bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aquabis(2-amino-1,3-thiazole-4-acetato-κ2O,N3)nickel(II)
Authors: He Qiu-Fen , Li Dong-Sheng , Zhao Jun , Ke Xi-Jun , Li Cai
Published: May 2009

In the crystal structure of the title compound, [Ni(C5H5N2O2S)2(H2O)], the NiIIcation is located on a twofold rotation axis and chelated by two 2-amino-1,3-thiazole-4-acetate (ata) anions in the basal coordination plane; a water molecule located on the same twofold rotation axis completes the distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry. Intermolecular O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonding, as well as π–π stacking between parallel thiazole rings [centroid–centroid distance 3.531 (8) Å], helps to stabilize the crystal structure.
5-Dimethylamino-N,N-dimethyl-2-nitrobenzamide
Authors: Fun Hoong-Kun , Jebas Samuel Robinson , Chandrakantha B. , Padmar Vijaya , Isloor Arun M
Published: May 2009

In the title compound, C11H15N3O3, one of the methyl groups attached to the benzamide unit is slightly twisted with a C—N—C—C torsion angle of 4.04 (13)°. The crystal packing is stabilized by weak intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds together with a weak C—H...π interaction.
7,7′,8,8′-Tetramethoxy-4,4′-dimethyl-3,5′-bichromene-2,2′-dione
Authors: Fun Hoong-Kun , Jebas Samuel Robinson , Parveen Mehtab , Khanam Zakia , Ghalib Raza Murad
Published: May 2009

In the title molecule, C24H22O8, the mean planes of the two coumarin units are inclined to each other at a dihedral angle of 79.93 (3)°. The attached methoxy groups form torsion angles of 7.65 (19) and 78.36 (14)° with respect to one coumarin unit, and angles of 9.01 (16) and 99.08 (11)° with respect to the other coumarin unit. In the crystal structure, weak intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds connect pairs of molecules to form dimers, generatingR22(16) andR22(18) rings; the dimers are linked by further weak intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming extended chains. Additional stabilization is provided by weak C—H...π interactions.
(5,7,7,12,14,14-Hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,11-diene-κ4N1,N4,N8,N11)(thiocyanato-κS)nickel(II) perchlorate monohydrate
Authors: Bi Jian-Hong
Published: May 2009

In the title compound, [Ni(SCN)(C16H32N4)]ClO4·H2O, the NiIIion is coordinated by the four N atoms of the tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,11-diene macrocyclic ligand and by the S atom of a thiocyanate anion. The perchlorate anion is rotationally disordered around one Cl—O bond between two orientations; the occupancies refined to 0.61 (4) and 0.39 (4). Intermolecular O—H...N, N—H...O and N—H...N hydrogen bonds link two cations, two anions and two solvent water molecules into a centrosymmetric cluster. The crystal packing is further stabilized by weak intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
4-Chloro-N-m-tolylbenzamide
Authors: Saeed Aamer , Irfan Madiha , Bolte Michael
Published: May 2009

In the title compound, C14H12ClNO, the dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 11.29 (15)°. The crystal packing is stabilized by N—H...O hydrogen bonds linking the molecules into chains running along thecaxis.
4-Formylphenyl 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-allopyranoside
Authors: Ye Ding , Zhang Kuan , Chen Hua-feng , Yin Shu-fan , Li Ying
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C21H24O11, crystallizes exclusively as the β-anomer. The substituent of the protected sugar at position C-3 is in the axial position, while all other groups are in equatorial positions. The pyranoside ring adopts a stable chair conformation.
3-[(2,4-Dichlorophenyl)iminomethyl]-2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzaldehyde
Authors: Kılıç Işın , Işık Şamil , Ağar Erbil , Erşahin Ferda
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C15H11Cl2NO2, is a Schiff base which adopts the phenol–imine tautomeric form in the solid state, being stabilized by a strong intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond. The molecule is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation for all non-H atoms = 0.049 Å), displaying a dihedral angle of 3.1 (3)° between the planes of the two aromatic rings.
4-Benzyl-6-p-tolylpyridazin-3(2H)-one
Authors: Oubair Ahmad , Daran Jean-Claude , Fihi Rachid , Majidi Lhou , Azrour Mohamed
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C18H16N2O, is a new dihydropyridazin-3(2H)-one derivative synthesized in one step by condensation of α-benzylidene-γ-tolylbutenolide with hydrazine. The molecule is not planar; the tolyl and pyridazine rings are twisted with respect to each other making a dihedral angle of 27.35 (9)° and the benzyl ring is nearly perpendicular to the pyridazine ring with a dihedral angle of 85.24 (5)°. In the crystal structure, inversion dimers arise, being linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds. Weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak offset π–π stacking stabilize the packing. The π–π stacking occurs between the pyridazine rings of symmetry-related molecules, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.748 Å, an interplanar distance of 3.605 Å and a slippage of 1.024 Å.
rac-4,8-Divinylbicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-dione
Authors: Orentas Edvinas , Wendt Ola F. , Wärnmark Kenneth , Butkus Eugenijus , Wallentin Carl-Johan
Published: May 2009

The title compound, C13H16O2, is a chiral bicyclic structure composed of two fused cyclohexane rings possessing both boat and chair conformations. The molecules are packed in enantiopure columns which are pairwise linked forming an overall racemic solid; within the column pairs the packing is governed by weak dipole–dipole interactions stemming from stacked carbonyl functionalities (COcentroid–COcentroiddistance = 3.290 Å).
4,4-Dimethyl-1-(3-nitrophenyl)pent-1-en-3-one
Authors: Chen Ping , Xia Lin , Hu Ai-Xi , Ye Jiao
Published: May 2009

All the non-hydrogen atoms except one methyl C atom of the title compound, C13H15NO3, lie on a crystallographic mirror plane perpendicular to thebaxis. The crystal packing is stabilized by two weak intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Limited humoral immunoglobulin E memory influences serum immunoglobulin E levels in blood
Authors: Achatz‐Straussberger G. , Zaborsky N. , Königsberger S. , Feichtner S. , Lenz S. , Peckl‐Schmid D. , Lamers M. , Achatz G.
Published: May 2009

The switch of B cells expressing membrane‐bound Igs, which serve as antigen receptors, to antibody‐secreting plasmablasts and finally to non‐dividing, long‐lived plasma cells (PCs) lacking an antigen receptor, marks the terminal differentiation of a B cell. Antibody‐secreting PCs represent the key cell type for the maintenance of a proactive humoral immunological memory. Although some populations of long‐lived PCs persist in the spleen, most of them return to their ‘place of birth’ and travel to the bone marrow or invade inflamed tissues, where they survive up to several months in survival niches as resident, immobile cells. Existing data strongly support the notion that isotype‐specific receptor signalling influences the migration behaviour of plasmablasts to the bone marrow. The recent observation in the murine sytem that the immigration of plasmablasts and the final differentiation to long‐lived PCs in the bone marrow is dependent on the expressed B‐cell isotype and the related expression of chemokine receptors leads to the conclusion that during a T‐helper type 2 (Th2)‐mediated immune response in wild type mice, IgE plasmablasts do not have the same chance to contribute to long‐lived PC memory as IgG1 plasmablasts. The overall limited humoral IgE memory additionally restricts the quantity of IgE Igs in the serum.
Functional and clinical consequences of Fc receptor polymorphic and copy number variants
Authors: Bournazos S , Woof J M , Hart S P , Dransfield I
Published: May 2009

Receptors for immunoglobulins (Fc receptors) play a central role during an immune response, as they mediate the specific recognition of antigens of almost infinite diversity by leucocytes, thereby linking the humoral and cellular components of immunity. Indeed, engagement of Fc receptors by immunoglobulins initiates a range of immunoregulatory processes that might also play a role in disease pathogenesis. In the circulation, five main types of immunoglobulins (Ig) exist – namely IgG, IgA, IgE, IgM and IgD and receptors with the ability to recognize and bind to IgG (Fcγ receptor family), IgE (FcεRI and CD23), IgA (CD89; Fcα/µR) and IgM (Fcα/µR) have been identified and characterized. However, it is astonishing that nearly all the known human Fc receptors display extensive genetic variation with clear implications for their function, thus representing a substantial genetic risk factor for the pathogenesis of a range of chronic inflammatory disorders.
Predator‐specific inducible defenses in the rotifer Keratella tropica
Authors: GILBERT JOHN J.
Published: May 2009

1. A Patagonian strain of Keratella tropica has very different induced morphological responses to two predators – the carnivorous rotifer Asplanchna brightwelli and the interference competitor Daphnia pulex. Asplanchna induces the most exuberant morph. Compared to the basic morph, it has a fourfold longer right posterolateral spine (up to c. 115 μm), greatly elongated anterolateral and anterosubmedian spines, and no left posterolateral spine. Transitional morphs have an incompletely developed right posterolateral spine and a reduced left posterolateral spine. Daphnia induces moderate development of both posterior spines but no elongation of any anterior spines. Induction of these morphs by Asplanchna and Daphnia is mediated by kairomones.

2. The Asplanchna‐induced morph is much better defended against large (0.9 mm) Asplanchna than either the basic or Daphnia‐induced morph. The long right posterolateral spine usually prevents capture or ingestion. The Asplanchna‐ and Daphnia‐induced morphs are similarly susceptible to interference from large (3 mm) D. pulex.

3. Life‐table experiments with cohorts of the basic and Asplanchna‐induced morphs at 5 × 103 and 2 × 104 cells of Cryptomoas erosa per millilitre indicate little or no cost of the induced defense. Lifetime fecundity (13–15 offspring per female) did not differ significantly between morphs. The mean intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm day−1) of the induced morph was very slightly but significantly lower than that of the basic morph at the lower food concentration (0.46 versus 0.48) but no different from it at the higher food concentration (0.53 versus 0.54). However, spine development may involve undetermined allocation costs and environmental costs relating to interactions with other organisms.

4. It is not clear why K. tropica has separate induced responses to Asplanchna and Daphnia. Moderate spine development probably reduces damage or ingestion by small (<1.5 mm) daphniids, as in other species of Keratella, but further development may confer no protection against larger ones. Thus, the ratio of benefit to cost with daphniids (and other cladocerans) may be highest for intermediate spine development. In contrast, much greater spine development seems necessary for effective defense against Asplanchna. The more moderate response to Daphnia also may reflect less likely spatial and temporal overlap.
Virus‐like particles associated with brown muscle disease in Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, in Arcachon Bay (France)
Authors: Dang C , Gonzalez P , Mesmer‐Dudons N , Bonami J‐R , Caill‐Milly N , De Montaudouin X
Published: May 2009

Recently, Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, populations have suffered mortalities in Arcachon Bay (SW France). Mortality was associated with extensive lesions of the posterior adductor muscle, which become progressively brown and calcified. Ultrastructural observations by transmission electron microscopy revealed tissue degradation with necrotized muscle fibres and granulocytomas. Unenveloped virus‐like particles (VLPs) were detected in muscle, granulocytic, epithelial and rectal cells. VLPs were abundant in the extracellular space, in the cytoplasm (free or enclosed in vesicles) and in the nucleoplasm of granulocytes. Nuclei and mitochondria of granulocytes displayed changes which suggested reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis induction. VLPs exhibited an icosahedral structure with a diameter of 25 to 35 nm. These observations suggest that the VLPs could belong to the family Picornaviridae or the Parvoviridae.
Relatedness and spatial proximity as determinants of host–parasite interactions in the brood parasitic Barrow's goldeneye (Bucephala islandica)
Authors: JAATINEN KIM , JAARI SONJA , O’HARA ROBERT B. , ÖST MARKUS , MERILÄ JUHA
Published: May 2009

Recent studies, which have found evidence for kin‐biased egg donation, have sparked interest in re‐assessing the parasitic nature of conspecific brood parasitism (CBP). Since host–parasite kinship is essential for mutual benefits to arise from CBP, we explored the role of relatedness in determining the behaviour of conspecific nest parasites and their hosts in nesting female Barrow's goldeneyes (Bucephala islandica), a duck in which CBP is common. The results revealed that the amount of parasitism increased with host–parasite relatedness, the effect of which was independent of geographical proximity of host and parasite nests. Proximity per se was also positively associated with the amount of parasitism. Furthermore, while hosts appeared to reduce their clutch size as a response to the presence of parasitic eggs, the magnitude of host clutch reduction also tended to increase with increasing relatedness to the parasite. Hence, our results indicate that both relatedness and spatial proximity are important determinants of CBP, and that host clutch reduction may be an adaptation to nest parasitism, modulated by host–parasite relatedness. Taken together, the results provide a demonstration that relatedness influences host and parasite behaviour in Barrow's goldeneyes, resulting in kin‐biased egg donation.
Commensal ecology, urban landscapes, and their influence on the genetic characteristics of city‐dwelling Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: GARDNER‐SANTANA L. C. , NORRIS D. E. , FORNADEL C. M. , HINSON E. R. , KLEIN S. L. , GLASS G. E.
Published: May 2009

Movement of individuals promotes colonization of new areas, gene flow among local populations, and has implications for the spread of infectious agents and the control of pest species. Wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are common in highly urbanized areas but surprisingly little is known of their population structure. We sampled individuals from 11 locations within Baltimore, Maryland, to characterize the genetic structure and extent of gene flow between areas within the city. Clustering methods and a neighbour‐joining tree based on pairwise genetic distances supported an east–west division in the inner city, and a third cluster comprised of historically more recent sites. Most individuals (~95%) were assigned to their area of capture, indicating strong site fidelity. Moreover, the axial dispersal distance of rats (62 m) fell within typical alley length. Several rats were assigned to areas 2–11.5 km away, indicating some, albeit infrequent, long‐distance movement within the city. Although individual movement appears to be limited (30–150 m), locations up to 1.7 km are comprised of relatives. Moderate FST, differentiation between identified clusters, and high allelic diversity indicate that regular gene flow, either via recruitment or migration, has prevented isolation. Therefore, ecology of commensal rodents in urban areas and life‐history characteristics of Norway rats likely counteract many expected effects of isolation or founder events. An understanding of levels of connectivity of rat populations inhabiting urban areas provides information about the spatial scale at which populations of rats may spread disease, invade new areas, or be eradicated from an existing area without reinvasion.
Population sizes and dispersal pattern of tsetse flies: rolling on the river?
Authors: BOUYER J. , BALENGHIEN T. , RAVEL S. , VIAL L. , SIDIBÉ I. , THÉVENON S. , SOLANO P. , DE MEEÛS T.
Published: May 2009

The West African trypanosomoses are mostly transmitted by riverine species of tsetse fly. In this study, we estimate the dispersal and population size of tsetse populations located along the Mouhoun river in Burkina Faso where tsetse habitats are experiencing increasing fragmentation caused by human encroachment. Dispersal estimated through direct (mark and recapture) and indirect (genetic isolation by distance) methods appeared consistent with one another. In these fragmented landscapes, tsetse flies displayed localized, small subpopulations with relatively short effective dispersal. We discuss how such information is crucial for designing optimal strategies for eliminating this threat. To estimate ecological parameters of wild animal populations, the genetic measures are both a cost‐ and time‐effective alternative to mark–release–recapture. They can be applied to other vector‐borne diseases of medical and/or economic importance.
Brain imaging approaches to the study of functional GI disorders: A Rome Working Team Report
Authors: Mayer E. A. , Aziz Q. , Coen S. , Kern M. , Labus J. S. , Lane R. , Kuo B. , Naliboff B. , Tracey I.
Published: May 2009

Abstract Progresses in the understanding of human brain‐gut interactions in health and disease have been limited by the lack of non‐invasive techniques to study brain activity. The advent of neuroimaging techniques has made it possible not only to study the structure and function of the brain, but also to characterize signaling system underlying brain function. This article gives a brief overview of relevant functional neuroanatomy, and of the most commonly used brain imaging techniques. It summarizes published functional brain imaging studies using acute visceral stimulation of the oesophagus, stomach and colon in healthy control subjects and patients with functional GI disorders, and briefly discusses pertinent findings from these studies. The article concludes with a critical assessment of published studies, and with recommendations for improved study paradigms and analysis strategies.
The effects of butyrate enemas on visceral perception in healthy volunteers
Authors: Vanhoutvin S. A. L. W. , Troost F. J. , Kilkens T. O. C. , Lindsey P. J. , Hamer H. M. , Jonkers D. M. A. E. , Venema K. , Brummer R.‐j. M.
Published: May 2009

Abstract  Fermentation of dietary fibres by colonic microbes leads to the production of short chain fatty acids (mainly propionate, butyrate and acetate), which are utilized by the colonic mucosa. Previous studies showed positive effects of butyrate on parameters of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Recent studies in rats, however, showed that butyrate increased visceral sensitivity. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of physiologically relevant concentrations of butyrate on visceral perception in healthy human subjects. Eleven healthy volunteers participated in this randomized double‐blind, placebo controlled cross‐over study. The study consisted of three periods of 1 week each, in which the volunteers daily self‐administered rectal enemas containing 100, 50 mmol L−1 butyrate, or placebo (saline) prior to sleeping. A rectal barostat measurement was performed at the start and the end of each test period for the measurement of pain, urge and discomfort. Butyrate treatment resulted in a dose‐dependent reduction of pain, urge and discomfort throughout the entire pressure range of the protocol. At a pressure of 4 mmHg, 50 and 100 mmol L−1 butyrate concentrations resulted in a 23.9% and 42.1% reduction of pain scores, respectively, and the discomfort scores decreased by 44.2% and 69.0% respectively. At a pressure of 67 mmHg, 50 and 100 mmol L−1 of butyrate decreased the pain scores by 23.8% and 42%, respectively, and discomfort scores 1.9% and 5.2% respectively. Colonic administration of butyrate, at physiologically relevant concentrations, dose‐dependently decreases visceral sensitivity in healthy volunteers.
The brain structural disposition to social interaction
Authors: Lebreton Maël , Barnes Anna , Miettunen Jouko , Peltonen Leena , Ridler Khanum , Veijola Juha , Tanskanen Päivikki , Suckling John , Jarvelin Marjo‐Riitta , Jones Peter B. , Isohanni Matti , Bullmore Edward T. , Murray Graham K.
Published: May 2009

Social reward dependence (RD) in humans is a stable pattern of attitudes and behaviour hypothesized to represent a favourable disposition towards social relationships and attachment as a personality dimension. It has been theorized that this long‐term disposition to openness is linked to the capacity to process primary reward. Using brain structure measures from magnetic resonance imaging, and a measure of RD from Cloninger’s temperament and character inventory, a self‐reported questionnaire, in 41 male subjects sampled from a general population birth cohort, we investigated the neuro‐anatomical basis of social RD. We found that higher social RD in men was significantly associated with increased gray matter density in the orbitofrontal cortex, basal ganglia and temporal lobes, regions that have been previously shown to be involved in processing of primary rewards. These findings provide evidence for a brain structural disposition to social interaction, and that sensitivity to social reward shares a common neural basis with systems for processing primary reward information.
Obesity, serious mental illness and antipsychotic drugs
Authors: Holt Richard I. G. , Peveler Robert C.
Published: May 2009

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher in people with mental illness than in the general population. Body weight is tightly regulated by a complex system involving the cortex and limbic system, the hypothalamus and the gastrointestinal tract. While there are justifiable concerns about the weight gain associated with antipsychotic medication, it is too simplistic to ascribe all obesity in people with serious mental illness (SMI) to their drug treatment. The development of obesity in SMI results from the complex interaction of the genotype and environment of the person with mental illness, the mental illness itself and antipsychotic medication. There are dysfunctional reward mechanisms in SMI that may contribute to poor food choices and overeating. While it is clear that antipsychotics have profound effects to stimulate appetite, no one receptor interaction provides an adequate explanation for this effect, and many mechanisms are likely to be involved. The complexity of the system regulating body weight allows us to start to understand why some individuals appear much more prone to weight gain and obesity than others.
Antihyperglycaemic medication modifies factors of postprandial satiety in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mourad C. , Chevalier S. , Morais J. A. , Lamarche M. , Gougeon R.
Published: May 2009

Aim:  Type 2 diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia, delayed gastric emptying and a blunted response of gut hormones during feeding that may modulate satiety. We hypothesized that it is associated with more hunger when treated by medication.

Methods:  We studied nine type 2 diabetic men (A1C: 6.7 ± 0.3%, waist circumference: 104 ± 4 cm) after an overnight fast, during 5 h in response to a 2.88 MJ breakfast, twice, in a crossover design, with or without antihyperglycaemic agents. Satiety ratings, thermic effect of meal, gastric emptying, plasma concentrations of gut peptides, leptin, insulin and substrates and intake from a subsequent buffet were determined.

Results:  With medication, fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels were lower but area under the curve (AUC) did not vary vs. without medication. Gastric emptying was shortened, branched chain amino acids (BCAA) AUC and thermic effect were lower, and postprandial glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY3–36) were maintained at higher levels beyond 4 h. Correlations were significant between duration of diabetes and fasting ghrelin (r = 0.779, p = 0.013) and peak insulin (r = −0.769, p = 0.016), 5‐h postmeal ghrelin and peak glucose (r = 0.822, p = 0.007), 5‐h glucose and GLP‐1 (r = −0.788, p = 0.012), and 5‐h hunger scores and energy intake at buffet (r = 0.828, p = 0.006). Without medication, fullness scores correlated with BCAA levels. Visual analogue scale scores, ghrelin and leptin levels did not differ between studies.

Conclusions:  The decrease in factors associated with postprandial satiety with treatment is counterbalanced by higher GLP‐1 and PYY3–36. Medication may normalize the link between perception of hunger and subsequent food intake.
Comparison of vildagliptin and metformin monotherapy in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: a 24‐week, double‐blind, randomized trial
Authors: Schweizer A. , Dejager S. , Bosi E.
Published: May 2009

Aims:  The study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, vildagliptin, and metformin in drug‐naïve elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. The primary objective was to demonstrate non‐inferiority of vildagliptin vs. metformin in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction.

Methods:  This was a double‐blind, randomized, multicentre, active‐controlled, parallel‐group study of 24‐week treatment with vildagliptin (100 mg daily, n = 169) or metformin (titrated to 1500 mg daily, n = 166) in drug‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≥65 years (baseline HbA1c 7–9%).

Results:  Participants had a mean age of 71 years, known duration of diabetes of 3 years and mean baseline HbA1c of 7.7%. At end‐point, vildagliptin was as effective as metformin, improving HbA1c by −0.64 ± 0.07% and −0.75 ± 0.07%, respectively, meeting the predefined statistical criterion for non‐inferiority (upper limit of 95% confidence interval for between‐treatment difference ≤0.3%). Body weight changes were −0.45 ± 0.20 kg in vildagliptin‐treated patients (p = 0.02) and −1.25 ± 0.19 kg in metformin‐treated patients (p < 0.001; p = 0.004 vs. vildagliptin). The proportion of patients experiencing an adverse event (AE) was 44.3 vs. 50.3% in patients receiving vildagliptin and metformin respectively. Gastrointestinal (GI) AEs were significantly more frequent with metformin (24.8%) than with vildagliptin (15.0%, p = 0.028), mainly driven by a 4.4‐fold higher incidence of diarrhoea. A low incidence of hypoglycaemia was observed in both treatment groups (0% with vildagliptin and 1.2% with metformin).

Conclusions:  Vildagliptin is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment option in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, demonstrating similar improvement in glycaemic control as metformin, with superior GI tolerability.
Can we prevent diabetic birth defects with micronutrients?
Authors: Wentzel Parri
Published: May 2009

Congenital malformations are more common in infants of diabetic women than in children of non‐diabetic women. The mechanisms behind diabetes‐induced congenital anomalies are not known. Disturbed micronutrient metabolism, in concert with oxidative stress, has been suggested as a cause of diabetes‐induced malformations by several studies. In experimental work, administration of inositol, arachidonic acid and several antioxidative compounds, as well as folic acid, to the embryo, has proven to attenuate the teratogenic effects of a diabetic environment. Future therapeutic efforts may include supplementation with antioxidants or micronutrients, such as folic acid, to the pregnant diabetic woman, although exact compounds and doses need to be determined.
Predicting steady‐state HbA1c responses to sitagliptin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus*
Authors: Kanazu S. , Horie Y. , Narukawa M. , Nonaka K. , Taniguchi T. , Arjona Ferreira J. C. , Takeuchi M.
Published: May 2009

Aims:  To develop predictive formulas using short‐term changes in glycaemic parameters [haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG)] with sitagliptin, a highly selective dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, to assess longer term steady‐state changes in HbA1c.

Methods:  Results from two, 12‐week, double‐blind studies of sitagliptin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving once‐daily sitagliptin 100 mg were used to construct linear models to develop predictive formulas based on study 1 (S1) and to validate them using study 2 (S2). HbA1c and FPG were the primary and the key secondary end‐point for both studies and were both used to develop predictive formulas.

Results:  The predictive formulas using HbA1c ± FPG results (slope of change) from week 0 to week 4 in S1 showed high correlations between fitted and observed week 12 HbA1c: for HbA1c alone R2 = 0.76, for HbA1c + FPG R2 = 0.89. When using the sitagliptin 100 mg group of S2 data set to assess the validity of the predictive formulas, high correlations for HbA1c alone (R2 = 0.76) and for HbA1c + FPG (R2 = 0.77) were also observed. Data using a lower dose (25 mg once daily) of sitagliptin also demonstrated similar results.

Conclusions:  The early responses (over 4 weeks) in HbA1c and FPG with sitagliptin can be used to accurately predict later responses (at week 12) in HbA1c in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additional studies applying this approach to other agents with diverse mechanisms are important.
Seen but Not Heard? Parallels and Dissonances in the Treatment of Rape Narratives across the Asylum and Criminal Justice Contexts
Authors: Baillot Helen , Cowan Sharon , Munro Vanessa E.
Published: May 2009

A significant proportion of women seeking refugee status in the United Kingdom will claim to have been raped in their country of origin. Even where this is not the sole basis of an asylum claim, it may be relevant to its determination. While criminal justice responses to rape have been the subject of extensive academic criticism and legislative reform, the processes of disclosure and credibility assessment in the asylum context have received little attention. This article explores possible parallels and dissonances in the treatment of rape across the asylum and criminal justice contexts, drawing in particular on the findings of a 2007 pilot study. It considers how problems such as the underreporting of rape, the inability of the victim to ‘tell the story’ in her own words, a hostile adjudicative environment, and the tendency to regard factors such as late disclosure, narrative inconsistency, and calm demeanour with suspicion – may be replicated and compounded in asylum cases. It also acknowledges the complex intersection of race, gender, culture, and nationality in this context.
Understanding Offenders' Compliance: A Case Study of Electronically Monitored Curfew Orders
Authors: Hucklesby Anthea
Published: May 2009

The focus of this paper is on offenders' compliance, which is an important but largely neglected area of criminal justice. The paper draws on an empirical study of offenders' compliance with electronically monitored curfew orders with the aim of elucidating theories of compliance. Electronic monitoring is used as a case study to illustrate some of the factors which influence offenders' compliance. One of the main strengths of electronic monitoring is the certainty and speed at which non‐compliance can be detected and, as expected, instrumental compliance was found to be important. Nonetheless, the paper suggests that the reasons why offenders comply or fail to comply are complex and interrelated and encompass many different factors including procedural justice, individual motivation, and attachments to significant others. The implications of these findings for compliance theories and community sentence policy are explored.
Australian Rural Local Governments and Environmental Sustainability: An Evaluation of Progress
Authors: Pini Barbara
Published: May 2009

Local government is often characterised as being well‐placed to enact a successful agenda for environmental sustainability because of its closeness to both people and the environment. The purpose of this article is to examine the extent to which this assumption is correct in terms of local government environmental policies and programs in rural Australia. Using case studies with eight local government authorities in Queensland and New South Wales, the article documents three different positions on a continuum of environmental engagement. These are ‘disengaged’, ‘moving towards engagement’ and ‘engaged’. The article concludes by arguing that the resource constraints facing rural local councils limit their capacity to engage with environmental management.
Managing Performance at Local Government Level: The Cases of the City of Brisbane and the City of Melbourne
Authors: Yetano Ana
Published: May 2009

Local governments have been involved in a continuous reform process during recent decades. In many cases, this process has focused on the introduction of performance measurement and management. Reforms have evolved from the mere use of indicators to integrated management systems. In this article, the Balanced Scorecard, a system designed to answer the need for integrated management systems, is used as the framework to analyse how local governments have managed the use of performance management systems. The demands for better public performance, for greater customer focus, for enhanced decision‐making and for increased responsiveness have an important role in the design of performance management systems. In addition, a perceived crisis in the area of management can act as catalyst for the implementation.
Testing APS Ethics: Where's the Integrity?
Authors: Briggs Lynelle
Published: May 2009

In recent years there has been a good deal of discussion in Australia about public service integrity. This article seeks to consider the Australian public service's standards of integrity by analysing the ethical framework under which the public service operates and the particular ethical issues and tensions that this involves; testing and benchmarking the ethical performance of the public service; and providing some suggestions as to the next steps in ethics considerations in the Australian public service.
Precaution, Scientific Development and Scientific Uncertainty under the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
Authors: Foster Caroline E.
Published: May 2009

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body has noted that the precautionary principle will be relevant to the interpretation of the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures in various ways, although the Appellate Body has declined to determine the status of the precautionary principle for international law or to find that it has been written into the SPS Agreement. The Appellate Body's awareness of precaution, the dynamics of scientific research and the nature of scientific uncertainty is to be welcomed. This awareness is helpful in dealing with new and emerging issues, such as the question of when a risk assessment relied upon by a WTO member becomes outdated by virtue of subsequent scientific developments. If maintained, an overly rigid approach to risk assessment, with a tight temporal focus, will inadequately acknowledge the natural processes of flux in the development of scientific knowledge.
The Compliance Mechanism of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: Development, Adoption, Content and First Years of Life
Authors: Koester Veit
Published: May 2009

The compliance mechanism of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety has been functioning for approximately 5 years. This period is probably too limited to draw any firm conclusions in respect of the future role of the compliance mechanism. On the other hand, the findings of the Compliance Committee have been considered by no less than three Conferences of the Parties serving as the Meetings of the Parties to the Protocol (2005, 2006 and 2008). Therefore, a preliminary stocktaking of the achievements of the compliance mechanism seems to be appropriate. This article attempts to provide such stocktaking, the conclusions being that while there are a number of positive indications, there are also some rather negative trends represented by the outcomes of the last Conference of the Parties serving as Meeting of the Parties (2008). In order to provide an informed background of the analysis, the article is introduced by a brief account of the negotiation history of the compliance mechanism and a presentation of its legal basis and main features.
The Precautionary Principle: A Thrill Ride on the Roller Coaster of Energy and Climate Law
Authors: Lyster Rosemary , Coonan Eric
Published: May 2009

The International Energy Agency has reported that, in 2007, fossil fuels were the source of 66% of global energy production, while the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has found that 60% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in 2004 were carbon dioxide emissions from the stationary energy sector. This article relies on recent case law in Australia to assess the extent to which the precautionary principle is a relevant consideration for development consent authorities determining applications for energy‐generation facilities, including coal‐fired power stations, coal mines, wind farms and uranium mines. What emerges is that there is really no certainty that the precautionary principle will be applied consistently by Australian courts to determine the legal responsibilities of decision makers assessing energy projects. In this sense, the precautionary principle has taken a thrill ride on the roller coaster of energy and climate law in Australia.
Interpretation and Application of the Precautionary Principle: Australia's Contribution
Authors: Peel Jacqueline
Published: May 2009

Australia has been a leading jurisdiction in the adoption of the precautionary principle, with widespread policy and legislative incorporation. This has paved the way for the development of a substantial jurisprudence on the interpretation and application of the principle. The international derivation of the version of the precautionary principle adopted in Australia, together with the wide range of areas in which the principle has been applied, for example biodiversity protection, environmental impact assessment, climate change, public health, etc., means that judicial consideration of the principle in Australia has the potential to form a body of common law with national and international application. Accordingly, this article reviews the adoption, interpretation and application of the precautionary principle in Australian environmental law, with a view to drawing out the general lessons this experience offers for interpretation of the principle in other, international settings.
Testing Toxicity: Proof and Precaution in Canada's Chemicals Management Plan
Authors: Scott Dayna Nadine
Published: May 2009

This article explores questions of proof and precaution in the context of Canada's new Chemicals Management Plan. That plan includes a bold initiative known as the ‘Challenge’, under which the government has identified 200 high priority chemicals for which it is ‘predisposed’ to a finding of toxicity. The presumption will operate unless the challenged stakeholders submit ‘information’ sufficient to rebut it. Through comparison with the European REACH regulation, this article explores exactly what burdens have been shifted, to whom and why. It also evaluates the significance of this move for the governance of chemicals in Canada and for the health of Canadians. It looks specifically at the case of Bisphenol A, which was one of the 200 chemicals included in the Challenge, and was recently declared toxic under that process. The Challenge forces us to confront the ‘dilemma of industry data’, which complicates the debate over a shifted burden of proof in the context of chemicals management.
China's Legal and Policy Frameworks for Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit‐Sharing from their Use
Authors: Xue Dayuan , Cai Lijie
Published: May 2009

Access to genetic resources and benefit‐sharing has been an issue heatedly debated and negotiated in the past decade, at both national and international levels. While most of the international negotiations are slowly dragging on, countries have begun to turn to national legislation or policy making to safeguard their interests. As one of the countries rich in genetic resources, China's responses under these circumstances are important in shaping the final outcomes of the international negotiations, but also the future implementation of relevant international instruments, if any. This article captures important access and benefit‐sharing‐related provisions or elements in China's key related laws and policies, in particular the most recent ones, with a view to identifying existing gaps and future challenges.
A Validation of MODIS Snowcover Products in Romania: Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Flueraru Cristian , Stancalie Gheorghe , Craciunescu Vasile , Savin Elena
Published: May 2009

The MODIS snowcover product is one of many geophysical products derived from MODIS data. A cross‐validation of the MODIS snowcover daily products with data obtained from the meteorological network stations was conducted for the entire territory of Romania. The validation time interval covered the period between 29 October, 2004 and 1 May, 2005. The overall accuracy for the whole set of cloud‐free useful data proved to be 95%. The validation time interval included the three common snow situations: (1) late autumn months where 37.1% of the initial set of the data was used, and the overall accuracy was 98.6%; (2) the “winter” months where the clouds reduced the set of useful data – 31.75%– and the overall accuracy was 93.7%; and (3) the months of February and March which returned the highest accuracy (> 95%). Additionally, a cross‐validation using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) high‐resolution imagery was carried out. Furthermore, the MODIS, meteorological data and ASTER data were integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment to perform flexible and comprehensive cross‐checking followed by a thematic analysis based on additional sets of data such as digital elevation models (DEMs) and land‐cover datasets.
Designing Service Architectures for Distributed Geoprocessing: Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Friis‐Christensen Anders , Ostländer Nicole , Lutz Michael , Bernard Lars
Published: May 2009

In this paper we study the feasibility of using services offered by a Spatial Data Infrastructure as a basis for distributed service oriented geoprocessing. By developing a prototype we demonstrate that a Spatial Data Infrastructure facilitates rapid development of applications that solve typical problems for an existing risk management application. The prototype provides users with a distributed application that enables the assessment of fire damage areas based on land cover data in a given area. The services involved in the application include: Web Feature Services, Web Map Services, a Gazetteer Service, a Catalogue Service, and Geoprocessing Services. We present the architecture of the application and describe details about implementation‐specific issues. We conclude that current OGC specifications provide a sound basis for developing service oriented architectures for geographic applications; however, in particular for geoprocessing applications, we question the feasibility of the use of Web Feature Services as data sources for larger amounts of data and call for further research in this direction.
Water Quality Monitoring to Support the European Commission's Water Framework Directive Reporting Requirements
Authors: Álvarez‐Robles José Antonio , Latre Miguel Ángel , Muro‐Medrano Pedro Rafael , Zarazaga‐Soria Francisco Javier , Béjar Ruben
Published: May 2009

This article aims at providing a simple way for water quality monitoring in a set of reservoirs using an earth observation‐based approach and the assessment of the use of this technique for a monitoring network in order to meet the requirements and objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) by the Member States of the European Union. The study carried out was preformed in 42 reservoirs of the Ebro River Basin, in the northeast of Spain. The proposed methodology is based on the development of an algorithm for the estimation of water quality by means of LANDSAT TM band reflectance. Some band ratios were used in the model as well. Trophic State Index (TSI), calculated by means of Secchi Disc Transparency data, was estimated using a forward stepwise multiple regression analysis and the TM2 band and TM1/TM2 ratio. The final results showed a large variability in water quality across reservoirs. Moreover, substantial spatial heterogeneity was also observed in the water bodies. These results demonstrate the likelihood of developing a monitoring network based on remote sensing techniques for the implementation of the WFD.
Intelligent Visualisation and Information Presentation for Civil Crisis Management
Authors: Andrienko Natalia , Andrienko Gennady
Published: May 2009

This paper describes an ongoing research work on developing methods for effective visualisation support for situation analysis, decision making, and communication in the course of disaster management. The major goals are to reduce the information load of the analyst, decision maker, or information recipient without omission of anything important and to ensure quick and accurate comprehending of the information. The work embraces the issues of selection of the relevant information and defining the appropriate level of detail, data preparation (aggregation and other transformations), and selection of the appropriate methods for visual representation depending on the user's tasks or communication goals, recipient's profile, and the target presentation medium. A practical outcome from the research will be a knowledge base that can be used to support analysis, decision making, and information communication in emergency situations. A great part of the knowledge, specifically, knowledge on data transformation and representation, is generic and can be used for different applications.
Enhancing Geo‐Service Chaining through Deep Service Descriptions
Authors: Lemmens Rob , De By Rolf , Gould Michael , Wytzisk Andreas , Granell Carlos , Van Oosterom Peter
Published: May 2009

We demonstrate the integrated use of semantic and syntactic service descriptions, called deep service descriptions, for service chaining by combining two prototypes: one that deals with geoservice discovery abstract composition (called ‘GeoMatchMaker’), with one that supports concrete composition and execution of geoservices services (called ‘Integrated Component Designer’). Most other service chaining approaches confine themselves to handling either syntactic or semantic service descriptions. The proprietary formats of these descriptions hamper an effective integration of discovery, composition and execution of multiple services. In essence, service chaining should help a user by providing an appropriate combination of executable services to solve a specified problem or query. Current XML‐based service description languages, such as the Web Ontology Language‐Services (OWL‐S) and the Web Service Description Language‐Semantics (WSDL‐S), allow us to build a geoservice‐reuse architecture based on common ontologies and shared service descriptions. Our approach uses annotation as a bridge between the syntax and semantics of services. This paper reports on its context and implementation issues. The target groups of this research are geo‐information engineers who are confronted with information integration issues and service interoperability issues, and secondly, information engineers who in general are confronted with distributed information and with end users that need to access distributed services as one virtual application.