bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental factors influencing the load of long‐range transported air pollutants on Pinus amamiana in Yakushima Island, Japan
Authors: Kume Atsushi , Nagafuchi Osamu , Akune Suguru , Nakatani Nobutake , Chiwa Masaaki , Tetsuka Kenshi
Published: October 2009

With the industrialization in East Asia, greater amounts of ozone and acidic aerosols are transported to Japan. Yakushima Island (30°20′N, 130°31′E) is affected directly by long‐range transboundary air pollution from the continent because there are no industrial areas and sources of pollution between the continent and the island. Recently, there has been a significant decline of Pinus amamiana in the island and the actual condition of air pollution was investigated. A significant amount of air pollutants were detected in winter. The daily mean tropospheric O3 concentration was nearly 100 ppb in winter. A large amount of non‐sea salt sulfate (nss‐SO42−) was deposited on the needle surfaces in the northwest part of the island and dry deposition rates of SO42− were remarkably higher in February than in November. About half of the increase in SO42− was nss‐SO42− and the rate in February was over four to five times as high as that in November. The load of dry deposition on the crown of trees was strongly influenced by the topographic position of the slope. The amount of deposited SO42− was larger on trees growing on ridges and the tendency of P. amamiana to grow on ridges where it sticks out over 20 m enhances the load of dry deposition and O3 on the needle surfaces. The potassium leakage and ethylene emission from needles were remarkably increased and the needle mass per area decreased from November to February. It was suggested that the additional input of nss‐SO42− acidifies the needle surface and accelerates leaf surface deterioration and leaching from needles and soils.
Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Forearm following Autologous Blood Reinfusion: A Case Report
Authors: Noyes Matthew , Coffey Michael J. , Brown Dennis M. , Mesghali Homayoun
Published: October 2009

Compartment syndrome is a condition with multiple reported etiologies, and permanent disability may ensue if not treated in a timely fashion. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of acute forearm compartment syndrome caused by intravenous autologous blood reinfusion. The patient underwent forearm fasciotomy, and hematoma was encountered deep to the superficial volar fascia, presumably extravasated from the reinfusion catheter. With the rise in the number of knee and hip arthroplasties, surgeons need a heightened awareness of the possible complications and morbidity associated with a presumed increase in autologous blood reinfusion.
Molecular Self‐Aggregation of Tetradecylbenzene Sodium Sulfonate Isomers
Authors: Qi Jing , Luan Jimei , Hou Qijun , Qiao Weihong , Li Zongshi
Published: October 2009

This paper deals with the effect of the surfactant isomeric structure on self‐aggregation in aqueous solution. The relationship between the molecular structure of a series of tetradecylbenzene sulfonate isomers (with the benzene ring located at different positions along the alkyl chain) and surface tension was made clear. It is found that the critical micelle concentration increases and the surface tension at critical micellar concentration decreases as the benzene group moves toward the center of the alkyl chain. The structure of micelles was studied by 1H‐NMR relaxation, which indicates that the density of methylene protons in the surface layer of the micellar core decreases as the branching of the hydrophobic group increases. The spontaneous vesicle formation in aqueous solution was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The results reveal that, as the benzene group moves toward the center of alkyl chain, the assembly structure changes from micelle to vesicle, then to lamellar bilayers, while the critical packing parameter increases.
A Review of the Application and Pharmacological Properties of α‐Bisabolol and α‐Bisabolol‐Rich Oils
Authors: Kamatou Guy P. P. , Viljoen Alvaro M.
Published: October 2009

α‐Bisabolol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol which was first isolated from Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae) in the twentieth century and has since been identified in other aromatic plants such as Eremanthus erythropappus, Smyrniopsis aucheri and Vanillosmopsis species. Recently, α‐bisabolol was identified as a major constituent of Salvia runcinata essential oil, a plant indigenous to South Africa. The use of α‐bisabolol or bisabolol‐rich oil as an anti‐inflammatory agent is ubiquitous. This compound also exhibits several other pharmacological properties such as analgesic, antibiotic and anticancer activities. Mutagenicity and genotoxicity of bisabolol have also been investigated. Due to the low toxicity associated with bisabolol the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted this constituent with Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) status which has promoted its use as an active ingredient in several commercial products. This review aims to summarise the role of α‐bisabolol in pharmacological and/or physiological processes and to discuss some of the possible mechanisms of action of this commercially important molecule.
Glycosynaptic microdomains controlling tumor cell phenotype through alteration of cell growth, adhesion, and motility
Authors: Hakomori Sen-itiroh
Published: October 2009

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) GM3 (NeuAcα3Galβ4Glcβ1Cer) and GM2 (GalNAcβ4[NeuAcα3]Galβ4Glcβ1Cer) inhibit (i) cell growth through inhibition of tyrosine kinase associated with growth factor receptor (GFR), (ii) cell adhesion/motility through inhibition of integrin‐dependent signaling via Src kinases, or (iii) both cell growth and motility by blocking “cross‐talk” between integrins and GFRs. These inhibitory effects are enhanced when GM3 or GM2 are in complex with specific tetraspanins (TSPs) (CD9, CD81, CD82). Processes (i)–(iii) occur through specific organization of GSLs with key molecules (TSPs, caveolins, GFRs, integrins) in the glycosynaptic microdomain. Some of these processes are shared with epithelial–mesenchymal transition induced by TGFβ or under hypoxia, particularly that associated with cancer progression.
Conserved methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene exon 17 promoter in rats subjected to a maternal methyl‐supplemented diet
Authors: Herbeck Yury E. , Gulevich Rimma G. , Amelkina Olga A. , Plyusnina Irina Z. , Oskina Irina N.
Published: October 2009

It is well known that the early life experiences affect stress responses and other physiological and behavioral traits in adulthood. Both rat and human studies have shown that early postnatal effects are associated with methylation of the hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor gene exon 17 (rat) and 1‐F (human) promoters. Methylation of these sites is also seen following methionine administration in adult rats. However, it remains unclear whether similar alterations in DNA methylation profiles can result from prenatal influences. To address this question, we fed pregnant rats a methyl‐supplemented diet that resulted in alteration of the stress response. However, methylation analysis revealed no effect of methyl supplements on methylation patterns of the glucocorticoid receptor gene exon 17 promoter in offspring. These results suggest that the pre‐ and postnatal effects of methyl supplementation have different mechanisms.
Using audits to reduce the incidence of uterine rupture in a Malawian district hospital
Authors: van den Akker Thomas , Mwagomba Beatrice , Irlam James , van Roosmalen Jos
Published: October 2009

Objectives

To improve obstetric care and reduce the incidence of uterine rupture through the use of audits.

Methods

Data were collected from medical records and from questioning women who sustained uterine rupture over a 12‐month period in Thyolo District Hospital, Malawi. Audit sessions were performed every 2–3 weeks for the first 3 months with relevant members of the hospital staff, after which an extended audit was held with input from two external expert obstetricians. Cases were also audited by the principal investigator for delays in referral, diagnosis, and treatment.

Results

Thirty‐five cases of uterine rupture were diagnosed at the facility during the study period. Sixteen ruptures were diagnosed during the first 3 months, an incidence of 19.2 per 1000 deliveries. Following audit and implementation of recommendations, the incidence of uterine rupture decreased by 68% (OR 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16–0.63) to 6.1 per 1000 deliveries over the next 9 months. The overall case fatality rate was 11.4%, and the perinatal mortality rate was 829 per 1000 live births.

Conclusions

Audit is an inexpensive, appropriate, and effective intervention to improve the quality of facility‐based maternal care and decrease the incidence of uterine rupture in low‐resource settings. Ensuring constructive self‐criticism, continuous professional learning, and good participation by district health managers in audit sessions may be important requirements for their success.
Where there is no anesthetist – increasing capacity for emergency obstetric care in rural India: An evaluation of a pilot program to train general doctors
Authors: Mavalankar Dileep , Callahan Katie , Sriram Veena , Singh Prabal , Desai Ajesh
Published: October 2009

Objective

The lack of anesthesia providers in rural public sector hospitals is a significant barrier to providing emergency obstetric care. In 2006, the state of Gujarat initiated the Life Saving Anesthetic Skills (LSAS) for Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC) training program for medical offers (MOs). We evaluated the trained MOs’ experience of the program, and identified factors leading to post‐training performance.

Methods

The sample was chosen to equally represent performing and nonperforming LSAS‐trained MOs using purposive sampling qualitative interviews with trainees across Gujarat (n = 14). Data on facility preparedness and monthly case load were also collected.

Results

Being posted with a specialist anesthesiologist and with a cooperative EmOC provider increased the likelihood that the MOs would provide anesthesia. MOs who did not provide anesthesia were more likely to have been posted with a nonperforming or uncooperative EmOC provider and were more likely to have low confidence in their ability to provide anesthesia. Facilities were found to be under prepared to tackle emergency obstetric procedures.

Conclusion

Program managers should consider extending the duration of the program and placing more emphasis on practical training. Posting doctors with cooperative and performing EmOC providers will significantly improve the effectiveness of the program. A separate team of program managers who plan, monitor, and solve the problems reported by the trained MOs would further enhance the success of scaling up the training program.
Can Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) discriminate among essential minerals in their diet?
Authors: Ceacero Francisco , Landete-Castillejos Tomás , García Andrés J. , Estévez José A. , Gallego Laureano
Published: October 2009

Optimal foraging predicts that animals should be able to assess the content of important nutrients in food. Ungulates discriminate salt and P, but discrimination of other minerals is controversial even though they are also essential and often limiting. Animal scientists have explained this taste through palatability, which predicts the same pattern of discrimination for calves and hinds and greater consumption by the latter. Social learning may also be involved, predicting a correlation between mother and calf and less consumption by the latter. The present study examines the consumption behaviour of free-choice supplemented minerals by hinds and calves of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) to discern between these hypotheses. Behavioural indices of intake correlated with actual mineral consumption (P < 0·001). Mother and calf behavioural indices correlated only for salt-mixed minerals. Calves showed overall behavioural indices of consumption greater than hinds (P < 0·01 and P < 0·001), and also for all single supplements except NaCl, as expected from growth needs and in contrast to the palatability hypothesis. Calves showed a greater consumption of CuSO4 and lower of Na2SeO3 than pure salt. Hinds showed a different pattern, ingesting lower amounts of all minerals except CuSO4 and salt. Additional analyses also showed discrimination between minerals unmixed with salt, such as CaHPO4 and CaCO3 (P = 0·012 and P = 0·020). The greater intake of growing calves and the different consumption patterns for hinds and calves suggest that deer can discriminate among minerals, and that they do not consume minerals for their palatability or driven by social learning. Therefore, deer may be selecting minerals according to nutritional requirements.
Differential effects of dietary fatty acids on the cerebral distribution of plasma-derived apo B lipoproteins with amyloid-β
Authors: Takechi Ryusuke , Galloway Susan , Pallebage-Gamarallage Menuka M. S. , Wellington Cheryl L. , Johnsen Russell D. , Dhaliwal Satvinder S. , Mamo John C. L.
Published: October 2009

Some dietary fats are a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) but the mechanisms for this association are presently unknown. In the present study we showed in wild-type mice that chronic ingestion of SFA results in blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and significant delivery into the brain of plasma proteins, including apo B lipoproteins that are endogenously enriched in amyloid-β (Aβ). Conversely, the plasma concentration of S100B was used as a marker of brain-to-blood leakage and was found to be increased two-fold because of SFA feeding. Consistent with a deterioration in BBB integrity in SFA-fed mice was a diminished cerebrovascular expression of occludin, an endothelial tight junction protein. In contrast to SFA-fed mice, chronic ingestion of MUFA or PUFA had no detrimental effect on BBB integrity. Utilising highly sensitive three-dimensional immunomicroscopy, we also showed that the cerebral distribution and co-localisation of Aβ with apo B lipoproteins in SFA-fed mice are similar to those found in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1 (APP/PS1) amyloid transgenic mice, an established murine model of AD. Moreover, there was a strong positive association of plasma-derived apo B lipoproteins with cerebral Aβ deposits. Collectively, the findings of the present study provide a plausible explanation of how dietary fats may influence AD risk. Ingestion of SFA could enhance peripheral delivery to the brain of circulating lipoprotein–Aβ and exacerbate the amyloidogenic cascade.
Effect of calcium on iron absorption in women with marginal iron status
Authors: Benkhedda Karima , L'Abbé Mary R. , Cockell Kevin A.
Published: October 2009

We measured non-haem Fe absorption with and without added Ca in a short-term feeding study, in thirteen women with marginal Fe status, by the use of a double stable isotope technique. Supplementing 500 mg Ca as calcium carbonate significantly (P = 0·0009) reduced Fe absorption from a single meal from 10·2 % (range 2·2–40·6) to 4·8 % (range 0·7–18·9). A significant inverse correlation in the absence ( − 0·67,P = 0·010) and presence ( − 0·58,P = 0·037) of Ca, respectively, was found between Fe absorption and Fe stores measured by serum ferritin (SF). Wide variation in Fe absorption was observed between individuals in the absence and in the presence of Ca, despite pre-selection of participants within a relatively narrow range of iron stores (SF concentrations). Correction of Fe absorption data based on group mean SF was not found to be useful in reducing the inter-individual variability in iron absorption. It appears that selecting a study group with a narrow initial range of Fe stores does not necessarily reduce the inter-individual variability in Fe bioavailability measurements. These results support the hypothesis that body Fe stores, although an important determinant of dietary Fe absorption, are not the main factor that determines Fe absorption under conditions of identical dietary intake in subjects with low Fe stores.
Total parenteral nutrition in children and adolescents treated with high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous haematopoietic transplants
Authors: Wędrychowicz Anna , Spodaryk Mikołaj , Krasowska-Kwiecień Aleksandra , Goździk Jolanta
Published: October 2009

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is still of great importance for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients because one of the major adverse effects of the high-dose therapy followed by HSCT is an inadequate oral nutrition intake. The aim of the study was analysis of TPN of young patients in the HSCT period. Twenty-two patients 1·8–20·8 year-old, median 5·4, treated with high-dose therapy and autologous HSCT because of malignancy were included into the study. Grafts contained 1·35–7·9 × 106, median 3·75 × 106CD34+ cells/kg. Engraftment occurred as follows: granulocytes >0·5 × 109/l on +11 d (8–25); platelets >20 × 109/l on +23 d (12–67). Patients were given isoenergetic, isonitrogenous TPN until they consumed less than 50 % of their required diet orally. Proteins intake was 0·8–2·0 g/kg per d, fats intake 1·0–3·0 g/kg per d. Total non-proteins energies–nitrogen grams index was 140:1–200:1. Supplementation of electrolytes, microelements, trace elements and vitamins was dependent on individual patient requirement. TPN duration did not correlate with CD34+cells number but correlated with platelets reconstitution. The assessment of nutritional condition demonstrated no differences in anthropometric parameters, but increase of serum albumin levels after TPN. Requirement for P3 − was above the normal ranges and correlated positively with platelets reconstitution. Requirement for P3 − and K+was higher in patients with mucositis than in other patients. Any complications due to TPN were observed. Adequately composed isoenergetic and isonitrogenous TPN with replacement of electrolytes according to their requirement in the early post-transplantation period allows not only improvement in nutritional status of patients but also could contribute to reconstitution of haematopoiesis.
How to do things with the word ‘terrorist’
Authors: FINLAY CHRISTOPHER J.
Published: October 2009

Recently, some commentators have argued that the word ‘terrorist’ should be abandoned as it has become overloaded with undesirable ‘rhetorical’ connotations. This view is premised on the assumption that an adequate distinction may be drawn between principled, ‘logical’ usages and merely ‘rhetorical’ ones. This article argues that the use of the word ‘terrorist’ normally has a ‘rhetorical’ aspect and that theorists must therefore find ways to distinguish between principled and unprincipled rhetorical deployments. I distinguish three rhetorical possibilities for using the word ‘terrorist’: the first invokes interlocutors' established background commitments to moral and descriptive norms, seeking agreement on the application of the word to a particular case; the second seeks to innovate, challenging either moral norms, descriptive criteria or, less often, the illocutionary force of the term; the third resists innovation but deploys the term in metaphorical ways for moral-rhetorical emphasis. Based on this taxonomy, the article reviews both polemical and scholary debates about definition and then proposes pragmatic, rhetorical considerations for adjudicating between competing definitional arguments. Finally, I review the implications of these considerations for the contentious issue of whether or not the term ‘terrorist’ properly applies to states.
The looking/not looking dilemma
Authors: MÖLLER FRANK
Published: October 2009

When confronted with images of war and other forms of human suffering, not looking is not an option, not only because we are permanently exposed to images but also because it would not seem to be a morally tenable position. However, looking at images of human suffering is often said to prolong this very suffering and to fix human subjects as victims. Especially when acts of violence have been committed in order to produce images of these very acts the relationship between viewing the images and participating in the acts of violence qua viewer appears to be uncomfortably close indeed. Thus, looking is not an option, either. This article, in the first part, engages with standard criticisms of photography, especially with accusations according to which photographs aestheticise that which they depict and desensitise their viewers. In the second part it discusses Alfredo Jaar's and Jeff Wall's work in order to show possible ways to circumvent the looking/not looking dilemma.
After the event: Don DeLillo's White Noise and September 11 narratives
Authors: DEVETAK RICHARD
Published: October 2009

In this article I enquire into the conceptualisation and construction of the event, a topic much neglected in International Relations, but one which has become increasingly central to recent debates in continental philosophy. I juxtapose the fictional event depicted in Don DeLillo's brilliant novel, White Noise, with the non-fictional event of September 11. I suggest that apprehending any kind of socially or politically significant event, depends on narrative. To take the argument further, I argue that narrative is a crucial device by which we moderns (and postmoderns) actually experience such events and social reality.
Beyond the vigilant state: globalisation and intelligence
Authors: ALDRICH RICHARD J.
Published: October 2009

The world of intelligence has grown exponentially over the last decade. This article suggests that prevailing explanation of this expansion – the spectre of ‘new terrorism’ – reflects serious misunderstandings. Much of the emergency legislation which has extended the power of the state so remarkably was already sitting in the pending trays of officials in the late 1990s. Instead, the rise of both the ‘new terrorism’ and its supposed nemesis – the secret state – both owe more to long-term structural factors. Globalisation has accelerated a wide range of sub-military transnational threats, of which the ‘new terrorism’ is but one example. Meanwhile the long-promised engines of global governance are nowhere in sight. In their absence, the underside of a globalising world is increasingly policed by ‘vigilant states’ that resort to a mixture of military power and intelligence power in an attempt to address these problems. Yet the intelligence services cannot meet the improbable demands for omniscience made by governments, nor can they square their new enforcer role with vocal demands by global civil society for improved ethical practice.
Managing national security and law enforcement intelligence in a globalised world
Authors: O'BRIEN KEVIN A.
Published: October 2009

This article argues that there are five major challenges currently facing Western intelligence communities. First – ensuring skills retention for intelligence officers and analysts, while developing knowledgeable managers and customers, all in an increasingly-complex security environment. Second – instituting and inculcating knowledge and expertise in these staff – while addressing an opponent in al-Qaeda which demonstrates increasingly sophisticated use of IT, new media, etc. Third – drawing-in outside expertise from the research and business communities, as is done currently in the US and Canada but in only a very limited manner in the UK. Fourth – overcoming institutional rigidity in dividing the foreign and domestic – alongside rigid sharing and co-operation relationships. Fifth – creating truly collaborative environments that offer genuine socio-cultural incentives to collaboration rather than mere ‘IT solutions’.
Imagery in the UK: Britain's troubled imagery intelligence architecture
Authors: DAVIES PHILIP H. J.
Published: October 2009

This article examines the status, role and development of imagery intelligence in the UK government. It is argued that imagery intelligence occupies a subordinate and marginalised position compared to other forms of intelligence, chiefly from human sources and the interception of communications. The origins of that position are recounted, and the problems arising from internal struggles over control of imagery examined. It is concluded that the existing approach to imagery represents a serious problem and that a substantial restructuring and upgrading of imagery intelligence is essential if UK foreign policy decision-making is to be properly informed in the 21st Century.
The expansion of intelligence agency mandates: British counter-terrorism in comparative perspective
Authors: FOLEY FRANK
Published: October 2009

The UK's domestic intelligence agency, MI5, has become increasingly involved in the realm of law enforcement over the last decade. This article puts the British experience in perspective by comparing it with France's main domestic intelligence agency, which has pushed deep into the law enforcement arena in recent years. A similar perception of Islamist terrorism underpins these parallel developments in the two countries. However, differences relating to accountability, legal systems and conceptions of the state mean that the French intelligence agency has expanded its role considerably more than its British counterpart. The analysis indicates that MI5's move into law enforcement is likely to remain a relatively conservative one.
Tracking terrorist networks: problems of intelligence sharing within the UK intelligence community
Authors: FIELD ANTONY
Published: October 2009

The 7/7 terrorist attacks demonstrated that there were some clear deficiencies with the organisation of the United Kingdom's counter-terrorism intelligence community. In the aftermath of the attacks, there were moves to develop a more robust ‘counter-terrorism network’ in the United Kingdom that would facilitate better communication and intelligence sharing. While recent developments are to be welcomed, the reforms have not addressed some of the fundamental cultural, institutional and technological issues at the heart of the problem. The creation of an effective counter-terrorism network demands that information flows more freely through the intelligence community and that institutional boundaries are broken down. Until these obstacles have been overcome, the new counter-terrorism network will continue to be hampered by the same old problems of intelligence sharing.
Displacement of Civilians during Armed Conflict in the Light of the Case Law of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Claims Commission
Authors: ABEBE ALLEHONE MULUGETA
Published: October 2009

The awards on liability and damages for violations of international humanitarian law of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Claims Commission uncover both the extent of state responsibility for unlawful displacement and deportation of civilian population resulting from wrongful actions of belligerents under international law and the availability of remedies for victims of such violations. The Commission reached a number of important decisions based on government-to-government claims brought by Ethiopia and Eritrea for injuries, losses, and damage suffered by individuals and groups uprooted by the war. While these decisions bring to light the potential of international humanitarian law in addressing the plight of the displaced, they also expose the limitations of the tribunal's mandate and its interpretation of existing law. The aim of this essay is to analyse the case law of the Commission in the light of international law applicable to situations of displacement of civilians triggered by international armed conflicts, and evaluate the relevance of the Commission's jurisprudence for the development of the law in the field.
Dietary intake and development of a quantitative FFQ for a nutritional intervention to reduce the risk of chronic disease in the Navajo Nation
Authors: Sharma Sangita , Yacavone Mihokom , Cao Xia , Pardilla Marla , Qi Muge , Gittelsohn Joel
Published: October 2009

Objectives

To characterize dietary intake for Navajo adults, to identify foods for a nutritional intervention programme and to develop a culturally appropriate quantitative FFQ (QFFQ) for evaluating the impact of the intervention programme.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted using 24 h dietary recalls.

Setting

Navajo Nation, USA.

Subjects

Seventy-nine (forty men, thirty-nine women) aged 18–71 years completed 24 h dietary recalls.

Results

The median daily energy intake was 11 585 kJ (2769 kcal) for men and 8519 kJ (2036 kcal) for women. The greatest contributors to energy were fried potato dishes, sweetened juices/drinks, regular pop, bread, tortillas and burritos (contributing approximately 30 % of total energy intake). The mean number of meat servings was over twice that recommended (2–3 servings recommendedv. 7·4 consumed by men and 5·3 by women). The mean servings of vegetables were well below the recommendation of 3–5 servings (1·0 serving for men and 1·2 servings for women). The final QFFQ contains 177 food and drink items.

Conclusions

Our study found that major contributors to total energy, fat and sugar intakes in the Navajo Nation included mostly processed meats and sweetened drinks. A nutritional intervention will target these foods and promote acceptable and healthier alternatives. In addition, we were able to identify foods and beverages for inclusion on a culturally appropriate QFFQ to assess dietary intake. This QFFQ will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of our intervention on food and food group consumption and nutrient intake.
Policies that restrict sweetened beverage availability may reduce consumption in elementary-school children
Authors: Jones Sonya J , Gonzalez Wendy , Frongillo Edward A
Published: October 2009

Objective

We investigated whether having a policy regarding the availability of sweetened beverages in school was associated with children’s purchase and total weekly and daily consumption of sweetened beverages.

Design

Data were obtained from 10 719 children aged 9–13 years and 2065 elementary schools in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten cohort. Multilevel logistic regression was used to determine the magnitude and significance of relationships between the availability of different beverages and purchase of sweetened beverages at school and overall consumption of beverages.

Results

The purchase of sweetened beverages by children in school was strongly associated with the administrative policy of sweetened beverage availability. Compared with children in schools without an administrative policy that allowed sweetened beverages, children in schools with the policy were three times more likely to be either occasional or frequent consumers of sweetened beverages.

Conclusions

A policy of availability of sweetened beverages makes an independent contribution to children’s purchase and consumption of sweetened beverages in the 5th grade year.
Poor dietary quality of complementary foods is associated with multiple micronutrient deficiencies during early childhood in Mongolia
Authors: Lander R , Enkhjargal TS , Batjargal J , Bolormaa N , Enkhmyagmar D , Tserendolgor U , Tungalag S , Bailey K , Gibson RS
Published: October 2009

Objective

To assess whether persistent micronutrient deficiencies in Mongolian children identified in our earlier biochemical study are associated with inadequacies in quantity and/or quality in their complementary diets.

Design

A cross-sectional study of breast-fed children aged 6–23 months, randomly selected from four districts in Ulaanbaatar and four provincial capitals.

Subjects

Weight and length were measured, and sociodemographic status, feeding practices and nutrient adequacy of complementary foods for children aged 6–8 months (n 26), 9–11 months (n 29) and 12–23 months (n 73) were assessed via questionnaire and in-home interactive 24 h recalls.

Results

No geographic differences existed so data were combined. Adherence to WHO infant and young child feeding practices was poor: few children were exclusively breast-fed up to 6 months of age or received the recommended number of feedings containing the recommended number of food groups. Nevertheless, energy intakes from complementary diets, primarily from cereals and non-nutritious snacks, were above WHO-estimated needs; <1 % of energy was from meat and eggs or fruits and vegetables. Median intakes and densities of most nutrients (except protein, thiamin and riboflavin) failed to meet WHO recommendations for at least two age groups, assuming average breast milk intake; greatest density deficits were for Fe > vitamin C > vitamin A > Zn > Ca.

Conclusions

Complementary feeding in Mongolia is compromised by deficits in several micronutrients but not energy, in part because of frequent consumption of non-nutritious snacks. The latter may interfere with breast-feeding and should be avoided. Instead, wheat-based complementary foods should be enriched with affordable cellular animal foods and fruits rich in vitamin C to combat existing micronutrient deficits.
Iron intake and body iron stores, anaemia and risk of hyperglycaemia among Chinese adults: the prospective Jiangsu Nutrition Study (JIN)
Authors: Shi Zumin , Zhou Minghao , Yuan Baojun , Qi Lu , Dai Yue , Luo Yazhou , Holmboe-Ottesen Gerd
Published: October 2009

Objective

Fe supplementation has been used to prevent anaemia in China; however, high Fe intake and body Fe stores may increase diabetes risk. The present study aimed to prospectively examine the association between Fe intake/stores and hyperglycaemia, and to assess the joint effects on anaemia.

Design

We followed 1056 healthy adults aged 20 years and older from 2002 to 2007. Body Fe stores were measured. Dietary data were collected using a 3 d food record and FFQ. Hyperglycaemia was defined as fasting plasma glucose >5·6 mmol/l.

Results

Of the participants, 28·8 % were anaemic at baseline. During the 5 years of follow-up, we documented 125 incident cases of hyperglycaemia, among them twenty-three were diabetic. Haem Fe intake was positively associated with the risk of hyperglycaemia in men and women: the OR (95 % CI) across increasing quartiles of haem Fe intake was 1·00 (referent), 1·49 (0·74, 3·01), 2·16 (1·06, 4·42) and 3·48 (1·71, 7·11), respectively (P for trend <0·001). Comparing the fourth quartile of serum ferritin with the others, the age- and gender-adjusted OR (95 % CI) was 1·54 (1·01, 2·34), P for trend = 0·043. The association between total Fe intake and the risk of hyperglycaemia was significant in men (P for trend = 0·002). Anaemia added additional risk of hyperglycaemia on haem Fe intake. Comparing extreme quartiles of haem Fe intake, the OR (95 % CI) was 5·67 (1·43, 22·49) and 3·44 (1·51, 7·85) for hyperglycaemia among anaemic and non-anaemic participants (P for trend = 0·008 and 0·010, respectively).

Conclusions

The present cohort study suggests that high haem Fe intake, anaemia and high ferritin are associated with an increased risk of hyperglycaemia in Chinese men and women. There was a joint effect between anaemia and haem Fe intake on the risk of hyperglycaemia.
Dependence of flood risk perceptions on socioeconomic and objective risk factors
Authors: Botzen W. J. W. , Aerts J. C. J. H. , van den Bergh J. C. J. M.
Published: October 2009

This study examines flood risk perceptions of individuals in the Netherlands using a survey of approximately 1000 homeowners. Perceptions of a range of aspects of flood risk are elicited. Various statistical models are used to estimate the influence of socioeconomic and geographical characteristics, personal experience with flooding, knowledge of flood threats, and individual risk attitudes on shaping risk belief. The study shows that in general, perceptions of flood risk are low. An analysis of the factors determining risk perceptions provides four main insights relevant for policy makers and insurers. First, differences in expected risk are consistently related to actual risk levels, since individuals in the vicinity of a main river and low‐lying areas generally have elevated risk perceptions. Second, individuals in areas unprotected by dikes tend to underestimate their risk of flooding. Third, individuals with little knowledge of the causes of flood events have lower perceptions of flood risk. Fourth, there is some evidence that older and more highly educated individuals have a lower flood risk perception. The findings indicate that increasing knowledge of citizens about the causes of flooding may increase flood risk awareness. It is especially important to target individuals who live in areas unprotected by dike infrastructure, since they tend to be unaware of or ignore the high risk exposure faced.
Stimulatory Effects of Thyroid Hormone on Brain Angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Zhang Liqun , Cooper-Kuhn Christiana Marie , Nannmark Ulf , Blomgren Klas , Kuhn Hans Georg
Published: October 2009

Thyroid hormone is critical for the proper development of the central nervous system. However, the specific role of thyroid hormone on brain angiogenesis remains poorly understood. Treatment of rats from birth to postnatal day 21 (P21) with propylthiouracil (PTU), a reversible blocker of triiodothyronine (T3) synthesis, resulted in decreased brain angiogenesis, as indicated by reduced complexity and density of microvessels. However, when PTU was withdrawn at P22, these parameters were fully recovered by P90. These changes were paralleled by an altered expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A ( Vegfa) and basic fibroblast growth factor ( Fgf2). Physiologic concentrations of T3 and thyroxine (T4) stimulated proliferation and tubulogenesis of rat brain-derived endothelial (RBE4) cells in vitro. Protein and mRNA levels of VEGF-A and FGF-2 increased after T3 stimulation of RBE4 cells. The thyroid hormone receptor blocker NH-3 abolished T3-induced Fgf2 and Vegfa upregulation, indicating a receptor-mediated effect. Thyroid hormone inhibited the apoptosis in RBE4 cells and altered mRNA levels of apoptosis-related genes, namely Bcl2 and Bad. The present results show that thyroid hormone has a substantial impact on vasculature development in the brain. Pathologically altered vascularization could, therefore, be a contributing factor to the neurologic deficits induced by thyroid hormone deficiency.
Prevention of Hypoglycemia-Induced Neuronal Death by Hypothermia
Authors: Shin Byung Seop , Won Seok Joon , Yoo Byung Hoon , Kauppinen Tiina M , Suh Sang Won
Published: October 2009

Hypothermia reduces neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injury, while hyperthermia exacerbates damage from these insults. Previously we have shown that temperature-dependent modulation of excitotoxic neuronal death is mediated in part by temperature-dependent changes in the synaptic release/translocation of Zn2+. In this study, we hypothesize that brain temperature also affects hypoglycemia-induced neuronal death by modulation of vesicular Zn2+ release from presynaptic terminals. To test our hypothesis, we used a rat model of insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Here we found that hypoglycemia-induced neuronal injury was significantly affected by brain temperature, that is, hypothermia inhibited while hyperthermia aggravated neuronal death. To investigate the mechanism of temperature-dependent neuronal death after hypoglycemia, we measured zinc release/translocation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and microglia activation. Here we found that hypoglycemia-induced Zn2+ release/translocation, ROS production, and microglia activation were inhibited by hypothermia but aggravated by hyperthermia. Even when the insult was accompanied by hyperthermic conditions, zinc chelation inhibited ROS production and microglia activation. Zinc chelation during hyperthermia reduced neuronal death, superoxide production, and microglia activation, which was comparable to the protective effects of hypothermia. We conclude that neuronal death after hypoglycemia is temperature-dependent and is mediated by increased Zn2+ release, superoxide production, and microglia activation.
Comparison of Plasmid yield between L.B. and using Molasses as a medium
Authors: Sharma Nitin , Kaushik Purshottum
Published: October 2009

During the initial studies I have found that the molasses may be a good alternative to costly L.B media where one can manipulate the C/N ratio as per requirement of cell. Molasses is one of the best alternatives as it is cheap and can be easily manipulated. Escherichia coli is a bacterium that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded animals. it is possible to produce vaccine by molasses medium. The paper is opening a new face of study.
Density Functional Study on the Stability and Reactivity of Pt(100) and Pt(111) Surfaces Modified by Ni Atoms
Authors: López María , Castro Eduardo
Published: October 2009

DFT study on the the stability and reactivity of Pt(100) and Pt(111) surfaces modified by nickel UPD monolayer deposition have been carried out. We used the binding energy calculation of bimetallic structures versus the cohesion energy of the bulk adsorbate to quantify the underpotential shift (ΔEupd) to determine the stability of the bimetallic systems. The reactivity of the clean and modified surface was analized by energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), softness and local softness. We concluded that the stability of Pt(100)25Ni9 and Pt(111)25Ni10 bimetallic structures cannot be explained by excess of the metal- substrate binding energy but the instability can be explained by structural effects. We found that the modified surfaces are more reactive and the active sites are located in the centre of the cluster which favores the formation of islands of atoms onto these surfaces.
Photorefractive performance of polycarbazoylethylacrylate composites with photoconductive plasticizer
Authors: Tsutsumi Naoto , Miyazaki Wataru
Published: October 2009

Photorefractive quantities of diffraction efficiency, optical gain, and grating buildup speed were investigated for newly prepared polycarbazoylethylacrylate (PCzEA) composites with photoconductive plasticizer of carbazoylethylpropionate (CzEPA) in comparison with those with a commonly used plasticizer of benzyl n-butyl phthalate. CzEPA is a model compound of PCzEA and works as a good plasticizer with photoconductive performance. Diffraction efficiency of 7.5% and grating buildup speed of 4.3 s−1 (response time of 235 ms) were measured at lower electric field of 45 V μm−1 for the composite with CzEPA plasticizer. Furthermore stable optical gain of 51 cm−1 was measured because of lower absorption coefficient of 10 cm−1 at 632.8 nm.
Theoretical prediction of turbulent skin friction on geometrically complex surfaces
Authors: Peet Yulia , Sagaut Pierre
Published: October 2009

This article can be considered as an extension of the paper of Fukagata et al. [Phys. Fluids 14, L73 (2002)] which derived an analytical expression for the constituent contributions to skin friction in a turbulent channel, pipe, and plane boundary layer flows. In this paper, we extend the theoretical analysis of Fukagata et al. (formerly limited to canonical cases with two-dimensional mean flow) to a fully three-dimensional situation allowing complex wall shapes. We start our analysis by considering arbitrarily shaped surfaces and then formulate a restriction on a surface shape for which the current analysis is valid. A theoretical formula for skin friction coefficient is thus given for streamwise and spanwise homogeneous surfaces of any shape, as well as some more complex configurations, including spanwise-periodic wavy patterns. The theoretical analysis is validated using the results of large eddy simulations of a turbulent flow over straight and wavy riblets with triangular and knife-blade cross-sections. Decomposition of skin friction into different constituent contributions allows us to analyze the influence of different dynamical effects on a skin friction modification by riblet-covered surfaces.
Fabrication of large addition energy quantum dots in graphene
Authors: Moser J. , Bachtold A.
Published: October 2009

We present a simple technique to fabricate graphene quantum dots in a cryostat. It relies upon the controlled rupture of a suspended graphene sheet subjected to the application of a large electron current. This results in the in situ formation of a clean and ultranarrow constriction, which hosts one quantum dot and occasionally a few quantum dots in series. Conductance spectroscopy indicates that individual quantum dots can possess an addition energy as large as 180 meV. Our technique has several assets: (i) the dot is suspended, thus the electrostatic influence of the substrate is reduced, and (ii) contamination is minimized, since the edges of the dot have only been exposed to the vacuum in the cryostat.
Optical properties in complex-structured nanometric quantum wells: Photoluminescence, photoluminescence excitation, and Stokes shift
Authors: Silva A. A. P. , Vasconcellos Áurea. R. , Luzzi Roberto , Meneses E. A. , Laureto E.
Published: October 2009

Systems in which one or more directions are in the nanometric space scale exhibit significantly some peculiar phenomena and processes. We consider here the case of nanometric quantum wells with complex structure, displaying fractal-like characteristics, which are part of semiconductor heterostructures. An extensive theoretical study of the optical properties of photoluminescence and excited photoluminescence, and then involving absorption and the question of emergence of the so-called Stokes shift that is observed in some cases are performed. The results are compared with some experimental data. This is of relevance for opening up the possibility to use optical measurements to perform a (nondestructive) quality control of samples grown under different methods and protocols.
Possible mechanism of charge transport and dielectric relaxation in SrO–Bi2O3–B2O3 glasses
Authors: Majhi Koushik , Varma K. B. R. , Rao K. J.
Published: October 2009

Transparent SrBi2B2O7 glasses were prepared via melt-quenching technique and characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray powder diffraction. The ac conductivities of the glasses were studied as a function of frequency (100 Hz–10 MHz) at different temperatures. The frequency dependence of conductivity has been analyzed using Almond–West expression. The exponent n was nearly unaffected by temperature. Impedance and modulus spectroscopies were employed to further examine the electrical data. Dielectric relaxation exhibited a stretched exponential behavior with a stretching exponent β independent of temperature. From conductivity analysis we have proposed that the charge transport occurs through the participation of nonbridging oxygen (NBO), which switches positions in a facile manner. The stretched exponential behavior appears to be a direct consequence of the NBO switching mechanism of charge transport.