bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment with topical capsaicin: Experience from a pain clinic
Authors: Rørbæk Marianne , Ventzel Lise , Gottrup Hanne
Published: July 2012

Background

Neuropathic pain is usually treated with antidepressants and anticonvulsant. The use of systemic treatment is, however, limited due to poor tolerability and low efficacy. Qutenza, a topical capsaicin patch (8%), is a relatively new treatment for patients with peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) conditions. The indication for using topical capsaicin treatment is peripheral neuropathic pain in patients without diabetes.

Aim

To describe the use of topical capsaicin treatment in a pain clinic in patients with PNP.

Methods

Case series of patients in a neuropathic pain clinic.

Results

Since October 2010, 40 patients with PNP with different aetiologies have been treated with topical capsaicin; 14 patients had nerve injuries in feet or lower leg or polyneuropathy, 13 patients had nerve lesions related to fingers, hands or arms, seven patients had pain after thoracotomy, four patients postherpetic neuralgia, and two patients had other lesions.

Almost half of the patients (47%) were responders and achieved a decrease in pain intensity as well as increased their quality of life (QoL). Responders received 1–6 treatments with capsaicin. Most responders were found in the post-thoracotomy group, of which 86% had a clinical significant reduction in pain. In the group with injuries to the hands, fingers and arms, 46% experienced a reduction in pain. Only 23% of patients with PNP in the feet and lower leg were responders; these patients had a clinical significant increase in QoL.

Conclusion

In 40 patients with PNP who were treated with topical capsaicin, we found an increase in QoL and a decrease in mean pain intensity of 3 measured on a VAS scale (0–10) in 47% of the treated patients.
Distribution of concussion related symptoms after whiplash injury in risk strata
Authors: Kasch Helge , Jensen Troels S.
Published: July 2012

Background/aims

The presence and severity of concussion related symptoms after acute whiplash injury are debatable. In this study we examine the distribution and development of the burden of concussion related symptoms in whiplash patients.

Methods

Consecutively 141 acute whiplash patients and 40 ankle injured controls were recruited from emergency units and were examined after 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 12 months obtaining neck/head VAS score, number-of-non-painful complaints, epidemiological, social, psychological data and neurological examination, active neck mobility, and furthermore muscle tenderness and pain response, strength and duration of neck muscles. Risk factors derived (reduced CROM, intense neckpain/headache, multiple non-pain complaints) were applied in a Risk Assessment Score and divided into 7 risk-strata (refer Kasch et al., Spine 2011). After 1 week and 6 months whiplash patients fulfilled the Rivermead Oxford Head Injury questionnaire (10 items, score from 0 = no change to 4 = very marked change, Danish Version, total score range from 0 to 40).

Results

138 acute whiplash patients fulfilled the Rivermead Oxford Head Injury questionnaire after 1 week and 111 after 6 months. The distribution was markedly different in the risk strata, in stratum 7 the sum score was a factor 10 higher than stratum 1 after 1 week (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 1.4 × 10–7) and remained high 6 months after injury (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Mild concussion symptoms do not necessarily reflect eventual concussion, but are found after injuries with no direct head trauma and amnesia e.g. whiplash injuries. The Risk Assessment Score fits nicely with the burden of concussion related symptoms after whiplash injury.
Long-term shoreline retreat rates on Whidbey Island, Washington, USA
Authors: Rogers Heather E. , Swanson Terry W. , Stone John O.
Published: July 2012

Long-term retreat rates of Puget Sound's unconsolidated sediment shorelines have been difficult to quantify, and little systematic research has been completed to constrain retreat in this area. We put forward a new application of cosmogenic 10Be exposure dating to assess long-term shoreline retreat on Whidbey Island, WA by dating lag boulders exposed on the shore platform as the shoreline erodes. Production of 10Be in shoreline boulders is modulated by both tidal submergence and topographic shielding from the retreating bluff. By modeling the combined effect of these variables on 10Be production, the timing of exposure can be determined and used to calculate long-term (103–104 yr) bluff retreat rates. In rare cases, retreat rates are underestimated due to inherited 10Be. Within the study area, average retreat rates ranged between 0 and 8 cm yr− 1. Our results demonstrate the utility of cosmogenic nuclides for determining long-term shoreline retreat rates in areas with thick sediment cover, where large numbers of samples can be collected, and where the pre-depositional history of the boulders is uncomplicated.
The Traprain Law Treasure and ‘Irish Pirates’
Authors: Painter Kenneth
Published: July 2012

The treasure of Roman Hacksilber from Traprain Law, a massive hill fort east of Edinburgh, has been interpreted since its publication in 1923 by Alexander Curle as an illustration of the last days of Roman Britain, and as having been broken up by Irish pirates or raiders in or about ad 405. The attribution resulted from an attempt to link historical or semi-historical sources, in particular about the Irish hero Niall of the Nine Hostages and St Patrick, with an archaeological discovery. Modern scholarship, however, has shown that Niall and St Patrick are to be dated to the middle or late fifth century, not to the late fourth and early fifth century, and so the argument that the Traprain Law treasure was connected with ‘Irish pirates’ fails.
Early weaning is associated with higher neuropeptide Y (NPY) and lower cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) expressions in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in adulthood
Authors: Younes-Rapozo Viviane , de Moura Egberto Gaspar , da Silva Lima Natália , Barradas Penha Cristina , Manhães Alex C. , de Oliveira Elaine , Lisboa Patricia Cristina
Published: July 2012

The interruption of lactation for a short period, without the use of pharmacological substances or maternal separation, causes offspring malnutrition and hypoleptinaemia and programmes for metabolic disorders such as higher body weight and adiposity, hyperphagia, hyperleptinaemia and central leptin resistance in adulthood. Here, in order to clarify the mechanisms underlying the phenotype observed in adult early-weaned (EW) rats, we studied the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related peptide (AgRP), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in different hypothalamic nuclei by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. In the EW group, the teats of lactating rats were blocked with a bandage to interrupt lactation during the last 3 d, while control pups had free access to milk throughout the entire lactation period. At age 180 d, EW offspring showed higher NPY staining in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), as well as NPY protein content (+68 %) in total hypothalamus than control ones. AgRP showed no changes in staining or Western blot. POMC content was not affected; however, its distribution pattern was altered. CART-positive cells of EW offspring had lower immunoreactivity associated with reduced cell number in the PVN and lower protein content ( − 38 %) in total hypothalamus. The present data indicate that precocious weaning can imprint the neuronal circuitry, especially in the PVN, and cause a long-term effect on the expression of specific orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides, such as NPY and CART, that can be caused by leptin resistance and are coherent with the hyperphagia observed in these animals.
Association of fish and n-3 fatty acid intake with the risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Zhou Yunping , Tian Changwei , Jia Chongqi
Published: July 2012

Results from observational studies on the association of fish and n-3 fatty acid consumption with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk are conflicting. Hence, a meta-analysis was performed to investigate this association from cohort studies. A comprehensive search was then conducted to identify cohort studies on the association of fish and/or n-3 fatty acid intake with T2DM risk. In the highest v. lowest categorical analyses, the fixed or random-effect model was selected based on the homogeneity test among studies. Linear and non-linear dose–response relationships were also assessed by univariate and bivariate random-effect meta-regression with restricted maximum likelihood estimation. In the highest v. lowest categorical analyses, the pooled relative risk (RR) of T2DM for intake of fish and n-3 fatty acid was 1·146 (95 % CI 0·975, 1·346) and 1·076 (95 % CI 0·955, 1·213), respectively. In the linear dose–response relationship, the pooled RR for an increment of one time (about 105 g)/week of fish intake (four times/month) and of 0·1 g/d of n-3 fatty acid intake was 1·042 (95 % CI 1·026, 1·058) and 1·057 (95 % CI 1·042, 1·073), respectively. The significant non-linear dose–response associations of fish and n-3 fatty acid intake with T2DM risk were not observed. The present evidence from observational studies suggests that the intake of both fish and n-3 fatty acids might be weakly positively associated with the T2DM risk. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
The effect of relatedness on the response of Adalia bipunctata L. to oviposition deterring cues
Authors: Martini X. , Dixon A.F.G. , Hemptinne J.-L.
Published: July 2012

Larvae of aphidophagous ladybirds leave a cue in their tracks that deters oviposition. The influence of relatedness on this behaviour is for the first time explored in this paper. Two-spot ladybird females (Adalia bipunctata L.) under different conditions (young and naive, young and experienced, and old and naive) were exposed either to (i) clean filter paper, (ii) filter paper contaminated with unrelated larval tracks or (iii) filter paper contaminated with related larval tracks from their offspring. Oviposition time was recorded during nine hours. Oviposition was inhibited by larval tracks, and was more so by related than unrelated ones. Experienced females showed the same behaviour but with lower intensity. With old females, response was not significant with any type of larval tracks. This is the first report of the effect of relatedness on a ladybird's response to larval tracks.
Mineralogy, geochemistry and petrogenesis of igneous inclusions within three inactive diapirs, Zagros belt, Shahre-kord, Iran
Authors: TAGHIPOUR SEDIGHEH , KHALILI MAHMOUD , MACKIZADEH MOHAMMAD ALI , KANANIAN ALI , TAGHIPOUR BATOUL
Published: July 2012

The Kaj-Rostam Abad, Dashtak and Doab diapirs are part of the Precambrian–Cambrian Hormuz series that are rich in igneous inclusions concentrated by dissolution of diapiric salt. They are situated in the Iran–Pakistan salt range and commonly associated with inclusions of basalt, trachyte, andesite, micro-gabbro, gypsum and anhydrite, with lesser amounts of carbonate rocks. The mineral assemblage in these inclusions developed in three stages: (I) magmatic stage (diopside, Ti-augite, kaersutite, plagioclase, apatite, biotite and opaque minerals), (II) late magmatic stage (biotite, quartz, chlorite, albite, calcite, titanite, epidote, actinolite and opaque minerals) and (III) vein mineralization (quartz, chlorite, albite, calcite, garnet, epidote, opaque minerals and actinolite). Clinopyroxene is diopside to Ti-augite. Actinolite, kaersutite, albite and pycnochlorite are constituents of the metasomatic rocks of the area. Chlorite geothermometry yielded a temperature of 330–500 °C for chlorite formation. Clinopyroxene thermobarometry ranges from 960 ≤T≤ 1440 °C and 1 ≤P≤ 10 kbar. The presence of halite-bearing fluid inclusions in hydrothermal quartz veins with homogenization temperatures between 320 and 350 °C points to strong evidence of hydrothermal events. The salinity of these fluids is 39.8–42.7 wt% NaCl. δ18O data on hydrothermal quartz veins range from 14.89 to 22.09 ‰ (SMOW), indicating that the studied samples were affected by fluids originated from sedimentary-evaporitic rocks. Meteoric water that penetrated the evaporitic rocks likely mixed with late magmatic fluids while subjected to magmatic heat, when buried to depths of several kilometres by the Phanerozoic cover sequence. Whole-rock geochemistry data for the studied rocks emphasize their alkaline to sub-alkaline affinities, in a transitional magmatic series.
Influence of the different sodium chloride concentrations on microbiological and physico-chemical characteristics of mozzarella cheese
Authors: Faccia Michele , Mastromatteo Marianna , Conte Amalia , Del Nobile Matteo Alessandro
Published: July 2012

In this work the effects of addition of different amounts of sodium chloride, during cheese making, on shelf life of mozzarella cheese were evaluated. The mozzarella cheese quality decay was assessed during storage at 9 °C by monitoring microbiological, sensory and physico-chemical changes in the product. Results showed thatPseudomonasspp. growth was responsible for cheese unacceptability, whereas the sensory quality did not limit cheese shelf life. In particular, the highest shelf life values were obtained for mozzarella without salt and with the lowest salt concentration (0·23 g NaCl), and amounted to about 5 and 4 d, respectively. On the contrary, high salt concentrations affected product shelf life, probably as a consequence of progressive solubilisation of cheese casein, due to the phenomenon of ‘salting in’.
Rousseau's Legacy in Two Conceptions of the General Will: Democratic and Transcendent
Authors: Bertram Christopher
Published: July 2012

This paper explores the contrast between two conceptions of the general will to be found in Rousseau's work, especially in theSocial Contract. The first of these identifies the general will with the decisions of the sovereign people as they legislate together; the second conceives of the general will as a transcendent fact about the society which may or may not be reflected in actual legislative decisions. Though these conceptions may be capable of reconciliation in Rousseau's own work, the tension remains and is reflected both in Rousseau's own ambivalence towards democracy and in the different ways his thought has been received and adapted in philosophy and politics.
Geometric classification of simple graph algebras
Authors: SØRENSEN ADAM P. W.
Published: July 2012

Inspired by Franks’ classification of irreducible shifts of finite type, we provide a short list of allowed moves on graphs that preserve the stable isomorphism class of the associated$C^*$-algebras. We show that if two graphs have stably isomorphic and simple unital algebras then we can use these moves to transform one into the other.
TIME SERIES REGRESSION ON INTEGRATED CONTINUOUS-TIME PROCESSES WITH HEAVY AND LIGHT TAILS
Authors: Fasen Vicky
Published: July 2012

The paper presents a cointegration model in continuous time, where the linear combinations of the integrated processes are modeled by a multivariate Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. The integrated processes are defined as vector-valued Lévy processes with an additional noise term. Hence, if we observe the process at discrete time points, we obtain a multiple regression model. As an estimator for the regression parameter we use the least squares estimator. We show that it is a consistent estimator and derive its asymptotic behavior. The limit distribution is a ratio of functionals of Brownian motions and stable Lévy processes, whose characteristic triplets have an explicit analytic representation. In particular, we present the Wald and thet-ratio statistic and simulate asymptotic confidence intervals. For the proofs we derive some central limit theorems for multivariate Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes.
Addressing Poverty and Climate Change: The Varieties of Social Engagement
Authors: Caney Simon
Published: July 2012

In this article I propose to explore two issues. The first concerns what kinds of contributions academics can make to reducing poverty. I argue that academics can contribute in a number of ways, and I seek to spell out the diversity of the options available. I concentrate on four ways in which these contributions might differ.

My second aim is to outline some norms that should inform any academic involvement in activities that seek to reduce poverty. I set out six proposals. These concern: (1) the need to construct coalitions among people with different ethical frameworks; (2) the value of constructing nonideal theory on the basis of our best understanding of an ideal world; (3) the need for integrated analysis that connects antipoverty initiatives to other areas of moral concern; (4) the vital importance of interdisciplinarity; (5) the need for epistemic modesty and revisability; and (6) the need for accountability.
Beyond Charity: Helping NGOs Lead a Transformative New Public Discourse on Global Poverty and Social Justice
Authors: Kirk Martin
Published: July 2012

Nongovernmental development organizations in the global North have a mission-critical blind spot: collectively, they are unequipped to intentionally bring about the kind of long-term change in social norms, attitudes, and beliefs in their home countries that their missions and their standard rhetoric demand. They long ago lost control of the media and public narratives around global development, if indeed they ever had it, and have instead been locked in a toxic and inaccurate paradigm, described through an increasingly outmoded core “charity” story that is unrepresentative of the reality of global development and that restricts their appeal to the public. Of the many reasons for this, one is examined in detail here: a disconnect with the latest learning from a range of academic disciplines, which leads to overreliance on consumer marketing approaches to communication and campaigning that are unsuited to the long-term and transformative tasks the NGOs set themselves. This paper looks to explore one diagnosis on public attitudes that such a connection would likely highlight; outline some of the key beliefs and assumptions that sustain the status quo; and suggest how academics, through a group such as Academics Stand Against Poverty, can help to start remedying the situation.
Modelling pertussis transmission to evaluate the effectiveness of an adolescent booster in Argentina
Authors: FABRICIUS G. , BERGERO P. E. , ORMAZABAL M. E. , MALTZ A. L. , HOZBOR D. F.
Published: July 2012

Due to the current epidemiological situation of pertussis, several countries have implemented vaccination strategies that include a booster dose for adolescents. Since there is still no evidence showing that the adolescent booster has a positive effect on the most vulnerable group represented by infants, it is difficult to universalize the recommendation to include such reinforcement. In this work we present an age-structured compartmental deterministic model that considers the outstanding epidemiological features of the disease in order to assess the impact of the booster dose at age 11 years (Tdap booster) to infants. To this end, we performed different parameterizations of the model that represent distinct possible epidemiological scenarios. The results obtained show that the inclusion of a single Tdap dose at age 11 years significantly reduces the incidence of the disease within this age group, but has a very low impact on the risk group (0–1 year). An effort to improve the coverage of the first dose would have a much greater impact on infants. These results hold in the 18 scenarios considered, which demonstrates the robustness of these conclusions.
Spatial patterns of total petroleum hydrocarbons in the terrestrial environment at McMurdo Station, Antarctica
Authors: Klein Andrew G. , Sweet Stephen T. , Wade Terry L. , Sericano José L. , Kennicutt Mahlon C.
Published: July 2012

Fossil fuels are used throughout the United States Antarctic Program. Accidental releases of petroleum hydrocarbons are the leading source of environmental contamination. Since 1999 McMurdo Station has been the site of the most extensive environmental monitoring programme in Antarctica. Nearly 2500 surface soil samples were collected from 1999–2007 to determine the spatial “footprint” of petroleum hydrocarbons. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) concentrations were measured using a high-resolution capillary gas chromatographic method with flame ionization detection. Three distinct TPH patterns were detected: low molecular weight gasoline/JP5/AN8, residual weathered petroleum and an unresolved complex mixture of high molecular weight material. Overall TPH concentrations were low with 38% of the samples having TPH concentrations below 30 ppm and 58% below 100 ppm. Total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations above 30 ppm are largely confined to the central portions of the station, along roads and in other areas where elevated TPH would be expected. Peripheral areas typically have TPH concentrations below 15 ppm. Areas of elevated TPH concentrations are patchy and of limited spatial extent, seldom extending over distances of 100 m. This environmental monitoring programme is ongoing and can serve as an example to other Antarctic programmes concerned with monitoring environmental impacts.
Direct evidence of the impact of longline fishery on mortality in the Black-footed AlbatrossPhoebastria nigripes
Authors: LEBRETON JEAN-DOMINIQUE , VÉRAN SOPHIE
Published: July 2012

The incidental bycatch of seabirds in longline fisheries is one of the most striking examples of diffuse and incidental impact of human activities on vertebrate species. While there are various types of evidence of a strong impact of longline fisheries on seabirds, in particular albatrosses, the incidental bycatch mortality has never been directly linked to estimates of bycatch derived from on-board surveys. We develop a capture-recapture analysis which relates the annual probability of survival in the Black-Footed Albatross to the estimated absolute bycatch. By converting the absolute bycatch into an estimate relative to population size and using the theory of exploited populations, we show that survival probability decreases linearly with bycatch, and that the bycatch is underestimated by at least 50%, confirming suspicions based on reviews of the bycatch survey procedures, and raising further concerns about the impact of longline fisheries on seabirds.
Mucilage formation in selected taxa of the genusArtemisiaL. (Asteraceae, Anthemideae)
Authors: Kreitschitz Agnieszka
Published: July 2012

The myxocarpic diaspores ofArtemisiataxa are characterized by the presence of mucilage cells in the achene coat, which differ between taxa and subgenera in shape and arrangement, and the ability to form a mucilage envelope after hydration. A detailed analysis of 38 taxa revealed three main achene behaviours related to achene coat structure and the modes of water retention after hydration. The most common achene coat possessed mucilage cells which formed a mucilage envelope after hydration; normally developed mucilage cells were able to produce mucilage after wetting. In taxa where the mucilage cells were not present in the achene coat, water was gathered under a loosely adhered achene coat or in the spaces between the covering trichomes. Myxocarpic diaspores were mostly observed in taxa occurring in dry habitats, whereas taxa devoid of the ability to produce mucilage grew predominately in mesotropic habitats. The ability to form a mucilage envelope was also related to the ploidy level. The shape and arrangement of the mucilage cells in the achene coat may differ between taxa and subgenera. InTridentatae, the mucilage cells were dispersed in groups, forming a characteristic pattern. The role of myxocarpy in the dispersal and distribution of theArtemisiataxa is discussed.
The international propagation of the financial crisis of 2008 and a comparison with 1931
Authors: Allen William A. , Moessner Richhild
Published: July 2012

We examine the international propagation of the financial crisis of 2008, and compare it with that of the crisis of 1931. Both crises featured a flight to liquidity and safety. We argue that the collateral squeeze in the United States, which became intense after the failure of Lehman Brothers, was an important propagator in 2008; in 1931 the acceptances granted by London banks to central European borrowers propagated the crisis to the UK. In both crises, central banks' reserve management actions contributed to the liquidity crisis. And in both crises, the behaviour of creditors towards debtors, and the valuation of assets by creditors, were very important. However, there was a key difference between the two crises in the range and nature of assets that were regarded as liquid and safe: central banks in 2008, with no gold standard constraint, could liquefy illiquid assets on a much greater scale.
Proposal for a Breakfast Quality Index (BQI) for children and adolescents
Authors: Monteagudo Celia , Palacín-Arce Alba , Bibiloni Maria del Mar , Pons Antoni , Tur Josep A , Olea-Serrano Fatima , Mariscal-Arcas Miguel
Published: July 2012

Objective

To propose and apply an instrument to assess the breakfast quality of children and adolescents in the Mediterranean area.

Design

Randomized, cross-sectional survey of breakfast consumption using a validated semi-quantitative FFQ administered at school by trained dietitians between Tuesday and Friday. A Breakfast Quality Index (BQI) score was developed, assigning a positive value to the consumption of cereals, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, MUFA, Ca and compliance with energy recommendations, and to the absence of SFA and trans-rich fats. Data were analysed by Student's t test and ANOVA.

Setting

Schools in Granada and Balearic Islands (Spain).

Subjects

All schoolchildren (n 4332) aged 8–17 years at randomly selected and representative schools between 2006 and 2008, stratified by age and sex.

Results

Breakfast was not consumed by 6·5 % of participants. BQI score was highest for children aged 7–9 years and decreased with age (P = 0·001). Females scored higher in all age groups. The lowest score was in males aged 14–17 years and the highest in females aged 7–9 years (P = 0·006).

Conclusions

The proposed BQI appears useful to estimate the breakfast quality of schoolchildren and to form a basis for nutrition education.
Relative validity of a 3 d estimated food record in German toddlers
Authors: Cheng Guo , Hilbig Annett , Drossard Claudia , Alexy Ute , Kersting Mathilde
Published: July 2012

Objective

To determine the relative validity of a 3 d estimated food record (EFR) used to assess energy and nutrient intakes in toddlers, using a 3 d weighed food record (WDR) as the reference method.

Design

Parents reported the food and beverage intakes of their children using an EFR concurrently with a WDR over three consecutive days. Estimation of mean differences, Spearman correlation coefficients, cross-classifications and Bland–Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between the intakes of energy and fourteen nutrients obtained from the EFR and the WDR.

Setting

Data obtained from a representative sample of infants or toddlers in Germany.

Subjects

Sixty-seven toddlers aged 10–36 months who had completed an EFR for a 3 d recording period that corresponded to the WDR were included in the present analysis.

Results

Energy and nutrient intakes did not differ between the EFR and the WDR, except for linoleic acid and retinol. For all dietary intakes, Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the EFR and the WDR ranged from 0·35 to 0·80 (P ≤ 0·004). The proportion of participants correctly classified into quartiles ranged from 75 % for ascorbic acid intake to 96 % for Fe intake, and the percentage of misclassification was 9 % or less. The weighed κ values ranking the participants ranged from 0·23 for ascorbic acid intake to 0·59 for Fe intake. The Bland–Altman plots indicated a good agreement for all dietary intakes estimated from the EFR.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that this EFR is a valid assessment instrument for estimating the energy and nutrient intakes among toddlers at the group level.
Physical activity patterns in the French 18–74-year-old population: French Nutrition and Health Survey (Etude Nationale Nutrition Santé, ENNS) 2006–2007
Authors: Salanave Benoit , Vernay Michel , Szego Emmanuelle , Malon Aurélie , Deschamps Valérie , Hercberg Serge , Castetbon Katia
Published: July 2012

Objective

To describe detailed physical activity and sedentary behaviour in French adults across physical activity categories.

Design

The French Nutrition and Health Survey (Etude Nationale Nutrition Santé, ENNS), conducted in 2006–2007, was a national cross-sectional survey based on three-stage random sampling. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to classify participants into three physical activity categories. Time spent in a sitting position and time spent in front of a screen were used as markers of sedentary behaviour.

Setting

France.

Subjects

Adults (n2971) aged 18 to 74 years were included.

Results

Overall, 29·5 % of men and 23·6 % of women were classified into the high-IPAQ category, while 36·1 % of men and 37·5 % of women were in the low-IPAQ category. For each intensity level of physical activity (vigorous intensity, moderate intensity or walking), the number of active days per week decreased from the high- to the low-IPAQ category and daily duration of physical activity was longer in the high-IPAQ category than in the other two categories; 6 % of adults declared neither vigorous nor moderate nor walking activities.

Conclusions

For most adults in the low-IPAQ category, an increasing number of active days per week would be sufficient to attain the moderate-IPAQ category. This should be taken into account in public health initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity.
North–South trade and standards: what can general equilibrium analysis tell us?
Authors: SHELDON IAN
Published: July 2012

The tension between standards being a response to market failures versus creating barriers to trade characterizes much of their economic analysis. This article explores in more detail the link between international trade and standards based on resolution of a public bad(s) problem. Specifically, a general equilibrium setting is sketched out, drawing on existing analysis in the trade and environmental economics literature, and designed to capture some key stylized facts and basic hypotheses concerning North–South trade where standards are targeted at negative externalities in production. The key conclusions to be drawn are that while a clear theoretical foundation exists for the hypothesis of ‘standards as barriers’ to trade, and the likely benefits of aid for trade programs, this is not the case for the hypothesis of ‘barriers as a catalyst’ for trade, pointing to the need for further research on the latter hypothesis.
TSPO-specific ligand Vinpocetine exerts a neuroprotective effect by suppressing microglial inflammation
Authors: Zhao Yan-Yin , Yu Jie-Zhong , Li Qin-Ying , Ma Cun-Gen , Lu Chuan-Zhen , Xiao Bao-Guo
Published: July 2012

Vinpocetine has long been used for cerebrovascular disorders and cognitive impairment. Based on the evidence that the translocator protein (TSPO, 18 kDa) was expressed in activated microglia, while Vinpocetine was able to bind TSPO, we explored the role of Vinpocetine on microglia treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) in vitro. Our results show that both LPS and OGD induced the up-regulation of TSPO expression on BV-2 microglia by RT-PCR, western blot and immunocytochemistry. Vinpocetine inhibited the production of nitrite oxide and inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in BV-2 microglia, in which cells were treated with LPS or exposed to OGD, regardless of the time Vinpocetine was added. Next, we measured cell death-related molecules Akt, Junk and p38 as well as inflammation-related molecules nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1). Vinpocetine did not change cell death-related molecules, but inhibited the expression of NF-κB and AP-1 in LPS-stimulated microglia, indicating that Vinpocetine has an anti-inflammatory effect by partly targeting NF-κB/AP-1. Next, conditioned medium from Vinpocetine-treated microglia protected from primary neurons. As compared with in vitro, the administration of Vinpocetine in hypoxic mice also inhibited inflammatory molecules, indicating that Vinpocetine as a unique anti-inflammatory agent may be beneficial for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases.
Modeling the solar cycle: what the future holds
Authors: Nandy Dibyendu
Published: July 2012

Stellar magnetic fields are produced by a magnetohydrodynamic dynamo mechanism working in their interior – which relies on the interaction between plasma flows and magnetic fields. The Sun, being a well-observed star, offers an unique opportunity to test theoretical ideas and models of stellar magnetic field generation. Solar magnetic fields produce sunspots, whose number increases and decreases with a 11 year periodicity – giving rise to what is known as the solar cycle. Dynamo models of the solar cycle seek to understand its origin, variation and evolution with time. In this review, I summarize observations of the solar cycle and describe theoretical ideas and kinematic dynamo modeling efforts to address its origin. I end with a discussion on the future of solar cycle modeling – emphasizing the importance of a close synergy between observational data assimilation, kinematic dynamo models and full magnetohydrodynamic models of the solar interior.
Interplanetary conditions: lessons from this minimum
Authors: Luhmann J. , Lee C. O. , Riley P. , Jian L. K. , Russell C. T. , Petrie G.
Published: July 2012

Interplanetary conditions during the Cycle 23-24 minimum have attracted attention because they are noticeably different than those during other minima of the space age, exhibiting more solar wind stream interaction structures in addition to reduced mass fluxes and low magnetic field strengths. In this study we consider the differences in the solar wind source regions by applying Potential Field Source Surface models of the coronal magnetic field. In particular, we consider the large scale coronal field geometry that organizes the open field region locations and sizes, and the appearance of the helmet streamer structure that is another determiner of solar wind properties. The recent cycle minimum had an extraordinarily long entry phase (the decline of Cycle 23) that made it difficult to identify when the actual miminum arrived. In particular, the late 23rd cycle was characterized by diminishing photospheric fields and complex coronal structures that took several extra years to simplify to its traditional dipolar solar minimum state. The nearly dipolar phase, when it arrived, had a duration somewhat shorter than those of the previous cycles. The fact that the corona maintained an appearance more like a solar maximum corona through most of the quiet transitional phase between Cycles 23 and 24 gave the impression of a much more complicated solar minimum solar wind structure in spite of the weaknesses of the mass flux and interplanetary field. The extent to which the Cycle 23-24 transition will affect Cycle 24, and/or represents what happens during weak cycles in general, remains to be seen.
The floor in the solar wind: status report
Authors: Cliver E. W.
Published: July 2012

Cliver & Ling (2010) recently suggested that the solar wind had a floor or ground-state magnetic field strength at Earth of ~2.8 nT and that the source of the field was the slow solar wind. This picture has recently been given impetus by the evidence presented by Schrijver et al. (2011) that the Sun has a minimal magnetic state that was approached globally in 2009, a year in which Earth was imbedded in slow solar wind ~70% of the time. A precursor relation between the solar dipole field strength at solar minimum and the peak sunspot number (SSNMAX) of the subsequent 11-yr cycle suggests that during Maunder-type minima (when SSNMAX was ~0), the solar polar field strength approaches zero - indicating weak or absent polar coronal holes and an increase to nearly ~100% in the time that Earth spends in slow solar wind.
Extremely low geomagnetic activity during the recent deep solar cycle minimum
Authors: Echer E. , Tsurutani B. T. , Gonzalez W. D.
Published: July 2012

The recent solar minimum (2008-2009) was extreme in several aspects: the sunspot number, Rz, interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) magnitude Bo and solar wind speed Vsw were the lowest during the space era. Furthermore, the variance of the IMF southward Bz component was low. As a consequence of these exceedingly low solar wind parameters, there was a minimum in the energy transfer from solar wind to the magnetosphere, and the geomagnetic activity ap index reached extremely low levels. The minimum in geomagnetic activity was delayed in relation to sunspot cycle minimum. We compare the solar wind and geomagnetic activity observed in this recent minimum with previous solar cycle values during the space era (1964-2010). Moreover, the geomagnetic activity conditions during the current minimum are compared with long term variability during the period of available geomagnetic observations. The extremely low geomagnetic activity observed in this solar minimum was previously recorded only at the end of XIX century and at the beginning of the XX century, and this might be related to the Gleissberg (80-100 years) solar cycle.
A new imminent grand minimum?
Authors: Cionco Rodolfo G. , Compagnucci Rosa H.
Published: July 2012

The planetary hypothesis of solar cycle is an old idea by which the planetary gravity acting on the Sun might have a non-negligible effect on the solar magnetic cycle. The advance of this hypothesis is based on phenomenological correlations between dynamical parameters of the Sun's movement around the barycenter of the Solar System and sunspots time series. In addition, several authors have proposed, using different methodologies that the first Grand Minima (GM) event of the new millennium is coming or has already begun. We present new fully three dimensional N-body simulations of the solar inertial motion (SIM) around the barycentre of the solar system in order to perform a phenomenological comparison between relevant SIM dynamical parameters and the occurrences of the last GM events (i.e., Maunder and Dalton). Our fundamental result is that the Sun acceleration decomposed in a co-orbital reference system shows a very particular behaviour that is common to Maunder minimum, Dalton minimum and the maximum of cycle 22 (around 1990), before the present prolonged minimum. We discuss our results in terms of a dynamical characterization of GM with relation to Sun dynamics and possible implications for a new GM event.
Long term relation between solar activity and surface temperature at different geographical regions
Authors: Souza-Echer M. P. , Gonzalez W. D. , Echer E. , Nordemann D. J. R. , Rigozo N. R.
Published: July 2012

Global suface temperature has showed a rise trend in the last 150 years. This has been mainly attributed to the anthropogenic induced grenhouse gases emissions. However, the role of natural processes is not completely understood and should not be underestimated. In this work, we compare the long term variability of solar activity (as quantified by the sunspot number) with several surface temperature series from different geographical regions (global, hemispheric and latitudinal ranges). The interval of analysis is 1880-2005. The data are analyzed with wavelet multiresolution technique. It has been found that the solar activity long term trend has a maximum around 1970, while air surface temperature series showed maximum (still rising) at 2005. There are differences in the long term trend for Northern and Southern hemispheres. These differences and the relation with solar activity are discussed in this work.
Magneto-seismology of solar atmospheric loops by means of longitudinal oscillations
Authors: Luna-Cardozo M. , Verth G. , Erdélyi R.
Published: July 2012

There is increasingly strong observational evidence that slow magnetoacoustic modes arise in the solar atmosphere. Solar magneto-seismology is a novel tool to derive otherwise directly un-measurable properties of the solar atmosphere when magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wave theory is compared to wave observations. Here, MHD wave theory is further developed illustrating how information about the magnetic and density structure along coronal loops can be determined by measuring the frequencies of the slow MHD oscillations. The application to observations of slow magnetoacoustic waves in coronal loops is discussed.
The LAGO (Large Aperture GRB Observatory) in Peru
Authors: Tueros-Cuadros E. , Otiniano L. , Chirinos J. , Soncco C. , Guevara-Day W.
Published: July 2012

The Large Aperture GRBs Observatory is a continental-wide observatory devised to detect high energy (around 100 GeV) component of Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs), by using the single particle technique in arrays of Water Cherenkov Detectors (WCDs) at high mountain sites of Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela and Peru. Details of the instalation and operation of the detectors in Marcapomacocha in Peru at 4550 m.a.s.l. are given. The detector calibration method will also be shown.
REWARD VERSUS RISK IN UNCERTAIN INFERENCE: THEOREMS AND SIMULATIONS
Authors: SCHURZ GERHARD , THORN PAUL D.
Published: July 2012

Systems oflogico-probabilistic(LP) reasoning characterize inference from conditional assertions that express high conditional probabilities. In this paper we investigate four prominent LP systems, the systemsO, P,Z, andQC. These systems differ in the number of inferences they licence (O⊂ P ⊂Z⊂QC). LP systems that license more inferences enjoy the possiblerewardof deriving more true and informative conclusions, but with this possible reward comes theriskof drawing more false or uninformative conclusions. In the first part of the paper, we present the four systems and extend each of them by theorems that allow one to compute almost-tight lower-probability-bounds for the conclusion of an inference, given lower-probability-bounds for its premises. In the second part of the paper, we investigate by means of computer simulations which of the four systems provides the best balance ofrewardversusrisk. Our results suggest that systemZoffers the best balance.
Multiple Birth Families With Children With Special Needs: A Qualitative Investigation of Mothers’ Experiences
Authors: Bolch Christie E. , Davis Peter G. , Umstad Mark P. , Fisher Jane R. W.
Published: July 2012

Multiple birth remains prevalent, with prematurity and subsequent disability being common complications. However, little is known of the experiences of mothers living with the combined circumstances of multiple birth, prematurity, and special needs. This paper reports an exploratory study using the qualitative technique of thematic analysis, to describe and interpret the experiences of 10 mothers of prematurely born multiple birth children with diverse special needs. Mothers were shocked to learn they were carrying multiple fetuses, including those who underwent in vitro fertilization with dual embryo transfer. Most experienced protracted concern over one or more babies’ survival during pregnancy, and prescribed bed rest was frequently associated with increased anxiety and other adverse psychological effects. Some experienced disenfranchised grief, such as those grieving the opportunity to bear a single child. The contrast with experiences of mothers of healthy, term singletons caused considerable distress. Feelings of detachment and unreality were common in the immediate postpartum period, possibly due to transient depersonalization. Having more than one newborn created practical and psychological problems during the neonatal period, particularly when infants were separated due to differences in medical status. The extent to which hospitals accommodated the multiple birth relationship varied and significantly affected mothers’ postnatal experiences. Mothers often felt guilty, particularly regarding inequality of care and attention they were able to provide to each child. This was especially problematic for multiples discordant for special needs status. The presence of one normally developing child complicated adjustment to the other's difficulties, and several experienced chronic sorrow. Serious maternal mental health difficulties were common but not universal. Available formal supports were generally perceived as inadequate, addressing some, but not all, of the mothers’ needs. Further work is needed to advance understanding of the relationships between mothers and their multiples, and to explore the implications of special needs within multiple birth families.
Entwicklung und Normierung einer Kurzform des Partnerschaftsfragebogens (PFB-K) an einer repräsentativen deutschen Stichprobe
Authors: Kliem Sören , Job Ann-Katrin , Kröger Christoph , Bodenmann Guy , Stöbel-Richter Yve , Hahlweg Kurt , Brähler Elmar
Published: July 2012

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Obwohl die Partnerschaftszufriedenheit zum Erfolg bzw. Misserfolg einer Behandlung erheblich beitragen kann, gibt es im deutschsprachigen Raum kein ökonomisches, reliables und valides Instrument. Fragestellung: Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es daher eine Kurzform des Partnerschaftsfragebogen (PFB-K) zu entwickeln. Methode: Der PFB-K wurde anhand einer aktuellen Befragung aus dem Jahr 2011 (N = 1.390) evaluiert und normiert. Ergebnisse: Für den Gesamtwert des PFB-K wurden gute interne Konsistenzen (Gesamt: α = .84; Frauen: α = .87; Männer: α = .81) ermittelt. Eine Normierung erfolgte nach Geschlecht und Alter (19–39, 40–59 und 60–89 Jahre) getrennt. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Kurzform kann in der Praxis und Forschung eingesetzt werden. Eine Kreuzvalidierung anhand einer klinischen Stichprobe steht aus.
Die faktorielle Struktur des Partnerschaftsfragebogens
Authors: Kliem Sören , Kröger Christoph , Stöbel-Richter Yve , Hahlweg Kurt , Brähler Elmar
Published: July 2012

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Der Partnerschaftsfragebogen (PFB) wird im deutschen Sprachraum zur Erfassung der Partnerschafts- und Ehequalität bevorzugt eingesetzt. Fragestellung: Neben der Überprüfung der Eindimensionalität der PFB-Subskalen (Streitverhalten, Zärtlichkeit, Gemeinsamkeit/Kommunikation) wird in der vorliegenden Arbeit überprüft, ob das Zusammenfassen der PFB-Subskalen zu einem Generalfaktor „Partnerschaftsqualität” angemessen ist. Methoden: Es wurden Daten einer Bevölkerungsstichprobe für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland genutzt (N = 1.289). Aufgrund der Abweichung von einer multivariaten Normalverteilung wurden konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen mittels Maximum-Likelihood-Methode mit robusten Standardfehlern und einem mittelwertsadjustierten Chi2-Wert (Satorra-Bentler-scaled-χ2) durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: Es ergaben sich sowohl für die Eindimensionalität der PFB-Subskalen als auch für die Second-Order-Faktorenanalyse sehr gute Modellanapassungen. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Subsumierung der PFB-Items zu Skalenwerten sowie der PFB-Subskalen zu einem Gesamtwert kann als angemessen eingestuft werden.