bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Chronic Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Constantin Gabriela , Marconi Silvia , Rossi Barbara , Angiari Stefano , Calderan Laura , Anghileri Elena , Gini Beatrice , Dorothea Bach Simone , Martinello Marianna , Bifari Francesco , Galiè Mirco , Turano Ermanna , Budui Simona , Sbarbati Andrea , Krampera Mauro , Bonetti Bruno
Published: August 2009

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising therapeutic approach for neurological autoimmune diseases; previous studies have shown that treatment with bone marrow-derived MSCs induces immune modulation and reduces disease severity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Here we show that intravenous administration of adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) before disease onset significantly reduces the severity of EAE by immune modulation and decreases spinal cord inflammation and demyelination. ASCs preferentially home into lymphoid organs but also migrates inside the central nervous system (CNS). Most importantly, administration of ASCs in chronic established EAE significantly ameliorates the disease course and reduces both demyelination and axonal loss, and induces a Th2-type cytokine shift in T cells. Interestingly, a relevant subset of ASCs expresses activated α4 integrins and adheres to inflamed brain venules in intravital microscopy experiments. Bioluminescence imaging shows that α4 integrins control ASC accumulation in inflamed CNS. Importantly, we found that ASC cultures produce basic fibroblast growth factor, brain-derived growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor-AB. Moreover, ASC infiltration within demyelinated areas is accompanied by increased number of endogenous oligodendrocyte progenitors. In conclusion, we show that ASCs have clear therapeutic potential by a bimodal mechanism, by suppressing the autoimmune response in early phases of disease as well as by inducing local neuroregeneration by endogenous progenitors in animals with established disease. Overall, our data suggest that ASCs represent a valuable tool for stem cell–based therapy in chronic inflammatory diseases of the CNS.
Multiplex parallel pair‐end‐ditag sequencing approaches in system biology
Authors: Ruan Yijun , Wei Chia‐Lin
Published: August 2009

Characterization of all the functional components constituted in human genome relies in our ability to completely elucidate the genetic/epigenetic regulatory networks, chromatin states, nuclear architectures, and genome variations. Such endeavors demand for the development of robust and effective genomic technologies. In the past few years, the availability of disruptive next generation DNA sequencing technologies has offered new promise for whole genome interrogation. However, despite the massive parallel and ultra‐high throughput capacity, the common nature of short read lengths found within these platforms limits their applications for many types of whole genome‐based analyses. To overcome such constrain, pair end ditag (PET) based sequencing concept was conceived as an immediate solution to expand the information content and extend the linear coverage. By sequencing paired end signatures from any desired DNA fragment and mapping them to the reference genome, PET strategy allows the accurate demarcation of target DNA boundaries and defines their locations on the genomic landscape. Furthermore, the ability to delineate relationship between two ends of a DNA molecule enables the full scale discovery of unconventional gene products, genome rearrangements, and chromatin interactions. Coupling with the massively parallel and ultra‐high throughput sequencing platforms, such unique features of PET strategy have the potential to revolutionize the approaches used to decipher regulatory networks in system biology, define the genome organizations, and characterize genome variations; which ultimately leads to the development of strategies for personalized medicine. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods
Thermodynamically based constraints for rate coefficients of large biochemical networks
Authors: Vlad Marcel O. , Ross John
Published: August 2009

Wegscheider cyclicity conditions are relationships among the rate coefficients of a complex reaction network, which ensure the compatibility of kinetic equations with the conditions for thermodynamic equilibrium. The detailed balance at equilibrium, that is the equilibration of forward and backward rates for each elementary reaction, leads to compatibility between the conditions of kinetic and thermodynamic equilibrium. Therefore, Wegscheider cyclicity conditions can be derived by eliminating the equilibrium concentrations from the conditions of detailed balance. We develop matrix algebra tools needed to carry out this elimination, reexamine an old derivation of the general form of Wegscheider cyclicity condition, and develop new derivations which lead to more compact and easier‐to‐use formulas. We derive scaling laws for the nonequilibrium rates of a complex reaction network, which include Wegscheider conditions as a particular case. The scaling laws for the rates are used for clarifying the kinetic and thermodynamic meaning of Wegscheider cyclicity conditions. Finally, we discuss different ways of using Wegscheider cyclicity conditions for kinetic computations in systems biology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods
NH4[BAsO4F] – a New Layer Fluoro‐boroarsenate with a Silicate Related Topology
Authors: Lieb Alexandra , Weller Mark T.
Published: August 2009

The fluoro‐boroarsenate NH4[BAsO4F] has been obtained by the melt reaction of NH4H2AsO4, B(OH)3 and LiBF4. The dry reaction mixture, in a 3:3:2 ratio, was treated at 240 °C for 14 days. After cooling to room temperature and washing with hot water, the product was isolated as colourless crystals and powder. The crystal structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structure consists of [BAsO4F]– layers, separated by ammonium ions, having a unique orientation pattern of the tetrahedra forming the constituent six‐membered rings. The topology of the fluoro‐boroarsenate layer is related to those of the silicate δ‐Na2Si2O5 and the borophosphate Mg(H2O)2[B2P2O8(OH)2]·H2O. NH4[BAsO4F] was further characterised by powder X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and EDX analyses.
Models of climate associations and distributions of amphibians in Italy
Authors: Girardello Marco , Griggio Matteo , Whittingham Mark J. , Rushton Stephen P.
Published: August 2009

Analyzing the relationships between the distribution of animal species and climatic variables is not only important for understanding which factors govern species distribution but also for improving our ability to predict future ecological responses to climate change. In the context of global climate change, amphibians are of particular interest because of their extreme sensitivity to the variation of temperature and precipitation regimes. We analyzed species–climate relationships for 17 amphibian species occurring in Italy using species distribution data at the 10 × 10 km resolution. A machine learning method, Random Forests, was used to model the distribution of amphibians in relation to a set of 18 climatic variables. The results showed that the variables which had the highest importance were those related to precipitation, indicating that precipitation is an important factor in determining amphibian distribution. Future projections showed a complex response of species distributions, emphasizing the potential severity of climate change on the distributions of amphibians in Italy. The species that will decrease the most are those occurring in mountainous and Mediterranean areas. Our results provide some preliminary information that could be useful for amphibian conservation, indicating if future conservation priorities for some species should be enhanced.
Use of a Nonionic Surfactant to Inhibit Precipitation of Anionic Surfactants by Calcium
Authors: Soontravanich Sukhwan , Scamehorn John F.
Published: August 2009

Precipitation of anionic surfactants by calcium ions has always been a major concern in formulations using anionic surfactants in hard water. In our previous work, it was found that the precipitation reaction was delayed when a mixture of anionic surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium octylbenzene sulfonate) was used at a certain mole ratio that would give the minimum in the difference in the supersaturation ratios between the two precipitating surfactants. In this work, the addition of nonylphenol ethoxylate (NP(EO)10) as a nonionic surfactant is shown to delay the onset of precipitation for a longer time. The zeta potential of precipitates reveals that the NP(EO)10 is able to slow down the precipitate growth by adsorbing onto the precipitate crystals and this results in larger mean particle size.
Phospholipid, Oleic Acid Micelles and Dietary Olive Oil Influence the Lutein Absorption and Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Rats
Authors: Lakshminarayana R. , Raju M. , Keshava Prakash M. N. , Baskaran V.
Published: August 2009

This study reports on the results of repeated gavages and dietary feeding of lutein dispersed either in phospholipids or fatty acid micelles or vegetable oils and the effects on lutein bioavailability and antioxidant enzymes in rats. For the gavage study, rats (n = 5/group) were intubated with lutein solubilized either in oleic acid (OLA, 18:1n‐9) or linoleic acid (LNA, 18:2n‐6) or phosphatidylcholine (PC) or lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) or no phospholipid (NoPL) micelles for 10 days. For the dietary study, rats (n = 5/group) were fed a diet containing fenugreek leaf (lutein source), either with olive (OO) or sunflower (SFO) or groundnut (GNO, control) oil or l‐α‐lecithin (PL) for 4 weeks. The gavage study showed that the plasma, liver and eye lutein levels in OLA and LPC groups were higher by 23.9, 20.8 and 25.5% and 16.1, 28.5 and 14.0% than LNA and PC groups, respectively. The dietary study showed the plasma (35.0 and 43.5%) and eye (18.5 and 37.0%) lutein levels in OO were higher than SFO and GNO groups. The plasma and eye lutein levels in the PL group were higher by 20 and 31.3% than in the control. It is evident that OO and PL modulate lutein absorption, which in turn modulates antioxidant enzymes and fatty acids in plasma and tissues compared to SFO. Hence, selection of the fat source may be vital to enhancing the lutein bioavailability.
Microbial Conversion of Vegetable Oil to Rare Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Fatty Alcohols by an Aeromonas hydrophila Isolate
Authors: Nagao Toshihiro , Watanabe Yomi , Hiraoka Keiji , Kishimoto Noriaki , Fujita Tokio , Shimada Yuji
Published: August 2009

We isolated two new microorganisms capable of converting vegetable oil to several rare unsaturated fatty acids and rare unsaturated fatty alcohols from a soil sample. The strains were identified as belonging to the same genus and species, Aeromonas hydrophila. The rare unsaturated fatty acids and rare unsaturated fatty alcohols were accumulated as a wax ester form by the strains. Compared to other strains, the A. hydrophila isolates effectively decreased fatty acid chain lengths and converted rapeseed oil, which is rich in 9‐C18:1 fatty acid, into rare fatty acids, such as 7‐C16:1 fatty acid and 5‐C14:1 fatty acid. Furthermore, the A. hydrophila isolates converted the resulting fatty acids to rare unsaturated fatty alcohols, such as 7‐C16:1 fatty alcohol and 5‐C14:1 fatty alcohol. The isolates also converted safflower oil, which is rich in 9,12‐C18:2 fatty acid, to 7,10‐C16:2 fatty acid, 5,8‐C14:2 fatty acid, 9,12‐C18:2 fatty alcohol, 7,10‐C16:2 fatty alcohol, and 5,8‐C14:2 fatty alcohol. 7,10,13‐C16:3 fatty acid, 9,12,15‐C18:3 fatty alcohol, and 7,10,13‐C16:3 fatty alcohol were also converted from linseed oil, which is rich in 9,12,15‐C18:3 fatty acid, by the A. hydrophila isolates. These fatty acids and fatty alcohols are rarely found in natural oils. Since decreasing fatty acid carbon chain lengths from the carboxyl end and reducing unsaturated fatty acids to unsaturated fatty alcohols are both difficult reactions to accomplish by chemical means, we suggest that these A. hydrophila isolates may facilitate introduction of new bioprocess for producing rare unsaturated fatty acids and rare unsaturated fatty alcohols, especially fatty alcohols harboring more than two double bonds.
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes in people with severe mental illness position statement from the European Psychiatric Association (EPA), supported by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
Authors: De Hert M. , Dekker J.M. , Wood D. , Kahl K.G. , Holt R.I.G. , Möller H.-J.
Published: August 2009

People with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression or bipolar disorder, have worse physical health and reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. The excess cardiovascular mortality associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is attributed in part to an increased risk of the modifiable coronary heart disease risk factors; obesity, smoking, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Antipsychotic medication and possibly other psychotropic medication like antidepressants can induce weight gain or worsen other metabolic cardiovascular risk factors. Patients may have limited access to general healthcare with less opportunity for cardiovascular risk screening and prevention than would be expected in a non-psychiatric population. The European Psychiatric Association (EPA), supported by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) published this statement with the aim of improving the care of patients suffering from severe mental illness. The intention is to initiate cooperation and shared care between the different healthcare professionals and to increase the awareness of psychiatrists and primary care physicians caring for patients with severe mental illness to screen and treat cardiovascular risk factors and diabetes.
Role of Glutathione monoester on age‐related neurochemical alterations in rat brain
Authors: Murali Ganesan , Dhivya Sugumar , Rasappan Periannan
Published: August 2009

It is quite apparent that the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases in both men and women increases in a logarithmic fashion with age and begins to rise much more rapidly after the age of 60. Brain aging is accompanied by structural and functional changes at cellular and tissue levels such as increase in free radical generation, lowered antioxidant defenses, decrease in number of neurons, decrease in the activities of enzymes, (g) decrease in impulse transmission. The present study was aimed to assess the neuromodulatory role of Glutathione monoester (GME) when administered intraperitoneally (12 mg/kg body weight) for 20 days on acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity, levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and rotorod behavioral analysis in discrete brain regions of young and aged male albino Wistar rats. Age‐related decrease (p < 0.05) in acetylcholine esterase activity, neurotransmitter levels and also decrease in sensorimotor performance was observed. GME administration was effective in restoring these neuronal parameters in aged rat brain regions. Thus GME act as a neuromodulator in discrete brain regions of aged rats.
Comparison of transabdominal versus transvaginal ultrasound to measure thickness of the lower uterine segment at term
Authors: Marasinghe Jeevan Prasanga , Senanayake Hemantha , Randeniya Cyril , Seneviratne Harshalal Rukka , Arambepola Carukshi , Devlieger Roland
Published: August 2009

Objective

To compare the accuracy of transvaginal (TVS) versus transabdominal (TAS) ultrasound to assess the thickness of the lower uterine segment (LUS).

Methods

Eighty‐three pregnant women admitted for an elective cesarean delivery were enrolled. LUS thickness was measured using both TVS and TAS prior to the cesarean. The actual thickness of the LUS was measured using a sterile metal ruler after the neonate had been delivered.

Results

Seventeen women had unscarred uteri (20.1%); 41 had had one previous cesarean (49.4%); and 25 had had two previous cesareans (30.1%). Mean thickness of the LUS measured after delivery was 7.58 ± 1.3 mm in unscarred uteri; 5.09 ± 1.4 mm for one cesarean; and 3.92 ± 1.1 mm for two cesareans (P< 0.01). Actual thickness of the LUS showed a significant correlation with TVS among the total (rs= 0.89); with unscarred uteri (rs= 0.68); with 1 cesarean (rs= 0.89); and 2 cesareans (rs= 0.68), while with TAS the correlations were significant only with the total (rs= 0.53) and 2 previous cesareans (rs= 0.63) (P< 0.01).

Conclusion

TVS is a more accurate method of assessing the thickness of the LUS compared with TAS.
Novel dietary strategies can improve the outcome of weight loss programmes in obese client-owned cats
Authors: Bissot Thomas , Servet Eric , Vidal Stéphanie , Deboise Mickaël , Sergheraert Renaud , Egron Germaine , Hugonnard Marie , Heath Sarah E. , Biourge Vincent , German Alexander J.
Published: August 2009

A randomised, single-blinded, positively controlled, field trial for weight loss in obese client-owned cats was undertaken to look at novel diets and dietary strategies that could improve owner compliance and, therefore, success of feline weight loss programmes. Three dietary strategies were evaluated: strategy A used a novel dry high fibre ration; strategy B used ready-prepared portions of dry and moist food; strategy C used an existing commercial dry high fibre ration fed with a measuring cup. Cats were assessed at weeks 4, 12 and 20, and adjustments to the energy allocation made if required. Mean weight loss at 20 weeks (A: 11.0±1.3%, B: 10.9±1.2%, C: 11.9±1.7%) and mean energy allocation (A: 31.0, B: 28.5 and C: 32.2 kcal/kg of target body weight/day) were similar amongst strategies. However, owners' subjective hunger score was significantly ( P<0.001) higher with strategy C than with strategies A and B. Further, owner satisfaction was lowest with strategy C, and more owners also regarded food allowance as insufficient with this strategy. Novel diets and feeding strategies may improve outcome in feline weight loss programmes.
Gay Rights in the States: Public Opinion and Policy Responsiveness
Authors: LAX JEFFREY R. , PHILLIPS JUSTIN H.
Published: August 2009

We study the effects of policy-specific public opinion on state adoption of policies affecting gays and lesbians, and the factors that condition this relationship. Using national surveys and advances in opinion estimation, we create new estimates of state-level support for eight policies, including civil unions and nondiscrimination laws. We differentiate between responsiveness to opinion and congruence with opinion majorities. We find a high degree of responsiveness, controlling for interest group pressure and the ideology of voters and elected officials. Policy salience strongly increases the influence of policy-specific opinion (directly and relative to general voter ideology). There is, however, a surprising amount of noncongruence—for some policies, even clear supermajority support seems insufficient for adoption. When noncongruent, policy tends to be more conservative than desired by voters; that is, there is little progay policy bias. We find little to no evidence that state political institutions affect policy responsiveness or congruence.
Moral and Criminal Responsibility in Plato'sLaws
Authors: PANGLE LORRAINE SMITH
Published: August 2009

In his most practical work, theLaws, Plato combines a frank statement of the radical Socratic thesis that virtue is knowledge and vice involuntary with a prudential acceptance of the political community's need for retributive punishment. This paper examines theLaws'statements of principle regarding responsibility and punishment and compares these with the actual criminal code proposed in Book 9. The result is to show how a radical philosophic insight can be adapted to make ordinary citizens more gentle, thoughtful, and humane without sapping their moral commitments. Lessons are drawn from theLawsfor the contemporary restorative justice movement.
Adding cognitive behavioural treatment to either low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets: differential short-term effects
Authors: Rodriguez-Hernandez Heriberto , Morales-Amaya Uziel A. , Rosales-Valdéz Ramon , Rivera-Hinojosa Felipe , Rodriguez-Moran Martha , Guerrero-Romero Fernando
Published: August 2009

To evaluate the efficacy of adding cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) to either a low-carbohydrate (LC) diet or a low-fat (LF) diet in the treatment of weight loss of obese women, a randomised clinical intervention study was performed. A total of 105 healthy non-pregnant obese women (average age and BMI of 45·4 (sd 10·4) years and 36 (sd 4·3) kg/m2) were randomly allocated to the CBT or control (C) groups; within each group, women were randomly selected to receive either the LC or LF diet during 6 months. The pre-planned primary trial end-point was the weight loss. Differences between the groups were assessed using one-way ANOVA. There were three women (2·8 %) who dropped out, all of them in the CBT group. No differences in the anthropometric and laboratory characteristics at baseline were noted between women in the CBT (n 52) and control groups (n 50). Intention-to-treat analysis showed that weight loss in the CBT-LC (90 (sd 12·3) to 82·1 (sd 12·1) kg) and C-LC (89·4 (sd 10·0) to 85·8 (sd 9·8) kg) groups reached 8·7 and 4·0 %, respectively (P < 0·0001), and in the CBT-LF (87·9 (sd 11·4) to 79·4 (sd 11·8) kg) and C-LF (88·8 (sd 14·5) to 85·3 (sd 14·3) kg) groups it was 9·7 and 3·9 %, respectively (P < 0·05). Weight loss was higher in the CBT-LF group than in the CBT-LC groups (P = 0·049). The present results showed that adding CBT to either the LF or LC diet produced significantly greater short-term weight loss in obese women compared with diet alone. These finding support the efficacy of CBT in breaking previous dietary patterns and in developing healthier attitudes that reinforce a healthier lifestyle.
A prospective study of dietary intakes and influential factors from pregnancy to postpartum on maternal weight retention in Taipei, Taiwan
Authors: Lyu Li-Ching , Lo Chaio-Chen , Chen Heng-Fei , Wang Chia-Yu , Liu Dou-Ming
Published: August 2009

Excessive gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention are risk factors for female obesity. The present study was to examine dietary intakes and weight history from a prospective follow-up study from early pregnancy to 1 year postpartum. A total of 151 pregnant women within 20 weeks of pregnancy in Taipei, Taiwan were interviewed periodically to collect dietary and lifestyle information. The participants had an average age of 30 years and the average gestational weight gain was 14 kg, with an average daily intake of 7830 kJ (1870 kcal) in the 1 year following parturition. By bivariate analyses, maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI and breast-feeding were not related to postpartum weight retention, but gestational weight gain had significant positive correlations (r0·54 at 6 months,r0·44 at 1 year;P < 0·05). The generalised estimating equations showed that the average weight before pregnancy, at 6 months and 1 year postpartum was 53·35 kg, 55·75 kg (weight retention 2·36 kg;P < 0·01) and 54·75 kg (weight retention 1·48 kg;P < 0·01), respectively. After controlling for age, pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain and parity, we found at 6 months that the adjusted weight retention at postpartum was 0·79 kg (P < 0·01), but at 1 year it was − 0·08 kg (P>0·05). From multivariate analyses, dietary energy intake and energy intake per kg body weight as a long-term physical activity index could explain 24 % of the variation at 6 months and 27 % of the variation at 1 year in postpartum weight retention. These results suggest that pregnant women should be advised to control gestational weight gain, decrease energy intakes after child-bearing and maintain regular exercise in order to prevent postpartum obesity.
Correspondence of continuous interstitial glucose measurement against arterialised and capillary glucose following an oral glucose tolerance test in healthy volunteers
Authors: Dye Louise , Mansfield Michael , Lasikiewicz Nicola , Mahawish Lena , Schnell Rainer , Talbot Duncan , Chauhan Hitesh , Croden Fiona , Lawton Clare
Published: August 2009

The aim of the present study was to validate the Glucoday® continuous interstitial ambulatory glucose-monitoring device (AGD) against plasma glucose measured from arterialised venous (AV) and glucose from capillary whole blood (finger prick, FP) in non-diabetic subjects in response to an oral glucose tolerance test. Fifteen healthy overweight men (age 30–49 years, BMI 26–31 kg/m2) participated. Glucose levels were measured before, during and after consumption of an oral 75 g glucose load using twelve FP samples and forty-four 1 ml AV blood samples during 180 min. Interstitial glucose was measured via the AGD. Three venous samples for fasting insulin were taken to estimate insulin resistance. Profiles of AGD, AV and FP glucose were generated for each participant. Glucose values for each minute of the measurement period were interpolated using a locally weighted scatterplot smoother. Data were compared using Bland–Altman plots that showed good correspondence between all pairs of measurements. Concordance between the three methods was 0·8771 (Kendall's W, n 15, P < 0·001). Concordance was greater between AV and FP (W = 0·9696) than AGD and AV (W = 0·8770) or AGD and FP (W = 0·8764). Analysis of time to peak glucose indicated that AGD measures lagged approximately 15 min behind FP and AV measures. Percent body fat was significantly correlated with time to peak glucose levels for each measure, while BMI and estimated insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment, HOMA) were not. In conclusion, AGD shows good correspondence with FP and AV glucose measures in response to a glucose load with a 15 min time lag. Taking this into account, AGD has potential application in nutrition and behaviour studies.
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy for acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Authors: Agarwal S
Published: August 2009

Objective:

To evaluate the results of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy performed to treat acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Design:

Retrospective analysis of the outcome of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy performed in the conventional manner (i.e. without power instruments or laser) to treat acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Subjects:

Outcomes for 300 patients with acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction were evaluated. Cases with congenital or traumatic blockages were excluded. All the cases were evaluated for nasolacrimal duct blockage by the syringing and regurgitation test. Surgery was performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. Follow up was conducted by syringing and nasal endoscopy, up to one year. Results were compared with published data for endoscopic and external dacryocystorhinostomy.

Results:

Outcomes were evaluated subjectively using patient symptoms, syringing results and endoscopic appearance. All cases were symptom-free following endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Revision surgery was performed in 18 cases. Stents were placed in 10 patients, of which two developed granulations. Septoplasty was performed in 25 cases to gain access to the lacrimal sac area.

Conclusion:

The results were comparable with published data for endoscopic and external dacryocystorhinostomy.
Equilibrium states for piecewise monotonic transformations
Authors: Hofbauer Franz , Keller Gerhard
Published: August 2009

We show that equilibrium states μ of a function φ on ([0,1], T), where T is piecewise monotonic, have strong ergodic properties in the following three cases:

(i) sup φ — inf φ <htop(T) and φ is of bounded variation.

(ii) φ satisfies a variation condition and T has a local specification property.

(iii) φ = —log |T′|, which gives an absolutely continuous μ, T is C2, the orbits of the critical points of T are finite, and all periodic orbits of T are uniformly repelling.
Citizenship and structured dependency: the implications of policy design for senior political power
Authors: CARNEY GEMMA M.
Published: August 2009

This paper argues that the structured dependency thesis must be extended to incorporate political power. It outlines a political framework of analysis with which to identify who gains and who loses from social policy. I argue that public policy for older people is a product not only of social structures but also of political decision-making. The Schneider and Ingram (1993) ‘target populations’ model is used to investigate how the social construction of groups as dependent equates with lower levels of influence on policy making. In United Kingdom and European research, older people are identified as politically quiescent, but conversely in the United States seniors are viewed as one of the most influential and cohesive interest groups in the political culture. Why are American seniors perceived as politically powerful, while older people in Europe are viewed as dependent and politically weak? This paper applies the ‘target populations’ model to senior policy in the Republic of Ireland to investigate how theoretical work in the United States may be used to identify the significance of senior power in policy development. I conclude that research must recognise the connections between power, politics and social constructions to investigate how state policies can influence the likelihood that seniors will resist structured dependency using political means.
‘I sort of pay back in my own little way’: managing independence and social connectedness through reciprocity
Authors: BREHENY MARY , STEPHENS CHRISTINE
Published: August 2009

There is increasing emphasis in the media, public and policy discourses about the implications of the ageing population on promoting independence and self-reliance in old age, which is linked to the importance of social connection and the dangers of social exclusion. This paper examines how the potentially contradictory moral imperatives of independence and connectedness are managed by older people through reciprocity. Thirty-six interviews were conducted with people aged 55–70 years in New Zealand, and the data have been analysed discursively. Older people drew upon social conventions of independence as well as describing firm ties to family and community. One way in which the contradictions between the discourses of independence and connectedness were managed was through the notion of reciprocity. This allowed the participants to describe their lives as linked to others through acts that benefited both parties, constructing both a sense of connection and a rejection of the position of dependency on others. Using this linguistic resource has both possibilities and limitations for older people's attempts to manage a moral identity as they age. Although many approaches can be used to construct an equal relationship between people, a commitment to reciprocity in social exchanges may restrict older people from accepting help if they do not see the interactions as contributions to others.
Work and mental health: the case of older men living in underprivileged communities in Lebanon
Authors: CHAAYA MONIQUE , SIBAI ABLA MEHIO , TABBAL NABIL , CHEMAITELLY HIAM , EL ROUEIHEB ZANA , SLIM ZEINAB N.
Published: August 2009

This paper examines the association between being in paid work and depression among older adults in three poor urban communities in Beirut, Lebanon. In view of the rapid ageing of Lebanon's population and the growing number of older persons, the deteriorating economic conditions and the lack of pension systems, paid work is an important source of income for older people and deserves special attention. The sample was 328 men aged 65 or more years. Depression was assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. The exposure variable was working for pay at the time of the survey, and the covariates included socio-demographic measures, health characteristics, financial resources and social capital. Around one-third of the men were working, and approximately the same fraction were depressed. Adjusted data showed a protective effect of work on depression (odds ratio 0.50, 95 per cent confidence interval 0.25–0.96). This study is an eye opener on the circumstances of disadvantaged older people in a relatively low-income Eastern Mediterranean Region country, a topic rarely addressed in this area of the world. Old age is viewed as a decline in abilities while in reality many older adults are still able and ready to work. Social policies for older people should promote opportunities to work, not only pension schemes.
TESTING FOR EXOGENEITY IN THRESHOLD MODELS
Authors: Kapetanios George
Published: August 2009

Most work in the area of nonlinear econometric modeling is based on a single equation and assumes exogeneity of the explanatory variables. Recently, work by Caner and Hansen (2004) and Psaradakis, Sola, and Spagnolo (2005) has considered the possibility of estimating nonlinear models by methods that take into account endogeneity but provide no tests for exogeneity. This paper examines the problem of testing for exogeneity in nonlinear threshold models. We suggest new Hausman-type tests and discuss the use of the bootstrap to improve the properties of asymptotic tests. The theoretical properties of the tests are discussed and an extensive Monte Carlo study is undertaken.
Effects of weather variability on infectious gastroenteritis
Authors: ONOZUKA D. , HASHIZUME M. , HAGIHARA A.
Published: August 2009

Although multiple combinations of weather variability may contribute to an increased incidence of infectious gastrointestinal disease, few studies have investigated the association between weather variability and cases of infectious gastroenteritis. We acquired data for infectious gastroenteritis cases and weather variability in Fukuoka, Japan, from 1999 to 2007 and used time-series analysis to assess the effects of weather variability on infectious gastroenteritis cases, adjusting for confounding factors. In total, 422 176 infectious gastroenteritis cases were reported during the 9-year study period. The weekly number of infectious gastroenteritis cases increased by 7·7% (95% CI 4·6–10·8) for every 1°C increase in the average temperature and by 2·3% (95% CI 1·4–3·1) for every 1% decrease in relative humidity. From 1999 to 2007, infectious gastroenteritis cases increased significantly with increased average temperature and decreased relative humidity in Fukuoka, Japan.
Symmetries and exact solutions of the rotating shallow-water equations
Authors: CHESNOKOV A. A.
Published: August 2009

Lie symmetry analysis is applied to study the non-linear rotating shallow-water equations. The 9-dimensional Lie algebra of point symmetries admitted by the model is found. It is shown that the rotating shallow-water equations can be transformed to the classical shallow-water model. The derived symmetries are used to generate new exact solutions of the rotating shallow-water equations. In particular, a new class of time-periodic solutions with quasi-closed particle trajectories is constructed and studied. The symmetry reduction method is also used to obtain some invariant solutions of the model. Examples of these solutions are presented with a brief physical interpretation.
Monadic constraint programming
Authors: SCHRIJVERS TOM , STUCKEY PETER , WADLER PHILIP
Published: August 2009

A constraint programming system combines two essential components: a constraint solver and a search engine. The constraint solver reasons about satisfiability of conjunctions of constraints, and the search engine controls the search for solutions by iteratively exploring a disjunctive search tree defined by the constraint program. In this paper we give a monadic definition of constraint programming in which the solver is defined as a monad threaded through the monadic search tree. We are then able to define search and search strategies as first-class objects that can themselves be built or extended by composable search transformers. Search transformers give a powerful and unifying approach to viewing search in constraint programming, and the resulting constraint programming system is first class and extremely flexible.
The effect of the time interval between injection and parthenogenetic activation on the spindle formation and the in vitro developmental potential of somatic cell nuclear-transferred rat oocytes
Authors: Mizumoto Shigetoshi , Kato Yoko , Tsunoda Yukio
Published: August 2009

We examined the optimal conditions for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in the rat. First, we examined the effect of preincubation time before activation on SCNT rat oocytes produced in the presence of MG132 with regard to spindle formation and the potential to develop into blastocysts. The spindles of SCNT oocytes continued to elongate with an increase in the culture duration and, in approximately half of oocytes, the chromosomes were distributed along the spindles at 120 min after incubation. Such abnormal spindle formation in SCNT oocytes is a possible reason for the low developmental potential of SCNT rat oocytes. To inhibit the formation of abnormal spindle formation, we examined secondly the developmental potential of rat SCNT oocytes that had been preincubated with nocodazole and demecolcine instead of MG132. The developmental rates in SCNT oocytes, however, were decreased. For successful rat somatic cell cloning, two steps might be required: (1) to culture the somatic cell nuclei for a sufficient time in MII oocyte cytoplasm to enhance nuclear reprogramming; and (2) to induce normal spindle formation with normal chromosomal construction.
Noninvasive methods of accurately diagnosing in children anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk
Authors: Chien Kuang-Jen , Huang Ta-Cheng , Hsieh Kai-Sheng , Lin Chu-Chuan , Weng Ken-Pen , Pan Jun-Yen , Lee Cheng-Liang
Published: August 2009

Background

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk is a rare congenital heart defect. Cardiac catheterization remains the standard means of diagnosis. Our purpose in this study is to emphasize the importance of assessing the electrocardiogram when making the diagnosis, in addition to taking note of transthoracic echocardiographic findings. We also analyzed the sensitivity of each parameter under investigation.

Methods and Results

Between June, 1999, and March, 2007, we studied 9 patients, 6 males and 3 females, with a mean age of 3.02 years, in whom anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk was suspected subsequent to transthoracic echocardiographic examination. We examined their electrocardiograms, and undertook cardiac catheterization. In all patients, the transthoracic echocardiogram had shown retrograde flow into the pulmonary trunk, with the left coronary artery arising from pulmonary trunk, along with a dilated right coronary artery, or intercoronary collateral vessels. In 8 patients, the electrocardiogram showed deep Q wave in leads I and aVL, with depression of the ST segments over lead V4 through 6, or inversion of the T waves in leads I, II, and aVL. In the remaining patient, the electrocardiogram showed incomplete right bundle branch block. Later, cardiac catheterization confirmed the diagnosis in 8 patients, but the other patient was shown to have the right coronary artery arising from the pulmonary trunk.

Conclusions

By combining transthoracic echocardiography with study of the electrocardiogram, it is possible to provide accurate evaluation of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk.
Synaptic plasticity-associated proteases and protease inhibitors in the brain linked to the processing of extracellular matrix and cell adhesion molecules
Authors: Lee Tet Woo , Tsang Vicky W.K. , Birch Nigel P.
Published: August 2009

Research on the molecular and cellular basis of learning and memory has focused on the mechanisms that underlie the induction and expression of synaptic plasticity. There is increasing evidence that structural changes at the synapse are associated with synaptic plasticity and that extracellular matrix (ECM) components and cell adhesion molecules are associated with these changes. The functions of both groups of molecules can be regulated by proteolysis. In this article we review the roles of selected proteases and protease inhibitors in perisynaptic proteolysis of the ECM and synaptic adhesion proteins and the impact of proteolysis on synaptic modification and cognitive function.
Surface insolation trends from satellite and ground measurements: Comparisons and challenges
Authors: Hinkelman Laura M. , Stackhouse Paul W. , Wielicki Bruce A. , Zhang Taiping , Wilson Sara R.
Published: August 2009

Global “dimming” and “brightening,” the decrease and subsequent increase in solar downwelling flux reaching the surface observed in many locations over the past several decades, and related issues are examined using satellite data from the NASA/Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) Surface Radiation Budget (SRB) product, version 2.8. A 2.51 W m−2 decade−1 dimming is found between 1983 and 1991, followed by 3.17 W m−2 decade−1 brightening from 1991 to 1999, returning to 5.26 W m−2 decade−1 dimming over 1999–2004 in the SRB global mean. This results in an insignificant overall trend for the entire satellite period. However, patterns of variability for smaller regions (continents, land, and ocean) are found to differ significantly from the global signal. The significance of the computed linear trends is assessed using a statistical technique that accommodates the autocorrelation typically found in surface insolation time series. Satellite fluxes are compared to measurements from surface radiation stations on both a site‐by‐site and ensemble basis. Comparison of an ensemble of the most continuous Global Energy Balance Archive (GEBA) sites to SRB data yields a root‐mean‐square difference and correlation of 2.6 W m−2 and 0.822, respectively. However, the GEBA time series does not correspond well to the SRB global mean owing to its extremely limited distribution of sites. Simulations of the Baseline Surface Radiometer Network using SRB data suggest that the network is becoming more representative of the globe as it expands, but that the Southern Hemisphere and oceans remain seriously underrepresented in the surface networks. This study indicates that it is inappropriate to describe the variability of global surface insolation in the current satellite record using a single linear fit because major changes in slope have been observed over the last 20 years. Further efforts to improve the quality of satellite flux records and the spatial distribution of surface measurement sites are recommended, along with more rigorous analysis of the origins of observed insolation variations, in order to improve our understanding of both long‐ and short‐term variability in the downwelling solar flux at the Earth's surface.
Homogenization of daily maximum temperature series in the Mediterranean
Authors: Kuglitsch Franz G. , Toreti Andrea , Xoplaki Elena , Della‐Marta Paul M. , Luterbacher Jürg , Wanner Heinz
Published: August 2009

Homogenization of atmospheric variables to detect and attribute past and present climate trends and to predict scenarios of future meteorological extreme events is a crucial issue for the reliability of analysis results. Here we present a quality control and new homogenization method (PENHOM) based on a penalized log likelihood procedure and a nonlinear model applied to 174 daily summer maximum temperature series in the Greater Mediterranean Region covering the last 50–100 years. The break detection method does not rely on homogeneous reference stations and was chosen owing to the lack of metadata available. The correction procedure allows the higher‐order moments of the candidate distribution to be corrected, which is important if the homogenized series are to be used to quantify temperature extremes. Both procedures require a set of highly correlated neighboring stations to correct climate series reliably. After carrying out the homogeneity procedure, 84% of all time series were found to contain at least one artificial breakpoint. Time series of the eastern Mediterranean (one breakpoint in 24 years on average) show significantly more breakpoints than do series of the Western Basin (one breakpoint in 36 years on average). The mean adjustment (standard error) of all daily summer maximum temperatures is +0.03°C (±0.38°C) for the western Mediterranean, +0.16°C (±0.52°C) for the central Mediterranean, and +0.19°C (±0.30°C) for the eastern Mediterranean, indicating a reduced increase in mean summer daytime temperature compared to that detected by analyzing raw data. The adjustments for higher‐order moments were not uniform. Most significant mean changes due to homogenization were detected for both: the hottest (+0.15°C ± 0.66°C) and coldest decile (−0.83°C ± 1.28°C) compared to the raw data in the central Mediterranean. This study demonstrates that homogenization of daily temperature data is necessary before any analysis of temperature‐related extreme events such as heat waves, cold spells, and their impacts on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems can be studied.
A multiscale approach to model the anisotropic deformation of lithospheric plates
Authors: Knoll Mickaël , Tommasi Andréa , Logé Roland E. , Signorelli Javier W.
Published: August 2009

The association of experimental data showing that the plastic deformation of olivine, the main constituent of the upper mantle, is highly anisotropic and the ubiquitous seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle, which indicates that olivine crystals show coherent orientations over scales of tens to hundreds of kilometers, implies that the long‐term deformation in the upper mantle is anisotropic. We propose a multiscale approach, based on a combination of finite element and homogenization techniques, to model the deformation of a lithospheric plate while fully considering the mechanical anisotropy stemming from a strain‐induced orientation of olivine crystals in the mantle. This multiscale model explicitly takes into account the evolution of crystal preferred orientations (CPO) of olivine and of the mechanical anisotropy during the deformation. We performed a series of numerical experiments simulating the uniaxial extension of a homogeneous (100% olivine) but anisotropic plate to test the role of the olivine CPO on the plate mechanical behavior and the link between CPO and mechanical anisotropy evolution. Even for this simple solicitation, different orientations and intensity of the initial olivine CPO result in variable plate strengths and deformation regimes. A plate with an initial CPO where the olivine [100] and [010] axes are concentrated at 45° to the extension direction has high resolved shear stresses on the easy (010)[100] and (001)[100] slip systems of olivine. This results in low strength and in deformation by transtension. Plates with an initial CPO where the maximum of [100] axes is parallel or normal to the extension direction show a high initial strength. Isotropic plates have an intermediate behavior. The progressive rotation of olivine [100] axes toward the imposed stretching direction results in hardening in all models, except in those characterized by an initial concentration of olivine [100] axes normal to the imposed extension, in which softening is followed by hardening.