bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple ultrasound‐based rules for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Authors: Timmerman D. , Testa A. C. , Bourne T. , Ameye L. , Jurkovic D. , Van Holsbeke C. , Paladini D. , Van Calster B. , Vergote I. , Van Huffel S. , Valentin L.
Published: May 2008

Objective

To derive simple and clinically useful ultrasound‐based rules for discriminating between benign and malignant adnexal masses.

Methods

In a multicenter study involving nine centers consecutive patients with persistent adnexal tumors underwent transvaginal gray‐scale and Doppler ultrasound examination using a standardized examination technique and standardized terms and definitions. Information on 42 gray‐scale ultrasound variables and six Doppler variables was collected and entered into a research protocol. When developing simple ultrasound‐based rules to predict malignancy (M‐rules) we chose the ultrasound variable or the combination of ultrasound variables that had the highest positive predictive value (PPV) with regard to malignancy; when developing simple rules to predict a benign tumor (B‐rules) we chose the ultrasound variable or the combination of ultrasound variables that had the lowest PPV with regard to malignancy. We selected ten rules that were in agreement with our clinical experience and were applicable to at least 30 tumors and then tested them prospectively on 507 tumors examined in three of the nine centers.

Results

1066 patients with 1233 adnexal tumors were included. There were 903 benign tumors (73%) and 330 malignant tumors (27%). In 167 patients the tumors were bilateral. We selected five simple rules to predict malignancy (M‐rules): (1) irregular solid tumor; (2) ascites; (3) at least four papillary structures; (4) irregular multilocular–solid tumor with a largest diameter of at least 100 mm; and (5) very high color content on color Doppler examination. We chose five simple rules to suggest a benign tumor (B‐rules): (1) unilocular cyst; (2) presence of solid components where the largest solid component is < 7 mm in largest diameter; (3) acoustic shadows; (4) smooth multilocular tumor less than 100 mm in largest diameter; and (5) no detectable blood flow on Doppler examination. These ten rules were applicable to 76% of all tumors, where they resulted in a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 90%, positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 9.45 and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.08. When prospectively tested the rules were applicable in 76% (386/507) of the tumors, where they had a sensitivity of 95% (106/112), a specificity of 91% (249/274), LR+ of 10.37, and LR− of 0.06.

Conclusion

Most adnexal tumors in an ordinary tumor population can be correctly classified as benign or malignant using simple ultrasound‐based rules. For tumors that cannot be classified using simple rules, ultrasound examination by an expert examiner might be useful. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detecting population decline of birds using long‐term monitoring data
Authors: Fujisaki Ikuko , Pearlstine Elise V. , Miller Mark
Published: May 2008

Abrupt population change in birds may be caused by various factors. When such events occur, it is important to understand the population‐level impact on the species. We applied a change point analysis with Markov chain Monte Carlo using long‐term population count data to address this question. We first investigated the method with a simple Poisson model using synthetic data sets for different population decline scenarios and number of observations. Estimated change points were particularly accurate when a large decline in counts occurred. Accuracy and precision of posterior change magnitude tended to increase when actual change magnitude became larger. We applied the method to two cases using data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey: epidemic mortality of Florida scrub‐jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) in central Florida and population decline of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) in Maryland and Virginia after West Nile virus emergence. The Florida scrub‐jay case study indicated that the estimated change point was accurate compared with that reported by local monitoring. A Poisson‐log model that included observer and year variability resulted in better fit to the data than a simple Poisson model. The American crow case study showed that the method detected change points towards the end of observational data, but not all change point parameters converged, which may suggest that a population decline did not occur or was small for some survey routes we analyzed. Our study demonstrates the utility of change point analysis to examine abrupt population change. Data from systematic long‐term monitoring can be a basis of such an analysis.
Biomarkers, type II collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritis follow-up: the “Magenta osteoarthritis study”
Authors: Scarpellini M. , Lurati A. , Vignati G. , Marrazza M. G. , Telese F. , Re K. , Bellistri A.
Published: May 2008

Background

The purpose of the present study was to determine relationship between disease activity, systemic markers of cartilage degradation, urinary C-terminal cross-linking telopeptides of type II collagen (uCTX-II), and bone degradation, urinary C-terminal cross-linking telopeptides of type I collagen (uCTX-I), structural progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and potential therapeutic efficacy of type II collagen (COLLII) in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate (GC).

Materials and methods

An observational retrospective study, 1-year follow-up, on 104 patients with OA (nodular osteoarthritis of the hand, erosive osteoarthritis of the hand, EOA, osteoarthritis of the knee or hip) who were treated with GC or glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and collagen type II (GCC). The following information was collected at entry: demographics, BMI, characteristics of OA, patient global assessment (VAS), C-terminal cross-linking telopeptides of collagen types I (uCTX-I) and II (uCTX-II) and radiographs. After 6 months: VAS, uCTX-I and uCTX-II. After 1 year: VAS, uCTX-I, uCTX-II and radiographs.

Results

After 6 months and 1 year of treatment VAS, uCTX-I and uCTX-II mean values were significantly lower than the baseline. 57 were treated with GCC and 47 with GC. The group that received GCC showed a similar VAS mean value after 6 months and 1 year when compared with the group treated with GC. uCTX-I and uCTX-II mean level was lower in the group treated with GCC (P < 0.05). Radiological score (Kellgren and Lawrence summarized score for hands) after 1 year showed a reduced progression compared to the baseline in the hand osteoarthritis group, especially after GCC treatment (P < 0.05). Finally, uCTX-I has better correlation with radiological score and with GC in the EOA subgroup (Pearson index: R = 0.44).

Conclusions

(a) uCTX-I and uCTX-II proved to be useful biomarkers in OA monitoring; (b) uCTX-I is better correlated with hand EOA and could represent a potential further marker to assess the evolution of EOA bone damage; (c) GC slow down OA progression; (d) finally COLLII could represent a further protective factor in OA cartilage.
Asymptomatic anterior shoulder dislocation of 24-year duration
Authors: Mancini F. , Postacchini R. , Caterini R.
Published: May 2008

A 73-year-old woman presented with a very long-standing anterior dislocation of her right shoulder. She had no pain, mild impairment of active shoulder motion and clinical features suggesting no tear of the rotator cuff. CT 3D reconstructions showed a newly formed glenoid cavity below the coracoid process. This case indicates that an anterior shoulder dislocation lasting even decades may be compatible with an almost normal shoulder function.
Does Strand Configuration and Number of Purchase Points Affect the Biomechanical Behavior of a Tendon Repair? A Biomechanical Evaluation Using Different Kessler Methods of Flexor Tendon Repair
Authors: Dogramaci Yunus , Kalaci Aydiner , Sevinç Teoman Toni , Yanat Ahmet Nedim , Esen Erdinc , Komurcu Mahmut
Published: May 2008

This study compares the mechanical properties of modified Kessler and double-modified Kessler flexor tendon repair techniques and evaluates simple modifications on both methods. Forty fresh sheep flexor tendons were divided equally into four groups. A transverse sharp cut was done in the middle of each tendon and then repaired with modified Kessler technique, modified Kessler with additional purchase point in the midpoint of each longitudinal strand, double-modified Kessler technique, or a combination of outer Kessler and inner cruciate configuration based on double-modified Kessler technique. The tendons were tested in a tensile testing machine to assess the mechanical performance of the repairs. Outcome measures included gap formation and ultimate forces. The gap strengths of the double-modified Kessler technique (30.85 N, SD 1.90) and double-modified Kessler technique with inner cruciate configuration (33.60 N, SD 4.64) were statistically significantly greater than that of the two-strand modified Kessler (22.56 N, SD 3.44) and modified Kessler with additional purchase configuration (21.75 N, SD 4.03; Tukey honestly significant difference test, P<0.000). There were statistically significant differences in failure strengths of the all groups (analysis of variance, P<0.000). With an identical number of strands, the gap formation and ultimate forces of the repairs were not changed by additional locking purchase point in modified Kessler repair or changing the inner strand configuration in double-modified Kessler repair. The results of this study show that the number of strands across the repair site together with the number of locking loops clearly affects the strength of the repair; meanwhile, the longitudinal strand orientation and number of purchase points in a single loop did not affect its strength.
The Management of Pit Viper Envenomation of the Hand
Authors: Bozkurt Mehmet , Kulahci Yalcin , Zor Fatih , Kapi Emin
Published: May 2008

Snakebites are common among the rural population of developing countries. The severity of venomous snakebites depends on several factors, including the location of the bite, the amount of venom injected, and the effectiveness of the initial therapy. Snakebites frequently occur in the extremities with approximately two thirds of envenomations occurring in the upper extremities. In this study, we presented 12 cases of hand reconstruction after Vipera snakebites and discussed how to minimize functional loss and maximize hand rehabilitation. Twelve patients bitten by Vipera between 2001 and 2006 were included in this study. Groin flaps were performed in three cases, full-thickness grafts in two cases, thenar flaps in three cases, and cross finger flaps in three cases. With medical management, spontaneous healing occurred in one case. We prefer to use flaps on the volar site of the hand and, if the bone is not exposed, full-thickness grafts on the dorsal site of the hand. We also recommend starting rehabilitation of the hand early.
Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy in Quantum Dot Characterization
Authors: Engström O , Kaniewska M
Published: May 2008

Deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) for investigating electronic properties of self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) is described in an approach, where experimental and theoretical DLTS data are compared in a temperature-voltage representation. From such comparative studies, the main mechanisms of electron escape from QD-related levels in tunneling and more complex thermal processes are discovered. Measurement conditions for proper characterization of the levels by identifying thermal and tunneling processes are discussed in terms of the complexity resulting from the features of self-assembled QDs and multiple paths for electron escape.
Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS)-Based Glycoproteomics Technologies for Cancer Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Kaji Hiroyuki , Isobe Toshiaki
Published: May 2008

Introduction

Biomarker discovery is a major objective of clinical proteomics; molecular biomarkers allow for detection of early-stage human diseases, especially cancer, and for monitoring their progression and/or regression after treatment. Biomarkers also help to elucidate the pathology of disease and its diagnosis, drug discovery, and toxicology. Glycans are ideal candidates for biomarkers because (1) glycoconjugates are localized on the cell surface and in the secretions such as plasma, (2) their structures are frequently and drastically changed during normal and aberrant cell differentiation, and (3) different cell types express different glycan signatures. Certain serodiagnostic glycoconjugate markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), are currently available; however, comprehensive glycome analysis has yet to be performed, mainly because of the difficulties of isolating and structurally analyzing complex glycans. Large-scale glycoprotein analysis, termed glycoproteomics, has the potential to effectively trace cellular glycoproteins and therefore to search for new serodiagnostic biomarkers.

Conclusions

In this review, we describe current mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomics technologies. Quantitative “shotgun” proteomics analyses of glycopeptides captured from complex biological mixtures such as plasma, coupled with advanced glycome technologies, enhance our knowledge of protein glycosylation and facilitate discovery of new biomarkers for human diseases.
Genomic effects of phytochemicals and their implication in the maintenance of health
Authors: Scalbert Augustin , Knasmüller Siegfried
Published: May 2008

A large variety of phytochemicals are found in vegetables, fruits, spices and staple plant foods(1,2).
Use of conventional and -omics based methods for health claims of dietary antioxidants: a critical overview
Authors: Knasmüller Siegfried , Nersesyan Armen , Mišík Miroslav , Gerner Christopher , Mikulits Wolfgang , Ehrlich Veronika , Hoelzl Christine , Szakmary Akos , Wagner Karl-Heinz
Published: May 2008

This article describes the principles and limitations of methods used to investigate reactive oxygen species (ROS) protective properties of dietary constituents and is aimed at providing a better understanding of the requirements for science based health claims of antioxidant (AO) effects of foods. A number of currently used biochemical measurements aimed of determining the total antioxidant capacity and oxidised lipids and proteins are carried out under unphysiologcial conditions and are prone to artefact formation. Probably the most reliable approaches are measurements of isoprostanes as a parameter of lipid peroxidation and determination of oxidative DNA damage. Also the design of the experimental models has a strong impact on the reliability of AO studies: the common strategy is the identification of AO byin vitroscreening with cell lines. This approach is based on the assumption that protection towards ROS is due to scavenging, but recent findings indicate that activation of transcription factors which regulate genes involved in antioxidant defence plays a key role in the mode of action of AO. These processes are not adequately represented in cell lines. Another shortcoming ofin vitroexperiments is that AO are metabolisedin vivoand that most cell lines are lacking enzymes which catalyse these reactions. Compounds with large molecular configurations (chlorophylls, anthocyans and polyphenolics) are potent AOin vitro, but weak or no effects were observed in animal/human studies with realistic doses as they are poorly absorbed. The development of -omics approaches will improve the scientific basis for health claims. The evaluation of results from microarray and proteomics studies shows that it is not possible to establish a general signature of alterations of transcription and protein patterns by AO. However, it was shown that alterations of gene expression and protein levels caused by experimentally induced oxidative stress and ROS related diseases can be normalised by dietary AO.
Flavonoids and intestinal cancers
Authors: Pierini Roberto , Gee Jennifer M. , Belshaw Nigel J. , Johnson Ian T.
Published: May 2008

Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract are amongst the most common causes of death from cancer, but there is substantial variation in incidence across populations. This is consistent with a major causative role for diet. There is convincing evidence that fruits and vegetables protect against cancers of the upper alimentary tract and the large bowel, and this has focused attention on biologically active phytochemicals, and on flavonoids in particular. Many flavonoids exert anticarcinogenic effectsin vitroand in animals, and many of these effects occur via signalling pathways known to be important in the pathogenesis of colorectal, gastric and oesophageal cancers. However dietary flavonoid intakes are generally low and their metabolism in humans is extremely complex. The advent of new post-genomic technologies will do much to address these problems by making it possible to monitor patterns of gene expression in humans to provide essential molecular biomarkers of early disease. By combining such data with knowledge of the dietary exposure and bioavailability of the most effective compounds it will be possible to predict the most effective dietary sources and to properly evaluate the potential role of flavonoids in clinical nutrition.
Isoflavones and the prevention of breast and prostate cancer: new perspectives opened by nutrigenomics
Authors: Steiner Claudia , Arnould Stéphanie , Scalbert Augustin , Manach Claudine
Published: May 2008

Epidemiological evidence together with preclinical data from animal andin vitrostudies strongly support a correlation between soy isoflavone consumption and protection towards breast and prostate cancers. The biological processes modulated by isoflavones, and especially by genistein, have been extensively studied, yet without leading to a clear understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action involved. This review discusses the existing gaps in our knowledge and evaluates the potential of the new nutrigenomic approaches to improve the study of the molecular effects of isoflavones. Several issues need to be taken into account for the proper interpretation of the results already published for isoflavones. Too often knowledge on isoflavone bioavailability is not taken into account; supra-physiological doses are frequently used. Characterization of the individual variability as defined by the gut microflora composition and gene polymorphisms may also help to explain the discrepancies observed so far in the clinical studies. Finally, the complex inter-relations existing between tissues and cell types as well as cross-talks between metabolic and signalling pathways have been insufficiently considered. By appraising critically the abundant literature with these considerations in mind, the mechanisms of action that are the more likely to play a role in the preventive effects of isoflavones towards breast and prostate cancers are reviewed. Furthermore, the new perspectives opened by the use of genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic approaches are highlighted.
Biological models for phytochemical research: from cell to human organism
Authors: Mortensen Alicja , Sorensen Ilona K. , Wilde Colin , Dragoni Stefania , Mullerová Dana , Toussaint Olivier , Zloch Zdeněk , Sgaragli Giampietro , Ovesná Jaroslava
Published: May 2008

Nutrigenomics represents a shift of nutrition research from epidemiology and physiology to molecular biology and genetics. Nutrigenomics seeks to understand nutrition influences on homeostasis, the mechanism of genetic predispositions for diseases, to identify the genes influencing risk of diet related diseases. This review presents somein vitromodels applicable in nutrigenomic studies, and discuses the use of animal models, their advantages and limitations and relevance for human situation.In vitroandin vivomodels are suitable for performance of DNA microarrays, proteomic and transcriptomic analyses.In vitromodels (intracellular organelles and suborganellar compartments, cell cultures, or tissue samples/cultures) give insight in metabolic pathways and responses to test stimuli on cellular and molecular levels. Animal models allow evaluation of the biological significance of the effects recordedin vitroand testing of the hypothesis on how a specific factor affects specific species under specific circumstances. Therefore, the evaluation of the data in relation to human organism should be done carefully, considering the species differences. The use ofin vitroandin vivomodels is likely to continue as the effects of nutrition on health and disease cannot be fully explained without understanding of nutrients action at nuclear level and their role in the intra- and intercellular signal transduction. Through advances in cell and molecular biology (including genomic and proteomic), the use of these models should become more predictively accurate. However, this predictive value relies on an underpinning knowledge of the advantages and limitations of the model in nutrigenomic research as in other fields of biomedical research.
High throughput ‘omics’ approaches to assess the effects of phytochemicals in human health studies
Authors: Ovesná Jaroslava , Slabý Ondřej , Toussaint Olivier , Kodíček Milan , Maršík Petr , Pouchová Vladimíra , Vaněk Tomáš
Published: May 2008

Human health is affected by many factors. Diet and inherited genes play an important role. Food constituents, including secondary metabolites of fruits and vegetables, may interact directly with DNA via methylation and changes in expression profiles (mRNA, proteins) which results in metabolite content changes. Many studies have shown that food constituents may affect human health and the exact knowledge of genotypes and food constituent interactions with both genes and proteins may delay or prevent the onset of diseases. Many high throughput methods have been employed to get some insight into the whole process and several examples of successful research, namely in the field of genomics and transcriptomics, exist. Studies on epigenetics and RNome significance have been launched. Proteomics and metabolomics need to encompass large numbers of experiments and linked data. Due to the nature of the proteins, as well as due to the properties of various metabolites, experimental approaches require the use of comprehensive high throughput methods and a sufficiency of analysed tissue or body fluids. In this contribution, we describe the basic tools currently used in nutrigenomics studies and indicate the general requirements for future technology methodological routings.
CONDITIONAL ORDERING OF GENERALIZED ORDER STATISTICS REVISITED
Authors: Xie Hongmei , Hu Taizhong
Published: May 2008

In this article we investigate less restrictive conditions on the model parameters that enable one to establish the likelihood ratio ordering of one generalized order statistic by conditioning on the right tail of another lower-indexed generalized order statistic. One application of the main results is also presented.
MOMENTS OF THE DURATION OF BUSY PERIODS OF MX/G/1/n SYSTEMS
Authors: Pacheco António , Ribeiro H.
Published: May 2008

We derive a simple recursion to compute moments of arbitrary order of the duration of busy periods of MX/G/1/n systems starting with an arbitrary number of customers in the system.
CONVEX COMPARISONS FOR RANDOM SUMS IN RANDOM ENVIRONMENTS AND APPLICATIONS
Authors: Fernández-Ponce José María , Ortega Eva María , Pellerey Franco
Published: May 2008

Recently, Belzunce, Ortega, Pellerey, and Ruiz [3] have obtained stochastic comparisons in increasing componentwise convex order sense for vectors of random sums when the summands and number of summands depend on a common random environment, which prove how the dependence among the random environmental parameters influences the variability of vectors of random sums. The main results presented here generalize the results in Belzunce et al. [3] by considering vectors of parameters instead of a couple of parameters and the increasing directionally convex order. Results on stochastic directional convexity of families of random sums under appropriate conditions on the families of summands and number of summands are obtained, which lead to the convex comparisons between random sums mentioned earlier. Different applications in actuarial science, reliability, and population growth are also provided to illustrate the main results.
WARM-UP PERIODS IN SIMULATION CAN BE DETRIMENTAL
Authors: Grassmann Winfried K.
Published: May 2008

The question of how long to run a discrete event simulation before data collection starts is an important issue when estimating steady-state performance measures such as average queue lengths. By using experiments based on numerical (nonsimulation) methods published elsewhere, we shed light on this question. Our experiments indicate that no initialization phase should be used when starting in state with a reasonable high equilibrium probability. Delaying data collection is only justified if the starting state is highly unlikely, and data collection should start as soon as a system enters a state with reasonably high probability.
SCHEDULING IMPATIENT JOBS IN A CLEARING SYSTEM WITH INSIGHTS ON PATIENT TRIAGE IN MASS CASUALTY INCIDENTS
Authors: Argon Nilay Tanik , Ziya Serhan , Righter Rhonda
Published: May 2008

Motivated by the patient triage problem in emergency response, we consider a single-server clearing system in which jobs might abandon the system if they are not taken into service within their “lifetime.” In this system, jobs are characterized by their lifetime and service time distributions. Our objective is to dynamically determine the optimal or near-optimal order of service for jobs so as to minimize the total number of abandonments. We first show that if the jobs can be ordered in such a way that the job with the shortest lifetime (in the sense of hazard rate ordering) also has the shortest service time (in the sense of likelihood ratio ordering), then the optimal policy gives the highest priority to this “time-critical” job independently of the system state. For the case in which the jobs with shorter lifetimes have longer service times, we observed that the optimal policy generally has a complex structure that might depend on the type and number of jobs available. For this case, we provide partial characterizations of the optimal policy and obtain sufficient conditions under which a state-independent policy is optimal. Furthermore, we develop two state-dependent heuristic policies, and by means of a numerical study, we show that these heuristics perform well, especially when jobs abandon the system at a relatively faster rate when compared to service rates. Based on our analytical and numerical results, we develop several insights on patient triage in the immediate aftermath of a mass casualty event. For example, we conclude that in a worst-case scenario, where medical resources are overwhelmed with a large number of casualties who need immediate attention, it is crucial to implement state-dependent policies such as the heuristic policies proposed in this article.
WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT LEGAL CONVENTIONALISM?
Authors: Kyritsis Dimitrios
Published: May 2008

According to legal conventionalism, a legal system cannot come into existence and be sustained over time unless legal officials see themselves as working together with their fellow participants in the practice of law for the purpose of achieving coordination or alternatively realizing a joint endeavor. This thesis has traditionally been thought to support a positivist understanding of law. The paper challenges this piece of common wisdom. It aims to establish that the idea of cooperation among legal officials that figures so prominently in conventionalist accounts of law may in a suitable form be appropriated by a robust version of natural-law theory. It claims that participants in the practice of law may be understood as having reasons of political morality to heed the acts and decisions of their fellow participants and calibrate their own behavior accordingly. It takes the value of democracy to illustrate the point. Democracy furnishes a reason for courts to give effect to democratically reached decisions rather than work out on their own how best to adjudicate disputes before them.
Micronutrient deficiency status among women of desert areas of western Rajasthan, India
Authors: Singh Madhu B , Fotedar Ranjana , Lakshminarayana J
Published: May 2008

Objective

To assess the magnitude of three micronutrient deficiency disorders (iron, vitamin A and iodine), nutritional deficiencies and their association with related factors.

Material and Methods

Using the three-stage sampling technique, a study was conducted in twenty-eight villages of Jodhpur district. A total of 1193 women, 384 pregnant, 400 lactating and 409 non-pregnant non-lactating controls (15 years and above, women who have not attained their family status) were examined for three micronutrient deficiency disorders, nutritional deficiencies, dietary and associated factors.

Results

Majority of the women were anaemic. Anaemia was higher among pregnant and lactating women (80·7 %). Severe anaemia was three-fold higher among pregnant and lactating women in comparison to controls (4·1 %). Vitamin A deficiency was observed to be higher among pregnant women (8·8 %). A high proportion of women (80·8 %) consumed salt, having inadequate iodine content. Median urinary iodine values were less in pregnant and lactating women than the WHO cut-off points. Consumption of pulses and legumes was low besides leafy vegetables. Average intake of nutrients showed deficiency of protein and energy, iron and folic acid and vitamin A deficiency. Anaemia and iodine deficiency disorder were found to be inversely proportional to education and income.

Conclusions

The proportion of anaemia in this study was higher in comparison to national-level studies besides the low consumption of normal iodised salt. Only 19 % of salt samples had adequate iodine content, which calls for caution. In addition to iodisation of salt, the study suggests the development of nutritional packages utilising local dietary aspects.
Is the Mediterranean lifestyle still a reality? Evaluation of food consumption and energy expenditure in Italian and Spanish university students
Authors: Baldini Marta , Pasqui Francesca , Bordoni Alessandra , Maranesi Magda
Published: May 2008

Objective

To evaluate the correspondence of diet and lifestyle to the Mediterranean model in two groups of Italian and Spanish university students.

Design

A cross-sectional nutritional survey to determine BMI, dietary habits (FFQ), energy daily expenditure and lifestyle (SenseWear® Armband; BodyMedia Inc.), and to define the Mediterranean diet quality index (MDQI) in the different student groups.

Setting

Bologna (Italy) and León (Spain).

Subjects

The survey was carried out on 210 (105 Italian; 105 Spanish) university students (mean age 27·0 (sd 3·8) years) of two different Mediterranean areas, Bologna (Italy) and León (Spain).

Results

The frequency of consumption of some food groups showed differences related to nationality and gender. Some classic Mediterranean foods such as cereals and vegetables were generally consumed more frequently by Italian students; others such as fish and pulses by Spanish students. Percentage of overweight was higher among Spanish students in spite of their higher physical activity level.

Conclusion

Young generations seem to give up the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern, adopting new dietary trends. Overweight appears to be related not only to physical activity level, but also to the poor MDQI.
LOCAL PROPERTIES OF THE HOCHSCHILD COHOMOLOGY OF C*-ALGEBRAS
Authors: SAMEI EBRAHIM
Published: May 2008

Let A be a C*-algebra, and let X be a Banach A-bimodule. Johnson [B. E. Johnson, ‘Local derivations on C*-algebras are derivations’, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 353 (2000), 313–325] showed that local derivations from A into X are derivations. We extend this concept of locality to the higher cohomology of a C*-algebra and show that, for every $n\in \mathbb {N}$, bounded local n-cocycles from A(n) into X are n-cocycles.
A SECTORIAL THEOREM ON COMPLETELY RAMIFIED RATIONAL FUNCTIONS
Authors: SAUER ANDREAS
Published: May 2008

We prove that under a sharp growth condition meromorphic functions posses a direction such that at most four rational functions are completely ramified in any sector containing the direction.
FINITELY DOMINATED COVERING SPACES OF 3- AND 4-MANIFOLDS
Authors: HILLMAN JONATHAN A.
Published: May 2008

If P is a closed 3-manifold the covering space associated to a finitely presentable subgroup ν of infinite index in π1(P) is finitely dominated if and only if P is aspherical or $\raisebox {11pt}{}\widetilde {P}\simeq {S^2}$. There is a corresponding result in dimension 4, under further hypotheses on π and ν. In particular, if M is a closed 4-manifold, ν is an ascendant, FP3, finitely-ended subgroup of infinite index in π1(M), π is virtually torsion free and the associated covering space is finitely dominated then either M is aspherical or $\widetilde {M}\simeq {S^2}$ or S3. In the aspherical case such an ascendant subgroup is usually Z, a surface group or a PD3-group.
Re-nnd SOLUTIONS OF THE MATRIX EQUATION AXB=C
Authors: CVETKOVIĆ-ILIĆ DRAGANA S.
Published: May 2008

In this article we consider Re-nnd solutions of the equation AXB=C with respect to X, where A,B,C are given matrices. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of Re-nnd solutions and present a general form of such solutions. As a special case when A=I we obtain the results from a paper of Groß (‘Explicit solutions to the matrix inverse problem AX=B’, Linear Algebra Appl.289 (1999), 131–134).
THEK-THEORY OF SOME HIGHER RANK EXEL–LACA ALGEBRAS
Authors: BURGSTALLER BERNHARD
Published: May 2008

Let$\mathcal {O}$be a higher rank Exel–Laca algebra generated by an alphabet$\mathcal {A}$. If$\mathcal {A}$containsdcommuting isometries corresponding to rankdand the transition matrices do not have finite rows, then$K_1(\mathcal {O})$is trivial and$K_0(\mathcal {O})$is isomorphic toK0of the abelian subalgebra of$\mathcal {O}$generated by the source projections of$\mathcal {A}$.
Life detection experiments of the Viking Mission on Mars can be best interpreted with a Fenton oxidation reaction composed of H2O2 and Fe2+ and iron-catalysed decomposition of H2O2
Authors: Apak Resat
Published: May 2008

The findings of the life detection experiments carried out during the Viking mission to Mars were reinterpreted with a chemical hypothesis. The labelled release (LR), pyrolytic release (PR) and gas exchange (GEx) experiments were interpreted with Fenton chemistry. Oxygen and carbon dioxide evolution from Martian soil upon wetting and nutrient addition could be attributed to competition reactions between the Fenton-type oxidation of organic nutrients with the aqueous (hydrogen peroxide+Fe(II)) combination and the iron-catalysed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. A substantial evolution of radioactive gas upon addition of labelled organic nutrient solution to soil, whereas the ceasing of this gas with a heat treated sample in the LR experiments, was attributed to Fenton oxidation and hydrogen peroxide thermal decomposition, respectively. The peculiar kinetics of LR and PR experiments – that cannot be fully explained by other chemical or biochemical scenarios – were easily explained with this new hypothesis, i.e. limitation of the Fenton reaction may arise from the depletion of reactants, the build-up of ferric hydroxide on soil and excessive scavenging by the organic nutrients of the generated hydroxyl radicals. Reabsorption or adsorption of evolved or introduced CO2 may involve the formation of carbonate compounds (e.g., magnesium carbonate and bicarbonate) on the surface of alkalinized soil as a result of the Fenton reaction.

A critical evaluation of the recent biological hypothesis assuming the utilization of a hydrogen peroxide–water intracellular fluid by putative organisms (Houtkooper & Schulze-Makuch 2007) is also made.
Benefits and barriers to perennial forage crops in Iowa corn and soybean rotations
Authors: Olmstead Julia , Brummer E. Charles
Published: May 2008

The transition away from forage-based cropping systems in Iowa to corn and soybean rotations since World War II has corresponded with degraded economic and environmental conditions in the state. Falling net incomes for farmers and concern over global warming and the effects of agriculture-related pollution on water, wildlife and human health have increased interest in diversified cropping systems. This paper reviews the benefits of diversifying Iowa corn and soybean rotations with perennial forage species such as alfalfa and red clover. Perennial forage crops improve soil quality, decrease NO3-N leaching and soil erosion, increase carbon sequestration and decrease pesticide and herbicide needs by controlling weed and insect pests. Forage legumes reduce N fertilizer needs for succeeding corn crops at a higher rate than soybeans, and corn crops following forages have higher yields than after corn or soybeans. Farmers who add alfalfa to corn and soybean rotations could realize significant economic gains. A simulated 5-year rotation in Iowa including corn–soybeans–oats/alfalfa–alfalfa–alfalfa would result in a 24% net income increase over 5 years of corn–soybean–corn–soybean–corn, even with government farm support payments for the row crops. Farm policies that encourage commodity production create little incentive for Iowa farmers to diversify their cropping systems beyond corn and soybeans, despite the clear economic and ecological benefits. We recommend increasing federal support for conservation programs that reward environmentally beneficial farm practices such as the Conservation Securities Program and we encourage land grant universities to hire researchers interested in alternative agricultural systems.
Weed management in organic echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) production
Authors: Kristiansen P. , Sindel B.M. , Jessop R.S.
Published: May 2008

Weed management is a major constraint in organic production. It can be expensive and time-consuming and severe crop yield losses may be incurred when weeds are not adequately controlled. Research on organic weed management (OWM) in herb and vegetable production is increasing internationally, although in Australia very little work has been done to assess current OWM knowledge among growers, and to test the efficacy and cost effectiveness of the weed management practices used by organic growers. The effect of hand weeding, tillage, hay mulch, pelletized paper mulch (PP) and an unweeded control treatment on weed growth, crop growth and cost effectiveness were evaluated in several field trials on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales using lettuce (Lactuca sativaL.) and echinacea (Echinacea purpureaMoench. [L.]). In echinacea, hand weeding, hay mulch and PP reduced weed growth by at least 90% compared with the control, while tillage reduced weed levels by about 50%. The more expensive weeding methods such as hand weeding and hay mulch (AU$9600 and 8900 ha−1respectively) produced higher yields, while the cheaper methods such as tillage ($4000 ha−1) had low crop yields and were therefore 25–50% less cost effective. In lettuce, weed growth was reduced by 96% for hand weeding and PP compared with the control, 85% for hay mulch and 66% for tillage. Weed management was cost-effectively achieved using cheaper weeding methods such as tillage ($985 ha−1) compared with more expensive methods such as hand weeding and hay mulching ($4400 and 7600 ha−1respectively). PP had lower yields and was expensive ($12,500 ha−1) and was usually not cost effective in these trials. The results highlight several important advantages and disadvantages of currently used OWM methods in the field.
The adaptive consumer: shifting attitudes, behavior change and CSA membership renewal
Authors: Russell Willow Saranna , Zepeda Lydia
Published: May 2008

A qualitative study was conducted with a subset of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership base in Wisconsin, USA to examine attitude and behavior change associated with membership. Changes that were examined included: modified eating or cooking habits, increased consideration of food seasonality and associated consumer preferences for seasonal products, and an enhanced appreciation for farming. Although this study investigated ‘spillover’ attitude or behavior changes (e.g. reduced driving or increased use of environmentally friendly cleaning products), none were observed. This study indicates that attitude and behavior changes are generated by the structural elements of CSA including exposure to the farm, interactions with the farmer, and the constraints imposed by a pre-selected bundle of vegetables. There was no indication that changes occur due to the development and enforcement of social norms within the CSA membership base. Community, in the context of this CSA, is expressed primarily as a conceptual community of interest. Our results suggest that demonstrated attitude and behavior change increases the likelihood that a consumer will renew their CSA membership.
Introduction of floating gardening in the north-eastern wetlands of Bangladesh for nutritional security and sustainable livelihood
Authors: Irfanullah Haseeb Md. , Adrika Ahana , Ghani Abdul , Khan Zakir Ahmed , Rashid Md. Abdur
Published: May 2008

Floating gardening is a form of hydroponics or soil-less culture. It is an age-old practice of crop cultivation in the floodplains of southern Bangladesh, where aquatic plants such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) are used to construct floating platforms on which seedlings are raised and vegetables and other crops cultivated in the rainy season. The platform residue is used in the preparation of beds for winter vegetable gardening. Floating gardening was introduced in 2006 on a pilot-scale in the north-east wetlands of the country, as a contribution to food security and as a supplementary income for the marginalized community. The overall experience of floating cultivation in three selected villages was encouraging. Local people became aware of this new farming system and their level of knowledge improved. Communities were mobilized into groups to make floating platforms, and platform residues were later used to establish winter gardens. Cultivation was successful on both types of plot, and vegetables were both consumed by the producers and sold in the market. The input–output analysis revealed floating gardening to be a feasible alternative livelihood option for the wetland dwellers. The method provided targeted landless people with parcels of land in the monsoon, enabling them to grow vegetables. Floating gardening and associated winter gardening appear to have the potential for introduction to other parts of the world where aquatic weed management is a major problem.
Maize silage as an energy supplement in organic dairy cow rations
Authors: Velik Margit , Baumung Roswitha , Knaus Wilhelm F.
Published: May 2008

The literature implicates strongly that including energy supplements in dairy rations based on protein-rich forages increases performance and feed efficiency due to an improved and more balanced ruminal energy and protein supply. Therefore, both conventional and organic dairy farms primarily supplement roughages with concentrates, containing high proportions of cereal grains. However, considering the main principles of sustainable agricultural systems and nutrient cycles, the question of alternatives is raised. Therefore, the present study was conducted to compare grain and maize silage as energy sources in organic dairy cow rations. Two grass–clover silage-based diets, offered on anad libitumbasis, were supplemented either with 1 kg grain mixture plus 0.5 kg hay (treatment group G) or 2.1 kg maize silage (treatment group M) on a dry matter (DM) basis. The trial was carried out as a change-over design and lasted for 15 weeks. Intake of concentrates, DM and utilizable crude protein in the duodenum (uCP) were similar in both treatments. However, significant differences between treatments G and M were found for grass–clover silage dry matter intake (DMI) (13.4 versus 12.9 kg), forage DMI (14.6 versus 15.7 kg), crude protein (CP) intake (2885 versus 2801 g), ruminal nitrogen balance (RNB) (40 versus 29 g) and intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (7630 versus 7900 g). Milk yield was not affected by treatment, but in treatment M, milk fat content was at 42.4 g kg−1, significantly higher, and milk urea concentration at 19.7 mg 100 ml−1, significantly lower, as compared with treatment G. Efficiency of N use (N in milk in % of N intake) tended to be improved in treatment M. Balances of energy and uCP (intake as a percentage of requirements) were unaffected by treatment.
The barriers to further adoption of organic farming and genetic engineering in Australia: views of agricultural professionals and their information sources
Authors: Wheeler Sarah Ann
Published: May 2008

Research has shown that agricultural professionals are one of the major influences on farmer adoption of agricultural innovations. Genetic engineering and organic farming represent two vastly different innovations in agriculture, and both assert to have important sustainability outcomes. This paper presents the views from a telephone survey of agricultural scientists, extension officers and academics in Australia (n=185) on the barriers to further adoption of organic farming and agricultural genetic engineering, as well as exploring where they obtain their information about the two innovations. Many professionals believe that market issues (in terms of small market size and the extent that consumers are willing to pay premiums) will limit the size of farmer adoption of organics in Australia, while on-farm issues (in terms of production difficulties and pest and disease problems) are named as the second largest barrier to further adoption. On the other hand, professionals from the targeted sample, who were more knowledgeable about organic farming, named information needs and lack of government support as the major barrier facing further diffusion of organic farming. In contrast, public attitudes and negative media portrayal are named as the largest barrier facing further adoption of genetic engineering in Australia. The uncertainty surrounding the research into genetic engineering (and the lack of long-term research) is believed to be the second largest barrier facing further diffusion of genetic engineering while market problems are seen as the third largest barrier.