bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of flaxseed derivatives in experimental polycystic kidney disease vary with animal gender
Authors: Ogborn Malcolm R. , Nitschmann Evan , Bankovic‐Calic Neda , Weiler Hope A. , Aukema Harold M.
Published: February 2007

Flaxseed derivatives, including both oil and flax lignan, modify progression of renal injury in animal models, including Han:SPRD‐cy polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Gender is a significant factor in the rates of progression of many forms of human renal disease, but the role of gender in the response to nutrition intervention in renal disease is unexplored. In this study, male and female Han:SPRD‐cy rats or normal littermates were fed either corn oil (CO) or flax oil (FO) diets, with or without 20 mg/kg of the diet flax lignan secoisolaricinoresinol dyglycoside (SDG). Renal injury was assessed morphometrically and biochemically. Renal and hepatic PUFA composition was assessed by GC and renal PGE2 release by ELISA. FO preserved body weight in PKD males, with no effect in females. SDG reduced weight in both normal and PKD females. FO reduced proteinuria in both male and female PKD. FO reduced cystic change and renal inflammation in PKD males but reduced cystic change, fibrosis, renal inflammation, tissue lipid peroxides, and epithelial proliferation in PKD females. SDG reduced renal inflammation in all animals and lipid peroxides in PKD fenales. A strong interaction between SDG and FO was observed in renal FA composition of female kidneys only, suggesting increased conversion of C18 PUFA to C20 PUFA. FO reduced renal release of PGE2 in both genders. Gender influences the effects of flaxseed derivatives in Han:SPRD‐cy rats. Gender‐based responses to environmental factors, such as dietary lipid sources and micronutrients, may contribute to gender‐based differences in disease progression rates.
Identification and quantification of feruloylated mono‐, di‐, and triacylglycerols from vegetable oils
Authors: Compton David L. , Laszlo Joseph A. , Berhow Mark A.
Published: February 2007

The use of HPLC‐MS to separate and identify the feruloylated acylglycerols formed during the transesterification of ethyl ferulate with TAG was examined. Novozym 435 (Candida antarctica lipase B)‐catalyzed transesterifications of ethyl ferulate and soybean oil resulted in a mixture of feruloylated MAG, DAG, and TAG and diferuloylated DAG and TAG. These feruloylated acylglycerols have recently garnered much interest as cosmeceutical ingredients. The ratio of the various feruloylated acylglycerol species in the resultant oils is presumed to affect the oil's cosmetic efficacy as well as its physical (formulation) properties. Thus, it was desirable to develop an analytical method to separate, identify, and quantify the individual feruloylated acylglycerols to determine their relative ratios. The feruloylated acylglycerols were successfully separated and identified by HPLC‐MS using a phenyl‐hexyl reversed‐phase column developed with a water/methanol/1‐butanol gradient. The chromatograms of the feruloylated acylglycerols from soybean oil were convoluted by myriad fatty acids; therefore, feruloylated acylglycerols from triolein were studied as a model reaction. Hydrolysis of the feruloylated acylglycerols from triolein catalyzed by Lipase PS‐C “Amano” I (Burkholderia cepacia), which showed no hydrolysis reactivity toward ethyl ferulate, allowed for the chromatographic assignment of the feruloyl acylglycerol positional isomers.
Enzymatic glycerolysis and transesterification of vegetable oil for enhanced production of feruloylated glycerols
Authors: Laszlo Joseph A. , Compton David L.
Published: February 2007

Novel functional groups can be introduced into vegetable oils using enzymes, resulting in value‐added products. The transesterification kinetics of ethyl ferulate with MAG, DAG, and TAG were examined. Transesterification was catalyzed by immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B in solventless batch and packed‐bed reactors. Initial reaction rates with TAG were slightly sensitive to water activity, whereas rates with MAG and DAG were water activity independent. Transesterification was also three‐to sixfold faster with MAG and DAG. These observations indicate that the reaction is rate limited by the acyl acceptor, and that oils with free hydroxyl groups are preferred acyl acceptors in comparison with TAG, which must undergo partial hydrolysis before becoming reactive.
Microwave roasting effects on the physico‐chemical composition and oxidative stability of sunflower seed oil
Authors: Anjum Fozia , Anwar Farooq , Jamil Amer , Iqbal M.
Published: February 2007

The purpose of the present study was to explore the influences of microwave heating on the composition of sunflower seeds and to extend our knowledge concerning the changes in oxidative stability, distribution of FA, and contents of tocopherols of sunflower seed oil. Microwaved sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus L.) of two varieties, KL‐39 and FH‐330, were extracted using n‐hexane. Roasting decreased the oil content of the seeds significantly (P<0.05). The oilseed residue analysis revealed no changes in the contents of fiber, ash, and protein that were attributable to the roasting. Analysis of the extracted oils demonstrated a significant increase in FFA, p‐anisidine, saponification, conjugated diene, conjugated triene, density, and color values for roasting periods of 10 and 15 min. The iodine values of the oils were remarkably decreased. A significant (P<0.05) decrease in the amounts of tocopherol constituents of the microwaved sunflower oils also was found. However, after 15 min of roasting, the amount of α‐tocopherol homologs was still over 76 and 81% of the original levels for the KL‐39 and FH‐330 varieties, respectively. In the same time period, the level of σ‐tocopherol fell to zero. Regarding the FA composition of the extracted oils, microwave heating increased oleic acid 16–42% and decreased linoleic acid 17–19%, but palmitic and stearic acid contents were not affected significantly (P<0.05).
Ethanolysis of castor and cottonseed oil: A systematic study using classical catalysts
Authors: Meneghetti Simoni M. Plentz , Meneghetti Mario R. , Wolf Carlos R. , Silva Eid C. , Lima Gilvan E. S. , Coimbra Masurquede de A. , Soletti João Inácio , Carvalho Sandra H. V.
Published: February 2007

Several classical catalytic systems for the transesterification reaction have been used to produce FA ethyl esters (FAEE) from castor and cottonseed oils The effects of the amount and nature of the catalyst, and of the reaction temperature, on the yields of FAEE were determined. The most efficient transesterification of castor oil was achieved in the presence of methoxide and acid catalysts, whereas for cottonseed oil, which has a composition that is much more similar to most vegetable oils than is castor oil, the highest yields of FAEE were obtained following base‐catalysed ethanolysis.
Biocatalytic production of 10‐hydroxystearic acid, 10‐ketostearic acid, and their primary fatty amides
Authors: Kuo Tsung Min , Levinson William E.
Published: February 2007

The objective of this study was to develop scaleup bioprocesses for producing 10‐hydroxystearic acid (10‐HSA) and 10‐ketostearic acid (10‐KSA) as well as their primary amides for potential new uses. A reactor process was examined to obtain the mono‐oxygenated FA using Sphingobacterium thalpophilum (NRRL B‐14797) and Bacillus sphaericus (NRRL NRS‐732), which solely produce 10‐HSA and 10‐KSA, respectively, from technical‐grade oleic acid. By using an 8‐h‐old B‐14797 culture grown in a manganese‐containing WF6 medium, pH 7.3, at 28°C under 350 rpm agitation and 0–50% dissolved oxygen concentrations provided by a controlled sparger aeration, the production of 10‐HSA reached 7 g/L with a 40% yield in 4 d. In using a 12‐h‐old NRS‐732 culture grown in a pyruvate‐containing PF6 medium, pH 6.5, at 30°C under 750 rpm agitation without any sparger aeration during the conversion reaction, 10‐KSA production reached 7.9 g/L with a yield of more than 54% in 72 h. The scaleup reactor process provided crystalline 10‐HSA and 10‐KSA for producting new primary amides via a lipase‐catalyzed amidation reaction with yields of 94 and 92%, respectively. The primary amides of 10‐HSA and 10‐KSA displayed m.p of 115 and 120°C, respectively.
Modification of maillard browning in a microwaved glucose/glycine model system by water‐soluble natural antioxidants and foods containing them
Authors: Porter William L. , Conca Karen R. , Yeomans Walter G. , Diotte Shawn , Lynch Amy , Tate Jennifer
Published: February 2007

Inhibition of pyrazine formation by natural antioxidants and the foods containing them was measured in a microwaved glucose/glycine model system. Inhibition of lipid oxidation by the same materials was assayed in both bulk and emulsion systems. Pyrazines were determined by solid‐phase micro extraction followed by GC. Lipid oxidation volatiles were assayed by polyamide fluorescence produced by either a bulk oil display or a hematin‐ or 2,2′‐azobis‐(2‐amidino=propane) dihydrochloride‐accelerated lecithin or fish oil emulsion. It was shown that (i) the inhibition of pyrazine formation depends on high concentrations of water‐soluble antioxidants; (ii) such antioxidants occur naturally in some foods and are usually polyphenols; (iii) during pyrazine inhibition, oxidized polyphenols show enhanced nonfluorescing browning similar to enzymic browning products; (iv) monophenols, which structurally cannot form quinone polymers on oxidation, inhibit pyrazines with less browning; (v) during the final pyrazine‐forming phase of the Maillard reaction, polyphenolics and reducing agents such as glutathione and ascorbic acid are partially consumed with some nutritional loss; (vi) fruit powders of grape seed, grape skin, and red wine are highly pyrazine‐inhibitory, steeped blueberry strongly so, but plum purees are moderately pro‐pyrazine, and freeze‐dried vegetables strongly pro‐pyrazine; and (vii) black and green tea infusions are highly inhibitory, whereas spices have mixed effects.
Determination of essential fatty acids in captured and farmed tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) from the Brazilian Amazonian area
Authors: de Almeida Neiva Maria , Bueno Franco Maria Regina
Published: February 2007

This research aimed to quantify the methyl esters of linoleic (LA), γ‐linolenic (LNA), arachidonic (AA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids in the muscular tissue and orbital cavity of farmed tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) and in those caught in the Brazilian Amazonian Area during two periods. For the farmed fish, the amounts of LA, LNA, AA, EPA, and DHA found in the muscle were 208.0, 12.4, 57.9, 5.0, and 25.1 mg/g, respectively. The amounts of these FA in the orbital cavity were 103.4, 6.6, 20.0, 4.4, and 8.1 mg/g for LA, LNA, AA, EPA, and DHA, respectively. For the fish caught during the flood period, the LA, LNA, AA, EPA, and DHA levels were 297.3, 50.7, 32.3, 3.8, and 14.1 mg/g in the muscle and in the orbital cavity were 259.7, 40.3, 10.8, 5.5, and 9.3 mg/g, respectively. For the fish captured in the dry season the levels of LA, LNA, AA, EPA and DHA in the muscle were 262.0, 48.0, 157.6, 9.3, and 40.2 mg/g and in the orbital cavity were 102.5, 15.7, 24.6, 7.0, and 8.9 mg/g. According to their contents of AA, EPA, and DHA, tambaqui captured in the dry season can be considered as a rich source of EFA. The adipose tissue of the orbital cavity did not show sufficiently high EPA and DHA contents to classify it as a better source of FA than the muscle.
Sesame seed is a rich source of dietary lignans
Authors: Moazzami Ali A. , Kamal‐Eldin Afaf
Published: February 2007

The variation in the contents of sesamin and sesamolin was studied in oils extracted from 65 samples of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) from plants with shattering (n=29), semishattering (n=7), and nondehiscent (n=29) capsules. The oil content ranged from 32.5 to 50.6% and was greater in white than black seeds (P<0.001). The sesamin and sesamolin contents in seeds ranged from 7 to 712 mg/100 g (mean±SD, 163±141 mg/100 g) and from 21 to 297 mg/100 g (101±58 mg/100 g), respectively, with no difference between black and white seeds. Thus, there was a wide variation in the contents of sesamin and sesamolin, which were positively correlated (R2=0.66, P<0.001). There were negative correlations between the contents of sesamin and the contents of sesaminol (R2=0.37) and sesamolinol (R2=0.36) and between the content of sesamolin and those of sesaminol (R2=0.35) and sesamolinol (R2=0.46) (P<0.001). Sesame seeds had an average of 0.63% lignans, making them a rich source of dietary lignans.
DSC study on the melting properties of palm oil, sunflower oil, and palm kernel olein blends before and after chemical interesterification
Authors: Mat Dian Noor Lida Habi , Sundram Kalyana , Idris Nor Aini
Published: February 2007

Changes in DSC melting properties of palm oil (PO), sunflower oil (SFO), palm kernel olein (PKOo), and their belends in various ratios were studied by using a combination of blending, and chemical interesterification (CIE) techniques and determining total melting (ΔHf) and partial melting (ΔHi°C) enthalpies. Blending and CIE significantly modified the DSC melting properties of the PO/SFO/PKOo blends. PO and blends containing substantial amounts of PO and PKOo experienced an increase in their DSC ΔHf and ΔHi°C following CIE. The DSC ΔHf and ΔHi°C of PKOo, blends of PO/SFO at 1∶1 and 1∶3 ratios, and all blends of PKOo/SFO significantly decreased after CIE. The DSC ΔHf and ΔHi°C of SFO changed little following CIE. Randomization of FA distribution within and among TAG molecules of PO and PKOo led to modification in TAG composition of the PO/PKOo blends and improved miscibility between the two fats and consequently diminished the eutectic interaction that occurred between PO and PKOo.
Practical implications of the phase‐compositional assessment of lipid‐based food products by time‐domain NMR
Authors: Duval Franck P. , van Duynhoven John P. M. , Bot Arjen
Published: February 2007

The objective of this work is to determine the solid fat content (SFC) of the fat‐oil phase in oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions, i.e., the droplet SFC, using transverse relaxation decay deconvolution (TRDD) analysis. The TRDD NMR experiment classifies protein protons as mobile, semimobile, and nonmobile. Hence, protein contributes more or less to the solid content detected by TRDD as a function of pH, protein content, and protein denaturation. By taking into account the protein contribution to the overall solid content, one can estimate the droplet solid content in O/W emulsions. The SFC can then be deduced if one converts the ingredients' mass fraction into ingredients' proton fraction using the ingredients' proton densities.
Evaluation of ethanolysis with immobilized Candida antarctica lipase for regiospecific analysis of triacylglycerols containing highly unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Shen Zhiping , Wijesundera Chakra
Published: February 2007

The suitability of a recently proposed method based on ethanolysis with immobilized Candida antarctica lipase for regiospecific analysis of oils containing long‐chain PUFA such as [PA and DHA has been evaluated using selected marine oils and regio‐isomerically enriched synthetic TAG substrates. 1,3‐Regios‐electivity of the lipase was enhanced when the ethanolysis was conducted in a high excess of ethanol, typically 10–50 times by weight of the oil. This enabled the reaction to be conducted on a milligram scale. However, irrespective of the ethanol‐to‐oil ratio, C. antarctica lipase released FA from TAG at different rates depending on the degree of unsaturation and/or chain length of the FA. Differences in lipolysis rates were particularly significant for EPA and DHA, with EPA released faster than DHA. Although DHA can be measured with reasonable accuracy by ethanolysis with C. antarctica, the method requires further optimization before it can be adopted for reliable regiospecific analyses that are as accurate as those obtainable by 13C NMR analysis for all major FA occurring in oils rich in long‐chain PUFA.
Chemical analysis of ozonized theobroma fat
Authors: Díaz Gómez Maritza F. , Téllez Goitybell Martínez , Cruz Maikel Arteaga , Mancheno Rafael Garcés
Published: February 2007

Ozonized theobroma fat is used as raw material in the manufacture of pessaries and cosmetic creams. Ozonization of theobroma fat with water was carried out at different applied ozone dosages, and the resultant PV, acid value, iodine value, total hydroperoxide content, and FA content were determined. PV and total hydroperoxide content showed a notable increase with applied ozone dosage up to 35.7 mg/g. Acid value varied slightly from 4.1 to 9.9 mg KOH/g, and the iodine value fell to zero. PV and total hydroperoxide content increased slightly with a higher applied ozone dosage. The comparison of total hydroperoxide measurement using ferrous oxidation in xylenol orange assay and traditional iodometric assay for PV determination showed a significant linear correlation. Small amounts of oleic acid were found in ozonized theobroma fat samples with iodine value equaling zero, which demonstrated that iodine value determination is an inexact assay. During ozonization of theobroma fat, an increase in acid value of 18.9‐fold with respect to the initial value was observed owing to decomposition of peroxide.
Neck flexor muscle fatigue in adolescents with headache – An electromyographic study
Authors: Oksanen Airi , Pöyhönen Tapani , Metsähonkala Liisa , Anttila Pirjo , Hiekkanen Heikki , Laimi Katri , Salminen Jouko J.
Published: February 2007

Background: Muscular disorders of the neck region may be of importance for the etiology of tension‐type headache. However, in adolescents, there are no data on the association between neck muscle fatigue and headache.

Aim: To study differences in fatigue characteristics of the neck flexor muscles in adolescents with and without headache.

Methods: A population‐based sample of 17‐year‐old adolescents with migraine‐type headache (N=30), tension‐type headache (N=29) and healthy controls without headache (N=30) was examined. Surface EMG data were recorded from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles bilaterally during an isometric neck flexor endurance test. The spectral median frequency (MF) change during the total endurance time (TMF) and the initial time of 30s (IMF) was calculated. The intensity of discomfort in the neck area was assessed with the visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results: The rate of decline in TMF of both SCM muscles was significantly increased in the tension‐type headache group compared with controls (right SCM, P=0.030, OR 2.0, 95% 1.2–3.7; left SCM, P=0.009, OR 2.5, 95% 1.4–4.9), while no significant differences were found between controls and subjects with migraine. The rate of decline in IMF, the total endurance time (P=0.050), and VAS did not differ significantly among the study groups.

Conclusions: This preliminary finding shows that increased neck flexor muscle fatigue in adolescents seems to be associated with tension‐type headache.
Involvement of glutamatergic receptors in the nucleus cuneiformis in modulating morphine‐induced antinociception in rats
Authors: Haghparast Abbas , Gheitasi Izad‐Panah , Lashgari Reza
Published: February 2007

The nucleus cuneiformis (CnF), located just ventrolateral to the periaqueductal gray, is part of the descending pain modulatory system. Neurons in the CnF project to medullary nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), which plays an important role on pain modulation. In this study, we investigated the effect of microinjection of the non‐competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801, the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist AP‐7, and the kainate/AMPA receptor antagonist DNQX, alone or in combination with morphine into the nucleus cuneiformis on morphine‐induced analgesia to understand the role of glutamatergic receptors in the modulating activity of morphine. Antinociception was assessed with the tail‐flick test. Morphine (10, 20, 40μg in 0.5μl saline) had an antinociceptive effect, increasing tail‐flick latency in a dose‐dependent manner. Microinjection of MK‐801 (10μg/0.5μl saline) and AP7 (3μg/0.5μl saline) prior to morphine microinjection (10μg/0.5μl saline) attenuated the antinociceptive effects of morphine, whereas DNQX (0.5μg/0.5μl saline) showed a partial antinociceptive effect and potentiated the analgesic effect of morphine. These results indicated that the NMDA receptor partially potentiates the antinociceptive effect of morphine. Our results suggest that NMDA but not non‐NMDA receptors are involved in the antinociception produced by morphine in the CnF. The non‐NMDA receptors in this area may have a facilitatory effect on nociceptive transmission. The fact that morphine's effect was potentiated by NMDA receptor suggests that projection neurons within the CnF are under tonic, glutamatergic input and when the influence of this input is blocked, the descending inhibitory system is inactivated.
Abl‐SH3 binding protein 2, 3BP2, interacts with CIN85 and HIP‐55
Authors: Le Bras Séverine , Moon Cheol , Foucault Isabelle , Breittmayer Jean-Philippe , Deckert Marcel
Published: February 2007

The adapter 3BP2 is involved in leukocyte signaling downstream Src/Syk‐kinases coupled immunoreceptors. Here, we show that 3BP2 directly interacts with the endocytic scaffold protein CIN85 and the actin‐binding protein HIP‐55. 3BP2 co‐localized with CIN85 and HIP‐55 in T cell rafts and at the T cell/APC synapse, an active zone of receptors and proteins recycling. A binding region of CIN85 SH3 domains on 3BP2 was mapped to a PVPTPR motif in the first proline‐rich region of 3BP2, whereas the C‐terminal SH3 domain of HIP‐55 bound a more distal proline‐rich domain of 3BP2. Together, our data suggest an unexpected role of 3BP2 in endocytic and cytoskeletal regulation through its interaction with CIN85 and HIP‐55.
Overexpression of mitochondrial uncoupling protein‐3 does not decrease production of the reactive oxygen species, elevated by palmitate in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Duval Carine , Cámara Yolanda , Hondares Elayne , Sibille Brigitte , Villarroya Francesc
Published: February 2007

Fatty acids induced an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced NF‐κB activation in L6 myotubes differentiated in culture. Palmitate proved more effective than oleate in eliciting these effects. The induction of uncoupling protein‐3 (UCP3) at levels similar to those occurring in vivo, attained through the use of an adenoviral vector, led to a reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential in L6 myotubes. However, the capacity of palmitate to increase ROS was not reduced but, quite the opposite, it was moderately enhanced due to the presence of UCP3. The presence of UCP3 in mitochondria did not modify the expression of genes encoding ROS‐related enzymes, either in basal conditions or in the presence of palmitate. However, in the presence of UCP3, UCP2 mRNA expression was down‐regulated in response to palmitate. We conclude that UCP3 does not act as a protective agent against palmitate‐dependent induction of ROS production in differentiated skeletal muscle cells.
Forming government elites in a new democracy: The case of Poland
Authors: Raciborski Jacek
Published: February 2007

In this article we describe a study of the construction of governments in Poland by concentrating on the recruitment of individuals to government positions. (1) We therefore consider social, political, and institutional factors in the construction of the government’s cabinets. (2) We examine the question of the path to the highest government positions—where did the people exercising power come from and what qualifications do they have? Finally, we discuss the results in the context of institutionalization of political life in Poland.
The Manager's Question and Answer Book
Authors: Tidwell Janet
Published: February 2007

The Manager's Question and Answer Book Florence M. Stone 2003, 256 pages $17.95 soft cover
BOUNDS FOR CERTAIN LINEAR COMBINATIONS OF THE FABER COEFFICIENTS OF FUNCTIONS ANALYTIC IN AN ELLIPSE
Authors: Haliloglu E.
Published: February 2007

Let $\varOmega$ be a bounded, simply connected domain in $\mathbb{C}$ with $0\in\varOmega$ and $\partial\varOmega$ analytic. Let $S(\varOmega)$ denote the class of functions $F(z)$ which are analytic and univalent in $\varOmega$ with $F(0)=0$ and $F'(0)=1$. Let $\{\varPhi_{n}(z)\}_{n=0}^{\infty}$ be the Faber polynomials associated with $\varOmega$. If $F(z)\in S(\varOmega)$, then $F(z)$ can be expanded in a series of the form

$$ F(z)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}A_{n}\varPhi_{n}(z),\quad z\in\varOmega, $$

in terms of the Faber polynomials. Let

$$ E_{r}=\bigg\{(x,y)\in\mathbb{R}^{2}:\frac{x^{2}}{(1+(1/r^{2}))^{2}}+\frac{y^{2}}{(1-(1/r^{2}))^{2}}\lt1\bigg\}, $$

where $r\gt1$.

In this paper, we obtain sharp bounds for certain linear combinations of the Faber coefficients of functions $F(z)$ in $S(E_{r})$ and in certain related classes.
COMMUTATIVITY OF SKEW SYMMETRIC ELEMENTS IN GROUP RINGS
Authors: Broche Cristo Osnel , Polcino Milies César
Published: February 2007

Let $R$ be a commutative ring with unity and let $G$ be a group. The group ring $RG$ has a natural involution that maps each element $g\in G$ to its inverse. We denote by $RG^-$ the set of skew symmetric elements under this involution. We study necessary and sufficient conditions for $RG^-$ to be commutative.
MORITA EQUIVALENCE FOR C*-ALGEBRAS WITH THE WEAK BANACH–SAKS PROPERTY. II
Authors: Kusuda Masaharu
Published: February 2007

Let $C^*$-algebras $A$ and $B$ be Morita equivalent and let $X$ be an $A$–$B$-imprimitivity bimodule. Suppose that $A$ or $B$ is unital. It is shown that $X$ has the weak Banach–Saks property if and only if it has the uniform weak Banach–Saks property. Thus, we conclude that $A$ or $B$ has the weak Banach–Saks property if and only if $X$ does so. Furthermore, when $C^*$-algebras $A$ and $B$ are unital, it is shown that $X$ has the Banach–Saks property if and only if it is finite dimensional.
STRONGLY CLEAN POWER SERIES RINGS
Authors: Chen Jianlong , Zhou Yiqiang
Published: February 2007

An element $a$ in a ring $R$ with identity is called strongly clean if it is the sum of an idempotent and a unit that commute. And $a\in R$ is called strongly $\pi$-regular if both chains $aR\supseteq a^2R\supseteq\cdots$ and $Ra\supseteq Ra^2\supseteq\cdots$ terminate. A ring $R$ is called strongly clean (respectively, strongly $\pi$-regular) if every element of $R$ is strongly clean (respectively, strongly $\pi$-regular). Strongly $\pi$-regular elements of a ring are all strongly clean. Let $\sigma$ be an endomorphism of $R$. It is proved that for $\varSigma r_ix^i\in R[[x,\sigma]]$, if $r_0$ or $1-r_0$ is strongly $\pi$-regular in $R$, then $\varSigma r_ix^i$ is strongly clean in $R[[x,\sigma]]$. In particular, if $R$ is strongly $\pi$-regular, then $R[[x,\sigma]]$ is strongly clean. It is also proved that if $R$ is a strongly $\pi$-regular ring, then $R[x,\sigma]/(x^n)$ is strongly clean for all $n\ge1$ and that the group ring of a locally finite group over a strongly regular or commutative strongly $\pi$-regular ring is strongly clean.
INVOLUTIONS ON THE SECOND DUALS OF GROUP ALGEBRAS AND A MULTIPLIER PROBLEM
Authors: Farhadi H. , Ghahramani F.
Published: February 2007

We show that if a locally compact group $G$ is non-discrete or has an infinite amenable subgroup, then the second dual algebra $L^1(G)^{**}$ does not admit an involution extending the natural involution of $L^1(G)$. Thus, for the above classes of groups we answer in the negative a question raised by Duncan and Hosseiniun in 1979. We also find necessary and sufficient conditions for the dual of certain left-introverted subspaces of the space $C_b(G)$ (of bounded continuous functions on $G$) to admit involutions. We show that the involution problem is related to a multiplier problem. Finally, we show that certain non-trivial quotients of $L^1(G)^{**}$ admit involutions.
AN ASYMPTOTIC MAJORANT FOR SOLUTIONS OF STURM–LIOUVILLE EQUATIONS IN $L_P(\mathbb{R})$
Authors: Chernyavskaya N. A. , Shuster L. A.
Published: February 2007

Under certain assumptions on $g(x)$, we obtain an asymptotic formula for computing integrals of the form

$$ F(x,\alpha)=\int_{-\infty}^\infty g(t)^\alpha\exp\biggl(-\bigg|\int_x^tg(\xi)\,\mathrm{d}\xi\bigg|\biggr)\,\mathrm{d}t,\quad\alpha\in\mathbb{R}, $$

as $|x|\to\infty$. We use this formula to study the properties (as $|x|\to\infty$) of the solutions of the correctly solvable equations in $L_p(\mathbb{R})$, $p\in[1,\infty]$,

\begin{equation} -y''(x)+q(x)y(x)=f(x),\quad x\in\mathbb{R}, \tag{1} \end{equation}

where $0\le q\in L_1^{\mathrm{loc}}(\mathbb{R})$, and $f\in L_p(\mathbb{R})$. (Equation (1) is called correctly solvable in a given space $L_p(\mathbb{R})$ if for any function $f\in L_p(\mathbb{R})$ it has a unique solution $y\in L_p(\mathbb{R})$ and if the following inequality holds with an absolute constraint $c_p\in(0,\infty)$: $\|y\|_{L_p(\mathbb{R})}\leq c(p)\|f\|_{L_p(\mathbb{R})}$, $\forall f\in L_p(\mathbb{R})$.)
THRESHOLD OF GLOBAL EXISTENCE FOR THE CRITICAL NONLINEAR GROSS–PITAEVSKII EQUATION
Authors: Chen Guanggan , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2007

This paper is concerned with the critical nonlinear Gross–Pitaevskii equation, which describes the attractive Bose–Einstein condensate under a magnetic trap. We derive a sharp threshold between the global existence and the blowing-up of the system. Furthermore, we answer the question: how small are the initial data, such that the system has global solutions for the nonlinear critical power $p=1+(4/N)$?
Fan-delta sedimentation in the Silurian Coralliferous Formation of SW Wales: implications for the structure of the southern margin of the Welsh Basin
Authors: VEEVERS S. J. , THOMAS A. T. , TURNER P.
Published: February 2007

The uppermost Llandovery to lower Wenlock Coralliferous ‘Group’ in SW Pembrokeshire is here redefined as a single formation with two members. The Coralliferous Formation is approximately 150 m thick and comprises a basal unit of granule- to pebble-grade rudite beds, the Renney Slip Member, overlain by interbedded mudstones and fine sandstones of the Deadman's Bay Member. The Renney Slip Member lies unconformably above the Skomer Volcanic Group and includes 12.4 m of coarse grained, granule- and pebble-rich rudites, with beds up to 0.94 m thick. Three lithofacies are recognized within this unit: coarse, granule-rich rudite beds are interpreted as a variety of mass flow deposits, some of which have been reworked in a marine environment; thick sandstones with planar and ripple lamination are shoreface to offshore transition zone deposits; silty mudstones interbedded with very fine grained sandstones represent marine offshore deposits, formed largely below mean storm wave base. These facies associations, and abundant bioturbation, indicate an environment with a strong marine influence, and a proximal source of coarse grained sediment. The Renney Slip Member is reinterpreted in the context of a fan delta depositional model. At least seven cycles of deposition are recognized, each showing an upwards-fining pattern, representing deposition from fan delta, shoreface–transition zone to open marine environments. These patterns of deposition are attributed to localized tectonic movements causing variations in relative sea level. At the time the Renney Slip Member was deposited, the southern Welsh Basin margin is interpreted as a fault-block extensional margin, with the landmass of Pretannia to the south. Though fan-delta deposition took place southwards against the uplifted footwall of the Wenall Fault, the basin margin lay to the south of the Ritec Fault.
Evidence for perturbation of the carbon cycle in the Middle Frasnian punctata Zone (Late Devonian)
Authors: YANS J. , CORFIELD R. M. , RACKI G. , PREAT A.
Published: February 2007

New carbon isotopic data from the Devonian of Ardennes (Belgium) and partly from the Holy Cross Mountains (Poland) highlight an abrupt and high-amplitude negative excursion in the punctata conodont Zone. Published information from Moravia and China suggests that this Middle Frasnian negative excursion, jointly with the preceding large-scale positive shift, should be used as a global chemostratigraphic marker. Causation scenarios for this negative ‘punctata Event’ are correlated neither with major biota turnover nor major sea-level changes, but may be related to: (1) the Alamo Impact Event, that led to (2) the massive dissociation of methane hydrates and (3) the rapid onset of global warming.
A re-evaluation of Chinshakiangosaurus chunghoensis Ye vide Dong 1992 (Dinosauria, Sauropodomorpha): implications for cranial evolution in basal sauropod dinosaurs
Authors: UPCHURCH PAUL , BARRETT PAUL M. , XIJIN ZHAO , XING XU
Published: February 2007

Re-description of the left dentary of Chinshakiangosaurus chunghoensis reveals that it possesses an unusual combination of ‘prosauropod’ and ‘sauropod’ character states. Cladistic analysis places Chinshakiangosaurus as one of the most basal sauropods known currently. Mapping of dentary and dental characters onto the most parsimonious topologies yields insights into the sequence of acquisition of a number of feeding-related characters. For example, it seems that basal sauropodomorphs (traditional prosauropod taxa) possessed a fleshy cheek that attached to the mandible along a marked ridge, and that the same structure was present in the most basal sauropods. The early sauropod skull developed a lateral plate that reinforced the bases of the tooth crowns labially, and had wrinkled tooth enamel and a concavity on the mesial portion of the lingual part of each crown, while retaining a fleshy cheek and a relatively weak symphysis. More advanced sauropods (eusauropods) lost the cheek, perhaps in order to increase the gape of the jaws in response to a change in feeding style that involved collection of larger quantities of poor quality foliage.
Biostratigraphic precision of the Cruziana rugosa group: a study from the Ordovician succession of southern and central Bolivia
Authors: EGENHOFF SVEN O. , WEBER BERND , LEHNERT OLIVER , MALETZ JÖRG
Published: February 2007

Cruziana ichnospecies have been repeatedly reported to have biostratigraphic significance. This study presents a re-evaluation of the arthropod ichnotaxa of the Cruziana rugosa Group from bio- and/or lithostratigraphically well-defined Lower to Upper Ordovician siliciclastic sections of southern and central Bolivia. With the exception of Cruziana rouaulti, the ichnofaunas contain all the members of the Cruziana rugosa Group throughout the Ordovician (Arenig to Caradoc) successions in Bolivia. The Bolivian material therefore indicates that these arthropod ichnofossil assemblages are suitable for recognizing Ordovician strata in Bolivia. These findings cast doubt on their use as reliable indicators for a global intra-Ordovician (Arenig to Caradoc) biozonation of Peri-Gondwanan sedimentary successions.
Alternative ion-acoustic solitary waves in magnetized plasma consisting of warm adiabatic ions and non-thermal electrons having vortex-like velocity distribution: existence and stability
Authors: DAS JAYASREE , BANDYOPADHYAY ANUP , DAS K.P.
Published: February 2007

The solitary structures of the ion-acoustic waves have been considered in a plasma consisting of warm adiabatic ions and non-thermal electrons (due to the presence of fast energetic electrons) having a vortex-like velocity distribution function (due to the presence of trapped electrons), immersed in a uniform (space-independent) and static (time-independent) magnetic field. The nonlinear dynamics of ion-acoustic waves in such a plasma is governed by the Schamel's modified Korteweg–de Vries–Zakharov–Kuznetsov (S-ZK) equation. This equation admits solitary wave solutions having a profile sech4. When the coefficient of the nonlinear term of this equation vanishes, the vortex-like velocity distribution function of electrons simply becomes the non-thermal velocity distribution function of electrons and the nonlinear behaviour of the same ion-acoustic wave is described by a Korteweg–de Vries–Zakharov–Kuznetsov (KdV-ZK) equation. This equation admits solitary wave solutions having a profile sech2. A combined S–KdV–ZK equation more efficiently describes the nonlinear behaviour of an ion-acoustic wave when the vortex-like velocity distribution function of electrons approaches the non-thermal velocity distribution function of electrons, i.e. when the contribution of trapped electrons tends to zero. This combined S-KdV-ZK equation admits an alternative solitary wave solution having a profile different from either sech4or sech2. The condition for the existence of this alternative solitary wave solution has been derived. It is found that this alternative solitary wave solution approaches the solitary wave solution (the sech2profile) of the KdV-ZK equation when the contribution of trapped electrons tends to zero. The three-dimensional stability of these solitary waves propagating obliquely to the external uniform and static magnetic field has been investigated by the multiple-scale perturbation expansion method of Allen and Rowlands. The instability condition and the growth rate of the instability have been derived at the lowest order. It is also found that the instability condition and growth rate of instability of the alternative solitary waves are exactly the same as those of the solitary waves as determined from the KdV-ZK equation (the sech2profile) when the contribution of trapped electrons tends to zero.
On the existence of resistive magnetohydrodynamic equilibria
Authors: TASSO H. , THROUMOULOPOULOS G. N.
Published: February 2007

A necessary condition for the existence of general dissipative magneto-hydrodynamic equilibria is derived. The derivation comprises Ohm's law and the existence of magnetic surfaces, only in the sense of the Kolmogorov–Arnold–Moser (KAM) theorem. All other equations describing the system are only required for evaluating the condition for a specific case.
Morphometric study of eosinophils, mast cells, macrophages and fibrosis in the colon of chronic chagasic patients with and without megacolon
Authors: da SILVEIRA A. B. M. , ADAD S. J. , CORREA-OLIVEIRA R. , FURNESS J. B. , D'AVILA REIS D.
Published: February 2007

The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of chagasic megacolon are not completely characterized. Although autoimmunity may play a role in the pathogenesis of Chagas' disease, recent studies suggest a positive association of tissue parasitism, inflammation, and severity of lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of inflammatory cells and the occurrence of fibrosis in the colon of chagasic patients with and without megacolon. Samples from 26 patients were randomly selected and paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were sectioned and evaluated by histology and immunohistochemistry to analyse the occurrence and relation among eosinophils, mast cells, macrophages and fibrosis. Section analyses showed that the presence of eosinophils and mast cells in the analysed inflammatory cells has a direct correlation with fibrosis density in the chagasic megacolon. These data suggest that the megacolon's pathogenesis is based on a continuous process of cell damage. Our data propose that eosinophils, mast cells and macrophages may have a direct connection with the occurrence of fibrosis in the colon of chagasic patients. We believe that potential therapeutic agents against these cells could avoid the fibrosis process and contribute to prevent the development of chagasic megacolon.
Haemoparasites of common shrews (Sorex araneus) in Northwest England
Authors: BRAY D. P. , BOWN K. J. , STOCKLEY P. , HURST J. L. , BENNETT M. , BIRTLES R. J.
Published: February 2007

The presence of haemoparasites belonging to the taxaAnaplasma,BartonellaandTrypanosomawas determined among 76 common shrews (Sorex araneus) from Northwest England.Anaplasma phagocytophilumDNA was recovered from the blood of 1 shrew (1·3%), with the amplified 16S rRNA sequence identical to one previously reported from a bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus).Trypanosomaspp. DNA was detected in 9 shrews (11·8%), the amplified 18S rDNA fragments being indistinguishable from one another, and distinct from previously published data. This represents the first report of trypanosome infection inS. araneusand suggests they are susceptible to an uncharacterizedTrypanosomaspecies. Blood from 11 shrews (14·5%) yieldedBartonellaspp., with characterization of isolates using comparative sequence analysis of partialgltAand 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer regions revealing 2 different genotypes. Phylogenetic inference from alignment of partialgltAsequences found that both UKS. araneustypes formed a well-supported cluster withBartonellasp. isolated fromS. araneusin Sweden. No significant effect of host age, sex, or year of collection was found on prevalence ofBartonellaor trypanosome infections. The results of this survey demonstrate that common shrews in the UK are susceptible to haemoparasitic infections, at prevalences similar to those reported from sympatric rodents.
Re-feeding rapidly restores protection againstHeligmosomoides bakeri(Nematoda) in protein-deficient mice
Authors: TU T. , KOSKI K. G. , WYKES L. J. , SCOTT M. E.
Published: February 2007

This study determined whether the timing of re-feeding of protein-deficient mice restored functional protection against the gastrointestinal nematode,Heligmosomoides bakeri. Balb/c mice were fed a 3% protein-deficient (PD) diet and then transferred to 24% protein-sufficient (PS) diet either on the day of primary infection, 10 days after the primary infection, on the day of challenge infection, or 7 days after the challenge infection. Control mice were fed either the PD or PS diet. Onset of challenge, but not primary, infection caused short-term body weight loss, anorexia and reduced feed efficiency. Weight gain was delayed in mice when re-feeding commenced on the day of challenge infection; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was also elevated in these mice on day 28 post-challenge. In contrast, other re-feeding groups attained similar body weights to PS mice within 4 days and had similar ALP at day 28. Serum leptin was higher in PD than PS mice and positively associated with food intake. As expected, worm survival was prolonged in mice fed the PD diet. However, egg production and worm burdens were similar in all re-feeding groups to the PS mice, indicating that protein re-feeding during either the primary or challenge infection rapidly restored normal parasite clearance.
The temporal dynamics of relationships between cannabis, psychosis and depression among young adults with psychotic disorders: findings from a 10-month prospective study
Authors: DEGENHARDT LOUISA , TENNANT CHRIS , GILMOUR STUART , SCHOFIELD DAVID , NASH LOUISE , HALL WAYNE , McKAY DIANA
Published: February 2007

Background. The aim was to examine the temporal relationships over 10 months between cannabis use and symptoms of psychosis and depression in people with schizophrenia and related disorders. The design was a prospective study of 101 patients with schizophrenia and related disorders who were assessed monthly over 10 months on medication compliance, cannabis and other drug use, symptoms of depression and symptoms of psychosis.

Method. Linear regression methods to assess relationships between cannabis use and symptoms of psychosis and depression while adjusting for serial dependence, medication compliance and other demographic and clinical variables.

Results. Cannabis use predicted a small but statistically significant increase in symptoms of psychosis, but not depression, after controlling for other differences between cannabis users and non-users. Symptoms of depression and psychosis did not predict cannabis use.

Conclusion. Continued cannabis use by persons with schizophrenia predicts a small increase in psychotic symptom severity but not vice versa.
Suicide ideation, plans and attempts in Ukraine: findings from the Ukraine World Mental Health Survey
Authors: BROMET EVELYN J. , HAVENAAR JOHAN M. , TINTLE NATHAN , KOSTYUCHENKO STANISLAV , KOTOV ROMAN , GLUZMAN SEMYON
Published: February 2007

Background. Because the suicide rates in Eastern Europe have increased, the epidemiology of suicide behaviors in this part of the world is in urgent need of study. Using data from the Ukraine site of the World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative, we present the first population-based findings from a former Soviet country on the descriptive epidemiology of suicide ideation, plans and attempts, and their links to current functioning and service utilization.

Method. In 2002, a nationally representative sample of 4725 adults in Ukraine was interviewed with the World Health Organization (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Risk factors included demographic characteristics, trauma, smoking, and parental and personal psychiatric disorders. Current functional impairments and recent service utilization were assessed.

Results. The lifetime prevalence of suicide ideation was 8·2%. The average age of onset was 31. The key risk factors were female sex, younger age, trauma, parental depression, and prior alcohol, depressive and intermittent explosive disorders, especially the presence of co-morbidity. Ideators had poorer functioning and greater use of health services. One-third of ideators had a plan, and one-fifth made an attempt. Among ideators, young age, smoking and prior psychiatric disorders were risk factors for these behaviors.

Conclusions. Together with the increasing suicide rate, these results suggest that suicide intervention programs in Ukraine should focus on the generation of young adults under 30. The associations with co-morbidity, impairments in current functioning and greater service use indicate that a physician education program on suicidality should be comprehensive in scope and a public health priority in Ukraine.
Career orientation and pedagogical training: conservatoire undergraduates' insights
Authors: Miller John , Baker David
Published: February 2007

This article explores music conservatoire undergraduates' career aspirations and notions of their pedagogical training, through biographical interviews with 16 students from the School of Wind and Percussion, Royal Northern College of Music. Findings suggest that pedagogical training, which begins in the second college year, serves as a catalyst for changes in career orientation. Students begin, however, with limited intention of teaching. Performance is commonly their focus at the outset. Furthermore, boundaries are perceived between conservatoires which offer elite performance training, and those with a broader curricular base. The practicalities of attracting future students, whilst offering apt and substantial pedagogical erudition within a performance-centred arena, are explored.
A Response to Eleanor Denny
Authors: Finney John
Published: February 2007

Attend a conference of music educational researchers and you will have entered a field of enquiry concerned to understand and explain the issues and problems identified by those who move within the field of enquiry. The inhabitants of this realm sometimes speak of young people, sometimes reveal the ways in which they have consulted them, probed their ways of seeing and allowed their voice to speak. In rare circumstances the researcher may have negotiated a relationship involving a shared interest enabling the young person to work alongside them as co-enquirer. However, in general, social enquiry has been slow to move from treating young people as objects of enquiry to co-enquirer. The researcher will be speaking from a position of power with the authority to make legitimate some knowledge and not other. It is the adult researcher who poses the questions and presents the problems and who works in response to data and findings that accrue from the efforts of other adult researchers. Beyond this the adult researcher engages in research activities with a particular view of childhood, with a construct of how children are and in what ways they can inform an adult world. While childhood is of course a contested concept, it is suggested that the notion of child as dependent remains the most enduring and durable.