bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An improved test of latent‐variable model misspecification in structural measurement error models for group testing data
Authors: Huang Xianzheng
Published: August 2009

We consider structural measurement error models for group testing data. Likelihood inference based on structural measurement error models requires one to specify a model for the latent true predictors. Inappropriate specification of this model can lead to erroneous inference. We propose a new method tailored to detect latent‐variable model misspecification in structural measurement error models for group testing data. Compared with the existing diagnostic methods developed for the same purpose, our method shows vast improvement in the power to detect latent‐variable model misspecification in group testing design. We illustrate the implementation and performance of the proposed method via simulation and application to a real data example. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using frameworks to develop a distributed conferencing system: an experience report
Authors: Calefato Fabio , Lanubile Filippo
Published: August 2009

Application frameworks are a powerful means to reduce software development costs while improving quality. However, at the same time they are difficult to select and understand, as well as hard to learn, use, and debug effectively and efficiently. In this paper we report the story of eConference, a distributed conferencing system that was developed as part of a broader research effort. Here we discuss the lessons learned from the evolution of our conferencing tool over four generations, which have been necessary to find good frameworks and build a flexible distributed tool. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Netzwerkbildung aus Planquadraten und Tetraedern am Beispiel polynärer Palladiumphosphate MPd2(PO4)2 (M = Ca, Cd, Hg), MPdP2O7 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Hg, Pb) und PbPdSi(P2O7)21)[1]
Authors: Panagiotidis Kosta , Hoffbauer Wilfried , Glaum Robert
Published: August 2009

Starting from PdO, HgO and P4O10 yellow, plate‐like single crystals of HgPdP2O7 were obtained by chemical vapour transport experiments (600 °C → 500 °C, addition of PdCl2). Micro‐crystalline PbPdP2O7 is synthesized by heating (Tmax = 700 °C) stoichiometric amounts of PdO, PbO, and phosphoric acid. Using chemical vapour transport experiments (800 °C → 700 °C, addition of PdCl2) brown plate‐like single crystals of PbPdP2O7 were obtained besides yellow needles of PbPdSi(P2O7)2. Brown, prismatic crystals of HgPd2(PO4)2 with edge‐lengths up to 1 mm were grown by solvothermal reactions of PdO and HgO with conc. H3PO4 (400 °C, 7d, cooling: 1°/h). The structures of all compounds were determined and refined from X‐ray single crystal data (HgPdP2O7: C2/c, a = 14.117(2) Å, b = 4.884(1) Å, c = 8.802(1) Å, β = 100.9(1)°; PbPdP2O7: Pnma, a = 13.440(1) Å, b = 5.966(1) Å, c = 7.368(1) Å; PbPdSi(P2O7)2: P21/m, a = 4.593(1) Å, b = 17.169(1) Å, c = 6.435(1) Å, β = 101.71(1)°; HgPd2(PO4)2: Fddd, a = 6.955(1) Å, b = 11.342(1) Å, c = 15.840(1) Å). According to IP Guinier‐photographs microcrystalline powders of MPd2(PO4)2 (M = Cd, Ca) and MPdP2O7 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn) are isotypic to HgPd2(PO4)2 and PbPdP2O7, respectively. 31P‐MAS‐NMR studies on HgPdP2O7 and CaPd2(PO4)2 are in accordance with one independent site for phosphorus. Their chemical shifts were determined to δiso = 24.2 , δaniso = 83.0 , η = 0.43 for HgPdP2O7 and δiso = 32.1 , δaniso = 36.0 , η = 0,84 for CaPd2(PO4)2.
Two‐Dimensional Lanthanide‐Containing Coordination Frameworks: Structure, Magnetic and Luminescence Properties
Authors: Gao Ting , Li Guang‐Ming , Yan Peng‐Fei , Zhang Ju‐Wen , Sun Wen‐Bin , Suda Masayuki , Einaga Yasuaki
Published: August 2009

Two lanthanide‐containing 2D coordination polymers, [Ln(H2salen)1.5(NO3)3]n [H2salen = N,N′‐ ethylenebis(salicylideneimine); Ln = Gd (1), Dy (2)], have been prepared by self‐assembly method. The molecular magnetism and luminescence of the metal complexes had been studied. Complex 1 exhibits antiferromagnetic interaction between spin carriers. Complex 2 emits the H2salen ligand luminescence.
Central neuromuscular dysfunction of the deltoid muscle in patients with chronic rotator cuff tears
Authors: Berth Alexander , Pap Géza , Neuman Wolfram , Awiszus Friedemann
Published: August 2009

Background

Previous surface electromyogram (EMG) studies have shown that chronic rotator cuff tears (RCT) may be associated with a altered activation of adjacent shoulder muscles. The effect of RCT on central neuromuscular control mechanisms of the shoulder girdle muscles such as the deltoideus muscle (DM), a key muscle of shoulder function, has as not yet been studied in detail.

Materials and methods

This study investigated the corticospinal excitability of the DM to assess the effects of RCT on the central neuromuscular function of proximal upper limb muscles. The motor-evoked potentials (MEP) in response to transcranial magnetic stimulation of DM on both sides were obtained from patients with unilateral RCT and compared with healthy control subjects.

Results

In patients, stimulus response curves of DM demonstrated a bilateral hyperexcitability at rest and a hypoexcitability during voluntary activation (F = 3.82,P = 0.007).

Conclusions

The DM hyperexcitability may be related to alterations in the sensory output from the shoulder. The insufficient facilitation of the DM points toward a bilateral central activation deficit. These findings seem to be assigned to adaptive changes in the motor cortex as a consequence of chronic RCT, and the neuromuscular alteration of the DM should be considered when treating patients with RCT.
Autistic behavior in boys with fragile X syndrome: social approach and HPA-axis dysfunction
Authors: Roberts Jane E. , Clarke Megan A. , Alcorn Kaitlyn , Carter John C. , Long Anna C. J. , Kaufmann Walter E.
Published: August 2009

The primary goal of this study was to examine environmental and neuroendocrine factors that convey increased risk for elevated autistic behavior in boys with Fragile X syndrome (FXS). This study involves three related analyses: (1) examination of multiple dimensions of social approach behaviors and how they vary over time, (2) investigation of mean levels and modulation of salivary cortisol levels in response to social interaction, and (3) examination of the relationship of social approach and autistic behaviors to salivary cortisol. Poor social approach and elevated baseline and regulation cortisol are discernible traits that distinguish boys with FXS and ASD from boys with FXS only and from typically developing boys. In addition, blunted cortisol change is associated with increased severity of autistic behaviors only within the FXS and ASD group. Boys with FXS and ASD have distinct behavioral and neuroendocrine profiles that differentiate them from those with FXS alone and typically developing boys.
Synthesis and Properties of Alkylbetaine Zwitterionic Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Xie Zhanfeng , Feng Yujun
Published: August 2009

A series of alkylbetaine zwitterionic gemini surfactants, 1,2‐bis[N‐methyl‐N‐carboxymethyl‐alkyl‐ammonium]ethane (CnAb, n = 8, 10, 12, or 14), were synthesized by alkylation of N,N′‐dimethylethylenediamine with an alkyl bromide, followed by reaction with sodium 2‐bromoacetate. Their solution properties were characterized by surface tension, steady‐state fluorescence, and rheological measurements. Surface‐tension measurements showed CnAb had lower critical micelle concentration (CMC) and higher efficiency in lowering the surface tension than their corresponding monomeric surfactants. The logCMC of CnAb decreased linearly with increasing chain lengths up to 12. Viscosity measurements showed only C10Ab could enhance aqueous solution viscosity at high concentrations.
Analysis of Cod‐Liver Oil Adulteration Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy
Authors: Rohman Abdul , Che Man Yaakob B.
Published: August 2009

Analysis of the adulteration of cod‐liver oil with much cheaper oil‐like animal fats has become attractive in recent years. This study highlights an application of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as a nondestructive and fast technique for the determination of adulterants in cod‐liver oil. Attenuated total reflectance measurements were made on pure cod‐liver oil and cod‐liver oil adulterated with different concentrations of lard (0.5–50% v/v in cod‐liver oil). A chemometrics partial least squares (PLS) calibration model was developed for quantitative measurement of the adulterant. Discriminant analysis method was used to classify cod‐liver oil samples from common animal fats (beef, chicken, mutton, and lard) based on their infrared spectra. Discriminant analysis carried out using seven principal components was able to classify the samples as pure or adulterated cod‐liver oil based on their FTIR spectra at the selected fingerprint regions (1,500–1,030 cm−1).
A 7‐year follow‐up of multidisciplinary rehabilitation among chronic neck and back pain patients. Is sick leave outcome dependent on psychologically derived patient groups?
Authors: Bergström Gunnar , Bergström Cecilia , Hagberg Jan , Bodin Lennart , Jensen Irene
Published: August 2009

A valid method for classifying chronic pain patients into more homogenous groups could be useful for treatment planning, that is, which treatment is effective for which patient, and as a marker when evaluating treatment outcome. One instrument that has been used to derive subgroups of patients is the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate a classification method based on the Swedish version of the MPI, the MPI‐S, to predict sick leave among chronic neck and back pain patients for a period of 7 years after vocational rehabilitation. As hypothesized, dysfunctional patients (DYS), according to the MPI‐S, showed a higher amount of sickness absence and disability pension expressed in days than adaptive copers (AC) during the 7‐years follow‐up period, even when adjusting for sickness absence prior to rehabilitation (355.8days, 95% confidence interval, 71.7; 639.9). Forty percent of DYS patients and 26.7% of AC patients received disability pension during the follow‐up period. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Further analyses showed that the difference between patient groups was most pronounced among patients with more than 60days of sickness absence prior to rehabilitation. Cost‐effectiveness calculations indicated that the DYS patients showed an increase in production loss compared to AC patients. The present study yields support for the prognostic value of this subgroup classification method concerning long‐term outcome on sick leave following this type of vocational rehabilitation.
Myocyte stress 1 plays an important role in cellular hypertrophy and protection against apoptosis
Authors: Koekemoer Andrea L. , Chong Nelson W. , Goodall Alison H. , Samani Nilesh J.
Published: August 2009

Myocyte stress 1 (MS1) is a recently described striated muscle actin‐binding protein that is up‐regulated in the early stages of pressure overload left ventricular hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to determine whether MS1 induces cellular hypertrophy and protects against apoptosis. Over‐expressed MS1 co‐localized with actin in H9c2 cells and altered expression of genes of the myocardin‐related transcription factor (MRTF)/serum response factor (SRF) transcriptional pathways and in addition the apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (Nol3) gene. The size of cells over‐expressing MS1 was significantly increased by 55% and over‐expression of MS1 dramatically inhibited staurosporine‐induced apoptosis by 89%. These findings suggest the involvement of MS1 in cellular hypertrophy and protection against apoptosis.
Lumcorin: A leucine‐rich repeat 9‐derived peptide from human lumican inhibiting melanoma cell migration
Authors: Zeltz Cédric , Brézillon Stéphane , Perreau Corinne , Ramont Laurent , Maquart François-Xavier , Wegrowski Yanusz
Published: August 2009

We previously showed that lumican decreases melanoma progression. The aim of the present study was to determine the active sequence of the lumican core protein responsible for the inhibition of melanoma cell migration. Using different recombinant and synthetic peptides derived from lumican, we localized an active site in the leucine‐rich repeat 9 domain of the lumican core protein. We propose the name lumcorin (fragment of lumican core protein) for the active peptide derived from this site. Lumcorin was able to inhibit melanoma cell migration in vitro.
Quantitative reconstruction of Holocene precipitation changes in southern Patagonia
Authors: Tonello Marcela Sandra , Mancini Maria Virginia , Seppä Heikki
Published: August 2009

Holocene variations in annual precipitation (Pann) were reconstructed from pollen data from southern Argentinian Patagonia using a transfer function developed based on a weighted-averaging partial least squares (WA-PLS) regression. The pollen–climate calibration model consisted of 112 surface soil samples and 59 pollen types from the main vegetation units, and modern precipitation values obtained from a global climate database. The performance (r2 = 0.517; RMSEP = 126 mm) of the model was comparable or slightly lower than in other comparable pollen–climate models. Fossil pollen data were obtained from a sediment core from Cerro Frias site (50°24'S, 72°42'W) located at the forest-steppe ecotone. Reconstructed Pann values of about 200 mm suggest dry conditions during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition (12,500–10,500 cal yr BP). Pann values were about 300–350 mm from 10,500 to 8000 cal yr BP and increased to 400–500 mm between 8000 and 1000 cal yr BP. An abrupt decrease in Pann at about 1000 cal yr BP was associated with a Nothofagus decline. The reconstructed Pann suggests a weakening and southward shift of the westerlies during the early Holocene and intensification, with no major latitudinal shifts, during the mid-Holocene at high latitudes in southern Patagonia.
INFERENCE FOR THE JUMP PART OF QUADRATIC VARIATION OF ITÔ SEMIMARTINGALES
Authors: Veraart Almut E.D.
Published: August 2009

Recent research has focused on modeling asset prices by Itô semimartingales. In such a modeling framework, the quadratic variation consists of a continuous and a jump component. This paper is about inference on the jump part of the quadratic variation, which can be estimated by the difference of realized variance and realized multipower variation. The main contribution of this paper is twofold. First, it provides a bivariate asymptotic limit theory for realized variance and realized multipower variation in the presence of jumps. Second, this paper presents new, consistent estimators for the jump part of the asymptotic variance of the estimation bias. Eventually, this leads to a feasible asymptotic theory that is applicable in practice. Finally, Monte Carlo studies reveal a good finite sample performance of the proposed feasible limit theory.
A SPATIAL DYNAMIC PANEL DATA MODEL WITH BOTH TIME AND INDIVIDUAL FIXED EFFECTS
Authors: Lee Lung-fei , Yu Jihai
Published: August 2009

This paper establishes asymptotic properties of quasi-maximum likelihood estimators for spatial dynamic panel data with both time and individual fixed effects when the number of individualsnand the number of time periodsTcan be large. We propose a data transformation approach to eliminate the time effects. Whenn / T→ 0, the estimators are$\root \of {nT}$consistent and asymptotically centered normal; whennis asymptotically proportional toT, they are$\root \of {nT}$consistent and asymptotically normal, but the limit distribution is not centered around 0; whenn / T→ ∞, the estimators are consistent with rateTand have a degenerate limit distribution. We also propose a bias correction for our estimators. When n1/3/T→ 0, the correction will asymptotically eliminate the bias and yield a centered confidence interval. The estimates from the transformation approach can be consistent whennis a fixed finite number.
MANY INSTRUMENTS ASYMPTOTIC APPROXIMATIONS UNDER NONNORMAL ERROR DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: Hasselt Martijn van
Published: August 2009

In this paper we derive an alternative asymptotic approximation to the sampling distribution of the limited information maximum likelihood estimator and a bias-corrected version of the two-stage least squares estimator. The approximation is obtained by allowing the number of instruments and the concentration parameter to grow at the same rate as the sample size. More specifically, we allow for potentially nonnormal error distributions and obtain the conventional asymptotic distribution and the results of Bekker (1994, Econometrica 62, 657–681) and Bekker and Van der Ploeg (2005, Statistica Neerlandica 59, 139–267) as special cases. The results show that when the error distribution is not normal, in general both the properties of the instruments and the third and fourth moments of the errors affect the asymptotic variance. We compare our findings with those in the recent literature on many and weak instruments.
Diagnosis, clinical features, management, and post-natal follow-up of fetal tachycardias
Authors: Lulić Jurjević Rajka , Podnar Tomaž , Vesel Samo
Published: August 2009

Objective

To evaluate the diagnosis, clinical features, management and post-natal follow-up in consecutive fetuses identified with tachycardia.

Methods

We reviewed consecutive fetuses with tachycardia identified in a single tertiary institution between January, 2001, and December, 2008. We considered several options for management, including no treatment but close surveillance, trans-placental antiarrhythmic therapy in fetuses presenting prior to 36 weeks of gestation, and delivery and treatment as a neonate for fetuses presenting after 36 weeks of gestation. Data was gathered by a review of prenatal and postnatal documentation.

Results

Among 29 fetuses with tachycardia, 21 had supraventricular tachycardia with 1 to 1 conduction, 4 had atrial flutter, 3 had atrial tachycardia, while the remaining fetus had ventricular tachycardia. Of the group, 8 fetuses (27.6%) were hydropic. Transplacental administration of antiarrhythmic drugs was used in just over half the fetuses, delivery and treatment as a neonate in one-quarter, and no intervention but close surveillance in one-sixth of the case. Twenty-six of 29 fetuses (89.7%) were born alive. Only patients with fetal hydrops suffered mortality, with 37.5% of this group dying, this being statistically significant, with the value of p equal to 0.03, when compared to non-hydropic fetuses. Only 3 patients (11.5%) were receiving antiarrhythmic prophylaxis beyond the first year of life.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of fetal tachycardias recognized before 36 weeks of gestation can be treated successfully by transplacental administration of antiarrhythmic drugs. Fetuses presenting after 36 weeks of gestation can be effectively managed postnatally. The long-term prognosis for fetuses diagnosed with tachycardia is excellent, with the abnormal rhythm resolving spontaneously during the first year of life in most of them.
Nutrigenetics: links between genetic background and response to Mediterranean-type diets
Authors: Lairon Denis , Defoort Catherine , Martin Jean-Charles , Amiot-Carlin Marie-Jo , Gastaldi Marguerite , Planells Richard
Published: August 2009

Objective

It has been substantiated that the onset of most major diseases (CVD, diabetes, obesity, cancers, etc.) is modulated by the interaction between genetic traits (susceptibility) and environmental factors, especially diet. We aim to report more specific observations relating the effects of Mediterranean-type diets on cardiovascular risk factors and the genetic background of subjects.

Results and conclusions

In the first part, general concepts about nutrigenetics are briefly presented. Human genome has, overall, only marginally changed since its origin but it is thought that minor changes (polymorphisms) of common genes that occurred during evolution are now widespread in human populations, and can alter metabolic pathways and response to diets.

In the second part, we report the data obtained during the Medi-RIVAGE intervention study performed in the South-East of France. Data obtained in 169 subjects at moderate cardiovascular risk after a 3-month dietary intervention indicate that some of the twenty-three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) studied exhibit interactions with diets regarding changes of particular parameters after 3-month regimens. Detailed examples are presented, such as interactions between SNP in genes coding for microsomial transfer protein (MTTP) or intestinal fatty acid binding protein (FABP2) and triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol or Framigham score lowering in responses to Mediterranean-type diets.

The data provided add further evidence of the interaction between particular SNP and metabolic responses to diets. Finally, improvement in dietary recommendations by taking into account known genetic variability has been discussed.
Mediterranean diet and metabolic syndrome: the evidence
Authors: Babio Nancy , Bulló Mònica , Salas-Salvadó Jordi
Published: August 2009

Background

The Mediterranean diet has long been related to a lower cardiovascular disease risk; however, more recent evidences also indicate that it has a favourable effect on adiposity and type 2 diabetes.

Design

Review of the available literature in relation to Mediterranean diet and metabolic syndrome.

Results

Several components of Mediterranean diet patterns have been inversely related with body mass index. They are considered to be modulators of insulin resistance, can exert beneficial effects on blood pressure, improve atherogenic dyslipidemia or attenuate the inflammatory burden associated with metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome has been associated with dietary patterns rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, olive oil, legumes and fish, moderate in alcohol and low in red meat, processed meat, refined carbohydrates and whole-fat dairy products.

Conclusions

There is much evidence suggesting that the Mediterranean diet could serve as an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern, which could help to fight diseases related to chronic inflammation, including metabolic syndrome.
Health impact of Mediterranean diets in food at work
Authors: Leighton Federico , Polic Gianna , Strobel Pablo , Pérez Druso , Martínez Carlos , Vásquez Luis , Castillo Oscar , Villarroel Luis , Echeverría Guadalupe , Urquiaga Inés , Mezzano Diego , Rozowski Jaime
Published: August 2009

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of diet mediterranisation, in a food-at-work context, and its consequence on metabolic syndrome in a mid-age unselected healthy male population group.

Design

One-year longitudinal intervention study. Physical exercise was not modified.

Setting

All workers of the Santiago division of ‘Maestranza Diesel’, a metal-mechanic company servicing the mining industry, were invited to participate.

Subjects

Initially, 145 workers of a total of 171, of average age 39 years, accepted to participate (sixteen women and 129 men). A subgroup of ninety-six men fully completed the controls programmed for the intervention study. Losses from the original group correspond to missing one control (sixteen), leaving the company (eleven) or blood sampling discomfort (six). The women and sixteen male workers, hired post study initiation, did participate but were excluded from this 12-month analysis.

Results

Diet mediterranisation was successful, reflected in the daily food consumption at the canteen and the evolution of the Mediterranean diet score (MDS) from 4·8 ± 1·4 to 7·4 ± 1·5 (limits 0–14). Some metabolic syndrome components showed statistically significant improvement and also statistically significant correlation with the MDS: waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. After 12 months, the reversion rate for metabolic syndrome was 48 % (12/23) with an incidence rate of 4·1 % for new cases (3/73). In total, metabolic syndrome decreased from 24·0 % to 15·6 % (23/96 to 15/96) (P= 0·029).

Conclusions

Diet mediterranisation is feasible in a food-at-work intervention, affecting lunch consumption at the workers canteen and overall consumption evaluated with MDS, together with a significant reduction in metabolic syndrome.
Availability of Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean foods during the last four decades: comparison of several geographical areas
Authors: Vareiro Daniela , Bach-Faig Anna , Raidó Quintana Blanca , Bertomeu Isabel , Buckland Genevieve , Vaz de Almeida Maria Daniel , Serra-Majem Lluís
Published: August 2009

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the changes in the availability of the most important food components of the traditional Mediterranean diet and other food groups in five geographical areas during a 43-year period.

Design

Ecological study with food availability data obtained from FAO food balance sheets in forty-one countries for the period 1961–1965 and 2000–2004.

Setting

Mediterranean, Northern and Central Europe, Other Mediterranean countries and Other Countries of the World were the studied areas.

Results

The main changes since the 1960s, at an availability level, were found in European areas and in Other Mediterranean countries. The greatest changes were found in Mediterranean Europe, recording high availability of non-Mediterranean food groups (animal fats, vegetable oils, sugar and meat), whereas the availability of alcoholic beverages, including wine, and legumes decreased. Despite having lost some of its typical characteristics, Mediterranean Europe has more olive oil, vegetables, fruits and fish available than other areas. Although Northern Europe has a greater availability of non-Mediterranean foods, there has been a tendency towards a decrease in availability of some of these foods and to increase Mediterranean food such as olive oil and fruits.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that European countries, especially those in the Mediterranean area, have experienced a ‘westernisation’ process of food habits, and have increasingly similar patterns of food availability (mainly non-Mediterranean food groups) among them. Measures must be taken to counteract these tendencies and to avoid their possible negative consequences. It is also crucial to find ways to promote and preserve the Mediterranean diet and its lifestyle in modern societies.
Worldwide variation of adherence to the Mediterranean diet, in 1961–1965 and 2000–2003
Authors: da Silva Rui , Bach-Faig Anna , Raidó Quintana Blanca , Buckland Genevieve , Vaz de Almeida Maria Daniel , Serra-Majem Lluís
Published: August 2009

Objective

The present study aimed to analyse the worldwide trends of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), in 1961–1965 and 2000–2003.

Design

Data were obtained from the FAO food balance sheets in two periods: 1961–1965 and 2000–2003. In order to have a sample from across the world, forty-one countries were selected. The average of available energy for different food groups was calculated for all selected countries. These values were used to evaluate the adherence to the MD through a variation of Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI).

Results

The majority of the forty-one countries in this study have tended to drift away from a Mediterranean-like dietary pattern. Mediterranean Europe and the Other Mediterranean country groups suffered a significant decrease in their MAI values. The Mediterranean European group, especially Greece, experienced the greatest decrease in MAI value.

In both periods, the Other Mediterranean countries showed the highest MAI values. In an analysis by countries, Iran had the highest increase in MAI across the time periods, and Egypt occupied the first place in the ranking in 2000–2003.

The Northern European group was the only one that registered an increase in MAI, although this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Many countries in the Mediterranean basin are drifting away from the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP). However, countries in Northern Europe and some other countries around the world are taking on a Mediterranean-like dietary pattern. The Other Mediterranean countries have the closest adherence to the MDP, currently and in the 1960s. Nutrition policy actions to tackle dietary westernisation and preserve the healthy prudent MDP are required.
Policy and public health recommendations to promote the initiation and duration of breast-feeding in developed country settings
Authors: Dyson Lisa , Renfrew Mary J , McFadden Alison , McCormick Felicia , Herbert Gill , Thomas James
Published: August 2009

Objective

To develop policy and public health recommendations for implementation at all levels by individuals and organisations working in, or related to, the field of breast-feeding promotion in developed country settings, where breast-feeding rates remain low.

Design

Two research phases, comprising (i) an assessment of the formal evidence base in developed country settings and (ii) a consultation with UK-based practitioners, service managers and commissioners, and representatives of service users. The evidence base included three systematic reviews and an Evidence Briefing. One hundred and ten studies evaluating an intervention in developed country settings were assessed for quality and awarded an overall quality rating. Studies with a poor quality rating were excluded. The resulting seventy studies examined twenty-five types of intervention for breast-feeding promotion. These formed the basis of the second consultation phase to develop the evidence-based interventions into recommendations for practice, which comprised (i) pilot consultation, (ii) electronic consultation, (iii) fieldwork meetings and (iv) workshops. Draft findings were synthesised for two rounds of stakeholder review conducted by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

Results

Twenty-five recommendations emerged within three complementary and necessary categories, i.e. public health policy, mainstream clinical practice and local interventions.

Conclusions

The need for national policy directives was clearly identified as a priority to address many of the barriers experienced by practitioners when trying to work across sectors, organisations and professional groups. Routine implementation of the WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative across hospital and community services was recommended as core to breast-feeding promotion in the UK. A local mix of complementary interventions is also required.
Magnetosphere‐ionosphere/thermosphere coupling: Self‐consistent solutions for a one‐dimensional stratified ionosphere in three‐fluid theory
Authors: Song P. , Vasyliūnas V. M. , Zhou X.‐Z.
Published: August 2009

We study the local response of a model ionosphere to a change in the magnetospheric convection, on the basis of a three‐fluid (electrons, ions, and neutrals) approach to describing the dynamic processes of solar wind–magnetosphere–ionosphere/thermosphere coupling. The physical description, including the three‐fluid generalized Ohm's law, the plasma momentum equation, and the neutral momentum equation, as well as Maxwell's equations, takes into account electromagnetic coupling among the charged species and collisions among the three species; the geometrical configuration in this initial study, however, is highly simplified and approximates a localized region within the polar cap. We model the driver of the convection by a changing tangential flow of plasma, imposed at the top boundary of the ionosphere, and follow numerically the self‐consistent evolution of the entire system, which is assumed to be incompressible. A magnetic field distortion, corresponding to a horizontal (not field‐aligned) current, propagates from the magnetosphere to the lower ionosphere, producing at first a strong transient Pedersen current which then decreases to a steady state value. The transient time for the system to settle downscales as the Alfvén‐wave travel time between the E layer and the top boundary (verified by redoing the calculations with different heights of the upper boundary). Large perturbations occur during the first 10 Alfvén travel times, and it takes about 20 Alfvén travel times for the system to reach a quasi steady state. After the quasi steady state has been reached, the neutral wind continues to vary slowly (forces due to neutral pressure and effective viscosity have been neglected). When magnetospheric convection is reversed after 1 h, an overshoot of the Pedersen current occurs before the system settles into a new quasi steady state. The electrostatic approximation commonly used in the magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling models remains poor for up to 10 Alfvén travel times (which could translate to more than 15 min in a more realistic geometry); the assumption that the neutrals remain at rest relative to the Earth is poor within the F layer.
An experimental investigation of mechanisms involved in bed load sheet production and migration
Authors: Recking A. , Frey P. , Paquier A. , Belleudy P.
Published: August 2009

Field measurements indicate that, in gravel bed rivers, bed load may not be a one‐to‐one response to shear stress but may instead fluctuate a great deal over time for a given flow condition. Both in flume and field experiments, these fluctuations were often associated with migration of low‐relief bed forms called bed load sheets. Whereas several studies have described bed load sheets as a consequence of grain sorting, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for their production and migration. These were investigated in flume experiments. A set of 20 experiments was conducted under constant feeding rate conditions, with mixtures of different uniform sediments and for slopes varying from 0.8 to 9%. Except for runs performed in high flow conditions, we observed periodic bed load sheet production and migration associated with fluctuations of bed slope, bed state (bed fining and paving), and bed load. Observations allowed us to conclude that bed load sheets resulted from very efficient vertical and longitudinal grain sorting that produced periodic local bed aggradation and erosion clearly observed in the upstream section of the flume. Fractional transport rates were measured in one run. Combined with the results of experiments previously conducted by authors with uniform sediments, this experiment showed that the highest (peak) solid discharges were essentially caused by the much greater mobility of the coarser gravels when transported within bed load sheets. A scenario is proposed for the mechanisms involved in bed load sheet production and migration.
Ventilation of the abyssal Southern Ocean during the late Neogene: A new perspective from the subantarctic Pacific
Authors: Waddell Lindsey M. , Hendy Ingrid L. , Moore Theodore C. , Lyle Mitchell W.
Published: August 2009

Benthic foraminiferal stable carbon isotope records from the South Atlantic show significant declines toward more “Pacific‐like” values at ∼7 and ∼2.7 Ma, and it has been posited that these shifts may mark steps toward increased CO2 sequestration in the deep Southern Ocean as climate cooled over the late Neogene. We generated new stable isotope records from abyssal subantarctic Pacific cores MV0502‐4JC and ELT 25‐11. The record from MV0502‐4JC suggests that the Southern Ocean remained well mixed and free of vertical or interbasinal δ13C gradients following the late Miocene carbon shift (LMCS). According to the records from MV0502‐4JC and ELT 25‐11, however, cold, low δ13C bottom waters developed in the Southern Ocean in the late Pliocene and persisted until ∼1.7 Ma. These new data suggest that while conditions in the abyssal Southern Ocean following the LMCS were comparable to the present day, sequestration of respired CO2 may have increased in the deepest parts of the Southern Ocean during the late Pliocene, a critical period for the growth and establishment of the Northern Hemisphere ice sheets.
Impacts of the December 2006 solar radio bursts on the performance of GPS
Authors: Carrano Charles S. , Bridgwood Christopher T. , Groves Keith M.
Published: August 2009

Four X class solar flares originated from active sunspot region 10930 on 5, 6, 13, and 14 December 2006. Wideband noise from associated solar radio bursts (SRB) on 6, 13, and 14 December drastically reduced the carrier‐to‐noise ratio (C/No) of the Global Positioning System (GPS) signals. Using specialized high‐rate GPS receivers from the AFRL‐SCINDA global network, we investigate the impacts of these SRBs on the performance of GPS and quantify the Sudden Increases in Total Electron Content (SITEC) caused by the solar flares. The C/No reduction experienced by a GPS receiver during a SRB depends on the solar incidence angle due to the anisotropy of the antenna gain. We derive an expression for the vertical equivalent C/No reduction due to a SRB in order to compare measurements collected at locations where the solar incidence angles differ. During the SRB on 6 December we observed C/No reductions exceeding 25 dB, intermittent loss of lock, and complete loss of GPS positioning information lasting for several minutes. Peak positioning errors in the horizontal and vertical directions reached 20 and 60 m, respectively. While deep C/No reductions were observed during the SRBs on 6, 13, and 14 December, only the 6 December event was strong enough to substantially degrade GPS tracking and positioning accuracy.
New Digisonde for research and monitoring applications
Authors: Reinisch B. W. , Galkin I. A. , Khmyrov G. M. , Kozlov A. V. , Bibl K. , Lisysyan I. A. , Cheney G. P. , Huang X. , Kitrosser D. F. , Paznukhov V. V. , Luo Y. , Jones W. , Stelmash S. , Hamel R. , Grochmal J.
Published: August 2009

The new Digisonde‐4D, while preserving the basic principles of the Digisonde family, introduces important hardware and software changes that implement the latest capabilities of new digital radio frequency (RF) circuitry and embedded computers. The “D” refers to digital transmitters and receivers in which no analog circuitry is used for conversion between the baseband and the RF. In conjunction with the new hardware design, new software solutions offer significantly enhanced measurement flexibility, enhanced signal selectivity, and new types of data, e.g., the complete set of time domain samples of all four antenna signals suitable for independent scientific analysis. With the new method of mitigating in‐band RF interference, the ionogram running time can be made as short as a couple of seconds. The h′(f) precision ranging technique with an accuracy of better than 1 km can be used on a routine basis. The 4D model runs the new ARTIST‐5 ionogram autoscaling software which reports in real time the required data for assimilation in ionospheric models. The paper highlights technical advances of the new Digisonde for research and monitoring applications.
Projected changes in components of the hydrological cycle in French river basins during the 21st century
Authors: Boé J. , Terray L. , Martin E. , Habets F.
Published: August 2009

The main objective of this paper is to study the impacts of climate change on the hydrological cycle of the main French river basins, including the different uncertainties at stake. In particular, the relative importance of modeling uncertainty versus that of downscaling uncertainty is investigated. An ensemble of climate scenarios are statistically downscaled in order to force a hydrometeorological model over France. Then, the main changes in different variables of the hydrological cycle are studied. Despite large uncertainties linked to climate models, some robust signals already appear in the middle of the 21st century. In particular, a decrease in mean discharges in summer and fall, a decrease in soil moisture, and a decrease in snow cover, especially pronounced at the low and intermediate altitudes, are simulated. The low flows become more frequent but generally weak, and uncertain changes in the intensity of high flows are simulated. To evaluate downscaling uncertainties and assess the robustness of the results obtained with the statistical downscaling method, two other downscaling approaches are used. The first one is a dynamical downscaling methodology based on a variable resolution atmospheric model, with a quantile‐quantile bias correction of the model variables. The second approach is based on the so‐called anomaly method, that simply consists of perturbing present climate observations by the climatological change simulated by global climate models. After hydrological modeling, some discrepancies exist among the results from the different downscaling methods. However they remain limited and to a large extent smaller than climate model uncertainties, which raises important methodological considerations.
Smoothness of Titan's Ontario Lacus: Constraints from Cassini RADAR specular reflection data
Authors: Wye L. C. , Zebker H. A. , Lorenz R. D.
Published: August 2009

Cassini RADAR altimetry data collected on the 49th flyby of Titan (2008 December 21) over Ontario Lacus in Titan's south polar region provides strong evidence for an extremely smooth surface, with less than 3 mm rms surface height variation over the 100m‐wide Fresnel zone. Histograms of the raw radar echoes imply a mirror‐like specular reflection of the transmitted signal. Such an echo is possible only if the surface is extremely flat relative to our 2.2‐cm wavelength. The 3 mm upper bound follows from analyzing the strength of the specular return, which declines exponentially with increasing surface height variance. In this experiment, the strength of the echo was larger than expected, severely saturating the receiver. We developed a method to partially correct the echoes for the distortion incurred. While the implied mm‐scale smoothness is not proof that the surface is liquid, it is unlikely that a solid surface is so smooth.
Time to focus on function: Linking microbial community structure to novel aspects of microbial function
Authors: Wallenstein Matthew
Published: August 2009

Background/Question/Methods

One of the fundamental challenges in microbial ecology is to examine how microbial communities that differ in composition may also differ in function. Since the advent of molecular techniques, we have become increasingly proficient at analyzing community structure to fine taxonomic levels, and with ever-increasing depth of coverage. However, we have made less progress in understanding the aspects of microbial ‘function’ that differ between communities. I argue that this is largely due to our traditional approach of measure microbial activities at optimal conditions in potential assays. While this approach allows for comparisons across space or time, or in response to experimental treatments, it provides little information on the rate of these activities under in-situ conditions.

Results/Conclusions

Using a simple niche framework, I will explain why this approach is unlikely to reveal functional differences between communities. An emerging new paradigm of microbial function emphasizes (1) the range of conditions under which a function can persist, and (2) the persistence of microbial function in response to stress or disturbance. These novel aspects of function are much more closely linked to microbial community composition than optimal activity rates under ideal conditions which are rarely seen under in-situ conditions. I will also discuss the promises and perils of emerging molecular technologies including proteomics and metabolomics, which will provide new insights into novel aspects of microbial community function.
Electrical detection of single-base DNA mutation using functionalized nanoparticles
Authors: Noor Mohammud R. , Goyal Swati , Christensen Shawn M. , Iqbal Samir M.
Published: August 2009

We report an electrical scheme to detect specific DNA. Engineered hairpin probe DNA are immobilized on a silicon chip between gold nanoelectrodes. Hybridization of target DNA to the hairpin melts the stem nucleotides. Gold nanoparticle-conjugated universal reporter sequence detects the open hairpins by annealing to the exposed stem nucleotides. The gold nanoparticles increase charge conduction between the electrodes. Specifically, we report on a hairpin probe designed to detect a medically relevant mutant form of the K-ras oncogene. Direct current measurements show three orders of magnitude increase in conductivity for as low as 2fmol of target molecules.
Aggregation of magnetic microparticles in the context of targeted therapies actuated by a magnetic resonance imaging system
Authors: Mathieu Jean-Baptiste , Martel Sylvain
Published: August 2009

A study of magnetic aggregation in the context of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based actuated targeting is proposed. MRI systems can induce displacement forces on magnetized particles as they flow through the blood vessels. Magnetic aggregation of the particles happens when they are placed within the magnetic field of the MRI system and can greatly influence the MRI steering dynamics of magnetic particles. In this paper, a review of the different parameters that can be used to tailor the size, geometry, stiffness, and density of magnetic aggregates is proposed. Then, magnetic aggregation experiments on a suspension of Fe3O4 microparticles ranging from 0.1 to 100 μm in diameter are described. The effects of particle concentration, flow rate, and magnetic field amplitude were evaluated. Field amplitudes of 1.5 mT, 0.4 T, and 1.5 T fields were applied without any magnetic steering gradients and caused aggregates that could sometimes exceed 1 mm in length. Since magnetic aggregates can reach higher magnetophoretic velocities than individual particles, large aggregates could be exploited in larger arteries with important blood flows. A few strategies are discussed to assist in the design of MRI steering experiments by enhancing the positive effects of magnetic aggregation over its negative effects.
Ambipolar diffusion and spatial and time-resolved spectroscopies in semiconductor heterostructures
Authors: Vasconcellos Áurea R. , Brasil M. J. S. P. , Luzzi Roberto , Silva A. A. P. , Leite A. H. S.
Published: August 2009

An analysis of the hydrodynamic motion of the fluid of photoinjected carriers in polar semiconductors is presented. Experiments of time-resolved photoluminescence, which provide relevant insights into the dynamical behavior of heterostructures, are analyzed. We study the propagation and recombination of carriers in semiconductor devices with a large cap layer, where carriers are photoinjected, and a quantum well where they recombine. The movement of the photoinjected, and away from equilibrium, carriers along such cap layer consists, to a good degree of approximation, in an ambipolar diffusivelike one, which decays in time as a result of recombination and the coupling, via Coulomb interaction, with the optical and acoustic plasma waves. The density of the electrons arriving at the interface with the quantum well can be determined; these electrons are transferred through the interface to recombine in the quantum well, and the resulting intensity of the time-resolved luminescence is obtained. Comparison with experimental data shows a good agreement.
Particle-chain formation in a dc dielectrophoretic trap; a reaction-diffusion approach
Authors: Nicotra O. E. , La Magna A. , Coffa S.
Published: August 2009

Dielectrophoresis has proven to be an effective method for the separation of bioparticles such as cells. Nevertheless, the electric polarization induced by nonuniform electric fields leads to a dipole-dipole interaction between particles and therefore the formation of chains is likely to occur. In this paper, we will present an approach based on a drift-diffusion dynamics to quantitatively study formation and kinetics of particle-chains via the introduction of the particle stitching as chemical-like reactions. This approach will allow us to dynamically describe, in the framework of a numerical simulation, particle clustering, thus providing a suitable tool for reproducing data from dielectrophoretic experimental setup.