bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant Crypt Foci as Precursors of the Dysplasia-Carcinoma Sequence in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Kukitsu Takehiro , Takayama Tetsuji , Miyanishi Koji , Nobuoka Atsushi , Katsuki Shinichi , Sato Yasushi , Takimoto Rishu , Matsunaga Takuya , Kato Junji , Sonoda Tomoko , Sakamaki Sumio , Niitsu Yoshiro
Published: January 2008

Purpose: Long-standing ulcerative colitis (UC) predisposes patients to the development of colorectal cancer, but surveillance of colitis-associated cancer by detecting the precancerous lesion dysplasia is often difficult because of its rare occurrence and normal-looking appearance. In sporadic colorectal cancer, aberrant crypt foci (ACF) have been reported by many investigators to be precursor lesions of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. In the present study, we analyzed the genetic background of ACF to determine whether they could be precursors for dysplasia, and we examined the usefulness of endoscopic examination of ACF as a surrogate marker for surveillance of colitis-associated cancer.

Experimental Design: ACF were examined in 28 UC patients (19 patients with UC alone and 9 patients with UC and dysplasia; 2 of those patients with dysplasia also had cancer) using magnifying endoscopy. K-ras, APC, and p53 mutations were analyzed by two-step PCR RFLP, in vitro–synthesized protein assay, and single-strand conformation polymorphism, respectively. Methylation of p16 was analyzed by methylation-specific PCR.

Results: ACF that appeared distinct endoscopically and histologically were identified in 27 out of 28 UC patients. They were negative for K-ras, APC, and p53 mutations but were frequently positive for p16 methylation (8 of 11; 73%). In dysplasia, K-ras and APC mutations were negative but p53 mutation (3 of 5; 60%) and p16 methylation (3 of 5; 60%) were positive. There was a significant stepwise increase in the number of ACF from patients with UC alone to patients with dysplasia and to patients with cancer. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed significant correlations between ACF and dysplasia.

Conclusions: We have disclosed an ACF-dysplasia-cancer sequence in colitis-associated carcinogenesis similar to the ACF-adenoma-carcinoma sequence in sporadic colon carcinogenesis. This study suggests the use of ACF instead of dysplasia for the surveillance of colitis cancer and warrants further evaluation of ACF as a surveillance marker in large-scale studies.
Early Hypertension Is Associated With Reduced Regional Cardiac Function, Insulin Resistance, Epicardial, and Visceral Fat
Authors: Sironi Anna Maria , Pingitore Alessandro , Ghione Sergio , De Marchi Daniele , Scattini Barbara , Positano Vincenzo , Muscelli Elza , Ciociaro Demetrio , Lombardi Massimo , Ferrannini Ele , Gastaldelli Amalia
Published: January 2008

Mild-to-moderate hypertension is often associated with insulin resistance and visceral adiposity. Whether these metabolic abnormalities have an independent impact on regional cardiac function is not known. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of increased blood pressure, insulin resistance, and ectopic fat accumulation on the changes in peak systolic circumferential strain. Thirty-five male subjects (age: 47±1 years; body mass index: 28.4±0.6 kg
.
m
−2
; mean±SEM) included 13 with normal blood pressure (BP: 113±5/67±2 mm Hg), 13 with prehypertension (BP: 130±1/76±2 mm Hg), and 9 newly diagnosed with essential hypertension (BP: 150±2/94±2 mm Hg) who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tagging (MRI) and MRI quantitation of abdominal visceral and epicardial fat. Glucose tolerance, on oral glucose tolerance test, and insulin resistance were assessed along with the serum lipid profile. All of the subjects had normal glucose tolerance, left- and right-ventricular volumes, and ejection fraction. Across the BP groups, left ventricular mass tended to increase, and circumferential shortening was progressively reduced at basal, midheart, and apical segments (on average, from −17.0±0.5% in normal blood pressure to −15.2±0.7% in prehypertension to −13.6±0.8% in those newly diagnosed with essential hypertension;
P
=0.004). Reduced circumferential strain was significantly associated with raised BP independent of age (
r
=0.41;
P
=0.01) and with epicardial and visceral fat, serum triglycerides, and insulin resistance independent of age and BP. In conclusion, regional left ventricular function is already reduced at the early stages of hypertension despite the normal global cardiac function. Insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and ectopic fat accumulation are associated with reduced regional systolic function.
Intact Microtubules Are Required for Natriuretic Responses to Nitric Oxide and Increased Renal Perfusion Pressure
Authors: Park Jennifer , Kemp Brandon A. , Howell Nancy L. , Gildea John J. , Keller Susanna R. , Carey Robert M.
Published: January 2008

Extracellular renal interstitial (RI) cGMP modulates NO- and pressure-induced natriuresis in vivo in the rat. The present study objective was to test the hypothesis that an intact microtubulin network is required for transport of cGMP from intracellular sites into the extracellular compartment in vivo and that this transport is required for natriuresis induced by NO and increased renal perfusion pressure. After a 1-hour control period, uninephrectomized rats received an RI infusion of NO donor
S
-nitroso-
N
-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), SNAP+microtubule inhibitor nocodazole (NOC), SNAP+NOC+cGMP, or NOC alone for 2 consecutive 1-hour collection periods. SNAP alone increased RI cGMP (
P
<0.05 during both experimental periods) and urinary sodium excretion (
P
<0.05 at 1 hour and
P
<0.005 at 2 hours). In contrast, when SNAP+NOC were coinfused, there was no increase in either RI cGMP or urinary sodium excretion. However, when cGMP was coinfused with SNAP+NOC, the natriuretic response to SNAP was fully restored. Similarly, NOC abolished SNAP-induced increases in the fractional excretion of Na
+
and Li
+
. NOC also prevented the increase in both RI cGMP and natriuresis engendered by raising renal perfusion pressure in uninephrectomized rats, and pressure-natriuresis was re-established by coadministration of RI cGMP. As demonstrated by confocal microscopy after in vivo renal perfusion fixation, β-tubulin was disrupted in renal cortical nephrons of kidneys infused intrarenally with NOC. These observations indicate that a functioning microtubulin network is required for the transport of cGMP into the extracellular space to modulate NO- and pressure-induced natriuresis.
Bjerknes Compensation at High Northern Latitudes: The Ocean Forcing the Atmosphere
Authors: van der Swaluw E. , Drijfhout S. S. , Hazeleger W.
Published: January 2008

The mechanisms for Bjerknes compensation of heat transport variations through the atmosphere and ocean on decadal time scales are investigated, using data output from a preindustrial control run of the Third Hadley Centre Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere General Circulation Model (HadCM3). It has recently been shown that Bjerknes compensation occurs on decadal time scales in a long preindustrial control run of HadCM3. This result is elaborated on by performing lead/lag correlations of the atmospheric and oceanic heat transports. By using statistical analysis, Bjerknes compensation is observed on decadal time scales at latitudes between 50° and 80°N. A maximum compensation rate of ∼55% occurs at 70°N. At this latitude, the correlation rate peaks when the ocean leads the atmosphere by one year. The mechanisms by which Bjerknes compensation occurs at this latitude are investigated. Anomalies in oceanic heat transport appear to be associated with variations in the strength of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC). The associated sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are in general too weak to assert a significant impact on the atmosphere. At 70°N, however, such SST anomalies are a prelude to the transition from sea ice coverage to open water after which the associated changes in heat exchange with the atmosphere are strong enough to force an atmospheric response. Because of the presence of a strong MOC component in the Atlantic Ocean, this interaction is confined to the region where the northeast Atlantic and Arctic Oceans connect. The atmospheric response to increased (decreased) heating from below is a decreased (increased) poleward temperature gradient, leading to a decreased (increased) heat transport by baroclinic eddies. The anomalous thermal low that is set up by heating from the ocean is associated with anomalous advection of cold air from the Greenland landmass.
A Climatology of the Tropospheric Thermal Stratification Using Saturation Potential Vorticity
Authors: Korty Robert L. , Schneider Tapio
Published: January 2008

The condition of convective neutrality is assessed in the troposphere by calculating the saturation potential vorticity P* from reanalysis data. Regions of the atmosphere in which saturation entropy is constant along isosurfaces of absolute angular momentum, a state indicative of slantwise-convective neutrality, have values of P* equal to zero. In a global reanalysis dataset spanning the years 1970–2004, tropospheric regions are identified in which P* is near zero, implying that vertical convection or slantwise convection may be important in determining the local thermal stratification. Convectively neutral air masses are common not only in the Tropics but also in higher latitudes, for example, over midlatitude continents in summer and in storm tracks over oceans in winter. Large-scale eddies appear to stabilize parts of the lower troposphere, particularly in winter.
A Possible Constraint on Regional Precipitation Intensity Changes under Global Warming
Authors: Gutowski W. J. , Takle E. S. , Kozak K. A. , Patton J. C. , Arritt R. W. , Christensen J. H.
Published: January 2008

Changes in daily precipitation versus intensity under a global warming scenario in two regional climate simulations of the United States show a well-recognized feature of more intense precipitation. More important, by resolving the precipitation intensity spectrum, the changes show a relatively simple pattern for nearly all regions and seasons examined whereby nearly all high-intensity daily precipitation contributes a larger fraction of the total precipitation, and nearly all low-intensity precipitation contributes a reduced fraction. The percentile separating relative decrease from relative increase occurs around the 70th percentile of cumulative precipitation, irrespective of the governing precipitation processes or which model produced the simulation. Changes in normalized distributions display these features much more consistently than distribution changes without normalization.

Further analysis suggests that this consistent response in precipitation intensity may be a consequence of the intensity spectrum’s adherence to a gamma distribution. Under the gamma distribution, when the total precipitation or number of precipitation days changes, there is a single transition between precipitation rates that contribute relatively more to the total and rates that contribute relatively less. The behavior is roughly the same as the results of the numerical models and is insensitive to characteristics of the baseline climate, such as average precipitation, frequency of rain days, and the shape parameter of the precipitation’s gamma distribution. Changes in the normalized precipitation distribution give a more consistent constraint on how precipitation intensity may change when climate changes than do changes in the nonnormalized distribution. The analysis does not apply to extreme precipitation for which the theory of statistical extremes more likely provides the appropriate description.
Comparative Analysis of the Local Observation-Based (LOB) Method and the Nonparametric Regression-Based Method for Gridded Bias Correction in Mesoscale Weather Forecasting
Authors: Gel Yulia R.
Published: January 2008

The comparative analysis of three methods for objective grid-based bias removal in mesoscale numerical weather prediction models is considered. The first technique is the local observation-based (LOB) method that extends further the approaches of several recent studies and is focused on utilizing the information obtained from meteorological stations or neighbor grid points in the proximity of a site of interest. The bias at a site of interest might then be considered as a spatiotemporal function of the weighted information on the past biases observed in the cluster of neighbors during a certain time window. The second method is an extension of model output statistics (MOS), combining several modern multiple regression techniques such as the classification and regression trees (CARTs) and the alternative conditional expectation (ACE) and, therefore, is named the CART–ACE method. The CART–ACE method allows representing possible nonlinear aspects of the bias in a parsimonious linearized statistical model. Finally, the third considered method is a natural combination of the LOB and CART–ACE methods in which the information provided by the LOB method is interpreted as an extra predictor in the regression model of the CART–ACE method. The proposed methods are illustrated by a case study of an observation-based verification and bias correction of fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) 48-h surface temperature, that is, 2-m temperature, forecasts over the Pacific Northwest.
The Impact of Dropwindsonde Data on Typhoon Track Forecasts in DOTSTAR
Authors: Wu Chun-Chieh , Chou Kun-Hsuan , Lin Po-Hsiung , Aberson Sim D. , Peng Melinda S. , Nakazawa Tetsuo
Published: January 2008

Starting from 2003, a new typhoon surveillance program, Dropwindsonde Observations for Typhoon Surveillance near the Taiwan Region (DOTSTAR), was launched. During 2004, 10 missions for eight typhoons were conducted successfully with 155 dropwindsondes deployed. In this study, the impact of these dropwindsonde data on tropical cyclone track forecasts has been evaluated with five models (four operational and one research models). All models, except the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) hurricane model, show the positive impact that the dropwindsonde data have on tropical cyclone track forecasts. During the first 72 h, the mean track error reductions in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction’s (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS), the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) of the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC), and the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) Global Spectral Model (GSM) are 14%, 14%, and 19%, respectively. The track error reduction in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, in which the initial conditions are directly interpolated from the operational GFS forecast, is 16%. However, the mean track improvement in the GFDL model is a statistically insignificant 3%. The 72-h-average track error reduction from the ensemble mean of the above three global models is 22%, which is consistent with the track forecast improvement in Atlantic tropical cyclones from surveillance missions. In all, despite the fact that the impact of the dropwindsonde data is not statistically significant due to the limited number of DOTSTAR cases in 2004, the overall added value of the dropwindsonde data in improving typhoon track forecasts over the western North Pacific is encouraging. Further progress in the targeted observations of the dropwindsonde surveillances and satellite data, and in the modeling and data assimilation system, is expected to lead to even greater improvement in tropical cyclone track forecasts.
Strengths and Weaknesses of MOS, Running-Mean Bias Removal, and Kalman Filter Techniques for Improving Model Forecasts over the Western United States
Authors: Cheng William Y. Y. , Steenburgh W. James
Published: January 2008

Despite improvements in numerical weather prediction, model errors, particularly near the surface, are unavoidable due to imperfect model physics, initial conditions, and boundary conditions. Here, three techniques for improving the accuracy of 2-m temperature, 2-m dewpoint, and 10-m wind forecasts by the Eta/North American Meso (NAM) Model are evaluated: (i) traditional model output statistics (ETAMOS), requiring a relatively long training period; (ii) the Kalman filter (ETAKF), requiring a relatively short initial training period (∼4–5 days); and (iii) 7-day running mean bias removal (ETA7DBR), requiring a 7-day training period. Forecasts based on the ETAKF and ETA7DBR methods were produced for more than 2000 MesoWest observing sites in the western United States. However, the evaluation presented in this study was based on subjective forecaster assessments and objective verification at 145 ETAMOS stations during summer 2004 and winter 2004/05. For the 145-site sample, ETAMOS produces the most accurate cumulative temperature, dewpoint, and wind speed and direction forecasts, followed by ETAKF and ETA7DBR, which have similar accuracy. Selected case studies illustrate that ETAMOS produces superior forecasts when model biases change dramatically, such as during large-scale pattern changes, but that ETAKF and ETA7DBR produce superior forecasts during quiescent cool season patterns when persistent valley and basin cold pools exist. During quiescent warm season patterns, the accuracy of all three methods is similar. Although the improved ETAKF cold pool forecasts are noteworthy, particularly since the Kalman filter can help better define cold pool structure by producing forecasts for locations without long-term records, alternative approaches are needed to improve forecasts during periods when model biases change dramatically.
A journal describing present undertakings, studies and labours
of the ingenious
Authors: Tyrer Peter
Published: January 2008

A rationale for maintaining the existence of learned journals is put forward
on the 343rd anniversary of the first such journal, the
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, and it
is argued that the main aim of such journals has hardly changed since this
time. The new-look British Journal of Psychiatry is
intended to educate and instruct, and even entice readers from the
functional and far less romantic online version.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Up-Regulates Expression of Interleukin-8 and -6 in Granulosa-Lutein Cells through Its Receptors and Nuclear Factor-κB Dependent Pathways: Implications for Angiogenesis of Corpus Luteum and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Authors: Chen Shee-Uan , Chou Chia-Hung , Lee Hsinyu , Ho Chi-Hong , Lin Chung-Wu , Yang Yu-Shih
Published: January 2008

Context: Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) was found at significant amounts in follicular fluid of preovulatory follicle. The lysophospholipase D activity of serum from women receiving ovarian stimulation was higher than women with natural cycles. Angiogenic cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, and vascular endothelial growth factor, increased in plasma and ascites of patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The role of LPA in ovarian follicles is unclear.

Objective: Our objective was to investigate the expression of LPA receptors and function of LPA in granulosa-lutein cells.

Design: Granulosa-lutein cells were obtained from women undergoing in vitro fertilization. We examined the expression of LPA receptors using RT-PCR. The effects of LPA on the expression of IL-6, IL-8, and vascular endothelial growth factor were examined. Signal pathways of LPA were delineated. The functions of secretory angiogenic factors were tested using human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Results: The LPA1, LPA2, and LPA3 receptors’ mRNA was identified in granulosa-lutein cells. LPA enhanced IL-8 and IL-6 expressions in a dose- and time-dependent manner. LPA functioned via LPA receptors, Gi protein, MAPK/ERK, p38, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, and nuclear factor-κB, and transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor. LPA induced IL-8 and IL-6 through different pathways. LPA-induced IL-8 and IL-6 increased permeability of human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayer.

Conclusions: LPA induces IL-8 and IL-6 expressions through LPA receptors and nuclear factor-κB dependent pathways in granulosa-lutein cells. The LPA in preovulatory follicles may play a role in the angiogenesis of corpus luteum. Large amounts of LPA-induced IL-8 and IL-6 from multiple corpora luteae of stimulated ovaries may be one of the pathophysiological causes of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
FGF2-dependent neovascularization of subcutaneous Matrigel plugs is initiated by bone marrow-derived pericytes and macrophages
Authors: Tigges Ulrich , Hyer Elizabeth Gore , Scharf Jeffrey , Stallcup William B.
Published: January 2008

Vessel-like networks are quickly formed in subcutaneous FGF2-supplemented Matrigel plugs by two cell types: NG2+ pericytes and F4/80+ macrophages. Although not detected in these networks until 7 days after plug implantation, the appearance of CD31+ endothelial cells marks the onset of vessel perfusion and the establishment of mature vessel morphology, with endothelial cells invested tightly by pericytes and more loosely by macrophages. Evidence that mature vessels develop from pericyte/macrophage networks comes from experiments in which 5-day plugs are transplanted into EGFP+ recipients and allowed to mature. Fewer than 5% of pericytes in mature vessels are EGFP+ in this paradigm,demonstrating their presence in the networks prior to plug transplantation. Endothelial cells represent the major vascular cell type recruited during later stages of vessel maturation. Bone marrow transplantation using EGFP+ donors establishes that almost all macrophages and more than half of the pericytes in Matrigel vessels are derived from the bone marrow. By contrast, only 10% of endothelial cells exhibit a bone marrow origin. The vasculogenic, rather than angiogenic, nature of this neovascularization process is unique in that it is initiated by pericyte and macrophage progenitors, with endothelial cell recruitment occurring as a later step in the maturation process.
The Role of Schools in Strengthening Delivery of New Adolescent Vaccinations
Authors: Lindley Megan C. , Boyer-Chu Lynda , Fishbein Daniel B. , Kolasa Maureen , Middleman Amy B. , Wilson Thad , Wolicki JoEllen , Wooley Susan ,   for the Working Group on the Role of Schools in Delivery of Adolescent Vaccinations
Published: January 2008

Schools offer an opportunity to deliver new vaccines to adolescents who may not receive them in their medical home. However, school budgets and health priorities are set at the local level; consequently resources devoted to health-related activities vary widely. Partnering with schools requires soliciting buy-in from stakeholders at district and school levels and providing added value to schools. With appropriate resources and partnerships, schools could carry out vaccination-related activities from educating students, parents, and communities to developing policies supporting vaccination, providing vaccines, or serving as the site at which partners administer vaccines. Activities will vary among schools, but every school has the potential to use some strategies that promote adolescent vaccination.
Exigências em proteína bruta para codornas de corte EV1 em crescimento
Authors: Corrêa G.S.S. , Silva M.A. , Corrêa A.B. , Fontes D.O. , Santos G.G. , Torres R.A. , Dionello N.J.L. , Freitas L.S. , Fridrich A.B.
Published: January 2008

Estudou-se a exigência de proteína bruta para a linha EV1 de codornas de corte na fase de crescimento utilizando-se 288 aves, de ambos os sexos, em delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, cujos tratamentos foram dietas com seis níveis proteína bruta, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 e 33%, e quatro repetições de 12 codornas por unidade experimental. Nos períodos de estudo - inicial (do nascimento ao 21º dia) e total (do nascimento ao 42º dia de idade) - foram registrados o peso corporal (g), o ganho de peso (g), o consumo de ração (g) e a conversão alimentar (g de ração/g de peso). No período inicial houve efeito quadrático do nível de proteína da dieta sobre peso corporal, ganho de peso e consumo alimentar, com máximo desempenho nos níveis de 30,2; 30,1; e 30,8%, respectivamente. Efeito quadrático significativo foi observado no peso no 42º dia de idade, com pico máximo em 30,2% de proteína bruta. Do nascimento ao 42º dia de idade, observou-se efeito quadrático do nível de proteína bruta sobre o ganho de peso e o consumo alimentar, com ponto de máximo para ganho de peso em 29,5 e maior consumo em 32,6% de PB. Houve efeito linear significativo do nível protéico sobre a conversão alimentar. A exigência de proteína bruta para o máximo ganho de peso de codornas de corte em crescimento do nascimento ao 21º dia de idade foi estimada em 30,1% e do nascimento ao 42º dia, em 29,4% da dieta.
Freud e a filogenia anímica
Authors: Winograd Monah
Published: January 2008

Este ensaio investiga a presença, na obra de Freud, da idéia de uma filogenia anímica paralela, concomitante e dependente da filogenia somática descrita pelos teóricos da evolução. Objetivamos mostrar como se forma esta vizinhança da psicanálise com a biologia evolutiva, sublinhando que na filogenia esboçada por Freud, formas psíquicas típicas se sucedem na história da espécie humana, sendo repetidas por cada indivíduo em sua ontogenia singular. Tal como ocorre no plano somático, tempo e forma se associam intimamente na espécie e nos indivíduos. A presença desta idéia no pensamento freudiano abriu um debate sobre sua filiação lamarckista ou darwinista.
Exigência de energia de mantença e composição corporal e do ganho de vacas de corte adultas de três grupos genéticos confinadas
Authors: Siqueira João Gomes de , Fontes Carlos Augusto de Alencar , Pereira Alexandre Leite , Lombardi Cláudio Teixeiras , Sant´Ana Nivaldo de Faria , Vieira Ricardo Augusto Mendonça
Published: January 2008

Neste trabalho, foram estimadas as exigências de mantença de energia líquida (ELm) e metabolizável (EMm) e as mudanças na composição corporal e no ganho de vacas adultas não-gestantes e não-lactantes confinadas. Foram utilizadas 36 vacas, 12 Nelore (NEL), 12 F1 Pardo-Suíço-Nelore (PSN) e 12 F1 Red Angus-Nelore (RAN). As alterações na composição corporal dos animais durante o período experimental foram estimadas utilizando-se a técnica do abate comparativo: quatro animais de cada grupo genético foram alocados, aleatoriamente, nos tratamentos abate inicial (AI), alimentação restrita (AR) e alimentação ad libitum (AL). Os animais AR receberam, no período experimental, níveis de proteína e energia 15% acima da mantença e os AL, ração ad libitum, para ganho de 1,1 kg/dia. Os animais AI foram abatidos no início do experimento e os AR e AL 120 dias depois. Em todos os animais abatidos, foram estimadas as proporções corporais dos tecidos muscular, adiposo e ósseo, além dos conteúdos corporais de proteína, gordura e energia. Na estimação da ELm e da EMm, foram empregados modelos linear e não-linear. Os grupos genéticos não diferiram quanto às exigências de ELm e EMm, expressas em peso vivo em jejum (kcal/kg0,75/dia PVJ). Quando utilizados os modelos linear e não-linear, os valores de ELm encontrados foram de 80,7 e 83,6 kcal/kg0,75/dia PVJ e os de EMm, 109,9 e 128,0 kcal/kg0,75/dia PVJ, respectivamente. Os conteúdos de proteína por unidade de peso corpo vazio (PCVZ) e do ganho (GPCVZ) não diferiram entre os grupos genéticos, porém, os animais NEL apresentaram maior concentração de gordura e energia por kg PCVZ e GPVCZ para mesmo peso vivo.
Local fish extinction in a small tropical lake in Brazil
Authors: Pompeu Paulo dos Santos , Alves Carlos Bernardo Mascarenhas
Published: January 2008

Lagoa Santa is a shallow permanent lake, located in Belo Horizonte metropolitan region, Brazil. In this study, the loss in fish diversity of the lake over the past 150 years is evaluated. Local extinction of almost 70% of the original fish fauna is described. Probably, the main causes of this richness loss were: obstruction of natural communication with rio das Velhas, non-native species introduction, change in the water level, organic pollution, and elimination of littoral and submerged vegetation.
Marketing Infant Formula Through Hospitals: the Impact of Commercial Hospital Discharge Packs on Breastfeeding
Authors: Rosenberg Kenneth D. , Eastham Carissa A. , Kasehagen Laurin J. , Sandoval Alfredo P.
Published: January 2008

Objectives. Commercial hospital discharge packs are commonly given to new mothers at the time of newborn hospital discharge. We evaluated the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the receipt of commercial hospital discharge packs in a population-based sample of Oregon women who initiated breastfeeding before newborn hospital discharge.

Methods. We analyzed data from the 2000 and 2001 Oregon Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a population-based survey of postpartum women (n=3895; unweighted response rate=71.6%).

Results. Among women who had initiated breastfeeding, 66.8% reported having received commercial hospital discharge packs. We found that women who received these packs were more likely to exclusively breastfeed for fewer than 10 weeks than were women who had not received the packs (multivariate adjusted odds ratio=1.39; 95% confidence interval=1.05, 1.84).

Conclusions. Commercial hospital discharge packs are one of several factors that influence breastfeeding duration and exclusivity. The distribution of these packs to new mothers at hospitals is part of a longstanding marketing campaign by infant formula manufacturers and implies hospital and staff endorsement of infant formula. Commercial hospital discharge pack distribution should be reconsidered in light of its negative impact on exclusive breastfeeding.
The generalized approximate Perron integral
Authors: Ganguly D. , Mukherjee Ranu
Published: January 2008

In this paper we introduce the concept of the generalized AP-integral and discuss the properties of this integral.
A gould type integral with respect to a multisubmeasure
Authors: Gavriluţ Alina
Published: January 2008

In [GOULD, G. G.: Integration over vector-valued measures, Proc. London Math. Soc. (3) 15, (1965), 193–205], G. G. Gould introduced a type of integral of a bounded, real valued function with respect to a finite additive set function taking values in a Banach space, integral which is more general than the Lebesgue one. Recently, A. Precupanu and A. Croitoru gave the generalization, defining a Gould type integral for multimeasures with values in
kc(X), X being a Banach space ([PRECUPANU, A.—CROITORU, A.: A Gould type integral with respect to a multimeasure, I, An. Ştiinţ. Univ. “Al. I. Cuza” Iaşi Secţ. I a Mat. 48 (2002), 165–200]). Taking as starting point this work and [PRECUPANU, A.—CROITORU, A.: A Gould type integral with respect to a multimeasure, II, An. Ştiinţ. Univ. “Al. I. Cuza” Iaşi Secţ. I a Mat. 49 (2003), 183–207], we define here the notion of a Gould type integral with respect to a
bf(X)-valued multisubmeasure, pointing out important properties of it. We also establish that, even if we deal with multisubmeasures, the integral is still a multimeasure.
Carathéodory outer measure on IF-sets
Authors: Michalíková Alžbeta
Published: January 2008

In this paper an outer measure on IF-sets is studied as a mapping to the set of all compact subintervals of the unit interval. We characterize the properties of the outer measure by the help of the properties of functions given by the edges of the intervals. Then there are defined measurable elements and there is proved that the family of measurable elements is a lattice. Finally the outer measure induced by a measure is constructed.
Boundedness, one-point extensions and B-extensions
Authors: Caterino Alessandro , Panduri Federico , Vipera M.
Published: January 2008

The general concept of boundedness in a topological space generalizes both metric boundedness and relative compactness. A one-point extension o(ℱ
X) of the space X is naturally associated to each boundedness ℱ
X and every Hausdorff one-point extensions of a space X can be obtained in this way. Imitating this construction, it is possible to define a much more general class of Hausdorff extensions of a locally bounded space with respect to a given boundedness, the so-called B-extensions. In this paper we study separation properties and metrizability of this kind of extension.
On one twoepoch linear model with the nuisance parameters
Authors: Hron Karel
Published: January 2008

The optimum linear estimators of the useful mean value parameters within a linear regression model with the stable and variable parameters and with the nuisance parameters are derived including their characteristics of accuracy. Some verification of theoretical results is presented.
The Role of Allergy in the Severity of Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Erbek Selim S. , Erbek Seyra , Topal Ozgul , Cakmak Ozcan
Published: January 2008

Background

Although patients with nasal polyposis frequently exhibit concomitant allergy, there is limited information about the impact of allergy on the severity of nasal polyposis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of allergy in the severity of nasal polyposis.

Methods

Polyp sizes, computed tomography (CT) scores, skin-prick test results, blood total eosinophil count, serum levels of total immunoglobulin E, symptom scores, and recurrences were analyzed in 83 patients with nasal polyposis. The results were compared between allergic and nonallergic patients with nasal polyposis.

Results

No association was found between the presence of allergy per skin-prick testing and polyp size, CT opacification, symptom scores, or recurrences (p > 0.05). In allergic patients, only the serum total eosinophil count correlated strongly with the results of CT (p = 0.005) but not with other parameters (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of this study show that, although patients with nasal polyposis frequently have allergies, the presence of allergy does not correlate with polyp size, symptom scores or rate of recurrence.
The Reform of Equalization Payments
Authors: Usher Dan
Published: January 2008

A reasonable and fair interpretation of the mandate for equalization payments in Section 36(2) of the Canadian Constitution would differ from the present equalization formula in these respects: (a) transfers to the poorer provinces would be financed by transfers from the richer provinces rather than from the federal government; (b) entitlement to equalization payments would depend on provincial income rather than on a tax-by-tax comparison of the provinces' many tax bases; (c) for this comparison, provincial income would include revenue accruing directly to the provincial governments as well as the private income of residents of the province; and (d) compensation would be made for the exemption of provincial resource revenue from federal income tax. The most pronounced effect of these proposals would be to transfer the greater burden of equalization payments from Ontario to Alberta which is now, by far, the richest province.
L’Identité franco-américaine : tendances actuelles dans le sud de la Nouvelle-Angleterre
Authors: Fox Cynthia , Fortin Geneviève , Martin Véronique , Stelling Louis
Published: January 2008

Abstract:

The term “Franco-American” has traditionally been used to identify francophone Canadian immigrants who settled in the northeastern United States between 1840 and 1930. This group established close-knit communities and a network of religious, educational, and social institutions that would allow them to maintain their Catholic faith, their French language, and their traditional way of life over several generations. In the past sixty years, however, the group has experienced rapid change. Researchers debate how Franco-Americans are now to be characterized as a group and, indeed, whether they continue to share a common identity.

This study contributes to the discussion through the examination of data gathered during socio-linguistic interviews with 130 Franco-Americans living in four cities : Woonsocket, Rhode Island; Gardner and Southbridge, Massachusetts; and Bristol, Connecticut. A series of quantitative and qualitative analyses of this material leads us to conclude that all of the communities are undergoing assimilation, the rhythm and manner of which differs considerably from one community to another. Although many individuals still use the term “Franco-American” to describe themselves, the meaning of the term is evolving. Group identity may be strong at the level of the individual community but does not appear to exist supra-regionally.
Hydrothermal Syntheses of Gold Nanocrystals: From Icosahedral to Its Truncated Form
Authors: Xu J. , Li S. , Weng J. , Wang X. , Zhou Z. , Yang K. , Liu M. , Chen X. , Cui Q. , Cao M. , Zhang Q.
Published: January 2008

We have successfully controlled the shape of gold nanocrystals through a simple and low‐cost hydrothermal method based on a modified polyol process. Well‐defined gold nanocrystals of icosahedral shape were synthesized in high yields by the rapid reduction of gold precursors with ethylene glycol (EG) in the presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) under hydrothermal conditions for 1 h. Truncated icosahedra (football‐shaped) have been prepared for the first time by prolonging the reaction time to 4 h. Both nanocrystal shapes were obtained quantitatively. Addition of citric acid inhibits the shape‐change process (from icosahedron to truncated icosahedron) by blocking oxidative etching, while addition of Fe(III) facilitates the shape‐change process by enhancing oxidative etching. We propose that growth of truncated icosahedra can be induced and maintained through interplay of the following processes: generation of multiple twinned seeds, shape‐ and size‐focusing by Ostwald ripening, and oxidative etching and preferential growth on the {100} face.
Reaction monitoring of the MMA polymerization at marginal dispersion stability
Authors: Mantelis Charalampos A. , Meyer Thierry
Published: December 2007

The free‐radical dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate was studied using the reaction calorimetry technique. An especially developed calorimeter for use with supercritical fluids was employed and a set of experiments was explicitly designed to isolate the effect of the pressure. It was found that, under marginal dispersion stability conditions, small pressure changes can have significant effects on the reaction evolution. The pressure was also found to affect the partitioning of the monomer between the two reaction phases. The heat released during the nucleation stage of the reaction was measured for the first time and permitted the discussion on the polymerization locus during this stage. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Environmental factors in the etiology of esophageal atresia and congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Results of a case‐control study
Authors: Felix Janine F. , van Dooren Marieke F. , Klaassens Merel , Hop Wim C. J. , Torfs Claudine P. , Tibboel Dick
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND:

Esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are severe congenital anomalies. Their etiologies are mostly unknown and are thought to be multifactorial. No specific environmental factors have consistently been described as risk factors.

METHODS:

In a study conducted during the years 2000 to 2004 in a pediatric surgical referral center in the Netherlands, parents of children with EA/TEF or with CDH of the Bochdalek type and parents of a group of children without major birth defects filled out a questionnaire about possible exposure to environmental risk factors during the period from 1 month before conception to the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. Children with chromosomal anomalies were excluded.

RESULTS:

Questionnaires were returned for 47 out of 64 cases (73%) with EA/TEF, for 63 out of 77 cases (82%) with CDH, and for 202 out of 243 controls (83%). In EA/TEF, maternal age was borderline significantly higher than in controls (32.2 vs. 30.6 years, p = .05). Contact with herbicides or insecticides was associated with EA/TEF in univariate analysis (OR 2.0; 95% CI: 1.0–4.1) and in multivariate analysis, although of borderline significance. In univariate analysis, CDH was significantly associated with maternal use of alcohol (OR 2.9; 95% CI: 1.6–5.2).

CONCLUSIONS:

We found a significant association between maternal alcohol use around the time of conception and CDH. A possible explanation might be the effect of alcohol on the retinoic acid pathway. An association was found between contact with herbicides or insecticides and EA/TEF. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Verformungsvorhersage bewehrter Plattenelemente aus Stahlfaserbeton
Authors: Mertzsch Olaf , Hammer Christoph , Wolf Thomas
Published: December 2007

Als Grundlage für vergleichende Untersuchungen zum Verformungsverhalten von Stahlbetonplatten und bewehrten Platten aus Stahlfaserbeton wurden im Oktober 2003 je vier Versuchselemente einer mechanischen Dauerlast ausgesetzt und das Verformungsverhalten über einem Zeitraum von 41 Monaten beobachtet.

Die aufgebrachte Last wurde in zwei Lastschritten reduziert. Hierdurch wurde der Einfluss der Rückverformung erfasst. Die hierbei gewonnen Versuchsergebnisse werden dargelegt und mit den Ergebnissen theoretischer Untersuchungen verglichen.
The landscape of hypnosis in France in the twentieth century
Authors: Guilloux Christine
Published: January 2008

The author – a psychologist, psychotherapist and poetess – traces the history of hypnosis in France, the cradle of hypnosis. At the outset there were two conflicting schools, one originating with Charcot, a neurologist, who ended viewing hypnosis as a pathologic phenomenon associated with hysteria; the other with therapeutic goals originating with Bernheim and viewing hypnosis as a physiological state involving suggestion. From 1900 psychoanalysis dominated until the mid‐century when Chertok and later Michaux struggled to stimulate a revival. In 1980 they founded the Groupement d'Etudes pour les Applications Médicales de l'Hypnose (GEAMH) for research and training purposes, which continues to host conferences to the present day. In 1983 Godin and Malarewicz established in Paris the first Milton H. Erickson Institute, and there followed a proliferation of institutes throughout France. From 1991 Roustang wrote prolifically offering an original Eastern and Western synthesis and therapeutic approach. In 1997 Bellet founded the Confédération Francophone d'Hypnose et de Thérapies Brèves (CFHTB) drawing together, by 2007, 21 affiliated organizations with 3000 practitioners in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Québec, and with affiliation with international societies. Copyright © 2007 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐Photon Fluorescent Probes for Long‐Term Imaging of Calcium Waves in Live Tissue
Authors: Kim Hwan Myung , Kim Bo Ra , An Myoung Jin , Hong Jin Hee , Lee Kyoung J. , Cho Bong Rae
Published: January 2008

2‐Acetyl‐6‐(dimethylamino)naphthalene‐derived two‐photon fluorescent Ca2+ probes (ACa1–ACa3) are reported. They can be excited by a 780 nm laser beam, show 23–50‐fold enhancement in one‐ and two‐photon excited fluorescence in response to Ca2+, emit fourfold stronger two‐photon excited fluorescence than Oregon Green 488 BAPTA‐1 upon complexation with Ca2+, and can selectively detect intracellular free Ca2+ ions in live cells and living tissues with minimum interference from other metal ions and membrane‐bound probes. Moreover, these probes are capable of monitoring calcium waves at a depth of 120–170 μm in live tissues for 1100–4000 s using two‐photon microscopy with no artifacts of photobleaching.
Solution‐focused mediation: The future with a difference
Authors: Bannink Fredrike P.
Published: January 2008

Rather than dwelling on the conflict, solution‐focused mediation asks: What would you prefer instead of the conflict? The focus is on the desired outcome: the future with a difference. Clients are considered capable of formulating their own goal and of devising solutions. The expertise of the mediator lies in asking questions that help clients in this respect and that motivate clients to change. This article demonstrates that concept and the methodology differ significantly from other types of mediation. Conversations become increasingly positive and shorter, ensuring that solution‐focused mediation is also cost‐effective.
Identification and hormonal regulation of a novel form of NKp30 in human endometrial epithelium
Authors: Ponnampalam Anna P. , Gargett Caroline E. , Rogers Peter A. W.
Published: December 2007

This study reports the discovery and steroid hormonal regulation of a novel glycosylated form of NKp30 in human endometrial epithelium. NKp30 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and one of three existing natural cytotoxicity‐triggering receptors. NKp30 is a glycosylated protein and is thought to be selectively expressed in resting and activated natural killer cells. The aims of the present study were to fully characterize NKp30 mRNA and protein in human endometrium during the menstrual cycle, and to investigate the hormonal regulation of NKp30. NKp30 mRNA was significantly up‐regulated in fresh tissues during late secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. Interestingly, NKp30 mRNA was also present in clonally derived endometrial epithelial cells (CEE) in comparable amounts to fresh tissue. NKp30 protein was predominantly found in the endometrial glands and luminal epithelia of the secretory phase endometrium. Western blotting and de‐glycosylation studies show that a novel glycosylated form of NKp30 is present in endometrial epithelium and that it can dimerize. Further phenotyping of CEE by flow cytometry revealed that they are CK8+CD49f+NKp30+CD45–CD56–. The data also show that transcription and translation of the novel form of NKp30 can be induced by progesterone treatment after 48 h in endometrial explants in vitro. This is the first report to show the presence of both NKp30 mRNA and a novel glycosylated form of NKp30 protein in endometrial epithelial cells.
Voice outcomes after radiotherapy treatment for early glottic cancer: Assessment using multidimensional tools
Authors: Bibby Jessica R. L. , Cotton Susan M. , Perry Alison , Corry June F.
Published: December 2007

Background.

This is the first prospective study to use instrumental and both clinician‐ and client‐rated auditory‐perceptual measures to examine voice and voice‐related quality of life changes in patients after curative radiotherapy for early glottic cancer.

Method.

Thirty patients undergoing curative radiotherapy treatment for early glottic cancer completed the following: 3 voice tasks for acoustic, aerodynamic, and auditory‐perceptual voice measures (therapist‐rated); a patient self‐report rating of voice quality; and a voice‐related quality of life assessment before and 12 months after radiotherapy.

Results.

Patients' perceptions of their voice quality and their voice‐related quality of life significantly improved posttreatment, as did acoustic, aerodynamic, and auditory‐perceptual voice measures. Mean speaking fundamental frequency did not change significantly, although breathiness and strain in the voice recordings were demonstrably reduced.

Conclusion.

In describing postradiotherapy voices in this study, pertinent measures of voice outcomes have been established, setting the benchmark for comparison in future cohort studies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008