bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of behavioral intervention on substance use among people living with HIV: the Healthy Living Project randomized controlled study
Authors: Wong F. Lennie , Rotheram‐Borus Mary Jane , Lightfoot Marguerita , Pequegnat Willo , Comulada W. Scott , Cumberland William , Weinhardt Lance S. , Remien Robert H. , Chesney Margaret , Johnson Mallory ,   Healthy Living Trial Group
Published: May 2008

Aim  Reductions in substance use were examined in response to an intensive intervention with people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLH).

Design, setting and participants  A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 936 PLH who had recently engaged in unprotected sexual risk acts recruited from four US cities: Milwaukee, San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. Substance use was assessed as the number of days of use of 19 substances recently (over the last 90 days), evaluated at 5‐month intervals over 25 months.

Intervention  A 15‐session case management intervention was delivered to PLH in the intervention condition; the control condition received usual care.

Measurements  An intention‐to‐treat analysis was conducted examining reductions on multiple indices of recent substance use calculated as the number of days of use.

Findings  Reductions in recent substance use were significantly greater for intervention PLH compared to control PLH: alcohol and/or marijuana use, any substance use, hard drug use and a weighted index adjusting for seriousness of the drug. While the intervention‐related reductions in substance use were larger among women than men, men also reduced their use. Compared to controls, gay and heterosexual men in the intervention reduced significantly their use of alcohol and marijuana, any substance, stimulants and the drug severity‐weighted frequency of use index. Gay men also reduced their hard drug use significantly in the intervention compared to the control condition.

Conclusions  A case management intervention model, delivered individually, is likely to result in significant and sustained reductions in substance use among PLH.
The search for reference conditions for stream vegetation in northern Europe
Authors: BAATTRUP‐PEDERSEN ANNETTE , SPRINGE GUNTA , RIIS TENNA , LARSEN SØREN E. , SAND‐JENSEN KAJ , KJELLERUP LARSEN LARS M.
Published: May 2008

1. The European Water Framework Directive provides a framework for improving the ecological quality of stream ecosystems, with deviation from reference used as a measure of ecological status.

2. Here we examine the possibility of using less impacted stream sites from Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to establish a Danish reference network for macrophyte assemblages, and as a guiding image for identification of possible references sites within Denmark. Both approaches were evaluated using historical Danish records.

3. Four different macrophyte assemblages were identified for mid‐sized streams in the Central and Eastern Lowland ecoregions. Macrophyte assemblages could not be delineated using physical stream site characteristics; however a gradual change in assemblage composition was attributed to differences in alkalinity and human impact.

4. Assemblages of contemporary vegetation in Denmark were quite similar to those found in Polish, Latvian and Lithuanian streams (26–35%). However, more importantly, from species‐based predictions we noted higher similarity, particularly with Latvian and Lithuanian streams, before intensive land use commenced in Denmark (c. 1900). These results show that stream sites from these three countries can be considered in a Danish reference network.

5. Two of the four macrophyte assemblages comprised species such as Fontinalis antipyretica, Myriophyllum spicatum, Nuphar lutea, Potamogeton alpinus and P. perfoliatus that have a very scattered occurrence in the contemporary vegetation in Denmark. These groups were closely associated with the predictions from historic records, thereby lending support the conjecture that these assemblages could be part of the guiding image for the identification of potential reference sites within Denmark.
Wetlands as barriers: effects of vegetated waterways on downstream dispersal of zebra mussels
Authors: BODAMER BETSY L. , BOSSENBROEK JONATHAN M.
Published: May 2008

1. Stream flow is a major vector for zebra mussel spread among inland lakes. Veligers have been found tens to hundreds of km from upstream source lakes in unvegetated stream and river systems. It has been suggested, however, that the downstream transport of zebra mussels is restricted by wetland ecosystems. We hypothesized that vegetated waterways, (i.e. wetland streams) would hinder the downstream dispersal of zebra mussels in connected inland lake systems.

2. Veliger abundance, recruitment and adult mussels were surveyed in four lake‐wetland systems in southeastern Michigan, U.S.A. from May to August 2006. Sampling was conducted downstream of the lakes invaded by zebra mussels, beginning at the upstream edge of aquatic vegetation and continuing downstream through the wetland streams.

3. Veliger abundance decreased rapidly in vegetated waterways compared to previously reported rates of decrease in non‐vegetated streams. Veligers were rarely found more than 1 km downstream from where vegetation began. Newly recruited individuals and adults were extremely rare beyond open water in the wetland systems.

4. Densely vegetated aquatic ecosystems limit the dispersal of zebra mussels downstream from invaded sources. Natural, remediated and constructed wetlands may therefore serve as a protective barrier to help prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species to other lakes and ecosystems.
Diffraction imaging in depth
Authors: Moser T.J. , Howard C.B.
Published: May 2008

High resolution imaging is of great value to an interpreter, for instance to enable identification of small scale faults, and to locate formation pinch‐out positions. Standard approaches to obtain high‐resolution information, such as coherency analysis and structure‐oriented filters, derive attributes from stacked, migrated images. Since they are image‐driven, these techniques are sensitive to artifacts due to an inadequate migration velocity; in fact the attribute derivation is not based on the physics of wave propagation. Diffracted waves on the other hand have been recognized as physically reliable carriers of high‐ or even super‐resolution structural information. However, high‐resolution information, encoded in diffractions, is generally lost during the conventional processing sequence, indeed migration kernels in current migration algorithms are biased against diffractions. We propose here methods for a diffraction‐based, data‐oriented approach to image resolution. We also demonstrate the different behaviour of diffractions compared to specular reflections and how this can be leveraged to assess characteristics of subsurface features. In this way a rough surface such as a fault plane or unconformity may be distinguishable on a diffraction image and not on a traditional reflection image.

We outline some characteristic properties of diffractions and diffraction imaging, and present two novel approaches to diffraction imaging in the depth domain. The first technique is based on reflection focusing in the depth domain and subsequent filtering of reflections from prestack data. The second technique modifies the migration kernel and consists of a reverse application of stationary‐phase migration to suppress contributions from specular reflections to the diffraction image. Both techniques are proposed as a complement to conventional full‐wave pre‐stack depth migration, and both assume the existence of an accurate migration velocity.
Addressing non‐uniqueness in linearized multichannel surface wave inversion
Authors: Cercato Michele
Published: May 2008

The multichannel analysis of the surface waves method is based on the inversion of observed Rayleigh‐wave phase‐velocity dispersion curves to estimate the shear‐wave velocity profile of the site under investigation. This inverse problem is nonlinear and it is often solved using ‘local’ or linearized inversion strategies. Among linearized inversion algorithms, least‐squares methods are widely used in research and prevailing in commercial software; the main drawback of this class of methods is their limited capability to explore the model parameter space. The possibility for the estimated solution to be trapped in local minima of the objective function strongly depends on the degree of nonuniqueness of the problem, which can be reduced by an adequate model parameterization and/or imposing constraints on the solution.

In this article, a linearized algorithm based on inequality constraints is introduced for the inversion of observed dispersion curves; this provides a flexible way to insert a priori information as well as physical constraints into the inversion process. As linearized inversion methods are strongly dependent on the choice of the initial model and on the accuracy of partial derivative calculations, these factors are carefully reviewed. Attention is also focused on the appraisal of the inverted solution, using resolution analysis and uncertainty estimation together with a posteriori effective‐velocity modelling. Efficiency and stability of the proposed approach are demonstrated using both synthetic and real data; in the latter case, cross‐hole S‐wave velocity measurements are blind‐compared with the results of the inversion process.
Physiopathology of haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: LAFEBER F. P. J. G. , MIOSSEC P. , VALENTINO L. A.
Published: May 2008

Summary.  Haemophilic arthropathy, which shares some clinical and biological injury characteristics with rheumatoid arthritis, is characterized by two main features: chronic proliferative synovitis and cartilage destruction. It is the consequence of repeated extravasation of blood into joint cavities, but its exact pathogenesis, particularly with regard to early changes in the joint, is still incompletely understood. This review presents recent findings obtained in experiments performed in vitro and using animal models, which have improved our knowledge of the pathogenesis of haemophilic arthropathy. These experimental studies show that haemophilic arthropathy is a multifactorial event in which the deposit of iron in the joints appears to exert a central role. First, iron may promote the apoptosis of chondrocytes by catalysing the formation of oxygen metabolites; this may explain the fact that intra‐articular blood exerts a directly harmful effect on cartilage before, and independent of synovial changes. Secondly, iron may also act on the synovial membrane by favouring its proliferation through the induction of proto‐oncogenes involved in cellular proliferation and stimulation of inflammatory cytokines as well as abrogation of apoptosis. These two processes, one degenerative and cartilage‐mediated, the other inflammatory and synovium‐mediated could occur in parallel or sequentially. Overall, it may be expected that these experimental results will yield new therapeutic strategies capable of effectively preventing the occurrence of this still serious and common complication in patients with severe haemophilia.
Management of haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: BOSSARD D. , CARRILLON Y. , STIELTJES N. , LARBRE J.‐P. , LAURIAN Y. , MOLINA V. , DIRAT G.
Published: May 2008

Summary. Despite the tremendous benefit offered by primary prophylaxis, recurrent joint bleeding with progression to chronic synovitis and haemophilic arthropathy is still a daily concern for the multidisciplinary health care teams managing patients with severe haemophilia or haemophilia complicated by inhibitor development. Advanced stages of arthropathy could be prevented by regular assessment of musculoskeletal status and thus early detection of symptoms, daily rehabilitation exercises at home, and implementation of appropriate physiotherapy and medical training. Patient’s education and psychological counselling are crucial. New tools such as magnetic resonance imaging are promising for the monitoring of these patients and might promote early detection of arthropathy and thus appropriate preventive measures to avoid further joint deterioration can be implemented. Medical synovectomy such as radionucleide synoviorthesis is a simple and non‐invasive procedure that often delays the need for surgery which despite considerable improvement in techniques and postoperative rehabilitation remains a high‐risk strategy in patients with severe haemophilia, especially those with inhibitors. In these high risk patients, availability of specific clotting factors such as activated prothrombin complex concentrate (FEIBA®, Baxter, Vienna, Austria) and more recently, recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa, NovoSeven®, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) has allowed to perform effective and safe orthopaedic procedures. The on‐going EUREKA study will undoubtedly provide additional information about the optimal use of rFVIIa in this context.
Gastrointestinal Kaposi’s sarcoma: CD117 expression and the potential for misdiagnosis as gastrointestinal stromal tumour
Authors: Parfitt J R , Rodriguez‐Justo M , Feakins R , Novelli M R
Published: May 2008

Aims:  Gastrointestinal Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) may mimic gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) histologically. Studies have shown that KS outside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may express CD117, an antibody usually used to support a diagnosis of GIST. The aim was to evaluate the clinicopathological features of GI KS, including the expression of CD117 with and without antigen retrieval.

Methods and results:  Fourteen GI KS were assessed histologically, 12 of which were also subjected to immunohistochemistry for CD34, human herpesvirus (HHV) 8, DOG1 and CD117. CD117 immunohistochemistry was performed with and without antigen retrieval. All cases showed an infiltrative spindle cell tumour. Lamina propria infiltration, lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, extravasated red blood cells and haemosiderin were typical histological features. In all cases tumour cells were positive for CD34 and HHV8, but negative for DOG1. CD117 was positive in four of 12 cases without antigen retrieval and 10 of 12 cases with antigen retrieval.

Conclusions:  The microscopic distinction of GI KS from GIST can be difficult. Clues that raise the possibility of GI KS include young patient age, a history of immunosuppression, lamina propria infiltration, lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, extravasated red blood cells and haemosiderin deposition. Use of the immunomarkers CD117 (without antigen retrieval), HHV8 and DOG1 may aid in the distinction between GI KS and GIST.
Riverine effects on mitochondrial structure of Bornean orang‐utans (Pongo pygmaeus) at two spatial scales
Authors: JALIL M. F. , CABLE J. , SINYOR J. , LACKMAN‐ANCRENAZ I. , ANCRENAZ M. , BRUFORD M. W. , GOOSSENS B.
Published: May 2008

We examined mitochondrial DNA control region sequences of 73 Kinabatangan orang‐utans to test the hypothesis that the phylogeographical structure of the Bornean orang‐utan is influenced by riverine barriers. The Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary contains one of the most northern populations of orang‐utans (Pongo pygmaeus) on Borneo and is bisected by the Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah. Orang‐utan samples on either side of the river were strongly differentiated with a high ΦST value of 0.404 (P < 0.001). Results also suggest an east–west gradient of genetic diversity and evidence for population expansion along the river, possibly reflecting a postglacial colonization of the Kinabatangan floodplain. We compared our data with previously published sequences of Bornean orang‐utans in the context of river catchment structure on the island and evaluated the general relevance of rivers as barriers to gene flow in this long‐lived, solitary arboreal ape.
A population‐based study of irritable bowel syndrome in a non‐Western population
Authors: Husain N. , Chaudhry I. B. , Jafri F. , Niaz S. K. , Tomenson B. , Creed F.
Published: May 2008

Abstract  Previous studies have found no female predominance in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in non‐Western countries. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of Rome II (IBS) in both sexes in Pakistan. A Population‐based survey in a low‐income inner city area using questionnaires to diagnose Rome II IBS and assess distress, disability and stressful life events. Data were collected from 880/938 (93%) randomly selected residents. 13.4% of women and 13.1% men met criteria for Rome II IBS; 34 (3.9%) had diarrhoea‐predominant, 59 (6.7%) had constipation‐predominant IBS and 24 (2.7%) had ‘mixed IBS’. In logistic regression analysis, IBS was associated in men with high income (OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.05–2.3) and few years of education (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.2–3.9) and in women with being married (OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.1–11.9) and stressful life events score (OR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.01–1.3). Disability was associated with constipation‐predominant IBS (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.1–3.6), distress (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.14–1.23) and stressful life events (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.1–1.3). Investigations were more likely in men (54%) than in women (27%) (P = 0.003). These findings suggest that the equal sex ratio of IBS in urban Pakistan could result from a close association between marked distress and IBS in men similar to that found in women in western studies.
Prospective community‐based cluster census and case‐control study of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
Authors: Kalter Henry D. , Khazen Reem Rahil , Barghouthi Mustafa , Odeh Mohammed
Published: May 2008

Obstetric complications and newborn illnesses amenable to basic medical interventions underlie most perinatal deaths. Yet, despite good access to maternal and newborn care in many transitional countries, perinatal mortality is often not monitored in these settings. The present study identified risk factors for perinatal death and the level and causes of stillbirths and neonatal deaths in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Baseline and follow‐up censuses with prospective monitoring of pregnant women and newborns from September 2001 to August 2002 were conducted in 83 randomly selected clusters of 300 households each. A total of 113 of 116 married women 15–49 years old with a stillbirth or neonatal death and 813 randomly selected women with a surviving neonate were interviewed, and obstetric and newborn care records of women with a stillbirth or neonatal death were abstracted.

The perinatal and neonatal mortality rates, respectively, were 21.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 16.5, 25.9] and 14.7 [95% CI 10.2, 19.2] per 1000 livebirths. The most common cause (27%) of 96 perinatal deaths was asphyxia alone (21) or with neonatal sepsis (5), while 18/49 (37%) early and 9/19 (47%) late neonatal deaths were from respiratory distress syndrome (12) or sepsis (9) alone or together (6). Constraint in care seeking, mainly by an Israeli checkpoint, occurred in 8% and 10%, respectively, of 112 pregnancies and labours and 31% of 16 neonates prior to perinatal or late neonatal death. Poor quality care for a complication associated with the death was identified among 40% and 20%, respectively, of 112 pregnancies and labour/deliveries and 43% of 68 neonates. (Correction added after online publication 5 June 2008: The denominators 112 pregnancies, labours, and labour/deliveries, and 16 and 68 neonates were included; and 9% of labours was corrected to 10%.) Risk factors for perinatal death as assessed by multivariable logistic regression included preterm delivery (odds ratio [OR] = 11.9, [95% CI 6.7, 21.2]), antepartum haemorrhage (OR = 5.6, [95% CI 1.5, 20.9]), any severe pregnancy complication (OR = 3.4, [95% CI 1.8, 6.6]), term delivery in a government hospital and having a labour and delivery complication (OR = 3.8, [95% CI 1.2, 12.0]), more than one delivery complication (OR = 4.4, [95% CI 1.8, 10.5]), mother's age >35 years (OR = 2.9, [95% CI 1.3, 6.8]) and primiparity in a full‐term pregnancy (OR = 2.6, [1.1, 6.3]). Stillbirths are not officially reportable in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and this is the first time that perinatal mortality has been examined. Interventions to lower stillbirths and neonatal deaths should focus on improving the quality of medical care for important obstetric complications and newborn illnesses. Other transitional countries can draw lessons for their health care systems from these findings.
Maternal smoking, demographic and lifestyle factors in relation to daughter's age at menarche
Authors: Windham Gayle C. , Zhang Lixia , Longnecker Matthew P. , Klebanoff Mark
Published: May 2008

A previous study suggested a younger age at menarche (AAM) among daughters of heavy prenatal smokers, especially among non‐Whites. The present study was designed to evaluate that association in another population and to examine other factors that may be related to AAM. We analysed data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a nationwide longitudinal study of pregnant women and their children conducted in 1959–66. At three sites, with a predominance of Black participants (80%), AAM was ascertained in the offspring when they were young adults. We included data on 1556 daughters who had a mean AAM of 12.7 years (standard deviation 1.8). Amount smoked by the mothers was obtained from a baseline interview and subsequent prenatal visits. Regression models were run including maternal smoking and other covariates, for only the prenatal period, as well as in models with some childhood characteristics.

In the prenatal factor model, younger mean AAM in daughters was found with maternal characteristics of earlier AAM, being married, and of lower parity. Examining childhood variables, earlier AAM was found among girls with few or no siblings or with higher socio‐economic status. Unlike our previous findings, mean AAM was later in daughters of heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes/day), with a delay of 0.31 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.008, 0.61], or about 3.7 months in the prenatal model, and 0.34 years [95% CI −0.02, 0.66] in the model with childhood variables included. The pattern was consistent by race. A number of prenatal and childhood factors related to AAM were identified that should be considered when examining exogenous exposures in relation to pubertal onset.
Dental caries in 3‐year‐old children and smoking status of parents
Authors: Hanioka Takashi , Nakamura Etsuko , Ojima Miki , Tanaka Keiko , Aoyama Hitoshi
Published: May 2008

An association has been suggested between environmental tobacco smoke and oral disease. The present study examined the relationship between early childhood caries (ECC) and parental smoking, particularly paternal smoking, using records of 711 36‐month‐old children. The smoking status of parents as an independent variable was entered in the multivariable logistic regression model for caries experience as the dependent variable with confounders: sex, residential location, and possible risks of ECC such as order of birth, type of main drink, frequency of daily intake of sugar‐containing snacks, daily toothbrushing by parents and use of fluoridated toothpaste.

About 65% of children were caries free. Children whose parents did not smoke (CN), those in whom only the father smoked (CF), and those whose mother smoked regardless of the smoking status of the father (CM) comprised 33%, 33% and 34% respectively. The adjusted mean number [95% CI] of decayed teeth and caries experience prevalence for CN, CF and CM were 1.2 [0.8, 1.6], 1.6 [1.2, 2.0] and 2.1 [1.7, 2.5], and 25.6%, 35.3% and 45.7% respectively. The relationship between caries experience and parental smoking was significant on multivariable analysis. The adjusted OR [95% CI] of CF and CM relative to CN was 1.52 [1.01, 2.30] and 2.25 [1.51, 3.37] respectively. These results indicate the association of ECC with parental smoking, although the association with paternal smoking was weaker than with maternal smoking.
Three‐dimensional modelling and sequence stratigraphy of a carbonate ramp‐to‐shelf transition, Permian Upper San Andres Formation
Authors: PHELPS RYAN M. , KERANS CHARLES , SCOTT SAM Z. , JANSON XAVIER , BELLIAN JEROME A.
Published: May 2008

This study highlights three‐dimensional variability of stratigraphic geometries in the ramp crest to basin of mixed carbonate–siliciclastic clinoforms in the Permian San Andres Formation. Standard field techniques and mapping using ground‐based lidar reveal a high degree of architectural complexity in channellized, scoured and mounded outer ramp stratigraphy. Development of these features was a function of location along the ramp profile and fluctuations in relative sea‐level. Deposition of coarse‐grained and fine‐grained turbidites in the distal outer ramp occurred through dilute and high‐density turbidity flows and was the result of highstand carbonate shedding within individual cycles. In this setting, high‐frequency cycles of relative sea‐level are interpreted on the basis of turbidite frequency, lateral extent and composition. Submarine siliciclastic sediment bypass during lowstand cycles resulted in variable degrees of siliciclastic preservation. Abundant siliciclastic material is preserved in the basin and distal outer ramp as point‐sourced lowstand wedges and line‐sourced early transgressive blankets. In mounded topography of the outer ramp, siliciclastic preservation is minimal to absent, and rare incised channels offer the best opportunity for recognition of a sequence boundary. Growth of mounded topography in the outer ramp began with scouring, followed by a combination of bioherm construction, fusulinid mound construction and isopachous draping. Intermound areas were then filled with sediment and continued mound growth was prevented by an accommodation limit. Mound growth was independent of high‐frequency cycles in relative sea‐level but was dependent on available accommodation dictated by low‐frequency cyclicity. Low‐angle ramp clinoforms with mounded topography in the outer ramp developed during the transgressive part of a composite sequence. Mound growth terminated as the ramp transformed into a shelf with oblique clinoform geometries during the highstand of the composite sequence. This example represents a ramp‐to‐shelf transition that is the result of forcing by relative sea‐level fluctuations rather than ecologic or tectonic controls.
Light enhances the unfolded protein response as measured by BiP2 gene expression and the secretory GFP‐2SC marker in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lu Dong‐Ping , Christopher David A.
Published: May 2008

Disruption of the protein‐folding capacity in the ER induces the accumulation of unfolded proteins and ER stress, which activate the unfolded protein response (UPR). Although UPR has been extensively studied in yeast and mammals, much less is known about UPR and its relationship with light in plants. Here, we examined the effects of chemically induced UPR and light on a molecular marker of UPR (binding protein, BiP2, gene expression) and a secretory green fluorescent protein marker (GFP‐2SC) that is trafficked from the ER to vacuole in Arabidopsis thaliana (L). UPR, which was induced by DTT and tunicamycin (TM), increased Bip2 mRNA levels and decreased the levels of microsomal and vacuolar forms of GFP‐2SC. Treatment with protease inhibitors lessened the effects of DTT and TM on GFP‐2SC, indicating the decrease in GFP levels partially involved protein degradation. Light treatments synergistically enhanced the decrease in GFP levels in both the ER and vacuole and induced the expression of UPR marker genes for BiP2 and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI, EC 5.3.4.1). DTT and TM treatments required light for maximal induction of the UPR. Light‐induced UPR occurred during the daily dark to light cycle and when dark‐adapted plants were exposed to light. We propose that light activates the UPR to increase the protein folding capacity in the ER to accommodate an increase in translation during dark to light transitions.
Incidence and Distribution of Grapevine Leafroll‐associated viruses in Tunisian Vineyards
Authors: Mahfoudhi Naima , Digiaro Michele , Dhouibi Mohamed Habib
Published: May 2008

Surveys were carried out in Tunisian table grape vineyards for assessing the occurrence and distribution of grapevine leafroll‐associated viruses (GLRaVs). Leafroll symptoms were commonly observed in most of the surveyed vineyards. Samples were randomly collected from 712 individual vines for laboratory testing. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests showed that 81.5% of the vines were infected by one (35.7%) or more (45.8%) viruses. GLRaV‐3 was the most widespread virus (76.3%), followed by GLRaV‐5 (38.5 %), GLRaV‐6 (13.2%), GLRaV‐1 (9.1%), GLRaV‐2 (6.3%), and GLRaV‐7 (0.9%). GLRaV‐3 and GLRaV–5, two mealybug‐transmissible Ampeloviruses, were present in mixture in 35.9% of samples. The highest infection rate was found in Cape Bon region (81.7 %), where cv. Italia had an infection rate of 79.5%. Superior seedless, the main cultivar in Sidi Bouzid, had 75% infection. GLRaV‐6 and ‐7 were detected for the first time in Tunisia.
Synchronous and multiple transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and urachal cyst
Authors: Maletic Vinka , Cerovic Snezana , Lazic Miodrag , Stojanovic Mirjana , Stevanovic Predrag
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Incomplete involution of the allantoic duct can result in different pathological forms of urachus which can give rise to inflammation or late malignant changes. Among urachal tumors, adenocarcinoma is most frequent, although other histological types can also be found. The synchronous presentation of a urachal transitional cell tumor, along with recurrent superficial bladder tumors has not been reported previously. We are reporting a 49‐year‐old male patient in whom transitional cell carcinoma of a urachal cyst was found with recurrent, multiple bladder tumors. The diagnosis of urachal cyst tumor was established according to ultrasonography and computed tomography. Most of the bladder tumors were resected transurethrally while open surgical excision of the urachal cyst with en bloc resection of the bladder dome was performed. Recurrent bladder tumors were afterwards treated with Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) instillations. A year after surgery the patient has no signs of local recurrence or distant metastases of transitional cell carcinoma.
Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis related to recent asbestos
Authors: Ikegami Yosuke , Kawai Noriyasu , Tozawa Keiichi , Hayashi Yutaro , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  We report an extremely rare case of malignant mesothelioma in the tunica vaginalis testis. A 67‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital complaining of painless swelling in the right scrotum. Ultrasonography and computed tomography demonstrated a mass of approximately 6 cm in the right scrotum. He underwent tumor resection under a diagnosis of right intrascrotal tumor. The histopathological diagnosis was malignant mesothelioma, and he died 26 months later from multiple metastases. Asbestos may be a significant contributor to malignant mesothelioma in Japan. There have been 46 cases reported in urology departments in this country of the related symptoms, but only two of these have been clearly attributable to asbestos, which may be due to the investigations being insufficient to obtain a definitive diagnosis. In addition, this symptom is often diagnosed preoperatively as hydrocele testis; it is therefore important to carry out ultrasonography when a hydrocele testis has been diagnosed.
Villous adenoma of the urinary bladder
Authors: Sung Wooseuk , Park Byung‐Dae , Lee Sun , Chang Sung‐Goo
Published: May 2008

Abstract:  Villous adenomas arising in the urinary tract are an uncommon occurrence. They have been identified in the urachus, urethra, prostate, and throughout the bladder. Villous adenomas arising in the bladder are rare tumors that have been described as isolated cases and a few case series. We report a new case of a large villous adenoma arising in the bladder that was treated by transurethral resection.
Interaction of residual stress with mechanical loading in an austenitic stainless steel
Authors: MIRZAEE‐SISAN A. , TRUMAN C. E. , SMITH D. J. , SMITH M. C.
Published: May 2008

Single edge notched bend, SEN(B), fracture specimens fabricated from AISI Type 316H austenitic stainless steel and containing a residual stress field were used to quantify the interaction of a residual stress field on subsequent fracture behaviour when the specimens were subjected to an applied load. Autogenous welding (where no additional filler material is used) was used to impart the residual stress field following a procedure which had been extensively characterised numerically and experimentally. Crack growth resistant curves were obtained for the specimens, and for similar specimens containing no residual stress field. It was observed that the residual stress field had negligible impact on the fracture behaviour of the specimens, in contrast to recently reported work which demonstrated a large influence of a residual stress field when the test specimens were fabricated from a ferritic steel. A numerical programme was conducted to consider the results in the context of a structural integrity assessment. The test results were assessed using both the procedures described in R6, a well‐known structural integrity assessment procedure, and by explicit calculation of a modified J‐integral via two‐dimensional cracked body finite element analysis. It was shown that the assessments were pessimistic, all predicting an influence of the residual stress field on fracture when none was observed experimentally.
Advanced methodology for assessing distribution characteristics of Paris equation coefficients to improve fatigue life prediction
Authors: RABINOWICZ Y. , ROMAN I. , RITOV Y.
Published: May 2008

This paper offers a methodology for coping with information loss following consolidation of data on fatigue crack propagation rates derived from different experiments. It is customary, both in the literature and in standardization, to consolidate results of several experiments conducted under similar conditions, using identical materials. This reduces the ability to implement a probabilistic fracture mechanics approach in order to reliably calculate the distribution of the number of cycles needed to reach a critical value (CV; onset of instability or failure). Such reliable calculation requires, among other things, an estimation of the distribution characteristics of the crack progression curves coefficients represented by models such as Paris or NASGRO, and an estimation of joint distributions of equation coefficients representing such models. Consolidated data reduce the ability to estimate these required distribution characteristics. This work suggests an analytical approach that uses consolidated data, but enables the information to be treated as if it were possible to attribute the data to the various experimental specimens from which they were obtained. Consequently, information required for the evaluation of the distribution of the number of cycles needed to reach a CV can be obtained.

 The proposed approach is generic and can be applied in additional scientific fields that can benefit from separation of data obtained from different experiments.
Geometrical relationships between side necking and plastic zone size near a crack tip in ductile metals. Part I: Modified boundary layer solutions
Authors: KIM D. H. , KANG K. J.
Published: May 2008

The plastic zone size is regarded as the measure of a material's resistance, and it also determines the fracture behaviour. Recently, stereo digital speckle photography (SDSP) has been found to be useful for measuring in‐situ the side necking developed on the lateral surfaces of a specimen during a standard fracture test procedure forJIC. Because plastic deformation occurs without any volume change, the in‐plane plastic zone developed around a crack tip should be accompanied by out‐of‐plane deformation, that is, side necking. With the aid of the new measurement technique, side necking is expected to act as a gauge for indicating the plastic zone size. As a preliminary study, the geometrical relationships between side necking and the plastic zone size near a crack tip in ductile metals are explored by using a finite element model with modified boundary conditions. As parameters representing the geometrical similarity between side necking and the plastic zone, the shapes of each region, the distances from the crack tip to the boundaries of each region,rpandrsand the areas of each region,ApandAsare examined for their sensitivities to variables such as mode mixity, hardening exponent and so on. Among them, the areas,ApandAsseem to be the best for application because an excellent linearity between them is maintained in a wide range of mode mixity and load level regardless of the hardening exponent, specimen thickness and yield stress.
Multiaxial fatigue limits and material sensitivity to non‐zero mean stresses normal to the critical planes
Authors: SUSMEL L.
Published: May 2008

This paper is concerned with an attempt to reformulate the so‐called Modified Wöhler Curve Method (MWCM) in order to more efficiently account for the detrimental effect of non‐zero mean stresses perpendicular to the critical planes. In more detail, by taking as a starting point the well‐established experimental evidence that engineering materials exhibit different sensitivities to superimposed tensile static stresses, an effective value of the normal mean stress relative to the critical plane was attempted to be calculated by introducing a suitable correction factor. Such a mean stress sensitivity index was assumed to be a material constant, i.e. a material parameter to be determined by running appropriate experiments. The accuracy of the novel reformulation of the MWCM proposed here was systematically checked by using several experimental data taken from the literature. In particular, in order to better explore the main features of the improved MWCM, its accuracy in estimating multiaxial high‐cycle fatigue damage was evaluated by considering fatigue results generated not only under non‐zero mean stresses but also under non‐proportional loading. Such a validation exercise allowed us to prove that the systematic use of the mean stress sensitivity index resulted in estimates falling within an error interval equal to about ±10%, and this held true independently of considered material and complexity of the investigated loading path. Finally, such a novel reformulation of the MWCM was also applied along with the Theory of Critical Distances (TCD) to predict the high‐cycle fatigue strength of notched samples tested under in‐phase bending and torsion with superimposed tensile and torsional static stresses: again our method was seen to be highly accurate, correctly predicting high‐cycle multiaxial fatigue damage also in the presence of stress concentration phenomena.
Potentiation of reflex erectile responses in the anaesthetized rat by the selective melanocortin receptor 4 agonist MB243
Authors: Allard Julien , Reynolds David S. , Edmunds Nicholas J.
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE

To assess the potentiation of erectile responses induced by electrical stimulation (ES) of the dorsal penile nerve (DPN) in the urethane‐anaesthetized rat by the selective melanocortin receptor 4 agonist MB243.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Intracavernosal and blood pressures (ICP and BP, respectively) were monitored in urethane‐anaesthetized rats after complete spinal cord transection at the thoracic level. Erectile responses were induced by ES of the DPN (train of square wave pulses of 1 ms and 6 V for 20 s at 1, 2 and 5 Hz) after i.v. injection of either saline or MB243, 3 mg/kg, in two groups of six rats. The maximal and mean ICP, and the area under the curve (AUC) of the ICP response, corrected for the corresponding BP, were measured and used as an index of erectile function (ICPmax/BP, ICPmean/BP and AUC/BP, respectively).

RESULTS

MB243 increased the number of spontaneous erections between the injection and the first ES when compared with the vehicle group, but this difference was not statistically significant. ES of the DPN induced frequency‐dependent erectile responses, the mean (sem) ICPmean/BP was 0.26 (0.02), 0.34 (0.04) and 0.39 (0.05) after administration of saline (vehicle) at 1, 2 and 5 Hz, respectively. All the variables, except the ICPmax/BP at 5 Hz, were significantly increased in the group injected with MB243 when compared with the vehicle group (P < 0.05 for ICPmax/BP and ICPmean/BP; P < 0.01 for AUC/BP). The AUC/BP showed the greatest increases of (+79%, +60% and +44% at 1, 2 and 5 Hz, respectively) in the group injected with MB243 compared with the vehicle group.

CONCLUSION

Erectile responses induced by ES of the DPN in spinalized, urethane‐anaesthetized rat are suitable for evaluating the proerectile facilitator activity of selective peripherally restricted melanocortin receptor 4 agonists. This model represents a valuable alternative to the classically used cavernous/pelvic nerve stimulated model.
The Gender Gap
Authors: Chichilnisky Graciela
Published: May 2008

The author explains the “gender gap” as a Nash equilibrium of a game with incomplete information about women's work at home and in the marketplace. Expectations about women's lower wages leads to the overutilization of women in the household, and this, in turn, leads to lower productivity and lower wages for women in the marketplace. The situation is rational but generally Pareto inferior. With logistic learning by doing, at high levels of skill there is a Pareto‐superior equilibrium, where men and women share efforts equally at home and receive the same pay in the marketplace, firms enhance their profits, and there is more welfare at home. Inequity at home breeds inequity in the marketplace and, reciprocally, inequity in the marketplace leads to inequity at home, causing a persistent gender gap. Appropriate contracts may be needed to implement the superior solution, since generally governments do not intervene in family matters.
A Downward‐Sloping Labor Supply Curve: The Case of Peru
Authors: Yamada Gustavo
Published: May 2008

The author finds evidence of a downward‐sloping labor supply curve for urban areas in Peru from cross‐sectional household data for 2002 and pooled data for available years from 1985 to 2000. Individuals respond to lower hourly earnings with an increase in the quantity supplied of work hours. This behavior would help to explain the increasing trend in average work hours in Peru (this average for male workers in Lima, the capital city, rose from 50.5 to 53.9 weekly hours between 1985 and 2000; meanwhile, 33.4% of workers had weekly schedules above 60 hours in 2002). Another finding is the increase in hours supplied due to pressure from the more numerous cohorts recently entering the Peruvian labor market.
Factors affecting health‐related quality of life amongst Asian patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zhao Y. J. , Tan L. C. S. , Lau P. N. , Au W. L. , Li S. C. , Luo N.
Published: May 2008

Background and purpose:  This cross‐sectional study was carried out to identify factors predicting health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) amongst Asian patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods:  A total of 183 PD patients (mean age: 61 years, male: 68.9%) attending a tertiary neuroscience clinic in Singapore completed the English or Chinese version of the 8‐item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ‐8). Patients’ socio‐demographic characteristics and their clinical variables were analysed to identify factors influencing the PDQ‐8 Summary Index and responses to its eight dimensions.

Results:  In the multiple linear regression model, the use of Chinese survey, higher motor score and longer duration of PD were associated with poorer overall HRQoL. The multiple logistic regression analyses showed that female patients and patients with higher Hoehn and Yahr stage were more probably to report worse emotional well‐being; patients who completed Chinese survey reported more problems with mobility, cognition and stigma; patients with higher motor scores were more probably to report problems with activities of daily living; patients with longer duration of PD were more probably to report problems with mobility, social support, communication and stigma.

Conclusion:  Both socio‐demographic factors and disease‐specific variables influence HRQoL in PD patients; the effects of culture‐related factors on HRQoL should not be overlooked when assessing HRQoL in multi‐cultural settings.
Groundnut consumption frequency in Ghana
Authors: Jolly Curtis M. , Awuah Richard T. , Fialor Simon C. , Agyemang Kwasi O. , Kagochi John M. , Binns Alvin D.
Published: May 2008

Groundnut (peanut) is an important food and oil crop in Ghana, but little is known about the factors influencing consumption. The study surveyed market participants; investigated the frequency and forms of groundnut consumed; and evaluated the factors influencing consumers’ decisions to eat groundnuts in Ghana. About 80% of respondents consume groundnut and/or its products at least once a week and 32.0% consume it three times a week. Logistic models showed that age, education and the form in which groundnuts are consumed influence the frequency of groundnut consumption. Total revenue and the form in which groundnut is eaten influence farmers consumption decision whereas groundnut consumption by poultry farmers is influenced by knowledge of the health effects of groundnuts on birds and the form in which groundnut is eaten by the poultry producers. Processors’ frequency of consumption is influenced by the form in which groundnut is consumed and their knowledge of reasons for sorting. The results are important for market segmentation for demand projection along the marketing chain.
Market testing of a major cassava flour product in the Accra metropolitan area*
Authors: Jumah Adusei , Johnson Paa‐Nii T. , Quayson Enoch T. , Tortoe Charles , Oduro‐Yeboah Charlotte
Published: May 2008

The current study analyses consumer judgements about some existing as well as newly introduced brands of a processed cassava food product (fufu flour) by means of market testing. Except for colour, the respondents’ evaluation of the sensory attributes of the various fufu flours that they have consumed did not have much significant differences. Also, no significant differences in sensory attributes were identified when the fufu flour brands were compared with traditional fufu, except for hand‐feel, smoothness and elasticity. In addition, no significant differences were observed in the prices of the various fufu flour brands in comparison with the equivalent price of traditional fufu. The study finds diversification of the marketing outlet for fufu flour as a major factor that could contribute to improving the awareness of the product.
Are You Getting Enough Culture? Moving from Social to Cultural History in Eighteenth‐Century Britain
Authors: Monod Paul Kleber
Published: May 2008

Over the past couple of decades, cultural studies have made a considerable impact on 18th‐century British history. To some extent, this has been at the expense of an older social history that was focused on the experiences of the laboring classes. Gradually, the concept of an 18th‐century ‘consumer society’ has become dominant. Studies of middle and upper class manners, tastes, and fashions have proliferated. The ‘consumer society’ model has in turn inspired further examinations of gender, national, and racial identities, in which the movement away from social history has become more pronounced. This article calls for a reintegration of historical approaches in ways that will take account of both the transforming effects and the limits of cultural history.