bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations Between ADH Gene Variants and Alcohol Phenotypes in Dutch Adults
Authors: van Beek Jenny H. D. A. , Willemsen Gonneke , de Moor Marleen H. M. , Hottenga Jouke Jan , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: February 2010

Recently, Macgregor et al. (2009) demonstrated significant associations of ADH polymorphisms with reactions to alcohol and alcohol consumption measures in an Australian sample. The aim of the present study was to replicate these findings in a Dutch sample. Survey data on alcohol phenotypes came from 1,754 unrelated individuals registered with the Netherlands Twin Register. SNPs in the ADH gene cluster located on chromosome 4q (n= 491) were subdivided in seven gene sets: ADH5, ADH4, ADH6, ADH1A, ADH1B, ADH1C and ADH7. Within these sets associations of SNPs with alcohol consumption measures, age at onset variables, reactions to alcohol and problem drinking liability were examined. Of the original 38 SNPs studied by Macgregor et al. (2009), six SNPs were not available in our dataset, because one of them had a minor allele frequency < .01 (rs1229984) and five could not be imputed. The remaining SNP associations with alcohol phenotypes as identified by Macgregor et al. (2009) were not replicated in the Dutch sample, after correcting for multiple genotype and phenotype testing. Significant associations were found however, for reactions to alcohol with a SNP in ADH5 (rs6827292,p= .001) and a SNP just upstream of ADH5 (rs6819724,p= .0007) that is in strong LD with rs6827292. Furthermore, an association between age at onset of regular alcohol use and a SNP just upstream of ADH7 (rs2654849,p= .003) was observed. No significant associations were found for alcohol consumption and problem drinking liability. Although these findings do not replicate the earlier findings at the SNP level, the results confirm the role of the ADH gene cluster in alcohol phenotypes.
Gemini: A UK Twin Birth Cohort With a Focus on Early Childhood Weight Trajectories, Appetite and the Family Environment
Authors: van Jaarsveld Cornelia H. M. , Johnson Laura , Llewellyn Clare , Wardle Jane
Published: February 2010

Gemini is a cohort study of young twins in the United Kingdom designed to assess genetic and environmental influences on early childhood weight trajectories with a focus on infant appetite and the family environment. A total of 2402 families with twins born in England and Wales between March and December 2007 agreed to participate and returned completed baseline questionnaires. The sample includes 1586 same-sex and 816 opposite-sex twins. The study is currently funded for 5 years of follow-up, but is planned to continue into early adolescence and beyond, pending funding. With current funding of the study, families will be followed up when twins are: 8 months old (baseline), and then at 15, 20, 24, 36 and 48 months of age. Gemini is in its early stages, with baseline and first follow-up data collection completed. This is the first twin cohort to focus on childhood weight gain with detailed and repeated measures of children's appetite, food preferences, activity behavior and parental feeding styles, alongside detailed and repeated collection of anthropometrics. This article reviews the rationale for the Gemini study, its representativeness and the main measures.
Physical Features Observation: Is it Repeatable in Zygosity Determination of Chinese Adult Twins?
Authors: Gao Wenjing , Li Liming , Cao Weihua , Zhan Siyan , Zhao Yunlong , Wang Hui , Hu Yonghua
Published: February 2010

This study reports on the inter- and intrarater reliability of physical features observation. Study subjects were 176 Chinese adult persons, consisting of 89 males and 87 females. Three trained research assistants responded simultaneously and respectively to 12 items regarding the subject's physical features including ‘hair’, ‘Mongoloid folds’, left and right ‘ear lobes’, ‘earwax’, ‘nostril shape’, ‘tongue rolling’, left and right ‘hitchhiker's thumb’, ‘mid-digital hair’ and left and right ‘simian crease’ at the moment of interview. And 14 days later, these subjects received the same observation once again. The results showed that the inter- and intra-observer agreements of ‘hair’, ‘earwax’, ‘tongue rolling’, ‘mid-digital hair’ and ‘simian crease’ were almost perfect with most kappa (κ) coefficients ≥ .80, while ‘Mongoloid fold’ and ‘nostril shape’ showed poor inter-observer agreement and ‘nostril shape’ showed poor intra-observer agreement (κ < .40). Two other physical features, ‘hitchhiker's thumb’ and ‘ear lobes’ showed moderate inter-observer agreement and three features, ‘hitchhiker's thumb’, ‘ear lobes’ and ‘Mongoloid fold’, showed moderate intra-observer agreement (.40≤ κ <.80). In conclusion, this study suggests that as far as reliability is concerned, the five features which were ‘hair’, ‘earwax’, ‘tongue rolling’, ‘mid-digital hair’ and ‘simian crease’ could be considered in zygosity determination of Chinese adult twins, while the two features, ‘Mongoloid fold’ and ‘nostril shape’, should be abandoned.
Recommended Practice for Full-Flow Penetrometer Testing and Analysis
Authors: DeJong Jason , Yafrate Nicholas , DeGroot Don , Low Han Eng , Randolph Mark
Published: February 2010

The increasing use of full-flow penetrometers for estimating the undrained and remolded shear strength as well as soil sensitivity of soft sediments by both industry and researchers has resulted in a rather rapid maturation of this new in situ test method over the past decade. Experimental, analytical, and numerical analysis results for full-flow penetrometers are now sufficient to provide recommended practices regarding equipment design, testing procedures, and data analysis. Equipment design must consider both physical attributes of the penetrometers and electronic design and data acquisition. The testing procedures presented are modified from standard test methods for the piezocone with additions for evaluation of remolded strength by cycling and rate effects through variable penetration rate testing. Data reduction includes methods for normalizing the penetration resistance data for comparison between test sites and depths and methods for estimating undrained and remolded shear strength as well as soil sensitivity. All recommendations are summarized in a guidance table.
Complete disappearance of a GH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma in a patient with acromegaly: effect of treatment with lanreotide Autogel and consequence of treatment withdrawal
Authors: Auriemma Renata S , Galdiero Mariano , Grasso Ludovica F S , Vitale Pasquale , Cozzolino Alessia , Lombardi Gaetano , Colao Annamaria , Pivonello Rosario
Published: February 2010

Background

Somatostatin analogs (SA) are the cornerstone in the medical treatment of acromegaly, used as either primary or adjunctive therapy. In particular, SA are effective in inducing the biochemical remission of the disease and tumor shrinkage, although only few cases of complete disappearance of the pituitary tumor in patients treated with SA as long-acting formulations have been reported. SA withdrawal has been demonstrated to keep safe levels of GH and IGF1 at least in a small subset of patients well responsive to SA, although it is generally followed by disease recurrence after several months.

Case report

A 61-year-old female patient bearing a very large GH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma was treated with 12-month lanreotide Autogel (ATG), at the initial dose of 120 mg/28 days. After 3 months, GH and IGF1 levels were fully normalized, to prolong the administration interval from 28 to 56 days. After 6 months of treatment, a significant tumor shrinkage (90% of baseline size) was observed, whereas GH and IGF1 excess was still well controlled. After 12-month therapy, a complete disappearance of the pituitary tumor was observed, and the hormonal evaluation confirmed the complete biochemical remission of acromegaly. Lanreotide ATG treatment was withdrawn. The clinical, biochemical, and radiological remission of acromegaly was maintained 24 months after lanreotide ATG treatment discontinuation, without evidence of disease recurrence.

Conclusions

This report represents an exemplary case of the potentiality of treatment with lanreotide ATG in inducing a complete remission of acromegalic disease, persistent after a long period of time from treatment withdrawal.
Immunohistochemical identification of the PTHR1 parathyroid hormone receptor in normal and neoplastic human tissues
Authors: Lupp Amelie , Klenk Christoph , Röcken Christoph , Evert Matthias , Mawrin Christian , Schulz Stefan
Published: February 2010

Background

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a crucial regulator of calcium homoeostasis in humans. Although it is well known that PTH acts primarily on kidney and bone, the precise cellular and subcellular sites of PTH action have not been visualised in human tissues.

Method

We developed and characterised a novel anti-peptide antibody to the carboxy-terminal region of the human PTH receptor type 1 (PTHR1). Specificity of the antiserum was demonstrated by i) detection of a broad band migrating atMr85 000–95 000 in western blots of membranes from human kidney and PTHR1-transfected cells; ii) cell surface staining of PTHR1-transfected cells; iii) translocation of PTHR1 receptor immunostaining after agonist exposure; and iv) abolition of tissue immunostaining by preadsorption of the antibody with its immunising peptide. The distribution of PTHR1 receptors was investigated in 320 human tumours and their tissues of origin.

Results

In the kidney, PTHR1 receptors were predominantly detected at the basolateral plasma membrane of epithelial cells in the proximal and distal tubules but not in the thin limbs of Henle, collecting ducts or glomeruli. In bone, PTHR1 receptors were detected as discrete plasma membrane staining of osteocytes and osteoblasts, whereas osteoclasts remained unstained. In addition, PTHR1 was found in the gut and in a number of neoplastic tissues including colorectal carcinoma, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma and osteosarcoma.

Conclusion

This is the first localisation of PTHR1 receptors in human tissues at the cellular level. The overexpression of PTHR1 receptors may provide a molecular basis for efficient targeting of human tumours with radiolabelled PTH analogues.
Fitness Epistasis and Constraints on Adaptation in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Protein Region
Authors: da Silva Jack , Coetzer Mia , Nedellec Rebecca , Pastore Cristina , Mosier Donald E
Published: February 2010

Fitness epistasis, the interaction among alleles at different loci in their effects on fitness, has potentially important consequences for adaptive evolution. We investigated fitness epistasis among amino acids of a functionally important region of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) exterior envelope glycoprotein (gp120). Seven mutations putatively involved in the adaptation of the second conserved to third variable protein region (C2–V3) to the use of an alternative host-cell chemokine coreceptor (CXCR4) for cell entry were engineered singly and in combinations on the wild-type genetic background and their effects on viral infectivity were measured. Epistasis was found to be common and complex, involving not only pairwise interactions, but also higher-order interactions. Interactions could also be surprisingly strong, changing fitness by more than 9 orders of magnitude, which is explained by some single mutations being practically lethal. A consequence of the observed epistasis is that many of the minimum-length mutational trajectories between the wild type and the mutant with highest fitness on cells expressing the alternative coreceptor are selectively inaccessible. These results may help explain the difficulty of evolving viruses that use the alternative coreceptor in culture and the delayed evolution of this phenotype in natural infection. Knowledge of common, complex, and strong fitness interactions among amino acids is necessary for a full understanding of protein evolution.
A Tetrad Analysis of the Basidiomycete Fungus Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Idnurm Alexander
Published: February 2010

Cryptococcus neoformans is a basidiomycete fungus that is found worldwide and causes disease in humans and animal species. The fungus grows asexually as a budding yeast. Under laboratory conditions it is capable of sexual reproduction between two mating types. After cell fusion a dikaryotic filament develops, at the tip of which a basidium gives rise to four chains of basidiospores. Because the chains each comprise 10–30 spores, rather than single spores, the analysis of individual meiotic events has not been attempted in C. neoformans in the style of tetrad analyses performed in other fungal species. Here, the basidiospores from >100 basidia were micromanipulated and the resultant >2500 progeny analyzed for three genetic markers to understand the sexual process in this fungus, leading to four observations: (i) Marker segregation provides genetic evidence for a single meiotic event within the basidium followed by multiple rounds of mitosis. (ii) Using each basidium as an unordered tetrad, the ADE2 and URA5 genes are linked to their centromeres, consistent with adjacent genomic regions rich in repetitive elements predicted to comprise Cryptococcus centromeres. (iii) Lack of germination of basidiospores is attributed to aneuploidy, rather than dormancy. (iv) Analysis of basidiospores derived from single chains demonstrates that each chain can contain different genotypes. This mechanism of sexual spore production would benefit the species with a high rate of dispersal and at the same time aid in simultaneous dissemination of both mating types to new locations in the environment.
Accuracy of Depression Screening Tools for Identifying Postpartum Depression Among Urban Mothers
Authors: Chaudron Linda H. , Szilagyi Peter G. , Tang Wan , Anson Elizabeth , Talbot Nancy L. , Wadkins Holly I. M. , Tu Xin , Wisner Katherine L.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The goal was to describe the accuracy of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), and Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) in identifying major depressive disorder (MDD) or minor depressive disorder (MnDD) among low-income, urban mothers attending well-child care (WCC) visits during the postpartum year.

METHODS:

Mothers (N = 198) attending WCC visits with their infants 0 to 14 months of age completed a psychiatric diagnostic interview (standard method) and 3 screening tools. The sensitivities and specificities of each screening tool were calculated in comparison with diagnoses of MDD or MDD/MnDD. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated and the areas under the curves for each tool were compared to assess accuracy for the entire sample (representing the postpartum year) and subsamples (representing early, middle, and late postpartum time frames). Optimal cutoff scores were calculated.

RESULTS:

At some point between 2 weeks and 14 months after delivery, 56% of mothers met criteria for either MDD (37%) or MnDD (19%). When used as continuous measures, all scales performed equally well (areas under the curves of ≥0.8). With traditional cutoff scores, the measures did not perform at the expected levels of sensitivity and specificity. Optimal cutoff scores for the BDI-II (≥14 for MDD and ≥11 for MDD/MnDD) and EPDS (≥9 for MDD and ≥7 for MDD/MnDD) were lower than currently recommended. For the PDSS, the optimal cutoff score was consistent with current guidelines for MDD (≥80) but higher than recommended for MDD/MnDD (≥77).

CONCLUSIONS:

Large proportions of low-income, urban mothers attending WCC visits experience MDD or MnDD during the postpartum year. The EPDS, BDI-II, and PDSS have high accuracy in identifying depression, but cutoff scores may need to be altered to identify depression more accurately among urban, low-income mothers.
Are Patient-Held Vaccination Records Associated With Improved Vaccination Coverage Rates?
Authors: McElligott James T. , Darden Paul M.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The goal was to determine whether patient-held vaccination records improve vaccination rates.

METHODS:

The public-use files of the 2004–2006 National Immunization Survey, a national, validated survey of households with children 19 to 35 months of age, were used. The main outcome was up-to-date (UTD) vaccination status (4 diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis/diphtheria-tetanus vaccine, 3 poliovirus vaccine, 1 measles vaccine, 3 Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine, and 3 hepatitis B vaccine doses), and the main predictor was the use of a vaccination record. Control variables were race/ethnicity, maternal education, poverty status, language, number of children in the home, state of residence, and number of health care providers.

RESULTS:

Overall, 80.8% of children were UTD, and 40.8% of children had vaccination records. Children with vaccination records were more likely to be UTD (83.9% vs 78.6%; P < .0001). The largest effects associated with vaccination records were seen for children with multiple providers, comparing with and without a vaccination record (82.8% vs 71.9%; P < .0001), those with low maternal education, (81.6% vs 72.9%; P < .0001), and those with ≥4 children in the household, (76% vs 69.6%; P < .004). Logistic regression predicting UTD status and controlling for race/ethnicity, maternal education, poverty level, language, number of children in the home, and number of vaccine providers revealed the vaccination record to be associated with a 62% increase in the odds of UTD status (odds ratio: 1.62 [95% confidence interval: 1.49–1.77]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Use of patient-held vaccination records is an easily implemented strategy that is associated with increased immunization rates. A greater effect was seen in groups at risk for underimmunization. Methods to incorporate and to ensure effective use of these records should be implemented.
Frictional effects of steel grating on I-beams
Authors: Gohnert M. , Sithole H.
Published: February 2010

Steel grating is a flooring system used primarily in industrial structures and is commonly supported by I-beams or steel channels. The capacity of the beams is related to their potential to buckle laterally. To prevent premature failure, resulting from buckling, beams are braced using angles, cross-beams or slabs. The interaction between the grating and the support beam will, however, cause a frictional reaction, which will potentially brace the beam laterally and prevent lateral buckling of the compression flange. A series of tests were conducted to determine the coefficient of friction between steel grating and the support beam under various loading and surface conditions. Several tests were also conducted to determine if grating will prevent buckling of a beam, which otherwise would buckle without lateral restraint. The tests suggest that buckling is prevented and therefore grating does provide lateral restraint.
Sam68: A New STAR in the Male Fertility Firmament
Authors: Sette Claudio , Messina Valeria , Paronetto Maria Paola
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT: Male infertility accounts for approximately 50% of the cases of sterile human couples, and in many instances the genetic or molecular defects involved remain unknown. Studies conducted in animal models have elucidated the key role played by RNA‐binding proteins and by the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression during spermatogenesis. Ablation of proteins involved in each of the steps required for the processing and the utilization of messenger RNAs impairs the production of fertile spermatozoa. Recent evidence indicates that the RNA‐binding protein Sam68 is absolutely required for the correct progression of spermatogenesis and for male fertility in the mouse. Sam68 belongs to the evolutionary conserved signal transduction and activation of RNA (STAR) family of RNA‐binding proteins. The members of this family have been demonstrated to play crucial roles in cell differentiation and development, including male and female gametogenesis. In this review we will summarize the observations gathered on the functions of STAR proteins in different organisms, with particular emphasis on the role of Sam68 in male fertility.
Regulation of Male Fertility by X‐Linked Genes
Authors: Zheng Ke , Yang Fang , Wang Peijing Jeremy
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT: Infertility is a worldwide reproductive health problem, affecting men and women about equally. Mouse genetic studies demonstrate that more than 200 genes specifically or predominantly regulate fertility. However, few genetic causes of infertility in humans have been identified. Here, we focus on the regulation of male fertility by X‐linked, germ cell—specific genes. Previous genomic studies reveal that the mammalian X chromosome is enriched for genes expressed in early spermatogenesis. Recent genetic studies in mice show that X‐linked, germ cell—specific genes, such as A‐kinase anchor protein 4 (Akap4), nuclear RNA export factor 2 (Nxf2), TBP‐associated factor 7l (Taf7l), and testis‐expressed gene 11 (Tex11), indeed play important roles in the regulation of male fertility. Moreover, we find that the Taf7l Tex11 double‐mutant males exhibit much more severe defects in meiosis than either single mutant, suggesting that these 2 X‐linked genes regulate male meiosis synergistically. The X‐linked, germ cell—specific genes are particularly attractive in the study of male infertility in humans. Because males are hemizygous for X‐linked genes, loss‐of‐function mutations in the single‐copy X‐linked genes, unlike in autosomal genes, would not be masked by a normal allele. The genetic studies of X‐linked, germ cell—specific genes in mice have laid a foundation for mutational analysis of their human orthologues in infertile men.
How Does Street Information Impact on Mexican Children's Economic Literacy? A Developmental Study
Authors: Diez-Martinez Evelyn
Published: February 2010

The impact of everyday street floating information on children's knowledge about diverse aspects of their social world has hardly been studied in relation to their understanding about socio-economic knowledge. Though several studies have analyzed children's and adolescents' behavior related to the impact of socialization agents on their consumption habits, little is known about how and when they start analyzing several everyday communication situations concerning economic interchanges. Mexican children from different socioeconomic backgrounds were individually interviewed about diverse street information advertisings or written messages referring to economic interchanges in order to attempt understanding of an aspect of their cognitive social development. Subjects were shown a number of cards including photographs. Subjects were asked to describe the photograph and to explain its content and the type of information or communication situation that it involved. Some examples were a string with flags on the edge of a house on sale, an ATM machine, an exchange bureau, and written texts such as ‘factory prices' on the front of a department store. Results show cognitive developmental trends as well as socioeconomic influences on subjects' answers. Discussion is made taking into account theories of children and adolescents socioeconomic development as well as social and cultural aspects involved in economic literacy.
Solving the Topographic Potential Bias as an Initial Value Problem
Authors: Sjöberg L.
Published: February 2010

Solving the Topographic Potential Bias as an Initial Value Problem

If the gravitational potential or the disturbing potential of the Earth be downward continued by harmonic continuation inside the Earth's topography, it will be biased, the bias being the difference between the downward continued fictitious, harmonic potential and the real potential inside the masses. We use initial value problem techniques to solve for the bias. First, the solution is derived for a constant topographic density, in which case the bias can be expressed by a very simple formula related with the topographic height above the computation point. Second, for an arbitrary density distribution the bias becomes an integral along the vertical from the computation point to the Earth's surface. No topographic masses, except those along the vertical through the computation point, affect the bias. (To be exact, only the direct and indirect effects of an arbitrarily small but finite volume of mass around the surface point along the radius must be considered.) This implies that the frequently computed terrain effect is not needed (except, possibly, for an arbitrarily small inner-zone around the computation point) for computing the geoid by the method of analytical continuation.
Digital Road Profile Using Kinematic GPS
Authors: Farah Ashraf
Published: February 2010

Digital Road Profile Using Kinematic GPS

A Digital Road Profile (DRP) is a digital representation of road surface topography or terrain in the longitudinal direction. The need for accurate DRP is vital in two stages; before the road construction starts and after the road construction finished where the verification of its geometrical characteristics is essential for engineering safety purposes. Classical surveying techniques are traditionally used for the DRP generation with limitation of high-cost and time-waste. Kinematic DGPS or Real Time Kinematic DGPS positioning can provide accurate enough results for such application. This paper presents an assessment study of using kinematic GPS technique for DRP generation comparing with classical survey in south Egypt. The results shows that, vehicle-GPS system used in combination with post processing kinematic DGPS gave satisfactory accuracy for nearly all points for a distance of nearly 2 km. with max. and min. difference not more than 7.7 cm, a mean value of 0.10 cm and a Root Mean Square RMS value of 4.11 cm.
Post Project Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment - A Case of Gokarna Sanitary Landfill Site after Operation and Closure
Authors: Khanal Sudarshan Chandra
Published: February 2010

Environmental Assessment (EA) is the identification, prediction and evaluation of Environmental impacts. Environmental Monitoring transforms EA from a one time pre-project document to a continual assessment of impacts. Post project analysis concerns life cycle environmental management and environmental studies during project implementation. This study illustrates significance of Post project Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment using a factual example of Gokarna Sanitary Landfill Site (GLFS) after final operation and closure. The environmental inventory, the preventive and compensatory measures adopted by GLFS were studied and some modes of public involvement, economic measures and regulatory measures were analyzed during the construction and operation of the GLFS. Environmental inventory of the site indicated that GLFS might constitute concrete environmental conflict. The result of handpicking analysis showed that risk of medical and industrial hazardous waste cannot be excluded. Water and leachate analysis indicated that the impact of disposal is still pronounced at the site and ground water pollution may be dispersing to the general ground water flow direction. Soil analysis indicated that impact of disposal is pronounced on similar trends in two sites in landfill site. PH, BOD and COD values of leachate indicated that a good biodegradation of organic wastes (i.e. stable methane process) is going on the site and opens a potential for using landfill gas as an energy resource. The public participation, and economic measures studied through questionnaire method confirmed that during operation phase there was inadequate compliance with the planning and operational strategies at implementation that is also a major issue environmentally. There were no provisions for monitoring hazardous wastes, surface and ground water pollution and landfill gas during the operation phase. This study intends to conclude for regular Environmental Monitoring and Post project Impact Assessment for corrective actions and also for the construction and successful operation of similar projects. Possibility of Post project Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment in environmental policy making is also considered. Key words: Environmental monitoring; Environmental assessment; Post project analysis; Impact assessment; GLFS. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5.2658 Scientific World, Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 60-66
Hepatitis B and Malaria Among Nepalese Blood Donors
Authors: Ghimire Prakash , Dhungyel Bishnu Bhakta , Tiwari Bishnu Raj
Published: February 2010

Viral hepatitis and malaria, both are the diseases with noticeable disease burden in Nepal. Malaria is seasonal with high disease burden during post rainy season. Severe malaria also shows similar symptoms to viral hepatitis. This is collaborative study has been conducted during June - September 2006 with the objective of determining the prevalence of hepatitis B and malaria in Nepalese blood donors to find out the need of routine malaria testing in each pint of donated blood. During the study period, screening of malaria and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were done in 1200 blood samples collected from blood donors at Kathmandu, Nepalgunj and Biratnagar Blood Banks. Malaria diagnosis was done using one drop of blood from each unit of blood using Giemsa stained thick and thin smear microscopy, while hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected using commercial ELISA. Of the total 1200 blood samples analyzed, 600 were collected at Kathmandu and 300 each at Nepalgunj and Biratnagar blood banks, situated in malaria endemic southern districts. Among the total 1200 samples, 1% (12) of the sample was found reactive for HBsAg; while only 0.33 % (4) samples were positive for malarial parasite. 1.33% (8) samples from Kathmandu and 1.33% (4) samples from Nepalgunj were positive for HBV. 1% (3) samples from Nepalgunj and 0.33% (1) sample from Biratnagar were found to be positive for malarial parasite. None of the samples from Biratnagar were positive for HBsAg, while none of the samples from Kathmandu were positive for malarial parasite. All of the malaria cases were due to Plasmodium vivax. All the infected cases were male. Co-infection of malaria and HBV was not observed during the entire period of study. However more extensive study is needed in other endemic areas of Nepal, the study indicated that the continuation of screening each point of donated blood for Hepatitis B, while screening of malarial parasites in donors of endemic terai districts may be useful in preventing transmission of malaria through transfusion. Key words: Hepatitis; Malaria; ELISA; Blood donors; Blood transfusion. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5.2661 Scientific World, Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 81-84
Emerging Needs of Wetlands Protection for the Conservation of Wild Rice Biodiversity in Nepal: A Case Study from Lumbini Area
Authors: Siwakoti Mohan , Tiwari Sagendra
Published: February 2010

Nepal's wetlands are recognized critical habitats for several rare and endangered flora and fauna. Wild rice is one of the wetland products. There are 4 species of wild rice, Oryza rufipogon; O. nivara, O. granulata and O. officinalis occurring in Nepal, of which 3 species, Oryza rufipogon; O. nivara and O. officinalis are wetlands dependent. Oryza rufipogon and O. nivara are considered as progenitors of Asian cultivated rice (O. sativa). Attempt is made to assess the status of wetlands and wild rice in Lumbini area, distributed in Rupandehi and Kapilvastu districts. Many wetland sites, the important habitats of wild rice are degrading and getting lost due to encroachment for conversion into rice fields, fishponds, extended settlements, and sedimentation. A number of wild rice locations are observed in private wetlands that are prone to conversion into rice fields and fishponds. Although, local communities use wild rice during religio-cultural ceremonies, they are not well aware about the values of wetlands and often consider wild rice as weeds. The government policy has also not given due importance to the conservation of wild rice. It is expected that many wild rice sites would be lost in a few years time. This paper discusses conservation needs of some of the wetland sites of Lumbini area such as Budhi Tal, Ajingara Tal, RangpurTal and Kale Khan Tal for the preservation of wild rice gene pool. Key words: Wetlands; Conservation; Wild rice; Lumbini area. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v5i5.2664 Scientific World, Vol. 5, No. 5, July 2007 95-99
Charitable Food Programs In Victoria, BC
Authors: Bocskei Elietha M. , Ostry Aleck S.
Published: February 2010

Purpose: Few authors have investigated the institutional character of charitable food programs and their capacity to address food security in Canada.

Methods:We surveyed food programmanagers at charitable agencies in Greater Victoria, British Columbia.We discuss the structure of the “system” of charitable food provision, the value of sourced food, types of services provided, clients’ demographic profile, and the estimated healthfulness ofmeals served.We also describe the proportion ofmajor food types purchased and donated to agencies.

Results: Thirty-six agencies served approximately 20,000meals a week to about 17,000 people. Food valued at $3.2million was purchased or donated; approximately 50%was donated,mainly by corporations. The largest value of food purchased and donated was frommeat and alternatives (40.9%) and nonperishable food items (16%). Dairy productsmade up the smallest share of donated foods.

Conclusions: Charitable food programs in Victoria depend on food donations. The proportion of dairy products and produce is low, which raises questions about the healthfulness of foods currently fed to homeless and poor people in the city.
Selective Redundancy Removal: A Framework for Data Hiding
Authors: Fiore Ugo
Published: February 2010

Data hiding techniques have so far concentrated on adding or modifying irrelevant information in order to hide a message. However, files in widespread use, such as HTML documents, usually exhibit high redundancy levels, caused by code-generation programs. Such redundancy may be removed by means of optimization software. Redundancy removal, if applied selectively, enables information hiding. This work introduces Selective Redundancy Removal (SRR) as a framework for hiding data. An example application of the framework is given in terms of hiding information in HTML documents. Non-uniformity across documents may raise alarms. Nevertheless, selective application of optimization techniques might be due to the legitimate use of optimization software not supporting all the optimization methods, or configured to not use all of them.
Bacterial Expression of Mouse Argonaute 2 for Functional and Mutational Studies
Authors: Salvatore Vincenzo , Potenza Nicoletta , Papa Umberto , Nobile Valentina , Russo Aniello
Published: February 2010

RNA interference (RNAi) is a post-transcriptional gene-silencing process that occurs in many eukaryotic organisms upon intracellular exposure to double-stranded RNA. Argonaute 2 (Ago2) protein is the catalytic engine of mammalian RNAi. It contains a PIWI domain that is structurally related to RNases H and possibly shares with them a two-metal-ion catalysis mechanism. Here we describe the expression in E. coli of mouse Ago2 and testing of its enzymatic activity in a RISC assay, i.e., for the ability to cleave a target RNA in a single position specified by a complementary small interfering RNA (siRNA). The results show that the enzyme can load the siRNA and cleave the complementary RNA in absence of other cellular factors, as described for human Ago2. It was also found that mutation of Arg669, a residue previously proposed to be involved in substrate and/or B metal ion binding, doesn’t affect the enzymatic activity, suggesting that this residue doesn’t belong to the active site.
Thermal Stability and Sublimation Pressures of Some Ruthenocene Compounds
Authors: Siddiqi M. Aslam , Siddiqui Rehan A. , Atakan Burak , Roth Nina , Lang Heinrich
Published: February 2010

We set out to study the use of a series of ruthenocenes as possible and promising sources for ruthenium and/or ruthenium oxide film formation.The thermal stability of a series of ruthenocenes, including (η5-C5H4R)(η5-C5H4R´)Ru (1), R = R´ = H (3), R = H, R´ = CH2NMe2 (5), R = H, R´= C(O)Me (6), R = R´ = C(O)Me (7), R = H, R´ = C(O)(CH2)3CO2H (8), R = H, R´ = C(O)(CH2)2CO2H (9), R = H, R´ = C(O)(CH2)3CO2Me (10), R = H, R´= C(O)(CH2)2CO2Me (11), R = R´ = SiMe3), (η5-C4H3O-2,4-Me2)2Ru (2), and (η5-C5H5-2,4-Me2)2Ru (4) was studied by thermogravimetry. From these studies, it could be concluded that 1–4, 6 and 9–11 are the most thermally stable molecules. The sublimation pressure of these sandwich compounds was measured using a Knudsen cell. Among these, the compound 11 shows the highest vapor pressure.
The One-Step Pickering Emulsion Polymerization Route for Synthesizing Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposite Particles
Authors: Ma Huan , Luo Mingxiang , Sanyal Sriya , Rege Kaushal , Dai Lenore  L.
Published: February 2010

Polystyrene-silica core-shell nanocomposite particles are successfully prepared via one-step Pickering emulsion polymerization. Possible mechanisms of Pickering emulsion polymerization are addressed in the synthesis of polystyrene-silica nanocomposite particles using 2,2-azobis(2-methyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)propionamide (VA-086) and potassium persulfate (KPS) as the initiator. Motivated by potential applications of “smart” composite particles in controlled drug delivery, the one-step Pickering emulsion polymerization route is further applied to synthesize polystyrene/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)-silica core-shell nanoparticles with N-isopropylacrylamide incorporated into the core as a co-monomer. The polystyrene/PNIPAAm-silica composite nanoparticles are temperature sensitive and can be taken up by human prostate cancer (PC3-PSMA) cells.
Quantification of Process Induced Disorder in Milled Samples Using Different Analytical Techniques
Authors: Zimper Ulrike , Aaltonen Jaakko , McGoverin Cushla  M. , Gordon Keith  C. , Krauel-Goellner Karen , Rades Thomas
Published: February 2010

The aim of this study was to compare three different analytical methods to detect and quantify the amount of crystalline disorder/ amorphousness in two milled model drugs. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman spectroscopy were used as analytical methods and indomethacin and simvastatin were chosen as the model compounds. These compounds partly converted from crystalline to disordered forms by milling. Partial least squares regression (PLS) was used to create calibration models for the XRPD and Raman data, which were subsequently used to quantify the milling-induced crystalline disorder/ amorphousness under different process conditions. In the DSC measurements the change in heat capacity at the glass transition was used for quantification. Differently prepared amorphous indomethacin standards (prepared by either melt quench cooling or cryo milling) were compared by principal component analysis (PCA) to account for the fact that the choice of standard ultimately influences the quantification outcome. Finally, the calibration models were built using binary mixtures of crystalline and quench cooled amorphous drug materials. The results imply that the outcome with respect to crystalline disorder for milled drugs depends on the analytical method used and the calibration standard chosen as well as on the drug itself. From the data presented here, it appears that XRPD tends to give a higher percentage of crystalline disorder than Raman spectroscopy and DSC for the same samples. For the samples milled under the harshest milling conditions applied (60 min, sixty 4 mm balls, 25 Hz) a crystalline disorder/ amorphous content of 44.0% (XRPD), 10.8% (Raman spectroscopy) and 17.8% (DSC) were detected for indomethacin. For simvastatin 18.3% (XRPD), 15.5% (Raman spectroscopy) and 0% (DSC, no glass transition) crystalline disorder/ amorphousness were detected.
How Does Car Parking Availability and Public Transport Accessibility Influence Work-Related Travel Behaviors?
Authors: Badland Hannah M. , Garrett Nick , Schofield Grant M.
Published: February 2010

This study investigated the relationships between car parking, public transport, travel behaviors, and health outcomes for adults (n = 1,188) traveling to a worksite. Public transport was used for 12.1% of the work-related commute. Those who had higher levels of walking, no worksite car park access, lived proximal to a public transport stop, had limited automobile availability, traveled to the main business district, perceived public transport as accessible, or did not have company car access were more likely to use public transportation. Accordingly, proximal residential transit stops and restrictions for company car accessibility and parking at the worksite are needed.
Sclerotia of Typhula ishikariensis biotype B (Typhulaceae) from archaeological sites (4000 to 400 BP) in Hokkaido, northern Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Naoyuki , Hoshino Tamotsu , Yamada Goro , Kawakami Akira , Takada‐Hoshino Yuko
Published: February 2010

Despite their close association with human activities, plant pathogenic fungi have rarely been found in archaeological excavations. We report here that a fungus was closely associated with human activities even in prehistoric times. Sclerotium‐like objects were found at historical sites (4000 to 400 BP) on the island of Hokkaido, northern Japan. They were spherical, 0.3–1.0 mm in diameter, and had a medulla and rind. Some had leaf fragments on the surface or a protuberance that resembled emerging sporocarp primordia. These traits indicated that they were sclerotia of the snow mold fungus, Typhula ishikariensis biotype B.
Patient-derived Joint Counts Are a Potential Alternative for Determining Disease Activity Score
Authors: KAVANAUGH ARTHUR , LEE SUSAN J. , WENG HAOLING H. , CHON YUN , HUANG XING-YUE , LIN SHAO-LEE
Published: February 2010

Objective.

To investigate the correlation between the Disease Activity Score using a 28-joint count (DAS28) based on physician-derived joint counts and the DAS28 based on patient-derived joint counts (Pt-DAS28) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Data from a multicenter, open-label study investigating the immunogenicity of etanercept (ETN) were analyzed. ETN-naive patients with active RA received ETN 50 mg once weekly alone or with methotrexate (MTX). Joint counts were performed at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24 by the physician and patient independently. Patients received instruction in performing joint assessments.

Results.

Of 447 patients enrolled (ETN, n = 218; ETN + MTX, n = 229), most were women (79%) and the mean age was 54.5 years. Correlation coefficients between DAS28 and Pt-DAS28 were ≥ 0.57 at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24. At Week 24, 48%, 39%, and 12% of patients could be classified as having low, moderate, or high disease activity, respectively, using DAS28. Using Pt-DAS28, 43%, 39%, and 18% were similarly classified. Agreement in the category of disease activity classification occurred in 72% of patients (kappa = 0.55). At Week 24, 78% of patients using DAS28 and 72% of patients using Pt-DAS28 were classified as moderate or good European League Against Rheumatism responders.

Conclusion.

These results support the possible use of patient-derived tender and swollen joint counts to aid in the assessment of disease activity and clinical response in patients with RA.
Familia y fecundidad en España
Authors: Delgado Margarita
Published: February 2010

La familia es, dentro de la sociedad, el grupo primario por excelencia, ya que es el primer núcleo de socialización del individuo, tanto porque es el más importante como porque es el primero en el tiempo respecto a la trayectoria vital de la persona. Una familia se forma a partir de la segregación de componentes de otra familia, crece o no, y puede decrecer —también por segregación para formar otras familias, por divorcio o por defunción— hasta que desaparece…
Latidos en la imagen
Authors: Vila Santiago
Published: February 2010

Al concluir su estudio sobre la genealogía del lenguaje cinematográfico, Noël Burch declara: «Me parece evidente que el extraordinario éxito del cine, como industria de placer y como instrumento de manipulación (o de movilización) procede precisamente de la perfecta armonización entre el sistema de representación construido entre 1895 y 1929 y las estructuras inherentes al psiquismo occidental tal y como las formulan la teoría y la práctica psicoanalíticas»; y acaba proponiendo como vía de investigación productiva el análisis de las homologías entre las estructuras arquetípicas de la fantasía y las del modo de representación institucionalizado en el cine. Hoy parece más oportuno todavía retomar estas consideraciones, puesto que la utilización de imágenes estructuradas según el lenguaje clásico del cine para manipular la conciencia pública es más evidente que nunca…
La intemperancia de Ethan Edwards
Authors: Montiel Mues Alejandro
Published: February 2010

No disponible
Pequeñas pasiones (Notas sobre la adolescente en el cine)
Authors: Pedraza Pilar
Published: February 2010

Aún el más somero recorrido por la presencia de las muchachas en el cine, nos pone en contacto con algo más que la pasión del espectador hacia los golosos objetos sexuales de la pantalla. Las adolescentes no son sólo objetos sino también víctimas, en el sentido sadiano de la palabra, y personajes. Su origen no es erótico sino melodramático, y tras casi cien años de sufrimiento en las películas de Griffith, continúan dando lo que se les pide: que se dejen castigar, que nos enternezcan como cachorros maltratados…
Duelo y melancolía, o el amor perdido de Gaspar de Montenegro (La sirena negra, Carlos Serrano de Osma, 1947)
Authors: Castro de Paz José Luis
Published: February 2010

No disponible
Homenaje a Ramón Llull
Authors: Pemán José Mª
Published: February 2010

No disponible
Poesía y Poética
Authors: Hierro José
Published: February 2010

No disponible
Iconografía y poesía en la Biblia
Authors: Trebolle Barrera Julio
Published: February 2010

No disponible
La navidad: Un camino iniciático desde el arte al espíritu
Authors: Sánchez Hernández Mª Leticia
Published: February 2010

No disponible
La visión de la Justicia en la literatura de utopía
Authors: Castán Vázquez José María
Published: February 2010

Varios han sido, desde la Antigüedad, los libros que han descrito una sociedad imaginaria, dotada de instituciones ideales en óptimo funcionamiento e integrada por dirigentes virtuosos y súbditos felices. Entre los libros griegos en esa línea destaca ya La República de Platón. En siglos posteriores no faltaron obras que de algún modo reflejaran también el sueño de una vida social feliz, pero fue en 1516 cuando se produjo el hecho más importante: la aparición de la primera edición del libro Utopía de Tomás Moro, cuyo éxito había de abrir el camino a toda una literatura centrada en el mismo tema; aquel libro daría para siempre su nombre al género, porque la voz «utopía», con la que Moro había bautizado a su imaginaria isla, alcanzaría general aceptación para designar los sistemas que se consideran deseables e irrealizables. Y es natural que al describir tales sistemas los autores se plantearan el funcionamiento en ellos de la Justicia, sin la cual no puede existir una sociedad. Propósito de estas notas es indagar las ideas referentes a las Justicia contenidas en sólo tres libros influidos por el Renacimiento: uno, la Utopía moreana, fundamental en el género; otro. La Ciudad del Sol, de Campanella, clásico también entre los relatos de utopía; y el tercero, los Comentarios Reales del Inca Gracilaso, que, aunque no suelan aparecer en la bibliografía de ese género, contienen una mezcla de utopía e historia…
Corte Penal Internacional: Prevención y complementariedad
Authors: Martí Mingarro Luis
Published: February 2010

No disponible
El Consejo General del Poder Judicial en la Constitución
Authors: Laorden Ferrero Javier
Published: February 2010

No disponible
La Audiencia Nacional
Authors: Puyol Montero Javier
Published: February 2010

No disponible
John von Neumann: precursor del Cálculo Científico y de la Meteorología
Authors: Díaz Díaz Jesús Ildefonso
Published: February 2010

No disponible
Desigualdades económicas entre las familias
Authors: Navarro López Manuel
Published: February 2010

No disponible