bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb 761) on the Healing of Left Colonic Anastomoses in Rat
Authors: Kisli Erol , Özdemir Hülya , Kösem Mustafa , Sürer Hatice , Ciftçi Ali , Kanter Mehmet
Published: June 2007

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on healing of experimental colonic anastomoses in a rat model.

Methods

Rats were divided into four groups: postoperative day (POD) 3 untreated control group, POD 3 EGb 761 group, POD 7 untreated control group, and POD 7 EGb 761 group. In the oral EGb 761 groups, the agent was given at 9.6 mg daily per orogastric route using a 4‐F fine feeding catheter. We measured bursting pressures and hydroxyproline content and histologically examined the resected anastomoses on POD 3 and POD 7.

Results

The bursting pressures increased more in the EGb 761 group than in the untreated control group on POD 3, but this difference was not statistically significant. Hydroxyproline content was higher in the EGb 761 group than in the untreated control group on POD 3, and this difference was statistically significant. Anastomosis bursting pressure values and hydroxyproline contents were significantly higher in the EGb 761 group than in the untreated control group on POD 7. Histological examination showed greater fibroblastic activity in the EGb 761 group than in the untreated control group on POD 3. There was no significant difference in anastomotic polimorphonuclear leukocyte, mononuclear cells and blood vessel neodevelopment between the POD 3 groups, but there was significant difference in fibroblastic activity and blood vessel neodevelopment between the POD 7 groups.

Conclusions

These results showed us that EGb 761 administration resulted in enhanced stability of colonic anastomoses during the first postoperative week.
Asymmetry in reproductive isolation and its effect on directional mitochondrial introgression in the parapatric ground beetles Carabus yamato and C. albrechti
Authors: Takami Yasuoki , Nagata Nobuaki , Sasabe Masataka , Sota Teiji
Published: June 2007

Speciation studies seek to clarify the origin of reproductive isolation, the various mechanisms working from mate recognition through postzygotic stages. Asymmetric effects of isolating barriers can result in asymmetrical gene introgression during interspecific hybridization. The flightless ground beetles Carabus yamato and C. albrechti are distributed parapatrically in Japan, showing repeated asymmetrical introgression of mitochondria from C. albrechti to C. yamato. This pattern suggests that reproductive isolation between these species is strong, but incomplete and asymmetric (i.e., weaker for the cross between a C. albrechti female and a C. yamato male). To test this hypothesis, we conducted interspecific mating experiments in the laboratory. The estimates of total reproductive isolation, which occurred mainly at the premating and postmating/prezygotic stages, were high (isolation index = 0.964 for C. yamato female × C. albrechti male and 0.886 for the reciprocal cross), supporting the hypothesis of strong, but incomplete isolation. However, the observed difference between the reciprocal crosses was not sufficiently large to conclude that it caused directional introgression of mitochondria. Instead, we found asymmetry in individual isolating barriers in the postmating/prezygotic stages that coincided with the prediction, perhaps resulting from morphological mismatch of heterospecific genitalia. Although this asymmetry was compensated for by an inverse asymmetry of isolation in the postzygotic stage, the contribution of these individual barriers to total isolation may change for our expectation when considering females mating with multiple heterospecific males.
A Psychosocial Resource Impairment Model Explaining Partner Violence and Distress: Moderating Role of Income
Authors: Williams Stacey L. , Mickelson Kristin D.
Published: June 2007

This study examines the role of income in a psychosocial resource impairment model that explains partner violence and distress. Using data from a nationally representative sample, we test whether psychosocial resources of social support and self‐esteem operate differently in four income groups (poor, “working”‐poor, middle and upper‐income). Structural equation modeling shows that among women considered working‐poor, low self‐esteem is relevant for the process through which violence becomes linked to distress. Women of upper‐income appear distinct with negative interactions serving as sole mediator of violence and distress. Other findings indicate impaired support may mediate the violence and distress relation for women, regardless of income. Overall, income partially moderates the impact of partner violence on distress, suggesting social contexts should be considered when examining the effects of violence.
Measuring Neighborhood: A Conundrum for Human Services Researchers and Practitioners
Authors: Nicotera Nicole
Published: June 2007

This article contributes to the knowledge base of neighborhood intervention and research by reviewing the myriad ways the constructneighborhoodis operationalized. The interdisciplinary review presents a critical examination of each measurement genre from quantitative to qualitative. The discussion of neighborhood measures includes (a) census and other administrative data, (b) windshield surveys, (c) rating scales, (d) structured/unstructured interviews (including ethnographies), (e) residents' written descriptions, (f) photographs, (g) drawings, and (h) mixed method constructions. When pertinent, the role of children's voices in these measures is discussed. In addition, the conceptual nature ofneighborhoodis examined from the perspective of environment and place. This environment–place duality is presented as a framework for choosing the type of measure one plans to use for research or practice. Conclusions suggest that research and practice are enhanced by building bridges between measures representing environment and measures representing place. Such bridges offer opportunities to develop interventions that are viable for creating lasting change.
A Polychoric Instrumental Variable (PIV) Estimator for Structural Equation Models with Categorical Variables
Authors: Bollen Kenneth A. , Maydeu-Olivares Albert
Published: June 2007

This paper presents a new polychoric instrumental variable (PIV) estimator to use in structural equation models (SEMs) with categorical observed variables. The PIV estimator is a generalization of Bollen’s (Psychometrika 61:109–121, 1996) 2SLS/IV estimator for continuous variables to categorical endogenous variables. We derive the PIV estimator and its asymptotic standard errors for the regression coefficients in the latent variable and measurement models. We also provide an estimator of the variance and covariance parameters of the model, asymptotic standard errors for these, and test statistics of overall model fit. We examine this estimator via an empirical study and also via a small simulation study. Our results illustrate the greater robustness of the PIV estimator to structural misspecifications than the system-wide estimators that are commonly applied in SEMs.
The Coronal Plane High Tibial Osteotomy. Part 1: A Clinical and Radiographic Analysis of Intermediate Term Outcomes
Authors: Baumgarten Keith M. , Fealy Stephen , Lyman Stephen , Wickiewicz Thomas L.
Published: June 2007

The coronal plane high tibial osteotomy is a novel technique that is used to treat tibiofemoral malalignment. The authors hypothesize that the coronal plane high tibial osteotomy is (1) efficacious in treating both varus and valgus tibiofemoral malalignment; (2) does not alter the slope of the proximal tibia; and (3) does not alter the relationship between the patella and tibial tubercle. A retrospective review of 25 patients with tibiofemoral malalignment (19 varus/6 valgus) treated with a coronal plane osteotomy with a minimum of 2-year follow-up was performed. A Kaplan–Meyer survival curve was performed using knee arthroplasty and a Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score <70 as failure criteria. The Insall–Salvati ratio and the proximal tibial slope were measured. A p value of 0.05 was considered significant. At 60-month follow-up, knees with initial varus malalignment had an 84% survival rate using both knee arthroplasty and the HSS score as endpoints. Knees with initial valgus malalignment had an 84 and 60% survival rate using knee arthroplasty and the HSS score as endpoints, respectively. There was no statistically significant change in the Insall–Salvati ratio and proximal tibial slope after coronal plane osteotomy. The coronal plane osteotomy is efficacious in treating varus and valgus tibiofemoral malalignment and does not alter the patellar–tibial tubercle relationship or the posterior tibial slope [case series (level of evidence: IV)].
Taste and resistance: Lu Xun’s scholarly style and its reception
Authors: Pingyuan CHEN
Published: June 2007

Lu Xun’s achievements as a philosopher and writer were confirmed in the twentieth century in China, but little attention has been paid to Lu Xun as a scholar. Admittedly, the revolutionary nature of his A Brief History of Chinese Fiction (Zhongguo xiaoshuo shilüe) has been universally acknowledged in scholarly circles and the book has been quoted in many works. However, Lu Xun’s scholarly ideals, his methods, and the distinctive scholarly style that he employed have not received enough attention. Lu Xun’s choice of a particular scholarly style, as a philosopher, a writer, and a scholar, is closely interrelated with the development of the scholarship in China. This article is therefore limited to Lu Xun and attempts to expose one side of Chinese scholarship that has been overlooked while analyzing the origins and development of Lu Xun’s scholarly style (述学文体 shuxue wenti).
In‐line measurement of tempered cocoa butter and chocolate by means of near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Bolliger Stefan , Zeng Yuantong , Windhab Erich J.
Published: June 2007

In the present work cocoa butter and chocolate were precrystallized by means of a newly developed shear crystallizer. The shear crystallizer was integrated into a circular loop. The handling of precrystallized cocoa butter showed a high dependency on the timing of applied analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry, calorimetry, rheometry, and in‐line near‐infrared (NIR) were all directly influenced by the fat crystal structure. Nevertheless, for cocoa butter it was shown that mechanical energy input (rpm) had a significant influence on viscosity, melting enthalpy, and slope at the second point of inflection of a temper curve. Experiments with cocoa butter at constant exit temperature showed a linear increase of viscosity between 0.1 and 0.8 Pa·s in the range of 300 to 1300 rpm. Melting enthalpy increased in the same rpm interval from 0.02 to 2.5 J/g. Solidification time (from 4.5 to 0.5 min) and slope (from 0.82 to 0.15, second point of inflection of temper curve) consequently decreased (both with exponential approximation). For cocoa butter, slope and solidification time correlated linearly whereas solidification time and viscosity followed a power law fit. This proved that defined relationships exist between rheological data and data from temper curve measurements. Viscosity was linearly dependent on crystal content. By means of NIR spectroscopy good correlation models for cocoa butter viscosity, enthalpy (crystal content), and slope values were found. For precrystallized chocolate, analytical values such as viscosity and slope values were detected off‐line and used for calibration of NIR spectroscopy.
Phase behavior and extended phase scheme of static cocoa butter investigated with real‐time X‐ray powder diffraction
Authors: van Malssen Kees , van Langevelde Arjen , Peschar René , Schenk Henk
Published: June 2007

A complete isothermal phase‐transition scheme of cocoa butter under static conditions is presented, based on time‐resolved X‐ray powder diffraction experiments. In contrast to what is known from literature, not only β V, but also β VI can be obtained directly through transformation from β′. Another remarkable result is that β′ exists as a phase range rather than as two separate phases. Within this β′ phase range no isothermal phase transitions have been observed. More detailed information concerning the observed cocoa butter polymorphs was obtained by determination of melting ranges, using time‐resolved X‐ray powder diffraction. Also standard X‐ray powder diffraction patterns of the γ, the α, and the two β phases and parts of the β′ phase range have been recorded. The observed phase behavior of cocoa butter has been explained based on the concept of individual crystallite phase behavior of cocoa butter
The effects of shear and temperature history on the crystallization of chocolate
Authors: Stapley Andrew G. F. , Tewkesbury Heather , Fryer Peter J.
Published: June 2007

Experiments have been carried out on the tempering of chocolate using a temperature‐controlled shearing rig with a concentric cylinder geometry. This design maximizes uniformity of shear rate during tempering in contrast to most tempering devices where shear is often concentrated in a small part of the chocolate mass. Samples were subsequently cooled in a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) to monitor how the sample crystallized, and then reheated to gain further information on the melting points of the polymorphs formed. The results can be interpreted using established theories on the crystallization mechanism. It was found that at least two polymorphic forms could be generated. The higher melting form predominated provided the shear rate was high enough, the temper time long enough, the rewarm temperature low enough, and the DSC scan rate slow enough. For parameters affecting the nucleation stage (temper time and shear rate), it was found that the transition was a sharp one, reflecting the notion that seed crystals need to grow past a threshold point in order to be stably formed. Raising the rewarm temperature had the effect of destroying seed nuclei, but this was a more gradual process. The bimodal nature observed of the melting points compared to the more spread‐out behavior of crystallization temperatures reflects the kinetic constraints found in crystallization which are not found on melting.
Conversion of oleic acid to 10‐ketostearic acid by Sphingobacterium sp. strain O22
Authors: Kuo T. M. , Lanser A. C. , Kaneshiro T. , Hou C. T.
Published: June 2007

The conversion of oleic acid by a bacterium, tentatively identified as Sphingobacterium thalpophilum strain O22, was investigated. The microorganism was isolated as a stable culture from compost that was enriched with soybean oil outdoors and subsequently with oleic acid in the laboratory. Strain O22 converted oleic acid to products identified as 10‐ketostearic acid (95% of the total conversion product) and 10‐hydroxystearic acid (5%). This is in contrast to S. thalpophilum strain B‐14797, which produces solely 10‐hydroxystearic acid. Maximal conversion was reached in about 36 h after the addition of oleic acid to the fermentation broth. The yield of 10‐ketostearic acid was approximately 75% from 0.26 g of oleic acid in 30 mL fermentation broth at 28°C and 200 rpm for 48 h. This is the first report on the major production of 10‐ketostearic acid by a microorganism in the genus Sphingobacterium.
Enzymatic synthesis of steryl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Shimada Yuji , Hirota Yoshinori , Baba Takashi , Sugihara Akio , Moriyama Shigeru , Tominaga Yoshio , Terai Tadamasa
Published: June 2007

Steryl esters of long‐chain fatty acids have water‐holding properties, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have various physiological functions. Because steryl ester of PUFA can be expected to have both features, we attempted to synthesize steryl esters of PUFA by enzymatic methods. Among lipases used, Pseudomonas lipase was the most effective for the synthesis of cholesteryl docosahexaenoate. When a mixture of cholesterol/docosahexaenoic acid (3:1, mol/mol), 30% water, and 3000 units/g of lipase was stirred at 40°C for 24 h, the esterification extent attained 89.5%. Under the same reaction conditions, cholesterol, cholestanol, and sitosterol were also esterified efficiently with docosahexaenoic, eicosapentaenoic, arachidonic, and γ‐linolenic acids.
Deacidifying rice bran oil by solvent extraction and membrane technology
Authors: Kale V. , Katikaneni S. P. R. , Cheryan M.
Published: June 2007

Crude rice bran oil containing 16.5% free fatty acids (FFA) was deacidified by extracting with methanol. At the optimal ratio of 1.8:1 methanol/oil by weight, the concentration of FFA in the crude rice bran oil was reduced to 3.7%. A second extraction at 1:1 ratio reduced FFA in the oil to 0.33%. The FFA in the methanol extract was recovered by nanofiltration using commercial membranes. The DS‐5 membrane from Osmonics/Desal and the BW‐30 membrane from Dow/Film Tec gave average FFA rejection of 93–96% and an average flux of 41 L/m2·h (LMH) to concentrate the FFA from 4.69% to 20%. The permeate, containing 0.4–0.7% FFA, can be nanofiltered again to recover more FFA with flux of 67–75 LMH. Design estimates indicate a two‐stage membrane system can recover 97.8% of the FFA and can result in a final retentate stream with 20% FFA or more and a permeate stream with negligible FFA (0.13%) that can be recycled for FFA extraction. The capital cost of the membrane plant would be about $48/kg oil processed/h and annual operating cost would be about $15/ton FFA recovered. The process has several advantages in that it does not require alkali for neutralization, no soapstock nor wastewater is produced, and effluent discharges are minimized.
Antioxidant activities of α‐ and γ‐tocopherols in the oxidation of rapeseed oil triacylglycerols
Authors: Lampi Anna‐Maija , Kataja Leena , Kamal‐Eldin Afaf , Vieno Piironen
Published: June 2007

Antioxidant properties of 5 to 500 µg/g levels of α‐and γ‐tocopherols, in the oxidation of rapeseed oil triacylglycerols (RO TAG), were studied at 40°C in the dark. Each tocopherol alone and in a mixture was studied for its stability in oxidizing RO TAG. Also the effects of tocopherols on the formation of primary and secondary oxidation products of RO TAG were investigated. Both tocopherols significantly retarded the oxidation of RO TAG. At low levels (≤50 µg/g), α‐tocopherol was more stable and was a more effective antioxidant than γ‐tocopherol. At higher α‐tocopherol levels (>100 µg/g), there was a relative increase in hydroperoxide formation parallel to consumption of α‐tocopherol, which was not found with γ‐tocopherol. Therefore, γ‐tocopherol was a more effective antioxidant than α‐tocopherol at levels above 100 µg/g. As long as there were tocopherols present, the hydroperoxides were quite stable and no volatile aldehydes were formed. In a mixture, α‐tocopherol protected γ‐tocopherol from being oxidized at the addition levels of 5+5 and 10+10 µg/g but no synergism between the tocopherols was found. α‐Tocopherol was less stable in the 500+500 µg/g mixture than when added alone to the RO TAG. No prooxidant activity of either tocopherol or their mixture was found.
Decolorization of meadowfoam estolides using sodium borohydride
Authors: Frykman Hans B. , Isbell Terry A.
Published: June 2007

Estolides are condensed oligomers of fatty acids made by introducing an ester linkage at sites of unsaturation. Estolides made from meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) oil fatty acids have positive effects in personal care formulations and a patent has been applied for. However, estolides prepared by acid catalysis had a color of 12 (Gardner scale) and industrial cooperators desired lower color to increase marketability of meadowfoam estolides. Hydrogen peroxide and hydrogenation did not lower the color of estolide but 1% w/w sodium borohydride at 80°C for 12 h reduced color to 7 on the Gardner scale which was acceptable to the industrial partners for further development. Sodium borohydride decolorization gives a product with good color at a reasonable cost. The sodium borohydride does not have to be used in concentrations higher than 1% w/w and the product loss, which can be several percent with a clay‐based process, is negligible using sodium borohydride.
A comparative analysis of proxies for an optimal leverage ratio
Authors: D'Mello Ranjan , Farhat Joseph
Published: June 2007

Previous studies that test the tradeoff theory commonly use one of the following debt ratio measures to proxy for a firm's hypothesized optimal ratio: firm's time‐series mean leverage, moving average leverage based on a firm's historical debt ratios, industry median leverage, and predicted leverage ratio based on cross‐sectional regressions. We find that these alternative proxies yield results that are significantly different from each other. Further, regression results of models that use the optimum target leverage and the conclusions drawn from the findings are sensitive to the model's proxy. Of the proxies that are commonly used in the literature, the moving average debt measure exhibits characteristics that are most consistent with the theoretical optimal leverage ratio.
Non-restrictive relatives are not orphans
Authors: ARNOLD DOUG
Published: June 2007

According to a ‘radical orphanage’ approach, non-restrictive relative clauses are not part of the syntactic representation of the sentence that contains them. It is an appealing view, and seems to capture some important properties of non-restrictive relative clauses. Focusing mainly on empirical shortcomings, this paper aims to show that the appeal of such approaches is illusory. It also outlines an empirically superior ‘syntactically integrated’ account.
‘Or’-parentheticals, ‘that is’-parentheticals and the pragmatics of reformulation
Authors: BLAKEMORE DIANE
Published: June 2007

The classification of that is, or (in other words), and or rather as reformulation markers would seem to suggest that the utterances they introduce achieve relevance in the same way. However, the examination of a range of discrepancies between reformulations introduced by or, on the one hand, and reformulations introduced by that is, on the other, suggests that any account of the pragmatics of reformulation must be a non-unitary one. In this paper, I build on Burton-Roberts' (1993) suggestion that the reformulations introduced by or are meta-linguistic in character, and show how these can be distinguished from the reformulations introduced by that is, which must be analysed at the level of conceptual representation. I also show how this distinction corresponds to a distinction between the different ways in which a parenthetical construction may be pragmatically integrated with its host. As Potts (2005) would predict, parenthetical that is-reformulations are not themselves part of the truth-conditional content of their hosts. However, in contrast with or-reformulations, they communicate information about the propositional content of their hosts, and in this way can contribute to the identification of their truth-conditional content at the level of pragmatic interpretation.
Constraining Welsh vowel mutation
Authors: HANNAHS S. J.
Published: June 2007

Welsh vowel mutation is a purely positional vowel alternation, the effects of which serve to obscure phonemic contrasts between three vowels in the system, namely barred-i, schwa and [u]. The theoretical interest in this alternation stems from the surface orientation of current phonological theory: is such a non-surface-true state of affairs amenable to plausible modelling in an optimality-theoretic framework, or are the relevant relationships best accounted for through lexical listing? In this paper I argue that a straightforward optimality-theoretic account is available and that this account is simpler than any of its predecessors. The analysis differs from previous derivational analyses (e.g. Thomas 1979, 1984; Williams 1983; Bosch 1996) in various ways, including the underlying values of some of the vowels involved, the avoidance of ad hoc extrinsic rule ordering, and the lack of reliance on intermediate representations. Furthermore, reference to phonological position alone is sufficient, with no need to refer either to stress or to morphological complexity. The correct results emerge primarily through the interaction of a high-ranking structural constraint prohibiting schwa in a final syllable, an input–output faithfulness constraint on vowel features, and a constraint prohibiting a high central rounded vowel, [u with bar through].
Molecular and biological characterization ofToxoplasma gondiiisolates from free-range chickens from Guyana, South America, identified several unique and common parasite genotypes
Authors: DUBEY J. P. , APPLEWHAITE L. , SUNDAR N. , VELMURUGAN G. V. , BANDINI L. A. , KWOK O. C. H. , HILL R. , SU C.
Published: June 2007

The prevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiin free-ranging chickens (Gallus domesticus) is a good indicator of the prevalence ofT. gondiioocysts in the soil because chickens feed from the ground. The prevalence ofT. gondiiin 76 free-range chickens from Guyana, South America was determined. Antibodies toT. gondiiwere assayed by the modified agglutination test (MAT), and found in 50 (65·8%) of 76 chickens with titres of 1:5 in four, 1:10 in one, 1:20 in five, 1:40 in seven, 1:80 in six, 1:160 in eight, 1:320 in four, 1:640 or higher in 15. Hearts and brains of 26 chickens with titres of <1:5 were pooled in 5 batches and bioassayed in mice. Hearts and brains of 50 chickens with titres of 1:5 or higher were bioassayed in mice.Toxoplasma gondiiwas isolated by bioassay in mice from 35 chickens with MAT titres of 1:20 or higher. All mice inoculated with tissues of 30 infected chickens remained asymptomatic.Toxoplasma gondiiisolates from 35 chickens were genotyped using 11 PCR-RFLP markers including SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, a new SAG2, and Apico. A total of 9 genotypes were identified, with 5 genotypes (nos 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7) unique to Guyana, 2 genotypes (nos 2 and 3) previously identified in chickens from Brazil, 1 genotype (no. 8) previously identified in chickens from Brazil, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and 1 genotype (no. 9) belonging to the clonal type III lineage that exists globally. Infection with 2 genotypes was found from 1 chicken. This is the first report of genetic characterization ofT. gondiiisolates from any host from Guyana.
Hopes, fears and expectations about the future: what do older people's stories tell us about active ageing?
Authors: CLARKE AMANDA , WARREN LORNA
Published: June 2007

‘Active ageing’ is a key concept in current policy and research on ageing and yet is under-analysed or interpreted largely within an economic framework. This paper explores active ageing in the broader context of older people's lives. Drawing on a series of biographical interviews with 23 people aged 60–96 years, the discussion focuses on the theme of future hopes and concerns. Exhortations for ‘active ageing’ may be challenged by a lifelong unwillingness to look forward or plan ahead. Nevertheless, the findings show that fears for a future of limited resources, decline and dependency can exist alongside not only the desire to live longer but also the positive anticipation of forthcoming events and strong inter-generational relations. ‘Living for now’ and ‘taking a day at a time’ – and by extension the accomplishment of everyday activities rather than the activity-driven goals of earlier years – are common strategies for dealing with the unpredictability of later life. In this respect, even stopping paid work and entering residential care may be actively chosen and empowering even though they are steps towards disengagement and dependency. Similarly, planning for death, such as writing (living) wills and making funeral arrangements, may be positive and proactive responses to beliefs and concerns about dying. ‘Active ageing’ therefore needs to offer choices for life to be lived at all stages whilst recognising that much of the focus for older people is on ordinary needs, deeds and relationships.
United States' international retirement migration: the reasons for retiring to the environs of Lake Chapala, Mexico
Authors: SUNIL T. S. , ROJAS VIVIANA , BRADLEY DON E.
Published: June 2007

Most studies of retirement migration in the United States focus at the national level, and there is comparatively little information about the retirees who cross international borders in their search for new homes. Retirement migrants are unusual in that many select destinations in less-developed countries, contrary to the general pattern of migration from poor to rich countries in search of jobs, higher incomes and a better standard of life. This study has examined the reasons for retirement migration from the United States (US) to the Lake Chapala area of the Mexican state of Jalisco. A non-random sample of 211 US retirees was surveyed using a self-completion, semi-structured questionnaire that included items about the decision to move to Mexico, the quality of life at the destination, cultural adaptation, and aspects of personal identity, financial security and health-care. Four major reasons for migrating to Mexico were identified: financial circumstances, the natural environment, a sense of community and friendship, and a better quality of life. While the migrations contradict much taken-for-granted and popular knowledge about migration patterns around the world, they have important implications for the ways of life, social relationships and welfare of the most recent cohort of older people. More in-depth multidisciplinary studies are needed to increase understanding of this evolving phenomenon.
How equitable is Sweden's changing care-mix? Linking individual and regional characteristics over time
Authors: DAVEY ADAM , SAVLA JYOTI , SUNDSTRÖM GERDT , ZARIT STEVEN H. , MALMBERG BO
Published: June 2007

Given its relative ethnic and socio-economic homogeneity, Sweden is an ideal nation for the study of variations in formal and informal care as a function of gender, disability and advanced age. This paper reports an analysis of the relationships between gender, disability and age and the formal care delivered to more than 1,200 people aged 75 or more years in Sweden in 1994 and 2000. In municipalities that provided above-average home-help hours per recipient, and that had high institutional placement rates, women were relatively less likely to have been receiving informal assistance alone, those with greater disability were more likely to have been receiving all forms of assistance, the oldest-old were less likely to have been receiving either informal or formal help alone, and rates of formal assistance and of no informal care were relatively low. In municipalities with high rates of institutional placement, the oldest-old were relatively more likely to have been receiving both formal and informal assistance. Sweden's system of old-age care appears broadly equitable although the quality of care could not be fully assessed. Although home and community-based service provision (HCBS) has recently decreased, variations in the volume and mix of delivered formal services reflect differences in need.
Housing and care for older people: life in an English purpose-built retirement village
Authors: BERNARD MIRIAM , BARTLAM BERNADETTE , SIM JULIUS , BIGGS SIMON
Published: June 2007

Retirement communities are a relatively new long-term accommodation and care option in the United Kingdom. Policy makers and providers endorse the proposition that they are suited for the accommodation of both ‘fit’ and ‘frail’ older people, although comparatively little is known about what it is actually like to live in such communities, about whether they cater adequately for older people with a wide spectrum of needs and abilities, or if they provide acceptable solutions to older people's housing or care needs. This paper addresses these questions by reporting the findings of an independently funded three-year study of a new retirement village, Berryhill, in the north Midlands of England. The paper examines the background to this and similar developments, details how the study was carried out, and then examines what it was like to live at Berryhill. It focuses on the housing and care aspects, and explores the residents' motivations for moving to the village; their views about the accommodation; and their use of and satisfaction with the social and leisure amenities. The health and care needs of residents and the formal and informal supports are also featured. The conclusion discusses whether the village can truly be a ‘home for life’ in the face of increasing frailty, and whether or not these new models of accommodation and care can indeed cater for both ‘fit’ and ‘frail’ older people.
Understanding financial elder abuse in families: the potential of routine activities theory
Authors: SETTERLUND DEBORAH , TILSE CHERYL , WILSON JILL , MCCAWLEY ANNE-LOUISE , ROSENMAN LINDA
Published: June 2007

The aim of this paper is to stimulate theoretical thought about financial elder abuse within families, by exploring the potential of ‘routine activities theory’ for raising our understanding of, and response to, its occurrences. Research into financial elder abuse, defined as the illegal or improper use of a person's finances or property by another person, has tended to emphasise the abusive event and the associated risk factors. ‘Routine activities theory’, in contrast, directs attention more to developing prevention strategies that focus on everyday activities and hence seek to reduce the opportunities for illegal activity. The authors' research programme on the broad topic of money management and older people in Australia has conceptualised financial elder abuse as one possible outcome of the family management of older people's assets. This paper reports an application of routine activities theory to in-depth data of the asset-management practices and experiences of 81 family members who were assisting 86 older people. The paper concludes that the theory contributes to our understanding of how and why financial abuse occurs in families. It makes clear the distorting influence of a sense of entitlement and the preventive importance of both capable guardians, to oversee family-asset management and be alert to mismanagement, and the need for improved financial awareness, skills and probity in the community in connection with this common task of assisting older people to manage their financial assets.
Forbidden transitions in excitation by proton impact in Li-like Al ions
Authors: Stancalie V. , Pais V. , Totolici M. , Mihailescu A.
Published: June 2007

This paper presents cross-sections and collision strengths for proton-impact excitation of optically forbidden transitions in Al10+. These data, calculated in the impact-parameter formalism, covering the expected range of energies/temperature in laser-produced plasmas, are believed to represent the first such detailed treatment of this system. The cross-sections decrease with energy as E−1, while the collision strengths tend to finite limits as the energy of colliding proton becomes infinitely great. This high-energy limiting value has been evaluated combining results from the semi-classical treatment of ion-impact excitation processes and the Born approximation for high-energy behavior of the collision strength. The effective target size has been estimated from the calculated high-energy limit of the collision strength in the Born approximation.
A systematic review of population and community dietary interventions to prevent cancer
Authors: Thorogood Margaret , Simera Iveta , Dowler Elizabeth , Summerbell Carolyn , Brunner Eric
Published: June 2007

Diet is an important factor in the causation of cancer. Previous systematic reviews of one-to-one interventions to encourage dietary change have found that such interventions can achieve modest improvements in diet. However, such interventions are resource intensive and unlikely to be good value for money at a population level. Interventions that address groups, communities or whole populations may be less resource intensive and effect change in a wider population. We report a systematic review of such interventions. We set wide inclusion criteria, including before-and-after studies and studies with a non-randomized comparison group as well as randomized trials. We found eighteen studies based in the community, seventeen based on worksites, five based in churches and one based in a supermarket. Interventions which targeted fruit and vegetable intake were most likely to be successful, particularly in worksites and churches. There was also evidence of small positive effects on reducing fat intake in worksites and churches. Overall the community-based interventions showed little effect. The studies included in the present review were generally poorly reported. Dietary changes are reported in the relatively short-term studies reviewed here but may not be sustained in the long term. The effects that we have identified are small but the reach is potentially very wide, in some cases as wide as a whole country. The cost effectiveness of such strategies remains to be evaluated.
The physiological and metabolic impacts on sheep and cattle of feed and water deprivation before and during transport
Authors: Hogan James P. , Petherick J. Carol , Phillips Clive J. C.
Published: June 2007

Sheep and cattle are frequently subjected to feed and water deprivation (FWD) for about 12 h before, and then during, transport to reduce digesta load in the gastrointestinal tract. This FWD is marked by weight loss as urine and faeces mainly in the first 24 h but continuing at a reduced rate subsequently. The weight of rumen contents falls although water loss is to some extent masked by saliva inflow. FWD is associated with some stress, particularly when transportation is added. This is indicated by increased levels of plasma cortisol that may be partly responsible for an observed increase in the output of water and N in urine and faeces. Loss of body water induces dehydration that may induce feelings of thirst by effects on the hypothalamus structures through the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. There are suggestions that elevated cortisol levels depress angiotensin activity and prevent sensations of thirst in dehydrated animals, but further research in this area is needed. Dehydration coupled with the discharge of Na in urine challenges the maintenance of homeostasis. In FWD, Na excretion in urine is reduced and, with the reduction in digesta load, Na is gradually returned from the digestive tract to the extracellular fluid space. Control of enteropathogenic bacteria by normal rumen microbes is weakened by FWD and resulting infections may threaten animal health and meat safety. Recovery time is required after transport to restore full feed intake and to ensure that adequate glycogen is present in muscle pre-slaughter to maintain meat quality.
The transtheoretical model as applied to dietary behaviour and outcomes
Authors: Spencer Leslie , Wharton Christopher , Moyle Sheila , Adams Troy
Published: June 2007

The transtheoretical model (TTM) is a behavioural theory that describes behaviour change as occurring in five stages, ranging from precontemplation to maintenance. The purpose of the present paper is to review and synthesise the literature published since 1999 on applications of the TTM to dietary behaviour so that the evidence for the use of assessment tools and interventions based on this model might be evaluated. Six databases were identified and searched using combinations of key words. Sixty-five original, peer-reviewed studies were identified and summarised in one of three tables using the following categories: population (n21), intervention (n25) and validation (n19). Internal validity ratings were given to each intervention, and the body of intervention studies as a whole was rated. The evidence for using stage-based interventions is rated as suggestive in the areas of fruit and vegetable consumption and dietary fat reduction. Valid and reliable staging algorithms are available for fruit and vegetable consumption and dietary fat intake, and are being developed for other dietary behaviours. Few assessment tools have been developed for other TTM constructs. Given the popularity of TTM-based assessments and interventions, more research is warranted to identify valid and reliable assessment tools and effective interventions. While the evidence supports the validity of the TTM to describe populations and to form interventions, evidence of the effectiveness of TTM-based interventions is not conclusive.
Concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide in the plasma predicts outcomes of treatment of children with decompensated heart failure admitted to the Intensive Care unit
Authors: Tan Lin-Hua , Jefferies John L. , Liang Jian-Feng , Denfield Susan W. , Dreyer William J. , Mott Antonio R. , Grenier Michelle A. , Dickerson Heather A. , Price Jack F. , Towbin Jeffrey A. , Ou Ching-Nan , Chang Anthony C.
Published: June 2007

Objectives

It is known that levels of brain natriuretic peptide predict outcomes of treatment for adults with decompensated heart failure. We hypothesized that it could predict outcomes in children with this condition.

Methods

We divided retrospectively 82 patients with serial measurements of brain natriuretic peptide into 3 groups: those who survived and did not need readmission within less than 60 days; those who survived but needed readmission within less than 60 days; and those who died in hospital or within less than 60 days. Initial and final levels of the peptide correlated with adverse outcomes.

Results

The percent change in level of the peptide was minus 78 percent, minus 38 percent, and 138 percent in the readmission-free group, the readmitted, and nonsurviving groups, respectively. Final levels were significantly lower in the readmission-free group than in the readmitted and nonsurviving groups (p equals 0.013 and p is less than 0.00001, respectively) and in the readmitted group than in the nonsurvivors (p equals 0.013). On univariate analysis, the final level, the change in level, and the percentage change in level significantly predicted outcomes (p equals 0.0002, 0.0072 and 0.0005, respectively). On multivariate analysis, only the final level of the peptide significantly predicted outcomes (p equals 0.01).

Conclusions

A final level of brain natriuretic peptide of greater than or equal to 760 picograms per millilitre strongly predicted an adverse outcome. Patients with higher final levels may be at higher risk of death and readmission, suggesting that this variable effectively predicts the response to treatment and prognosis in children with heart failure.
A new approach to hypoplastic left heart syndrome with an intact atrial septum
Authors: Barker Claire , Moscuzza Franco , Anderson David
Published: June 2007

An intact atrial septum places infants with hypoplasia of the left heart into a group with an extremely high rate of mortality. We report a neonate, diagnosed antenatally, who was delivered by Caesarian section in the cardiac theatre, urgently placed onto cardiopulmonary bypass, and who then underwent an atrial septectomy and banding of both pulmonary arteries. After stablilisation, his arterial duct was stented, completing the first stage of hybrid palliation.
What is the optimal time to repair atrioventricular septal defect and common atrioventricular valvar orifice?
Authors: Kogon Brian E. , Butler Hunter , McConnell Michael , Leong Traci , Kirshbom Paul M. , Kanter Kirk R.
Published: June 2007

Objective

With improvements in technology and surgical technique, paediatric cardiologists are challenging surgeons to repair balanced atrioventricular septal defects in smaller patients. Early repair minimizes aggressive medical therapy to prevent heart failure, maintains growth, and limits exposure to elevated pulmonary pressures. We compare the outcomes of repair among different-sized children.

Methods

From December 2002 to July 2005, 92 patients underwent repair of an atrioventricular septal defect with common atrioventricular valvar orifice and balanced ventricles. We reviewed operative and postoperative data. We excluded patients weighing more than 10 kilograms, but included those who underwent concomitant closure of a patent oval foramen or atrial septal defect, or ligation of a patent arterial duct. Those requiring other concomitant procedures were excluded from the analysis.

Results

The median weight at repair was 4.9 kilograms, with a range from 2.93 to 7.9 kilograms, and the median age was 5.1 months, with a range from 0.39 to 9.6 months. Operative data included the time required for cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamping, and the overall procedure. These times were not significantly affected by decreasing weight. Postoperative continuous data included duration of ventilation and length of intensive care unit and hospital stay. Stay in intensive care (p = 0.006) and hospital (p = 0.007) both increased significantly with decreasing weight. Postoperative categorical data included presence of residual ventricular septal defects, regurgitation across the left atrioventricular valve, and complications. While there was no difference in residual defects (p = 0.166) or valvar regurgitation (p = 0.729), there was a significantly higher presence of complications with decreasing weight (p = 0.0043). There was no mortality, and no persistent heart block requiring placement of a permanent pacemaker.

Conclusions

Our data shows that, with the exception of a slightly longer and more complicated postoperative course, early surgery for symptomatic patients with atrioventricular septal defects and common atrioventricular valvar orifice can be undertaken safely and effectively in smaller children with excellent outcomes.
The prevalence of coronary arterial abnormalities in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and their influence on surgical results
Authors: Louise Calder A. , Peebles Charles R. , Occleshaw Christopher J.
Published: June 2007

Background

The relatively high mortality in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum may be related to the presence of significant coronary arterial anomalies. This retrospective review of cineangiocardiograms was undertaken to further elucidate the types and variety of such coronary arterial abnormalities, and to assess their effect on postoperative survival.

Material and results

Details regarding coronary arterial anatomy and abnormalities were assessed in 116 patients. We noted the site and severity of lesions, and the presence of fistulous communications from the right ventricle to the coronary arteries, assessing the proportion of left ventricular myocardium affected by coronary arterial interruptions or significant stenoses, in other words, the amount dependent on coronary circulation from the right ventricle. We also measured diameters of the tricuspid and mitral valves. Fistulas were found in 87 patients (75%), interruptions of major coronary arteries in 40 patients (34%), lack of connections between the coronary arteries and the aorta in 18 patients (16%), and single origin of a coronary artery, with the right coronary artery arising from the left, in 6 patients (5%). We found increased mortality in 47 patients (40%) who had a right ventricular-dependent coronary arterial circulation. The presence of fistulas in itself was not associated with higher mortality, but the presence of coronary arterial interruptions (p = 0.05), and a higher myocardial score (p = 0.0009), were.

Conclusion

We encountered a higher prevalence of both coronary arterial abnormalities and right ventricular-dependent circulation than previously reported. Awareness of the severity of the coronary arterial abnormalities should assist in planning treatment.