bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simplified method for microlitre deuterium measurements in water and urine by gas chromatography–high‐temperature conversion–isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Gucciardi Antonina , Cogo Paola E. , Traldi Umberto , Eaton Simon , Darch Tegan , Simonato Manuela , Ori Carlo , Carnielli Virgilio P.
Published: June 2008

Deuterium (2H) in water and urine can be measured by off‐line and, more recently, on‐line techniques using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). We describe a new simple on‐line pyrolysis method for the analysis of 2H/1H in water and urine samples by continuous flow IRMS, normally used for 2H/1H measurements in organic compounds. A deactivated column connected the split injector to a high‐temperature conversion reactor (TC HD), and 0.5 µL of sample was injected. Accuracy and precision were determined with Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water (VSMOW), Standard Light Antarctic Precipitation (SLAP), and Greenland Ice Sheet Precipitation (GISP). The range of linearity was measured with a calibration curve of enriched water from 0 up to 0.1 atom percent excess (APE) (i.e. −72 up to 6323 delta per mil (δD ‰)) with a precision of <5‰ and accuracy ranging between 1 and 55‰. Blinded reanalysis of urine samples by an equilibration device (Gas Bench) and by a dedicated pyrolysis system (TC/EA) was performed and results compared by the Bland‐Altman test. Enrichments ranged between 600 and 2400‰ δDVSMOW with a precision of ±5‰. Urine enrichments described by our method were strongly correlated with values obtained by Gas Bench and TC/EA (p < 0.0001). There was a significant memory effect that was reduced by injecting the sample 15 times and discarding the first 10 injections, together with accurate furnace conditioning and appropriate cleaning of the syringe. Data indicate that the method is accurate, and that it can be used for water and urine deuterium determination when a Gas Bench or TC/EA instrument is not available and the amount of sample is limited. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximal stability region of a perturbed nonnegative matrix
Authors: Haut Bertrand , Bastin Georges , Van Dooren Paul
Published: June 2008

For a class of positive matrices A+K with a stable positive nominal part A and a structured positive perturbation part K, we address the problem of finding the largest set of admissible perturbations such that the global matrix remains stable. Theoretical bounds are derived and an algorithm for constructing this set is presented. As an example, this algorithm is applied to the regulation of water flow in open channels. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability and robust stability of positive linear Volterra difference equations
Authors: Ngoc Pham Huu Anh , Naito Toshiki , Shin Jong Son , Murakami Satoru
Published: June 2008

We first introduce a class of positive linear Volterra difference equations. Then, we offer explicit criteria for uniform asymptotic stability of positive equations. Furthermore, we get a new Perron–Frobenius theorem for positive linear Volterra difference equations. Finally, we study robust stability of positive equations under structured perturbations and affine perturbations. Two explicit stability bounds with respect to these perturbations are given. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Universality in two‐dimensional enhancement percolation
Authors: Camia Federico
Published: June 2008

We consider a type of dependent percolation introduced in 2, where it is shown that certain “enhancements” of independent (Bernoulli) percolation, called essential, make the percolation critical probability strictly smaller. In this study we first prove that, for two‐dimensional enhancements with a natural monotonicity property, being essential is also a necessary condition to shift the critical point. We then show that (some) critical exponents and the scaling limit of crossing probabilities of a two‐dimensional percolation process are unchanged if the process is subjected to a monotonic enhancement that is not essential. This proves a form of universality for all dependent percolation models obtained via a monotonic enhancement (of Bernoulli percolation) that does not shift the critical point. For the case of site percolation on the triangular lattice, we also prove a stronger form of universality by showing that the full scaling limit 12, 13 is not affected by any monotonic enhancement that does not shift the critical point. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2008
Biplanar crossing numbers. II. Comparing crossing numbers and biplanar crossing numbers using the probabilistic method
Authors: Czabarka Éva , Sýkora Ondrej , Székely László A. , Vrťo Imrich
Published: June 2008

The biplanar crossing number cr2(G) of a graph G is min{cr(G1) + cr(G2)}, where cr is the planar crossing number. We show that cr2(G) ≤ (3/8)cr(G). Using this result recursively, we bound the thickness by Θ(G) ‐ 2 ≤ Kcr2(G)0.4057 log2n with some constant K. A partition realizing this bound for the thickness can be obtained by a polynomial time randomized algorithm. We show that for any size exceeding a certain threshold, there exists a graph G of this size, which simultaneously has the following properties: cr(G) is roughly as large as it can be for any graph of that size, and cr2(G) is as small as it can be for any graph of that size. The existence is shown using the probabilistic method. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2008
A segmentation‐based approach for temporal analysis of software version repositories
Authors: Siy Harvey , Chundi Parvathi , Rosenkrantz Daniel J. , Subramaniam Mahadevan
Published: June 2008

Time series segmentation is a promising approach to discover temporal patterns from time‐stamped numeric data. A novel approach to apply time series segmentation to discern temporal information from software version repositories is proposed. Data from such repositories, both numeric and non‐numeric, are represented as item‐set time series data. A dynamic programming algorithm for optimal segmentation is presented. The algorithm automatically produces a compacted item‐set time series that can be analyzed to identify temporal patterns. The effectiveness of the approach is illustrated by analyzing version control repositories of several open‐source projects to identify time‐varying patterns of developer activity. The experimental results show that the segmentation algorithm produces segments that capture meaningful information and is superior to the information content obtained by arbitrarily segmenting software history into regular time intervals. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Domain‐based autoconfiguration framework for large‐scale MANETs
Authors: Li Longjiang , Cai Yunze , Xu Xiaoming
Published: June 2008

IP autoconfiguration of the mobile node addresses is important in the practical usage of most mobilead hocnetworks (MANETs). This paper proposes domain‐based autoconfiguration framework (DACF), a novel approach for the efficient address autoconfiguration of MANETs. To construct a hierarchy of addresses, this framework defines a loose domain structure where nodes in the same domain may roam to different locations after they are configured. This framework uses the passive Duplicate Address Detection(PDAD) but the proposed domain structure is able to reduce the initial conflict probability and accelerate the conflict resolution significantly. To evaluate the correctness and efficiency of the proposed framework, we also present an exemplified full‐functioned implementation of the proposed framework. Through the detailed analysis and simulation, we believe the proposed scheme provides a promising autoconfiguration framework for large‐scale MANETs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionalization at the double bond region of jojoba oil: I. bromine derivatives
Authors: Shani Arnon
Published: June 2008

Addition of bromine to jojoba oil and itstrans‐isomer yielded tetrabromojojoba, which upon elimination afforded the acetylenic and allenic components, respectively, when reacted with excess of base. The bromoolefinic products were obtained when limited amount of base was used. Allylic bromination of the liquid wax and itstrans‐isomer, and subsequent HBr elimination, yielded the two conjugated diene systems on both parts of the ester (jojoba tetraene).
Sampling diced almonds for aflatoxin
Authors: Schade J. E. , King A. D. , Mackey B. E. , Halbrook W. U. , Fuller G.
Published: June 2008

To ensure that diced almonds meet the current FDA guideline limit for total aflatoxin, it is necessary to have a sampling plant that will allow representative sampling with defined precision‐i.e., with confidence limits on the average aflatoxin found. A sequential sampling plan using 4.54‐kg samples of diced almonds or 150‐g samples of meal by‐product (fines screened from diced nuts during production) was constructed with data from a study of aflatoxin distribution among samples of 2 selected lots of almonds. These 2 lots of whole nuts, estimated to have 400 and 25 ppb aflatoxin, were diced and boxed with normal processing equipment and procedures to approximate the distribution of aflatoxin in the product during commercial production. With a square root trans‐formation of the data from 4.54‐kg samples of diced nuts, the aflatoxin in samples of both lots approximated a normal distribu‐tion and the within‐lot variances were not significantly different, which allowed the statistical plan described. A supplemental study was made of aflatoxin distribution in the meal by‐product. The lack of a significant difference between the results for diced nuts and those for the corresponding meal suggests that diced almonds can be monitored for aflatoxin indirectly by sampling the meal, which will allow the use of fewer analyses of 150‐g samples of less expen‐sive product to reach a decision.
High‐linoleic oils from five species of japanese plants
Authors: Kato Masayoshi , Tanaka Tatsuo
Published: June 2008

Oils extracted from the achenes ofBoehmeria longispica Steud.,B. spicata Thunb., andB. nivea Gaud. var.concolor Makino (Urti‐caceae) and those from the seeds ofTricyrtis affinis Makino andHosta longipes Matsum. (Liliaceae) were surveyed for their charac‐teristics and fatty acid composition. All the oils contained linoleic acid in high levels (80.2–83.5%) as determined by gas liquid chro‐matography of the derived methyl esters.
High Performance reversed phase chromatography of Natural triglyceride mixtures: Critical pair separation
Authors: Hamdy A. H. EL‐ , Perkins E. G.
Published: June 2008

The separation of the critical triglyceride pairs C48:0, C50:l, C54:3ccc and C54:3ttt as well as C54:2, C52:l and C50:l has been accomplished without the aid of any interacting ion such as silver. A theoretical carbon number (TCN) for the unsaturated triglycer‐ides can be calculated from the carbon number (CN) and capacity factor (k’) relationship of the saturated triglycerides, and used to predict the separation of critical pairs. A mathematical equation was derived for the identification of not only the triglycerides by their carbon number and number of double bonds but also the possible acyl groups present in these triglycerides. The pattern of triglyceride elution sequence within each triglyceride category with the same equivalent carbon number (ECN) starts with the triglyceride with the highest number of double bonds and terminates with those with the lowest number of double bonds, with the lower ECN triglycer‐ides eluting ahead of those with higher ECN. A possible mechanism for the separation of these triglycerides on highly efficient columns packed with 5n silica bonded with the octadecyl stationary phase is postulated.
Computation of conversion factors to determine the phospholipid content in peanut oils
Authors: Singleton J. A. , Pattee H. E.
Published: June 2008

Peanut oil was separated into the various lipid classes by column chromatography. The polar lipid fraction which contained phospho‐lipids was separated into individual major components by 2‐dimen‐sional thin layer chromatography. Conversion factors for calculating the concentration of total phospholipid in peanut oil from percent elemental phosphorus were determined by estimation of molecular weights for the respective components. A conversion factor of 23.6, 24.8, 26.6, 22.2, and 24.4 was found for phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, and total phospholipid, respectively. These factors also were used to convert µg of phosphorus into µg of phospholipid.
Sporadic Pancreatic Polypeptide Secreting Tumors (PPomas) of the Pancreas
Authors: Kuo Samuel C. L. , Gananadha Sivakumar , Scarlett Christopher J. , Gill Anthony , Smith Ross C.
Published: June 2008

Background

Sporadic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, which predominantly secrete pancreatic polypeptide (PPoma), are rare and have not been associated with a clinical syndrome. A wider understanding of their pathological features and behavior is needed.

Methods

Four PPoma patients who presented with nonspecific abdominal pain are described. Their diagnosis was established by the presence of an enhancing solitary pancreatic tumor on computed tomography (CT) and elevated fasting pancreatic polypeptide hormone levels. Patient 1 was treated with a pancreatoduodenectomy because of elevation of serum CEA level. Two of the cases underwent enucleation because of prolonged stable CT appearance. Patient 4 underwent distal pancreatectomy for a pancreatic neck tumor causing ductal obstruction and distal parenchymal atrophy.

Results

All cases had benign histological features apart from patient 1 whose tumor demonstrated occasional mitotic activity. These tumors have not recurred after a median of 49 (range, 35–57) months. The protein expression in the tumor tissue was measured by SELDI‐TOF MS and was different than the profile of pancreatic adenocarcinoma that was previously demonstrated in our laboratory. This may lead to future helpful diagnostic testing on fine needle aspirates.

Conclusion

Resection of sporadic PPomas presenting as a solitary well‐defined mass with benign histological features results in good long‐term survival.
Evaluation of the Outcome of Complete Sinus Excision with Reconstruction of the Umbilicus in Patients with Umbilical Pilonidal Sinus
Authors: Fazeli Mohammad Sadegh , Lebaschi Amir H. , Adel Maryam Ghavami , Kazemeini Ali Reza
Published: June 2008

Umbilical pilonidal sinus is a cause of umbilical discharge. In this study, the outcome of complete excision of the umbilical sinus with umbilical reconstruction is considered. Adult patients with umbilical pilonidal sinus who had not undergone any previous surgeries were operated on using a technique that involves complete excision of the sinus after eversion of the umbilicus followed by reconstruction of the umbilicus. Patients were then followed; and wound complications, recurrence, and patient satisfaction were evaluated at postoperative visits. A total of 45 patients underwent the operation; 39 (86.5%) were male, and 6 (13.5%) were female. The mean age was 22.6 years (18–27 years). Six male patients had synchronous sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease. The mean follow‐up period was 34 months (3–62 months). Only four patients had wound drainage after operation, and all required drainage of the wound. No recurrence was observed during the follow‐up period, and all patients were satisfied with the appearance of their umbilicus. The technique of complete sinus excision and umbilical reconstruction is an effective and acceptable method for treating umbilical pilonidal sinus and may be recommended for primary treatment of this disease.
Synthesis and Properties of Surface Chemically Pure Alkylamidoamine‐N‐oxides at the Air/Water Interface
Authors: Piasecki Andrzej , Piłakowska‐Pietras Dorota , Baran Anna , Krasowska Anna
Published: June 2008

A homologous series of surface active 2‐(alkanoylamino)ethyldimethylamine‐N‐oxides, EDA‐p(O), and 3‐(alkanoylamino)propyldimethylamine‐N‐oxides, PDA‐p(O), were synthesized. Their aqueous stock solutions were processed by the automatically operating apparatus to remove surface‐active contamination and provide chemical purity at the air/water interface. In case of 3‐(tetradecanoylamino)propyldimethylamine‐N‐oxide, PDA‐14(O), the difference between equilibrium surface tension values of the purified surfactant solutions and the corresponding values of the solutions prepared from the “as received” compounds amounts to 15 mN m−1. Moreover, in presence of the surface‐active contaminants time needed to reach equilibrium surface tension values is over 2 h. For the solution of the “surface‐chemically pure” grade the change of the surface tension within adsorption time is negligible and the equilibrium is reached instantaneously. Physicochemical properties of obtained surface‐chemically pure aqueous solutions of N‐oxides of alkylamidoamines and adsorption parameters (standard free energy of adsorption, ΔG°ads, surface excess by saturation surface concentration, Γ∞, minimum surface area demand per molecule adsorbed, Amin) were evaluated from the equilibrium surface tension versus concentration isotherms at the air/water interface using Gibbs's equation. The introduction of the CH2 moiety into the intermediate part of molecule causes a slight decrease of the hydrophobic character of surfactant. Also the minimum surface area demand, Amin, is slightly greater for PDA series than for the corresponding EDA derivatives. Surface potential measurements were performed in addition to surface tension studies. Electric surface potential versus concentration isotherms was determined. Surface potential increases with increasing surfactant's bulk concentration for all investigated compounds. At highest concentrations, where interface is almost saturated, changes of surface potential become almost negligible.
Temperature Dependence of HNE Formation in Vegetable Oils and Butter Oil
Authors: Han In Hwa , Csallany A. Saari
Published: June 2008

The temperature dependence of the formation of toxic 4‐hydroxy‐2‐trans‐nonenal (HNE) was investigated in high and low linoleic acid (LA) containing oils such as corn, soybean and butter oils. These oils contain about 60, 54 and 3–4% of LA for corn, soybean and butter oils, respectively. The oils were heated for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 h at 190 °C and for 0, 5, 15 and 30 min at 218 °C. HNE concentrations in the oils were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The maximum HNE concentrations in heated (190 °C) corn, soybean and butter oils were 5.46, 3.73 and 1.85 μg HNE/g oil, respectively. The concentration of HNE at 218 °C increased continuously for all the three oils, although they were heated for much shorter periods compared to the lower temperature of heating (190 °C). HNE concentration at 30 min reached the maximum of 15.48, 10.72 and 6.71 μg HNE/g oil for corn, soybean and butter oils, respectively. HNE concentration at higher temperature (218 °C) was 4.9, 3.7, and 8.7 times higher than at the lower temperature (190 °C) and 30 min of heating for corn, soybean and butter oils, respectively. It was found that HNE formation was temperature dependant in the tested oils.
Canola Quality Indian Mustard Oil (Brassica juncea) is More Stable to Oxidation than Conventional Canola Oil (Brassica napus)
Authors: Wijesundera Chakra , Ceccato Claudio , Fagan Peter , Shen Zhiping , Burton Wayne , Salisbury Phil
Published: June 2008

Canola‐quality Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) is being developed as a complimentary oilseed crop to canola (Brassica napus) for cultivation in hot and low‐rainfall areas, where canola does not perform well. In Australia, several B. juncea breeding lines have been developed for commercial cultivation and for eventual processing as canola oil. However, there still are significant species‐based differences in the fatty acid composition with B. juncea containing lower levels of linoleic acid and higher levels of oleic and linolenic acids compared with B. napus. This has raised concern about possible oxidative stability differences between the oils. Oils (unrefined) extracted from different breeding lines of each species were subjected to accelerated autoxidation, and development of oxidative rancidity was assessed by four separate techniques: depletion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, depletion of tocopherol, development of primary oxidation products, and development of secondary oxidation products (propanal and hexanal). All the tests showed that the newly developed B. juncea oils are more stable to autoxidation than conventional canola (B. napus) oil, despite containing marginally higher linolenic levels. Oxidative stability does not appear to be a barrier to using oils from these emerging lines of B. juncea for partial or full replacement of conventional canola oil.
Effect of high-pressure treatment at various temperatures on indigenous proteolytic enzymes and whey protein denaturation in bovine milk
Authors: Moatsou Golfo , Bakopanos Constantinos , Katharios Dimitis , Katsaros George , Kandarakis Ioannis , Taoukis Petros , Politis Ioannis
Published: June 2008

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of high pressure (HP) processing (200, 450 and 650 MPa) at various temperatures (20, 40 and 55°C) on the total plasmin plus plasminogen-derived activity (PL), plasminogen activator(s) (PA) and cathepsin D activities and on denaturation of major whey proteins in bovine milk. Data indicated that transfer of both PL and PA from the casein micelles to milk serum occurred at all pressures utilized at room temperature (20°C). In addition to the transfer of PL and PA from micelles, there were reductions in activities of PL (16–18%) and PA (38–62%) for the pressures 450 and 650 MPa, at room temperature. There were synergistic negative effects between pressure and temperature on residual PL activity at 450 and 650 MPa and on residual PA activity only at 450 MPa. Cathepsin D activity in the acid whey from HP-treated milk was in general baroresistant at room temperature. The residual activity of cathepsin D decreased significantly at 650 MPa and 40°C and at the pressures 450 and 650 MPa at 55°C. Synergistic negative effects on the amount of native β-lactoglobulin were observed at 450 and 650 MPa and on the amount of native α-lactalbumin at 650 MPa. There were significant correlations between enzymatic activities (PL, PA and cathepsin D) and the residual native β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin in bovine milk. In conclusion, HP significantly affected the activity of indigenous proteolytic enzymes and whey protein denaturation in bovine milk. Reduction in activity of indigenous enzymes (PL, PA and cathepsin D) and transfer of PL and PA from the casein to milk serum induced by HP is expected to have a profound effect on cheese yield, proteolysis during cheese ripening and quality of UHT milk during storage.
The effect of dietary inclusion of olive tree leaves and grape marc on the content of conjugated linoleic acid and vaccenic acid in the milk of dairy sheep and goats
Authors: Tsiplakou Eleni , Zervas Georgios
Published: June 2008

Olive tree leaves (OTL) and grape marc (GM) are by-products with high linolenic (LNA) and linoleic (LA) acid content, respectively, which can be used as dietary ingredients to increase the cis-9 trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content of milk fat in sheep and goats. An experiment was conducted with 16 Friesian ewes and 16 Alpine goats to study the effect of OTL and GM inclusion in sheep and goat diets on their milk fatty acid profile, with emphasis on cis-9, trans-11 CLA and vaccenic acid (VA). Ewes and the goats were fed the control (C) diets from parturition to the 90 days in milk (DIM) and then both groups were divided into two sub-groups (treatments). The control groups of both species continued to be fed the C diets, whereas the treated groups were gradually switched over a 2-week period (DIM=91–105) from the C diets to that of treatment 1, which contained air-dried OTL. These OTL diets were fed ad libitum for 1 month (DIM=106–135). After that period, the same treated groups, after 2 weeks of gradual adaptation (DIM=136–150), were switched to treatment 2, which contained air-dried GM. The GM diets were fed ad libitum for 1 month (151–180 DIM). Concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and mono-unsaturated fatty acids increased significantly in milk fat of sheep fed OTL v. C. For goats, only the PUFA in milk fat was increased by feeding OTL compared with C. Relative to C, GM increased significantly the concentration of PUFA only in milk fat of sheep. OTL and GM diets increased the cis-9, trans-11 CLA and VA content in milk fat, compared with C, only in sheep. GM caused a sharp increase in 18:0 only in sheep milk fat, while the OTL diet increased significantly the 18:0 in milk fat of goats. GM and OTL diets also had opposite effects on the 18:1/18:0 ratio of sheep milk fat. In conclusion, OTL and GM, when included in sheep diets altered the milk fatty acid profile with a pronounced increase in cis-9, trans-11 CLA and VA contents. The results show that the response of sheep and goats to OTL and GM diets was different, suggesting a species difference that needs further investigation.
Temporal and between-site variation in helminth communities of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) from N.E. Poland. 2. The infracommunity level
Authors: BEHNKE J. M. , BAJER A. , HARRIS P. D. , NEWINGTON L. , PIDGEON E. , ROWLANDS G. , SHERIFF C. , KULIŚ-MALKOWSKA K. , SIńSKI E. , GILBERT F. S. , BARNARD C. J.
Published: June 2008

The relative importance of temporal and spatial effects was assessed in helminth communities of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) in 3 woodland sites in N.E. Poland in the late summers of 1999 and 2002. Among common species the rank order of sites in relation to prevalence and abundance of infection was maintained between surveys. Site effects accounted for most of the deviance (in statistical models), and time was less important, so the exact location from which voles were sampled was of critical importance. The only exception wasSyphacia petrusewiczi. In contrast, for derived measures such as species richness and diversity, most deviance was accounted for by host age, and the interaction between site and year was significant, implying that rank order of sites changed between years. Temporal effects on derived measures were generated primarily by a combination of relatively small changes in prevalence and abundance of the common, rather than the rare, species between the years of the study. In the medium-term, therefore, helminth communities of bank voles in N.E. Poland had a stable core, suggesting a substantial strong element of predictability.
A different story: exploring patterns of communication in residential dementia care
Authors: WARD RICHARD , VASS ANTONY A. , AGGARWAL NEERU , GARFIELD CYDONIE , CYBYK BEAU
Published: June 2008

This article reports findings from a three-year project on ‘Communication patterns and their consequences for effective care’ that explored communication in dementia-care settings. As the proportion of people with dementia living in British care-homes continues to grow, there is a need to understand better their care. Using a range of qualitative methods, the project set out to identify the constituent elements of dementia-care practice and the patterns that characterise day-to-day relations in care homes. The tightly prescribed and standardised nature of the interactions between staff and residents is described: it raises questions about the capacity for dementia care to be truly person-centred. The project found that people with dementia are both capable of communication, and invest much effort in seeking to engage those around them, but are excluded from the monitoring, planning and provision of care in ways that we argue are discriminatory. The case is made for promoting and supporting communication as key skills and competencies for care workers. The value of measuring the level and quality of communication as a means to evaluate care is demonstrated. The authors question the priorities that currently guide care practice and argue that we need to listen to people with dementia and rethink what lies at the heart of dementia care.
Visible and invisible ageing: beauty work as a response to ageism
Authors: CLARKE LAURA HURD , GRIFFIN MERIDITH
Published: June 2008

This paper examines how older women experience and respond to ageism in relation to their changing physical appearances and within the context of their personal relationships and places of employment. We elucidate the two definitions of ageism that emerged in in-depth interviews with 44 women aged 50 to 70 years: the social obsession with youthfulness and discrimination against older adults. We examine the women's arguments that their ageing appearances were pivotal to their experience of ageism and underscored their engagement in beauty work such as hair dye, make-up, cosmetic surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. The women suggested that they engaged in beauty work for the following underlying motivations: the fight against invisibility, a life-long investment in appearance, the desire to attract or retain a romantic partner, and employment related-ageism. We contend that the women's experiences highlight a tension between being physically and socially visible by virtue of looking youthful, and the realities of growing older. In other words, social invisibility arises from the acquisition of visible signs of ageing and compels women to make their chronological ages imperceptible through the use of beauty work. The study extends the research and theorising on gendered ageism and provides an example of how women's experiences of ageing and ageism are deeply rooted in their appearances and in the ageist, sexist perceptions of older women's bodies.
“GUILT BY ASSOCIATION” AND THE POSTWAR CIVIL LIBERTARIANS
Authors: Kersch Ken I.
Published: June 2008

In recent years, the constitutional freedom of association has assumed a relatively low profile. Today, the most extended discussions of the right consider it as a second-order countervailing claim in civil rights cases involving questions of identity and the right to exclude. This article provides a brief overview of the right at a time when it was one of the most widely discussed, first-order constitutional rights, and when those discussions centered not on the right to exclude but on the question of “guilt by association.” The article provides a sampling of the way that right was considered in the immediate post-World War Two years in the writings of some of the era's most prominent civil libertarian thinkers – Leo Pfeffer, Milton Konvitz, Robert Cushman, Henry Steele Commager, Zechariah Chafee, Jr., and Sidney Hook. These writings demonstrate that doctrinal development concerning the right was driven by its implication in two of the major political issues of the day: domestic security at the height of the Cold War and civil rights. The article concludes by arguing that, in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and the ongoing fight against terrorism, free association questions are likely to assume renewed prominence. It argues further that, in a contemporary context, those thinking about the most pressing freedom of association questions would profit by looking less to the more recent discussions of the right as a matter of the right to exclude, and more to the highly-relevant discussions of “guilt by association” by the currently less well known mid-century civil libertarians.
FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Presser Stephen B.
Published: June 2008

This paper seeks to examine two conflicting strands in the United States Supreme Court's treatment of “freedom of association,” by exploring some aspects of the historical development of the doctrine. It suggests that there are two conceptions of “freedom of association,” an older, traditional one, that eschews forcing odious contact on members of associations, and a newer one which privileges antidiscrimination doctrines over “freedom from association.” These two conceptions still exist on the Court, resulting in irreconcilable decisions such as those permitting the Boy Scouts to exclude gay scoutmasters, but forcing the Jaycees to accept women. The preference of one conception over the other is also evident in the work of different scholars, whose doctrinal approaches are similarly irreconcilable. The Supreme Court has explained the discontinuities in the doctrine by seeking to characterize it in terms of the First Amendment's “freedom of speech” clause, but the paper argues that it makes more sense, in the context of these two cases, to regard them as related to the First Amendment's “freedom of religion” clauses.
THE PRIVATE SOCIETY AND THE LIBERAL PUBLIC GOOD IN JOHN LOCKE'S THOUGHT
Authors: Claeys Eric R.
Published: June 2008

This essay interprets John Locke's teachings about private societies, or free private associations. The essay proceeds by interpreting Locke's mature writings on ethics, politics, and philosophy, and then by illustrating Locke's teachings as they apply to two contemporary problems in associational freedom. Although Locke wrote about private societies primarily in the course of arguing for religious toleration, throughout his mature corpus he develops an internally consistent general theory of associational freedom. At first glance, Locke seems to suggest that all citizens are entitled to associate for any end of their choosing, to control admission into and expulsion from their membership, and to enforce their own internal rules of governance. However, Locke qualifies this broad right to bar societies from organizing around ends inconsistent with the minimal moral and political conditions of liberalism. Ultimately, Locke suggests, citizens deserve a broad right of private society only to the extent that they are well enough formed by their regime and its private institutions to be capable of governing themselves in both private and public life.

In contrast with contemporary practice, Locke's justification is broader in some respects and narrower in others. The essay illustrates the implications by considering how Locke's teachings justify limiting the scope of anti-discrimination laws and enlarging the scope of government efforts to dissolve seditious associations.
FROM THE SOCIAL CONTRACT TO THE ART OF ASSOCIATION: A TOCQUEVILLIAN PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Craiutu Aurelian
Published: June 2008

In the United States, the debate on civil associations has coincided with the revival of interest in the writings of Alexis de Tocqueville, particularly Democracy in America (1835; 1840) in which he praised the Americans' propensity to form civil and political associations. Tocqueville regarded these associations as laboratories of democracy that teach citizens the art of being free and give them the opportunity to pursue their own interests in concert with others. Tocqueville's views on political and civil associations cannot be properly understood unless we also take into account the larger intellectual and political background of his native France. The main sections of this essay examine Tocqueville's analysis of civil and political associations in America. Special attention is paid to the strong relationship between democracy and civil and political associations and the effects that they have on promoting democratic citizenship, civility, and self-government.
THE RAWLSIAN VIEW OF PRIVATE ORDERING
Authors: Kordana Kevin A. , Blankfein Tabachnick David H.
Published: June 2008

The Rawlsian texts appear not to be consistent with regard to the status of the right of freedom of association. Interestingly, Rawls's early work omits mention of freedom of association as among the basic liberties, but in his later work he explicitly includes freedom of association as among the basic liberties. However, freedom of association would appear to have an economic component as well (e.g., the right to form a firm). If one turns to such “private ordering” (e.g., contract, partnership, and corporate law), we find a similar ambiguity in the Rawlsian texts, as well as sharp divisions in the contemporary literature on Rawlsianism. This ambiguity has engendered widespread confusion over the scope of the two principles of justice—leading to the contemporary dispute over the breadth of what Rawls calls the “basic structure” and the question of whether the principles of justice are properly understood to govern private ordering. There is significant disagreement over the breadth of Rawls's basic structure—one aspect is whether the principles of justice apply to the private law. In a controversial passage in Political Liberalism Rawls addresses this question. This passage has, however, led commentators to reach divergent conclusions. We argue that this disagreement is explained by an instructive confusion in the passage over the distinction between what we characterize as “pre-institutional” and “post-institutional” freedom (vis-á-vis contract and property). The passage, we argue, illicitly shifts from invoking the post-institutional sense of “freedom” to the pre-institutional sense, thereby causing significant though understandable disagreement. Rawls's lapse into the pre-institutional conception of “freedom” provides interpretive grounds for the narrow understanding of the basic structure. If Rawls, however, had invoked the sense of “freedom” to which he is entitled at this stage of his theory—the post-institutional conception—such disagreement need not have arisen.
Editorial
Authors: Bolton Kingsley , Graddol David , Mesthrie Rajend
Published: June 2008

The contents of this issue reflect the diversity of English today, as a world language, and as a language of diverse functions and possibilities, with contributions from Asia, South Africa and Europe. The first article by Kingsley Bolton looks at issues related to Asian Englishes, and attempts to survey major questions relating to the spread of English in the region. The second article by Rajend Mesthrie focuses on the role of English in contemporary South Africa and debates relating to the maintenance of African languages among young people in the post-apartheid era. One point that emerges from both articles is that English in both locations is seen as a middle-class language, or, at least, a language of middle-class aspiration.
‘So where we are?’ Spoken lingua franca English at a technical university in Sweden
Authors: Björkman Beyza
Published: June 2008

This article discusses the use of English as a lingua franca (ELF) by engineering students and its effectiveness in content courses at a technical university, reporting the preliminary results of part of a study that investigates authentic and high-stakes speech events at a Swedish technical university. The main aim of my research is to find out what kind of divergence from standard morphosyntactic forms of English if any leads to disturbance, i.e. breakdown, in ELF speech.
The weather
Authors: Tulloch Alexander
Published: June 2008

Etymology and the winds of change. There's a lot of weather about these days, isn't there? Until relatively recently the weather was just what we saw when we drew back the curtains and looked out of the bedroom window in the morning, but now things have changed dramatically. These days every time we turn on the TV or open a newspaper it is quite ‘usual’ for some part of the world to be experiencing ‘unusual’ weather. The Arctic is not yet a tropical paradise but it is starting to move in that direction and England, parts of which a mere year or so ago were drying up like so many dead leaves, has in recent months seen some of the worst floods in its history. And who among us had heard of the word tsunami (Japanese for ‘harbour wave’) before the terrible events of December 2004 in Thailand and Indonesia?
The role of thermal contraction crack polygons in cold-desert fluvial systems
Authors: Levy Joseph S. , Head James W. , Marchant David R.
Published: June 2008

Thermal contraction crack polygons modify the generation, transport, and storage of water in Wright Valley gullies. Water generation is contributed to by trapping of windblown snow in polygon troughs. Water transport is modified by changes to the ice-cement table and active layer topography caused by polygon trough formation. Water storage is modified by sediment grain-size distribution within polygons in gully distal hyporheic zones. Patterned ground morphological variation can serve as an indicator of fluvial modification, ranging from nearly unmodified composite-wedge polygons to polygons forming in association with gully channels. Thermal contraction crack polygons may also constrain the gully formation sequence, suggesting the continuous presence of permafrost beneath the Wright Valley gullies during the entire period of gully emplacement. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the relationships between polygons and gullies observed on Mars. If comparable stratigraphic relationships can be documented, the presence of an analogous impermeable ice-cemented layer beneath the gullies can be inferred, suggesting an atmospheric source for Martian gully-carving fluids.
Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Folate and the Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures. A Case-Control Study
Authors: Martínez-Ramírez  , Palma Pérez  , Delgado-Martínez  , Martínez-González  , De la Fuente Arrillaga  , Delgado-Rodríguez
Published: June 2008

Water-soluble vitamins influence the development of an adequate structure of bone tissue, but there is scant information relating them with osteoporotic fractures. We analyze whether serum vitamin C, vitamin B12, and erythrocyte folate, or dietary intake of vitamin C and folate, are related with osteoporotic fractures in the elderly. A hospital-based case-control study was carried out at the Hospital of Jaén (167 cases, 167 controls), Spain. Cases were defined as patients aged 65 or more years with a low-energy fracture. Controls were people without fracture, matched for age and sex with cases. Diet was assessed by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Serum vitamin C was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Folic acid and vitamin B12 were measured using procedures of competitive or immunometric immunoassay. Multivariable analyses were also fitted to adjust for confounding using analysis of covariance (for the comparison of adjusted means) and conditional logistic regression (for estimating adjusted odds ratios). A statistically significant difference between cases and controls for vitamin C blood levels was found, being higher for controls (p = 0.01). Analysis of the association between serum vitamin C and fracture risk showed a linear trend (p = 0.03) with a significantly reduced risk for the upper quartile (OR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.11–0.87). The intake of vitamin C, folic acid, and B12 was not related to fracture risk, nor was there any association with erythrocyte folate or serum vitamin B12. In conclusion, serum vitamin C levels were lower in cases with osteoporotic fractures than in controls.
Isolation and Structural Elucidation of Different Geometrical Isomers of Lycopene
Authors: Fröhlich  , Conrad  , Schmid  , Breithaupt  , Böhm
Published: June 2008

Five geometrical isomers of lycopene were isolated from a photoisomerized mixture on a semi-preparative C30 column and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. 1H NMR and 2D NMR measurements were used to unambiguously assign the double bond configuration of five isomers: (5Z,9’Z)-, (9Z)-, (5Z,9Z)-, (all-E)-, and (5Z)-lycopene. This will allow other laboratories to use the results for their C30 HPLC. In addition, it is possible to investigate structure-activity relationships for these lycopene isomers which will improve the understanding of their physiological role in biological tissues.
Relationship Between Nutrient Intake and Vitamin D Status in Osteoporotic Women
Authors: de Souza Genaro  , de Paiva Pereira  , de Medeiros Pinheiro  , Szejnfeld  , Araújo Martini
Published: June 2008

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining calcium homeostasis and optimizing bone health. Its inadequacy is related to many factors including dietary intake. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum 25(OH)D and its relationship with nutrient intakes in postmenopausal Brazilian women with osteoporosis. This cross-sectional study comprised 45 free-living and assisted elderly at São Paulo Hospital. Three-day dietary records were used to assess dietary intakes. Bone mineral density was measured with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (DXA). Blood and urine sample were collected for analysis of biochemical markers of bone and mineral metabolism. Insufficiency of vitamin D was observed in 24.4% of the women and optimal levels (≥ 50 nmol/L) were observed in 75.6%. Parathyroid hormone was above the reference range in 51% of the participants. The mean calcium (724 mg/day) and vitamin D (4.2 μ g/day) intakes were lower than the value proposed by The Food and Nutrition Board and sodium intake was more than two-fold above the recommendation. Higher levels of serum 25(OH)D were inversely associated with sodium intake. Dietary strategies to improve serum vitamin D must focus on increasing vitamin D intake and should take a reduction of sodium intake into consideration.
Oncocalyxone A inhibits human platelet aggregation by increasing cGMP and by binding to GP Ibα glycoprotein
Authors: Ferreira M A D , Do Nascimento N R F , De Sousa C M , Pessoa O D L , De Lemos T L G , Ventura J S , Schattner M , Chudzinski‐Tavassi A M
Published: June 2008

Background and purpose:

Oncocalyxone A (OncoA) has a concentration‐dependent anti‐platelet activity. The present study aimed to further understand the mechanisms related to this effect.

Experimental approach:

Human platelet aggregation was measured by means of a turbidimetric method. OncoA (32–256 μM) was tested against several platelet‐aggregating agents, such as adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, arachidonic acid (AA), ristocetin and thrombin.

Key results:

OncoA completely inhibited platelet aggregation with a calculated mean inhibitory concentration (IC50‐μM) of 122 for ADP, 161 for collagen, 159 for AA, 169 for ristocetin and 85 for thrombin. The anti‐aggregatory activity of OncoA was not inhibited by 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ). OncoA, at a concentration that caused no significant anti‐aggregatory activity, potentiated sodium nitroprusside (SNP) anti‐aggregatory activity (18.8±2.9%‐SNP vs 85.0±8.2%‐SNP+OncoA). The levels of nitric oxide (NO) or cAMP were not altered by OncoA while cGMP levels were increased more than 10‐fold by OncoA in resting or ADP‐activated platelets. Flow cytometry revealed that OncoA does not interact with receptors for fibrinogen, collagen or P‐selectin. Nevertheless, OncoA decreased the binding of antibodies to GP Ibα, a glycoprotein that is related both to von Willebrand factor and to thrombin‐induced platelet aggregation.

Conclusion and implications:

OncoA showed anti‐aggregatory activity in platelets that was associated with increased cGMP levels, not dependent on NO and with blocking GP Ibα glycoprotein. This new mechanism has the prospect of leading to new anti‐thrombotic drugs.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 1216–1224; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.199; published online 2 June 2008