bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyses of kinematics, statics, and workspace of a 3-RR

P

RR parallel manipulator and its three isomeric mechanisms
Authors: Hu B , Lu Y
Published: September 2008

A novel 3-RRPRR parallel manipulator with three pure translational movements and a relative larger workspace is proposed. Its three isomeric mechanisms 3-RR PU, 3-R PRU, and 3-U PU with three pure translational movements are constructed by varying dimensions of some links. Their common kinematic characteristics, workspace, and singularity are analysed, the active force and the constrained torque are solved. First, a simulation mechanism of the 3-RR PRR manipulator is created, and its kinematics, singularity, and workspace are analysed by using an analytical approach and a computer-aided design (CAD) variation geometry approach. Second, the common analytical formulae for solving the displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the four manipulators are derived. Third, the formulae for solving the active forces and constrained torques of the 3-RR PRR manipulator are derived. The analytic-solved results are verified by their simulation mechanisms.
Numerical study of turbulent flow over an S-shaped hydrofoil
Authors: Kumar T Micha Prem , Chatterjee Dhiman
Published: September 2008

In this paper, a numerical study of turbulent flow over the S-shaped hydrofoil at 0° angle of attack has been reported. Here, the flow takes place over concave and convex surfaces and is accompanied by the favourable and adverse pressure gradients and flow separation. Modelling such a flow poses a formidable challenge. In the present work four turbulence models, namely, k–∊ realizable, k–ω shear stress transport
Coupled phenomenon of opposing mixed convection and radiation in presence of participating medium inside eccentric horizontal cylindrical annulus
Authors: Sarkar Anjan , Mahapatra S K , Sarkar A
Published: September 2008

In the present investigation, the coupled phenomenon of opposing mixed convection and radiation within differentially-heated eccentric horizontal cylindrical annulus has been numerically simulated. The radiation transfer contributed from the participating medium is obtained by solving the non-linear integro-differential radiative transfer equation using the discrete ordinate method. The participating grey medium is considered to be emitting, absorbing, and isotropically scattering. The walls of the annulus are considered to be opaque, diffuse, and grey. From the present investigation, it is found that substantial changes occur in the isotherms as well as the flow patterns, when the Richardson number is allowed to vary in the range of 0.01–1. The eccentricity of the inner cylinder has been varied adequately to illustrate the effect of same in a focused manner. The influence of radiative parameters on the interaction phenomenon has been delineated through the isotherm and streamline patterns.
SnO2 and ZnO Nanostructured Spheres Self-assembled by Nanocrystals: Microwave-assisted Preparation and Enhancement of Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zhang Ling , Zhu Ying-Jie , Cao Shao-Wen
Published: September 2008

We have developed a simple microwave-assisted solvothermal method for the preparation of SnO2 and ZnO hierarchically nanostructured spheres self-assembled by nanocrystals. The photocatalytic activity is significantly enhanced by simply mixing SnO2 and ZnO nanostructured spheres without any treatment or processing.
Trypanosoma brucei ATPase subunit 6 mRNA bound to gA6-14 forms a conserved three-helical structure
Authors: Reifur Larissa , Koslowsky Donna J.
Published: September 2008

T. brucei survival relies on the expression of mitochondrial genes, most of which require RNA editing to become translatable. In trypanosomes, RNA editing involves the insertion and deletion of uridylates, a developmentally regulated process directed by guide RNAs (gRNAs) and catalyzed by the editosome, a complex of proteins. The pathway for mRNA/gRNA complex formation and assembly with the editosome is still unknown. Work from our laboratory has suggested that distinct mRNA/gRNA complexes anneal to form a conserved core structure that may be important for editosome assembly. The secondary structure for the apocytochrome b (CYb) pair has been previously determined and is consistant with our model of a three-helical structure. Here, we used cross-linking and solution structure probing experiments to determine the structure of the ATPase subunit 6 (A6) mRNA hybridized to its cognate gA6-14 gRNA in different stages of editing. Our results indicate that both unedited and partially edited A6/gA6-14 pairs fold into a three-helical structure similar to the previously characterized CYb/gCYb-558 pair. These results lead us to conclude that at least two mRNA/gRNA pairs with distinct editing sites and distinct primary sequences fold to a three-helical secondary configuration that persists through the first few editing events.
Optimal Expected-Distance Separating Halfspace
Authors: Carrizosa Emilio , Plastria Frank
Published: September 2008

One recently proposed criterion to separate two data sets in discriminant analysis is to use a hyperplane, which minimizes the sum of distances to it from all the misclassified data points. Here all distances are supposed to be measured by way of some fixed norm, while misclassification means lying in the wrong halfspace. In this paper we study the problem of determining such an optimal halfspace when points are distributed according to an arbitrary random vector X in ℝd. In the unconstrained case in dimension d, we prove that any optimal separating halfspace always balances the misclassified points. Moreover, under polyhedrality assumptions on the support of X, there always exists an optimal separating halfspace passing through d affinely independent points. These results extend in a natural way when different norms (or a fixed gauge) are used to measure distances, and we allow constraints modeling that certain points are forced to be correctly classified.
Discrete Splittings of the Necklace
Authors: Meunier Frédéric
Published: September 2008

This paper deals with direct proofs and combinatorial proofs of the famous necklace theorem of Alon, Goldberg, and West. The new results are a direct proof for the case of two thieves and three types of beads, and an efficient constructive proof for the general case with two thieves. This last proof uses a theorem of Ky Fan which is a version of Tucker's lemma concerning cubical complexes instead of simplicial complexes.
Strategies for Prediction Under Imperfect Monitoring
Authors: Lugosi Gábor , Mannor Shie , Stoltz Gilles
Published: September 2008

We propose simple randomized strategies for sequential decision (or prediction) under imperfect monitoring, that is, when the decision maker (forecaster) does not have access to the past outcomes but rather to a feedback signal. The proposed strategies are consistent in the sense that they achieve, asymptotically, the best-possible average reward among all fixed actions. It was Rustichini [Rustichini, A. 1999. Minimizing regret: The general case. Games Econom. Behav. 29 224–243] who first proved the existence of such consistent predictors. The forecasters presented here offer the first constructive proof of consistency. Moreover, the proposed algorithms are computationally efficient. We also establish upper bounds for the rates of convergence. In the case of deterministic feedback signals, these rates are optimal up to logarithmic terms.
Uniform Continuity of the Value of Zero-Sum Games with Differential Information
Authors: Einy Ezra , Haimanko Ori , Moreno Diego , Shitovitz Benyamin
Published: September 2008

We establish uniform continuity of the value for zero-sum games with differential information, when the distance between changing information fields of each player is measured by the Boylan pseudometric. We also show that the optimal strategy correspondence is upper semicontinuous when the information fields of players change (even with the weak topology on players' strategy sets), and is approximately lower semicontinuous.
Use of DXA-Based Structural Engineering Models of the Proximal Femur to Discriminate Hip Fracture
Authors: Yang Lang , Peel Nicola , Clowes Jackie A , McCloskey Eugene V , Eastell Richard
Published: September 2008

Several DXA-based structural engineering models (SEMs) of the proximal femur have been developed to estimate stress caused by sideway falls. Their usefulness in discriminating hip fracture has not yet been established and we therefore evaluated these models. The hip DXA scans of 51 postmenopausal women with hip fracture (30 femoral neck, 17 trochanteric, and 4 unspecified) and 153 age-, height-, and weight-matched controls were reanalyzed using a special version of Hologic's software that produced a pixel-by-pixel BMD map. For each map, a curved-beam, a curved composite-beam, and a finite element model were generated to calculate stress within the bone when falling sideways. An index of fracture risk (IFR) was defined over the femoral neck, trochanter, and total hip as the stress divided by the yield stress at each pixel and averaged over the regions of interest. Hip structure analysis (HSA) was also performed using Hologic APEX analysis software. Hip BMD and almost all parameters derived from HSA and SEM were discriminators of hip fracture on their own because their ORs were significantly >1. Because of the high correlation of total hip BMD to HSA and SEM-derived parameters, only the bone width discriminated hip fracture independently from total hip BMD. Judged by the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, the trochanteric IFR derived from the finite element model was significant better than total hip BMD alone and similar to the total hip BMD plus bone width in discriminating all hip fracture and femoral neck fracture. No index was better than total hip BMD for discriminating trochanteric fractures. In conclusion, the finite element model has the potential to replace hip BMD in discriminating hip fractures.
Previous Sport Activity During Childhood and Adolescence Is Associated With Increased Cortical Bone Size in Young Adult Men
Authors: Nilsson Martin , Ohlsson Claes , Mellström Dan , Lorentzon Mattias
Published: September 2008

Physical activity during growth has been associated with altered cortical bone geometry, but it remains uncertain if the physical activity–induced increments in cortical bone size remain when the level of physical activity is diminished or ceased. The aim of this study was to investigate if physical activity during growth is associated with cortical bone geometry in currently inactive young men. In this study, 1068 men (18.9 ± 0.6 [SD] yr) were included. Cortical bone geometry at the tibia and radius were measured using pQCT. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information about current and previous sport activity. Subjects who continued to be active (n = 678) and who had been previously active (n = 285) in sports had a wider cortical bone (periosteal circumference [PC], 4.5% and 3.2%, respectively) with increased cross-sectional area (CSA; 12.5% and 6.9%) of the tibia than the always inactive subjects (n = 82). In the currently inactive men (n = 367), regression analysis (including covariates age, height, weight, calcium intake, smoking, and duration of inactivity) showed that previous sport activity was independently associated with cortical bone size of the tibia (CSA and PC). Amount of previous sport activity explained 7.3% of the total variation in cortical CSA. Subjects, who ceased their sport activity for up to 6.5 yr previously, still had greater cortical PC and CSA of the tibia than always inactive subjects. The results from this study indicate that sport activity during growth confers positive effects on bone geometry even though sport activity is ceased.
Enzyme-labeled Antigen Method
Authors: Mizutani Yasuyoshi , Tsuge Shinya , Shiogama Kazuya , Shimomura Ryoichi , Kamoshida Shingo , Inada Ken-ichi , Tsutsumi Yutaka
Published: September 2008

The enzyme-labeled antigen method is a histochemical technique that visualizes antigen-specific antibody-producing cells in tissue sections, originally documented in 1968. In this study, we attempted to reemerge this hidden but potentially useful method in rat models immunized with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), ovalbumin (OA), or keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). After repeated immunization in footpads, popliteal, groin, and axillary lymph nodes and spleen were sampled. Paraformaldehyde-prefixed frozen sections were incubated with HRP, biotinylated OA, or biotinylated KLH. Proteinase K pretreatment and the secondary use of HPR-labeled streptavidin were applied in the latter two situations. Plasma cells producing antigen-specific antibodies were visualized. Proportions of antigen-specific antibody-producing cells in total plasma cells shown with the immunoperoxidase method for rat immunoglobulins were evaluated. The percentage of antigen-specific plasma cells reached ∼50% of total plasma cells in the regional lymph nodes. The specificity was confirmed by (a) negativity in non-immune rat tissue, (b) negativity with indifferent antigen probes, and (c) abolishment of the reactivity with the corresponding rat serum. In buffered formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, fewer plasma cells were labeled for HRP and KLH antibody reactivity after strong proteolysis and prolonged incubation. Expectedly, this method allows us to observe antigen-specific antibody-producing cells under varied pathological conditions.
Lysosomal Activity Associated with Developmental Axon Pruning
Authors: Song Jae W. , Misgeld Thomas , Kang Hyuno , Knecht Sharm , Lu Ju , Cao Yi , Cotman Susan L. , Bishop Derron L. , Lichtman Jeff W.
Published: September 2008

Clearance of cellular debris is a critical feature of the developing nervous system, as evidenced by the severe neurological consequences of lysosomal storage diseases in children. An important developmental process, which generates considerable cellular debris, is synapse elimination, in which many axonal branches are pruned. The fate of these pruned branches is not known. Here, we investigate the role of lysosomal activity in neurons and glia in the removal of axon branches during early postnatal life. Using a probe for lysosomal activity, we observed robust staining associated with retreating motor axons. Lysosomal function was involved in axon removal because retreating axons were cleared more slowly in a mouse model of a lysosomal storage disease. In addition, we found lysosomal activity in the cerebellum at the time of, and at sites where, climbing fibers are eliminated. We propose that lysosomal activity is a central feature of synapse elimination. Moreover, staining for lysosomal activity may serve as a marker for regions of the developing nervous system undergoing axon pruning.
Inactivation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Promotes Axonal Growth and Recovery in the CNS
Authors: Dill John , Wang Hongyu , Zhou Fengquan , Li Shuxin
Published: September 2008

Axonal regeneration is minimal after CNS injuries in adult mammals and medical treatments to recover neurological deficits caused by axon disconnection are extremely limited. The failure of axonal elongation is principally attributed to the nonpermissive environment and reduced intrinsic growth capacity. In this report, we studied the role of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) inactivation on neurite and axon growth from adult neurons via combinedin vitroandin vivoapproaches. We found that the major CNS inhibiting substrates including chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans could inactivate protein kinase B (Akt) and activate GSK-3β signals in neurons. GSK-3 inactivation with pharmacologic inhibitors enhances neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons derived from adult mice or cerebellar granule neurons from postnatal rodents cultured on CNS inhibitors. Application of GSK-3 inhibitors stimulates axon formation and elongation of mature neurons whether in presence or absence of inhibitory substrates. Systemic application of the GSK-3 inhibitor lithium to spinal cord-lesioned rats suppresses the activity of this kinase around lesion. Treatments with GSK-3 inhibitors including a clinical dose of lithium to rats with thoracic spinal cord transection or contusion injuries induce significant descending corticospinal and serotonergic axon sprouting in caudal spinal cord and promote locomotor functional recovery. Our studies suggest that GSK-3 signal is an important therapeutic target for promoting functional recovery of adult CNS injuries and that administration of GSK-3 inhibitors may facilitate the development of an effective treatment to white matter injuries including spinal cord trauma given the wide use of lithium in humans.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Disrupts the Perception and Embodiment of Facial Expressions
Authors: Pitcher David , Garrido Lúcia , Walsh Vincent , Duchaine Bradley C.
Published: September 2008

Theories of embodied cognition propose that recognizing facial expressions requires visual processing followed by simulation of the somatovisceral responses associated with the perceived expression. To test this proposal, we targeted the right occipital face area (rOFA) and the face region of right somatosensory cortex (rSC) with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) while participants discriminated facial expressions. rTMS selectively impaired discrimination of facial expressions at both sites but had no effect on a matched face identity task. Site specificity within the rSC was demonstrated by targeting rTMS at the face and finger regions while participants performed the expression discrimination task. rTMS targeted at the face region impaired task performance relative to rTMS targeted at the finger region. To establish the temporal course of visual and somatosensory contributions to expression processing, double-pulse TMS was delivered at different times to rOFA and rSC during expression discrimination. Accuracy dropped when pulses were delivered at 60–100 ms at rOFA and at 100–140 and 130–170 ms at rSC. These sequential impairments at rOFA and rSC support embodied accounts of expression recognition as well as hierarchical models of face processing. The results also demonstrate that nonvisual cortical areas contribute during early stages of expression processing.
Remote Effects of Focal Hippocampal Seizures on the Rat Neocortex
Authors: Englot Dario J. , Mishra Asht M. , Mansuripur Peter K. , Herman Peter , Hyder Fahmeed , Blumenfeld Hal
Published: September 2008

Seizures have both local and remote effects on nervous system function. Whereas propagated seizures are known to disrupt cerebral activity, little work has been done on remote network effects of seizures that do not propagate. Human focal temporal lobe seizures demonstrate remote changes including slow waves on electroencephalography (EEG) and decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the neocortex. Ictal neocortical slow waves have been interpreted as seizure propagation; however, we hypothesize that they reflect a depressed cortical state resembling sleep or coma. To investigate this hypothesis, we performed multimodal studies of partial and secondarily generalized limbic seizures in rats. Video/EEG monitoring of spontaneous seizures revealed slow waves in the frontal cortex during behaviorally mild partial seizures, contrasted with fast polyspike activity during convulsive generalized seizures. Seizures induced by hippocampal stimulation produced a similar pattern, and were used to perform functional magnetic resonance imaging weighted for blood oxygenation and blood volume, demonstrating increased signals in hippocampus, thalamus and septum, but decreases in orbitofrontal, cingulate, and retrosplenial cortex during partial seizures, and increases in all of these regions during propagated seizures. Combining these results with neuronal recordings and CBF measurements, we related neocortical slow waves to reduced neuronal activity and cerebral metabolism during partial seizures, but found increased neuronal activity and metabolism during propagated seizures. These findings suggest that ictal neocortical slow waves represent an altered cortical state of depressed function, not propagated seizure activity. This remote effect of partial seizures may cause impaired cerebral functions, including loss of consciousness.
Oxoguanine Glycosylase 1 Protects Against Methamphetamine-Enhanced Fetal Brain Oxidative DNA Damage and Neurodevelopmental Deficits
Authors: Wong Andrea W. , McCallum Gordon P. , Jeng Winnie , Wells Peter G.
Published: September 2008

In uteromethamphetamine (METH) exposure enhances the oxidative DNA lesion 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) in CD-1 fetal mouse brain, and causes long-term postnatal motor coordination deficits. Herein we usedoxoguanine glycosylase 1(ogg1) knock-out mice to determine the pathogenic roles of 8-oxoG and OGG1, which repairs 8-oxoG, in METH-initiated neurodevelopmental anomalies. Administration of METH (20 or 40 mg/kg) on gestational day 17 to pregnant +/− OGG1-deficient females caused a drug dose- and gene dose-dependent increase in 8-oxoG levels in OGG1-deficient fetal brains (p< 0.05). Femaleogg1knock-out offspring exposedin uteroto high-dose METH exhibited gene dose-dependent enhanced motor coordination deficits for at least 12 weeks postnatally (p< 0.05). Contrary to METH-treated adult mice, METH-exposed CD-1 fetal brains did not exhibit altered apoptosis or DNA synthesis, and OGG1-deficient offspring exposedin uteroto METH did not exhibit postnatal dopaminergic nerve terminal degeneration, suggesting different mechanisms. Enhanced 8-oxoG repair activity in fetal relative to adult organs suggests an important developmental protective role of OGG1 againstin uterogenotoxic stress. These observations provide the most direct evidence to date that 8-oxoG constitutes an embryopathic molecular lesion, and that functional fetal DNA repair protects against METH teratogenicity.
Increasing Spectrotemporal Sound Density Reveals an Octave-Based Organization in Cat Primary Auditory Cortex
Authors: Noreña Arnaud J. , Gourévitch Boris , Pienkowski Martin , Shaw Greg , Eggermont Jos J.
Published: September 2008

Auditory neurons are likely adapted to process complex stimuli, such as vocalizations, which contain spectrotemporal modulations. However, basic properties of auditory neurons are often derived from tone pips presented in isolation, which lack spectrotemporal modulations. In this context, it is unclear how to deduce the functional role of auditory neurons from their tone pip-derived tuning properties. In this study, spectrotemporal receptive fields (STRFs) were obtained from responses to multi-tone stimulus ensembles differing in their average spectrotemporal density (i.e., number of tone pips per second). STRFs for different stimulus densities were derived from multiple single-unit activity (MUA) and local field potentials (LFPs), simultaneously recorded in primary auditory cortex of cats. Consistent with earlier studies, we found that the spectral bandwidth was narrower for MUA compared with LFPs. Both neural firing rate and LFP amplitude were reduced when the density of the stimulus ensemble increased. Surprisingly, we found that increasing the spectrotemporal sound density revealed with increasing clarity an over-representation of response peaks at frequencies of ∼3, 5, 10, and 20 kHz, in both MUA- and LFP-derived STRFs. Although the decrease in spectral bandwidth and neural activity with increasing stimulus density can likely be accounted for by forward suppression, the mechanisms underlying the over-representation of the octave-spaced response peaks are unclear. Plausibly, the over-representation may be a functional correlate of the periodic pattern of corticocortical connections observed along the tonotopic axis of cat auditory cortex.
Intrabodies Binding the Proline-Rich Domains of Mutant Huntingtin Increase Its Turnover and Reduce Neurotoxicity
Authors: Southwell Amber L. , Khoshnan Ali , Dunn Denise E. , Bugg Charles W. , Lo Donald C. , Patterson Paul H.
Published: September 2008

Although expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) repeats are inherently toxic, causing at least nine neurodegenerative diseases, the protein context determines which neurons are affected. The polyQ expansion that causes Huntington's disease (HD) is in the first exon (HDx-1) of huntingtin (Htt). However, other parts of the protein, including the 17 N-terminal amino acids and two proline (polyP) repeat domains, regulate the toxicity of mutant Htt. The role of the P-rich domain that is flanked by the polyP domains has not been explored. Using highly specific intracellular antibodies (intrabodies), we tested various epitopes for their roles in HDx-1 toxicity, aggregation, localization, and turnover. Three domains in the P-rich region (PRR) of HDx-1 are defined by intrabodies: MW7 binds the two polyP domains, and Happ1 and Happ3, two new intrabodies, bind the unique, P-rich epitope located between the two polyP epitopes. We find that the PRR-binding intrabodies, as well as VL12.3, which binds the N-terminal 17 aa, decrease the toxicity and aggregation of HDx-1, but they do so by different mechanisms. The PRR-binding intrabodies have no effect on Htt localization, but they cause a significant increase in the turnover rate of mutant Htt, which VL12.3 does not change. In contrast, expression of VL12.3 increases nuclear Htt. We propose that the PRR of mutant Htt regulates its stability, and that compromising this pathogenic epitope by intrabody binding represents a novel therapeutic strategy for treating HD. We also note that intrabody binding represents a powerful tool for determining the function of protein epitopes in living cells.
Receptive Field Shift and Shrinkage in Macaque Middle Temporal Area through Attentional Gain Modulation
Authors: Womelsdorf Thilo , Anton-Erxleben Katharina , Treue Stefan
Published: September 2008

Selective attention is the top-down mechanism to allocate neuronal processing resources to the most relevant subset of the information provided by an organism's sensors. Attentional selection of a spatial location modulates the spatial-tuning characteristics (i.e., the receptive fields of neurons in macaque visual cortex). These tuning changes include a shift of receptive field centers toward the focus of attention and a narrowing of the receptive field when the attentional focus is directed into the receptive field. Here, we report that when attention is directed into versus of receptive fields of neurons in the middle temporal visual area (area MT), the magnitude of the shift of the spatial-tuning functions is positively correlated with a narrowing of spatial tuning around the attentional focus. By developing and applying a general attentional gain model, we show that these nonmultiplicative attentional modulations of basic neuronal-tuning characteristics could be a direct consequence of a spatially distributed multiplicative interaction of a bell-shaped attentional spotlight with the spatially fined-grained sensory inputs of MT neurons. Additionally, the model lets us estimate the spatial spread of the attentional top-down signal impinging on visual cortex. Consistent with psychophysical reports, the estimated size of the “spotlight of attention” indicates a coarse spatial resolution of attention. These results illustrate how spatially specific nonmultiplicative attentional changes of neuronal-tuning functions can be the result of multiplicative gain modulation affecting sensory neurons in a widely distributed region in cortical space.
Grindhouse: An Experiment in the Death of Cinema
Authors: Benson-Allott Caetlin
Published: September 2008

The cinematic double feature Grindhouse (2007) both celebrates cinematic history and typifies post-theatrical distribution practices. The film thematizes this paradox in the aesthetic tension between its two features, Planet Tenor and Death Proof, but each movie also offers a unique reinterpretation of its exploitation genre.
Paranoid Park: The Home Front
Authors: Ratner Megan
Published: September 2008

This review essay of Gus Van Sant's 2007 adaptation of Blake Nelson's novel about a teenage life in Portland, Oregon considers the film in terms of its depiction of U.S. life in wartime; its mixed-media aesthetic; and its disturbing representation of numbed-out adolescence.
Do Incentives Exert Undue Influence on Survey Participation? Experimental Evidence
Authors: Singer Eleanor , Couper Mick P.
Published: September 2008

Monetary incentives are increasingly used to help motivate survey participation. Research Ethics Committees have begun to ask whether, and under what conditions, the use of monetary incentives to induce participation might be coercive. The article reports research from an online vignette-based study bearing on this question, concluding that at present the evidence suggests that larger incentives do not induce research participants to accept higher risks than they would be unwilling to accept with smaller ones.
A Tale of Two Bills: Racism, Anti-Semitism, and the Sensibilities of a Public Historian
Authors: Bryans Bill
Published: September 2008

This article examines from a public history perspective the movement by many to un-name Murray Hall on the Oklahoma State University campus because its namesake was a racist and anti-Semite. The former dormitory, currently being renovated, is named for William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, who also is one of the most politically influential figures in Oklahoma history. It argues that the proponents of renaming have yet to take fully into account the complex historical legacy of Murray and the multiple historical meanings various publics find embedded in Murray Hall. These are, of course, issues with which public historians deal routinely.
Diet or exercise: what is more effective in preventing or reducing metabolic alterations?
Authors: Bo Simona , Ciccone Giovannino , Guidi Sabrina , Gambino Roberto , Durazzo Marilena , Gentile Luigi , Cassader Maurizio , Cavallo-Perin Paolo , Pagano Gianfranco
Published: September 2008

Objective/design

The influence of diet and exercise on metabolic syndrome is controversial since fit individuals might also eat healthier foods. We evaluated the association of diet/exercise variation with reductions in metabolic variables and C-reactive protein (CRP) values in the experimental and control arms of a 1-year randomized lifestyle intervention trial performed in patients with multiple metabolic abnormalities.

Methods

A prospective study of 169 cases and 166 controls after a lifestyle intervention was performed.

Results

In the intervention group, 15/169 (8.9%), 63/169 (37.3%), and 70/169 (41.4%) reached only dietary, only exercise, and dietary/exercise targets respectively. Reductions in weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist were significant only in patients who increased exercise. Most controls did not reach any target (131/166, 78.9%), while only few patients reached only dietary (13/166, 7.8%), only exercise (5/166, 3.0%), and dietary/exercise targets (17/166, 10.2%). Weight, BMI, and waist reduction was more pronounced in those reaching the exercise target. In the whole cohort, increased exercise was inversely associated with weight, BMI, waist, and CRP, increased saturated fat was directly associated with weight, BMI, waist, and diastolic pressure variations, while increased fiber intake was inversely associated with glucose values in a multiple regression model. After adjusting for waist changes, the associations between exercise and CRP (ß=−0.023; 95% CI −0.028 −0.017; P<0.001) and the associations between fiber and glucose (ß=−0.022; −0.031 −0.013; P<0.001) remained significant.

Conclusions

Independent of weight reduction, exercise level and fiber intake are inversely associated with CRP and fasting glucose values respectively. Change in lifestyle may lower inflammation and prevent metabolic deterioration.
Smoking as a risk factor for thyroid volume progression and incident goiter in a region with improved iodine supply
Authors: Ittermann Till , Schmidt Carsten Oliver , Kramer Axel , Below Harald , John Ulrich , Thamm Michael , Wallaschofski Henri , Völzke Henry
Published: September 2008

Objective

The role of smoking in the pathogenesis of thyroid enlargement is currently under debate. It has been hypothesized that the effect of smoking on increased thyroid volume is larger in regions with than in regions without iodine deficiency. The aim of this paper was to investigate the association of smoking with thyroid volume progression and incident goiter for different age-strata in a region with improved iodine supply.

Design and methods

The population-based Study of Health in Pomerania compromised 3300 subjects with complete 5-year examination follow-up. Data from 2484 participants without known history of thyroid disorder or thyroid medication were analyzed. Thyroid size was evaluated by ultrasound. Determinants of thyroid volume progression and incident goiter, i.e., newly occurred goiter between baseline and follow-up, were analyzed by linear and logistic regression respectively.

Results

Participants aged 20–39 years who were current smokers at baseline and at follow-up had a lower risk of incident goiter (odds ratio: 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15; 0.71; P=0.005). In this subpopulation, age was inversely related to thyroid volume progression. In subjects aged 60–79 years, smoking at baseline and follow-up was a risk factor for thyroid volume progression (β: 3.37; 95% CI: 0.84; 5.89; P=0.009). After exclusion of individuals who had actual goiter in ultrasound at baseline, this association disappeared.

Conclusion

We conclude that the inverse association between smoking and goiter in young adults and the lacking association of smoking with goiter and thyroid volume progression in adult non-goitrous subjects indicate that smoking has a declining impact on thyroid growth in the study region. Our findings mirror the improved iodine supply of Northeast Germany.
Experimental results and clinical impact of using autologous rectus fascia sheath for vascular replacement
Authors: Kóbori László , Németh Tibor , Nagy Péter , Dallos Gábor , Sótonyi Péter , Fehérvári Imre , Nemes Balázs , Görög Dénes , Patonai Attila , Monostory Katalin , Doros Attila , Sárváry Enikő , Fazakas János , Gerlei Zsuzsanna , Benkő Tamás , Piros László , Járay Jenő , Jong Koert
Published: September 2008

Vascular complications are major causes of graft failure in liver transplantation. The use of different vascular grafts is common but the results are controversial. The aim of this study was to create an ‘ideal’ arterial interponate for vascular replacements in the clinical field. An autologous, tubular graft prepared from the posterior rectus fascia sheath was used for iliac artery replacement in dogs for 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Forty-one grafts were implanted and immunosuppression was used in separate groups. The patency rate was followed by Doppler ultrasound. Thirty-seven grafts remained patent, 2 cases with thrombosis and 2 cases with stenosis occurred. There was no evidence of necrosis or aneurysmatic formation. The histological analysis included conventional light microscopic and immunohistochemical examinations for CD34 and factor VIII. The explanted grafts showed signs of arterialisation, appearance of elastin fibres, and smooth muscle cells after 6 months. Electron microscopy showed intact mitochondrial structures without signs of hypoxia. In conclusion, the autologous graft presents acceptable long-term patency rate. It is easy to handle and the concept of beneficial presence of the anti-clot mesothelium until endothelialisation seems to work. The first clinical use was already reported by our group with more than 2 years survival.
Molecular and serological evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection of farm animals in the Black Sea Region of Turkey
Authors: Gokce Halil , Genc Oktay , Akca Atila , Vatansever Zati , Unver Ahmet , Erdogan Hidayet
Published: September 2008

This study was designed to determine the presence and the prevalence of
Anaplasma phagocytophilum
infection in sheep and cattle in the Middle and Eastern Black Sea Regions of Turkey in which the potential vector,
Ixodes ricinus
, is widespread. Blood samples were collected from 720 sheep and 720 cattle from 6 provinces of the region, and used for detecting antibodies to
A. phagocytophilum
by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and specific nucleic acids by a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood smears were also prepared and examined microscopically for the presence of
A. phagocytophilum
-like organisms in polymorphonuclear cells. Of the animals examined, antibodies were detected in 110 (15.27%) cattle and 107 (14.86%) sheep and
A. phagocytophilum
-like organisms were detected in the blood of 73 (10.13%) cattle and 71 (9.86%) sheep. In addition, specific DNA was detected in the blood of 27 (14.75%) cattle and 22 (12.35%) sheep. The results obtained constitute the first molecular and serological evidence of
A. phagocytophilum
infection in sheep and cattle in the Black Sea Region of Turkey.
Comparison of microsatellite and blood group diversity among different genotypes of cattle
Authors: Židek Radoslav , Jakabová Daniela , Trandžík Jozef , Buleca Ján , Jakab František , Massányi Peter , Zöldág László
Published: September 2008

Genetic variability and relationships among five cattle breeds (Holstein, Pinzgau, Limousin, Slovak Spotted and Charolais) bred in the Slovak Republic were investigated separately using 11 microsatellite markers and 61 blood group systems. Allele frequency, heterozygosity (H
O
, H
E
) and PIC values were investigated. F-statistics were computed separately. For microsatellite markers F
IS
, F
IT
, F
ST
and for blood groups H
S
, H
T
, G
ST
parameters were calculated. Microsatellite and blood group comparison showed similar results by F-statistics but some differences were marked using the other methods. Both methods were able to detect close relation between Slovak Pinzgau and Slovak Spotted cattle breeds. Their relation was confirmed by genetic distance, principal component analysis (PCA) and coefficient of admixture (mY). Important divergences between different markers used in the study were observed by the characterisation of Limousin and Charolais breeds.
High prevalence of intestinal zoonotic parasites in dogs from Belgrade, Serbia — Short communication
Authors: Nikolić Aleksandra , Dimitrijević Sanda , Katić-Radivojević Sofija , Klun Ivana , Bobić Branko , Djurković-Djaković Olgica
Published: September 2008

To identify areas of risk for canine-related zoonoses in Serbia, the aim of this study was to provide baseline knowledge about intestinal parasites in 151 dogs (65 household pets, 75 stray and 11 military working dogs) from Belgrade. The following parasites, with their respective prevalences, were detected:Giardia duodenalis(14.6%), Ancylostomatidae (24.5%),Toxocara canis(30.5%),Trichuris vulpis(47.0%) andTaenia-type helminths (6.6%). Of all examined dogs, 75.5% (114/151) were found to harbour at least one parasite species. Of these, mixed infections with up to four species per dog occurred in 44.7% (51/114). Infections with all detected species were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in military working (100%) and stray dogs (93.3%) versus household pets (50.8%). Among all parasites, agents with zoonotic potential includingGiardia, Ancylostomatidae andToxocarawere detected in 58.3% (88/151) of all examined dogs with a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the subgroups (100%, 62.7% and 46.2% for military working dogs, stray dogs and household pets, respectively). The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites registered in the dog population from a highly urban area in south-eastern Europe indicates a potential risk to human health. Thus, veterinarians should play an important role in helping to prevent or minimise zoonotic transmission.
Validade de indicadores de atividade física e sedentarismo obtidos por inquérito telefônico
Authors: Monteiro Carlos Augusto , Florindo Alex Antonio , Claro Rafael Moreira , Moura Erly Catarina
Published: September 2008

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade e a validade de indicadores de atividade física e sedentarismo, obtidos por sistema de vigilância baseado em inquéritos telefônicos. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas análises de reprodutibilidade e validade em duas subamostras aleatórias (n=110 e n=111, respectivamente) da amostra total (N=2.024) de adultos (>18 anos), estudada pelo sistema, no município de São Paulo, em 2005. Os indicadores avaliados incluíram a freqüência de "suficientemente ativos no lazer", "inativos em quatro domínios da atividade física (lazer, trabalho, transporte e atividades domésticas)" e "ver televisão por longos períodos". A reprodutibilidade foi estudada comparando-se resultados obtidos a partir da entrevista telefônica original do sistema e de outra entrevista idêntica repetida após sete a 15 dias e feita por entrevistador diferente do que fez a entrevista original. A validade foi estudada comparando-se resultados obtidos a partir da entrevista telefônica original e de três recordatórios de 24 horas (método de referência) realizados na semana seguinte à entrevista original. RESULTADOS: A freqüência dos três indicadores avaliados foi idêntica ou muito próxima entre a primeira e a segunda entrevistas telefônicas, e os coeficientes kappa se situaram entre 0,53 e 0,80, indicando boa reprodutibilidade de todos os indicadores. Relativamente ao método de referência, evidenciou-se especificidade de 80% ou mais para os três indicadores e sensibilidade de 69,7% para "ver televisão por longos períodos", 59,1% para "inativos em quatro domínios" e 50% para "suficientemente ativos no lazer". CONCLUSÕES: Os indicadores de atividade física e sedentarismo empregados pelo sistema aparentam ser reprodutíveis e suficientemente acurados. Se mantido em operação nos próximos anos, o sistema poderá oferecer ao Brasil um instrumento útil para avaliação de políticas públicas de promoção da atividade física e controle das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis relacionadas ao sedentarismo.
Desenvolvimento e validação de questionário multidimensional para medir não-adesão ao tratamento com medicamentos
Authors: Santa Helena Ernani Tiaraju de , Nemes Maria Ines Battistella , Eluf-Neto José
Published: September 2008

O estudo objetivou desenvolver e validar instrumento capaz de medir não-adesão ao tratamento com medicamentos em suas múltiplas dimensões. O Questionário de Adesão a Medicamentos com três perguntas foi aplicado a 46 pessoas com hipertensão arterial em Blumenau, SC, 2006. Compararam-se as medidas de não-adesão obtidas com outros quatro métodos: testes de Haynes, Morisky, contagem de comprimidos e desfecho clínico. As medidas de não-adesão variaram de acordo com o método. A medida composta obtida a partir do questionário desenvolvido resultou em não-adesão de 47,8% (IC 95%: 32,9;63,1), enquanto o padrão-ouro foi 69,6% (IC 95%: 54,3;82,3). As medidas de acurácia para detectar não-adesão mostraram sensibilidade de 62,5% e especificidade de 85,7%, área sob a curva ROC de 74,1% e valor preditivo positivo de 90,9%. Os resultados sugerem bom desempenho do Questionário de Adesão a Medicamentos.
Mothers and their pregnancies: a comparison of three population-based cohorts in Southern Brazil
Authors: Santos Iná S. , Barros Aluísio J. D. , Matijasevich Alicia , Tomasi Elaine , Medeiros Ricardo S. , Domingues Marlos R. , Bertoldi Andréa D. , Barros Fernando C. , Victora Cesar G.
Published: September 2008

Mothers from the 1982, 1993 and 2004 Pelotas birth cohorts were compared across biological, socioeconomic, demographic and reproductive characteristics. Women in the 2004 cohort had higher levels of education, gained more weight during pregnancy, and were heavier at the beginning and end of their pregnancy than mothers who gave birth in 1993 and 1982. There was an important increase in obesity rates (body mass index > 30kg/m²) over the 22 years of the study. Mean parity decreased from 1.3 in 1982 to 1.1 in 2004, with a growing proportion of primiparas and a decline in the proportion of women with > 4 children. The mean birth interval increased from 33.5 months in 1982 to 65.7 in 2004. Smoking during pregnancy decreased from 35.6% in 1982 to 25.1% in 2004. As with other characteristics, the change in smoking status differed according to income, with higher reductions among the wealthiest (from 24.9% to 8.7%) than among the poorest mothers (from 43.7% to 33.6%). In general terms, between 1993 and 2004 there was a decrease in the prevalence of maternal risk factors for unfavorable perinatal outcomes.
Breastfeeding and feeding patterns in three birth cohorts in Southern Brazil: trends and differentials
Authors: Victora Cesar G. , Matijasevich Alicia , Santos Iná S. , Barros Aluisio J. D. , Horta Bernardo L. , Barros Fernando C.
Published: September 2008

Breastfeeding is fundamental for child health. Changes in the duration of breastfeeding are compared for three population-based cohorts of children born in 1982, 1993 and 2004 in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Samples of the 1982 and 1993 children and all of the children from the 2004 cohort study were sought at home when they were aged around 12 months. Both the duration of breastfeeding and the stage at which different kind of foods were regularly introduced were investigated. The median duration of breastfeeding increased from 3.1 to 6.8 months in this period. Exclusive breastfeeding at three months was practically non-existent in 1982 and had reached one third of infants by 2004. The increase was faster after 1993, suggesting an important impact made by promotion activities. Up to about 6-9 months, breastfeeding was more prevalent in high-income families, but after this age it became more common among the poor. Low birth weight babies were breastfeed for shorter durations. The duration of breastfeeding is still far short of international recommendations, justifying further campaigns. Special attention should be given to low birth weight babies and those from low-income families.
The use of maternal and child health services in three population-based cohorts in Southern Brazil, 1982-2004
Authors: Cesar Juraci A. , Matijasevich Alicia , Santos Iná S. , Barros Aluísio J. D. , Dias-da-Costa Juvenal S. , Barros Fernando C. , Victora Cesar G.
Published: September 2008

This study aimed to describe indicators of health care assistance during antenatal care, delivery and in the first year of life in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. In 1982, 1993, and 2004, all hospital newborns from the urban area of Pelotas were enrolled in a cohort study. In this period, the number of pregnant women that did not attend antenatal care fell from 4.9% to 1.9%; the mean number of appointments increased from 6.7 to 8.1; and the number of women who began antenatal care in the third trimester of pregnancy decreased from 14.8% to 7%; caesarean sections increased from 27.7% to 45.2% and the proportion of deliveries assisted by physicians increased from 61.2% to 89.2%. Improvements in immunization rates during the first year of life mainly occurred between 1982 and 1993, while the number of preventive medical appointments improved among those born in 2004. This increase in coverage was greater for low-income mothers and children, which may reflect the implementation of universal coverage in Brazil; however, coverage levels in 1982 were already high for wealthy mothers and children, reducing the scope for further gains.