bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Analysis of Intraseasonal Climate Variability over the Greater Horn of Africa
Authors: Bowden Jared H. , Semazzi Fredrick H. M.
Published: December 2007

This study examines the intraseasonal climate variability over the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) during the rainy season of October–December (OND). The investigation is primarily based on empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of the pentad Climate Prediction Center Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) data for the period 1979–2001. The EOF analysis reveals two dominant modes of intraseasonal variability for the OND season: mixed El Niño–Southern Oscillation–Indian Ocean dipole (ENSO-IOD) and a decadal mode.

The leading mode is associated with ENSO–IOD covariability. Case studies of several intraseasonal ENSO–IOD events within the recent decades indicate that during the warm (positive) events pentad rainfall is consistently above normal during the entire season despite fluctuations between pentads. However, case study analyses of negative ENSO–IOD events show that the negative cases are not mirror images of the warm events. The negative events exhibit pronounced wet and dry spells superimposed on the consistent dry anomaly background conditions. There is no large signal regarding the onset for either case, but the withdrawal of the positive (negative) events is anomalously wet (dry).

The second mode of variability is associated with a decadal shift in the rainfall with the northern (southern) GHA becoming wetter (drier) in the recent decade. The decadal change in individual pentads can be quite different across the season and has a tendency to manifest itself through extreme events. The analysis underscores the need to exercise caution when applying seasonal-average-based statistics to infer the long-term behavior on subseasonal time scales. Additional analyses further confirm the decadal rainfall shift using four different rainfall datasets. Averaging the datasets to help aid in removing bias of individual datasets shows that, on average, northern (southern) portions of GHA are 29% (19%) wetter (drier) in the recent decade.
Decadal North Pacific Bred Vectors in a Coupled GCM
Authors: Vikhliaev Yury , Kirtman Ben , Schopf Paul
Published: December 2007

A number of recent studies done with simple numerical models suggest that the decadal variability in the extratropical North Pacific Ocean is a result of the excitation of low-frequency ocean basin modes. To test this assumption, low-frequency North Pacific variability was examined using a state-of-the-art coupled general circulation model (CGCM). Earlier studies had shown that slowly varying dynamical modes in a CGCM can be effectively isolated using the breeding technique. In this study, the breeding method was applied to the Center for Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Studies (COLA) anomaly coupled GCM (ACGCM), and it was found that several types of slow modes can be isolated depending on the parameters of the breeding cycle.

Tropical bred vector SST and upper-ocean heat content are dominated by the ENSO, which is consistent with the results obtained earlier using other CGCMs. Extratropical bred vector upper-ocean heat content is dominated by oceanic instability localized east of Japan, varying on seasonal-to-interannual time scales, and decadal modes with the large-scale pattern over the central and eastern extratropical North Pacific. Similar to ocean basin modes, the decadal modes have a signature of westward-propagating long baroclinic Rossby waves, but do not exhibit the global imprint typical for global basin modes. The relationship between the decadal bred vectors and the background anomalies is consistent with linear damped dynamics. Presumably, the growth of the decadal bred vectors is due to the atmospheric stochastic forcing, but the existence of extratropical instability on decadal time scales still needs to be verified.
Monitoring clay exfoliation during polymer/clay compounding using fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Bur Anthony J. , Roth Steven C. , Start Paul R. , Lee Yu-Hsin , Maupin Paul H.
Published: December 2007

A fluorescent probe molecule, Nile blue perchlorate, was used to monitor the compounding of nylon 11 with clay filler. Prior to compounding, Nile blue was incorporated into the gallery region between silicate layers of the clay by an ion-exchange process. While residing in the gallery, fluorescence from Nile blue was quenched because of fluorescence resorption in a high dye concentration environment. However, when clay is compounded with the nylon, clay exfoliation allowed the dye to escape the gallery region and to become dispersed in the resin matrix. During batch mixing, we observed that fluorescence increased with time indicating that dye molecules were migrating from the gallery. Experiments carried out using a twin-screw extruder to compound resin and clay showed that twin-screw compounding was much more efficient in producing clay exfoliation than was the batch mixer.
Process monitoring of polymer melts using in-line spectroscopy
Authors: Barnes S.E. , Sibley M.G. , Edwards H.G.M. , Coates P.D.
Published: December 2007

Over the last decade, there has been an increased drive in the polymer industry toward the development of in-line monitoring techniques for analysis of melt processing. Manufacture of high material volumes combined with stringent quality-control restrictions and the requirement for tailored end-user products, have made the implementation of analytical methods essential for measurement of material characteristics. This paper presents the application of a range of spectroscopic techniques for in-line analysis of polymer extrusion processes. Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR), Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy have been successfully implemented as tools to monitor a range of processing characteristics including copolymer melt and additive composition, material residence time distribution and degree of polymerization. In combination with partial least squares (PLS) chemometric analysis, these spectroscopic techniques are demonstrated to be sensitive and robust tools for monitoring a wide range of chemical and physical parameters at high-temperature and pressure in a polymer-processing environment.
The Darbār, the British, and the Runaway Mahārāja
Authors: Saha Shandip
Published: December 2007

The Vallabha Sampradāya or Pusti Mārga Hindu devotional community was founded in the sixteenth century by the Vaisnavite philosopher, Vallabha. His successors, known as mahārājas, continued to spread the teachings of the Pusti Mārga and enjoyed much success in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Political and economic patronage by elites of Western India soon transformed these mahārājas into wealthy landlords whose affluent lifestyles would cause much controversy in the nineteenth century.

This article uses unpublished documents found in the National Archives of India to detail one of these controversies, revolving around struggles between the Pusti Mārga, the royal house of Mevād., and British authorities for control of the wealth associated with Nāthdvārā, the central focus of Pusti Mārga pilgrimage in Rajasthan. The protracted struggle for the control of Nāthdvārā indicates how Hindu spiritual leaders were far from passive observers of the world who gave themselves purely to the cultivation of spiritual pursuits. On the contrary, this particular controversy is a striking example of how the active engagement of religious leaders in local and regional politics could profoundly affect the existing religious and social structures of their time.
Compartment model of aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation in a municipal solid waste landfil
Authors: Kim Sang-Yul , Tojo Yasumasa , Matsuto Toshihiko
Published: December 2007

The mathematical formulations in a one-dimensional compartment model of the biodegradation of organic landfill components are described. The model is designed to switch between anaerobic and aerobic conditions, depending on the local oxygen concentration. The model also includes the effect of environmental factors, such as moisture content, pH, and temperature, on reaction rates. The model includes not only biodegradation processes for carbon compounds (acetate, CO2, CH4), but also for nitrogen compounds involved in nitrification and denitrification due to their significance in landfills. Two example runs to simulate anaerobic and aerobic waste were conducted for a single landfill unit cell by changing the organic content and diffusion coefficient.
Effect of addition of pond ash and fly ash on properties of ash—clay burnt bricks
Authors: Sarkar Ritwik , Singh Nar , Swapan Kumar Das
Published: December 2007

Two industrial solid waste products generated by Indian coal-fired power plants, namely pond ash and fly ash, were used in combination with local clay to develop building bricks. The clay were mixed with the two different ashes in the range 10 to 90 wt.%, hydraulically pressed and fired at 1000°C. The fired products were characterized for various quality properties required for building bricks. The properties of the optimal compositions were compared with conventional red clay bricks including the developed microstructures and the comparative study generally showed that te ash-clay bricks were of superior quality to the conventional products.
The challenge of electronic waste (e-waste) management in developing countries
Authors: Osibanjo O. , Nnorom I.C.
Published: December 2007

Information and telecommunications technology (ICT) and computer Internet networking has penetrated nearly every aspect of modern life, and is positively affecting human life even in the most remote areas of the developing countries. The rapid growth in ICT has led to an improvement in the capacity of computers but simultaneously to a decrease in the products lifetime as a result of which increasingly large quantities of waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) are generated annually. ICT development in most developing countries, particularly in Africa, depends more on secondhand or refurbished EEEs most of which are imported without confirmatory testing for functionality. As a result large quantities of e-waste are presently being managed in these countries. The challenges facing the developing countries in e-waste management include: an absence of infrastructure for appropriate waste management, an absence of legislation dealing specifically with e-waste, an absence of any framework for end-of-life (EoL) product take-back or implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR). This study examines these issues as they relate to practices in developing countries with emphasis on the prevailing situation in Nigeria. Effective management of e-waste in the developing countries demands the implementation of EPR, the establishment of product reuse through remanufacturing and the introduction of efficient recycling facilities. The implementation of a global system for the standardization and certification/labelling of secondhand appliances intended for export to developing countries will be required to control the export of electronic recyclables (e-scarp) in the name of secondhand appliances.
Recycling potential of urban solid waste destined for sanitary landfills: the case of Indaiatuba, SP, Brazil
Authors: Donnini Mancini Sandro , Rodrigues Nogueira Alex , Akira Kagohara Dennis , Saide Schwartzman Jonas Age , de Mattos Tânia
Published: December 2007

The urban solid waste of the city of Indaiatuba (pop. 175 000), located in the state of São Paulo, was characterized, focusing on the recycling potential. For this purpose, collected waste was subdivided into 27 items, classified by mass and volume. About 90% of this waste was found to be potentially recyclable and only 10% requiring landfilling. The compostable organic matter, in the form of food and garden waste, both with high moisture content (51 and 41%, respectively), represents 54% in mass and 21% in volume. The most common type of plastic in this waste is high density polyethylene, whose estimated disposal is about 5000 kg day—1. A socio-economic analysis of the waste generation indicates that low-income neighbourhoods discard relatively less packaging and more food waste, shoes and construction debris than middle and high income ones, which may be due to low purchasing power and schooling. Our findings indicate that more aluminium and uncoloured polyethylene terephthalate is discarded in the warmest months of the year, probably due to a greater consumption of canned and bottled drinks.
Of Mods and Modders
Authors: Postigo Hector
Published: December 2007

This article is concerned with the role that fan-programmers (generally known as “modders”) play in the success of the PC digital game industry. The fan culture for digital games is deeply embedded in shared practices and experiences among fan communities, and their active consumption contributes economically and culturally to broader society. Using a survey of the most commercially successful PC games in the first-person shooter category from 2002 until 2004, this article answers a series of questions concerning fan-programmer produced content: (a) What is the value of the fan produced game add-ons in terms of labor costs? (b) What motivates fans to make add-ons for their favorite games? and (c) How does the fan-programmer phenomenon in PC gaming fit into broader trends in the high-tech economy?
Original Research: Carotid intima-media thickness and plaque volume changes following 2-year angiotensin II-receptor blockade. The Multicentre Olmesartan atherosclerosis Regression Evaluation (MORE) study
Authors: Stumpe Klaus O. , Agabiti-Rosei Enrico , Zielinski Tomasz , Schremmer Dieter , Scholze Jürgen , Laeis Petra , Schwandt Peter , Ludwig Malte
Published: December 2007

Objective The Multicentre Olmesartan atherosclerosis Regression Evaluation (MORE) study was a double-blind trial in patients with hypertension at increased cardiovascular risk with carotid wall thickening and a defined atherosclerotic plaque that used non-invasive 2- and 3-dimensionaL (D) ultrasound (US), to compare the effects of a 2-year treatment based on either olmesartan medoxomil or atenolol on common carotid (CC) intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque volume (PV).

Methods A total of 165 patients (with systolic/diastolic blood pressure 140—180/ 90—105 mmHg) were randomized to receive either olmesartan (20—40 mg/day) or atenolol (50—100 mg/day). US was performed at baseline and 28, 52 and 104 weeks. The primary efficacy outcome was the change from baseline ( Δ) in CC-IMT assessed by 2D US. Secondary outcomes included Δ PV assessed by 3D US and blood pressure (BP).

Results Olmesartan and atenolo produced comparable significant reductions in CC-IMT; mean Δ IMT (SEM) was -0.090 (0.015) mm for oLmesartan and -0.082 (0.014) mm for atenolol. Mean Δ PV was -4.4 (2.3) µl and 0.1 (1.5) µl in the olmesartan and atenolol treated subjects, respectively, without significant between-treatment differences. In the subgroup of patients with baseLine PV ≥ median (33.7 µl), significant between-treatment differences existed in Δ PV ( p = 0 .023), because PV regressed significantly with olmesartan ( Δ PV: -11.5 (4.4) µl) but not with atenolol ( Δ PV: 0.6 (2.5) µl). In these patients BP reductions were comparabLe.

Conclusions Carotid IMT and BP decreased similarly with olmesartan and atenolol, but only olmesartan reduced the volume of larger atherosclerotic plaques.
Soluble MD-2 is an acute-phase protein and an opsonin for Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Tissières Pierre , Dunn-Siegrist Irène , Schäppi Michela , Elson Greg , Comte Rachel , Nobre Vandack , Pugin Jérôme
Published: December 2007

Myeloid differentiation factor-2 (MD-2) is a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein usually coexpressed with and binding to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), conferring LPS responsiveness of immune cells. MD-2 is also found as a soluble protein. Soluble MD-2 (sMD-2) levels are markedly elevated in plasma from patients with severe infections, and in other fluids from inflamed tissues. We show that sMD-2 is a type II acute-phase protein. Soluble MD-2 mRNA and protein levels are up-regulated in mouse liver after the induction of an acute-phase response. It is secreted by human hepatocytic cells and up-regulated by interleukin-6. Soluble MD-2 binds to Gram-negative but not Gram-positive bacteria, and sMD-2 secreted by hepatocytic cells is an essential cofactor for the activation of TLR4-expressing cells by Gram-negative bacteria. Soluble MD-2 opsonization of Gram-negative bacteria accelerates and enhances phagocytosis, principally by polymorphonuclear neutrophils. In summary, our results demonstrate that sMD-2 is a newly recognized type II acute-phase reactant, an opsonin for Gram-negative bacteria, and a cofactor essential for the activation of TLR4-expressing cells. This suggests that sMD-2 plays a key role in the host innate immune response to Gram-negative infections.
MLD according to the WHO classification in AML has no correlation with age and no independent prognostic relevance as analyzed in 1766 patients
Authors: Wandt Hannes , Schäkel Ulrike , Kroschinsky Frank , Prange-Krex Gabriele , Mohr Brigitte , Thiede Christian , Pascheberg Ulrich , Soucek Silke , Schaich Markus , Ehninger Gerhard
Published: December 2007

Between February 1996 and December 2004, the German Leukemia Study Initiative registered 1766 consecutive patients for the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) 96 study, all of whom were diagnosed by central cytomorphology according to the French-American-British (FAB) and the new World Health Organization (WHO) classification. We focused our analysis on the prognostic impact of multilineage dysplasia (MLD) as a new parameter of the WHO classification for AML. We could not confirm the WHO statement that MLD occurs most frequently in older individuals, but we confirmed that MLD is often associated with an unfavorable cytogenetic profile (P < .001). In 1332 individuals receiving intensive AML therapy presence of MLD was negatively correlated with complete remission (P = .001) in univariate, but not in multivariate, analysis. Multivariate analysis of either event-free or overall survival again failed to show an independent prognostic significance of MLD besides age, cytogenetics, and, in part, NPM1/FLT3-ITD mutations. Our data support a reassessment of the WHO classification in the light of a more biologic understanding of AML. This study is registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT00180115.
Continuous exposure to Plasmodium results in decreased susceptibility and transcriptomic divergence of the Anopheles gambiae immune system
Authors: Aguilar Ruth , Das Suchismita , Dong Yuemei , Dimopoulos George
Published: December 2007

Background

Plasmodium infection has been shown to compromise the fitness of the mosquito vector, reducing its fecundity and longevity. However, from an evolutionary perspective, the impact of Plasmodium infection as a selective pressure on the mosquito is largely unknown.

Results

In the present study we have addressed the effect of a continuous Plasmodium berghei infection on the resistance to infection and global gene expression in Anopheles gambiae.

Exposure of A. gambiae to P. berghei-infected blood and infection for 16 generations resulted in a decreased susceptibility to infection, altered constitutive expression levels for approximately 2.4% of the mosquito's total transcriptome and a lower basal level of immune genes expression, including several anti-Plasmodium factors. The infection-responsiveness for several defense genes was elevated in the P. berghei exposed mosquito colonies.

Conclusion

Our study establishes the existence of a selective pressure exerted by the parasite P. berghei on the malaria vector A. gambiae that results in a decreased permissiveness to infection and changes in the mosquito transcriptome regulation that suggest a decreased constitutive immune gene activity but a more potent immune response upon Plasmodium challenge.
Hospital outpatient perceptions of the physical environment of waiting areas: the role of patient characteristics on atmospherics in one academic medical center
Authors: Tsai Chun-Yen , Wang Mu-Chia , Liao Wei-Tsen , Lu Jui-Heng , Sun Pi-hung , Lin Blossom Yen-Ju , Breen Gerald-Mark
Published: December 2007

Background

This study examines hospital outpatient perceptions of the physical environment of the outpatient waiting areas in one medical center. The relationship of patient characteristics and their perceptions and needs for the outpatient waiting areas are also examined.

Method

The examined medical center consists of five main buildings which house seventeen primary waiting areas for the outpatient clinics of nine medical specialties: 1) Internal Medicine; 2) Surgery; 3) Ophthalmology; 4) Obstetrics-Gynecology and Pediatrics; 5) Chinese Medicine; 6) Otolaryngology; 7) Orthopedics; 8) Family Medicine; and 9) Dermatology. A 15-item structured questionnaire was developed to rate patient satisfaction covering the four dimensions of the physical environments of the outpatient waiting areas: 1) visual environment; 2) hearing environment; 3) body contact environment; and 4) cleanliness. The survey was conducted between November 28, 2005 and December 8, 2005. A total of 680 outpatients responded. Descriptive, univariate, and multiple regression analyses were applied in this study.

Results

All of the 15 items were ranked as relatively high with a range from 3.362 to 4.010, with a neutral score of 3. Using a principal component analysis' summated scores of four constructed dimensions of patient satisfaction with the physical environments (i.e. visual environment, hearing environment, body contact environment, and cleanliness), multiple regression analyses revealed that patient satisfaction with the physical environment of outpatient waiting areas was associated with gender, age, visiting frequency, and visiting time.

Conclusion

Patients' socio-demographics and context backgrounds demonstrated to have effects on their satisfaction with the physical environment of outpatient waiting areas. In addition to noticing the overall rankings for less satisfactory items, what should receive further attention is the consideration of the patients' personal characteristics when redesigning more comfortable and customized physical environments of waiting areas.
Modulating Longevity in Drosophila by Over‐ and Underexpression of Glutamate‐Cysteine Ligase
Authors: LUCHAK JAMES M. , PRABHUDESAI LEENA , SOHAL RAJINDAR S. , RADYUK SVETLANA N. , ORR WILLIAM C.
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  A notable extension of life span (up to 50%) was achieved in Drosophila melanogaster
when the catalytic subunit of glutamate‐cysteine ligase (GCLc) was overexpressed in neuronal tissue, while a moderate increase (up to 24%) was observed when the modulatory subunit of GCL (GCLm) was overexpressed globally. We sought to identify specific tissue domains that are particularly sensitive to the beneficial effects of GCLc overexpression. Overexpression of GCLc using the mushroom body driver (OK107‐GAL4) had a small but significant beneficial effect on longevity (approximately 12%) while overexpression in serotonergic (MZ360‐GAL4) neurons or dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons (Ddc‐GAL4) had small, nonsignificant effects on longevity. A significant beneficial effect (12–13%) was also observed using the C23‐GAL4 transverse muscle driver. Finally, a low‐level global driver (armadillo) was shown to increase life span significantly (15%). A series of mutant and knockdown studies were also carried out. Reduction of GCLm by > 95% had no discernable effect on longevity or resistance to oxidative stress. In contrast, knockdown of GCLc by 30–70% using an RNAi‐hairpin strategy had a significant effect, resulting in greater sensitivity to H2O2 and reduced survivorship under normal conditions varying from a 50% reduction in median life span to lethality. A GCLc null allele was identified and shown to be recessive lethal. Overall, this study demonstrates that the longevity effects of GCLc are dependent on dosage and that there are specific tissues (mushroom bodies, motor neurons, and transverse muscle cells) particularly sensitive to the benefits of GCLc overexpression.
Protein Synthesis Is a Novel Determinant of Aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: SYNTICHAKI POPI , TROULINAKI KOSTOULA , TAVERNARAKIS NEKTARIOS
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Protein synthesis is a tightly regulated cellular process that affects growth, reproduction, and survival in response to both intrinsic and extrinsic cues, such as nutrient availability and energy levels. A pronounced, age‐related decline of the total protein synthesis rate has been observed in many organisms, including humans. The molecular mechanisms underlying this decline and their role in the aging process remain unclear. A series of recent studies in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, have revealed a novel link between protein synthesis and aging. Remarkably, these research findings, in their totality, converge to indicate that reduction of mRNA translation prolongs life in worms. Signal transduction cascades implicated in aging, such as the insulin/insulin growth factor‐1 pathway, interface with mechanisms regulating protein synthesis via a battery of key mRNA translation factors. Are the effects of these pathways on aging mediated, in part, by alterations in protein synthesis? This is an intriguing possibility in light of the latest discoveries. Whether attenuation of protein synthesis promotes longevity across different phyla is an additional important matter. Here, we survey work associating protein synthesis with aging and discuss the basis of life‐span extension under conditions that attenuate protein synthesis.
Role of TLR4 Polymorphisms in Inflammatory Responses
Authors: BALISTRERI CARMELA RITA , CANDORE GIUSEPPINA , LISTÌ FLORINDA , FAZIO TERESA , GANGI SIMONA , INCALCATERRA EGLE , CARUSO MARCO , VECCHI MAURIZIO LI , LIO DOMENICO , CARUSO CALOGERO
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  The total burden of infection at various sites may affect the progression of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease (AD), the risk being modulated by host genotype. The role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor TLR4 is paradigmatic. It initiates the innate immune response against gram‐negative bacteria, and TLR4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), such as +896A/G, known to attenuate receptor signaling, have been described. This SNP shows a significantly lower frequency in patients affected by myocardial infarction or AD. Thus, people genetically predisposed to developing lower inflammatory activity seem to have less chance of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or AD. In the present report, to validate this hypothesis, the levels of the eicosanoids, leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), known to be involved as mediators in age‐related diseases, were determined by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in supernatants from a whole blood assay, after stimulation with subliminal doses of LPS from Escherichia coli. The samples, genotyped for the +896A/G SNP, were challenged with LPS for 4, 24, and 48 h. Both LTB4 and PGE2 values were significantly lower in carriers bearing the TLR4 mutation. Therefore, the pathogen burden, by interacting with the host genotype, determines the type and intensity of the inflammatory responses accountable for proinflammatory status, CVD, AD, and unsuccessful aging (i.e., age‐related inflammatory diseases).
Nutraceutical Strategy in Aging
Authors: MAROTTA F. , KOIKE K. , LORENZETTI A. , NAITO Y. , FAYET F. , SHIMIZU H. , MARANDOLA P.
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  The aging process is paralleled by two‐ to fourfold increases in plasma/serum levels of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and acute‐phase proteins. In this study we assessed the inflammatory profile and polymorphism of healthy elderly subjects and the influence of a nutraceutical supplement. Forty elderly, generally healthy subjects were recruited, divided into two matched groups, and given either a fermented papaya preparation 9 g/day by mouth or the same amount of placebo. Treatments were carried out in a cross‐over manner with a 3‐month supplementation period followed by a 6‐week washout period between treatments. Ten healthy young subjects served as controls. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) promoter −174 G/C polymorphism genotype was determined together with blood levels for redox status, proinflammatory cytokines, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and serum 70 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70) concentrations. Tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐6 were higher in elderly subjects (P < 0.05 versus young controls). The concentration of Hsp70 inversely correlated with markers of inflammation in −174 G/C‐negative subjects (r= 0.62, P < 0.05). Nutraceutical intervention normalized the inflammatory parameters (P < 0.05) with a rise of Hsp70 (P < 0.05). This suggests that healthy elderly individuals may have a proinflammatory profile playing as a downregulating factor for inducible Hsp70, particularly if −174 G/C‐negative. A nutraceutical intervention seems able to beneficially modulate such a phenomenon.
Caspase‐3 and Bcl‐2 Expression in Aging in Adrenal Zona Reticularis After Dexamethasone Administration
Authors: ALMEIDA HENRIQUE , MATOS LILIANA , NEVES DELMINDA
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Adrenocortical cell death by apoptosis is a common finding when adrenocorticotropic hormone is suppressed. Despite the well‐known final structural features exhibited by those cells, data on the mechanisms preceding these final events are lacking. In this study, after 3 days of dexamethasone administration to rats of different ages, rat adrenals were processed for immunocytochemical study. In the zona reticularis, there was evidence of the activation of Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3 proteins. Beyond a small age‐related increase in labeled cells, the number of cells presenting colocalization for both proteins was noteworthy. The results confirm the involvement of Bcl‐2 and caspase‐3 proteins in the apoptotic pathway and suggest their simultaneous intervention.
Ghrelin Receptor (GHS‐R1A) Agonists Show Potential as Interventive Agents during Aging
Authors: SMITH ROY G. , SUN YUXIANG , JIANG HONG , ALBARRAN‐ZECKLER ROSIE , TIMCHENKO NIKOLAI
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  Administration of an orally active agonist (MK‐0677) of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS‐R1a) to elderly subjects restored the amplitude of endogenous episodic growth hormone (GH) release to that of young adults. Functional benefits include increased lean mass and bone density and modest improvements in strength. In old mice, a similar agonist partially restored function to the thymus and reduced tumor cell growth and metastasis. Treatment of old mice with the endogenous GHS‐R1a agonist ghrelin restored a young liver phenotype. The mechanism involves inhibition of cyclin D3:cdk4/cdk6 activity and increased protein phosphatase‐2A (PP2A) activity in liver nuclei, which stabilizes the dephosphorylated form of the transcription factor C/EBPα preventing the age‐dependent formation of the C/EBPα‐Rb‐E2F4‐Brm nuclear complex. By inhibiting formation of this complex, repression of E2F target genes is de‐repressed and C/EBPα regulated expression of Pepck, a regulator of gluconeogenesis, is normalized, thereby restoring a young liver phenotype. In the brain, aging is associated with decline in dopamine function. We investigated the potential neuromodulatory role of GHS‐R1a on dopamine action. Neurons were identified in the hippocampus, cortex, substantia nigra, and ventral tegmental areas that coexpressed GHS‐R1a and dopamine receptor subtype‐1 (D1R). Cell culture studies showed that, in the presence of ghrelin and dopamine, GHS‐R and D1R form heterodimers, which modified G‐protein signal transduction resulting in amplification of dopamine signaling. We speculate that aging is associated with deficient endogenous ghrelin signaling that can be rescued by intervention with GHS‐R1a agonists to improve quality of life and maintain independence.
Cyclin D1 Overexpression Permits the Reproducible Detection of Senescent Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: BURTON DOMINICK G. A. , SHEERIN ANGELA N. , OSTLER ELIZABETH L. , SMITH KAYE , GILES PETER J. , LOWE JILL , RHYS‐WILLIAMS WILLIAM , KIPLING DAVID G. , FARAGHER RICHARD G. A.
Published: December 2007

Abstract:  The senescence of mitotic cells is hypothesized to play a causal role in organismal aging. Cultures of normal human cells become senescent in vitro as a result of a continuous decline in the mitotic fraction from cell turnover. However, one potential barrier to the evaluation of the frequency and distribution of senescent cells
in tissues is the absence of a panel of robust markers for the senescent state. In parallel with an analysis of the growth kinetics of human vascular smooth muscle cells, we have undertaken transcriptomic comparisons of early‐ and late‐passage cultures of human vascular smooth muscle cells to identify potential markers that can distinguish between senescent and growth‐competent cells. A wide range of genes are upregulated at senescence in human vascular smooth muscle cells. In particular, we have identified a 12‐fold upregulation of expression in the cyclin D1 message, which is reflected in a concomitant upregulation at the protein level. Quantitative cytochemical analysis of senescent and growing vascular smooth muscle cells indicates that cyclin D1 reactivity is a considerably better marker of replicative senescence than senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity. We have applied this new marker (in combination with Ki67, COMET, and TUNEL staining) to the study of human vascular smooth muscle cells treated with resveratrol, a putative anti‐aging molecule known to have significant effects on cell growth.
Poly(lactic acid) Inverse Opal as Implantable Photonic Bandgap Materials
Authors: Fujishima Musashi , Sakata Syoei , Kikoku Masakazu , Ogawa Daiju , Uchida Kumao
Published: December 2007

Macroporous poly(lactic acid) with inverse opal structure (IoPLA) was fabricated by colloidal crystal templating. IoPLA shows an intense near-infrared (NIR) reflection, which comes from the optical diffraction upon the periodic macroporous structure composed of uniformly sized pores. It is demonstrated that in vivo implantation of IoPLA leads to destruction of the inverse opal structure, causing a notable decrease in the intensity of the NIR reflection peak. IoPLA with this degradation-dependent optical property might become an implantable photonic bandgap material that can report the state of degradation and co-occurring events in a nondestructive, real-time manner.
Predicting falls in older women
Authors: Morris Rob
Published: December 2007

Falls among older people are common and their occurrence is associated with detrimental effects on physical and psychosocial functioning. However, falls are not an inevitable consequence of ageing and there is growing evidence of effective interventions to prevent them. Accurate screening methods to identify high-risk populations are important if such strategies are to be cost-efficient. Epidemiological studies have identified a diverse group of risk factors for falls of different types in a variety of settings and patient groups. These have proved useful in delineating high-risk groups and have propagated a range of risk assessment tools for falls. Without an accepted taxonomy for the reporting of trials testing these instruments, direct comparison of results has been difficult. In frail older people, 'multi factorial assessment tools' have achieved some utility in the discrimination of fallers from non-fallers, whereas performance-based 'functional mobility assessments' appear to be more suited to predicting falls in groups of more active elders. The predictive value of these measures has been hampered by the complex and dynamic interaction between attendant risk factors and their variable influence in populations of different frailty profiles. Furthermore, current indices used in the prediction of falls are built upon statistical methodologies employing logistic regression, which fail to account for the breadth and depth of these associations in populations at risk of falling. Statistical representations more consistent with the complex modelling required in the design of falls risk assessment trials, such as tree classification techniques, may provide better results in future studies that aim to generate accurate predictors of falls.
Three-dimensional custom-designed cementless femoral stem for osteoarthritis secondary to congenital dislocation of the hip
Authors: Flecher X. , Parratte S. , Aubaniac J.-M. , Argenson J.-N.
Published: December 2007

A clinical and radiological study was conducted on 97 total hip replacements performed for congenital hip dislocation in 79 patients between 1989 and 1998 using a three-dimensional custom-made cementless stem. The mean age at operation was 48 years (17 to 72) and the mean follow-up was for 123 months (83 to 182).

According to the Crowe classification, there were 37 class I, 28 class II, 13 class III and 19 class IV hips. The mean leg lengthening was 25 mm (5 to 58), the mean pre-operative femoral anteversion was 38.6° (2° to 86°) and the mean correction in the prosthetic neck was −23.6° (−71° to 13°). The mean Harris hip score improved from 58 (15 to 84) to 93 (40 to 100) points. A revision was required in six hips (6.2%). The overall survival rate was 89.5% (95% confidence interval 89.2 to 89.8) at 13 years when two hips were at risk.

This custom-made cementless femoral component, which can be accommodated in the abnormal proximal femur and will correct the anteversion and frontal offset, provided good results without recourse to proximal femoral corrective osteotomy.
The effects of the sympathetic nerves on lumbar radicular pain
Authors: Mizuno S. , Takebayashi T. , Kirita T. , Tanimoto K. , Tohse N. , Yamashita T.
Published: December 2007

A rat model of lumbar root constriction with an additional sympathectomy in some animals was used to assess whether the sympathetic nerves influenced radicular pain. Behavioural tests were undertaken before and after the operation.

On the 28th post-operative day, both dorsal root ganglia and the spinal roots of L4 and L5 were removed, frozen and sectioned on a cryostat (8 μm to 10 μm). Immunostaining was then performed with antibodies to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) according to the Avidin Biotin Complex method. In order to quantify the presence of sympathetic nerve fibres, we counted TH-immunoreactive fibres in the dorsal root ganglia using a light microscope equipped with a micrometer graticule (10 x 10 squares, 500 mm x 500 mm). We counted the squares of the graticule which contained TH-immunoreactive fibres for each of five randomly-selected sections of the dorsal root ganglia.

The root constriction group showed mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. In this group, TH-immunoreactive fibres were abundant in the ipsilateral dorsal root ganglia at L5 and L4 compared with the opposite side. In the sympathectomy group, mechanical hypersensitivity was attenuated significantly.

We consider that the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in the generation of radicular pain.
The effect of metal ions in solution on bacterial growth compared with wear particles from hip replacements
Authors: Anwar H. A. , Aldam C. H. , Visuvanathan S. , Hart A. J.
Published: December 2007

The biological significance of cobalt-chromium wear particles from metal-on-metal hip replacements may be different to the effects of the constituent metal ions in solution. Bacteria may be able to discriminate between particulate and ionic forms of these metals because of a transmembrane nickel/cobalt-permease. It is not known whether wear particles are bacteriocidal.

We compared the doubling time of coagulase negative staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant S. aureus when cultured in either wear particles from a metal-on-metal hip simulator, wear particles from a metal-on-polyethylene hip simulator, metal ions in solution or a control.

Doubling time halved in metal-on-metal (p = 0.003) and metal-on-polyethylene (p = 0.131) particulate debris compared with the control.

Bacterial nickel/cobalt-transporters allow metal ions but not wear particles to cross bacterial membranes. This may be useful for testing the biological characteristics of different wear debris. This experiment also shows that metal-on-metal hip wear debris is not bacteriocidal.
Buspirone for Autistic Disorder in a Woman with an Intellectual Disability
Authors: Brahm Nancy C , Fast Gary A , Brown Robert C
Published: December 2007

Objective:

To describe a case of an intellectually disabled patient who was diagnosed with autistic disorder (AD) and responded positively to buspirone, demonstrated by a reduction in target behaviors of self-injury, property destruction, and physical aggression.

Case Summary:

A 33-year-old, white, nonverbal, profoundly intellectually impaired woman (IQ <20–25), residing in a state-run facility, exhibited worsening aggressive behaviors associated with AD. These behaviors were characterized by a history of self-injurious behavior (eg, slapping and scratching herself); property destruction, including breaking windows: and head butting of staff and peers. Additional diagnoses included a seizure disorder, hyperprolactinemia, and osteoporosis. At the time of admission, her drug regimen included 3 atypical antipsychotic agents: risperidone, clozapine, and aripiprazole. Antipsychotic agents have been reported to lower the seizure threshold, and elevated prolactin levels have been associated with risperidone use. Aripiprazole and clozapine were discontinued on admission, and risperidone was discontinued one month later following increased behavioral deterioration. Buspirone was considered an appropriate replacement medication, as it has not been associated with elevated prolactin levels or a lowered seizure threshold, and was initiated at 15 mg/day. Significant reductions in aggression were noted following titration to a total dairy dose of 90 mg.

Discussion:

Buspirone is approved for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Dopaminergic agonist/antagonist actions have been reported with use of higher doses. These receptor effects have been beneficial for aggressive behaviors in the AD population that were exhibited by our patient, but effectiveness for aggression in the intellectually disabled population is uncertain. In our patient, problematic behaviors associated with AD responded positively to buspirone.

Conclusions:

The reduction in target aggressive behaviors achieved with buspirone therapy allowed other treatment interventions to proceed more effectively in our patient. Clinicians may wish to consider use of buspirone in patients with AD who do not respond to or have risk factors (or use of other therapy.
The social character of parental and adolescent television viewing: An event history analysis
Authors: Westerik Henk , Renckstorf Karsten , Lammers Jan , Wester Fred
Published: December 2007

The amount of time that people spend on watching television is a matter of social concern. In the past, several approaches have been developed explaining why people expose themselves to television, most notably the Uses and Gratifications approach. Building on an action theoretical framework, it is argued that the influence of routinization and situational context of television viewing (including the role played by others) should receive more attention. This approach is then applied to media use in households, with an emphasis on how adolescents and parents influence each other's television viewing. Event history on data from 55 Dutch households (including 86 adolescents and their parents) show that the influence of parents and their adolescent children is reciprocal, that is, not only do parents influence their children, but children also influence their parents. This influence does, however, not increase during the teenage years, nor does parental influence diminish during those years.
Biographical functions of cinema and film preferences among older German adults: A representative quantitative survey
Authors: Hoffmann Dagmar , Schwender Clemens
Published: December 2007

Previous research into film preferences and functions has looked above all at teenagers and younger to middle-aged adults. There is a lack of information in this area with respect to the behavior and preferences of older adults. In this study, for the first time, the fifty-and-older cohort was questioned in a representative sample about their film preferences. The analysis shows that the film preferences of the majority of those questioned were formed before the age of thirty. These early preferences remain relatively stable. Older people generally prefer films set in a time period or dealing with historic events that they themselves experienced and with which they therefore have a certain expertise. With increasing age, older men prefer film genres that otherwise tend to be preferred by female viewers. Women, as they are older, tend to increasingly prefer female film content.
Fractionation and characterization of xylan rich extracts from birch
Authors: Westbye Peter , Köhnke Tobias , Gatenholm Paul
Published: December 2007

There is a need for efficient separation processes that provide clean fractions of individual wood polymers. The purpose of this study was to remove lignin from a xylan rich fraction from birch by solid-liquid extraction followed by a liquid-liquid extraction. By this means, it was possible to diminish the lignin concentration (12%) of mildly extracted xylans from birch to a total lignin concentration of 3%, as determined as a sum of Klason lignin and acid soluble lignin. The molecular masses of the fraction were determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The two xylan rich fractions obtained by the removal of lignin have molecular masses (M
W) of 15 300 and 27 900 Da in comparison to 11 900 Da for the lignin rich starting material. NMR and IR analysis revealed that the lignin removed is mostly unbound to the polysaccharides. The lignin was water soluble in the presence of xylan (as part of the xylan rich fraction), but not in isolated form in water alone. The remaining lignin in the xylan fractions has obviously a closer interaction with the xylan, and thereby its separation by liquid-liquid extraction is more difficult. It is also observed with NMR that the extractable lignin is built up mainly of syringyl units, chiefly bonded by β-O-4 linkages.
Polyoxometalate (POM) oxidation of lignin model compounds
Authors: Kim Yong Sik , Chang Hou-min , Kadla John F.
Published: December 2007

Various lignin model compounds were oxidized with polyoxometalate (POM), K5[SiVW11O40]·12 H2O, in sodium acetate buffer (I=0.2 M, pH 5.0) and the reaction kinetics were investigated. The reactions were found to have second order reaction rates, first order with regards to both lignin model compound and POM. A dramatic increase in reactivity was observed upon addition of methoxyl groups in ortho-positions to the phenolic hydroxyl group. Syringyl units reacted faster than guaiacyl units. Reaction rates of para-substituted guaiacyl and syringyl model compounds showed a strong dependency on the nature of the substituents. The reaction rate of a 5-5′ dimer lignin model compound was extremely fast. The addition of the ortho-phenol substituent not only increased the electron density of the aromatic ring, but also helped stabilize the intermediate phenoxy radical through resonance stabilization and delocalization.