bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The assessment of disability in children and adolescents with headache: Adopting PedMIDAS in an epidemiological study
Authors: Kröner‐Herwig Birgit , Heinrich Marion , Vath Nuria
Published: March 2010

Objective: The study aimed at the assessment of disability in children with headache (n = 1585, 11–14 yrs) from a randomly drawn population based sample. We explored the suitability of the PedMIDAS in epidemiological research by various indicators of response quality. Furthermore, predictors of disability were examined, as well as its association with measures of health care behaviour.

Methods: The PedMIDAS measures functional interference in different domains of life by asking the children for the number of days that their headache partially or totally interfered with their activities.

Results: The examination of response behaviour revealed a marked attrition of responses (missing, invalid) in two items. As a consequence, the total score for disability could not be obtained for about 25% of the children. Analysis of homogeneity of the PedMIDAS items revealed low item/total correlations in two items. The grading of disability resulted in 81.2% of all children with headache showing no or low disability. Only 1.4% was “severely” disabled. Disability was predicted by frequency, type and intensity of headache. From all psychological variables only dysfunctional stress coping was significantly associated with disability. Disability itself was significantly associated with medical consultation.

Conclusions: Suitability of the PedMIDAS for epidemiological research was supported, however with a caveat and recommendations for item revision. Severe disability due to headache was rare in the studied unselected sample when defined by behavioural interference. It is suggested to explore the construct of disability by a multi‐method approach, including further instruments assessing headache related distress, (respectively) quality of life.
In vitro expression and characterization of MYH9 mutant alleles linked to hereditary hearing loss
Authors: Wei Calvin C. , Lalwani Anil K. , Mhatre Anand N.
Published: March 2010

Objective

To assess whether MYH9 mutant alleles linked to hereditary hearing loss induce disruption of cellular functions and associated phenotype following transient expression within cultured human cell lines.

Study Design

Dominantly inherited MYH9 mutant alleles, MYH9 R702C and MYH9 R705H, were integrated within eukaryotic expression vector and then transfected into cultured human cell lines for transient expression and analysis. The transfected cells were assessed for transgene‐induced alterations of the cellular phenotype, including NMHC‐IIA‐dependent cell shape, actin cytoskeleton integrity, and inhibition of cytokinesis.

Setting

Laboratories of Molecular Otology and Molecular Genetics at the New York University School of Medicine.

Subjects and Methods

HeLa and MDA‐MB‐231 cultured cell lines were transiently transfected with an expression vector carrying a wild type or mutant MYH9 alleles, linked to nonsyndromic and syndromic hearing loss. Expression of exogenous transgene product was detected with antibodies directed toward its N‐terminal HA tag, and transfection efficiency was greater than 95 percent. Host cells were characterized for cell shape, integrity of actin‐myosin cytoskeleton, and nuclear status before and after transfections via immunofluorescence.

Results

MDA‐MB‐231 cells transfected with MYH9 R705H but not MYH9 R702C were found to have a greater than two‐fold increase in cells with filopodia and a ten‐fold increase in proportion of cells with multiple nuclei, indicating inhibition of cytokinesis, relative to the control cells transfected with wild type MYH9. Actin cytoskeleton configuration within MDA‐MB‐231 cells was unaffected by expression of MYH9 R702C or MYH9 R705H. Unlike MDA‐MB‐231 cells, HeLa cells were refractory to MYH9 R705H and MYH9 R702C.

Conclusions

MYH9 R705H‐induced altered phenotype of the MDA‐MB‐231 cell line supports the pathogenicity of the mutation and represents a suitable assay system for identification and characterization of its dysfunction.
NF-κB-dependent anti-inflammatory activity of urolithins, gut microbiota ellagic acid-derived metabolites, in human colonic fibroblasts
Authors: González-Sarrías Antonio , Larrosa Mar , Tomás-Barberán Francisco Abraham , Dolara Piero , Espín Juan Carlos
Published: March 2010

Previous studies have reported the anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate extracts, suggesting that ellagitannins (ET) and ellagic acid (EA) are the main anti-inflammatory compounds. However, both ET and EA are metabolisedin vivoby the gut microbiota to yield urolithins (Uro) which can be found in the gut and in systemic bloodstream. The present study was carried out to evaluate the individual effect of EA and their microbiota-derived metabolites Uro on colon fibroblasts upon IL-1β treatment as anin vitroinflammation model. Uro-A and Uro-B (10 μm) inhibited PGE2production (85 and 40 %, respectively) after IL-1β stimulation, whereas EA did not show any effect. Uro-A, but not Uro-B, down-regulated cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal PGE synthase-1 (mPGES-1) mRNA expression and protein levels. Both Uro inhibited NF-κB translocation to nucleus. Slight but significant effects were found in the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Uro-A lowered c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation state, and both Uro inhibited p38 activation. No metabolites derived from Uro or EA were found in the cell media upon incubation of EA or Uro with the cells, and only traces of the compounds were found inside the cells. The present results suggest that Uro, mainly Uro-A, are the main compounds that are responsible for the pomegranate anti-inflammatory properties. The mechanism of action implicated seems to be via the inhibition of activation of NF-κB and MAPK, down-regulation of COX-2 and mPGES-1 expressions, and consequently,via the reduction of PGE2production. Taking into account that Uro did not enter the cells, a competitive binding for IL-1β membrane receptor cannot be discarded.
The Quest for “Siwilai”: A Geographical Discourse of Civilizational Thinking in the Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth-Century Siam
Authors: Winichakul Thongchai
Published: March 2010

On 27 december 1932, prince bhidayalongkorn, the President of the Royal Institute of Siam, delivered a special lecture titled “What are the conditions called ‘siwilai’?” [Phawa yangrai no thi riakwa khwam siwilai]. Transliterated from the English word civilized, the term was widely used in public without elaboration. Bhidayalongkorn reported that there was a debate whether Siam was or was not yetsiwilai, often referring to England, China, Haiti, Tibet, and many other countries, but it was not clear what made themsiwilaior not siwilai. He went on debunking the general understanding that wealth, power, territory, monogamy, gender equity, cleanliness, dress, etiquette, or mechanization constituted the notion ofsiwilai. The meaning was slippery, no matter how anybody tried to claim or use it politically (Bhidayalongkorn 1970).
Neolithic and Shang Periods
Authors: Keightley David N.
Published: March 2010

The common occurrence of cults of the dead in Neolithic and early Bronze Age societies around the world raises at least one major question about early Chinese religion: what factors account for the elaboration of ancestor worship in China and for the degree to which—compared to its role in other cultures—it endured? The study of Chinese religion in the Neolithic and Shang periods (ca. 4000–1050 B.C.E.) can contribute to our understanding of such matters, but the bulk of recent scholarship is inevitably and properly focused on technical analyses of sites, artifacts, rituals, and spiritual Powers. Many studies address problems of definition, such as the nature of Ti, the high god of the Shang, and his cult (Akatsuka 1977:471–537; Ikeda 1981:25–39; Eno 1990); images of T'ien (Heaven, Sky) (Hayashi 1989a); the nature of the Earth Power and its associated altar of the soil (Tai Chia-hsiang 1986); the role of sun, bird, and other totems in Neolithic and Shang belief (Hu Hou-hsüan 1977; Allan 1981; Tu Chin-p'eng 1992; Wu Hung 1985; Paper 1986; Ch'ien Chihch'iang 1988; Juyü 1991; Wang Chi-huai 1992; Xiong Chuanxin 1992; Chang Teshui 1993; Chang Wen 1994; Wang Lu-ch'ang 1994); methods and objects of sacrifice (Ikeda 1980; Ch'iu Hsi-kuei 1985; Childs-Johnson 1987; Lien Shao-ming 1989; Itō 1990; Hao Pen-hsing 1992); the religious dimensions of illness (Takashima 1980) and of settlement building (Akatsuka 1977:494–99).
Warring States, Ch'in, and Han Periods
Authors: Harper Donald
Published: March 2010

Fundamental changes occurred in chinese civilization between the fifth century B.C.E. and the second century C.E., roughly corresponding to the Warring States (which officially commences in 453 B.C.E.) and the Ch'in and Han empires (Han rule ends in 220 C.E.). The emergence and maturation of philosophical speculation and of new sociopolitical models have traditionally constituted the ground on which other elements of the contemporary civilization have been drawn. As a consequence, the nature of religious traditions during this period has been poorly understood and insufficiently studied; first, because the documentation preserved in received literature overwhelmingly reflects the politico-philosophical leanings of an elite social stratum and thus offers only a partial, biased view of the range of religious belief and practice; and second, because modern research on Warring States, Ch'in, and Han religion by and large relies on the viewpoints expressed in the received record. Whereas the study of Buddhism and, more recently, of religious Taoism and popular religion is thriving among an ever-growing number of scholars of the history of Chinese religion, the ancient period of Warring States, Ch'in, and Han is still dominated by scholars engaged in the study of the philosophical tradition. The idea that religious belief during the period was tempered by philosophical reason is a widely shared assumption.
In defense of Sinicization: A Rebuttal of Evelyn Rawski's “Reenvisioning the Qing”
Authors: Ho Ping-Ti
Published: March 2010

In her recent presidential address, “Reenvisioning the Qing,” Professor Evelyn Sakakida Rawski attacks the “sinicization” theme originally presented as one of the five major aspects of my 1967 article, “The Significance of the Ch'ing Period in Chinese History” (Ho 1967). In her essay—frankly admitted to have been based exclusively on “recent secondary literature”—she states that “a notable outcome of the new scholarship is the rejection of the sinicization thesis and its Han-centered orientation in favor of an empire-building model that emphasizes the importance of the Chinese empire's cultural links with the non-Han peoples of Inner Asia” (Rawski 1996, 827). It ought to be pointed out at the outset that my 1967 paper was not delivered, as she mistakenly presumed, from the podium of the president of the Association for Asian Studies; for I did not receive this honor until 1975–76, when, after having shifted my research interest so far away from the Ming-Ch'ing period, I addressed the Association with a paper entitled “The Chinese Civilization: A Search for the Roots of its Longevity.” The 1967 paper was an AAS panel presentation, not a presidential address.
On the decay of low-magnetic-Reynolds-number turbulence in an imposed magnetic field
Authors: OKAMOTO N. , DAVIDSON P. A. , KANEDA Y.
Published: March 2010

We examine the integral properties of freely decaying homogeneous magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence subject to an imposed magnetic field B0 at low-magnetic Reynolds number. We confirm that, like conventional isotropic turbulence, the fully developed state possesses a Loitsyansky-like integral invariant, in this case I// = − ∫ r⊥2 〈 u⊥·u′⊥〉 dr, where 〈u(x) ·u(x + rc)〉 = 〈u·u′〉 is the usual two-point velocity correlation and the subscript ⊥ indicates components perpendicular to the imposed field. The conservation of I// for fully developed turbulence places a fundamental restriction on the way in which the integral scales can develop, i.e. it implies u⊥2 ℓ⊥4 ℓ// ≈ constant where u⊥, ℓ⊥ and ℓ// are integral scales. This constraint can be used to estimate the evolution of u⊥(t; B0), ℓ⊥(t; B0) and ℓ//(t; B0), and these theoretical decay laws are shown to be in good agreement with numerical simulations.
Multi-layered diffusive convection. Part 1. Spontaneous layer formation
Authors: NOGUCHI TAKASHI , NIINO HIROSHI
Published: March 2010

Diffusive convection in an infinite two-dimensional fluid with linear vertical gradients of temperature and salinity is studied numerically and analytically. When the density gradient ratio exceeds a critical value above which diffusive convection grows according to the linear stability analysis, spontaneous layer formation is found to occur. At the first stage nearly steady oscillating motions, the horizontal scale of which is of the order of the buoyancy boundary layer scale δ, arise. After several tens of the oscillation cycle, a transition to the second stage occurs in which overturning convective motions develop and well-mixed regions are formed. The convective motions resemble Rayleigh–Bénard convection at a high Rayleigh number. The well-mixed regions are gradually organized into horizontal layers, a typical thickness of which is of the order of δ. A detailed analysis of the nonlinear process during the layer formation reveals that four modes are responsible for the layer formation: The first mode is the linear fastest-growing mode with wavenumber vector (k0, 0). The second mode with (k0, m0) is weakly growing. The third mode with (0, m0) is dissipating, and the fourth mode is its higher harmonic having (0, 2m0). It is shown that a truncated spectral model with the four modes well reproduces the results of the full numerical simulation.
Development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against WbSXP-1 for the detection of circulating filarial antigens
Authors: Janardhan S. , Pandiaraja P. , Pandey V. , Karande A. , Kaliraj P.
Published: March 2010

The importance of developing effective assays to diagnose, monitor and evaluate human lymphatic filariasis has been emphasized by the World Health Organization. Presently, few immunodiagnostics are available for filarial monitoring programmes. The Wuchereria bancrofti (Wb) SXP-1 parasite protein, with 84% homology to Brugia malayi (Bm) SXP-1, was found to be highly immunogenic. WbSXP-1 is one among the diagnostic candidate molecules that were used for developing a rapid-antibody-flow-through diagnostic kit for filariasis. Studies were initiated with the aim of developing monoclonal antibodies against recombinant WbSXP-1 and prospective applications for the detection of both circulating Wb and Bm antigens in serum samples from infected individuals. The monoclones 1A6C2 of subclass IgG1k, and 2A12F8 of class IgM, specifically detected Wb and Bm microfilaria isolated from patients and did not show cross-reactivity with other filarial recombinant antigens. We anticipate that this work will address the problems faced in the rapid diagnosis of human lymphatic filariasis in endemic areas in developing countries.
Ovicidal activity of different concentrations ofPochonia chlamydosporiachlamydospores onTaenia taeniaeformiseggs
Authors: Braga F.R. , Silva A.R. , Carvalho R.O. , Araújo J.V. , Pinto P.S.A.
Published: March 2010

Three concentrations of chlamydospores of the nematophagous fungusPochonia chlamydosporia(1000, 10,000 and 20,000 per Petri dish) were evaluatedin vitroonTaenia taeniaeformiseggs. Chlamydospores at each concentration were cultured in two different media: 2% water-agar (2%WA) and 2% corn-meal-agar (2%CMA).Taenia taeniaeformiseggs were plated in each chlamydospore concentration in 2%WA and 2%CMA (treated groups) and without fungus (control group). Eggs were removed from each Petri dish at intervals of 7, 14 and 21 days and classified according to ovicidal activity (type 1, type 2 and type 3 effects). Plates containing 2%CMA showed the highest percentages for type 3 effect (81.3%) on the 21st day of observation. A difference (P < 0.01) between the media 2%WA and 2%CMA for type 1 effect was observed only at a concentration of 1000 chlamydospores on the 7th day. There were differences (P < 0.01) between 2%WA and 2%CMA on the 14th and 21st days, at the concentration of 20,000 chlamydospores, for type 1 and type 3 effects. Regression curves for type 3 effect in 2%WA and 2%CMA at the tested concentrations showed higher ovicidal activity with increasing chlamydospore concentrations. Results indicate that, at concentrations of 1000, 10,000 and 20,000 per Petri dish, chlamydospores ofP. chlamydosporiaeffectively destroyedT. taeniaeformiseggs and can be considered a potential biological control agent for this cestode.
Iron overload increases hepatic development ofPlasmodium yoeliiin mice
Authors: Goma J. , Rénia L. , Miltgen F. , Mazier D.
Published: March 2010

Iron overload in BALB/c mice by treatment with ferric ammonium citrate promotes the hepatic development ofPlasmodium yoelii in vivoand invitro. This was the result of increased penetration of the parasite into hepatocytes since no effect was observed on parasite transformation or maturation. These results could explain why in endemic regions iron supplementation led, in certain studies, to an increase in clinical episodes of malaria and in the prevalence of malaria infection.
Rapid and sensitive identification ofNeospora caninumbyin vitroamplification of the internal transcribed spacer 1
Authors: Holmdahl O. J. M. , Mattsson J. G.
Published: March 2010

Neospora caninumandN. caninum-like organisms are cyst-forming coccidian parasites known to cause neuromuscular disorders in dogs and abortion in cattle. In this article we report on the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of DNA fromN. caninum. After determining the sequence of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITSl) ofN. caninumandToxoplasma gondii, and part of the sequences for & species ofSarcocystis, we designed a primer set for the amplification of a 279-base-pair fragment of ITSl fromN. caninum. The PCR system made possible the specific detection of 5N. caninumorganisms and no amplification was observed from any of the other cyst-forming coccidia tested, including the closely relatedT. gondii. Furthermore, we were also able to demonstrate the presence ofN. caninumin brain and lung tissue samples from experimentally infected mice. Our data also link the 5-8S rRNA gene forT. gondiiandN. caninumto the 16S-like rRNA gene, within the rDNA unit.
Field evaluation of a dot-ELISA for the detection and differentiation of trypanosome species in infected tsetse flies (Glossinaspp.)
Authors: Bosompem K. M. , Masake R. A. , Assoku R. K. G. , Opiyo E. A. , Nantulya V. M.
Published: March 2010

A rapid, visually read, dot-ELISA developed for the detection and differentiation of trypanosome species in tsetse flies (Glossinaspp.), was field tested alongside the standard fly dissection method on a ranch in south eastern Kenya. Of 104G. pallidipesdissected, 2 were found to be infected with trypanosomes in their midguts. By the dissection method the infecting trypanosome species could not be identified, as both flies had no salivary gland infections. However, using the dot-ELISA, the 2 flies were shown to be infected withTrypanosoma congolensein their midguts. The midguts of an additional 6 (5·8%) of the 104 G.pallidipestested positive forT. congolensein the dot-ELISA, even though no trypanosomes were seen on dissection. The infection rate for this fly species as determined using the dot-ELISA, therefore, was 7·7% forT. congolensein midgut infections compared to 1·9% identified by fly dissection. The salivary glands and mouthparts of the 6 additional tsetse flies identified by dot-ELISA were all negative as determined by the 2 techniques. None of 390 G.longipennisflies dissected and examined for trypanosomes in the midgut, salivary glands and mouthparts was shown, by this method, to be infected. Using the dot-ELISA, however, 17 (4·4%) of the flies tested positive forT. congolensein the midgut, whilst the salivary glands and mouthparts of the same flies were negative. Thus, the dot-ELISA appears to be more sensitive than the fly dissection method under field conditions. Moreover, the dot-ELISA can be performed in the field without electricity. It is simple to perform, and was not affected by high ambient temperatures (22–32°C), or by contamination of reactants with dust.
Gastrointestinal nematodes depress food intake in naturally infected reindeer
Authors: Arneberg P. , Folstad I. , Karter A. J.
Published: March 2010

Models have predicted that directly transmitted macroparasites may influence the abundance of forage plants in herbivore grazing systems by reducing the food intake of their host. Evidence of parasite-induced alterations in host food intake is, however, limited mainly to sheep, cattle and laboratory rodents. We estimated the effect of naturally acquired parasite infections on the appetite of reindeer. Food intake was significantly lower in infected reindeer compared to animals in which the parasites had been experimentally removed. Among the infected animals there was a significant negative relationship between intensity of the directly transmitted macroparasites (i. e. gastrointestinal nematodes) and mean food intake, indicating that the lower food intake was caused by these parasites. The time-specific onset of depression in food intake is also consistent with seasonality in the pathogenic effect from gastrointestinal nematodes. This shows that parasite-induced changes in herbivore food intake is not restricted to agricultural systems, and implies that parasites may have impact on the dynamics of a wide range of herbivore plant communities.
Onchocerca retinol- and ivermectin-binding protein activity
Authors: Lal P. G. , James E. R.
Published: March 2010

The presence of retinol-binding protein (RBP) activity in Onchocerca cervicalis adult worms and interaction with ivermectin has been studied using high pressure size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). Four distinct peaks of [3H]-retinol incorporation were obtained corresponding to approximate molecular weights of 150, 67, 19·7 and 4–6 kDa, the 2 smaller Mr peaks accounting for most of the binding activity. Competition for binding using non-labelled retinol at 200-fold molar excess indicated that specific binding of retinol occurred only to the 19–7 kDa fraction. Competition by ivermectin also inhibited binding of [3H]-retinol to the third peak. Following incubation with [3H]-ivermectin & peaks of similar molecular weights were also detected by HPSEC in soluble adult worm homogenate, However, in this case the 150 kDa fraction was most prominent. Both non-labelled ivermectin and non-labelled retinol at 200-fold molar excess reduced binding of [3H]-ivermectin to all & fractions. These data indicate that the putative Onchocerca RBP has an approximate molecular weight of 19·7 kDa, that retinol also binds to 3 additional fractions non-specifically, that the pattern of binding of ivermectin to adult worm material is quantitatively and qualitatively different from the binding exhibited by retinol, and that ivermectin interferes with the binding of retinol to the 19·7 kDa Onchocerca protein.
Activities of glycogen phosphorylase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in adult worms ofLitomosoides cariniirecovered from pyridoxine deficient cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus)
Authors: Beg M. A. , Fistein J. L. , Ingram G. A. , Storey D. M.
Published: March 2010

This paper demonstrates that the activities of glycogen phosphorylase (GP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are reduced in adult worms of the filarial nematodeLitomosoides cariniirecovered from pyri-doxine-deficient cotton rats when compared to worms recovered from pyridoxine-sufficient controls. GP, ALT and AST activities were determined in adult wormsL. cariniirecovered from cotton rat hosts over a 20-week experimental period. Activities of GP, ALT and AST in the parasite showed a direct correlation with the dietary pyridoxine intake of their host. Throughout the experiment, enzyme activities were significantly lower (P< 0·001) in worms from rats fed a pyridoxine-free dietad libitumthat in worms from rats fed either a stock colony diet, a pyridoxine-free dietad libitumwith daily supplementation of 100 μg pyridoxine or limited amounts of pyridoxine-free diet with daily supplementation of 100 μg pyridoxine. The lower than normal activity of GP, ALT, AST and other enzymes dependent on the biologically active derivative of pyridoxine, the coenzyme pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP), interferes with the protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism ofL. cariniiand may in part cause the reduced establishment, development and growth of the parasite in pyridoxine-deficient hosts.
Novel azole derivatives are antagonists at the inhibitory GABA receptor on the somatic muscle cells of the parasitic nematodeAscaris suum
Authors: Bascal Z. , Holden-Dye L. , Willis R. J. , Smith S. W. G. , Walker R. J.
Published: March 2010

The somatic muscle cells of the parasitic nematodeAscaris suumpossess GABA receptors that gate chloride conductances in a similar fashion to the mammalian GABAA receptor subtype. These receptors mediate muscle relaxation and are the site of action of the anthelmintic piperazine. The properties of this receptor differ from the properties of the GABA-gated chloride receptors in the mammalian host, in particular they are not as sensitive to mammalian GABA receptor antagonists such as bicuculline and picrotoxin. Using two-electrode intracellular electrophysiological recording techniques fromAscarismuscle cells, we have tested the potency of a series of azole derivatives for their ability to block the chloride-dependent GABA response. The lead compound, SN606078, 2-(2,6-dichloro-4-trifluromethylphenyl)-4-(4,5-dicyano-lH-imidazol-2-yl)-2H-l,2,3-triazoIe, and 4 structurally related compounds reversibly blocked the conductance increase elicited by 30 μM GABA with IC50s of less than 10 μM. SN606078 (10 μM) decreased the slope of the dose-response curve for GABA, suggesting a non-competitive mechanism of action. In two-electrode voltage clamp experiments, 10μM SN606078 blocked the outward current elicited by 20 μM GABA in a voltage-dependent manner with 72 ± 2% inhibition at −20 mV and 49±6% inhibition at −40 mV. These observations indicate that SN606078 may act as an open-channel blocker of the GABA-gated chloride channel inA. suum.
A thermodynamic definition of topological pressure for non-compact sets
Authors: THOMPSON DANIEL J.
Published: March 2010

We give a new definition of topological pressure for arbitrary (non-compact, non-invariant) Borel subsets of metric spaces. This new quantity is defined via a suitable variational principle, leading to an alternative definition of an equilibrium state. We study the properties of this new quantity and compare it with existing notions of topological pressure. We are particularly interested in the situation when the ambient metric space is assumed to be compact. We motivate our definition by applying it to some interesting examples, including the level sets of the pointwise Lyapunov exponent for the Manneville–Pomeau family of maps.
Ergodic decompositions associated with regular Markov operators on Polish spaces
Authors: WORM DANIËL T. H. , HILLE SANDER C.
Published: March 2010

For any regular Markov operator on the space of finite Borel measures on a Polish space we give a Yosida-type decomposition of the state space, which yields a parametrization of the ergodic probability measures associated with this operator in terms of particular subsets of the state space. We use this parametrization to prove an integral decomposition of every invariant probability measure in terms of the ergodic probability measures and give an ergodic decomposition of the state space. This extends results by Yosida [Functional Analysis. Springer, Berlin, 1980, Ch. XIII.4], Hernández-Lerma and Lasserre [Ergodic theorems and ergodic decomposition for Markov chains. Acta Appl. Math.54 (1998), 99–119] and Zaharopol [An ergodic decomposition defined by transition probabilities. Acta Appl. Math.104 (2008), 47–81], who considered the setting of locally compact separable metric spaces. Our extension to Polish spaces solves an open problem posed by Zaharopol (loc. cit.) in a satisfactory manner.
A hybrid adaptive control approach for robust tracking of robotic manipulators: theory and experiment
Authors: Islam Shafiqul , Liu Peter X.
Published: March 2010

In this work, a novel hybrid control strategy is proposed for robust trajectory tracking control of robotic systems. The main interest of using hybrid design is to reduce the controller gains so as to reduce control efforts from the single model certainty equivalence principle- based adaptive controllers. For this purpose, we allow the parameter estimate of conventional adaptive control design to be switched into a model that best approximates the plant among a finite set of models. First, we uniformly divide the compact set of unknown parameters into a finite number of smaller compact subsets. Then we construct a finite set of candidate controller for each of these smaller compact subsets. The derivative of the Lyapunov function candidate is employed to identify a controller that closely approximates the plant at each instant of time. The idea of introducing hybrid approach in adaptive control framework is to achieve good transient tracking performance with smaller values of controller gains in the presence of large-scale parametric uncertainties. The proposed method is implemented and evaluated on two 3 degree-of-freedom Phantom Premimum™ 1.5 telerobotic systems to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical development.
Soil carbon may be maintained under grazing in a St Lawrence Estuary tidal marsh
Authors: YU O.T. , CHMURA G.L.
Published: March 2010

Production of belowground organic matter is critical to sustainability of salt marshes. It plays a role in vertical soil accretion, a process essential for salt marshes to maintain their relative elevation and persist as sea levels rise. This paper examines belowground production and soil carbon of a high-latitude saltmarsh in the St Lawrence Estuary (Québec, Canada), which had been subjected to six years of sheep grazing. In the seventh year, without sheep, organic matter production in grazed and ungrazed sections was assessed by examining harvests of plant litter, end-of-season standing crop, and the roots and rhizomes present in in-growth cores. Excepting salinity, porewater chemistry varied little. The grazed marsh had higher soil carbon density and belowground production, yet lower aboveground biomass. Grazing reduces plant litter and increases solar exposure, soil temperature (at this latitude, soil remained frozen until April) and evapotranspiration, thus raising soil salinity and nitrogen demand, the latter a driver of root production. Grazing may not be detrimental to soil carbon storage. Permitting certain types of grazing on restored salt marshes previously drained for agriculture would provide economic incentive to restore tidal flooding, because the natural carbon sink provided in the recovered marsh would make these lands eligible for carbon payments.
A scarcity of females may constrain population growth of threatened bird species: case notes from the Critically Endangered Raso Lark Alauda razae
Authors: BROOKE M. de L. , FLOWER T. P. , MAINWARING M. C.
Published: March 2010

Donald (2007) showed that the adult sex ratios of wild bird populations tended to be male-biased, and that this bias was stronger in threatened species than in those of least concern. Here we show that, in 2004, the world population of the Critically Endangered Raso Lark was 65 individuals, 70% of which were male (adult sex ratio 0.70). In 2008, the population numbered approximately 175 (including juveniles) and the adult sex ratio was 0.58. Both ratios were significantly different from parity. All adult females were observed to be both paired and holding a territory. The observations therefore support Donald’s (2007) suggestion that a shortage of females can be an important constraint on the growth of threatened bird populations, a constraint that needs attention in conservation planning.
Urinary Catecholamine Levels and Response to Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in Depression
Authors: Oei Tian P. S. , Dingle Genevieve A. , McCarthy Molly
Published: March 2010

Aim: The aim was to investigate whether high catecholamine (CA) excreters would respond less well to a group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) treatment for depression than others. Method: A sample of 70 adults with depression symptoms participated in a 12-week course of group CBT. Participants’ 24 hour urinary catecholamine levels at pre-therapy and post-therapy were used to classify them as High (N = 10); Low (N = 33) or Mixed (N = 27) according to a cut-off one standard deviation above a published mean for healthy adults. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and cognitions questionnaire (Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire; Beck Hopelessness Scale and Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale) were used. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA analyses showed an equal rate of mood improvement in all three groups over the course of CBT, despite the fact that the High excreters were on average more depressed throughout the study. Changes in depression symptoms were mirrored by improvements in cognitive measures in the three catecholamine groups. Conclusion: This study indicates that adults showing a biological marker of depression (elevated catecholamine levels) are equally able to benefit from CBT treatment as adults without this marker.
The effect of coffee consumption on serum total cholesterol in the Sami and Norwegian populations
Authors: Nystad Tove , Melhus Marita , Brustad Magritt , Lund Eiliv
Published: March 2010

Objective

To assess coffee consumption in the Sami and Norwegian populations and to investigate the impact of unfiltered boiled coffee consumption on serum cholesterol concentrations.

Design

A cross-sectional study. Information was collected by self-administrated questionnaires and total serum cholesterol was analysed. Participants were divided into three ethnic groups: Sami I (Sami used as home language in the last three generations), Sami II (at least one Sami identity marker) and Norwegian.

Setting

In an area with Sami, Kven/Finnish and Norwegian populations, the SAMINOR study, 2003–2004.

Subjects

A total of 5647 men and 6347 women aged 36–79 years.

Results

More than 90 % of the study populations were coffee drinkers. Only 22 % were unfiltered coffee consumers. Sami I had the highest proportion of participants who consumed nine or more cups of unfiltered coffee per day, although the number of participants was limited. Total coffee consumption was associated with increased total cholesterol for men (P < 0·01) and women (P < 0·0001). For those who drank only unfiltered coffee, a significant association was found only in Norwegian men, adjusted for physical activity in leisure time, BMI and smoking habits (P < 0·001). From the lowest (less than five cups) to the highest (nine or more cups) unfiltered coffee consumption category, the mean total cholesterol levels increased by 0·29 mmol/l in Norwegian men.

Conclusions

Unfiltered coffee consumption was lower in the present study compared to previous reports. In general, total coffee consumption was positively associated with total cholesterol levels. However, for unfiltered coffee consumption, an association was found only in Norwegian men.
Survey of iodine deficiency and intestinal parasitic infections in school-going children: Bie Province, Angola
Authors: Tomlinson Mark , Adams Vera , Chopra Mickey , Jooste Pieter , Strydom Emmerentia , Dhansay Ali
Published: March 2010

Objective

To obtain baseline pre-intervention prevalence levels of iodine deficiency and parasitic and helminth infections in school-going children in Bie Province, Angola.

Design

A cross-sectional study conducted in randomly selected schools. The target population was children aged 6–10 years.

Setting

Bie Province, Angola.

Subjects

A total of 1029 children sampled, with 791 stool samples and 826 urine samples collected from twenty-four schools.

Results

Widespread severe and moderate deficiencies in iodine. Children in five schools were severely iodine deficient. All sampled schoolchildren were iodine deficient to a greater or lesser extent. In all, 80 % of all children across the twenty-four schools were infected with one or a combination of intestinal helminths and intestinal protozoa.

Conclusions

These findings have serious implications for the cognitive development of Angolan children, as well as for Angola’s development in terms of productivity and economic potential. It is strongly recommended that the provincial and national Ministries of Health, in collaboration with international health agencies, immediately plan and implement a strategy to provide sufficient iodine through iodised oil capsules and iodised salt to the iodine-deficient population. National coalitions need to be strengthened among the government, partners and salt producers. It is also recommended that all the children in schools be de-wormed for multiple helminth species at least twice a year.
Does nutrition education in primary schools make a difference to children’s fruit and vegetable consumption?
Authors: Ransley Joan Kathleen , Taylor Elizabeth Faye , Radwan Yara , Kitchen Meaghan Sarah , Greenwood Darren Charles , Cade Janet Elizabeth
Published: March 2010

Objective

To explore whether initiatives to promote fruit and vegetables in primary schools are associated with changes in children’s diet.

Design

Cross-sectional dietary survey. Main outcome measures were intakes of fruit, vegetables and key nutrients; and a score for initiatives promoting fruit and vegetables in school.

Setting

One hundred and twenty-nine English primary schools.

Subjects

Year 2 children (aged 6–7 years,n2530).

Results

In schools running a gardening club, children ate more vegetables, 120 (95 % CI 111, 129) g/d, compared with those that did not, 99·3 (95 % CI 89·9, 109) g/d; and where parents were actively involved in school initiatives to promote fruit and vegetables, children’s intake of vegetables was higher, 117 (95 % CI 107, 128) g/d, compared with those where parents were not involved, 105 (95 % CI 96·2, 114) g/d. In schools that achieved a high total score (derived from five key types of initiatives to promote fruit and vegetables in school) children ate more vegetables, 123 (95 % CI 114, 132) g/d, compared with those that did not, 97·7 (95 % CI 88·7, 107) g/d.

Conclusions

Gardening, parental involvement and other activities promoting fruit and vegetables to children in school may be associated with increased intake of vegetables but not fruit. These effects were independent of deprivation status and ethnicity.
United States – Subsidies on Upland Cotton Recourse to Article 21.5 by Brazil, WT/DS267/AB/RW (2 June 2008)
Authors: DAVEY WILLIAM J. , SAPIR ANDRÉ
Published: March 2010

Two of the four issues in this Appellate Body Report concerned the proper scope of Article 21.5 DSU compliance panel proceedings; the other two issues concerned the Appellate Body's review of the Panel's use of evidence. On the Article 21.5 issues, the Appellate Body essentially ruled that an Article 21.5 compliance proceeding could evaluate the WTO consistency of: (i) the entirety of an implementation measure (including parts of the measure that did not specifically implement DSB recommendations and rulings) and (ii) new subsidy grants made under a program in respect of which prior subsidy grants had been found to cause serious prejudice so as to determine whether the new grants also resulted in serious prejudice. On the evidentiary issues, the Appellate Body upheld the Panel's conclusions, although it modified certain of the Panel's reasoning. Probably the most interesting aspect of the case was the substantial deference showed by the Appellate Body to the Panel's consideration of causation and non-attribution issues. This deference was striking compared to the lack of deference that the Appellate Body has given to national authorities on those issues. We detect, however, a welcome interest on the part of the Appellate Body to require the use of analytical tools on the part of panels evaluating serious-prejudice cases.
Appellate Body Report,India – Additional and Extra-Additional Duties on Imports from the United States(WT/DS360/AB/R, adopted on 17 November 2008)
Authors: CONCONI PAOLA , Wouters Jan
Published: March 2010

This paper critically reviews the main findings of the Appellate Body in the caseIndia – Additional and Extra-Additional Duties on Imports from the United States(India–Additional Import Duties). This ruling sheds light on the interplay between two core provisions of the GATT, namely Article II GATT (Schedules of Concessions) and III GATT (National Treatment on Internal Taxation and Regulation). Linked to this demarcation, the question on the allocation of the burden of proof was a central point of contention in this dispute. The ruling also establishes the principle that WTO Members are allowed to use border tax adjustments, as long as the tax imposed on imports does not exceed the domestic tax. We argue that this principle can help to reconcile the objectives of the WTO with those of national governments.
Cortisol–ein geeigneter physiologischer Indikator für Belastungen am Arbeitsplatz?
Authors: Rösler Ulrike , Gebele Niklas , Hoffmann Katja , Morling Katja , Müller Anett , Rau Renate , Stephan Ute
Published: March 2010

Die vorliegende Studie prüft Zusammenhänge zwischen Arbeitsintensität, Tätigkeitsspielraum, sozialer Arbeitsumgebung (Kooperation/Kommunikation, soziale Unterstützung, soziale Stressoren) und Stresserleben am Arbeitsplatz mit der basalen Cortisolsekretion im Speichel (Tagesprofil, Aufwachreaktion und Variation über den Tag). Insgesamt 46 Erwerbstätige aus dem Bankwesen sammelten an zwei aufeinander folgenden Arbeitstagen je vier Speichelproben (beim Aufwachen, 30 min nach dem Aufwachen, 14 Uhr und unmittelbar vor dem Zubettgehen), aus denen die individuelle Cortisolkonzentration (Mittelwert aus den jeweils zugehörigen Proben) bestimmt wurde. Die Tätigkeitsmerkmale wurden sowohl mittels Fragebögen als auch objektiv, d. h. unabhängig vom Arbeitsplatzinhaber, erhoben. Alter, Geschlecht, Rauchen, Body-Mass-Index, gesundheitliche Beeinträchtigungen sowie eventuelle Abweichungen bei der Probensammlung wurden als mögliche Drittvariablen berücksichtigt. Im Ergebnis zeigte sich, dass subjektiv erlebte, geringe soziale Unterstützung und hohe soziale Stressoren mit einer erhöhten Aufwachreaktion bzw. mit einer erhöhten Variation über den Tag assoziiert waren. Für die Arbeitsintensität, den Tätigkeitsspielraum sowie für die objektiv erhobene Kooperation/Kommunikation waren keine Effekte nachweisbar. Die Ergebnisse lassen vermuten, dass sowohl die Belastungs- als auch deren Erhebungsart für den Nachweis von Effekten im Hinblick auf die Cortisolsekretion bei Erwerbstätigen von Bedeutung sind.
Selbstmanagement-Training als Methode der Kompetenzentwicklung bei Berufseinsteigern–am Beispiel von Auszubildenden technischer Fachrichtungen
Authors: Saborowski Yvonne , Muellerbuchhof Ralf
Published: March 2010

Diese Studie zeigt die Ergebnisse der Evaluation eines selbst entwickelten und durchgeführten Selbstmanagement-Trainings für Auszubildende (N = 56). Die Erfolgsbewertung orientiert sich am Vier-Ebenen-Modell von Kirkpatrick und wurde mit einem quasiexperimentellen Kontrollgruppen-Design durchgeführt. Variablen des Selbstkonzeptes der Selbst- und Methodenkompetenz wurden vor und einen Monat nach dem Training mit standardisierten Selbsteinschätzungsskalen erhoben. Die Akzeptanz- und Transfereinschätzungen wurden explorativ untersucht. Wichtige Ergebnisse der Bewertung der Trainingswirkung sind die signifikante Verbesserung von motivationalen und methodischen Fertigkeiten. Da darüber hinaus die Reaktionen der Teilnehmer bezüglich der Akzeptanz und Transfererfahrungen positiv ausfielen, ist dieses Selbstmanagement-Training ein geeignetes Instrument, um Berufseinsteigern erforderliche Selbst- und Methodenkompetenzen zu vermitteln.
Erziehungskompetenz und Elterntraining
Authors: Petermann Ulrike , Petermann Franz , Franz Matthias
Published: March 2010

Eine unzureichende Erziehungskompetenz bildet ein zentrales Entwicklungsrisiko, wobei durch extreme familiäre Bedingungen (z. B. die psychische Krankheit eines Elternteils) dieser Tatbestand besonders gegeben ist. Konsequenterweise wurden in den letzten Jahren präventive Elterntrainings (z. B. Triple P) und Eltern-Kind-Trainings entwickelt. Mittlerweile liegen auch im deutschsprachigen Raum gut evaluierte Programme für Risikogruppen vor (z. B. das Programm PALME für alleinerziehende Mütter).
Effekte eines bindungstheoretisch fundierten Gruppenprogramms für alleinerziehende Mütter und ihre Kinder: PALME
Authors: Franz Matthias , Weihrauch Lonja , Buddenberg Tanja , Güttgemanns Jörn , Haubold Stefan , Schäfer Ralf
Published: March 2010

Alleinerziehende Mütter und ihre Kinder sind erhöhten psychosozialen Belastungen und Gesundheitsrisiken ausgesetzt. Dennoch gibt es in Deutschland keine speziellen Hilfsangebote für diese Zielgruppe. Auf bindungstheoretischer Grundlage wurde ein emotionszentriertes Elterntraining (PALME; www.palme-elterntraining.de) für alleinerziehende Mütter mit Kindern im Vorschulalter entwickelt. Die Wirksamkeit des Trainings auf die Depressivität der Mütter, Mutter-Kind-Konflikte sowie kindliches Selbstbild und Problemverhalten wurde in einer randomisierten, kontrollierten Studie mit 61 alleinerziehenden, psychosozial mittelgradig belasteten Müttern untersucht. Es zeigten sich varianzanalytisch signifikante Gruppe x Messzeitpunkt-Interaktionseffekte zugunsten der Interventionsgruppe. Nach dem Training war die–teilweise klinisch ausgeprägte–maternale Depressivität im Mittel verbessert. Darüber hinaus ergaben sich Hinweise auf ein positiveres Selbstkonzept und tendenziell reduzierte Verhaltensprobleme ihrer Kinder.
Vor- und Nachteile von Therapiemanualen
Authors: Döpfner Manfred , Kinnen Claudia , Petermann Franz
Published: March 2010

In den letzten Jahrzehnten wurde eine Vielzahl von Manualen zur Prävention und Therapie psychischer Störungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter sowohl international als auch im deutschsprachigen Raum publiziert. Diese Kontroverse stellt die potentiellen Vorteile und Nachteile der Anwendung von Therapiemanualen gegenüber. Anhand einer Befragung von approbierten Psychotherapeuten, die in der Behandlung von Kindern und Jugendlichen tätig sind, kann gezeigt werden, dass Psychotherapiemanuale eine hohe Akzeptanz unter den Praktikern finden und dass sie im Alltag flexibel eingesetzt werden. Forderungen an die Verbesserungen von Manualen, vor allem hinsichtlich Flexibilisierung, Individualisierung, Anwenderfreundlichkeit, Attraktivität der Materialien und empirische Evidenz werden formuliert. Insgesamt haben Therapiemanuale die Verhaltenstherapie von Kindern und Jugendlichen wesentlich bereichert und ihre Effizienz wurde durch die Manualisierung vermutlich auch verbessert. Die Risiken von Therapiemanualen sind beherrschbar, wenn man auch die Grenzen der Manualisierung erkennt und individuelle Therapieplanung sowie Fallsupervision als weitere Komponenten einer Qualitätssicherung in der Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapie nutzt.