bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The associations between menopausal syndrome and depression during pre‐, peri‐, and postmenopausal period among Taiwanese female aborigines
Authors: Yen Ju‐Yu , Yang Mei‐Sang , Wang Mei‐Hua , Lai Chien‐Yu , Fang Mao‐So
Published: July 2009

Aim:  The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between physiological menopausal symptoms and depression during the pre‐, peri‐, and postmenopausal period among female Taiwanese aborigines.

Methods:  A total of 672 Taiwanese aboriginal women, aged 40–60 years, were recruited in the interviewing study and classified as pre‐, peri‐, and postmenopausal according to menstrual bleeding patterns in the previous 12 months. Then, the postmenopausal symptoms, depression, self‐perceived health, family support, and associated demographic variables were assessed by questionnaire based on the results of interviewing by research assistants.

Results:  The results revealed that perimenopausal statuses are associated with depression and women with a perimenopausal status had a higher prevalence of depression than those with a premenopausal status. A higher score on physiological postmenopausal symptoms was found to be significantly associated with depression. Furthermore, somatic symptoms were associated with depression for pre‐, peri‐, and postmenopausal statuses. Moreover, sexual dysfunction and vasomotor symptoms were associated with depression only in the premenopausal status and postmenopausal status, respectively.

Conclusion:  Depression should be routinely evaluated for female Taiwanese aborigines consulting with physicians for menopause symptoms, especially for somatic symptoms. Furthermore, attention should be provided to premenopausal women with sexual dysfunction and postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms for depression.
Assessing the diversity of AM fungi in arid gypsophilous plant communities
Authors: Alguacil M. M. , Roldán A. , Torres M. P.
Published: July 2009

In the present study, we used PCR‐Single‐Stranded Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) techniques to analyse arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities in four sites within a 10 km2gypsum area in Southern Spain. Four common plant species from these ecosystems were selected. The AM fungal small‐subunit (SSU) rRNA genes were subjected to PCR, cloning, SSCP analysis, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. A total of 1443 SSU rRNA sequences were analysed, for 21 AM fungal types: 19 belonged to the genusGlomus, 1 to the genusDiversisporaand 1 to theScutellospora.Four sequence groups were identified, which showed high similarity to sequences of known glomalean species or isolates: Glo G18 toGlomus constrictum, Glo G1 toGlomus intraradices, Glo G16 toGlomus clarum, Scut toScutellospora dipurpurescensand Div to one new genus in the familyDiversisporaceaeidentified recently asOtospora bareai. There were three sequence groups that received strong support in the phylogenetic analysis, and did not seem to be related to any sequences of AM fungi in culture or previously found in the database; thus, they could be novel taxa within the genusGlomus: Glo G4, Glo G2 and Glo G14. We have detected the presence of both generalist and potential specialist AMF in gypsum ecosystems. The AMF communities were different in the plant studied suggesting some degree of preference in the interactions between these symbionts.
Dietary strategy to manipulate ad libitum macronutrient intake, and glycaemic index, across eight European countries in the Diogenes Study
Authors: Moore C. S. , Lindroos A. K. , Kreutzer M. , Larsen T. M. , Astrup A. , Van Baak M. A. , Handjieva‐Darlenska T. , Hlavaty P. , Kafatos A. , Kohl A. , Martinez J. A. , Monsheimer S. , Jebb S. A. ,   On Behalf of Diogenes
Published: July 2009

The aim of this study was to describe the development and implementation of a multifaceted, low‐fat, weight‐loss strategy for a Pan‐European randomized controlled dietary intervention study, Diogenes. There were 891 families with at least one overweight/obese parent who underwent screening. Eligible, overweight/obese adults followed an 8‐week weight‐loss phase with a fixed low‐energy diet (800 kcal). On attaining weight loss of ≥8%, families were randomized to a 6‐ or 12‐month low‐fat (25–30%E) diet either based on national dietary guidelines or one of four interventions: low protein (LP)/low glycaemic index (LGI), LP/high GI (HGI), high protein (HP)/LGI and HP/HGI. The impact of each diet in preventing weight (re)gain was tested. A points‐based system was used to manipulate dietary protein and carbohydrate. Manipulating carbohydrate composition involved substituting foods with a relatively high or low GI. A questionnaire was designed and completed by study investigators, providing feedback on the dietary intervention methods used to inform future interventions. The points system allowed macronutrient manipulations without compromising dietary flexibility or enforcing energy restrictions. Reported centre/participant differences in the ease of implementing the intervention may reflect dietary diversity and personal preferences for specific weight‐management strategies. The points system provides a useful starting point for designing improved experimental paradigms for the manipulation of dietary intake in future trials.
Forced Waves Near Resonance at a Phase‐Speed Minimum
Authors: Cho Yeunwoo , Akylas T. R.
Published: July 2009

When a dispersive wave system is subject to forcing by a moving external disturbance, a maximum or minimum of the phase speed is associated with a critical forcing speed at which the linear response is resonant. Nonlinear effects can play an important part near such resonances, and the salient characteristics of the nonlinear response depend on whether the maximum or minimum of the phase speed is realized in the long‐wave limit (zero wavenumber) or at a finite wavenumber. The focus here is on the latter case that, among other physical systems, applies to gravity–capillary waves on water of finite or infinite depth. The analysis, for simplicity, is based on a forced–damped fifth‐order Korteweg–de Vries equation, a model problem that features a phase‐speed minimum at a finite wavenumber. When damping is not too strong compared with forcing, multiple subcritical finite‐amplitude steady‐solution branches coexist with the small‐amplitude response predicted by linear theory. For forcing speed well below critical, the transient response from rest approaches the small‐amplitude state, but at speeds close to critical, jump phenomena can occur, and reaching a time‐periodic state that involves shedding of wavepacket solitary waves is also possible.
Does Co‐Regulation Strengthen EU Legitimacy?
Authors: Verbruggen Paul
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  Within the Better Regulation programme of the EU, co‐regulation is promoted as an important strategy to improve the regulatory environment within Europe. It is assumed that co‐regulation can enhance the legitimacy of EU governance in the field where this strategy is used. The purpose of this article is to assess the truth of this premise and to analyse whether co‐regulation strengthens the legitimacy of EU governance. To this end, the criteria of input and output legitimacy are applied to the European social dialogue as a form of co‐regulation in the EU policy area of social law. In this article, a link is made between the tendency to prescribe co‐regulation as a specific regulatory strategy in EU legislative policy and the existing knowledge on the purposes and effects of co‐regulation and the conditions under which co‐regulation can function as a regulation strategy.
The Self‐Referential European Polity, its Legal Context and Systemic Differentiation: Theoretical Reflections on the Emergence of the EU's Political and Legal Autopoiesis
Authors: Priban Jiri
Published: July 2009

Abstract:  This article starts by summarising major theoretical debates regarding European polity and governance. It highlights the role of statehood in those debates and suggests moving beyond the constraints of institutionalist and constructivist perspectives by adopting specific notions from the theory of autopoietic social systems. The following part describes the EU political system as self‐referential, functionally differentiated from the system of European law, and internally differentiated between European institutions and Member State governments. Although the Union transgresses its nation‐state segmentation, the notions of statehood and democratic legitimacy continue to inform legal and political semantics of the EU and specific responses to the Union's systemic tensions, such as the policy of differentiated integration legislated by the flexibility clauses. The democratic deficit of instrumental legitimation justified by outcomes, the most recent example of which is the Lisbon Treaty, subsequently reveals the level of EU functional differentiation and the impossibility of fostering the ultimate construction of a normatively integrated and culturally united European polity. It shows a much more profound social dynamics of differentiation at the level of emerging European society—dynamics which do not adopt the concept of the European polity as an encompassing metaphor of this society, but makes it part of self‐referential and self‐limiting semantics of the functionally differentiated European political system.
Immigrant Networks in New Urban Spaces: Gender and Social Integration
Authors: Avenarius Christine B.
Published: July 2009

This article investigates how dispersed settlement in areas of urban sprawl affects the structure of personal networks that in turn influences the likelihood of social integration among male and female immigrants from Taiwan. Settlement in the deconcentrated spaces that currently constitute the new urban spaces of U.S. metropolitan areas potentially offers more opportunities to interact with ethnically diverse people than the traditional ethnic enclaves of inner cities. However, these spatial structures also increase dependency on cars and road systems. Findings from ethnographic fieldwork in Orange County, California, show that the social networks of affluent first generation immigrants from Taiwan are not comparable to the densely knit broadly based ties linking neighbors and kin group members traditionally attributed to immigrants.

Instead, the social networks of immigrants with high levels of human and economic capital are based on loosely bounded, sparsely knit, and dynamic specialized ties. At the local level networks involve few ties to extended relatives, but a substantial amount of relationships with former classmates and members of recreational associations. However, despite good English skills and employment in diverse workplaces the number of interactions with nonimmigrants outside of work and school environments is rather small.

These circumstances are experienced differently by men and women. Female immigrants consider living in the deconcentrated spaces of master‐plan communities beneficial for achieving personal contentment. They welcome the changed conditions for social interaction and enjoy the decrease in network size and frequency of contacts that result in less obligations and responsibilities compared to life back in their country of origin. Male immigrants, however, mourn the loss of opportunities to gain reputation and social recognition. They would prefer to live in areas with close spatial proximity of immigrant residences. These gendered evaluations further affect the likelihood of social integration for first generation immigrants.
Culture, Structure, and the Refugee Experience in Somali Immigrant Family Transformation
Authors: Heger Boyle Elizabeth , Ali Ahmed
Published: July 2009

This analysis suggests a theoretical refinement of migrant acculturation theories to deal specifically with refugee acculturation experiences. Using the case of family dynamics among Somali refugees in Minnesota, we find that the same factors that are theorized to affect voluntary migrants are also important for refugees. Specifically, the nature of exit from the sending society, the reception in a new location, and group characteristics all appear to be important. However, within the category of exit from the sending society, there are specific concerns that will be more relevant to refugees than to “voluntary” migrants. Specifically, the ongoing condition of the sending society and the effects of any transitions on transnational ties are critically important in the refugee context. We demonstrate how the societal upheaval that created the Somali refugee community also affected culture and connections within Somalia, and how this has an ongoing impact on the US Somali refugee community. We argue that it is valuable to refine the acculturation framework when considering refugees.
International Migration Management and Development in Mozambique: What Strategies?
Authors: Raimundo Inês M.
Published: July 2009

Migration management has become a complex issue for managers since there are a growing number of people who voluntarily or forcibly leave their places of origin for new places. Maintaining a satisfactory migration policy that could respond to all interests is a real challenge. Just as the Mozambican government is still battling with the management of its own migrants who are daily crossing national and regional borders, there are also a growing number of refugees from the Great Lakes of Africa and a movement of Malawians into the country in search of land and forest resources. This movement of immigrants is a response to the environmental degradation caused by Mozambican refugees from the time of their exile during the civil war. At the same time, there is a trend of emigration as a result of poor economic conditions and the increase of poverty in rural areas. It is also clear that there are direct and indirect gains and losses resulting from migration in and out of Mozambique. To what extent have policymakers dealt with these moving “outs” and “ins”? This paper seeks to analyse migration management and development strategies in Mozambique, as well as the challenges that policymakers have exposed, and also highlights the role of Mozambican refugees on environmental degradation caused in Malawi.
Mobility at the Heart of a Nation: Patterns and Meanings of Cape Verdean Migration
Authors: Carling Jørgen , Åkesson Lisa
Published: July 2009

Cape Verde, an island nation off West Africa, is a country moulded by migration from the time of settlement until today. This article traces the shifting migration flows to, through and from the archipelago. These trends are related to developments in transportation technology and changes in the world economy, which have created fluctuations in the attractiveness of Cape Verde’s location. The article then proceeds to explore the Cape Verdean “migration ideology”, which has historical roots but became consolidated through large‐scale labour emigration in the 1960s and 1970s. By “migration ideology” we refer to the set of ideas that associate migration with specific meanings and causalities. The final section of the article addresses some of the contradictions and pressures that have become central to Cape Verdean migration over the past decade or two: restrictive immigration policies in destination countries increasingly prevent the departure of prospective migrants, a diverse flow of return migrants challenges established notions of migrant success, and the islands are attracting larger numbers of transit migrants and immigrants from China and the African mainland. The analysis raises the question of how the Cape Verdean national identity will evolve with the complexity of the migratory landscape.
Post‐Colonial Portuguese Migration to Mozambique: An examination of causes, effects and future implications for development
Authors: Matos Elizabeth D.
Published: July 2009

Various theories of migration are used to explain the movement of populations from one place to another. The case of the Portuguese migrating to Mozambique, a former colony of Portugal and one of the most underdeveloped nations in the world, raises interesting questions about migration theory, identity, and the role of nostalgia and “homeland” in migration. Although the Portuguese comprise less than 1 per cent of the total population, they remain one of the largest and most established investors in Mozambique. Interviews with Mozambicans reveal that although the Portuguese are largely seen as an accepted part of Mozambican society, they are also distrusted and viewed more negatively than other white investors. The purpose of this article is to explain why the Portuguese living in Mozambique today migrated or stayed there and to examine the impact of their presence on development and race relations in a post‐colonial and developing Mozambique. The article also offers some suggestions for future research.
New Migrations in Portugal: Labour Markets, Smuggling and Gender Segmentation
Authors: Peixoto João
Published: July 2009

In the last three decades, Portugal has undergone deep changes regarding international migration. Firstly, it has become an important receiver of foreign international migrants from Africa, namely the ones coming from the ex‐colonies, now independent countries. Secondly, it witnessed a growing presence of Brazilians, which turned from a narrow middle‐high class group of immigrants, to a very large number of middle‐low and low class immigrants. Thirdly, it observed a progressive diversification of national origins, mainly represented by the recent and vast Eastern European community, but also visible in dozens of other growing foreign nationalities. In this paper, the focus will be on the role played by labour markets in the growth of new migrations, particularly in what is linked to the importance of smuggling and gender segmentation. Regarding smuggling, the strong recent expansion of the Portuguese economy, accompanied by frequent informal relationships in the labour market, largely explain the surge in the number of immigrants. These migrants often entered the country in an irregular way, using the services of smugglers and traffickers, and performing the bottom jobs of the professional ladder. Given the demand for a flexible labour force and the government’s restrictive immigration policy, the objective needs of the labour market were often met by irregular channels of migration. Gender was also a part of the process, since the segmentation of the labour market was increasingly based on ethnic and gender lines. The growth of female related jobs, from domestic and industrial cleaning to caring, and including the sex industry, explained why gendered avenues were built for labour immigration. Although most of the recent labour cycles were dominated by male workers, an increasing fraction was composed of women. Except for the case of trafficking, where exploitation is persistent, women may have acquired in this immigration process an increased but problematic autonomy.
Voluntary improvements to social security in Spain: Current legal standards and jurisprudence
Authors: García Valverde María Dolores , Valverde Francisco García
Published: July 2009

This article presents a general overview of “voluntary improvements” as one form of voluntary social provision within the Spanish social security system. To this end, the article analyses different forms of voluntary improvements from both a legal and a jurisprudential perspective. Particular attention is given to problems that are a major source of conflict. In line with employment practice, voluntary improvements are articulated through collective bargaining. Although intended to encourage private initiative in matters of social provision, such improvements are nonetheless guided by the social security system, not least as a means to control both funding and procedure.
J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 263–289 (July/August 2008) Visualization and quantification of skin barrier perturbation induced by surfactant–humectant systems using two‐photon fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Ghosh S. , Kim D. , So P. , Blankschtein D.
Published: July 2009

Synopsis

In order to visualize the effects of aqueous surfactant–humectant systems on the skin barrier, an in vitro two‐photon fluorescence microscopy (TPM) study, including dual‐channel visualization, was carried out. TPM is a non‐invasive imaging technique based on two‐photon induced nonlinear excitations of fluorophores, with the capability for deep‐tissue imaging (up to several hundred micrometers). The following aqueous solutions of surfactants, a humectant, and a surfactant + humectant mixture that contacted pig full‐thickness skin (p‐FTS) were studied: (i) a harsh surfactant solution—sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (1 wt%); (ii) a harsh surfactant + humectant solution—SDS (1 wt%) + glycerol (10 wt%); (iii) a mild surfactant solution—sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) (1 wt%); (iv) a control solution—phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS); and (v) a humectant solution—glycerol (10 wt%). Sulforhodamine B (SRB), a hydrophilic fluorescent probe, was used to visualize the effects of aqueous contacting solutions i–v on the skin barrier morphology. The results of the TPM visualization study revealed that SDS induces corneocyte damage by denaturing keratins and creating intracorneocyte penetration pathways. On the other hand, SDS + glycerol did not significantly induce corneocyte damage. The dual‐channel TPM images corresponding to aqueous contacting solutions iii–v showed low SRB penetration into the corneocytes, as well as localization of the SRB probe within the lipid bilayers surrounding the corneocytes of the SC. Through a quantification of the amount of SRB that penetrated into the skin as a function of skin depth, we found that adding glycerol to an SDS aqueous contacting solution can significantly reduce the SDS‐induced penetration depth of SRB, which provides evidence of the ability of glycerol to mitigate SDS‐induced skin barrier perturbation. The distribution of SRB in the p‐FTS samples was analyzed using a theoretical model that quantified changes in the skin aqueous pore characteristics induced by aqueous contacting solutions i, ii, iii, and v, relative to aqueous contacting solution iv, the control. The results of the theoretical model indicate the following ranking order in the extent of perturbation to the skin aqueous pores (from the highest to the lowest): i > ii > iii > iv > v. The development of such an in vitro visual ranking methodology, including quantification using TPM, can potentially reduce many costly in vivo screening procedures, thereby significantly reducing the cost and time‐to‐market of new cosmetic formulations containing surfactants and humectants.
J. Cosmet. Sci., 59, 263–289 (July/August 2008) Microbiological assessment of the ultraviolet screening effect of sunscreen preparations
Authors: Gomaa Y. A. , Aboulmagd E. , Boraei N. A. , Darwish I. A. , El‐khordagui L.K.
Published: July 2009

This paper was presented as a poster in the Industrial Pharmacy section at the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Congress, Cairo, 2005.

Synopsis

The purpose of this study was the development of a microbiological method for the assessment of the ultraviolet (UV) screening effect of sunscreen preparations and determination of their sun protection factor. The method is based on the lethal effect of UV radiation on Escherichia coli and the protective ability of sunscreens. The time of UV exposure required for the reduction of the E. coli viable count by 90% (decimal reduction time, DRT) was used as the photoprotection assessment parameter. The method was tested by assessing the effect of selected experimental variables on the DRT. The suitability of the method as a quality control tool for sunscreen preparations was then checked by assessing the influence of selected formulation variables on the photoprotective effect of a series of o/w emulsion formulations with different compositions. The method proved valid for detecting changes in the photoprotective effect of a market sunscreen product as a result of modifying experimental conditions. It also proved valid for ranking market sunscreen products according to their UV screening effect. Equally important, the method could successfully detect changes in the photoprotective effect of sunscreen test formulations as a function of the concentration and type of the sunscreen agents.
Sleep problems, sleepiness and daytime behavior in preschool‐age children
Authors: Goodlin‐Jones Beth , Tang Karen , Liu Jingyi , Anders Thomas F.
Published: July 2009

Background: Sleep problems are a common complaint of parents of preschool children. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders have even more disrupted sleep than typically developing children. Although disrupted nighttime sleep has been reported to affect daytime behavior, the pathway from sleep disruption to sleep problems, to impairments in daytime performance or behavior is not clear. This multi‐method, preliminary study assessed this path in 68 children with autism, matched to 57 children with developmental delay without autism and 69 children developing typically.

Methods: Actigraphy, structured questionnaires, laboratory assessments, and parent reports were obtained in 194 children.

Results: Controlling for diagnosis and developmental age of the child, nighttime sleep problems determined by parent reports were significantly associated with decrements in daytime behavior, also measured by parent report instruments. However, actigraph‐defined sleep problems and objective measures of daytime sleepiness were not associated with decrements in daytime performance.

Conclusions: Parent report measures substantiate relationships between disrupted sleep patterns and waking behavior. Further understanding of the pathway from sleep disorders to daytime sleepiness and decrements in waking performance, however, may require more rigorous methods of assessment such as polysomnography and the multiple sleep latency test.
Effect of weaning time on the growth rate and food intake of the spiny mouse pup
Authors: Yarmolinsky L. , Kam M. , Khokhlova I. S. , Degen A. A.
Published: July 2009

The spiny mouse Acomys cahirinus produces well‐developed pups although it is a relatively small mammal (45 g). We envisioned two opposing hypotheses on the effect of early weaning on the growth rate of pups. The first predicts little effect since the increase in energy intake of dams above non‐reproducing females is relatively low, suggesting that pups consume a large portion of their energy as solid food, and the pups are very well developed at birth. The second predicts a substantial effect since the ‘index of precociality’, that is the energy intake for maintenance of a pup as a proportion of that predicted for a rodent of its body mass, falls within values for altricial rodents, suggesting an extended maternal dependence of the young. To test these hypotheses, we measured the growth rate and food intake of pups weaned after either 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. Only three of 12 pups weaned after 7 days survived and, consequently, the latter hypothesis was supported. All pups weaned at 14–28 days survived. There was a significant decrease in growth rate during the first day after weaning in pups weaned at 7, 14 and 21 days but not after 28 days, suggesting that pups did not require parental care by day 28. Peak growth rate in pups weaned at 14 days occurred in the second week but occurred in the third week in pups weaned at 21 and 28 days. In spite of these differences, pups in all treatments had similar body mass at 64 days, indicating compensatory growth. We concluded that pups of A. cahirinus are precocial from a morphological aspect in that they are well developed at birth but altricial from a nutritional aspect in that they require extended maternal support.
On the relationship between occipital cortex activity and inhibition of return
Authors: Prime David J. , Jolicœur Pierre
Published: July 2009

The present study explored the relationship between inhibition of return (IOR) and visual processes by seeking evidence that IOR and changes in event‐related potential (ERP) indices of occipital cortex activity covary in response to experimental manipulation. The presence or absence of a central reorienting event was manipulated within the context of a cue–target experiment. When a reorienting event was presented in the interval between cue and target, IOR was accompanied by reductions in the amplitudes of early occipital ERP peaks on validly cued trials relative to invalidly cued trials. When a reorienting event was not presented, neither IOR nor modulations of the occipital ERP peaks was observed. These results provide strong evidence that IOR arises from changes in occipital visual processing. We propose that IOR arises from a slowing of response‐selection processes on validly cued trials due differences in the perceptual input to the decision‐making process.
Modulation of the error‐related negativity by response conflict
Authors: Danielmeier Claudia , Wessel Jan R. , Steinhauser Marco , Ullsperger Markus
Published: July 2009

An arrow version of the Eriksen flanker task was employed to investigate the influence of conflict on the error‐related negativity (ERN). The degree of conflict was modulated by varying the distance between flankers and the target arrow (CLOSE and FAR conditions). Error rates and reaction time data from a behavioral experiment were used to adapt a connectionist model of this task. This model was based on the conflict monitoring theory and simulated behavioral and event‐related potential data. The computational model predicted an increased ERN amplitude in FAR incompatible (the low‐conflict condition) compared to CLOSE incompatible errors (the high‐conflict condition). A subsequent ERP experiment confirmed the model predictions. The computational model explains this finding with larger postresponse conflict in far trials. In addition, data and model predictions of the N2 and the LRP support the conflict interpretation of the ERN.
Communalities and differences in fear potentiation between cardiac defense and eyeblink startle
Authors: Sánchez María B. , Guerra Pedro , Muñoz Miguel A. , Mata José Luís , Bradley Margaret M. , Lang Peter J. , Vila Jaime
Published: July 2009

This study examines similarities and differences in fear potentiation between two protective reflexes: cardiac defense and eyeblink startle. Women reporting intense fear of animals but low fear of blood or intense fear of blood but low fear of animals viewed pictures depicting blood or the feared animal for 6 s in 2 separate trials in counterbalanced order. An intense burst of white noise, able to elicit both a cardiac defense response and a reflexive startle blink, was presented 3.5 s after picture onset. Both cardiac and blink responses were potentiated when highly fearful individuals viewed fearful pictures. However, differences appeared concerning picture order. This pattern of results indicates communalities and differences among protective reflexes that are relevant for understanding the dynamics of emotional reflex modulation.
Proteomic analysis reveals novel binding partners of dysbindin, a schizophrenia‐related protein
Authors: Hikita Takao , Taya Shinichiro , Fujino Yasutaka , Taneichi‐Kuroda Setsuko , Ohta Kanae , Tsuboi Daisuke , Shinoda Tomoyasu , Kuroda Keisuke , Funahashi Yusuke , Uraguchi‐Asaki Junko , Hashimoto Ryota , Kaibuchi Kozo
Published: July 2009

Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder with fairly high level of heritability. Dystrobrevin binding protein 1, a gene encoding dysbindin protein, is a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia that was identified by family‐based association analysis. Recent studies revealed that dysbindin is involved in the exocytosis and/or formation of synaptic vesicles. However, the molecular function of dysbindin in synaptic transmission is largely unknown. To investigate the signaling pathway in which dysbindin is involved, we isolated dysbindin‐interacting molecules from rat brain lysate by combining ammonium sulfate precipitation and dysbindin‐affinity column chromatography, and identified dysbindin‐interacting proteins by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Proteins involved in protein localization process, including Munc18‐1, were identified as dysbindin‐interacting proteins. Munc18‐1 was co‐immunoprecipitated with dysbindin from rat brain lysate, and directly interacted with dysbindin in vitro. In primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons, a part of dysbindin was co‐localized with Munc18‐1 at pre‐synaptic terminals. Our result suggests a role for dysbindin in synaptic vesicle exocytosis via interaction with Munc18‐1.
Ciliary neurotrophic factor infused intracerebroventricularly shows reduced catabolic effects when linked to the TAT protein transduction domain
Authors: Vieira André S. , Rezende Alexandre C. S. , Grigoletto Jessica , Rogério Fabio , Velloso Lício A. , Skaper Stephen D. , Negro Alessandro , Langone Francesco
Published: July 2009

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) regulates the differentiation and survival of a wide spectrum of developing and adult neurons, including motor neuron loss after injury. We recently described a cell‐penetrant recombinant human CNTF (rhCNTF) molecule, formed by fusion with the human immunodeficiency virus‐1 transactivator of transcription (TAT) protein transduction domain (TAT‐CNTF) that, upon subcutaneous administration, retains full neurotrophic activity without cytokine‐like side‐effects. Although the CNTF receptor is present in hypothalamic nuclei, which are involved in the control of energy, rhCNTF but not TAT‐CNTF stimulates signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 phosphorylation in the rat hypothalamus after subcutaneous administration. This could be due limited TAT‐CNTF distribution in the hypothalamus and/or altered intracellular signaling by the fusion protein. To explore these possibilities, we examined the effect of intracerebroventricular administration of TAT‐CNTF in male adult rats. TAT‐CNTF‐induced weight loss, although the effect was smaller than that seen with either rhCNTF or leptin (which exerts CNTF‐like effects via its receptor). In contrast to rhCNTF and leptin, TAT‐CNTF neither induced morphological changes in adipose tissues nor increased uncoupling protein 1 expression in brown adipose tissue, a characteristic feature of rhCNTF and leptin. Acute intracerebroventricular administration of TAT‐CNTF induced a less robust phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 in the hypothalamus, compared with rhCNTF. The data show that fusion of a protein transduction domain may change rhCNTF CNS distribution, while further strengthening the utility of cell‐penetrating peptide technology to neurotrophic factor biology beyond the neuroscience field.
Pore morphology characteristics of vesicular horizons in undisturbed and disturbed arid soils; implications for arid land management
Authors: Yonovitz M. , Drohan P. J.
Published: July 2009

We compared the pore morphology of an arid lands vesicular soil horizon in a disturbed and undisturbed state. This surface vesicular horizon is characterized by non‐connected pores that hinder soil water infiltration and thus plays a central role in arid ecosystem hydrodynamics. Disturbance is hypothesized to result in a change in pore morphology that could alter water movement through the horizon and potentially affect ecosystem function. To test this hypothesis, we examined the pore morphology of the vesicular horizon as expressed in area, perimeter, length and width; comparisons were also made for particle size, pH, calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), electrical conductivity (EC) and the abundance and types of pores in undisturbed soils and adjacent disturbed soils within a year of disturbance. The results indicate no significant differences between treatments in chemistry, particle size or pore morphological measures within a year following disturbance. Vesicles, vughs and interstitial pores were found in vesicular horizons in both treatments and no significant differences in these parameters were found between treatments. Vesicular horizon development may be related to the geological age of the surface materials. Certain old land surfaces are perhaps more susceptible to the formation of vesicular horizons regardless of disturbance. The results suggest that soil functions dependent upon vesicular porosity, for example hydraulic conductivity, may return to a pre‐disturbance condition within one year of disturbance, a finding of importance to the management of arid lands.
The pinwheel pattern and its application to the manufacturer's pallet‐loading problem
Authors: Yi Junmin , Chen Xing‐Guang , Zhou Jing
Published: July 2009

To solve the manufacturer's pallet‐loading problem (MPLP), pallet‐loading patterns with regular, sound and optimum number layouts should be presented. In this paper, we present a pinwheel pattern as an alternative solution to the pallet‐loading problem. The definition, elements, categories, and practical advantages, generating algorithms of the pinwheel patterns, are discussed, and a uniform notation is proposed. With the ranges for all pinwheel instances within an area ratio no more than 76 boxes calculated, the study of geometry shows that each pinwheel pattern has a specific range of box ratio, and it may achieve optimality. The pinwheel pattern can be found for all non‐prime numbers of boxes. Further discussions are focused on the dataset, loophole constraint and asymmetric pinwheels. The study suggests that the pinwheel pattern is an advantageous alternative to implement the MPLP.
Integrating customer's preferences in the QFD planning process using a combined benchmarking and imprecise goal programming model
Authors: Cherif Mohamed Sadok , Chabchoub Habib , Aouni Belaïd
Published: July 2009

Quality function deployment (QFD) is a customer‐oriented design tool for developing new or improved products to achieve higher customer satisfaction by integrating various functions of an organization. The engineering characteristics (ECs) affecting the product performances are designed to match the customer attributes (CAs). However, from the viewpoint of the QFD team, product design processes are performed in imprecise environments, and more than one factor must be taken into account in determining the target levels of ECs, especially the limited resources and increased market competition. This paper presents an imprecise goal programming (GP) approach to determine the optimum target levels of ECs in QFD for maximizing customer satisfaction under resource limitation and considerations of market competition. Based on benchmarking data of CAs, the concept of satisfaction functions is utilized to formulate explicitly the customer's preferences and to integrate the competitive analysis of target market into the modelling and solution process. In addition, the relationships linking CAs and ECs and the ECs to each other are integrated by functional relationships. The proposed approach will be illustrated through a car door design example.
THE DATING OF ANCIENT CHINESE CELADON BY INAA AND PATTERN RECOGNITION METHODS*
Authors: XIE GUOXI , FENG SONGLIN , FENG XIANGQIAN , LI YONGQIANG , HAN HONGYE , WANG YANQING , ZHU JIHAO , YAN LINGTONG , LI LI
Published: July 2009

In 2005, sherds of a special type of ancient Longquan celadon ware were excavated at Maojiawan, in the city of Beijing, China. Although archaeologists agree that these sherds were fired in the period between the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, their specific date is unclear. In order to solve this problem, five other groups of ancient Longquan celadon sherds of known date were selected as reference samples. The elemental body composition of all the sherds was determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Using the same principles as in provenance research, pattern recognition methods were used to build classification functions to specify the date of the unknown sherds. After analysing the experimental data by discriminant analysis, three classification functions were built. All the unknown sherds were classified as Ming Dynasty. This prediction is well in accordance with the fact that these sherds are similar to other Longquan Ming celadon, and so they should be fired in the same dynasty. This also verified the judgement of the Beijing Institute of Cultural Relics.
Combination CCNU and vinblastine chemotherapy for canine mast cell tumours: 57 cases
Authors: Cooper Maureen , Tsai XinRu , Bennett Peter
Published: July 2009

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a CCNU and vinblastine chemotherapy protocol for canine mast cell tumours. Fifty‐seven tumours in 56 dogs were evaluated, 37 had macroscopic disease and 20 had microscopic disease. A 57% response rate was seen in dogs with macroscopic disease for a median duration of 52 weeks. Dogs with macroscopic disease had a median progression free survival time (PFST) of 30 weeks and a median overall survival time (OST) of 35 weeks. Dogs with microscopic disease had a median PFST of 35 weeks and a median OST of 48 weeks. Toxicity was recorded in 54% of the dogs treated, with the majority of events being mild. This chemotherapy protocol appears to be well tolerated and should be considered for canine mast cell tumours.
Self‐Reported Pain and Utilization of Pain Treatment Between Minorities and Nonminorities in the United States
Authors: Meghani Salimah H. , Cho Eunhee
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To investigate differences in reported pain and pain treatment utilization (use of over‐the‐counter and prescription pain medications, seeing a pain specialist, and use of complementary and alternative medicine) among minorities and nonminorities in the general population.

Design: Secondary analysis of a national probability survey conducted by the CBS News/New York Times in January 2003.

Sample: Adult population in the United States, 18 years or older, having a telephone line at home.

Measurements: The survey asked respondents a series of questions about demographics, pain characteristics, and utilization of pain treatment; logistic regression was used to identify variables predicting reported utilization of pain treatment.

Results: Of the 902 respondents completing the survey, 676 (75%) reported experiencing “any type of pain.” Of these, 17% reported being diagnosed with chronic pain. Minorities reported a higher average daily pain than Whites (4.75 vs. 3.72; p<.001). However, race/ethnicity did not explain utilization of pain treatment; income, education, age, gender, and pain levels explained more variability in different pain treatment utilization variables than race/ethnicity.

Conclusions: Although minorities report higher pain levels than Whites, race/ethnicity does not explain utilization of treatment for pain. Future studies should consider more nuanced examination of interactions among race/ethnicity, pain, and socioeconomic variables.
A Comparison of Diabetes Learning With and Without Interactive Multimedia to Improve Knowledge, Control, and Self‐Care Among People With Diabetes in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Ju‐Ping , Chen Hsing‐Hsia , Yeh Mei‐Ling
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT
Objective: Given the increased popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this study aimed to evaluate the effects of interactive media on self‐directed learning in patients' knowledge of diabetes and related CAM/TCM strategies, the ability to control blood sugar levels, and self‐care in people with diabetes.

Design: An experimental study design was used. The experimental group received patient education through interactive multimedia about diabetes for 3 months, while the control group received a routine 3‐month patient education.

Sample: On completion, 60 subjects from Taiwan were evaluated—30 in an experimental group and 30 in a control group.

Measurements: Data were collected from both groups at baseline and at the completion of the patient education. The findings were then compared to evaluate the effects of the intervention on the subjects' knowledge of diabetes, blood sugar control, and self‐care.

Results: The experimental group showed greater improvement in understanding diabetes than the control (t=3.29, p<.001). There was no significant difference in control of blood sugar levels (t=−1.72, p=.10) and self‐care (F=1.03, p=.32).

Conclusions: The use of an interactive multimedia device to intervene in diabetes self‐care was effective only in raising the subjects' knowledge about the disease. Additionally, the subjects may need more time to implement more effective blood sugar control and self‐care activities after receiving instruction.
Public Health Management of Perinatal Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Libbus Martha Kay , Phillips Lynelle M.
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT
Infants who are born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg)‐positive women are at high risk for contracting perinatal hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. When maternal status is known, postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) consisting of a birth dose of (HBV) vaccine and Hepatitis B Immune Globulin may be administered within 12 hr of birth to provide 90% protection. Providers' reporting of maternal HBsAg positivity or perinatal HBV should prompt public health nurses to initiate nurse case management (NCM). NCM is the most successful way to ensure that at‐risk infants receive PEP and follow‐up serology. Unfortunately, reporting laws vary greatly by state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that perinatal HBV is significantly under‐reported nationally. This article discusses public health measures for preventing perinatal HBV and presents a case study that used a novel method to assess the extent of under‐reporting. We discuss barriers to public health NCM and the importance of a universal HBV vaccine birth dose to protect undetected and unreported cases. Finally, we suggest implications for public health nursing practice.
Reasons for Enrollment, the Informed Consent Process, and Trust Among Low‐Income Women Participating in a Community‐Based Participatory Research Study
Authors: Kneipp Shawn M. , Lutz Barbara J. , Means Deirdra
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT
Objective: Research is essential for guiding public health nursing practice with low‐income and/or minority populations. Despite this, little is known about fundamental recruitment problems, the degree to which the informed consent process is comprehended, or how critical a role trust may play in conducting successful research with these groups. This article describes factors influencing recruitment of underrepresented groups, preferences for the informed consent process, and degree of trust participants extended to researchers.

Design/Sample: A descriptive survey was used in this community‐based participatory research study with low‐income women.

Results: The response rate was 58% (n=35 of 60 sample). The most compelling reason for enrolling was that the researchers recognized an unmet health need among the population (91%), followed by the opportunity to talk with other women in similar circumstances (74%), and the fact that nurses were conducting the study (57%). Comprehension of informed consent was high, most preferred a “group” consent process, and 100% trusted the researchers to follow procedures outlined in the informed consent document.

Conclusion: Although findings support previous research regarding increased likelihood of enrollment when there is concordance between enrollees' goals and study topic, the establishment of trust between potential enrollees and researchers cannot be underestimated.