bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the local environment of engineered Tyr to Trp substitutions for probing the denaturation mechanism of FIS
Authors: Muñiz Virginia A. , Srinivasan Saipraveen , Boswell Sarah A. , Meinhold Derrick W. , Childs Tawanna , Osuna Robert , Colón Wilfredo
Published: November 2010

Factor for inversion stimulation (FIS), a 98‐residue homodimeric protein, does not contain tryptophan (Trp) residues but has four tyrosine (Tyr) residues located at positions 38, 51, 69, and 95. The equilibrium denaturation of a P61A mutant of FIS appears to occur via a three‐state (N2 ⇆ I2 ⇆ 2U) process involving a dimeric intermediate (I2). Although it was suggested that this intermediate had a denatured C‐terminus, direct evidence was lacking. Therefore, three FIS double mutants, P61A/Y38W, P61A/Y69W, and P61A/Y95W were made, and their denaturation was monitored by circular dichroism and Trp fluorescence. Surprisingly, the P61A/Y38W mutant best monitored the N2 ⇆ I2 transition, even though Trp38 is buried within the dimer removed from the C‐terminus. In addition, although Trp69 is located on the protein surface, the P61A/Y69W FIS mutant exhibited clearly biphasic denaturation curves. In contrast, P61A/Y95W FIS was the least effective in decoupling the two transitions, exhibiting a monophasic fluorescence transition with modest concentration‐dependence. When considering the local environment of the Trp residues and the effect of each mutation on protein stability, these results not only confirm that P61A FIS denatures via a dimeric intermediate involving a disrupted C‐terminus but also suggest the occurrence of conformational changes near Tyr38. Thus, the P61A mutation appears to compromise the denaturation cooperativity of FIS by failing to propagate stability to those regions involved mostly in intramolecular interactions. Furthermore, our results highlight the challenge of anticipating the optimal location to engineer a Trp residue for investigating the denaturation mechanism of even small proteins.
Identification of biochemical and putative biological role of a xenolog from Escherichia coli using structural analysis
Authors: Bhaskar Varun , Kumar Manoj , Manicka Sankar , Tripathi Sunil , Venkatraman Aparna , Krishnaswamy S.
Published: November 2010

YagE is a 33 kDa prophage protein encoded by CP4‐6 prophage element in Escherichia coli K12 genome. Here, we report the structures of YagE complexes with pyruvate (PDB Id 3N2X) and KDGal (2‐keto‐3‐deoxy galactonate) (PDB Id 3NEV) at 2.2Å resolution. Pyruvate depletion assay in presence of glyceraldehyde shows that YagE catalyses the aldol condensation of pyruvate and glyceraldehyde. Our results indicate that the biochemical function of YagE is that of a 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy gluconate (KDG) aldolase. Interestingly, E. coli K12 genome lacks an intrinsic KDG aldolase. Moreover, the over‐expression of YagE increases cell viability in the presence of certain bactericidal antibiotics, indicating a putative biological role of YagE as a prophage encoded virulence factor enabling the survival of bacteria in the presence of certain antibiotics. The analysis implies a possible mechanism of antibiotic resistance conferred by the over‐expression of prophage encoded YagE to E. coli. Proteins 2011, © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Manifestations of new χ(3)‐ and χ(2)‐nonlinear optical interactions and χ(2)‐properties of orthorhombic bis(guanidinium) zirconium bis(nitrilotriacetate) hydrate, [C(NH2)3]2Zr[N(CH2COO)3]2·H2O crystal
Authors: Kaminskii Alexander A. , Bayarjargal Lkhamsuren , Haussühl Eiken , Müller Nicole , Haussühl Siegfried , Eichler Hans J. , Rhee Hanjo , Ueda Ken‐ichi , Shirakawa Akira , Reider Georg A.
Published: November 2010

Using single‐ and dual‐wavelength coherent collinear picosecond pumping we observed in semi‐organic heterodesmic orthorhombic [C(NH2)3]2Zr[N(CH2COO)3]2·H2O manifestations of several new χ(3)‐ and χ(2)‐nonlinear optical effects, among them self‐frequency doubling, “Cherenkov”‐type second harmonic generation (SHG), cascaded self‐frequency tripling and self‐sum‐frequency generation, as well as more than two‐octave Stokes and anti‐Stokes generation under one‐micron excitation. All newly recorded nonlinear optical frequency components were identified and attributed to stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) promoting modes of the crystal. All three tensor components of the second order nonlinear optical susceptibility tensor (SHG tensor) were determined at the wavelength 1.064 µm using the Maker fringe technique. The maximal value of the SHG tensor is 0.6 pm V−1. SHG phase matching directions of type‐I/II and effective nonlinear susceptibilities are given for 0.7–1.4 µm fundamental wavelengths.
Integrated implementation of dynamic untyped object‐based operator overloading
Authors: Savidis Anthony
Published: November 2010

Operator overloading, a popular mechanism in the C++ language, is a form of ad hoc polymorphism on operator functions, allowing alternative implementations for different argument types. Classless languages with untyped objects are languages that lack classes and treat all objects as compliant to a common Object type. Languages in this category are flexible, dynamic, and easy‐to‐use, with popular examples being JavaScript, Lua, and ActionScript (the latter being hybrid by also offering classes). This paper presents an integrated implementation of untyped operator overloading which enable users to handle dynamically the full range of operators on objects. The focus is on features not supported by other languages, such as (i) arithmetic and relational operators allowing to separately handle caller lhs and rhs positions; (ii) an assignment operator with an untyped analogy of type casting; (iii) a slot access operator allowing user‐defined policies for editing object slots; and (iv) a function‐call operator to support functors. Operators are treated as first‐class object slots, distinguished by reserved indices that match the respective operator lexemes. All reported techniques have been applied in implementing the operator overloading features of the Delta language. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The significance of the 27 February 2010 offshore Maule, Chile earthquake
Authors: Lew Marshall , Naeim Farzad , Carpenter Lauren D. , Youssef Nabih F. , Rojas Fabian , Saragoni G. Rodolfo , Adaros Macarena S.
Published: November 2010

The 27 February 2010 Offshore Maule, Chile earthquake is one of the most significant seismic and earthquake engineering events for many reasons but especially for the study of the dynamic behaviour of tall buildings. Because the earthquake occurred on a subduction zone where the convergence of the Nazca plate with the South American plate occurs, there are similarities to large areas of North America with similar conditions such as the Cascadia subduction zone extending from Northern California to British Columbia; major metropolitan areas that could be affected by the Cascadia subduction zone include Portland, OR, Seattle, WA and Vancouver, BC. The abundance of tall buildings in Chile, particularly in Santiago, Viña del Mar and Concepción, allow for significant case histories into the behaviour of tall buildings in Chile, a country that has similar design and construction practices to the USA, where there is also an abundance of tall buildings in major population areas. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accelerographic measurements of the 27 February 2010 offshore Maule, Chile earthquake
Authors: Saragoni G. Rodolfo , Lew Marshall , Naeim Farzad , Carpenter Lauren D. , Youssef Nabih F. , Rojas Fabian , Adaros Macarena Schachter
Published: November 2010

The mega earthquake of 27 February 2010, offshore Maule, Chile with moment magnitude of 8·8 is the fifth largest recorded earthquake in the world and, therefore, is considered to be a mega earthquake. This subduction interplate thrust earthquake occurred at the convergence of the Nazca (oceanic) plate with the South American continental plate. This type of earthquake affects the north‐western region of USA and Canada, as well as Alaska. Therefore, it is important to study the characteristics of the recorded accelerograms and their effects on the future behaviour of tall buildings in USA. Although the earthquake produced accelerographic records with very high ground motions in terms of peak ground accelerations and very long duration of ground shaking, the observed damage from this earthquake was more like the level of damage expected from a moment magnitude 8?0 rather than a moment magnitude of 8?8. This may be the result of asperities in the fault rupture surface. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Did the large coseismic displacement cause the global overturning collapse of the Alto Rio building during the 27 February 2010 Offshore Maule, Chile earthquake?
Authors: Alimoradi Arzhang , Naeim Farzad
Published: November 2010

A very large coseismic displacement (≈304  cm) was recorded at the city of Concepción during the moment magnitude (Mw) 8·8 Offshore Maule, Chile earthquake of 27 February 2010. The Alto Rio building, a 15‐storey reinforced concrete structure with two underground levels, experienced a global overturning collapse, resulting in the death of eight of its occupants. Ever since, a lingering question has preoccupied the minds of structural engineers and earth scientists: Did the large coseismic displacement cause the overturning collapse of this building? The answer based on the analyses provided in this paper is no. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Special issue: 2010 los angeles tall buildings structural design council—2010 magnitude 8·8 chile earthquake
Authors: Mehrain Michael , Lew Marshall , Hart Gary C.
Published: November 2010

It is a pleasure to present the seventh annual issue developed by the Los Angeles Tall Buildings Structural Design Council. This two part issue is devoted to the Offshore Maule earthquake that shook Central Chile earlier this year. These two issues represent significant lessons learned from this earthquake. This earthquake is very significant as it presents a unique opportunity to study the effects of a true mega earthquake (with moment magnitude of 8·8) on modern tall buildings designed with contemporary building codes and constructed with modern construction methods. The building codes and construction methods are similar to those used in the USA so this event should be of interest to all structural engineers. This earthquake occurred on the South American subduction zone, which has uncanny similarities to other similar subduction zones around the world including the Cascadia subduction zone off the coast of the Pacific Northwest of the USA and Southern British Columbia, Canada; other subduction zones include those off of Alaska, Japan, Philippines and Indonesia. Thus, this earthquake gives us the first opportunity to develop an understanding of the behaviour of tall buildings to subduction zone events. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recognition of word emotion state in sentences
Authors: Quan Changqin , Ren Fuji
Published: November 2010

Emotional word spotting has been an important step for the problems of textual emotion recognition and automatic emotion lexicon construction. To express and recognize emotion of words, especially for the words bear undirect emotions, emotion ambiguity, or multiple emotions, the notion of ‘word emotion state’ is proposed, which describes the state of combined basic emotions in a word. On the basis of Ren‐CECps (an annotated emotion corpus) and MaxEnt (maximum entropy) modeling, we explore the effectiveness of several features and their combinations for word emotion recognition in certain contexts. A comparative study on the performances of word emotion and word emotion state recognition is given. The experimental results showed that a model using word emotion state can greatly outperform using word emotion. © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Online adaptive control via evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Duong Sam Chau , Kinjo Hiroshi , Uezato Eiho , Yamamoto Tetsuhiko
Published: November 2010

This paper presents an online adaptive control method for nonlinear systems using evolutionary algorithms (EAs). A general framework of constructing an EA‐based online control system that processes problems continuously is first introduced with focus on handling external disturbance adaptively. In order to verify the method, a neural network controller and genetic algorithm, which have emerged as the most popular and successful techniques in computational intelligence, are employed as an example of the method. Two nonholonomic systems are considered, one being a wheeled mobile robot and the other rotary crane system. To emphasize the advantage of the proposed approach, strong and sudden disturbances are used in these tests. Simulations show that the method works effectively to control the perturbed systems to the desired states. © 2010 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of agropesticides use on male reproductive function: A study on farmers in Djutitsa (Cameroon)
Authors: Manfo Faustin Pascal Tsagué , Moundipa Paul Fewou , Déchaud Henri , Tchana Ang`le Nkouatchoua , Nantia Edouard Akono , Zabot Marie‐Thérèse , Pugeat Michel
Published: November 2010

This study aimed at investigating the effect of agropesticides on male reproductive function in farmers in Djutitsa (West Cameroon). To this end, 47 farmers in Djutitsa were asked questions on their health status and pesticide use in agriculture. Thereafter, their blood samples were collected for assessment of sex hormones including serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), androstenedione, testosterone, as well as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Their serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels were also measured. Thirty seven men not exposed to agropesticides were recruited as control group. Fifty six pesticides containing 25 active substances were currently used by farmers enrolled in our study, and most of their symptoms were related to spread/use of these chemicals. Compared to the control group, there was no significant difference in FSH, LH, SHBG, estradiol, and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) levels. Farmers had significantly lower serum testosterone (20.93 ± 1.03 nM vs. 24.32 ± 1.32 nM; P < 0.05) and higher androstenedione level (3.83 ± 0.20 nM vs. 2.80 ± 0.15 nM; P < 0.001). Their serum free testosterone as well as bioavailable testosterone were unchanged, while estradiol/testosterone and androstenedione/testosterone ratios were significantly increased (0.45 ± 0.03% vs. 0.33 ± 0.02%; P < 0.01 and 12.26 ± 3.64 vs 19.31 ± 6.82; P < 0.001, respectively). Our results suggest that male farmers of Djutitsa (West Cameroon) are exposed to agropesticides due to improper protective tool, and this exposure may impair their reproductive function through inhibition of testosterone synthesis; probably by inhibition of testicular 17β‐ hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17HSD3) and induction of aromatase (CYP19). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Microcystin‐producing genotypes from cyanobacteria in Brazilian reservoirs
Authors: Bittencourt‐Oliveira Maria do Carmo , Piccin‐Santos Viviane , Gouvêa‐Barros Selma
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of new oligonucleotide primers (mcyB‐F/R, mcyB‐F/R‐A, and mcyB‐F/R‐B) designed from Brazilian cyanobacteria for the detection of microcystin‐producing genotypes in 27 environmental samples from water reservoirs and 11 strains of Microcystis. Microcystins were found using HPLC in all 11 strains and 19 of the environmental samples. The new oligonucleotide primers amplified fragments of microcystin‐producing genes, including the eight environmental samples in which no microcystins were detected by HPLC, but which presented amplified fragments, thereby demonstrating the existence of microcystin‐producing genes. The new oligonucleotide primers exhibited better specificity when used with environmental samples and were more reliable in comparison with those described in the literature (mcyB‐FAA/RAA and mcyA‐Cd/FR), which generate false‐negative results. The better performance of these new oligonucleotide primers underline the need for designing molecular markers that are well fitted to the regional biological diversity. As this is a fast predictive technique for determining the presence or absence of microcystins, it could be used either alone or in conjunction with other techniques, such as the screening of samples to be sent for quantitative toxicological analysis using HPLC, thereby reducing monitoring cost and time. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Main partitioning criteria for the characterization of the health status in the freshwater mussel Anodonta cygnea from spontaneously polluted area in western ukraine
Authors: Falfushynska Halina I. , Gnatyshyna Lesya L. , Golubev Alexandr P. , Stoliar Oksana B.
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to appreciate the consequences of spontaneous human activity for freshwater mollusks in the generally ecologically sustainable area in Western Ukraine. For this, bivalve mollusk, Anodonta cygnea, at three sites, with mixed agricultural and municipal activities (A), close to a municipal water inlet (F) and the cooling pond of a nuclear power plant (N), were studied in spring, summer, and autumn. The set of parameters included the characteristics of oxidative stress (activity of catalase (CAT), levels of protein carbonyls (PC)), levels of reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH, GSSG, respectively), activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LD), cholinesterase (ChE), ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD), glutathione S‐transferase (GST) in the digestive gland, and concentrations of vitellogenin‐like proteins (Vtg‐LP) in gonads and also morphological indices. Although the discriminant functional analysis confirmed the general seasonal regularities for studied groups, it allowed to discriminate between sites (P < 0.05). At site A, oxidative stress; high levels of LD, EROD, and GST; and low levels of ChE and condition factor were reflected. This demonstrated the sensitivity of mussels to constant effect of mixed pollution. At site N, oxidative injury was shown that might be explained by the constantly high temperature. At site F, abrupt elevations of Vtg‐LP and EROD levels in autumn were probably related to an emergency situation on the nearby dump. So, both chronic and temporal environmental effects were reflected by a set of markers in mollusk. The classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm selected GSH and PC in the digestive gland and Vtg‐LP as partitioning criteria for the characterization of mussel health status. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Nested subset patterns of species composition in a pond‐dwelling fish fauna
Authors: Mitsuo Yoshito , Tsunoda Hiroshi , Ohira Mitsuru , Doi Makie , Senga Yutaro
Published: November 2010

Our objectives are to examine the influence of the difference in stress tolerance among species on patterns of nestedness and to test whether a set of several small ponds supports more species than a few large ponds of equal area. Although fish species assemblages for each group of all fish, tolerant and intolerant species were significantly nested, intolerant species showed stronger nested tendency than tolerant species, suggesting that the tolerance of species can influence the patterns of nestedness. These results suggest that the tolerance of species can influence the patterns of nestedness. As for the comparison of cumulative species richness in small ponds and large ponds, although small ponds supported more species for tolerant species, there was little difference for intolerant species.
The Accuracy of an Automasking Algorithm in Plantar Pressure Measurements
Authors: Ellis Scott J. , Stoecklein Hill , Yu Joseph C. , Syrkin Grisha , Hillstrom Howard , Deland Jonathan T.
Published: November 2010

Masking algorithms provide a way to analyze plantar pressure parameters based on distinct anatomical regions of the foot. No study has addressed their accuracy. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of the Novel® ten-region standard masking algorithm in both dynamic and static measurements in normal feet. Static and dynamic plantar pressure measurements were collected from ten normal subjects (20 ft) with and without 10-mm radiopaque markers placed under the first through fifth metatarsal heads, fifth metatarsal base, and first proximal phalanx. The automask was then applied to subdivide the foot into distinct anatomical areas. Weight-bearing AP radiographs were obtained with and without markers. Plantar pressures and radiographs were overlaid. The percent accuracy of each marker within its appropriate mask region was calculated. The average accuracies of the automasking algorithm regions for dynamic and static measurements, respectively, were 98.8% and 90.4% (1MH), 89.9% and 80.6% (2MH), 98.6% and 81.4% (3MH), 96.8% and 82.3% (4MH), 93.1% and 80.8% (5MH), 97.3% and 92.5% (5MB), and 91.2% and 64.2% (1PPH). Marker presence did not alter foot structure or function as determined by intermetatarsal angles (range, p = 0.361 to p = 0.649) and the center of pressure excursion index ( p = 0.727), respectively. The automasking algorithm accurately identifies most foot regions in normal feet, particularly in gait. Such accuracy may be reduced in the setting of foot deformity. Understanding the accuracy of masking algorithms may help guide the interpretation of plantar pressure measurements and ultimately both conservative and operative treatment decisions.
A fluid mechanical view on abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: DUCLAUX VIRGINIE , GALLAIRE FRANÇOIS , CLANET CHRISTOPHE
Published: November 2010

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a dilatation of the aorta, localized
preferentially above the bifurcation of the iliac arteries, which increases in
time. Understanding their localization and growth rate remain two open questions
that can have either a biological or a physical origin. In order to identify the
respective role of biological and physical processes, we address in this article
these questions of the localization and growth using a simplified physical
experiment in which water (blood) is pumped periodically (amplitude
a, pulsation ω) in an elastic membrane (aorta) (length
L, cross-section A0 and elastic
wave speed c0) and study the deformation of this
membrane while decharging in a rigid tube (iliac artery; hydraulic loss
K). We first show that this pulsed flow either leads to a
homogenous deformation or inhomogenous deformation depending on the value of the
non-dimensional parameter
c02/(aLω2K).
These different regimes can be related to the aneurysm locations. In the second
part, we study the growth of aneurysms and show that they only develop above a
critical flow rate which scales as
A0c0/.
Haemodynamic stresses and the onset and progression of vascular
diseases
Authors: LASHERAS JUAN C.
Published: November 2010

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a common vascular disease among the adult
population, forms in the portion of the aorta below the renal arteries and
upstream of its bifurcation into the two iliac arteries. While the precise cause
of this vascular disease is still unknown, it is believed to be multi-factorial
and predominantly degenerative, arising through a complex interplay among
several biological factors as well as from specific local changes in the
haemodynamic stresses on the vessel's wall. Using a simple mechanical model to
simulate the difference in the stiffness of the aorta and iliac arteries,
Duclaux, Gallaire & Clanet (J. Fluid Mech., 2010, this
issue, vol. 664, pp. 5–32) propose a scaling argument for the
transition between homogeneous and inhomogeneous deformation of an elastic
tubular membrane that offers a plausible explanation for the observed
localization of the AAAs. While neglecting long-term tissue remodelling and
other important biological processes, the fluid mechanics model of Duclaux
et al. (2010) appears to be consistent with some known
associated risk factors.
Laboratory modelling of the effects of temporal changes of estuarine-fresh-water discharge rates on the propagation speed of oceanographic coastal currents
Authors: THOMAS PETER J. , LINDEN P. F.
Published: November 2010

In this paper, results of laboratory experiments simulating buoyancy-driven coastal currents produced by estuarine discharges into the ocean, are discussed. The responses of the propagation speeds of the currents to increases and decreases of the volumetric discharge rate at the source are investigated. For increasing discharge rate, we find that the mean speed of the current head displays a sharp rise some time after the source discharge condition has changed. In contrast, a decrease of the current speed following a decreasing discharge rate proceeds gradually. The current speed after acceleration or deceleration is found to be equal to the speed that would be expected had the discharge been at the higher or lower rate from the start of the experiment. The relative speed at which the information of the changed discharge condition at the source approaches the advancing current head from upstream, for both increasing and decreasing discharge rates, is found to be approximately one to three times the mean speed of the current. Further, we find that this transmission speed is 0.82±0.20 times the propagation speed of a linear, long interfacial Kelvin wave.
The founding text of International Relations? Norman Angell's seminal yet flawedThe Great Illusion(1909–1938)
Authors: CEADEL MARTIN
Published: November 2010

Norman Angell'sThe Great Illusion, which ran through six versions in London between November 1909 and December 1938, has some claim to have launched International Relations as a self-consciously independent yet sub-consciously liberal discipline. Understood to argue primarily that the interlocking fragility of the international financial system stopped modern states profiting from aggression, its ideas were promoted by a specially created foundation as ‘the science of international politics’ or ‘international polity’. Since the 1970s, moreover, the book has been credited by scholars with pioneering the concepts of interdependence and globalisation. Now, therefore, it is less its seminal qualities than its fundamental flaws that require emphasis. Its celebrated claim about the irenic implications of financial interdependence was widely misunderstood as implying the impossibility, in addition to the disutility, of aggression. And a little-noticed second argument – that political control over territory brought no substantive benefits – was not only implausible but inconsistent with Angell's declared opposition to cuts in arms spending.The Great Illusion's policy recommendations were thus ambiguous, and altered from edition to edition as its author grappled first with the contradiction between pacifist and pro-defence strands in his thinking and then with the changing international situation.
Using Alternative Therapies to Manage Chronic Illness Among Older Adults: An Examination of the Health Context, Predisposing and Enabling Processes
Authors: Wister Andrew V. , Chittenden Minda , McCoy Bonnie , Wilson Kelly , Allen Trasey , Wong Melanie
Published: November 2010

This paper examines use of alternative therapies to manage a chronic illness among older adults with at least one of three major conditions: arthritis, heart disease, and hypertension. Drawing from developments in the health utilization literature, a focus is placed on the illness context, predisposing factors, and several factors deemed to enable persons to use complementary medicine. The baseline data (n = 879) from the 1995–96 North Shore Self-Care Study conducted in Vancouver, Canada were used for this study. Two dependent variables were analysed using logistic regression techniques – the first is based on a comprehensive question about using alternative therapies (such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage therapy, etc.) to manage a chronic condition; and the second uses a more specific question pertaining to meditation or praying. The results from the first analysis show that being younger, suffering from arthritis compared to hypertension, comorbidity, taking fewer medications, lower income, reading on the chronic condition, and the interaction between reading and illness self-efficacy are associated with trying alternative therapies. The findings for the second analysis show that being female, being younger, and not married, as well as reporting a more serious condition, illness duration and the interaction between having moderate levels of mutual aid and number of confidants result in a greater likelihood of trying meditation/prayer. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of their theoretical import, and their relevance for the degree to which unconventional and conventional medicine are complementary.
Health, Psycho-social and Cultural Determinants of Medication Use by Chinese-Canadian Older Persons
Authors: Tjam Erin Yuet , Hirdes John P.
Published: November 2010

Variations in health and medication use exist across cultures. Medication use among Chinese-Canadian older persons is complicated by many factors including combined use of Western and traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). There is little research on health, psycho-social and cultural determinants of medication use in the Chinese. A cross-sectional census study of community-based Chinese-Canadian older persons in the Kitchener/Waterloo area was conducted using the Minimum Data Set for Home Care and a supplementary questionnaire for cultural issues. The response rate was 89.1 per cent with 106 participants using face-to-face assessments. Socio-demographic and cultural variables were summarized. The multivariate logistic model for TCM use included pain symptoms and being hospitalized, and a curvilinear association between TCM use and health beliefs. For combined medicine use, living with a child, pain symptoms, hospitalization, and social isolation problems were the main effects. Living with a child, physical health problems and number of diseases were associated with Western medicine use. Health, psycho-social and cultural factors were significant determinants for medication use. Education programs for both Chinese-Canadian older persons and health care providers are necessary to understand the appropriate use of Western and TCM treatments.
Disability Onset among Aging Canadians: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Hum Derek , Simpson Wayne
Published: November 2010

Past studies of aging and disability have been restricted to and by cross-sectional data. When cross-sectional surveys measure income, disability status and age at a common point in time, it is impossible to discern the process, and consequences, of a disability onset. In other words, it is not possible to examine the circumstances of the same individuals before, and after, the disability onset; nor whether effects differ according to the age at which the disability occurs. The present study uses a new panel data set, the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics (SLID), to examine the prevalence of disability with respect to age, gender, and other socio-economic characteristics; however, its unique contribution is its investigation of disability onset, and the rates of entry into, and exit from, disability status by age group and gender. Further, we assess the financial circumstances of those who become disabled vis-à-vis a “control group”.
End of Life Care: The Experience of Seniors and Informal Caregivers
Authors: Ross Margaret M. , MacLean Michael J. , Cain Roy , Sellick Scott , Fisher Rory
Published: November 2010

As Canada's elderly population grows, an increasing number of seniors will require care as they face the end of life. Relatively little research attention, however, has been given to end-of-life issues, including those related to treatment and care for persons who are both old and dying. Families and health care providers have little direction and guidance to ensure an optimum quality of life for seniors prior to death and during the period of bereavement. This article presents an abbreviated summary of the literature regarding end-of-life issues and challenges for seniors who face a life threatening illness and are at, or near, the end of their lives. The article is also informed by a series of focus groups with elderly and other informal caregivers regarding the giving of help and getting support while caring for persons who are dying. It concludes with a response to this evidence by making a series of recommendations aimed at ensuring optimal end-of-life care for seniors who are dying and their families.
William J. Weiner, Lisa M. Shulman, and Anthony E. Lang Parkinson's disease: A complete guide for patients and families. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001.
Authors: Frazier Leslie D.
Published: November 2010

La maladie de Parkinson est une affection chronique neurologique dégénérative qui affecte environ un million de personnes en Amérique du Nord. Or, tous les patients atteints de la maladie doivent être bien informés; ils ont surtout besoin d'en comprendre les symptômes et la progression pour être en mesure de l'affronter efficacement. Parkinsons disease: A complete guide for patients and families par Weiner, Shulman et Lang (2001) constitue une ressource précieuse pour les patients, leurs familles et les soignants qui travaillent auprès de cette population. Le livre fournit une bonne quantité d'information biomédicale sur la maladie. Les données sont communiquées selon un modèle élémentaire qui éduque le lecteur mais qui lui permet aussi de s'assumer et qui lui aide éventuellement à faire face à sa maladie. Le livre présente toutefois certaines faiblesses qu'il faut signaler, dont entre autres, le fait que l'approche biomédicale écarte les questions psychosociales reliées à la maladie. Une autre faiblesse porte sur l'absence de mention des efforts scientifiques récents dans d'autres secteurs que la médecine clinique. Enfin, il porte peu d'attention aux interventions thérapeutiques qui ne sont pas du domaine médical ou pharmacologique. Les auteurs renvoient à d'autres sources les lecteurs qui souhaitent se renseigner sur ces éléments.
Kevan H. Namazi, & Paul K. Chafetz (Eds.). Assisted living: Current issues in facility management and resident care. Westport, CT: Auburn House, 2001.
Authors: Rose Miriam
Published: November 2010

Bien que l'objectif avoué de ce livre consiste à aborder les questions administratives et cliniques reliées à l'exploitation de résidences-services pour aînés, plusieurs parties pourraient également s'appliquer à des centres de soins. Le livre aborde en profondeur les caractéristiques des résidants, l'exploitation des installations et les stratégies de gestion reliées au logement avec assistance. Il traite aussi des questions reliées aux tendances de l'industrie et notamment à la promotion de l'assistance en remplacement des centres de soins, au vieillissement chez soi, à la possibilité d'une réglementation gouvernementale plus serrée dans les cas où les résidants deviennent moins alertes et sur la comparaison entre les soins fournis dans les résidences-services et dans les centres de soins. Le livre s'attarde peu cependant à des questions propres au logement avec assistance et aurait gagné à présenter une synthèse globale des divers points de vue philosophiques sous-jacents aux approches proposées par les auteurs, surtout en ce qui a trait aux occasions de favoriser le vieillissement chez soi.
Qualité des soins dispensés en unités de courte durée gériatriques : la perspective des aidants familiaux
Authors: Roberge Danièle , Ducharme Francine , Lebel Paule , Pineault Raynald , Loiselle Jacynthe
Published: November 2010

Until now, family caregivers have been involved very little in the processes of assessing the quality of care delivered to a hospitalized relative. This study is the second phase of a broader research project whose aim is to develop measurement scales intended for elderly patients and their caregivers on their perceptions of the quality of services delivered in Geriatric Assessment Units. More specifically, the goal of this phase of the research is to document the criteria that caregivers use to judge the quality of these services: these criteria should constitute the content of the measurement scale that is intended for them. Four focus groups, bringing together 21 caregivers, allowed for the identification of 31 criteria of quality. These criteria have been classified according to six dimensions of quality: information, communication, attitude of staff, technical quality, continuity, and physical resources. The study highlights the dual concerns of participants: the well-being of the patient and support for caregivers. It shows that caregivers consider themselves to be clients of geriatric services.
Activité physique, santé et vieillissement chez des femmes francophones de l'Ontario
Authors: Beausoleil Natalie , Martin Geneviève
Published: November 2010

This article discusses qualitative research conducted in minority Francophone communites in Ontario. The perceptions of and participation in physical activity by some thirty women are analysed with respect to sociological foundations and current views on aging. These views apply to individual responsibility for health; to the links between health, beauty, and aging; to participation in sports; to perceptions of masculinity and femininity; and, finally, to the obligation to remain physically active at all stages of life. The results of the study among women grouped into three age brackets reveal that, although these women have adopted a view of individual responsibility for health and the prevention of the harmful effects of aging through regular physical exercise, they may also be seen as subjects who find strategies in their daily lives to avoid falling prey to the pressures of health and beauty standards regarding aging, to face limitations, and to develop a healthy way of experiencing the aging process.
Functional Assessment of Elderly Clients of a Rural Community-Based Long-Term Care Program: A 10-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Elgar Frank J. , Worrall Graham , Knight John C.
Published: November 2010

As the demand for home care services increases, health care agencies should be able to predict the intake capacity of community-based long-term care (CBLTC) programs. Two hundred and thirty-seven clients entering a CBLTC program were assessed for activities of daily living (ADL) and cognitive and affective functioning and were then followed to monitor attrition and reasons why clients left the program. Compromised ADL functioning at baseline increased likelihood of death and institutionalization by 2 per cent each year. Over a 10-year period, reduced cognitive functioning at baseline increased the risk of death by 9 per cent and decreased the likelihood of leaving the program due to improvement by 18 per cent. Reduced affective functioning at baseline increased the risk of institutionalization during the course of the study by 3 per cent. Routine functional assessments with the elderly may help in the management of similar home care programs.
John E. Gray, Margaret A. Shone, and Peter F. Liddle. Canadian Mental Health Law and Policy. Toronto, ON: Butterworths, 2000.
Authors: Segall Alexander
Published: November 2010

Il faut féliciter les auteurs de s'être lancés dans une entreprise importante et difficile. Il est certain qu'une étude exhaustive du droit et des politiques canadiennes actuelles relatifs à la santé mentale est de rigueur, mais il n'est pas aisé de condenser un domaine aussi complexe. À certains égards, cet ouvrage promet plus qu'il n'offre. Il soulève des questions critiques sur la pensée et le débat actuels concernant la législation canadienne de la santé mentale, et il donne les grandes lignes des recommandations visant à orienter une action future sur les grands enjeux des politiques; en revanche, il ne réussit pas à offrir une approche novatrice à l'analyse du droit de la santé mentale. La perspective des besoins humains qui est prônée est en fait rétrograde dans son approche des soins de santé mentale. L'argument clé est que le Canada devrait assouplir les critères d'internement involontaire dans les hôpitaux psychiatriques. Malheureusement, cet argument s'appuie sur des postulats non fondés de la nécessité de l'internement involontaire et du traitement obligatoire. Malgré cette faille, l'ouvrage renferme une mine de renseignements sur le droit de la santé mentale au Canada et le processus permanent de la réforme juridique. S'il est probable que beaucoup de gens intéressés par le droit de la santé mentale le liront de la première à la dernière page, le livre contient néanmoins des discussions bien écrites portant sur des sujets tels que l'histoire de la législation canadienne sur la santé mentale; les critères et les modalités d'admission involontaire à l'hôpital; ainsi que le traitement communautaire subventionné. Dans l'ensemble, cet ouvrage peut s'avérer utile si on le lit de façon sélective, mais il faut absolument le lire de façon critique.
Aging, Attention, and Bimanual Coordination
Authors: Lee Timothy D. , Wishart Laurie R. , Murdoch Jason E.
Published: November 2010

Although aging is normally associated with declines in motor performance, recent evidence suggests that older adults suffer no loss in some measures of bimanual coordination relative to younger adults. Two hypotheses for this finding were compared in the present research. One hypothesis was based on the assumption that these coordination patterns are automatic and relatively impervious to the effects of aging. An alternative explanation is that older adults maintain this level of bimanual coordination at a cost of increased attention demand. These hypotheses were tested in an experiment in which bimanual coordination patterns (in-phase and anti-phase) were paced at two metronome frequencies (1 and 2 Hz), either alone or together, with serial performance of an attention-demanding task (adding 3s to a two-digit number at a 1 Hz pace). The results of the study provided some support for both hypotheses. The automaticity view was supported only for the coordination patterns at the 1 Hz metronome frequency. Support for an attention allocation hypothesis was shown in the observed-movement frequency data, as older adults tended to sacrifice movement frequency at the 2 Hz metronome pace in order to maintain performance in the movement and counting tasks. These findings are discussed relative to recent accounts of the role of automaticity in the absence of age-related differences in the performance of cognitive tasks.
Later-Life Career Disruption and Self-Rated Health: An Analysis of General Social Survey Data
Authors: He Y.H. , Colantonio A. , Marshall V.W.
Published: November 2010

The transition from employment to retirement is changing dramatically in Canada and other industrialized societies, with a decreasing proportion of working life being spent in stable career progression. This study used a sample of 2,592 subjects, aged 45 to 64, from the 1994 General Social Survey of Canada (GSS): Cycle 9, to describe situations of later-life career disruption (LLCD) in older workers in Canada and to investigate the association between LLCD and self-rated health. Results showed that a large proportion of older Canadian workers had experienced such LLCD as job interruption and job loss. Experience of job loss and job interruption over the prior 5-year period was found to be significantly associated with poor self-rated health, after controlling for age, education, body mass index, and activity limitation. However, after excluding respondents whose LLCD was known to be due to poor health, job interruption and job loss were separately found not to be significantly associated with poor health. The complexity of the findings and the direction of causation between LLCD and self-rated health, as well as some methodology issues, are discussed. Areas of future research are indicated.
Living with a Chronic Disabling Illness and Then Some: Data from the 1998 Ice Storm
Authors: Gignac Monique A.M. , Cott Cheryl A. , Badley Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2010

This study examined the impact of the 1998 Canadian ice storm on the physical and psychological health of older adults (age > 55 years) living with a chronic physical illness, namely osteoarthritis and/or osteoporosis. Although disasters are relatively rare, they are a useful means of examining the impact of a single stressor on a group of individuals. Specifically, we took advantage of a natural experiment to compare the responses of a group of 59 ice storm victims to those of 55 matched controls living outside the ice storm area. Data on disability, pain, self-reported health, helplessness, depression, and independence were assessed prior to the ice storm and approximately 17 months later. Older adults who reported greater helplessness and lost independence prior to the storm reported significantly greater ice storm stress and rumination and were more likely to report that the storm affected their condition. In addition, participants exposed to the ice storm reported significant changes in disability and pain nearly a year and a half later, compared to matched controls. These results suggest that older adults with chronic physical illness may be particularly vulnerable when faced with additional stressful events.
Caregiving Networks in Later Life: Does Cognitive Status Make a Difference?
Authors: Strain Laurel A. , Blandford Audrey A.
Published: November 2010

This study examines the caregiving networks of older adults, with particular emphasis on differences according to cognitive status (n = 303). Individuals with cognitive impairment were significantly more likely than those who were cognitively intact to receive assistance with personal care, linking with the outside world, and mobility. The types of network were generally similar for care receivers with cognitive impairment and those who were cognitively intact, although the percentage of networks comprised solely of the identified caregiver varied depending on the tasks. Coresidence of the caregiver and care receiver was more important than the care receiver's cognitive status for exclusive care by the identified caregiver. Having more ADL/IADL limitations was associated with a reliance on a network of the identified caregiver, in conjunction with other caregivers in several task areas. The findings highlight the complexity of sources of help in later life and the need for future research to consider the caregiving network as a whole.
South Winnipeg Integrated Geriatric Program (SWING): A Rapid Community-Response Program for the Frail Elderly
Authors: Montgomery Patrick R. , Fallis Wendy M.
Published: November 2010

The objective of this study was to compare enhanced access to geriatric assessment and case management to usual home care service provision for the frail elderly. This was a demonstration project, with randomized allocation to control or intervention groups of frail elderly persons who had been referred to the Home Care service in Winnipeg. Of the 164 persons who were randomized, 78 intervention and 74 control patients were evaluated. Intervention subjects received a multidimensional assessment as soon as possible by a specially trained coordinator, who had enhanced access to geriatric medical and day-hospital services; intervention patients were case managed for a 3-month period. Control cases received usual care from home care coordinators. The intervention group received significantly faster assessment and deployment of home services, as well as greater utilization of the geriatric day-hospital services. Utilization of emergency room and hospital services was similar for both groups. Control subjects experienced more prolonged hospital stays and a significantly higher proportion (23%) were designated for long-term care than of intervention clients (9%). We conclude that the SWING program, which facilitated access to geriatric services and case management, reduced or delayed the need for long-term care.