARREN GEOFFREY J.
Published: November 2008

The equity risk premium and risk‐free rate puzzles are largely resolved by combining persistent uncertainty over the long‐term consumption growth rate with analysis of the risk‐free asset on a ‘roll‐over’ basis. Under these conditions, cash equivalents are evaluated as a multi‐period investment strategy that hedges against adverse growth rate outcomes. The premium on the risky asset is raised and the risk‐free rate lowered due to their respective relation with multi‐period consumption risk. Historical average asset returns are matched at plausible risk aversion.