bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostate cancer risk alleles significantly improve disease detection and are associated with aggressive features in patients with a “normal” prostate specific antigen and digital rectal examination
Authors: Helfand Brian T. , Kan Donghui , Modi Parth , Catalona William J.
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND

Several reports suggest that a combination of risk alleles may be associated with prostate cancer (CaP) risk and tumor features. However, their ability to detect CaP and tumor characteristics in patients with a “normal” PSA (<4 ng/ml) and non‐suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE) remains to be determined.

METHODS

We examined 203 men of European ancestry with clinical stage T1c CaP diagnosed at a “normal” PSA and 611 healthy volunteer controls. The genotypes for 17 different risk alleles were compared between CaP cases and controls. Additional analyses were used to compare the pathologic features between carriers and non‐carriers (defined using best‐fit genetic model) of these variants.

RESULTS

All risk alleles were present at an increased frequency in cases with “normal” PSA values and DRE compared to controls. Amongst CaP patients, carriers of an increasing number of genetic risk factors (i.e., alleles and positive family history) were at a significantly increased risk of CaP (P‐trend <0.001). Specifically, men with >10 genetic risk factors had an 11.2‐fold risk (95% CI 4.3–29.2) of having the disease compared to men with ≤5 variants. There also was a higher frequency of many the variants amongst men with adverse pathologic features.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion of biopsy‐detectable CaP occurs in men with “normal” PSA levels and negative DRE. In this population, CaP risk alleles and family history are significantly associated with CaP risk and may help predict aggressive disease. Future studies are warranted to determine the utility of incorporating these variants into CaP screening programs. Prostate 77:394–402, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcriptional coactivators p300 and CBP stimulate estrogen receptor‐beta signaling and regulate cellular events in prostate cancer
Authors: Bouchal Jan , Santer Frédéric R. , Höschele Philipp P.S. , Tomastikova Eva , Neuwirt Hannes , Culig Zoran
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND

Steroid receptor coactivators p300 and CBP are highly expressed in advanced prostate cancer. They potentiate activation of androgen receptor by androgens and anti‐androgens. In the present study, we have addressed the question whether these coactivators enhance activity of estrogen receptor‐beta (ER‐β), which is variably expressed in prostate cancers.

METHODS

Expression levels of the coactivators p300 and CBP were manipulated by plasmid or siRNA transfections and activity of ER‐β was measured by luciferase assays. Viability was measured by MTT assays and cellular migration was determined by wound‐healing and Boyden chamber assays.

RESULTS

High expression of ER‐β was found in PC3 cells which were used for the experiments. p300 or CBP enhanced activation of ER‐β by genistein. Antiestrogens did not acquire agonistic properties in the presence of increased concentrations of either coactivator. Inhibition of p300 or CBP decreased genistein stimulation of ER‐β. Genistein reduced migration of PC3 prostate cancer cells and down‐regulation of p300 potentiated this effect.

CONCLUSIONS

p300 and CBP are implicated in regulation of ER‐β activity and cellular migration in prostate cancer. These findings are important for understanding of action of ER‐β in carcinoma of the prostate. Prostate 77:431–437, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new method to provide a fresh frozen prostate slice suitable for gene expression study and MR spectroscopy
Authors: Bertilsson Helena , Angelsen Anders , Viset Trond , Skogseth Haakon , Tessem May‐Britt , Halgunset Jostein
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND

Fresh frozen tissue from radical prostatectomy specimens is highly valuable material for research on gene expression and cellular metabolites. The purpose of this study was to develop a standardized method to provide a representative high quality research sample from radical prostatectomy specimens without interfering with the routine histopathological procedure.

METHODS

A complete transversal slice is collected and snap‐frozen before formalin fixation and routine processing of the remaining gland. The freezing preserves the original geometric shape, thus allowing subsampling of specific cell populations without thawing. RNA was extracted from 53 cylindrical subsamples (diameter 3 mm, thickness 2 mm) from 16 consecutive frozen slices. The histological pattern was evaluated by microscopy of a cryosection from sample before further analysis.

RESULTS

Using this novel harvesting method close to 400 slices have been collected. Whenever tumor was present in both adjacent surrounding hematoxylin–eosin sections, we found cancer in 88% of the frozen slices. The extracted RNA showed very high quality with a mean RNA integrity number of 9.16 (SD 0.53). The MR spectra showed metabolic profiles containing several resonances, which deserve further evaluation as possible biomarkers for prostate cancer. After MR analysis the RNA was still highly intact with a mean RNA integrity number of 8.40 (SD 1.53), which makes it possible to correlate transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of the extracted samples.

CONCLUSION

We present a safe and standardized method for procurement of a high quality fresh frozen prostate slice, suitable for gene expression analysis and MR spectroscopy. Prostate 77:461–469, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐density growth of horizontally aligned carbon nanotubes for interconnects
Authors: Yan F. , Zhang C. , Cott D. , Zhong G. , Robertson J.
Published: September 2010

We demonstrate growth of horizontally aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from a vertical, conductive surface for use as horizontal interconnects in integrated circuits. This is achieved by using a CMOS compatible metal, CoSi2, as the catalyst support and contact, and Fe as the catalyst. The Fe is patterned by tilt evaporation, and cold‐wall chemical vapor deposition achieves a nanotube wall density of ∼6 × 1011 cm−2. Electrical measurements show that both outer and some inner walls carry current, demonstrating a promising method for growing nanoscale horizontal interconnects.
Pressure‐induced phenomena in single‐walled carbon nanotubes: Structural phase transitions and the role of pressure transmitting medium
Authors: Kuntscher C. A. , Abouelsayed A. , Thirunavukkuarasu K. , Hennrich F.
Published: September 2010

We studied the effect of pressure on the electronic properties of bundled single‐walled carbon nanotubes by infrared transmission measurements. Different pressure transmitting media were employed to verify their influence on the observed pressure dependence. A redshift of the optical absorption bands is observed under pressure. Irrespective of the pressure transmitting medium, the pressure‐induced frequency shifts of the optical transitions show an anomaly at a critical pressure pc = 2–3 GPa, which can be attributed to the predicted circular‐to‐elliptical structural phase transition. We find a second anomaly in the frequency shifts of the optical transitions at 5–6 GPa, which we interpret in terms of the change of the nanotubes' cross‐section from elliptical to race‐track or peanut type, in agreement with earlier reports.
EPR spectra of MoS2/C60
Authors: Blinc Robert , Cevc Pavel , Mrzel Aleš , Arčon Denis , Remškar Maja , Milia Fanny , Laguta Valentin V.
Published: September 2010

The X‐band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of MoS2/C60 have been studied. A strong T‐dependent g‐shift and photoconductivity have been observed. The electronic state of molybdenum was found to be Mo3+.
Automated preparation of high‐quality epitaxial graphene on 6H‐SiC(0001)
Authors: Ostler Markus , Speck Florian , Gick Markus , Seyller Thomas
Published: September 2010

In this contribution, we present details on a recently installed hot‐wall reactor for graphene growth on silicon carbide (SiC) in argon under atmospheric pressure. Both preparation steps, i.e., the preconditioning of the SiC substrate by hydrogen etching and the graphene growth are performed in this setup in a fully automated manner thus ensuring the preparation of high‐quality graphene on an everyday basis. Samples were characterized by atomic force microscopy and X‐ray induced photoelectron spectroscopy. We present results on the optimization of the hydrogen etching procedure. The thickness distribution of graphene samples grown in the automated process is Gaussian with a mean value of 1.1 monolayers and a standard deviation of 0.17 monolayers. This indicates a highly controlled process.
In situ electrical conductivity and Raman study of C60 tetragonal polymer at high pressures up to 30 GPa
Authors: Mases Mattias , You Shujie , Weir Samuel T. , Evans William J. , Volkova Yana , Tebenkov Alexander , Babushkin Alexey N. , Vohra Yogesh K. , Samudrala G. , Soldatov Alexander V.
Published: September 2010

Theory predicts that tetragonal polymeric C60 will undergo a phase transition into a metallic phase at pressures around 20 GPa. Raman and structural experiments at high pressures confirmed formation of a new phase above 20 GPa although the question about its electrical properties was still open. We report on the first simultaneous in situ study of vibrational and electrical properties of two‐dimensional (2D) tetragonal C60 polymer at pressures up to 30 GPa in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) specially designed for this purpose. Our results reveal an anomaly in Raman spectra and a drop in electrical resistance of the sample at 20–25 GPa. We tentatively associate this anomalous behaviour with a phase transition into the conductive phase although its metallic character is yet to be proven. At high pressures the Raman spectra exhibit a high degree of disorder. Upon pressure release the order was partially restored and, more importantly, a significant amount of the initial 2D polymeric phase was recovered.
Hyperfine interaction in graphene: The relevance for spintronics
Authors: Dóra Balázs , Simon Ferenc
Published: September 2010

We study the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) properties of graphene. The interaction between nuclear spins and the orbital motion of Dirac electrons is strongly modified by the linear electronic dispersion with respect to its canonical form. The NMR shift and spin‐lattice relaxation time are calculated as function of temperature, chemical potential, and magnetic field for clean and impure graphene, and three distinct regimes are identified: Fermi‐, Dirac‐gas, and extreme quantum limit (EQL) behaviors. A critical spectrometer assessment shows that NMR is within reach for fully 13C enriched graphene of reasonable size.
Topology peculiarities of graphite films of nanometer thickness
Authors: Tyurnina Anastasia V. , Ismagilov Rinat R. , Chuvilin Andrey V. , Obraztsov Alexander N.
Published: September 2010

The graphite films of nanometer thickness were produced by condensation of carbon from gaseous phase onto polycrystalline nickel. The films have wrinkled surface with the atomically flat regions separated by the ridges. Together with a net of randomly oriented ridges the periodically ordered wrinkles have been observed. Exposure of the grown graphite films in air leads to appearance of gaseous blisters gradually growing with time. We propose explanations of the mechanisms responsible for formation of these topology peculiarities.

magnified image
Valence electronic structure of the indene molecule: Experiment vs. GW calculations
Authors: Umari P. , Castellarin‐Cudia C. , Feyer V. , Di Santo G. , Borghetti P. , Sangaletti L. , Stenuit G. , Goldoni A.
Published: September 2010

We investigate the valence electronic properties in the gas phase of the indene molecule, which is one of the simplest polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, with photoemission spectroscopy using synchrotron light and through first‐principles calculations using a many‐body perturbation theory GW approach. We found an excellent agreement between theory and experiment. This allows us to assign to the peaks appearing in the photoemission spectrum the calculated molecular orbitals.
Mechanisms of failure in the static indentation resistance of auxetic carbon fibre laminates
Authors: Coenen V. L. , Alderson K. L.
Published: September 2010

Carbon fibre laminates were produced with matched through‐the‐thickness modulus, but with negative (auxetic), positive and near zero through‐the‐thickness Poisson's ratios. These were indented with noses of diameter 2, 12.7 and 20 mm. Enhancements in indentation resistance were seen for the auxetic laminates with smaller, more localized damage areas for the two larger diameter indentors where delamination was the dominant failure mechanism. Little difference was seen in mechanical properties for the 2 mm diameter indentor where fibre breakage was the dominant failure mechanism, though smaller damage areas are still obtained in this case due to delamination growth suppression.
On the effect of heat and solvent exposure on the microstructure properties of auxetic foams: A preliminary study
Authors: Gatt Ruben , Attard Daphne , Manicaro Elaine , Chetcuti Elaine , Grima Joseph N.
Published: September 2010

The effect of elevated temperature and solvent exposure on the microstructure of auxetic polyurethane foams is investigated. It is shown that such effects result in an expansion of the auxetic foams accompanied by the removal of the highly convoluted features in the microstructure of auxetic foams with the result that such foams lose their auxetic characteristics. It is also shown that such changes do not occur if the foams are subjected to the high temperature or solvent exposure in a contained state which does not permit the expansion. This means that auxetic foams can still be used in such environments provided that the right precautions are taken (e.g. putting them in a cover thereby constraining them to retain their volume).
Solitary waves in auxetic rods
Authors: Kołat P. , Maruszewski B. T. , Tretiakov K. V. , Wojciechowski K. W.
Published: September 2010

Propagation of longitudinal solitary waves in rods made of an isotropic material was studied by computer simulations. The analysis of the problem was based on the equation derived by Porubov from Murnaghan's free energy model. Amplitudes, velocities and shapes of pulses of propagating solitary waves were determined both for auxetic materials, i.e. exhibiting negative Poisson's ratio, and for common ones – of positive or zero Poisson's ratio.
Intervening in the Lives of Youth with Complex Behavioral Health Challenges and Their Families: The Role of the Wraparound Process
Authors: Bruns Eric J. , Walker Janet S. , Zabel Michelle , Matarese Marlene , Estep Kimberly , Harburger Deborah , Mosby Madge , Pires Sheila A.
Published: September 2010

Wraparound is an individualized, team‐based service planning and care coordination process intended to improve outcomes for youth with complex behavioral health challenges and their families. In recent years, several factors have led wraparound to become an increasingly visible component of service systems for youth, including its alignment with the youth and family movements, clear role within the systems of care and public health frameworks, and expansion of the research base. In this paper, we provide a review of the place of the wraparound process in behavioral health, including a discussion of the opportunities it presents to the field, needs for further development and research, and recommendations for federal actions that have the potential to improve the model's positive contribution to child and family well‐being.
Combined use of the cardiofemoral index and middle cerebral artery Doppler velocimetry for the prediction of fetal anemia
Authors: Cabral Antônio Carlos Viera , Reis Zilma Silveira Nogueira , Apocalypse Isabela Gomes , Osanan Gabriel Costa , Lage Eura Maria , Leite Henrique Vitor
Published: September 2010

Objective

To assess the accuracy of the combined use of the cardiofemoral index (CFI) and the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA‐PSV), converted to multiples of the median (MoM), as noninvasive means to detect severe fetal anemia.

Method

We measured CFI and MCA‐PSV MoM in 37 fetuses just before their first (n = 37), second (n = 22), and third (n = 14) cordocenteses and transfusions. Then, using 2 different criteria for severe fetal anemia detection (Hb deficit ≥ 7 g/dL and hemoglobin level ≤ 0.55 of MoM), we assessed their hemoglobin status during cordocentesis and the accuracy of CFI and MCA‐PVS was determined.

Results

At the first cordocentesis the mean hemoglobin level was 8.5 ± 3.6 g/dL and 15 fetuses (40.5%) had hydrops. In a total of 81 fetal evaluations, 58 (71.6%) of the CFIs and 34 (42.0%) of the MCA‐PSV MoM measurements were abnormal. The result of one of these tests was abnormal in 65 evaluations (80.3%) and the results of both tests were abnormal in 27 evaluations (33.3%). All fetuses diagnosed as being severely anemic by at least one of the hemoglobin criteria during cordocentesis had an abnormal result by at least one of the noninvasive tests. Before the second and third transfusions, the combined use of the CFI and MCA‐PSV MoM predicted severe fetal anemia with 100% sensitivity. When the CFI and MCA‐PSV MoM measurements were normal, the negative likelihood ratio was zero.

Conclusion

When associated, CFI and MCA‐PSV MoM were accurate predictors of severe fetal anemia.
Comparison of the pain experienced by infertile women undergoing hysterosalpingo contrast sonography or radiographic hysterosalpingography
Authors: Socolov Demetra , Boian Iuliana , Boiculese Lucian , Tamba Bogdan , Anghelache‐Lupascu Ivona , Socolov Razvan
Published: September 2010

Objective

To evaluate the pain and cause of pain experienced by women undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG) and contrast hysterosalpingo sonography (HyCoSy) with air in a saline solution for the assessment of uterine and tubal patency.

Method

In this prospective study, 121 infertile women undergoing these 2 procedures measured the pain incurred using a digital/analog scale (1–10). We looked for correlations between pain level and variables pertaining to the procedures. Vagal effects and their persistence were also recorded.

Results

The pain was less during HSG (median, 5) than during HyCoSy (median, 7). It was greater than menstrual pain for 38.8% of participants during HSG and for 70.5% of participants during HyCoSy. There was no correlation between pain and difficult catheter passage, degree of tubal obstruction, volume of contrast medium injected, or presence of IgG antibodies to Chlamydia when these variables were studied for HyCoSy alone. However, the strong correlation between pain score and volume of contrast medium injected during each procedure seems to explain the significantly higher pain levels during HyCoSy (P < 0.001). In 65.3% and 57.8% of participants, respectively, the pain disappeared immediately after the HSG or HyCoSy. Only mild vagal effects were recorded following both procedures, in 0.8% of participants after HSG and 2.5% of participants after HyCoSy.

Conclusion

Hysterosalpingo contrast sonography is similar to HSG regarding rapidity of pain disappearance, and infrequency and moderation of vagal effects, but the level of pain is slightly higher, probably due to the greater volume of medium injected.
Infectious causes for feline upper respiratory tract disease – a case–control study
Authors: Holst Bodil Ström , Hanås Sofia , Berndtsson Louise T. , Hansson Ingrid , Söderlund Robert , Aspán Anna , Sjödahl-Essén Titti , Bölske Göran , Greko Christina
Published: September 2010

The aim of this case–control study was to investigate the prevalence of microorganisms in group-living cats with clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD), in in-contact cats and in cats in groups without URTD problems. Samples were taken from the ventral conjunctival fornix for analysis of feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV), Mycoplasma felis and Chlamydiaceae using a real-time polymerase chain reaction technique. The oropharynx was sampled for bacteriological culture and viral isolation. Specific infectious agents were identified in 11/20 (55%) of the case households, in 7/20 (35%) of the cats with clinical signs and in 3/20 (15%) of the control households, in 3/40 (7.5%) of the cats. Chlamydiae and M felis were only detected from case households, both from cats with URTD and from in-contact cats. The difference in prevalence between case and control households was statistically significant for M felis (P=0.047). The presence of M felis in cat groups was thus associated with clinical signs of URTD.
Effects of pepsin and trypsin on the anti-adipogenic action of lactoferrin against pre-adipocytes derived from rat mesenteric fat
Authors: Ono Tomoji , Morishita Satoru , Fujisaki Chikako , Ohdera Motoyasu , Murakoshi Michiaki , Iida Norio , Kato Hisanori , Miyashita Kazuo , Iigo Masaaki , Yoshida Toshihide , Sugiyama Keikichi , Nishino Hoyoku
Published: September 2010

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional glycoprotein in mammalian milk. In a previous report, we showed that enteric-coated bovine LF tablets can decrease visceral fat accumulation, hypothesising that the enteric coating is critical to the functional peptides reaching the visceral fat tissue and exerting their anti-adipogenic activity. The aim of the present study was to assess whether ingested LF can retain its anti-adipogenic activity. We therefore investigated the effects of LF and LF treated with digestive enzymes (the stomach enzyme pepsin and the small intestine enzyme trypsin) on lipid accumulation in pre-adipocytes derived from the mesenteric fat tissue of male Sprague–Dawley rats. Lipid accumulation in pre-adipocytes was significantly reduced by LF in a dose-dependent manner and was associated with reduction in gene expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein delta, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha and PPARγ as revealed by DNA microarray analysis. Trypsin-treated LF continued to show anti-adipogenic action, whereas pepsin-treated LF abrogated the activity. When an LF solution (1000 mg bovine LF) was administered by gastric intubation to Sprague–Dawley rats, immunoreactive LF determined by ELISA could be detected in mesenteric fat tissue at a concentration of 14·4 μg/g fat after 15 min. The overall results point to the importance of enteric coating for action of LF as a visceral fat-reducing agent when administered in oral form.
Fermentation of calcium-fortified soya milk does not appear to enhance acute calcium absorption in osteopenic post-menopausal women
Authors: Cheung Anne Lise Tang Fook , Wilcox Gisela , Walker Karen Z. , Shah Nagendra P. , Strauss Boyd , Ashton John F. , Stojanovska Lily
Published: September 2010

Ageing women may choose to drink soya milk to reduce menopausal symptoms. As fermentation enriches soya milk with isoflavone aglycones, its beneficial qualities may improve. To reduce osteoporotic risk, however, soya milk must be Ca enriched, and it is not known how fermentation affects Ca bioavailability. A randomised crossover pilot study was undertaken to compare the Ca absorption of fortified soya milk with that of fermented and fortified soya milk in twelve Australian osteopenic post-menopausal women. The fortified soya milk was inoculated withLactobacillus acidophilusAmerican Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 4962 and fermented for 24 h at 37°C. Ca absorption from soya milk samples was measured using a single isotope radiocalcium method. Participants had a mean age of 54·8 (sd12·3) years, with mean BMI of 26·5 (sd5·5) kg/m2and subnormal to normal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (mean 62·5 (sd19·1) nmol/l). Participants consumed 185 kBq of45Ca in 44 mg of Ca carrier. The mean fractional Ca absorption (α) from soya milk and fermented soya milk was 0·64 (sd0·23) and 0·71 (sd0·29), respectively, a difference not of statistical significance (P = 0·122). Although fermentation of soya milk may provide other health benefits, fermentation had little effect on acute Ca absorption.
Feeding a thermally oxidised fat inhibits atherosclerotic plaque formation in the aortic root of LDL receptor-deficient mice
Authors: Kämmerer Ines , Ringseis Robert , Eder Klaus
Published: September 2010

Activators of PPARα have been demonstrated to inhibit atherosclerosis development due to lipid lowering in plasma and direct protective effects on the vasculature. Because dietary oxidised fats (OF) have strong PPARα-activating and lipid-lowering properties, we hypothesised that dietary OF has also an inhibitory influence on atherosclerosis development. To verify our hypothesis, we investigated the effect of feeding diets containing an OF (a 92 : 8 mixture of heated (170°C, 48 h) hydrogenated palm fat and fresh sunflower oil) compared with a fresh fat (fresh hydrogenated palm fat) on the development of atherosclerotic lesions in LDL receptor-deficient (LDLR− / − ) mice. We observed that a dietary OF caused a strong up-regulation of PPARα-regulated genes in the liver and a marked reduction in plasma concentrations of cholesterol and TAG (P < 0·05). Cross-sectional lesion area and the lipids and collagen levels in the aortic root were approximately 40–50 % lower in mice fed diets containing OF than in those fed diets containing fresh fat (P < 0·05). Immunohistochemical analysis of aortic root sections revealed an about 8-fold increased expression of PPARα and a markedly reduced expression of the proinflammatory vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific marker α-actin in LDLR− / − mice fed OF (P < 0·05). We postulate that OF exert anti-atherogenic effects by activation of PPARα both in the liver, which contributes to lipid lowering in plasma, and in the vasculature, which inhibits pro-atherogenic events such as monocyte recruitment and SMC proliferation and migration.
Reading Minds in Greek Tragedy
Authors: BUDELMANN FELIX , EASTERLING PAT
Published: September 2010

A notable intellectual development of the past decade or two has been the ever-growing interest in human consciousness and the workings of the mind. Sometimes grouped under the umbrella term ‘cognitive sciences’, diverse disciplines such as neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, computer science, and linguistics have all made major contributions to our understanding of the human mind and brain; and the large number of popular science books published in this area show that this can be an engrossing topic for the layperson as much as for experts. In this article we want to explore, at a rather general and non-technical level, how this focus on matters of cognition can help us think about an aspect of Greek tragedy.
Caesar and The Pirates: or How to Make (and Break) an Ancient Life
Authors: OSGOOD JOSIAH
Published: September 2010

It is hard for biographers, ancient and modern alike, to resist the story of the young Julius Caesar's kidnapping by a band of pirates. Suetonius and Plutarch both include full versions of the tale, with specific details (Suet. Iul. 4; Plut. Vit. Caes. 1.4–2). Suetonius, for instance, writes that the kidnapping took place near the island of Pharmacusa (just off the coast of Asia Minor), while Plutarch, noting that too, also specifies that the ransom that freed Caesar came from the (nearby) city of Miletus. And while Suetonius writes that Caesar, after his release, launched a fleet, pursued the pirates, and punished them, Plutarch includes another phase in the story: having taken command of a fleet and set sail (again, from Miletus), Plutarch's Caesar captured nearly all the pirates but, instead of killing them right away, ‘he himself went to Iuncus, the governor of Asia, on the grounds that it belonged to him, as governor of the province, to punish the captives’. When Iuncus postponed a decision on the matter (evidently hoping to make a profit out of the situation), Caesar returned to Pergamum, took the robbers out of prison, and only then crucified them himself.
Incest, Infanticide, and Cannibalism: Anti-Christian Imputations in the Roman Empire
Authors: WAGEMAKERS BART
Published: September 2010

In the early Imperial Age, the steadily growing Christian movement was viewed with suspicion by both the authorities and the people of Rome; in the second century, the Roman rejection of Christian teachings, customs, and practices resulted in a most intriguing counter-movement. During this century, two types of negative response to the Christian faith had become established. The first encompasses the anti-Christian accusations circulating among the Roman population during most of the period, occasionally resulting in Christians being persecuted. At the end of the century, supplementary controversy arose from within the intellectual world. Those who engaged in this polemic were authors who had studied Christian customs, and who consequently targeted the substance of the Christian teachings.
Evolving views of Ageing and Longevity from Homer to Hippocrates: Emergence of Natural Factors, Persistence of the Supernatural
Authors: FINCH CALEB ELLICOTT
Published: September 2010

During the three centuries from Homer to Hippocrates, views of human ageing and longevity evolved in a socio-cultural sense, with relationships to Greek medicine and science. I, as a biomedical scientist, examine ancient literature for roots of the idea that life-course outcomes can be influenced by tangible ‘natural’ factors, whether these are environmental or the result of lifestyle. The concept that an individual has any choice in health and ageing departs radically from ancient, persistent beliefs in the primacy of the supernatural, that the gods could predestine one's life span by birth or could alter it at any time.
The Sensitivity of American Options to Suboptimal Exercise Strategies
Authors: Ibáñez Alfredo , Paraskevopoulos Ioannis
Published: September 2010

The value of American options depends on the exercise policy followed by option holders. Market frictions, risk aversion, or a misspecified model, for example, can result in suboptimal behavior. We study the sensitivity of American options to suboptimal exercise strategies. We show that this measure is given by the Gamma of the American option at the optimal exercise boundary. More precisely, “ifBis the optimal exercise price, but exercise is eitherbrought forward whenordelayed untila priceB̃has been reached, the cost of suboptimal exercise is given by ½ ×Γ(B) × (B−B̃)2, whereΓ(B) denotes the American option Gamma.” Therefore, the cost of suboptimal exercise is second-order in the bias of the exercise policy and depends on Gamma. This result provides new insights on American options.
Trading Volume in Dealer Markets
Authors: Malinova Katya , Park Andreas
Published: September 2010

We develop a financial market trading model in the tradition of Glosten and Milgrom (1985) that allows us to incorporate nontrivial volume. We observe that in this model price volatility is positively related to the trading volume and to the absolute value of the net order flow (i.e., the order imbalance). Moreover, higher volume leads to higher order imbalances. These findings are consistent with well-established empirical findings. Our model further predicts that higher trader participation and systematic improvements in the quality of traders’ information lead to higher volume, larger order imbalances, lower market depth, shorter duration, and higher price volatility.
Molecular approaches to the identification ofBulinusspecies in south-west Nigeria and observations on natural snail infections with schistosomes
Authors: Akinwale O.P. , Kane R.A. , Rollinson D. , Stothard J.R. , Ajayi M.B. , Akande D.O. , Ogungbemi M.O. , Duker C. , Gyang P.V. , Adeleke M.A.
Published: September 2010

The current study considers the distribution of a small sample of 138Bulinussnails, across 28 localities within eight Nigerian states. Snails were identified using a combination of molecular methods involving both DNA sequencing of a partial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) fragment and restriction profiles obtained from ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (its) amplicons. The results showed that the majority ofBulinussamples tested belonged to the speciesBulinus truncatuswhile only two wereBulinus globosus. The use ofRsaI restriction endonuclease to cleave the ribosomalitsofBulinus, as a method of species identification, was adopted for the majority of samples, this being a quicker and cheaper method better suited to small laboratory environments. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the schistosomeDra1repeat within each of the collectedBulinussamples was employed to determine the extent and distribution of infected snails within the sample areas. Successful amplification of theDra1repeat demonstrated that 29.7% of snails were infected with schistosomes. Sequencing of the partial schistosomeitsfrom a small subset of snail samples suggested that some snails were either penetrated by bothSchistosoma haematobiumandSchistosoma bovismiracidia or hybrid miracidia formed from the two species.
Diagnostic otoscopy skills of community ear assistants in Western Nepal
Authors: Youngs R , Weir N , Tharu P , Bohara R B , Bahadur D
Published: September 2010

Introduction:

Deafness is a major problem in developing countries. Rural communities tend to be affected more than urban ones, and chronic otitis media is common. The World Health Organization has proposed primary ear care as a method of providing otological services in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic otoscopy skills of community ear assistants in rural Western Nepal.

Materials and methods:

Community ear assistants undertook the pre-operative evaluation of 92 patients selected for middle-ear surgery in an ‘ear camp’ setting. The otoscopy skills of community ear assistants were also assessed by means of an otoscopy quiz. Consultant otologists and trainee otolaryngologists underwent an identical assessment.

Results:

The community ear assistants' selection of patients for middle-ear surgery concurred with the consultant otologists' opinion in 87 of 92 patients (94.5 per cent). The level of community ear assistants' otoscopy skills was between that of junior and senior otolaryngology trainees.

Conclusions:

With intensive training, medically unqualified community ear assistants can develop otoscopy skills comparable to those of medically qualified otolaryngology trainees. These results support the development of primary ear care in poorer countries where access to specialist otological services is difficult or impossible.
Changing epidemiology of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusin Alberta, Canada: population-based surveillance, 2005–2008
Authors: KIM J. , FERRATO C. , GOLDING G. R. , MULVEY M. R. , SIMMONDS K. A. , SVENSON L. W. , KEAYS G. , CHUI L. , LOVGREN M. , LOUIE M.
Published: September 2010

Increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) has been reported in Canada. We report the results of a prospective surveillance of MRSA infections in Alberta over a consecutive 3-year period. A total of 8910 unique clinical MRSA isolates was analysed from July 2005 to June 2008. The incidence of MRSA infection increased over the study period and was highest in males, age group ⩾85 years, and the Calgary Area. CMRSA10 (USA300) and CMRSA2 (USA100/800) were the most common PFGE strain types, representing 53·0% and 27·9% of all isolates, respectively. Significant differences were noted between MRSA strains in the source of infection and antimicrobial susceptibility. The incidence of MRSA infection in Alberta has nearly doubled in the last 3 years; this is attributed to the emergence of CMRSA10 as the predominant strain.
Serological survey of 2009 H1N1 influenza in residents of Beijing, China
Authors: DENG Y. , PANG X. H. , YANG P. , SHI W. X. , TIAN L. L. , LIU B. W. , LI S. , CUI S. J. , LI Y. , LU G. L. , ZHANG L. , ZHANG X. , LIU B. , SEALE H. , HUANG F. , WANG Q. Y.
Published: September 2010

In order to determine the prevalence of antibody against 2009 H1N1 influenza in Beijing, we conducted a serological survey in 710 subjects, 1 month after the epidemic peak. We found that 13·8% of our cohort was seropositive. Subjects aged ⩾60 years recorded the lowest seroprevalence (4·5%). The age-weighted seroprevalence of 14·0% was far lower than the supposed infection rate at the epidemic peak, derived from the basic reproduction number for 2009 H1N1 virus. For subjects who had received the pandemic vaccine seroprevalence was 51·4%. In subjects aged ⩾60 years the seasonal influenza vaccination was not significantly associated with being seropositive. Our study suggests that many factors, and not just the immunological level against 2009 H1N1 influenza in the community, affected the spread of the virus within the population of Beijing.
Onychomadesis after a hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreak in Spain, 2009
Authors: CABRERIZO M. , DE MIGUEL T. , ARMADA A. , MARTÍNEZ-RISCO R. , POUSA A. , TRALLERO G.
Published: September 2010

Few reports exist regarding the association between onychomadesis and an enterovirus infection presenting clinically as hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). In February 2009, an outbreak of HFMD occurred in a Spanish nursery school, followed by onychomadesis 36–69 days later. Twelve of 17 children with HFMD developed nail shedding; enterovirus was detected in stool samples from eight (47%) of the 17. However, in only three of the children could an enterovirus serotype coxsackievirus B1 be identified. The epidemiological results of this study confirm onychomadesis as a complication in HFMD. In future outbreaks, molecular characterization of enterovirus from appropriate clinical samples should be studied.
Plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans: results from the EPIC–Oxford study
Authors: Crowe Francesca L , Steur Marinka , Allen Naomi E , Appleby Paul N , Travis Ruth C , Key Timothy J
Published: September 2010

Objective

Vegetarians and vegans exclude certain food sources of vitamin D from their diet, but it is not clear to what extent this affects plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). The objective was to investigate differences in vitamin D intake and plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D among meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans.

Design

A cross-sectional analysis.

Setting

United Kingdom.

Subjects

Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were measured in 2107 white men and women (1388 meat eaters, 210 fish eaters, 420 vegetarians and eighty-nine vegans) aged 20–76 years from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)–Oxford cohort.

Results

Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations reflected the degree of animal product exclusion and, hence, dietary intake of vitamin D; meat eaters had the highest mean intake of vitamin D (3·1 (95 % CI 3·0, 3·2) μg/d) and mean plasma 25(OH)D concentrations (77·0 (95 % CI 75·4, 78·8) nmol/l) and vegans the lowest (0·7 (95 % CI 0·6, 0·8) μg/d and 55·8 (95 % CI 51·0, 61·0) nmol/l, respectively). The magnitude of difference in 25(OH)D concentrations between meat eaters and vegans was smaller (20 %) among those participants who had a blood sample collected during the summer months (July–September) compared with the winter months (38 %; January–March). The prevalence of low plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D (<25 nmol/l) during the winter and spring ranged from <1 % to 8 % across the diet groups.

Conclusions

Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were lower in vegetarians and vegans than in meat and fish eaters; diet is an important determinant of plasma 25(OH)D in this British population.
Eating and weight concerns among Sikkimese adolescent girls and their biocultural correlates: an exploratory study
Authors: Mishra Shailendra K , Mukhopadhyay Susmita
Published: September 2010

Objectives

Growing concern about ideal body image among adolescent girls in developing countries has led them to follow dietary modifications. In general, the ideal body image is perceived as a ‘thin body’ and now tagged with the concept of being physically fit. The present study evaluates the prevalence of weight concerns, and subsequent eating behaviour modifications among a group of adolescent girls in Sikkim.

Design

Pre-tested FFQ and dietary behaviour questionnaire were canvassed through direct interviews. Anthropometric measurements were taken following standard techniques. In the present study, dieting stands for skipping meals or avoiding certain food items.

Setting

Sikkim, India.

Subjects

A total of 577 girls were selected from several blocks of all four districts of Sikkim.

Results

The results of the study show that concern with weight reduction is growing among adolescent girls, particularly among urban girls of affluent families. Girls from families with a higher economic status are about two times more likely to report dissatisfaction with their body weight (OR = 1·96; P ≤ 0·05) and these girls are five times more likely to report the need for dieting.

Conclusions

It is evident that weight concern and dissatisfaction over body weight are growing among adolescents. It can be safely argued that eating disorder, once a problem of the Western world, is now slowly creeping in among adolescents of the developing world as a consequence of rapid lifestyle changes over the past few decades.
A qualitative evaluation of an Australian public health nutrition workforce development intervention involving mentoring circles
Authors: Palermo Claire , Hughes Roger , McCall Louise
Published: September 2010

Objective

To evaluate a mentoring circle workforce development intervention among a group of public health nutrition novices.

Design

The mentoring circle intervention focused on facilitating practice-based public health nutrition competence development and supporting reorientation of practice from clinical services to preventive services. A retrospective post-intervention qualitative semi-structured interview was used to explore the experiences of those participating in the mentoring circle and to make evaluative judgements about intervention attributes and effectiveness.

Setting

Victoria, Australia.

Subjects

Thirty-two novice public health nutrition practitioners employed in the state public health system.

Results

Key evaluative theme categories relating to the mentoring circle intervention were identified, including the structure and function of the group, the utility of using advanced-level competency items to guide planning, having a safe and supportive environment for learning and the utility of learning via mentoring and on-the-job experiences. These qualitative evaluation data identify the attributes of the mentoring circle intervention contributing to intervention effectiveness.

Conclusions

This qualitative evaluation indicates that mentoring circles can be an effective workforce capacity-building intervention, particularly in novice workforces characterised by professional isolation and split function roles.
Grocery purchasing among older adults by chewing ability, dietary knowledge and socio-economic status
Authors: Brennan David S , Singh Kiran A
Published: September 2010

Objectives

Nutrition plays a central role in health, with poor dietary habits and nutritional intake being associated with a range of chronic diseases. The aim was to examine grocery purchasing behaviour in relation to chewing ability, dietary knowledge and socio-economic status (SES) among older adults.

Design

Data were collected by mailed survey in 2008. Grocery purchasing was measured using a sixteen-item index of compliance of food purchasing with dietary guidelines. Self-reported number of teeth was classified as an inadequate dentition if less than twenty-one teeth were present. Chewing ability was based on a five-item chewing index. Dietary knowledge was collected using twenty true/false items. SES was assessed using a subjective social status rating representing where people stand in society.

Setting

Population survey in Adelaide, South Australia.

Subjects

Adults aged 60–71 years.

Results

Responses were collected from 444 persons (response rate = 68·8 %). Among dentate persons, 24·4 % had an inadequate dentition with 10·3 % defined as ‘chewing deficient’. Multivariate regression coefficients adjusted for age, sex and income showed chewing deficiency (−5·8) and low SES (−3·6) was associated (P < 0·05) with lower grocery purchasing scores, but dietary knowledge was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

For older adults, chewing deficiency and lower social status were associated with lower compliance with dietary guidelines, independent of dietary knowledge.
Adherence to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations as a measure of a healthy diet and upper respiratory tract infection
Authors: Fondell Elinor , Christensen Sara E , Bälter Olle , Bälter Katarina
Published: September 2010

Objective

The Nordic countries have published joint dietary recommendations, the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR), since 1980. We evaluated adherence to the NNR as a measure of a healthy diet and its potential association with self-reported upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).

Design

A prospective, population-based study with a follow-up period of 4 months. Dietary intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative FFQ with ninety-six items, along with other lifestyle factors, at baseline. URTI was assessed every three weeks. A Poisson regression model was used to control for age, sex and other confounding factors.

Setting

A middle-sized county in northern Sweden.

Subjects

Swedish men and women (n1509) aged 20–60 years.

Results

The NNR include recommendations on macronutrient proportions, physical activity and intake of micronutrients, sodium, fibre and alcohol. We found that overall adherence to the NNR was moderately good. In addition, we found that high adherence to the NNR (>5·5 adherence points) was not associated with a lower risk of URTI (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0·89, 95 % CI 0·73, 1·08) compared with low adherence (<4·5 adherence points). When investigating individual components of the NNR, only high physical activity was associated with lower URTI risk (IRR = 0·82, 95 % CI 0·69, 0·97) whereas none of the dietary components were associated with risk of URTI.

Conclusions

Overall adherence to the NNR was moderately good. Overall adherence to the NNR was not associated with URTI risk in our study. However, when investigating individual components of the NNR, we found that high physical activity was associated with lower URTI risk.
GROWTH OF GENERATING SETS FOR DIRECT POWERS OF CLASSICAL ALGEBRAIC STRUCTURES
Authors: QUICK MARTYN , RUŠKUC N.
Published: September 2010

For an algebraic structure A denote byd(A) the smallest size of a generating set for A, and letd(A)=(d(A),d(A2),d(A3),…), where An denotes a direct power of A. In this paper we investigate the asymptotic behaviour of the sequenced(A) when A is one of the classical structures—a group, ring, module, algebra or Lie algebra. We show that if A is finite thend(A) grows either linearly or logarithmically. In the infinite case constant growth becomes another possibility; in particular, if A is an infinite simple structure belonging to one of the above classes thend(A) is eventually constant. Where appropriate we frame our exposition within the general theory of congruence permutable varieties.
KOSZUL DUALITY FOR STRATIFIED ALGEBRAS II. STANDARDLY STRATIFIED ALGEBRAS
Authors: MAZORCHUK VOLODYMYR
Published: September 2010

We give a complete picture of the interaction between the Koszul and Ringel dualities for graded standardly stratified algebras (in the sense of Cline, Parshall and Scott) admitting linear tilting (co)resolutions of standard and proper costandard modules. We single out a certain class of graded standardly stratified algebras, imposing the condition that standard filtrations of projective modules are finite, and develop a tilting theory for such algebras. Under the assumption on existence of linear tilting (co)resolutions we show that algebras from this class are Koszul, that both the Ringel and Koszul duals belong to the same class, and that these two dualities on this class commute.