bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPATIAL PATTERN, DENSITY AND CHARACTERISTICS OF LARGE WOOD IN CONNECTICUT STREAMS: IMPLICATIONS FOR STREAM RESTORATION PRIORITIES IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND
Authors: Costigan K. H. , Daniels M. D.
Published: September 2011

Many streams have been modified so extensively that river managers do not have clear reference conditions to frame targets for stream restoration. Large woody debris (LWD) has long been recognized as an important influence on both geomorphic and ecologic processes in stream channels; however, there have been few studies of LWD dynamics in New England. Although this region is heavily forested today, the forest is predominantly young (70–90 years old) regrowth following a historical episode of severe deforestation. This study presents the results of an extensive census of LWD and associated stream characteristics in over 16 river kilometres of northeastern Connecticut streams and represents the first reported inventory of wood loading and sorting in Southern New England. Results of this study indicate that wood loading and jam frequencies in the study region are low: 2.5–17.8 and 0.5–5.51 per 100 m, respectively. Orientation of LWD is predominantly parallel to flow, an indication that these streams are not retaining organic matter or sediment, which has important geomorphic and ecologic implications. Results imply that stream recruitment of LWD is still lagging from the massive forest conversions of the 18th and 19th centuries. Given the low wood loadings observed in the study reaches, manual wood addition and continued forest regeneration would likely improve both habitat diversity and organic matter and fine sediment retention in these systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transmission of Light through Magnetic Nanocavities
Authors: Patoka Piotr , Skeren Tomas , Hilgendorff Michael , Zhi Linjie , Paudel Trilochan , Kempa Krzysztof , Giersig Michael
Published: September 2011

The transmission of light through a metallic film stack on a transparent substrate, perforated with a periodic array of cylindrical holes/nanocavities, is studied. The structure is fabricated by using self‐assembled nanosphere lithography. Since one layer in the film stack is made of a ferromagnetic metal (iron), exposure of the structure to a solution containing iron oxide nanoparticles causes nanoparticle accumulation inside the nanocavities. This changes the dielectric constant inside the nanocavities and thus affects the light transmission. Simulations are in good agreement with experiment, and show large sensitivity of the response to the amount of iron oxide nanoparticles deposited. This could be used in various sensor applications.
A joint communication and computing resource management scheme for pervasive grid networks
Authors: Tarchi Daniele , Tassi Andrea , Fantacci Romano
Published: September 2011

The last years have been characterized by an increasing interest in the grid and cloud computing that allow the implementation of high performance computing structures in a distributed way by exploiting multiple processing resources. The presence of mobile terminals has extended the paradigm to the so called pervasive grid networks, where multiple heterogeneous devices are interconnected to form a distributed computing resource. In such a scenario, there is the need of efficient techniques for providing reliable wireless connections among network nodes. This paper deals with the proposal of a suitable resource management scheme relying on a routing algorithm able to perform jointly the resource discovery and task scheduling for implementing an efficient pervasive grid infrastructure in a wireless ad hoc scenario. The proposed solutions have been considered within two different parallelization processing schemes, and their effectiveness has been verified by resorting to computer simulations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the detection limits in the analysis of some medium atomic number elements measured with a portable XRF and an external proton beam PIXE spectrometer system
Authors: Kocsonya A. , Kovács I. , Szökefalvi‐Nagy Z.
Published: September 2011

A portable X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer system was constructed using an Amptek Mini‐X X‐ray tube and an X‐123 compact spectrometer. The spectrometer is optimised for the best limits of detection. Its analytic properties are tested and compared with an analogous laboratory‐based instrument, an external beam proton‐induced X‐ray emission spectrometry (PIXE) setup. Depending on elements in question the thick target detection limits of this portable XRF device are comparable or even lower than the PIXE setup. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthese und Strukturaufklärung Trimethylsiloxy‐funktionalisierter Kupferchalkogenidcluster
Authors: Langer Robert , Yu Wen , Wünsche Linda , Buth Gernot , Fuhr Olaf , Fenske Dieter
Published: September 2011

Four new copper chalcogenide clusters with trimethylsiloxy groups in the ligand shell have been synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compounds [Cu22Se6(S‐C6H4‐OSiMe3)10(PPh3)8] (1), [Cu36Se8(S‐C6H4‐OSiMe3)20(PPh3)8] (2) and [Cu52Se20(S‐C6H4‐OSiMe3)12(PPh3)11] (3) are core‐shell‐cluster, in which the heavy atom frameworks are built up of a copper selenide core which is partly surrounded by a copper thiolate shell. They were synthesized by the reaction of CuOAc and PPh3 with p‐Me3SiS‐C6H4‐OSiMe3 and Se(SiMe3)2 in different ratios. The arrangements of the chalcogen atoms in 1 and 2 are similar to a close packing, while cluster 3 has a new unusual structural motif. In addition the analogous precursor p‐Me3SiSe‐C6H4‐OSiMe3 was synthesized and investigated in the cluster synthesis. The reaction with CuOAc, PPh3 and Se(SiMe3)2 leads to the formation of the functionalized copper selenide cluster [Cu22Se6(Se‐C6H4‐OSiMe3)10(PPh3)8] (4). This compound is similar to 1 and consists of a Cu22Se16 core instead of a Cu22Se6S10 core. The functionalization of the cluster compounds with trimethylsiloxy‐groups leads to a high solubility of these cluster.
Locking and Non-locking Constructs Achieve Similar Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes for Internal Fixation of Intra-articular Distal Humerus Fractures
Authors: Berkes Marschall , Garrigues Grant , Solic John , Van Zeeland Nathan , Shourbaji Nader , Brouwer Kim , Jupiter Jesse , Ruch David , Obremskey William T.
Published: September 2011

Background

Locking plates have been used increasingly for the management of distal humerus fractures. Studies that compare patient-centered outcomes between locking and non-locking fixation for distal humerus fractures are lacking.

Questions/Purposes

The purposes of this study were to (1) determine whether locking plates offered superior fixation compared with non-locking plates for distal humerus fractures, (2) determine whether the use of locking plates was associated with fewer complications, and (3) determine whether locking plate use resulted in superior radiographic outcome compared with non-locking plates. Lastly, another aim was to determine the average cost difference associated with locking plate use versus non-locking plate use for distal humerus fracture fixation.

Patients and Method

Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data including loss of fixation, range of motion, rate of infection, nonunion and reoperation, as well as measures of fixation were collected retrospectively and compared on 96 patients with surgically treated AO type 13C distal humerus fractures (65 locking, 31 non-locking) at 6-week and 6-month follow-up. Average costs of locking and non-locking constructs were calculated and compared.

Results

Three in 96 (3.1%) of all cases experienced loss of fixation, with no difference between the two groups. There was no difference between locking and non-locking groups with regard to the rate of nonunion, infection, and reoperation at 6 weeks and 6 months. On average, locking plate constructs were 348% more expensive than non-locking constructs.

Conclusion

While there are some significant differences in radiographic parameters and cost between locking and non-locking constructs for internal fixation of intra-articular distal humerus fractures, there were no statistically significant differences in clinical outcome.
Preiselastizitäten der Nachfrage im ÖPNV unter spezieller Berücksichtigung ermäßigter Sozialtarife am Beispiel einer mittelgroßen Stadt
Authors: Vietze Christoph
Published: September 2011

The aim of the study is to calculate the price elasticity of demand for several local public transport products of a mid-sized German city (Jena) to estimate the potential subsidy requirements of social tariff concessions. The results of the ten year time series AR-model estimation show an elasticity coefficient of − 0.63 for a single ticket which is slightly higher in absolute terms compared with past studies but can be explained with the geographical structure of the examined city. The price elasticity of social concession-tariffs is significantly higher. This means that the income effect will be outweighed by the effect of lower demand of welfare recipients for (relatively inelastic) intra-city commuting.
Increasing intake of long-chainn-3 PUFA enhances lipoperoxidation and modulates hepatic gene expression in a dose-dependent manner
Authors: Gladine Cécile , Roy Nicole C. , Rigaudière Jean-Paul , Laillet Brigitte , Da Silva Georges , Joly Charlotte , Pujos-Guillot Estelle , Morio Béatrice , Feillet-Coudray Christine , McNabb Warren C. , Chardigny Jean-Michel , Comte Blandine
Published: September 2011

Long-chain (LC)n-3 PUFA have a broad range of biological properties that can be achieved at the gene expression level. This has been well described in liver, where LCn-3 PUFA modulate the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism. However, the complexity of biological pathway modulations and the nature of bioactive molecules are still under investigation. The present study aimed to investigate the dose–response effects of LCn-3 PUFA on the production of peroxidised metabolites, as potential bioactive molecules, and on global gene expression in liver. Hypercholesterolaemic rabbits received by daily oral administration (7 weeks) either oleic acid-rich oil or a mixture of oils providing 0·1, 0·5 or 1 % (groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively) of energy as DHA. Levels of specific peroxidised metabolites, namely 4-hydroxyhexenal (4-HHE)–protein adducts, issued from LCn-3 PUFA were measured by GC/MS/MS in liver in parallel to transcription profiling. The intake of LCn-3 PUFA increased, in a dose-dependent manner, the hepatic production of 4-HHE. At the highest dose, LCn-3 PUFA provoked an accumulation of TAG in liver, which can be directly linked to increased mRNA levels of lipoprotein hepatic receptors (LDL-receptor and VLDL-receptor). In groups 1 and 2, the mRNA levels of microsomal TAG transfer protein decreased, suggesting a possible new mechanism to reduce VLDL secretion. These modulations of genes related to lipoprotein metabolism were independent of PPARα signalling but were probably linked to the activation of the farnesol X receptor pathway by LCn-3 PUFA and/or their metabolites such as HHE.
Enforcing ECOWAS Law in West African National Courts
Authors: Nwauche ES
Published: September 2011

One of the constitutional challenges of regional integration is how to manage the limitation of national judicial sovereignty of member states to ensure that community law is recognized as superior to national law and is accordingly applied and interpreted by national courts at the instance of community citizens. This challenge arises from the national ordering of legal systems and the fact that states are the primary parties to agreements in which they limit their sovereignty in favour of the success of the community. This article examines the enforceability of the law of the Economic Community of West African States in the national courts of the West African states which comprise ECOWAS, with the aim of determining how this affects the integration goals of ECOWAS.
Does the Differential Criterion for Vesting Parental Rights and Responsibilities of Unmarried Parents Violate International Law? A Legislative and Social Study of Three African Countries
Authors: Sloth-Nielsen Julia , Wakefield Lorenzo , Murungi Nkatha L
Published: September 2011

The right to non-discrimination for all children is established in international human rights law. International children's rights law further provides for the common responsibility of parents for the maintenance of their children. African customary law and common law have always made a distinction between children born in and out of wedlock so far as the duty to maintain them is concerned. The resilience of this customary and common law approach is evident in statutory provisions of the countries discussed in this article. This is despite international obligations under children's rights treaties ratified by these countries. On the face of it, the distinction of responsibility based on marital status seems harmless. However, in view of gender inequities and resource distribution between men and women in society, such a distinction has serious implications for the rights of affected children.
A Comparison of the Rationales for the Prohibition Against Hearsay Evidence in the USA and Nigeria
Authors: Azubuike Lawrence
Published: September 2011

The influence of the United States of America in the world is reflected not just in the export of its values and policies, but also in the spread of US jurisprudence and legal norms around the world. Many nations try to emulate US trial practice and procedure, while others measure the utility of their procedural rules by US standards. The rule generally prohibiting the admissibility of hearsay evidence is firmly rooted in the common law which is the basis of the legal systems in both the USA and Nigeria. This article explores and compares the jurisprudential and other rationales underpinning the hearsay rule in both jurisdictions. It finds that, although there are slight differences in the trial procedures of the two systems, the general stricture against hearsay evidence is informed by similar rationales in both jurisdictions.
Anterior tongue reduction surgery for paediatric macroglossia
Authors: Chau H , Soma M , Massey S , Hewitt R , Hartley B
Published: September 2011

Objective:

Anterior tongue reduction is indicated when macroglossia causes problems with oral hygiene, airway compromise, deglutition, articulation or orthognathic complications. Causes of macroglossia include hypothyroidism, mucopolysaccharide and lipid storage disease, lymphangioma, haemangioma, neurofibroma, and muscular macroglossia. This paper presents an 11-year experience of anterior tongue reduction at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Method:

Retrospective study of patient medical records identified from the hospital ENT database. Anterior wedge resection was the preferred technique.

Results:

Anterior tongue reduction was performed on 18 patients, due to cystic hygroma with tongue involvement (nine patients), Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (eight) and Down's syndrome (one). Anterior wedge resection was preferred, using electrocautery in the majority, except for four cases involving CO2 laser. All but one patient had a good surgical outcome (i.e. tongue in mouth at rest). One patient subsequently required multiple laser procedures for recurrent macroglossia.

Conclusion:

Anterior tongue reduction can be a safe procedure, with limited post-operative morbidity, consistently resulting in good surgical outcomes and improvement in macroglossia symptoms. Speech development does not appear to be adversely affected.
Biomarkers and laryngopharyngeal reflux
Authors: Wood J M , Hussey D J , Woods C M , Watson D I , Carney A S
Published: September 2011

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a controversial but increasingly made diagnosis used in patients with a collection of often non-specific laryngeal symptoms. It is a clinical diagnosis, and its pathophysiology is currently poorly understood.

Previous reflux research has focused on injurious agents, acid, pepsin and biomarker expression. Failure of intrinsic defences in the larynx may cause changes in laryngeal epithelia, particularly alterations in carbonic anhydrases and E-cadherin. Carbonic anhydrase III levels vary in the larynx in response to laryngopharyngeal reflux, depending on location. Expression of E-cadherin, a known tumour suppressor, is reduced in the presence of reflux. Mucin expression also varies according to the severity of reflux.

Further research is required to define the clinical entity of laryngopharyngeal reflux, and to identify a definitive mechanism for mucosal injury. Understanding this mechanism should allow the development of a comprehensive model, which would enable future diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to be developed.
Successful cochlear implantation in a patient with mitochondrial hearing loss and m.625G>A transition
Authors: Sudo A , Takeichi N , Hosoki K , Saitoh S
Published: September 2011

Objective:

We present a patient with mitochondrial hearing loss and a novel mitochondrial DNA transition, who underwent successful cochlear implantation.

Case report:

An 11-year-old girl showed epilepsy and progressive hearing loss. Despite the use of hearing aids, she gradually lost her remaining hearing ability. Laboratory data revealed elevated lactate levels, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse, mild brain atrophy. Cochlear implantation was performed, and the patient's hearing ability was markedly improved. Whole mitochondrial DNA genome analysis revealed a novel heteroplasmic mitochondrial 625G>A transition in the transfer RNA gene for phenylalanine. This transition was not detected in blood DNA from the patient's mother and healthy controls. Mitochondrial respiratory chain activities in muscle were predominantly decreased in complex III.

Conclusion:

This case indicates that cochlear implantation can be a valuable therapeutic option for patients with mitochondrial syndromic hearing loss.
Predicting the distribution of canine leishmaniasis in western Europe based on environmental variables
Authors: FRANCO ANA O. , DAVIES CLIVE R. , MYLNE ADRIAN , DEDET JEAN-PIERRE , GÁLLEGO MONTSERRAT , BALLART CRISTINA , GRAMICCIA MARINA , GRADONI LUIGI , MOLINA RICARDO , GÁLVEZ ROSA , MORILLAS-MÁRQUEZ FRANCISCO , BARÓN-LÓPEZ SERGIO , PIRES CARLOS ALVES , AFONSO MARIA ODETE , READY PAUL D. , COX JONATHAN
Published: September 2011

The domestic dog is the reservoir host ofLeishmania infantum, the causative agent of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis endemic in Mediterranean Europe. Targeted control requires predictive risk maps of canine leishmaniasis (CanL), which are now explored. We databased 2187 published and unpublished surveys of CanL in southern Europe. A total of 947 western surveys met inclusion criteria for analysis, including serological identification of infection (504, 369 dogs tested 1971–2006). Seroprevalence was 23 2% overall (median 10%). Logistic regression models within a GIS framework identified the main environmental predictors of CanL seroprevalence in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy, or in France alone. A 10-fold cross-validation approach determined model capacity to predict point-values of seroprevalence and the correct seroprevalence class (<5%, 5–20%, >20%). Both the four-country and France-only models performed reasonably well for predicting correctly the <5% and >20% seroprevalence classes (AUC >0 70). However, the France-only model performed much better for France than the four-country model. The four-country model adequately predicted regions of CanL emergence in northern Italy (<5% seroprevalence). Both models poorly predicted intermediate point seroprevalences (5–20%) within regional foci, because surveys were biased towards known rural foci and Mediterranean bioclimates. Our recommendations for standardizing surveys would permit higher-resolution risk mapping.
Cognitive therapy for people with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis not taking antipsychotic medication: an exploratory trial
Authors: Morrison A. P. , Hutton P. , Wardle M. , Spencer H. , Barratt S. , Brabban A. , Callcott P. , Christodoulides T. , Dudley R. , French P. , Lumley V. , Tai S. J. , Turkington D.
Published: September 2011

Background

Although antipsychotic medication is the first line of treatment for schizophrenia, many service users choose to refuse or discontinue their pharmacological treatment. Cognitive therapy (CT) has been shown to be effective when delivered in combination with antipsychotic medication, but has yet to be formally evaluated in its absence. This study evaluates CT for people with psychotic disorders who have not been taking antipsychotic medication for at least 6 months.

Method

Twenty participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders received CT in an open trial. Our primary outcome was psychiatric symptoms measured using the Positive and Negative Syndromes Scale (PANSS), which was administered at baseline, 9 months (end of treatment) and 15 months (follow-up). Secondary outcomes were dimensions of hallucinations and delusions, self-rated recovery and social functioning.

Results

Ttests and Wilcoxon's signed ranks tests revealed significant beneficial effects on all primary and secondary outcomes at end of treatment and follow-up, with the exception of self-rated recovery at end of treatment. Cohen'sdeffect sizes were moderate to large [for PANSS total,d=0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32–1.35 at end of treatment;d=1.26, 95% CI 0.66–1.84 at follow-up]. A response rate analysis found that 35% and 50% of participants achieved at least a 50% reduction in PANSS total scores by end of therapy and follow-up respectively. No patients deteriorated significantly.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence that CT is an acceptable and effective treatment for people with psychosis who choose not to take antipsychotic medication. An adequately powered randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Ideal tilings and symbolic dynamics for negatively curved surfaces
Authors: FRIED DAVID
Published: September 2011

Let X be a non-compact surface (or 2-orbifold) of finite type with a metric of strictly negative curvature. Using an ideal tiling of the universal cover of X, we give a symbolic description of the recurrent geodesics on X. This extends Series’s method of coding geodesics on the modular surface.
Simultaneous linearization of germs of commuting holomorphic diffeomorphisms
Authors: BISWAS KINGSHOOK
Published: September 2011

Let α1,…,αn be irrational numbers which are linearly independent over the rationals, and f1,…,fn commuting germs of holomorphic diffeomorphisms in ℂ such that fk(0)=0,f′k(0)=e2πiαk,k=1,…,n. Moser showed that f
1,…,fn are simultaneously linearizable (i.e. conjugate by a germ of holomorphic diffeomorphism h to the rigid rotations Rαk(z)=e2πiαkz) if the vector of rotation numbers (α
1,…,αn) satisfies a Diophantine condition. Adapting Yoccoz’s renormalization to the setting of commuting germs, we show that simultaneous linearization holds in the presence of a weaker Brjuno-type condition ℬ(α1,…,αn)<+∞, where ℬ(α1,…,αn) is a multivariable analogue of the Brjuno function. If there are no periodic orbits for the action of the germs f1,…,fn in a neighbourhood of the origin, then a weaker arithmetic condition ℬ′ (α
1,…,αn)<+∞ analogous to Perez-Marco’s condition for linearization in the absence of periodic orbits is shown to suffice for linearizability. Normalizing the germs to be univalent on the unit disc, in both cases the Siegel discs are shown to contain discs of radii $C e^{-2\pi \mathcal {B}}, C e^{-2\pi \mathcal {B'}}$ for some universal constant C.
Bounded cohomology and totally real subspaces in complex hyperbolic geometry
Authors: BURGER MARC , IOZZI ALESSANDRA
Published: September 2011

We characterize representations of finitely generated discrete groups into (the connected component of) the isometry group of a complex hyperbolic space via the pullback of the bounded Kähler class.
A canonical thickening of ℚ and the entropy ofα-continued fraction transformations
Authors: CARMINATI CARLO , TIOZZO GIULIO
Published: September 2011

We construct a countable family of open intervals contained in (0,1] whose endpoints are quadratic surds and such that their union is a full measure set. We then show that these intervals are precisely the monotonicity intervals of the entropy ofα-continued fractions, thus proving a conjecture of Nakada and Natsui.
Children's use of phonological information in ambiguity resolution: a view from Mandarin Chinese
Authors: ZHOU PENG , SU YI (ESTHER) , CRAIN STEPHEN , GAO LIQUN , ZHAN LIKAN
Published: September 2011

How do children develop the mapping between prosody and other levels of linguistic knowledge? This question has received considerable attention in child language research. In the present study two experiments were conducted to investigate four- to five-year-old Mandarin-speaking children's sensitivity to prosody in ambiguity resolution. Experiment 1 used eye-tracking to assess children's use of stress in resolving structural ambiguities. Experiment 2 took advantage of special properties of Mandarin to investigate whether children can use intonational cues to resolve ambiguities involving speech acts. The results of our experiments show that children's use of prosodic information in ambiguity resolution varies depending on the type of ambiguity involved. Children can use prosodic information more effectively to resolve speech act ambiguities than to resolve structural ambiguities. This finding suggests that the mapping between prosody and semantics/pragmatics in young children is better established than the mapping between prosody and syntax.
Economic Security in an Aging Canadian Population
Authors: Brown Robert L.
Published: September 2011

Des recherches récentes indiquent que les retraités d’aujourd’hui se portent très bien en termes de taux de remplacement et que les taux de pauvreté chez les personnes âgées au Canada sont faibles par rapport aux autres pays de l’Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques (OCDE). Les plans parrainés par le gouvernement ont été renforcés grâce à l’expansion, soit explicite – par exemple, le Supplément de revenu garanti (SRG) – ou grâce à la réforme des régimes de pensions du Canada/Québec (RPC/Q). La maturation des régimes de retraite parrainés par l’employeur, bien que les taux sont en baisse, est également importante. Cependant c’est une préoccupation que les générations futures de retraités ne peuvent pas atteindre le niveau de vie qui existe aujourd’hui. L’auteur soutient que les programmes actuels de la sécurité économique sont abordables et que leur coûts pourraient être stabilisé si on souleverait l’âge de la retraite.
Intestinal gene expression in pigs: effects of reduced feed intake during weaning and potential impact of dietary components
Authors: Bauer Eva , Metzler-Zebeli Barbara U. , Verstegen Martin W. A. , Mosenthin Rainer
Published: September 2011

The weaning transition is characterised by morphological, histological and microbial changes, often leading to weaning-associated disorders. These intestinal changes can partly be ascribed to the lack of luminal nutrition arising from the reduced feed intake common in pigs after weaning. It is increasingly becoming clear that changes in the supply with enteral nutrients may have major impacts on intestinal gene expression. Furthermore, the major dietary constituents, i.e. carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids, participate in the regulation of intestinal gene expression. However, nutrients may also escape digestion by mammalian enzymes in the upper gastrointestinal tract. These nutrients can be used by the microflora, resulting in the production of bacterial metabolites, for example, SCFA, which may affect intestinal gene expression indirectly. The present review provides an insight on possible effects of reduced feed intake on intestinal gene expression, as it may occur post-weaning. Detailed knowledge on effects of reduced feed intake on intestinal gene expression may help to understand weaning-associated intestinal dysfunctions and diseases. Examples are given of intestinal genes which may be altered in their expression due to supply with specific nutrients. In that way, gene expression could be modulated by dietary means, thereby acting as a potential therapeutic tool. This could be achieved, for example, by influencing genes coding for digestive or absorptive proteins, thus optimising digestive function and metabolism, but also with regard to immune response, or by influencing proliferative processes, thereby enhancing mucosal repair. This would be of special interest when designing a diet to overcome weaning-associated problems.
The effectiveness of a minimal psychological intervention on self-management beliefs and behaviors in depressed chronically ill elderly persons: a randomized trial
Authors: Jonkers Catharina C. M. , Lamers Femke , Bosma Hans , Metsemakers Job F. M. , van Eijk Jacques Th. M.
Published: September 2011

Background: Chronically ill patients often develop symptoms of depression. They run the risk of sliding into a downward spiral because of the interaction between depression and chronic illness. A minimal psychological intervention (MPI) has been developed to break through the spiral by applying principles of self-management and cognitive behavioral therapy. This study examines the effects of the MPI on self-efficacy, anxiety, daily functioning and social participation.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial compared the MPI with usual care in 361 primary care patients. Nurses visited patients at home over a period of three months. Patients were aged 60 years and older, had minor depression or mild to moderate major depression and either type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Outcomes were measured at baseline and at one week, three months, and nine months after the intervention period.

Results: At nine months after treatment, the MPI was associated with less anxiety (mean difference 2.5; 95% CI 0.7–4.2) and better self efficacy skills (mean difference 1.8; 95% CI 3.4–0.2), daily functioning (mean difference 1.7; 95% CI 0.6–2.7), and social participation (mean difference 1.3; 95% CI 0.4–2.2). Effect sizes for these outcomes were small to medium (0.29–0.40). Differences were primarily due to a stabilization of outcomes in the intervention group and deterioration in the control group. No major differences were observed between DM and COPD patients.

Conclusions: The intervention appears to be reasonably effective in improving care for chronically ill elderly people. We recommend further evaluation of the MPI, including emphasis on detection and watchful waiting.
Dietary, behavioural and socio-economic determinants of the metabolic syndrome among adults in Luxembourg: findings from the ORISCAV-LUX study
Authors: Alkerwi Ala'a , Donneau Anne-Françoise , Sauvageot Nicolas , Lair Marie-Lise , Albert Adelin , Guillaume Michèle
Published: September 2011

Objective

The purpose of the present research was to investigate the epidemiological profile of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to explore its potential dietary, behavioural and socio-economic determinants among European adults residing in Luxembourg.

Design

Cross-sectional, population-based ORISCAV-LUX survey.

Setting

European adults aged 18–69 years residing in Luxembourg.

Subjects

A total of 1349 Europid adults, who participated in the ORISCAV-LUX survey, were included in the study. The prevalence of MetS was estimated according to the Revised-Adult Treatment Panel (R-ATPIII) criteria. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the dietary, behavioural and socio-economic factors independently associated with MetS.

Results

The overall prevalence of MetS was 24·7 % with significant gender difference (18·5 % for womenv. 30·8 % for men,P< 0·0001). Age, male gender, primary level of education, physical inactivity, family history of diabetes and hypertension and inadequate protein intake were identified as significant determinants of MetS, after adjusting for other socio-economic, family medical history and lifestyle factors.

Conclusions

MetS is a common condition among Europid adults in Luxembourg and increases dramatically with age, in both genders. Several dietary, socio-economic and behavioural factors explain the disparity observed. These findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to MetS encompassing dietary, lifestyle and socio-economic aspects, both in clinical and community settings.
Beyond the facts in schizophrenia: closing the gaps in diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment
Authors: Nasrallah H. , Tandon R. , Keshavan M.
Published: September 2011

Background.

Although schizophrenia has been considered a distinct disease entity for the past century, its precise definition and etio-pathophysiology remain obscure and its treatment remains unsatisfactory. In this review, we summarize our state of knowledge about the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and treatment of schizophrenia.

Methodological Issues.

The inadequacy of the major conceptual models of schizophrenia is a major roadblock in providing a coherent explanation for the known facts of this illness, despite these limitations and its changing definitions, the construct of schizophrenia does convey useful information: (i) patients diagnosed as having schizophrenia do have areal disease– they experience both suffering and disability; (ii) a diagnosis of schizophrenia does suggest adistinctive clinical profile– a characteristic long-term course; an admixture of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms; (iii) a diagnosis of schizophrenia has clear treatment and prognostic implications – likelihood of benefit from antipsychotic treatment and likelihood of incomplete recovery; and (iv) schizophrenia satisfies criteria for a valid diagnostic entity better than almost any other psychiatric diagnosis.

Discussion.

On the other hand, the concept of schizophrenia has serious shortcomings. First, it is not a single disease entity – it has multiple etiological factors and pathophysiological mechanisms but common phenotypic features. Second, its clinical manifestations are so diverse that its extreme variability has been considered by some to be a core feature. Third, its boundaries remain ill defined and not clearly demarcated from other clinical entities.

Conclusions.

A necessary next step is to deconstruct schizophrenia as an entity into component dimensions –endophenotypes linked to unique etiological and pathophysiological processes that may yield unique treatment targets. Innovative approaches are needed to elucidate the biological substrates of these entities because such clarity is vital for replicable research. We conclude by identifying the critical gaps in our knowledge, and unmet needs in our approaches to care, and outline steps that can move the field forward.
Phytoplankton spring and fall blooms in the North Atlantic in the 1980s and 2000s
Authors: Martinez Elodie , Antoine David , D'Ortenzio Fabrizio , de Boyer Montégut C.
Published: September 2011

Phytoplankton chlorophyll‐a (Chl) seasonal cycles of the North Atlantic are described using satellite ocean color observations covering the 1980s and the 2000s. The study region is where warmer SST and higher Chl in the 2000s as compared to the 1980s have been reported. It covers latitudes from 30°N–50°N and longitudes from 60°W–0°W, where two phytoplankton blooms take place: a spring bloom that follows stratification of upper layers, and a fall bloom due to nutrient entrainment through deepening of the mixed layer. In the 1980s, spring and fall blooms were of similar amplitude over the entire study region. In the 2000s, the fall bloom was weaker in the eastern Atlantic (east of 40°W), because of a delayed deepening of the mixed layer at the end of summer (mixed layer depth (MLD) determined from in situ data). Conversely, the spring bloom of the eastern Atlantic was stronger in the 2000s than it was in the 1980s, because of a deeper MLD and stronger winds in winter. In the Northwestern Atlantic (northwest of 38°N–40°W), little differences are observed for spring and fall blooms, and for the wintertime MLD. Our results show that the links between upper layer stratification, SST changes, and biological responses are more complex than the simple paradigm that sequentially relates higher stratification with warmer SST and an enhanced (weakened) growth of the phytoplankton population in the subpolar (subtropical) region.
Similarities between the tropical Atlantic seasonal cycle and ENSO: An energetics perspective
Authors: Burls N. J. , Reason C. J. C. , Penven P. , Philander S. G.
Published: September 2011

The tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have similar mean states ‐ easterly winds and a zonally sloping thermocline which shoals in the east ‐ but strikingly different sea surface temperature variability. Seasonal and interannual variations have comparable amplitudes, and correspond to different modes of oscillation in the Pacific. In the Atlantic, the seasonal cycle is dominant and has properties of both those modes. The Bjerknes feedback between the wind and SST, and its associated delayed, negative feedback constitute a free (interannual) mode of the Pacific, but in the Atlantic influence the seasonal cycle. This difference between the two oceans is attributable to the smaller dimensions of the Atlantic. An energetic analysis shows a circular relationship between available potential energy and the work done by the wind from April until September in the Atlantic. This energetics perspective suggests that a seasonally excited thermocline mode of coupled variability plays an active role in the seasonal cycle during these months, after which point seasonal forcing regains control.
Contaminant detection probability in heterogeneous aquifers and corrected risk analysis for remedial response delay
Authors: Papapetridis K. , Paleologos E. K.
Published: September 2011

A Monte Carlo stochastic model was developed to simulate contaminant transport from an instantaneous source into heterogeneous, two‐dimensional aquifers. Probabilities of detection Pd and contaminated groundwater areas were calculated for different arrangements of monitoring wells. It was shown that detection decreases as heterogeneity increases. Monitoring with 20 wells provides high detection, while 3 wells result in four out of five contamination cases to remain undetected. For fixed heterogeneity, for each well arrangement, Pd increases up to a certain value with increasing transverse dispersion coefficient aT and then it decreases. The frequency of sampling is critical in heterogeneous aquifers with bi‐annual or monthly sampling improving Pd by 40%, and 70%, respectively, relative to that by annual sampling. It appears that at a minimum sampling should take place twice a year, with the once‐in‐a‐month sampling appearing the optimum choice considering the effort involved and the improvements in detection. In heterogeneous aquifers a large number of monitoring wells sampled infrequently does not perform any better in terms of detection than a lower number of wells sampled regularly. Finally, we propose an expression that accounts for the delay between detection and remedial action in order to provide a correction to decision analyses that evaluate the economic worth of well monitoring. Our expression illustrates that delays of over 3 years are equivalent to reducing the economic performance of 12 wells to that of a lower number of wells, or equally, having to consider higher failure costs than those assumed in current risk analyses.
GSM Mobile Phone Radiation Suppresses Brain Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Kwon Myoung Soo , Vorobyev Victor , Kännälä Sami , Laine Matti , Rinne Juha O , Toivonen Tommi , Johansson Jarkko , Teräs Mika , Lindholm Harri , Alanko Tommi , Hämäläinen Heikki
Published: September 2011

We investigated the effects of mobile phone radiation on cerebral glucose metabolism using high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET) with the 18F-deoxyglucose (FDG) tracer. A long half-life (109 minutes) of the 18F isotope allowed a long, natural exposure condition outside the PET scanner. Thirteen young right-handed male subjects were exposed to a pulse-modulated 902.4 MHz Global System for Mobile Communications signal for 33 minutes, while performing a simple visual vigilance task. Temperature was also measured in the head region (forehead, eyes, cheeks, ear canals) during exposure. 18F-deoxyglucose PET images acquired after the exposure showed that relative cerebral metabolic rate of glucose was significantly reduced in the temporoparietal junction and anterior temporal lobe of the right hemisphere ipsilateral to the exposure. Temperature rise was also observed on the exposed side of the head, but the magnitude was very small. The exposure did not affect task performance (reaction time, error rate). Our results show that short-term mobile phone exposure can locally suppress brain energy metabolism in humans.
Copper induced peroxidase, CCPP form Caribbean copper plant
Authors: Kumar Reetesh
Published: September 2011

Plant peroxidase exhibit broad substrate specificity and is active in a wide range of pH and temperature, and in the presence of organic compounds as well as other additives. The peroxidase is known to be involved in many physiological and regulatory processes in plants. This ppt presents an introduction on plant peroxidase and their applications. A purification protocol has been developed and the purified protein, named as CCPP is biochemically and physiologically characterized. The physiochemical properties such as molecular weight, isoelectric point have been experimentally determined. The enzymatic efficiency has been evaluated through temperature optimum, pH optimum, Km and other enzymatic properties along with spectroscopic parameters like circular dichorism and fluorescence have been mentioned. The enzyme is stable under adverse conditions like pH, strong denaturants, temperature, and organic solvents which facilitate exploring the possibilities of utilization in industrial and biotechnological applications.
A conserved motif within the flexible C-terminus of the translational regulator 4E-BP is required for tight binding to the mRNA cap-binding protein eIF4E
Authors: Paku Keum Soon , Umenaga Yu , Usui Tsunego , Fukuyo Ai , Mizuno Atsuo , In Yasuko , Ishida Toshimasa , Tomoo Koji
Published: September 2011

Although the central α-helical Y(X)4LΦ motif (X, variable amino acid; Φ, hydrophobic amino acid) of the translational regulator 4E-BP [eIF (eukaryotic initiation factor) 4E-binding protein] is the core binding region for the mRNA cap-binding protein eIF4E, the functions of its N- and C-terminal flexible regions for interaction with eIF4E remain to be elucidated. To identify the role for the C-terminal region in such an interaction, the binding features of full-length and sequential C-terminal deletion mutants of 4E-BPn (n=1–3) subtypes were investigated by SPR (surface plasmon resonance) analysis and ITC (isothermal titration calorimetry). Consequently, the conserved PGVTS/T motif within the C-terminal region was shown to act as the second binding region and to play an important role in the tight binding to eIF4E. The 4E-BP subtypes increased the association constant with eIF4E by approximately 1000-fold in the presence of this conserved region compared with that in the absence of this region. The sequential deletion of this conserved region in 4E-BP1 showed that deletion of Val81 leads to a considerable decrease in the binding ability of 4E-BP. Molecular dynamics simulation suggested that the conserved PGVTS/T region functions as a kind of paste, adhering the root of both the eIF4E N-terminal and 4E-BP C-terminal flexible regions through a hydrophobic interaction, where valine is located at the crossing position of both flexible regions. It is concluded that the conserved PGVTS/T motif within the flexible C-terminus of 4E-BP plays an auxiliary, but indispensable, role in strengthening the binding of eIF4E to the core Y(X)4LΦ motif.
Gene-specific transcription activation via long-range allosteric shape-shifting
Authors: Tsai Chung-Jung , Nussinov Ruth
Published: September 2011

How is specificity transmitted over long distances at the molecular level? REs (regulatory elements) are often far from transcription start sites. In the present review we discuss possible mechanisms to explain how information from specific REs is conveyed to the basal transcription machinery through TFs (transcription factors) and the Mediator complex. We hypothesize that this occurs through allosteric pathways: binding of a TF to a RE results in changes in the AD (activation domain) of the TF, which binds to Mediator and alters the distribution of the Mediator conformations, thereby affecting transcription initiation/activation. We argue that Mediator is formed by highly disordered proteins with large densely packed interfaces that make efficient long-range signal propagation possible. We suggest two possible general mechanisms for Mediator action: one in which Mediator influences PIC (pre-initiation complex) assembly and transcription initiation, and another in which Mediator exerts its effect on the already assembled but stalled transcription complex. We summarize (i) relevant information from the literature about Mediator composition, organization and structure; (ii) Mediator interaction partners and their effect on Mediator conformation, function and correlation to the RNA Pol II (polymerase II) CTD (C-terminal domain) phosphorylation; and (iii) propose that different allosteric signal propagation pathways in Mediator relate to PIC assembly and polymerase activation of the stalled transcription complex. The emerging picture provides for the first time a mechanistic view of allosteric signalling from the RE sequence to transcription activation, and an insight into how gene specificity and signal transmission can take place in transcription initiation.
Optimisation des traitements orthodontiques chez les patients
sous biphosphonates
Authors: Zahrowski James J.
Published: September 2011

Les biphosphonates (BP) ont des caractéristiques pharmacologiques uniques qui les
différencient des autres groupes de médicaments. Des millions d’adultes prennent des
biphosphonates par voie orale pour le traitement au long cours de l’ostéoporose et de
l’ostéopénie. Certains de ces patients peuvent aussi avoir besoin d’un traitement
orthodontique. Des effets indésirables sur le plan odontologique, liés à la prise de BP
ont été rapportés. Il peut s’agir d’un ralentissement des déplacements dentaires, d’une
mauvaise cicatrisation osseuse ou plus rarement d’ostéonécrose du maxillaire ou de la
mandibule. Cette dernière pathologie est rarement observée après prise de BP pour le
traitement de l’ostéoporose. Toutefois, des effets indésirables peuvent survenir plus
fréquemment chez les patients sous traitement orthodontique, notamment avant le stade
d’ostéonécrose. Des conséquences comme le ralentissement des déplacements dentaires
peuvent persister longtemps après l’arrêt de la prise des BP. La réussite d’un traitement
orthodontique est assujettie à la possibilité d’obtenir une cicatrisation osseuse optimale
permettant d’éviter une mobilité excessive des dents. Les biphosphonates semblent avoir
deux types de clairance osseuse : une rapide, en quelques semaines à partir de la surface
osseuse et une plus lente, qui peut durer plusieurs années, concernant la portion
incorporée dans la structure de l’os. Cet article présente des méthodes permettant une
surveillance clinique et radiologique des patients orthodontiques prenant des BP par voie
orale. Des stratégies destinées à minimiser les effets indésirables et optimiser les
procédures orthodontiques dans le cadre de fenêtres thérapeutiques approuvées par le
médecin sont discutées. Les résultats thérapeutiques orthodontiques de trois patients
prenant des biphosphonates sont rapportés.