bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Belonging to a community‐based football team: An ethnographic study
Authors: Mynard Lorrae , Howie Linsey , Collister Laura
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  This study considered the benefits derived from participation in a community‐based Australian Rules Football league in Melbourne, Australia. The RecLink league deliberately tackles the social and occupational disadvantages associated with mental illness, addictions, unemployment and homelessness.

Methods:  An ethnographic methodology was used to study one team from the RecLink football league throughout an entire season. Fieldnotes were written following participant observation at training, games and events, and five in‐depth interviews were conducted and transcribed. A constant comparative approach to data analysis was adopted.

Results:  Three major themes were identified: a spirit of inclusion, team‐building and meaning of team involvement. The first describes how members were accepted, welcomed and given the opportunity for team involvement, with the expectation that they ‘had a go’, and ‘tried their best’. The second illustrates how the team collectively fostered a culture of friendship, cooperation and support. The third examines the significance of being part of the team, incorporating personal contributions and gains, and meanings attributed to team involvement.

Conclusions:  These findings demonstrated how football can be used as non‐clinical, community‐based occupational therapy: enabling participation in a personally meaningful and culturally valued occupation. Occupational therapists are challenged to explore further how such community‐based sports programs may complement existing clinical and welfare‐based approaches to social disadvantage.
Prenatal diagnosis of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2
Authors: Chen Szu‐Ta , Chen Huey‐Ling , Su Yi‐Ning , Liu Yu‐Jung , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Hsu Hong‐Yuan , Chu Chia‐Shiang , Wang Nai‐Yu , Chang Mei‐Hwei
Published: August 2008

Background and Aim:  Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC2) results from genetic defects of the hepatobiliary bile salt export pump (BSEP, ABCB11) at chromosome 2q24. Patients with progressive cholestasis and liver cirrhosis usually need liver transplantation in the first decade. Mutations in ABCB11 are also associated with benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in adult patients. We aimed to make the prenatal diagnosis of PFIC2.

Methods:  Genetic diagnosis was performed by genomic DNA analysis. Prenatal genetic diagnosis was made by fetal amniotic DNA and chorionic DNA analysis.

Results:  We report on two families of PFIC2 with inherited compound heterozygous mutations of ABCB11 (M183V and R303K in Family 1, V284L and 1145delC in Family 2) from the parents. An infant with heterozygous M183V mutation was later born healthy in Family 1. A fetus with compound heterozygous missense mutation V284L and 1145delC was terminated in Family 2.

Conclusion:  Prenatal diagnosis of PFIC2 was helpful to prevent further affected children in families with this fatal disease.
8‐Hydroxy‐2′‐deoxy‐guanosine is a risk factor for development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Chuma Makoto , Hige Shuhei , Nakanishi Mitsuru , Ogawa Koji , Natsuizaka Mitsuteru , Yamamoto Yoichi , Asaka Masahiro
Published: August 2008

Background and Aim:  Increased production of reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidative DNA damage, is considered to be related to hepatocarcinogenesis. 8‐Hydroxy‐2′‐deoxy‐guanosine (8‐OHdG) is a useful marker of DNA damage induced by oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine whether expression of 8‐OHdG is a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Methods:  The expression of 8‐OHdG in liver biopsy specimens was assessed immunohistochemically. In total, 104 patients with chronic HCV infection who were diagnosed on liver biopsy between January 1987 and December 2002 were studied retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses using age, gender, habitual drinking, tobacco exposure, diabetes mellitus, serum alanine aminotransferase level, HCV genotype, hepatic fibrosis, inflammation, steatosis, and 8‐OHdG expression in liver biopsy specimens were conducted to identify factors related to the development of HCC.

Results:  On multivariate analysis, 8‐OHdG and fibrosis were independent and significant risk factors for HCC development (relative risk, 2.48; P = 0.023; relative risk, 5.35; P = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the cumulative incidence rate of HCC in 39 patients with high 8‐OHdG expression levels was significantly greater than that in 65 patients with low 8‐OHdG expression levels (P = 0.043). In addition, liver 8‐OHdG expression was correlated with hepatic inflammation.

Conclusions:  8‐OHdG is a risk factor for the development of HCC in patients with chronic HCV infection. Patients with chronic HCV who express 8‐OHdG should be monitored carefully for the development of HCC.
Molecular mechanisms of pancreatitis: Current opinion
Authors: Vonlaufen Alain , Wilson Jeremy S , Apte Minoti V
Published: August 2008

Pancreatitis (necroinflammation of the pancreas) has both acute and chronic manifestations. Gallstones are the major cause of acute pancreatitis, whereas alcohol is associated with acute as well as chronic forms of the disease. Cases of true idiopathic pancreatitis are steadily diminishing as more genetic causes of the disease are discovered. The pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis has been extensively investigated over the past four decades; the general current consensus is that the injury is initiated within pancreatic acinar cells subsequent to premature intracellular activation of digestive enzymes. Repeated attacks of acute pancreatitis have the potential to evolve into chronic disease characterized by fibrosis and loss of pancreatic function. Our knowledge of the process of scarring has advanced considerably with the isolation and study of pancreatic stellate cells, now established as the key cells in pancreatic fibrogenesis. The present review summarizes recent developments in the field particularly with respect to the progress made in unraveling the molecular mechanisms of acute and chronic pancreatic injury secondary to gallstones, alcohol and genetic factors. It is anticipated that continued research in the area will lead to the identification and characterization of molecular pathways that may be therapeutically targeted to prevent/inhibit the initiation and progression of the disease.
A Val227Ala substitution in the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha) gene associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and decreased waist circumference and waist‐to‐hip ratio
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Li Youming , Li Shengjie , Yu Chaohui
Published: August 2008

Background and Aim:  This study analyzes the effect of the val227ala variant of the peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor‐alpha (PPAR‐α) on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Methods:  79 patients with NAFLD and 63 healthy counterparts were included in the study. Body mass index (BMI), hip, waist, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure (BP), the percentage of body fat, total protein, albumin, ALT, triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL and fasting blood glucose were assessed. The genotypes were analyzed using oligonucleotide microarray. Logistic model was used to perform the multi‐factors synthetical analysis on the data obtained to screen the risk factors closely associated with Val227Ala polymorphism of PPAR‐α gene.

Results:  There were 6.33% (5/79) subjects with CC/CT genotype (ala227ala and val227ala) and 93.67% (74/79) subjects with TT genotype (val227val) in patients with NAFLD, and there were 20.63% (13/63) with CC/CT genotype and 79.37% (50/63) subjects with TT genotype. The distribution of PPAR‐α val227ala polymorphism between NAFLD and healty subjects was significant (p = 0.011). The level of weight, body mass index, hip circumference, waist circumference, waist‐hip ratio, percentage of body fat, abdominal wall fat thickness in subjects with Val227Ala variant were significantly lower than that in Val227wide type. The results showed that waist circumference and WHR were related with the PPAR‐α val227ala polymorphism.

Conclusion:  PPAR‐α val227ala polymorphism may be involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and play a protective role in obesity.
Green epi‐endophytes in Hymenena falklandica (Rhodophyta) from the Patagonian coasts of Argentina: Preliminary observations
Authors: Gauna M. Cecilia , Parodi Elisa R.
Published: August 2008

The occurrence of epi‐endophyte algae in Hymenena falklandica J. G. Ag. Ex Kylin (Rhodophyta) is reported in Argentina. Epicladia heterotricha (Yarish) Nielsen (Chlorophyceae) revealed a 100% prevalence of occurrence, particularly in the basal region of the host. Low (14%), moderate (28%) and high (58%) severity degrees of infection were also registered for E. heterotricha. Pseudendoclonium submarinum Wille (Chlorophyceae) exhibited a lower frequency of occurrence, close to 3%. The developmental morphology and dynamics of E. heterotricha and P. submarinum were investigated under unialgal as well as bialgal culture conditions. The experimental infection of H. falklandica by E. heterotricha demonstrated that E.  heterotricha initially behaves as epiphytic but with endophytic filaments growing into the cortex of the host during late infection. P. submarinum was found to be exclusively epiphytic, with no development of endophytic filamentous systems. The present study reports the first lines of evidence of an epidemiological study conducted with the purpose of comparing both the prevalence and effects of algal epi‐endophytic organisms in H. falklandica in the southern coasts of Argentina.
Comparative culture experiments with filamentous members of the Bangiales (Rhodophyta) from New Zealand: Insights into ecologic adaptation and biogeography
Authors: Boedeker Christian , Farr Tracy J. , Nelson Wendy A.
Published: August 2008

Gametophyte cultures of seven genetically distinct, filamentous members of the Bangiales were grown under a range of temperatures (10°C, 12°C, 15°C and 20°C) and photoperiods, as well as lowered salinity (5 psu), in order to compare their responses to differing environmental regimes, and to evaluate the utility of a range of morphological, physiological and life history characters for distinguishing these entities. Significant differences in morphological characters such as filament width and cell size were found between some lineages. While these may have some regional diagnostic value, it was concluded that the practical use of these morphometric analyses is limited given the experimental growth period and replication required. The most useful characters for delineating filamentous Bangiales taxa were found to be the germination rates of spores, growth rates of filaments, timing and amount of spore release, and mortality of filaments. Different lineages appear to be adapted to particular environmental conditions, here represented by temperature/photoperiod, and salinity. The results of these comparative culture experiments provide some explanation for the seasonal occurrence and biogeographic distribution of the tested lineages around New Zealand.
Environmental indicator potential of the dominant litter decomposer,Talitriator africana(Crustacea, Amphipoda) in Afrotemperate forests
Authors: KOTZE D. JOHAN , LAWES MICHAEL J.
Published: August 2008

Abstract Environmental disturbance and condition are complex concepts to define and measure in forested landscapes. The highly fragmented Afrotemperate forests in South Africa are under increasing pressure from the agricultural matrix and resource harvesting. Rapid assessment of forest condition and disturbance would aid their conservation management. The terrestrial amphipod,Talitriator africana, dominates the decomposer guild of Afrotemperate forests and has been previously identified as a potential indicator of forest condition. Using four published studies, we further evaluate this species' suitability as an environmental indicator of forest disturbance and condition. Amphipods were consistently more abundant at highly disturbed forest edges compared to less disturbed interiors, and less abundant in deep litter compared to shallow litter. High amphipod numbers in shallow litter was correlated with low predator abundance. Shallow litter may in turn be caused by more efficient breakdown of litter by amphipods at forest edges. Numbers varied considerably between sites and years, but showed a consistent trend of high abundance with increasing forest disturbance. The latter, and the ease with which it can be surveyed and identified, make a compelling case for the use ofT. africanaas a single‐species environmental indicator of forest disturbance. However, relatively broad tolerances and the difficulty of calibrating the abundance‐disturbance relationship over a wide region limits the indicator value of this species to the local landscape, where disturbance effects vary only in their intensity (as opposed to type) across forests.
Spatial association of Aspidosperma quebracho‐blanco juveniles with shrubs and conspecific adults in the Arid Chaco, Argentina
Authors: BARCHUK ALICIA H. , IGLESIAS MARÍA DEL ROSARIO , BOETTO MARTA N.
Published: August 2008

Abstract  The survival of Aspidosperma quebracho‐blanco juveniles in the Arid Chaco is facilitated under the canopy of nurse plants. The possible effects of nurse plants were studied at intra‐ and interspecific levels by analysing the spatial distribution of juveniles and adults of A. quebracho‐blanco, of the main shrubs Larrea divaricata and Mimozyganthus carinatus, and of the group of deciduous and evergreen shrub species, and their pair associations. Data were analysed using the SADIE (Spatial Analysis by Distance Indices) software. A. quebracho‐blanco seedling abundance followed the distribution pattern of the main shade‐providing species: an aggregated spatial distribution pattern in most of the categories studied. The seedling bank of A. quebracho‐blanco also showed an aggregated pattern and was spatially associated with shrubs and adults of its own species. The intensity of the association depended on the functional types: deciduous Fabaceae, deciduous non‐Fabaceae, evergreen and conspecific adults, each of which provides a different canopy structure and therefore different amounts of shade. The spatial association was significant with the evergreen group, and less significant with the deciduous Fabaceae group. There was no positive association with deciduous non‐Fabaceae, or with gaps (open sky). The differences generated by canopy cover may influence the nurse effect, as observed in the intensity of association of A. quebracho‐blanco with shrubs and conspecific adults.
Establishing and functional testing of a canine corneal construct
Authors: Werner Anke , Braun Michael , Reichl Stephan , Kietzmann Manfred
Published: August 2008

Purpose  To provide a model to be used for in vitro studies on drug effects in dogs, this study was conducted to establish a protocol for the construction of a three‐dimensional corneal construct. Primary canine corneal cells and a rabbit corneal epithelial (RCE) cell line were used in comparison.

Methods  The corneal construct was assembled step by step in membrane inserts of a six‐well plate over a total of 5 weeks, including culture at the air–liquid interface to allow a differentiation of the epithelial cells. The constructs were studied histologically.

Single cell cultures of canine corneal cells as well as RCE cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Treatment with different concentrations of dexamethasone was used to test its effects on the cellular prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. The same experiments were repeated with the corneal constructs and the reactions compared. Expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the constructs was studied using immunohistochemistry.

Results  A protocol for the construction of a vital corneal construct was established and the morphological similarity to the canine cornea in vivo shown. The GR protein was detected in all three cell types of the constructs. Stimulation with LPS and SDS led only in the corneal constructs to a significantly increased PGE2 production, which could be reduced by dexamethasone.

Conclusions  The corneal construct is an interesting system to test drug effects on corneal cells. It allows studies on a cornea‐like system including all three major cell types.
An analysis of majority owner‐managed companies in the UK
Authors: Hillier David , McColgan Patrick
Published: August 2008

This paper investigates the characteristics of 73 UK companies in which managers have an ownership stake of greater than 50 per cent. We find that majority owner‐managed companies make less use of alternative corporate control systems and are less likely to remove their chief executive officer or other board members following poor performance. However, our sample firms actually outperform diffusely held companies of similar size in the same industry. The determinants of majority control appear more closely related to the characteristics of the controlling shareholders rather than the firm's operating environment. Changes in the ownership structure of our sample companies owe more to changes in owner‐specific characteristics and security issuance than they are related to changes in the company's operating environment or company performance. We conclude that despite the obvious agency costs of managerial entrenchment for closely held companies, for the present sample at least the incentive alignment benefits of large director shareholdings are beneficial to outside shareholders.
Accounting irregularities, management compensation structure and information asymmetry
Authors: Elayan Fayez A. , Li Jingyu , Meyer Thomas O.
Published: August 2008

The discovery of accounting irregularities is an important negative event for a company. The restatement resulting from the irregularity represents an average of 364 per cent of net income for the 152‐firm sample and the irregularities are predominantly revenue enhancing. The irregularity firms exhibit both lower transparency and visibility compared to a matched sample of non‐irregularity firms. Furthermore, prior to the announcement, these firms experienced poorer operating performance and their executive compensation structure is found to be significantly more equity‐based. Therefore, firms that have greater opportunity and incentive are shown to be more likely to commit accounting irregularities.
Endogenous Lobbying Positions
Authors: Qiu Larry D.
Published: August 2008

This paper develops a two‐country, two‐firm model to study equilibrium lobbying positions in intra‐industry trade. A firm chooses either a protectionist position or a free‐trade position. The model predicts that taking the free‐trade lobbying position is an efficient firm's dominant strategy. If two firms have high costs (or when the demand is very weak), there exist two equilibria: either both firms take the free‐trade position or both take the protectionist lobbying position. In other cases, both firms taking the free‐trade lobbying position is a unique equilibrium.
Sovereign Debt Capacity and the Distribution of Domestic Wealth: A Common Agency Model*
Authors: Di Gioacchino Debora , Ginebri Sergio , Sabani Laura
Published: August 2008

This paper proposes a stylized two‐period, two‐country model illustrating the role of distribution of domestic wealth in determining a country's level of access to international lending. We model sovereign debt redemption policy in a common agency framework. Within this framework, policy is the outcome of the interaction between government and local and foreign interest groups with conflicting preferences on debt repayment. Our main result is that in full lobby competition, when all interests are represented, the only equilibrium solution is repudiation and the consequent inability of government to access international capital markets. Conversely, when the ability to lobby depends on wealth, governments can access international credit up to a given maximum external debt capacity, determined by the skew in the distribution of domestic wealth.
To what extent does frontal type executive impairment affect coping strategies in Parkinson’s disease?
Authors: Montel S. , Bungener C.
Published: August 2008

Background and purpose:  Given the frequency of executive dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease (PD), we wonder to what extent this fact might influence the coping strategies which are used.

Methods:  A total of 135 PD patients with no dementia were divided into two groups according to their cognitive status (‘with frontal type executive impairment’ or ‘without frontal type executive executive impairment’). All patients were seen for a semi‐structured interview to collect sociodemographic and clinical information and to assess their cognitive and mental states (DSM‐IV‐TR, frontal assessment battery and Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale). Then, all patients completed two self‐report questionnaires concerning their coping strategies (Ways of Coping Checklist and Coping with Health, Injuries and Problems Scale).

Results:  After controlling the depression, we noticed a significant effect of cognitive status on positive re‐evaluation (P = 0.02). Interestingly, except for instrumental strategies, patients with frontal type executive impairment used significantly more coping strategies than did patients without frontal type executive impairment.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that neither executive impairment nor depression prevents patients from using coping strategies extensively.
Institutions and Social Structures1
Authors: FLEETWOOD STEVE
Published: August 2008

This paper clarifies the terms “institutions” and “social structures” and related terms “rules”, “conventions”, “norms”, “values” and “customs”. Part one explores the similarities between institutions and social structures whilst the second and third parts explore differences. Part two considers institutions, rules, habits or habitus and habituation, whilst part three critically reflects on three common conceptions of social structures. The conclusion comments upon reflexive deliberation via the internal conversation.
Varieties of Social Cognition
Authors: UHLMANN ERIC LUIS , PIZARRO DAVID A. , BLOOM PAUL
Published: August 2008

Recent work within psychology demonstrates that unconscious cognition plays a central role in the judgments and actions of individuals. We distinguish between two basic types unconscious social cognition: unconsciousness of the influences on judgments and actions, and unconscious of the mental states (i.e., attitudes and feelings) that give rise to judgments and actions. Influence unconsciousness is corroborated by strong empirical evidence, but unconscious states are difficult to verify. We discuss procedures aimed at providing conclusive evidence of state unconsciousness, and apply them to recent empirical findings.
Morphometrical approach for predicting regional lymph node micrometastatic load in canine mast cell tumours: preliminary results
Authors: Marconato L. , Marchetti V. , Francione D. , Masserdotti C. , Gregori M. , Leotta R. , Abramo F.
Published: August 2008

Canine cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs) have a variable biologic behaviour, and accurate staging is necessary to dictate therapy and predict outcome. Regional lymph node (RLN) involvement is a relevant prognostic factor. While obvious lymph node (LN) metastases are relatively easy to be diagnosed, micrometastatic disease recognition is challenging. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the number of mast cells (MCs) in the LNs of clinically healthy dogs (n= 4, group 1), dogs with inflammatory diseases (n= 31, group 2) and dogs with cutaneous MCT (n= 27, group 3), including animals with no RLN metastases (subgroup 3.1), those with occasional MCs in RLNs (3.2) and those with obvious RLN metastasis (3.3). MCs also were morphometrically evaluated for the following nuclear parameters: mean nuclear area (MNA), mean nuclear perimeter (MNP), largest to smallest diameter length (LS ratio), mean nuclear form factor and coefficient of variation of nuclear area. The average percentages of MCs were 0.0 and 0.01 in groups 1 and 2, respectively, and 0.07, 2.4 and 47.1 in subgroup 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3. MNA and MNP were significantly higher in subgroup 3.3 than in group 2 (P< 0.05). MNA and MNP in subgroup 3.2 suggested the presence of neoplastic MCs; this prediction of micrometastatic load correlated with outcome. Analysis of preliminary results shows that nuclear morphometry is useful to detect micrometastatic disease in RLN of dogs bearing cutaneous MCTs.
Evaluation of P‐glycoprotein expression in feline lymphoma and correlation with clinical outcome
Authors: Brenn S. H. , Couto S. S. , Craft D. M. , Leung C. , Bergman P. J.
Published: August 2008

P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) is a transmembrane protein pump involved in drug resistance in canine and human lymphoma. There are no published clinical studies evaluating Pgp expression in feline lymphoma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the level of Pgp expression in feline lymphoma and correlate it with clinical outcome. Two human Pgp monoclonal antibodies, C219 and C494, were used to detect Pgp expression in tissue samples from 63 cats with lymphoma. Demographic results appear comparable to recently published feline lymphoma studies. The Kaplan–Meier median remission and survival times were 164 and 571 days, respectively. Fourteen cats had positive expression of Pgp using MAb C219, and 40 were positive with C494. Variables statistically associated with survival included bone marrow involvement, stage, substage, and use of radiation therapy as a part of treatment. Pgp expression as assessed by MAb C219 and C494 is not predictive of remission or survival time in cats with lymphoma.
Balancing Emotion and Cognition: a Case for Decision Aiding in Conservation Efforts
Authors: WILSON ROBYN S.
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Despite advances in the quality of participatory decision making for conservation, many current efforts still suffer from an inability to bridge the gap between science and policy. Judgment and decision‐making research suggests this gap may result from a person's reliance on affect‐based shortcuts in complex decision contexts. I examined the results from 3 experiments that demonstrate how affect (i.e., the instantaneous reaction one has to a stimulus) influences individual judgments in these contexts and identified techniques from the decision‐aiding literature that help encourage a balance between affect‐based emotion and cognition in complex decision processes. In the first study, subjects displayed a lack of focus on their stated conservation objectives and made decisions that reflected their initial affective impressions. Value‐focused approaches may help individuals incorporate all the decision‐relevant objectives by making the technical and value‐based objectives more salient. In the second study, subjects displayed a lack of focus on statistical risk and again made affect‐based decisions. Trade‐off techniques may help individuals incorporate relevant technical data, even when it conflicts with their initial affective impressions or other value‐based objectives. In the third study, subjects displayed a lack of trust in decision‐making authorities when the decision involved a negatively affect‐rich outcome (i.e., a loss). Identifying shared salient values and increasing procedural fairness may help build social trust in both decision‐making authorities and the decision process.
Changes in Arthropod Assemblages along a Wide Gradient of Disturbance in Gabon
Authors: BASSET YVES , MISSA OLIVIER , ALONSO ALFONSO , MILLER SCOTT E. , CURLETTI GIANFRANCO , DE MEYER MARC , EARDLEY CONNAL , LEWIS OWEN T. , MANSELL MERVYN W. , NOVOTNY VOJTECH , WAGNER THOMAS
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Searching for indicator taxa representative of diverse assemblages, such as arthropods, is an important objective of many conservation studies. We evaluated the impacts of a wide gradient of disturbance in Gabon on a range of arthropod assemblages representing different feeding guilds. We examined 4 × 105 arthropod individuals from which 21 focal taxa were separated into 1534 morphospecies. Replication included the understory of 3 sites in each of 4 different stages of forest succession and land use (i.e., habitats) after logging (old and young forests, savanna, and gardens). We used 3 complementary sampling methods to survey sites throughout the year. Overall differences in arthropod abundance and diversity were greatest between forest and open habitats, and cleared forest invaded by savanna had the lowest abundance and diversity. The magnitude of faunal differences was much smaller between old and young forests. When considered at this local scale, anthropogenic modification of habitats did not result in a monotonous decline of diversity because many herbivore pests and their associated predators and parasitoids were abundant and diverse in gardens, where plant productivity was kept artificially high year‐round through watering and crop rotation. We used a variety of response variables to measure the strength of correlations across survey locations among focal taxa. These could be ranked as follows in terms of decreasing number of significant correlations: species turnover > abundance > observed species richness > estimated species richness > percentage of site‐specific species. The number of significant correlations was generally low and apparently unrelated to taxonomy or guild structure. Our results emphasize the value of reporting species turnover in conservation studies, as opposed to simply measuring species richness, and that the search for indicator taxa is elusive in the tropics. One promising alternative might be to consider “predictor sets” of a small number of taxa representative of different functional groups, as identified in our study.
Predicting Risk of Habitat Conversion in Native Temperate Grasslands
Authors: STEPHENS SCOTT E. , WALKER JOHANN A. , BLUNCK DARIN R. , JAYARAMAN ANEETHA , NAUGLE DAVID E. , RINGELMAN JAMES K. , SMITH AARON J.
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Native grasslands that support diverse populations of birds are being converted to cropland at an increasing rate in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America. Although limited funding is currently available to mitigate losses, accurate predictions of probability of conversion would increase the efficiency of conservation measures. We studied conversion of native grassland to cropland in the Missouri Coteau region of North and South Dakota (U.S.A.) during 1989–2003. We estimated the probability of conversion of native grassland to cropland with satellite imagery and logistic regression models that predicted risk of conversion and by comparing the overlap between areas of high biological value and areas most vulnerable to conversion. Annualized probability of conversion was 0.004, and 36,540 ha of native grassland were converted to cropland during the period of our study. Our predictive models fit the data and correctly predicted 70% of observed conversions of grassland. Probability of conversion varied spatially and was correlated with landscape features like amount of surrounding grassland, slope, and soil productivity. Tracts of high biological value were not always at high risk of conversion. We concluded the most biologically valuable areas that are most vulnerable to conversion should be prioritized for conservation. This approach can be applied broadly to other systems and offers great utility for implementing conservation in areas with spatially variable biological value and probability of conversion.
The Case of the Brick Huggers: The Practice of an Online Community
Authors: Goodsell Todd L. , Williamson Owen
Published: August 2008

A hybrid community is one that exists simultaneously in the online and the offline environments. in such a community, the online world and the offline world can spill onto each other in ways that strengthen each other. We selected one such hybrid community (one based on rehabbing houses in a decaying inner city) and applied Denzin's method of instances, supplemented by prior participant observation in the locality, to conduct a virtual ethnography of community building across the online–offline environments. Applying the analytic technique to 1,559 emails, we identified the ways in which communication and support within the hybrid community unfolded over a period of time. We concluded that an online community anchored in a common, material, offline reality blends the two worlds together in ways that are meaningful and useful to community members.
Teeth for life? Aspects of oral health status influencing the nutrition of older adults
Authors: SMITH Moira B. , PARNELL Winsome
Published: August 2008

Aim:  To examine how dentition status impacts on nutrition status in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods:  A literature search of years 1983 to 2006 was conducted using PubMed with the keywords, older adult, oral health, nutrition status, dentition and dentition status.

Results:  Studies consistently suggest a direct and positive relationship between aspects of oral health status and nutrition in older adults. Masticatory disability hinders recommended food choice and often results in nutrient intake levels below recommended levels. The efficacy of replacing missing teeth to improve nutrition status is questionable. Sub‐optimal nutrition in older adults may be reduced by retaining a minimum of five posterior occlusal pairs of teeth or 20 teeth distributed in a functional pattern. Food and nutrition education of denture‐wearing older adults has some benefit.

Conclusion:  Though oral health status is unlikely to have a major impact on nutrition status, in combination with other risk factors, it may be enough to tip the balance towards poorer nutritional health. An opportunity exists for health (including oral health professionals) and nutrition professionals to work together to assist older adults to age successfully.
Higher prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in association with gender and socioeconomic status in the Hunter region of New South Wales
Authors: SUTHERLAND Rachel , FINCH Meghan , HARRISON Michelle , COLLINS Clare
Published: August 2008

Objective:  To determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in primary school‐aged children in the Hunter region and examine associations with gender, age, socioeconomic status (SES) and geographical location.

Design:  Cross‐sectional survey of a stratified sample of randomly selected government primary schools in the Hunter region with SES defined by Socio‐Economic Index For Areas index and geographical location based on school education areas.

Subjects:  A total of 2224 out of 5206 (42.7%) primary school children from randomly selected government primary schools representing year 1 to year 6 (x = 9.61 ± 1.7).

Setting:  Sixteen government primary schools in the Hunter Region of New South Wales.

Main outcome measures:  Overweight and obesity were assessed using the international body mass index cut points, standardised for both age and gender as defined by Cole.

Data analyses:  Chi square (α = 0.05) was used to compare prevalence across categories of gender, age, SES or geographical location.

Results:  Of the 2224 children who had their height and weight measured, 28.35% (n = 606) were either overweight (n = 415, 19.3%) or obese (n = 191, 9.06%). Significant differences in the prevalence of combined overweight and obesity were observed between children residing in high and low socioeconomic areas, by ages and between boys and girls.

Conclusion or application:  The prevalence of childhood obesity is high and appears more prevalent in girls, in children residing in low‐income areas and at specific ages. Determinants of the observed differences will need to be investigated in order to address the higher prevalence of childhood obesity in high‐risk population groups.
Exploring QSARs for Antiviral Activity of 4‐Alkylamino‐6‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐2‐methylthiopyrimidines by Support Vector Machine
Authors: Riahi Siavash , Pourbasheer Eslam , Dinarvand Rassoul , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Norouzi Parviz
Published: August 2008

The support vector machine, which is a novel algorithm from the machine learning community, was used to develop quantitative structure activity relationship models to predict the antiviral activity of 4‐alkylamino‐6‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐2‐methylthiopyrimidines. The genetic algorithm was employed to select the variables that resulted in the best‐fitted models. A comparison between the obtained results using support vector machine with those of multiple linear regression revealed that support vector machine model was much better than multiple linear regression. The root mean square errors of the training set and the test set for support vector machine model were calculated to be 0.102 and 0.205, and the correlation coefficients (r2) were 0.956 and 0.852, respectively. Furthermore, the obtained statistical parameter of leave‐one‐out () and leave‐group‐out () cross‐validation test on support vector machine model were 0.893 and 0.881, respectively, which prove the reliability of this model. The results suggest that branching, volume and lipophilicity are the main independent factors contributing to the antiviral activities of the studied compounds.
Resistin increases islet blood flow and decreases subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow in anaesthetized rats
Authors: Danielsson T. , Fredriksson L. , Jansson L. , Henriksnäs J.
Published: August 2008

Aim:  Resistin is an adipokine which has been suggested to participate in the induction of insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether acute administration of resistin influences tissue blood perfusion in rats.

Methods:  Resistin was administered as an intravenous infusion of 7.5 μg h−1 (1.5 mL h−1) for 30 min to rats anaesthetized with thiobutabarbital. A microsphere technique was used to estimate the blood flow to six different depots of white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), as well as to the pancreas, islets, duodenum, colon, kidneys, adrenal glands and liver.

Results:  Resistin administration led to an increased blood flow to the pancreas and islets and a decrease in subcutaneous WAT and BAT. Intra‐abdominal white adipose tissue blood flow and that to other organs were not affected.

Conclusion:  Acute administration of resistin markedly affects the blood perfusion of both the pancreas and subcutaneous white adipose tissue depots. At present it is unknown whether resistin exerts a direct effect on the vasculature, or works through local or systemic activation of endothelial cells and/or macrophages. The extent to which this might contribute to the insulin resistance caused by resistin is yet unknown.
Production and Shelf Stability of Multiple‐Fortified Quick‐Cooking Rice As a Complementary Food
Authors: Porasuphatana S. , Chavasit V. , Vasinrapee S. , Suthutvoravut U. , Hurrell R.F.
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT:  Rice‐based complementary foods normally contain inadequate amounts of several micronutrients, such as iron, calcium, and zinc. This study aimed at improving the quality of commercially produced rice‐based complementary foods. The analysis centered on identifying a rice‐based complementary food that is safe, stable, sensory acceptable, and economical in terms of fortificants (iron, calcium, zinc, thiamine, folate) and effectively packaged for industrial production and distribution. Product colors were mostly in green‐yellow tone and slightly changed to more yellow during storage. Sensory acceptability was affected by changes in odor and rancidity but not in color. Rancidity scores were low in aluminum foil laminated plastic bags (ALU). Lipid oxidation significantly increased during storage, but at a slower rate when sodium citrate and ALU were used. Color differences of raw products were detected but not in the cooked ones. Mineral and vitamin losses during processing were 2% to 11% and 20% to 30%, respectively, but no losses were found during storage. FeSO4+ NaFeEDTA added with sodium citrate resulted in the most acceptable product for all packagings. The multiple‐fortified quick‐cooking rice (MFQCR) developed from this study could be a potentially useful tool for combating micronutrient deficiencies among infants and young children in the countries where rice is the staple food.
Unified Uncertainty Analysis by the First Order Reliability Method
Authors: Du Xiaoping
Published: August 2008

Two types of uncertainty exist in engineering. Aleatory uncertainty comes from inherent variations while epistemic uncertainty derives from ignorance or incomplete information. The former is usually modeled by the probability theory and has been widely researched. The latter can be modeled by the probability theory or nonprobability theories and is much more difficult to deal with. In this work, the effects of both types of uncertainty are quantified with belief and plausibility measures (lower and upper probabilities) in the context of the evidence theory. Input parameters with aleatory uncertainty are modeled with probability distributions by the probability theory. Input parameters with epistemic uncertainty are modeled with basic probability assignments by the evidence theory. A computational method is developed to compute belief and plausibility measures for black-box performance functions. The proposed method involves the nested probabilistic analysis and interval analysis. To handle black-box functions, we employ the first order reliability method for probabilistic analysis and nonlinear optimization for interval analysis. Two example problems are presented to demonstrate the proposed method.
On the Generation of Analytical Noncircular Multilobe Internal Pitch Curves
Authors: Yan Jia , Yang Daniel C. H. , Tong Shih-Hsi
Published: August 2008

A method for the design of general analytical noncircular multilobe internal pitch curves is presented. The method is based on a reshaping algorithm. A selected monotonic function can be assigned as the initial profile for the outer rotor of the designed pitch curve. This initial function will be reshaped to satisfy the wholeness of the number of lobes. This final pitch curve function can then be obtained analytically. To archive smooth profile design, the C1 continuous conditions on pitch rotors are established. A dimensionless parameter geometrically interpreted as the noncircularity of pitch rotor is introduced for the systematic design of pitch curves. Results from this research have applications to the design of compressors, gerotor pumps, and rotary engines.
Phenotypic Characterization of Two
Ancylostoma caninum
Isolates with Different Susceptibilities to the Anthelmintic Pyrantel
Authors: Kopp Steven R. , Coleman Glen T. , McCarthy James S. , Kotze Andrew C.
Published: August 2008

The anthelmintic pyrantel plays an important role in the control of gastrointestinal helminths of humans and domestic animals. Despite the demonstration of pyrantel resistance in several helminth species over the last 20 years, the resistance mechanism remains unclear. It has been hypothesized that resistance may arise as a consequence of changes to the relative proportions of subpopulations of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs). To test this hypothesis, we examined the responses of two isolates of the canine hookworm
Ancylostoma caninum
with low-level resistance (isolate NT) and high-level resistance (isolate PR) to pyrantel to nicotinic agonist drugs reported to be selective for three nAchR subtypes. We used larval motility and conformation assays and force transduction experiments with adult worms. Pyrantel and levamisole were less potent against larvae of isolate PR than larvae of isolate NT (up to an 18-fold increase in the 50% inhibitory concentration); on the other hand, bephenium was more potent against larvae of isolate PR than larvae of isolate NT (twofold) and nicotine had the same potency against larvae of both isolates. In adults, pyrantel, levamisole, and nicotine were less potent against isolate PR than isolate NT (two- to threefold), but the potency of bephenium against the two isolates was equivalent. Our data indicate a complex pattern of nAchRs in this species and suggest that the two isolates differ in their relative sensitivities to agonists targeting different nAchRs.
Virologic Response to Lopinavir-Ritonavir-Based Antiretroviral Regimens in a Multicenter International Clinical Cohort: Comparison of Genotypic Interpretation Scores
Authors: Grant Philip , Wong Eric C. , Rode Richard , Shafer Robert , De Luca Andrea , Nadler Jeffrey , Hawkins Trevor , Cohen Calvin , Harrington Robert , Kempf Dale , Zolopa Andrew
Published: August 2008

Several genotypic interpretation scores have been proposed for the evaluation of susceptibility to lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) but have not been compared using an independent data set. This study was a retrospective multicenter cohort of patients initiating LPV/r-based therapy. The virologic response (VR) was defined as a viral load of <500 copies/ml at week 24. The genotypic interpretation scores surveyed were the LPV mutation score, the ViroLogic score, the ATU score, the Stanford database score, and the International AIDS Society-USA mutation list. Of the 103 patients included in the analysis, 76% achieved VR at 24 weeks. For scores with clinical breakpoints defined (LPV mutation, ATU, ViroLogic, and Stanford), over 80% of the patients below the breakpoints achieved VR, while 50% or less above the breakpoints responded. Protease mutations at positions 10, 54, and 82 and at positions 54, 84, and 90 were associated with a lack of VR in the univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively. The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curves for the five genotypic interpretation scores studied ranged from 0.73 to 0.76. The study confirms that the currently available genotypic interpretation scores which are widely used by clinicians performed similarly well and can be effectively used to predict the virologic activity of LPV/r in treatment-experienced patients.
Human Lactoferrin Induces Apoptosis-Like Cell Death inCandida albicans: Critical Role of K+-Channel-Mediated K+Efflux
Authors: Andrés María T. , Viejo-Díaz Monica , Fierro José F.
Published: August 2008

Human lactoferrin (hLf) induced an apoptosis-like phenotype inCandida albicanscells, which includes phosphatidylserine externalization, nuclear chromatin condensation, DNA degradation, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Intracellular ROS accumulation was seen to correlate with candidacidal activity in hLf-treated cells. Mitochondrial activity was involved as indicated by mitochondrial depolarization and increased hLf resistance of cells preincubated with sordarin or erythromycin, the latter of which inhibits protein synthesis in mitoribosomes. Interestingly, Cl−- and K+-channel blockers prevented the hLf antimicrobial activity, but only when cells were pretreated with the blocking agent (tetraethylammonium) prior to the hLf-induced K+-release period. These results indicate for the first time that K+-channel-mediated K+efflux is required for the progression of apoptosis-like process in yeast, suggesting that this essential apoptotic event of higher eukaryotes has been evolutionary conserved among species ranging from yeasts to humans.