bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validating molecular markers for barley leaf rust resistance genes Rph5 and Rph7
Authors: Mammadov J. A. , Brooks W. S. , Griffey C. A. , Saghai Maroof M. A.
Published: July 2007

Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia hordei, is a serious threat to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production. Genes Rph5 and Rph7 confer resistance to many of the most prevalent races of P. hordei in the United States and Europe, respectively. The reliability and diagnostic capabilities of several molecular markers for these two genes were evaluated and validated for use in gene postulation, marker‐assisted selection (MAS) and eventual pyramiding of genes Rph5 and Rph7 with other effective resistance genes. Fifty‐eight winter barley experimental lines developed at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, as well as seven barley cultivars were phenotyped for reaction to three diverse isolates of P. hordei and genotyped with molecular makers closely linked to genes Rph5 and Rph7. Sequence tagged site markers TC2863‐12.4 and ABG70 as well as simple sequence repeat marker AY642926‐CA11 were reliable and diagnostic in gene postulation and have potential for use in MAS and pyramiding of genes Rph5 and Rph7. Comparison of phenotypic and genotypic data revealed that one barley line VA04H‐95 has genes Rph5 and Rph7 and at least one unknown gene.
INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF ENDOGENOUS l‐ARGININE ANALOGUES ON NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHESIS IN PLATELETS: ROLE IN PLATELET HYPERAGGREGABILITY IN HYPERTENSION
Authors: De Meirelles Luisa R , Mendes‐Ribeiro Antônio C , Santoro Marcelle M , Mendes Michely AP , Da Silva Michele NSB , Mann Giovanni E , Brunini Tatiana MC
Published: July 2007

An increase in plasma concentrations of endogenous l‐arginine analogues, which are inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, may be involved in platelet activation and the increased risk of thrombosis in essential hypertension. Nitric oxide is synthesised in platelets from the amino acid l‐arginine by inducible and constitutive isoforms of NO synthase (NOS), which leads to increased levels of cGMP.

In the present study, we investigated basal intraplatelet cGMP levels, platelet aggregation and pro‐inflammatory biomarkers in hypertensive patients. The effects of endogenous (NG‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine (l‐NMMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA); both at 1 mmol/L) and exogenous (aminoguanidine and NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine; both at 1 mmol/L) l‐arginine analogues and the neutral amino acid l‐leucine (1 mmol/L) in inhibiting NOS activity in platelets were also investigated.

Twelve healthy controls and 18 hypertensive patients participated in the study. Platelet aggregation induced by collagen was increased in hypertensive patients (95 ± 5%) compared with controls (72 ± 5%). Basal NOS activity and intraplatelet cGMP levels were reduced in hypertensive platelets. Moreover, ADMA, l‐NMMA and l‐leucine were effective inhibitors of NO synthesis in both hypertensive and control platelets. Essential hypertension led to an inflammatory response, with increased plasma concentrations of fibrinogen, C‐reactive protein and cytokines.

These findings provide evidence that, in essential arterial hypertension, the enhanced plasma levels of endogenous l‐arginine analogues ADMA and l‐NMMA, potent inhibitors of l‐arginine transport and NO synthesis in platelets, may play a role in increased platelet aggregation via a cGMP‐dependent mechanism.
Systemic work with clients with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Lord Susan A.
Published: July 2007

Clients who are diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder are likely to engage with clinicians in compelling ways. They challenge us with an urgency that helps us to define ourselves as we work with them. They confront us with the limitations of our treatment approaches, requiring a genuineness of interaction and a flexibility that can be both challenging and uncomfortable. While therapists have made great strides over the past few decades in their treatment approaches with this population, there is a gap in the literature on the use of systemic approaches with these clients. This article examines some of the issues that arise in work with people with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder and offers an application of a larger systems perspective to the development of viable treatment options for these clients.
When two are a family: looking backward and looking forward in a group intervention with single‐by‐choice mothers
Authors: Ben‐Daniel Natella , Rokach R. , Filtzer L. , Feldman R.
Published: July 2007

Objective: We describe a preventive short‐term group intervention with nine single‐by‐choice (SBC) mothers to provide maximal support for parental functioning and to minimize possible emotional and/or developmental difficulties in their children.

Method: Dynamically oriented group work (fifteen one‐and‐a‐half‐hour sessions) focused on: elaboration of painful experiences in the peri‐natal period; reducing stress, tension and guilt; helping mothers with problematic aspects of parenting through work on parental self‐image and perceptions of the child and the dyadic interaction; and strengthening their acceptance of the chosen family model.

Results: Therapeutic gains described by mothers and facilitators include: reduced tension, anxiety and guilt; improved integration of the mother's parental self‐image and perception of the child; reduced ambivalence in dyadic relationships; strengthening the mother's fantasized triadic relationships; better acceptance of chosen family pattern; mothers' willingness to tell children their birth story.

Conclusion: Dynamically oriented preventive group intervention with SBC mothers can identify potential psychological risk factors and help mothers with sensitive aspects of parenting.
‘I'm Sad To Be Glad’. An Analysis of Farmers’ Pride in Flanders
Authors: Dessein Joost , Nevens Frank
Published: July 2007

It is widely acknowledged that agriculture in Europe is going through a process of great change at the economic, social, political, and environmental, as well as the cultural, level. Pride may be considered as the fit between the farmers' identity (and hence their expectations and aspirations) and the daily reality of being a farmer in this constantly changing environment. Based on qualitative interviews with farmers in three Flemish villages and grounded theory analysis including coding and scoring the interviews, the research described here unravels the complex notion of pride into 24 concepts combined under individual, social and external categories. The semi‐quantitative analysis of the interviews clarifies the positive or negative impact of these concepts on the farmers’ pride. The positive impact is derived from the concepts that the farmers can control themselves. On the other hand, external concepts that are beyond the control of the farmers influence their pride in a clearly negative way, while the concepts in the social category are less influential. The data show some remarkable differences between men and women.
Midrange Reflection: The Underlying Practice of Wabash Center Workshops, Colloquies, and Consultations
Authors: Killen Patricia O'Connell
Published: July 2007

Abstract.  This article argues that the primary intellectual embodiment of the Wabash Center's ethos of hospitality is a particular kind of reflection on teaching and learning, “midrange reflection.” It defines and describes midrange reflection and then discusses the two essential skills required to facilitate it as distinct from other types of reflection and discussion: (1) the ability to identify issues in the life of a learning community, and (2) the ability to design sequences of questions and intellectual activities that promote reflection on those issues. As the underlying, if not defining practice of Wabash Center workshops, colloquies, and consultations, midrange reflection is crucial to the significant learning that occurs in Wabash Center programs and to participants’ ability to take their deeper understanding and insights back into their classrooms and professional lives.
What Difference Does It Make?
Authors: Marshall Joretta L.
Published: July 2007

Abstract.  The Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion has its most direct influence on faculty members who teach in colleges, universities, and theological schools. These faculty members, in turn, have an impact upon churches through their leadership and teaching in local communities. Wabash workshops encourage faculty to continue to develop four qualities that make a difference in their teaching and scholarship, in the lives of students who become community and church leaders, and ultimately in the life of the church: these are the abilities to (1) help pastoral leaders integrate multiple kinds of knowledge, (2) value context and particularity, (3) strengthen their skills as public theologians and community leaders, and (4) cultivate the encouragement to live lives of wholeness. The gift of hospitality at Wabash workshops provides the environment and space for faculty to engage these qualities in their teaching, research, scholarship, and living.
“Leaven in the Loaf”: The Wabash Center and Theological Education
Authors: Seymour Jack L.
Published: July 2007

Abstract.  Assessing the impact of Wabash Center programs on theological education, this article focuses on the vocation of the theological educator, particularly on the impact of theological teaching on faith and on the institutions, values, and practices that shape living. Five contributions of the Wabash Center are highlighted: (1) guiding seminary faculty in the practices of teaching, (2) enhancing the teaching preparation of doctoral students for theological education, (3) linking effective teaching to the development of seminary curricula, (4) enlarging the literature on teaching in theological education, and (5) nurturing the vocation of seminary educators.
Positive engagement and job resources in dental practice
Authors: Gorter Ronald C. , Te Brake Hans J. H. M. , Hoogstraten Johan , Eijkman Michiel A.J.
Published: July 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aim of this study is to determine the level of engagement among dentists, and subsequently, to investigate which dental job resources are positively correlated with engagement.

Methods:  By stratifying on gender, age, and region, a representative sample of 848 general dental practitioners was drawn at random, plus an extra group of 95 female dentists for gender comparison purposes. Engagement was assessed using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), consisting of three subscales: Vigor, Dedication; and Absorption. Job resources were measured using the Dentists’ Experienced Job Resources Scale (DEJRS).

Results:  Six hundred and thirty two dentists (67%) responded, 76% male and 25% female. Mean age: 44.6 years (SD = 9.0). Engagement: Dedication and Absorption mean scores were higher among dentists when compared with manual norm scores, based upon a variety of professions, whereas Vigor mean scores were comparable to manual norm scores. Job resources:‘Immediate results / Aesthetics’ and ‘(Long term) Patient results’ showed highest mean scores among all dentists. Gender differences were found on ‘(Long term) Patient results’ and ‘Patient care’.

Engagement and job resources:  All DEJRS subscales and the full scale showed statistically significant positive correlations (pmcc) with the UWES subscales.

Conclusion:  Dentists showed relatively high mean scores on an engagement measure when compared with manual norm scores. No gender differences in mean scores were found. Job resources most valued were ‘Immediate results / Aesthetics’. The job resources, ‘Idealism/Pride’ and ‘Patient care’, showed most predictive value with regard to engagement among dentists. In order to prevent burnout, it is recommended to raise dentists’ awareness of the importance to create sufficient time and space for stimulating aspects in their work.
Effect of environmental enrichment by providing trees as rubbing objects in grassland: Grazing cattle need tree‐grooming
Authors: KOHARI Daisuke , KOSAKO Takami , FUKASAWA Michiru , TSUKADA Hideharu
Published: July 2007

We examined the role of trees as grooming objects in grazing pasture and investigated their necessity. Four grazing Japanese Black cows were used. Experimental pastures with restricted (RST) and released (RLS) grooming with trees were established. Examination was carried out for 24 h in each RST and RLS. The respective frequencies and duration of self‐grooming, allo‐grooming (social grooming) and grooming with trees was recorded by a continuous scan sampling method, and maintenance behavior was recorded by a 2‐min group animal scan sampling method. Grooming with trees in RLS occurred 29 ± 12 times/24 h and for 1342 ± 475 s/24 h. Total frequencies and duration of grooming in RLS tended to increase from that in RST (P = 0.08, P = 0.06, respectively). However, self‐grooming and allo‐grooming exhibited no differences. The results indicate that cattle may enrich their grooming through the use of trees if the latter are available. Furthermore, they may not substitute grooming with trees with other forms of grooming if no trees are available in the grassland. No difference was observed in the general proportion of their maintenance behavior. These results suggest that trees in grassland provide a good environmental enrichment object that satisfies cattle's potential needs of grooming and did not restrict their general behavior.
Evaluation of the Clinical Relevance of Benefits Associated with Transdermal Testosterone Treatment in Postmenopausal Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Authors: Kingsberg Sheryl , Shifren Jan , Wekselman Kathryn , Rodenberg Cynthia , Koochaki Patricia , DeRogatis Leonard
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) experienced statistically significant improvements in the frequency of satisfying sexual activity, sexual desire, and distress with testosterone treatment in phase III trials, but it was not known whether the magnitude of these effects was clinically meaningful. The clinical relevance study was designed to answer this question.

Aim

To evaluate the clinical relevance of the treatment benefits.

Methods

This study involved a representative sample of 132 surgically postmenopausal women with HSDD who were enrolled in two randomized, placebo-controlled trials (N = 1094) assessing the efficacy and safety of transdermal testosterone treatment (300 mcg/day) for 6 months. At the end of the studies, prior to unblinding, a sample of women (12%) was interviewed concerning their experiences with the treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

Women were asked “Overall, would you say that you experienced a meaningful benefit from the study patches?” Changes in the efficacy end points in the double-blind studies were compared for the women who did and did not experience an overall meaningful benefit.

Results

Overall, 33 of 64 women (52%) who received testosterone reported experiencing a meaningful treatment benefit, compared with 21 of 68 women (31%) who received placebo (P  = 0.025). Among the women who identified themselves as experiencing a meaningful benefit, the mean (SE) change from baseline in 4-week frequency of satisfying sexual activity was 4.4 (0.76), in desire score was 21.0 (2.78), moving from “seldom” to “sometimes” feeling sexual desire, and in distress score was −36.5 (3.96), moving from “often” to “seldom” being distressed. Among the women who identified themselves as not experiencing a meaningful benefit, the mean (SE) change from baseline in 4-week frequency of satisfying sexual activity was 0.5 (0.31), in desire score was 2.9 (1.42), and in distress score was −8.8 (2.23).

Conclusions

Surgically menopausal women with HSDD in these studies received clinically meaningful benefits, including improvements in satisfying sexual activity, sexual desire, and personal distress.
The Treatment Satisfaction Scale (TSS) is a Sensitive Measure of Treatment Effectiveness for Both Patients and Partners: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial with Vardenafil
Authors: Rosen Raymond , Goldstein Irwin , Huang Xing-Yue , Bangerter Keithe , Taylor Terry
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment studies do not routinely measure “treatment effectiveness,” a function of treatment response (based on efficacy and tolerability) and treatment satisfaction (both patient and partner satisfaction). The ED Treatment Satisfaction Scale (TSS) is a brief, comprehensive self-report measure of patient and partner satisfaction.

Aim

To measure, for the first time in an ED treatment study, pre- and post-treatment patient and partner satisfaction with the TSS.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multi-institutional comparison of the efficacy and safety of flexible-dose vardenafil was performed in 229 couples (treated man with ED >6 months and untreated woman partner aged ≥18 years without sexual dysfunction [defined as a total Female Sexual Function Index score >26.55]).

Main Outcome Measures

Couples completed the TSS throughout the trial. Couples also completed the modified Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire–Quality of Life domain (mSLQQ-QoL) and men completed the International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function domain (IIEF-EF). Analysis of covariance produced least squares (LS) mean domain scores. Post hoc Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for patient and partner TSS scores, and for TSS scores with other outcomes.

Results

TSS domain scores increased from baseline to last observation carried forward (LOCF) in the vardenafil-treated men and untreated women partners, but exhibited little change for the placebo group (P  < 0.0001 vs. placebo). For both patients and partners in the vardenafil group, correlations between TSS domains, the IIEF-EF and the mSLQQ-QoL scores at LOCF were moderate to strong.

Conclusions

The TSS detected that vardenafil was superior to placebo on treatment satisfaction from both patient and partner perspectives. The TSS holds promise for evaluating “treatment effectiveness” by measuring more general treatment satisfaction.
Thermoelectric Performance of Epitaxial Thin Films of Layered Cobalt Oxides Grown by Reactive Solid‐Phase Epitaxy with Topotactic Ion‐Exchange Methods
Authors: Sugiura Kenji , Ohta Hiromichi , Koumoto Kunihito
Published: July 2007

This article reviews high‐quality epitaxial film growth of layered cobalt oxides by reactive solid‐phase epitaxy (R‐SPE) with topotactic ion‐exchange methods. Epitaxial film of Na0.8CoO2 was grown on a (0001)‐oriented α‐Al2O3 substrate by R‐SPE using CoO film as the starting material. The Na0.8CoO2 epitaxial films were converted into high‐quality epitaxial films of Sr0.32Na0.21CoO2 and [Ca2CoO3]xCoO2 by topotactic ion‐exchange methods. The Sr0.32Na0.21CoO2 film exhibited better stability against moisture than that of the Na0.8CoO2 film, while it retained the good thermoelectric properties of Na0.8CoO2. The [Ca2CoO3]xCoO2 film exhibited a high electrical conductivity of 2.95 × 102 S/cm and a large Seebeck coefficient of +125 μV/K at 300 K.
Crystallographic Orientation Analysis on Calcium Cobaltite Ceramic Grains Textured by Reactive‐Templated Grain Growth
Authors: Tani Toshihiko , Itahara Hiroshi , Kadoura Hiroaki , Asahi Ryoji
Published: July 2007

Textured thermoelectric [Ca2CoO3]0.62[CoO2] (denoted as CCO) ceramic was fabricated and distributions of crystallographic orientations for local grains and misorientation angles between grains were investigated by electron backscatter diffraction pattern analysis. Most of the grains are preferentially aligned with their conductive ab‐planes parallel to the original tape‐casting surface. Parallel aligned boundaries are observed in a single grain and the nearest neighboring crystallites sharing these boundaries have misorientation angles of multiples of 60°. It is suggested that these unique domain structures are formed during the topotactic nucleation and growth of monoclinic CCO phase on its precursor CaxCoO2 in a hexagonal crystal system.
Impact of viral genotypes and naturally occurring mutations on biological properties of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Tong Shuping
Published: July 2007

Hepatitis B patients worldwide are infected with different viral genotypes. Within the same individual the dominant viral species evolves over the course of chronic infection to generate viral variants or mutants. The mutations, often selected by the host immune response or antiviral therapy, are sometimes restricted by viral genotypes. We are interested in characterizing mutations that affect the expression of hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg), a protein with a large effect on duration of infection and severity of liver diseases. HBeAg is encoded by the precore region in addition to the core gene. Core promoter mutations reduce HBeAg expression at the transcriptional level. We found that the hot spot mutations (A1762T/G1764A) only mildly reduced HBeAg expression and enhanced genome replication, while incorporation of additional core promoter mutations intensified both phenotypes. At the step of translation, a G1896A nonsense mutation in the precore region abolishes HBeAg expression. We first reportedthat the G1896A mutation rarely occurred in genotype A. Subsequent studies by others established the role of polymorphism at nucleotide 1858, rather than genotype, as the determinant for the G1896A mutation. Conversion of the precore/core protein to HBeAg requires proteolytic removal of both the amino and carboxy termini, and a 151RRGR154 motif has been implicated as the carboxy terminal cleavage site. In this regard, genotype A is unique in possessing a dipeptide insertion that expands the motif into 151RRDRGR156. We found that genotype A is cleaved primarily at R156, generating a mature HBeAg that is two amino acids longer than HBeAg from other genotypes. There are different avenues whereby HBeAg expression or its antigenicity can be modulated by viral genotype and naturally occurring mutations.
Molecular characterization of subgenotype A1 (subgroup Aa) of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Kramvis Anna , Kew Michael C.
Published: July 2007

Subgenotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) were first recognized after a unique segment of genotype A was identified when sequencing the preS2/S region of southern African HBV isolates. Originally named subgroup A′, subsequently called subgroup Aa (for Africa) or subgenotype A1, this subgenotype is found in South Africa, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Yemen, India, Nepal, the Philippines and Brazil. The relatively higher mean nucleotide divergence of subgenotype A1 suggests that it has been endemic and has a long evolutionary history in the populations where it prevails. Distinctive sequence characteristics could account for the high hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) negativity and low HBV DNA levels in carriers of this subgenotype. Substitutions or mutations can reduce HBeAg expression at three levels: (i) 1762T1764A atthe transcriptional level; (ii) substitutions at nt 1809–1812 at the translational level; and (iii) 1862T at the post‐translational level. Co‐existence of 1762T1764A and nt 1809–1812 mutations reduces HBeAg expression in an additive manner. In addition, subgenotype A1 has unique sequence alterations in the transcriptional regulatory elements and the polymerase coding region. The distinct sequence characteristics of subgenotype A1 may contribute to the 4.5‐fold increased risk of heptocellular carcinoma in HBV carriers infected with genotype A, which is entirely attributable to subgenotype A1.
In Vivo Activity of a Novel Polymeric Guanidine in Experimental Skin Infection with Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kratzer Christina , Tobudic Selma , Macfelda Karin , Graninger Wolfgang , Georgopoulos Apostolos
Published: July 2007

The in vivo efficacy of the novel polymeric guanidine AKACID Plus was evaluated in a guinea pig model of experimental skin infection with methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Topical application of AKACID Plus at concentrations of ≥0.5% was as effective as mupirocin 2% cream in the treatment of superficial skin infection with MRSA.
Detection of Azithromycin Resistance in
Treponema pallidum
by Real-Time PCR
Authors: Pandori Mark W. , Gordones Charmie , Castro Lina , Engelman Joseph , Siedner Mark , Lukehart Sheila , Klausner Jeffrey
Published: July 2007

We describe a real-time PCR assay for the discrimination of azithromycin-resistant and -susceptible strains of
Treponema pallidum
. This assay is rapid and allows for as many as 30 clinical specimens to be analyzed simultaneously without the need for DNA sequencing.
Characterization of a Daptomycin-Nonsusceptible Vancomycin-Intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
Strain in a Patient with Endocarditis
Authors: Julian Kathleen , Kosowska-Shick Klaudia , Whitener Cynthia , Roos Martin , Labischinski Harald , Rubio Aileen , Parent Leslie , Ednie Lois , Koeth Laura , Bogdanovich Tatiana , Appelbaum Peter C.
Published: July 2007

We analyzed the emergence of daptomycin nonsusceptibility in a patient with persistent vancomycin-intermediate
Staphylococcus aureus
(VISA) bacteremia. The daptomycin-nonsusceptible VISA's cell wall demonstrated a reduction in muramic acid
O
-acetylation, a phenotypic parameter not previously reported for VISA; some isolates also contained a single point mutation in the
mprF
gene.
Pyrimidine Acyclic Nucleotide Analogues with Aromatic Substituents in C-5 Position
Authors: Krečmerová Marcela , Holý Antonín , Masojídková Milena
Published: July 2007

NH2-protected 5-phenylcytosine and its derivatives 2a-2d were treated with (2S)-2-[(trityloxy)methyl]oxirane (3) followed by etherification with diisopropyl [(tosyloxy)methyl]phosphonate (5) in the presence of sodium hydride. The intermediary phosphonate esters 6 were debenzoylated and subsequently transformed to free phosphonic acids, i.e. (S)-1-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]-5-phenylcytosine (5-phenyl-HPMPC) derivatives (8a-8d) by the action of bromotrimethylsilane and subsequent hydrolysis. Deamination of these compounds with 3-methylbutyl nitrite afforded corresponding (S)-1-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]-5-phenyluracil (5-phenyl-HPMPU) derivatives (9a-9d). R-Enantiomers 14 and 15 were prepared analogously starting from (2R)-2-[(trityloxy)methyl]oxirane. 5-Benzyl-, 5-[(1-naphthyl)methyl]- and 5-[(2-naphthyl)methyl]HPMPU (24a-24c) and -HPMPC (25a-25c) were synthesized from appropriate 5-arylmethyl-4-methoxypyrimidin-2(1H)-ones similarly as described for 5-phenyl derivatives. Antiviral activity was found for (S)-1-[3-hydroxy-2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]-5-phenyluracil (9a) (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and (R)-1-[3-hydroxy2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]-5-phenylcytosine (14) (cytomegalovirus and varicella-zoster virus), both tested in cell cultures. Some of the 5-phenyluracil derivatives possessed inhibitory activity against thymidine phosphorylase from SD-lymphoma.
Epidemiological studies of physical activity and diabetes risk, and implications for diabetes preventionThis paper was originally part of the Symposium “Exercise, insulin sensitivity and diabetes—what’s new?”, which appeared in the June issue of Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab.
Authors: Wareham Nicholas J.
Published: July 2007

The evidence linking physical inactivity to the future risk of type 2 diabetes is strong, and modification of behaviour is a critical and effective element of strategies aimed at the prevention of this increasingly prevalent disorder. Two key unresolved epidemiologic issues relate to the type of activity that is likely to be maximally effective in preventing diabetes and the amount of activity that is required. Resolution of both these issues is likely to require a change in the way activity is measured, with a move away from self-report instruments, toward objective assessment of activity and the pattern and overall level of energy expenditure. It is also unclear whether the impact of physical activity on metabolic risk is homogenous across the population. Subgroups that might respond differently could be defined on the basis of characteristics such as age, degree of obesity, family history, ethnicity, and genetic risk, but the literature on effect modification is limited by study design issues. The identification of such subgroups could aid in the targeting of preventive interventions. An appropriate balance between individually tailored approaches aimed at those at high risk and interventions aimed at trying to shift physical activity levels in entire populations remains to be determined.
Comparison of Lifecorder EX and ActiGraph accelerometers under free-living conditions
Authors: McClain James J. , Craig Cora L. , Sisson Susan B. , Tudor-Locke Catrine
Published: July 2007

The Kenz Lifecorder EX (LC; Suzuken Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan) offers several potentially attractive features for researchers and practitioners compared with accelerometers such as the ActiGraph (AG; ActiGraph Health Services, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.). The purposes of this study were (i) to evaluate the LC’s intra-model reliability for outputs of steps and time spent in moderate, vigorous, and combined moderate plus vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and (ii) to compare the same LC vs. AG outputs under free-living conditions. Ten participants (n = 5 males) wore two LCs and one AG accelerometer during all waking hours on one day. Steps were outputted from all monitors. Additionally, two LC and five AG intensity derivations were used to assess time in moderate activity, vigorous activity, and MVPA. Intra-class correlations (ICC) were used to assess intra-model reliability between LCs. Paired t tests and repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to assess differences between the two LCs and LC vs. AG outputs of steps and time in various intensity derivations where appropriate. No significant differences were detected between outputs from different LCs (ICCs ranged from 0.95 to 0.99). The LC detected significantly fewer steps vs. AG (mean difference = 1516 steps). All LC vs. AG vigorous-intensity derivations provided similar outputs. Additionally, comparable estimates of MVPA time were produced by one of two LC intensity derivations compared with specific AG cut points established each by Freedson, Hendelman (walking), and Matthews. LC displayed high inter-model reliability. Although the LC detected fewer steps than the AG, the LC detects time in specific PA intensity categories comparable to several existing AG cut points.
A MONTE CARLO STUDY ON THE DYNAMICAL FLUCTUATIONS INSIDE QUARK–GLUON FUSION PRODUCTS IN QCD-INSTANTON INDUCED PROCESSES IN DEEP-INELASTIC SCATTERING
Authors: ZHANG KUNSHI , LEVCHENKO B. B. , FEI WEI , TIAN LE , HU XIONGJUN , XU MINGMEI , LIU LIANSHOU
Published: July 2007

The dynamical fluctuations in instanton induced events in e+p deep-inelastic scattering are studied using QCDINS 2.0 Monte Carlo generator. The hadron system produced from the fusion of quark–gluon in the presence of instanton, referred to as instanton final state (IFS), is identified by a pz-sorting together with a θ cut method. The dynamical fluctuations inside the current jet and IFS are compared by means of the method of normalized factorial moments. The current jets are found to possess the typical characteristics of a "circular jet" with axial symmetry, while the dynamical fluctuations inside the IFS represent a three-dimensional isotropy.
EMPIRICAL CONSTRAINTS ON VACUUM DECAY IN THE STRINGY LANDSCAPE
Authors: PLAGA R.
Published: July 2007

It is generally considered as self evident that the lifetime of our vacuum in the landscape of string theory cannot be much shorter than the current age of the universe. Here I show why this lower limit is invalid. A certain type of "parallel universes" is a necessary consequence of the string-landscape dynamics and might well allow us to "survive" vacuum decay. As a consequence our stringy vacuum's lifetime is empirically unconstrained and could be very short.

Based on this counterintuitive insight I propose a novel type of laboratory experiment that searches for an apparent violation of the quantum-mechanical Born rule by gravitational effects on vacuum decay. If the lifetime of our vacuum should turn out to be shorter than 6 ×10-13 seconds such an experiment is sufficiently sensitive to determine its value with state-of-the-art equipment.
MATTER LOCALIZATION AND RESONANT DECONFINEMENT IN A TWO-SHEETED SPACE–TIME
Authors: SARRAZIN MICHAËL , PETIT FABRICE
Published: July 2007

In recent papers, a model of a two-sheeted space–time M4 ×Z2 was introduced and the quantum dynamics of massive fermions was studied in this framework. In the present study, we show that the physical predictions of the model are perfectly consistent with observations and most importantly, it can solve the puzzling problem of the four-dimensional localization of the fermion species in multidimensional space–times. It is demonstrated that fermion localization on the sheets arises from the combination of the discrete bulk structure and environmental interactions. The mechanism described in this paper can be seen as an alternative to the domain wall localization arising in continuous five-dimensional space–times. Although tightly constrained, motions between the sheets are, however, not completely prohibited. As an illustration, a resonant mechanism through which fermion oscillations between the sheets might occur is described.
LARGE DYNAMIC RANGE RNS SYSTEMS AND THEIR RESIDUE TO BINARY CONVERTERS
Authors: SKAVANTZOS ALEXANDER , ABDALLAH MOHAMMAD , STOURAITIS THANOS
Published: July 2007

The Residue Number System (RNS) is an integer system appropriate for implementing fast digital signal processors. It can be used for supporting high-speed arithmetic by operating in parallel channels without need for exchanging information among the channels. In this paper, two novel RNS are proposed. First, a new RNS system based on the modulus set {2n+1, 2n - 1, 2n + 1, 2n + 2(n+1)/2 + 1, 2n - 2(n+1)/2 + 1}, n odd, is developed, along with an efficient implementation of its residue-to-weighted converter. The new RNS is a balanced five-modulus system, appropriate for large dynamic ranges. The proposed residue-to-binary converter is fast and hardware efficient and is based on a one's complement multi-operand adder that adds operands of size only 80% of the size dictated by the system's dynamic range. Second, a new class of multi-modulus RNS systems is proposed. These systems are based on sets consisting of two groups of moduli with the modulus product within one group being of the form 2a(2b - 1), while the modulus product within the other group is of the form 2c - 1. Their RNS-to-weighted converters are based on efficient combinations of the Chinese Remainder Theorem and Mixed Radix Conversion decoding techniques. Systems based on four, five, and seven moduli are constructed and analyzed. The new systems allow efficient implementations for their RNS-to-weighted decoders, imply fast and balanced RNS arithmetic, and may achieve large dynamic ranges. The presented residue-to-weighted converters for these systems rely on simple mod (2x - 1) hardware, which can be easily implemented as one's complement hardware.
NEUTRINOS: LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE
Authors: MINAKATA HISAKAZU
Published: July 2007

I discuss some aspects of future prospects of the experimental exploration of the unknowns in the neutrino mass pattern and the lepton flavor mixing. I start from measuring θ13 by reactors and accelerators as a prerequisite for proceeding to search for leptonic CP violation. I then discuss how CP violation can be uncovered, and how the neutrino mass hierarchy can be determined. I do these by resolving so called the "parameter degeneracy" which is required anyway if one wants to seek precision measurement of the lepton mixing parameters. As a concrete setting for resolving the degeneracy I use the Tokai-to-Kamioka-Korea two detector complex which receives neutrino superbeam from J-PARC, which is sometimes called as "T2KK". It is shown that T2KK is able to resolve all the eight-fold parameter degeneracy in a wide range of the lepton mixing parameters. Some alternative ways of measuring the unknowns are also briefly mentioned.
MONOENERGETIC NEUTRINO BEAM FOR LONG BASELINE EXPERIMENTS
Authors: SATO JOE
Published: July 2007

In an electron capture process by a nucleus, emitted neutrinos are monoenergetic. We study a long baseline experiment with such a completely monoenergetic neutrino beam. This talk is based on Refs. 1 and 2.
CAN FOUR-ZERO-TEXTURE MASS MATRIX MODEL REPRODUCE THE QUARK AND LEPTON MIXING ANGLES AND CP VIOLATING PHASES?
Authors: MATSUDA KOICHI , FUKUYAMA TAKESHI , NISHIURA HIROYUKI
Published: July 2007

We study the universal quark and lepton mass matrices in the framework of SO (10) GUT. Namely, all the mass matrices have common zero texture in our model. Furthermore, we set a strict restriction from SO (10) GUT on the mass matrices. We find that good fittings to the CKM quark mixing matrix are obtained and this model naturally derives the bi-large mixings in the lepton sector.
GENERALIZED FUKUGITA–TANIMOTO–YANAGIDA NEUTRINO MASS ANSATZ
Authors: OBARA MIDORI , XING ZHI-ZHONG
Published: July 2007

We generalize the Fukugita–Tanimoto–Yanagida ansatz by allowing the masses of three heavy right-handed Majorana neutrinos, Mi (i = 1,2,3), to be partially non-degenerate and search for the parameter space which can be consistent with the current neutrino oscillation data, for three non-degenerate mass cases (A) M3 = M2 ≠ M1, (B) M2 = M1 ≠ M3 and (C) M1 = M3 ≠ M2. We also examine the effect of the deviation from the complete mass degeneracy in each case. Finally, we obtain the numerical constraints on three light neutrino masses, three neutrino mixing angles and three CP-violating phases, together with the predictions for the Jarlskog invariant of CP violation and the effective masses of the tritium beta decay and the neutrinoless double-beta decay.
NEUTRINO MASSES AND SUSY SU(5) GUT FLAVOR PREDICTIONS
Authors: BORZUMATI FRANCESCA , MISHIMA SATOSHI , YAMASHITA TOSHIFUMI
Published: July 2007

The patterns of the flavor violating effects which are radiatively induced via the neutrino Yukawa couplings are analysed in realistic "minimal" SUSY SU (5) models, obtained by adding nonrenormalizable operators to the minimal one, in order to fix the fermion spectrum and suppress proton decay. We compare results for the three possible implementations of the seesaw mechanisms, i.e. of Type I, II and III.
BARYOGENESIS VIA LEFT-RIGHT ASYMMETRY GENERATED BY AFFLECK – DINE MECHANISM IN DIRAC NEUTRINO MODEL
Authors: SENAMI MASATO , TAKAYAMA TSUTOMU
Published: July 2007

We reconsider a baryogenesis scenario in supersymmetric standard models with Dirac neutrinos proposed by Abel and Page. We introduce intermediate scale physics to stabilize the runaway potential along a right-handed sneutrino direction. If the lightest neutrino mass is small and/or thermal effects induce early oscillation, the right amount of baryon number asymmetry can be obtained even for higher reheating temperature without entropy production. We also discuss the right-handed sneutrino decay via SU (2)R gauge interaction as a solution to the problem of dark matter overproduction.
Spin Density Wave States in Transition Metals
Authors: Hirai Kunitomo
Published: July 2007

On the basis of an electronic structure calculation, spin density wave states of fcc Fe and Cr are discussed with particular attention to the difference between them. The wave vector at which the unenhanced spin susceptibility of nonmagnetic fcc Fe or Cr becomes maximum is shown to correspond well to the observed wave vector of spin density wave. It is found that a nesting of the Fermi surface hardly contributes to determining the wave vector of the susceptibility maximum for fcc Fe, which exhibits a remarkable contrast to Cr. Another reasoning of the susceptibility maximum is extended from a real space viewpoint. Difference in characteristics of the spin density wave state between fcc Fe and Cr is further illustrated by the electronic structure calculation of spin density wave states with finite magnetic moments.
WKB Theory of Tunneling between Tori
Authors: Takada Shoji , Nakamura Hiroki
Published: July 2007

General WKB theory of multidimensional tunneling between tori is formulated and illuminating physical picture on the effects of multidimensionality is provided. On the basis of Wilkinson's work, (1) Maslov's semiclassical wavefunction in classically accessible region is connected to the wavefunction in classically inaccessible region and (2) the latter is propagated into deep tunneling region. It is found that there exist two distinct regions of tunneling : a region where action is pure imaginary (I-region) and another region where action is complex (C-region). In I-region tunneling path can be defined by a certain classical trajectory on the inverted potential, while in C-region no tunneling path can be defined and the Huygens type wave propagation should be carried out. Moreover, wavefunction of a vibrationally excited state has nodal lines in C-region but not in I-region.
Prediction of Mode of Death in Heart Failure
Authors: Mozaffarian Dariush , Anker Stefan D. , Anand Inder , Linker David T. , Sullivan Mark D. , Cleland John G.F. , Carson Peter E. , Maggioni Aldo P. , Mann Douglas L. , Pitt Bertram , Poole-Wilson Philip A. , Levy Wayne C.
Published: July 2007

Background—

Prognosis and mode of death in heart failure patients are highly variable in that some patients die suddenly (often from ventricular arrhythmia) and others die of progressive failure of cardiac function (pump failure). Prediction of mode of death may facilitate decisions about specific medications or devices.

Methods and Results—

We used the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM), a validated prediction model for total mortality in heart failure, to assess the mode of death in 10 538 ambulatory patients with New York Heart Association class II to IV heart failure and predominantly systolic dysfunction enrolled in 6 randomized trials or registries. During 16 735 person-years of follow-up, 2014 deaths occurred, which included 1014 sudden deaths and 684 pump-failure deaths. Compared with a SHFM score of 0, patients with a score of 1 had a 50% higher risk of sudden death, patients with a score of 2 had a nearly 3-fold higher risk, and patients with a score of 3 or 4 had a nearly 7-fold higher risk (
P
<0.001 for all comparisons; 1-year area under the receiver operating curve, 0.68). Stratification of risk of pump-failure death was even more pronounced, with a 4-fold higher risk with a score of 1, a 15-fold higher risk with a score of 2, a 38-fold higher risk with a score of 3, and an 88-fold higher risk with a score of 4 (
P
<0.001 for all comparisons; 1-year area under the receiver operating curve, 0.85). The proportion of deaths caused by sudden death versus pump-failure death decreased from a ratio of 7:1 with a SHFM score of 0 to a ratio of 1:2 with a SHFM score of 4 (
P
trend <0.001).

Conclusions—

The SHFM score provides information about the likely mode of death among ambulatory heart failure patients. Investigation is warranted to determine whether such information might predict responses to or cost-effectiveness of specific medications or devices in heart failure patients.
Etiological and demographical characteristics of acute adult poisoning in Adana, Turkey
Authors: Akbaba M. , Nazlican E. , Demirhindi H. , Sütoluk Z. , Gökel Y.
Published: July 2007

The objective of this study is to define the etiological and demographical characteristics of the patients applying to the emergency department in Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University because of poisoning. This retrospective study was carried out by examining the records of 491 people who applied to the main emergency department in Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, with the complaint of poisoning between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2004. It was determined that the reason why 491 of 20 817 persons (2.4%) applied during this term was because of poisoning: 159 (32.4%) of such patients were male and 332 of them (67.6%) were female. It was found that the average age of men was 27.1 ± 10.5 years and that of women was 24.4 ± 9.5 years ( P = 0.005); 427 of poisoning cases (87.0%) happened intentionally as suicide attempts and 64 of them (13.0%) were accidental. The rate of suicide-purposed poisoning was higher in women and the rate of unintentional poisoning was higher in men ( P ± 0.001). The drugs were accountable for 71.1% of all poisoning cases and the pesticides were accountable for 18.9% of such cases. Poisonings increase during summers. The mortality rate in poisonings was found as 0.8%. The drugs and pesticides in Ckurova region constitute 90.0% of all poisoning cases. The mortality rate in poisoning will be decreased by training the physicians employed in the emergency department about poisoning by drugs and pesticides. Human & Experimental Toxicology ( 2007) 26, 401—406
Distinguishing patterns in the dynamics of long-term medication use by Markov analysis: beyond persistence
Authors: Menckeberg Tanja T , Belitser Svetlana V , Bouvy Marcel L , Bracke Madelon , Lammers Jan-Willem J , Raaijmakers Jan AM , Leufkens Hubert GM
Published: July 2007

Background

In order to accurately distinguish gaps of varying length in drug treatment for chronic conditions from discontinuation without resuming therapy, short-term observation does not suffice. Thus, the use of inhalation corticosteroids (ICS) in the long-term, during a ten-year period is investigated. To describe medication use as a continuum, taking into account the timeliness and consistency of refilling, a Markov model is proposed.

Methods

Patients, that filled at least one prescription in 1993, were selected from the PHARMO medical record linkage system (RLS) containing >95% prescription dispensings per patient originating from community pharmacy records of 6 medium-sized cities in the Netherlands.

The probabilities of continuous use, the refilling of at least one ICS prescription in each year of follow-up, and medication free periods were assessed by Markov analysis. Stratified analysis according to new use was performed.

Results

The transition probabilities of the refilling of at least one ICS prescription in the subsequent year of follow-up, were assessed for each year of follow-up and for the total study period.

The change of transition probabilities in time was evaluated, e.g. the probability of continuing ICS use of starters in the first two years (51%) of follow-up increased to more than 70% in the following years. The probabilities of different patterns of medication use were assessed: continuous use (7.7%), cumulative medication gaps (1–8 years 69.1%) and discontinuing (23.2%) during ten-year follow-up for new users. New users had lower probability of continuous use (7.7%) and more variability in ICS refill patterns than previous users (56%).

Conclusion

In addition to well-established methods in epidemiology to ascertain compliance and persistence, a Markov model could be useful to further specify the variety of possible patterns of medication use within the continuum of adherence. This Markov model describes variation in behaviour and patterns of ICS use and could also be useful to investigate continuous use of other drugs applied in chronic diseases.