bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A survey of aspirin use and Reye's syndrome awareness among parents.
Authors: Morris L A , Klimberg R
Published: November 2008

A national telephone survey of 1,155 parents of children 19 years of age and younger solicited patterns of medication use during episodes of childhood flu and chicken pox. During the previous two years, 6 per cent of the parents whose children had chicken pox and 16 per cent of parents whose children had flu administered aspirin. Approximately 12 per cent of the total sample said they would give their child aspirin if their child were to get the flu or chicken pox today. About half (53 per cent) were aware of the contraindication against aspirin use and 40 per cent could spontaneously recall the name Reye's Syndrome (RS). When measured by a recognition test, 84 per cent of the sample said they had heard of RS. People who continued to believe that aspirin was an appropriate medication were more likely to have treated older children. The RS contraindication for aspirin should be emphasized for teenagers in future public informational programs.
Trends in activity-limiting chronic conditions among children.
Authors: Newacheck P W , Budetti P P , Halfon N
Published: November 2008

Data from the National Health Interview Survey indicate that the prevalence of activity-limiting chronic conditions among children under age 17 years doubled between 1960 and 1981, from 1.8 to 3.8 per cent. Approximately 40 per cent of the overall rise in prevalence occurred before 1970. Most of the increase in prevalence during this early period can be attributed to changes in questionnaire design and aging of the child population following the "baby boom" years. The factors responsible for increases in reported cases of activity limitation following 1970 are more difficult to specify and evaluate. During this later period, the increase in prevalence was restricted to less severe levels of limitations. While prevalence levels rose for a variety of conditions during this period, respiratory conditions and mental and nervous system disorders demonstrated the largest changes. It appears that much of the increase in reported cases of activity limitations during the 1970s can be attributed to shifting perceptions on the part of parents, educators, and physicians.
Longitudinal patterns of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use in youth: the Bogalusa Heart Study.
Authors: Hunter S M , Croft J B , Burke G L , Parker F C , Webber L S , Berenson G S
Published: November 2008

Tobacco use was studied during 1977-76 (n = 2880) and 1981-82 (n = 2158) in a total biracial community of children, aged 8-17 years, in Bogalusa, Louisiana. White males were the early adopters of tobacco products in both surveys. Cigarette smoking decreased in all race and gender groups while smokeless tobacco use increased in White males. Studies which find a decline in male adolescent smoking should investigate a possible concurrent increase in smokeless tobacco.
Occupational and worksite norms and attitudes about smoking cessation.
Authors: Sorensen G , Pechacek T , Pallonen U
Published: November 2008

The relationship of worksite and occupational norms about smoking to workers' attitudes toward smoking cessation was studied in a defined population. From smokers identified in a self-administered questionnaire circulated to all employees of 10 worksites in suburban Minneapolis, 447 smokers were randomly selected and interviewed. Attitudes and social norms about smoking cessation were compared by occupation and worksite using analysis of covariance, controlling for age, sex, and education. Similarly, the relationships of social norms to attitudes were examined using multiple regression analysis. Interest in quitting smoking, confidence in the ability to quit, and coworker support of prior quit attempts were equally pervasive among workers from blue collar and white collar occupations. Yet substantial differences between worksites in attitudes and norms about smoking cessation suggest the importance of the unique social milieu of individual worksites. Of particular importance is the impact of coworker discouragement of prior quit attempts, which varied across worksites and was directly related to confidence in the ability to quit and the desire to seek formal help in future quit attempts. These findings point to the relevance of intervention programs aimed at changing worksite norms about smoking and smoking cessation.
Control of day care shigellosis: a trial of convalescent day care in isolation.
Authors: Tauxe R V , Johnson K E , Boase J C , Helgerson S D , Blake P A
Published: November 2008

Simultaneous outbreaks of S. sonnei infections occurred in September 1983 at two day care centers in Seattle, Washington. At both centers, there were high rates of diarrheal illness in the children (22/80 and 11/23, respectively), in staff members, and in family members of the ill children. The smaller center was temporarily closed, but the larger one remained open. Convalescent children and staff whose diarrhea had resolved and who were receiving appropriate antimicrobials were allowed to return to the larger center before negative cultures were obtained and were separated in an isolation room. No culture-proven cases of shigellosis occurred at either center in the following two months. Plasmid profile determinations suggested the Shigella were not transmitted from the center that remained open to the community. Estimated need for alternate child care requirements at the closed center were 100-fold greater than at the center with the isolation room. Caring for convalescent children in isolation at day care centers while they receive antimicrobial therapy may be a useful strategy for controlling day care shigellosis.
A case-control study to evaluate the effectiveness of mass neonatal BCG vaccination among Canadian Indians.
Authors: Young T K , Hershfield E S
Published: November 2008

This paper reports a case-control study to assess the protective effect of BCG (bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccination among Indian infants in Manitoba, Canada. A record of past BCG vaccination was found in 49 per cent of the tuberculosis cases, compared to 77 per cent of the controls, yielding a relative risk of 0.30. Stratified analysis, controlling for age, increased the relative risk to 0.39 (95% confidence interval 0.22 - 0.69). The preventive fraction was 44 per cent. Non-differential misclassification of exposure status could have occurred; if this was adjusted for, the relative risk would be reduced. If only bacteriologically confirmed cases were analyzed, the age-adjusted relative risk was 0.27. The protective effect of BCG vaccination in the newborn among Manitoba Indians is therefore at least 60 per cent. The implications for health policy in this population are further discussed.
Lobbying for international health: the link between good ideas and funded programs: Bread for the World and the Agency for International Development.
Authors: Quinley J C , Baker T D
Published: November 2008

Historically, the Agency for International Development (AIDS) health budget has been closely tied to overall development spending. A large increase in the international health appropriations in 1984 broke this pattern. Investigation shows that active grass roots organizing and congressional lobbying are the most likely responsible factors in the increase. Maintenance and expansion of this success will require increased recognition of and participation in these activities by individuals and organizations involved in international health.
Height and weight of Southeast Asian preschool children in Northern California.
Authors: Dewey K G , Daniels J , Teo K S , Hassel E , Otow J
Published: November 2008

Anthropometric data were obtained from 526 Southeast Asian preschool children during 1980-84. Length of time in the United States averaged 21.8 months. Mean weights and heights were substantially below the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) 50th percentile. Although 39 per cent of children were below the 5th percentile of height for age, only 7 per cent were below the 5th percentile of weight for height. Rates of weight and height gain were similar to reference values, indicating adequate growth after arrival in the US.
Risk of postmenopausal hip fracture in Mexican American women.
Authors: Bauer R L , Diehl A K , Barton S A , Brender J , Deyo R A
Published: November 2008

To assess the risk of hip fracture in Mexican Americans, the ethnicity of 80 women aged 50 years and over admitted with hip fractures to a Texas hospital was compared with that of age-matched women hospitalized for other reasons. The risk of fracture for Mexican Americans was only 35 per cent that of Whites (95% CI = 19 per cent, 65 per cent). This finding was confirmed in a chart survey performed in a second hospital population. These results suggest that Mexican American women may receive less potential benefit from preventive measures for hip fracture than Whites.
Ischemic heart disease mortality of firemen and policemen.
Authors: Sardinas A , Miller J W , Hansen H
Published: November 2008

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality of Connecticut firemen and policemen is studied for the years 1960-78, using death certificate data. The mortality of these two occupations is expected to be greater than that of other workers. Standardized Mortality Odds Ratios for firemen and policemen are greater than 1.00. Although some increased IHD risk for firemen and policemen is suggested, the exact role of occupational risk factors remains to be determined.
INCOME AND INFANT MORTALITY
Authors: Lathrop Julia C.
Published: November 2008

Miss Lathrop, who is a leader in the country-wide movement to save the babies, tells us in this article how an insufficient wage, a mother who is obliged to labor, and a community that is careless about its housing, constitute three very important factors to the infant mortality.
FOOD INSPECTION AND FOOD IN RELATION TO PUBLIC HEALTH
Authors: Koehler G.
Published: November 2008

“Why should not cities solve their milk problems as they have those of water supply?” queries Dr. Koehler. From the vital statistics of a metropolis he asserts relations between food inspection and typhoid and between pasteurization and infant mortality. He considers accurate information on dietetics a necessary health measure.
SCHOOL HYGIENE A NATIONAL PROBLEM
Authors: Nydegger James A.
Published: November 2008

“Rural schools are neglected and insanitary,” is the motif of this essay. There are four times as many mental defecitves as in the city, while half the children have enlarged tonsils, etc. This author calls for reform here if as a nation we are to hold our place in the world.
Multimedia and Cognition: Examining the Effect of Applying Cognitive Principles to the Design of Instructional Materials
Authors: Thompson Nik , McGill Tanya Jane
Published: November 2008

The human cognitive system possesses a finite processing capacity, which is split into channels for various modalities, and learning can be inhibited if any of the cognitive channels is overloaded. However, although the amount of e-learning materials is increasing steadily, the design of instructional material has been largely based on intuition rather than cognitive principles. This research investigated if it is possible to improve the effectiveness of an established e-learning system by the application of cognitive design principles. And if so, does the increased development time and resources yield a substantial effect on learning. Quantitative data collecting during the experiment supported the cognitive principles based design and demonstrated that significantly better quiz scores were obtained in transfer and retention tests when compared against a more traditional design. The results of the study also indicate that the cognitive principles based design was both practical and feasible to apply in terms of necessary resources.
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and investigations of the ice–ocean interface in Antarctic and Arctic waters
Authors: Dowdeswell J.A. , Evans J. , Mugford R. , Griffiths G. , McPhail S. , Millard N. , Stevenson P. , Brandon M.A. , Banks C. , Heywood K.J. , Price M.R. , Dodd P.A. , Jenkins A. , Nicholls K.W. , Hayes D. , Abrahamsen E.P. , Tyler P. , Bett B. , Jones D. , Wadhams P. , Wilkinson J.P. , Stansfield K. , Ackley S.
Published: November 2008

Limitations of access have long restricted exploration and investigation of the cavities beneath ice shelves to a small number of drillholes. Studies of sea-ice underwater morphology are limited largely to scientific utilization of submarines. Remotely operated vehicles, tethered to a mother ship by umbilical cable, have been deployed to investigate tidewater-glacier and ice-shelf margins, but their range is often restricted. The development of free-flying autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) with ranges of tens to hundreds of kilometres enables extensive missions to take place beneath sea ice and floating ice shelves. Autosub2 is a 3600 kg, 6.7 m long AUV, with a 1600 m operating depth and range of 400 km, based on the earlier Autosub1 which had a 500 m depth limit. A single direct-drive d.c. motor and five-bladed propeller produce speeds of 1–2 m s−1. Rear-mounted rudder and stern-plane control yaw, pitch and depth. The vehicle has three sections. The front and rear sections are free-flooding, built around aluminium extrusion space-frames covered with glass-fibre reinforced plastic panels. The central section has a set of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic pressure vessels. Four tubes contain batteries powering the vehicle. The other three house vehicle-control systems and sensors. The rear section houses subsystems for navigation, control actuation and propulsion and scientific sensors (e.g. digital camera, upward-looking 300 kHz acoustic Doppler current profiler, 200 kHz multibeam receiver). The front section contains forward-looking collision sensor, emergency abort, the homing systems, Argos satellite data and location transmitters and flashing lights for relocation as well as science sensors (e.g. twin conductivity–temperature–depth instruments, multibeam transmitter, sub-bottom profiler, AquaLab water sampler). Payload restrictions mean that a subset of scientific instruments is actually in place on any given dive. The scientific instruments carried on Autosub are described and examples of observational data collected from each sensor in Arctic or Antarctic waters are given (e.g. of roughness at the underside of floating ice shelves and sea ice).
Planimetric and volumetric glacier changes in the Khumbu Himal, Nepal, since 1962 using Corona, Landsat TM and ASTER data
Authors: Bolch Tobias , Buchroithner Manfred , Pieczonka Tino , Kunert André
Published: November 2008

Multitemporal space imagery from 1962 (Corona KH-4), 1992 (Landsat TM), 2001 and 2005 (Terra ASTER) was used to investigate the glacier changes in the Khumbu Himal, Nepal. The ice coverage in the investigation area decreased by about 5% between 1962 and 2005, with the highest retreat rates occurring between 1992 and 2001. The debris coverage increased concomitantly with the decrease in total glacier area. The clean-ice area decreased by >10%. Digital terrain model (DTM) generation from the early Corona KH-4 stereo data in this high-relief terrain is time-consuming, and the results still contain some elevation errors. However, these are minor in the snow-free areas with gentle slopes. Thus comparison of the surfaces of the debris-covered glacier tongues based on the Corona DTM and an ASTER DTM is feasible and shows the downwasting of the debris-covered glaciers. The highest downwasting rates, more than 20 m (>0.5 m a−1), can be found near the transition zone between the active and the stagnant glacier parts of the debris-covered glacier tongues. The downwasting is lower, but still evident, in the active ice areas and at the snout with thick debris cover. All investigated debris-covered glaciers in the study area show similar behaviour. The estimated volume loss for the investigated debris-covered glacier tongues is 0.19 km3.
A sensitivity study of factors influencing warm/thin permafrost in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Luetschg Martina , Lehning Michael , Haeberli Wilfried
Published: November 2008

Alpine permafrost distribution is controlled by a great number of climatic, topographic and soil-specific factors, including snow cover, which plays a major role. In this study, a one-dimensional finite-element numerical model was developed to analyze the influence of individual snow-specific and climatic factors on the ground thermal regime. The results indicate that the most important factor is snow depth. Snow depths below the threshold value of 0.6 m lack sufficient insulation to prevent low atmospheric temperatures from cooling the soil. The date of first winter snow insulation and variations in mean annual air temperature (MAAT) are also shown to be important. Delays in early-winter snow insulation and in summer snow disappearance are shown to be of approximately equal significance to the ground thermal conditions. Numerical modelling also indicates that the duration of effective thermal resistance of snow cover governs the slope of the linear dependency between MAAT and mean annual ground surface temperatures (MAGST). Consequently, the most direct effect of a long-term rise in air temperatures on ground temperatures is predicted under a thin snow cover with early snowmelt in spring and/or where a large change in the date of total snowmelt occurs, in response to atmospheric warming.
Foreword to the Proceedings of the 12th National Symposium of Organic Chemistry "Dr. Eduardo Guerreiro", Los Cocos (Córdoba), Argentina, 14-17 November 1999
Authors: Salomon Claudio J. , Labadie Guillermo R.
Published: November 2008

n/a
Synthesis of New Anthihelmintic Analogs of Marine Natural Products
Authors: Serra Gloria , Mahler Graciela , Gordon Sandra , Incerti Marcelo , Manta Eduardo
Published: November 2008

The synthesis of new anthelmintic compounds derived from 2-amine-4-hydroxy-δ-valerolactams and 2,4-dialkylthiazoles is described. The synthetic procedures and biological activity data for these compounds will be presented.
A Short Synthesis of the Main Lactone Ketal Backbone Present in Saudin
Authors: Labadie Guillermo R. , Cravero Raquel M. , Sierra Manuel Gonzalez
Published: November 2008

We are describing a brief stereospecific synthesis of a model compound related to Saudin, with a lactone ketal backbone present in the natural product starting from a tricyclic epoxiketal.
Preparation and Characterization of Solid Complexes of Naphtoquinone and Hydroxypropyl-b-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Linares Marcela , De Bertorello María Martínez , Longhi Marcela
Published: November 2008

The formation of an inclusion compound between a naphthoquinone derivative (I) and HP-ß-CD was studied in solid state by X-ray diffractometry, DSC, and IR.
Microbial Hydroxylation of Tedonodiol with Cultures of Aspergillus Niger
Authors: Flores R. Carrizo , Pous L. , Tonn C. E. , Guerreiro E. , Giordano O. S.
Published: November 2008

Microbial hydroxylation of tedonodiol, an eremophilane alcohol, was carried out with Aspergillus niger cultures, yielding the 2α - hydroxyderivative.
Chemical Characteristics of Passiflora Caerulea Sedd Oil and Residual Seed Meal
Authors: Quiroga O. E. , Bou S. , Vigo M. S. , Nolasco S. M.
Published: November 2008

Seeds from Passiflora caerulea were defatted with n-hexane yielding 29,9% of crude oil (dry basis). The crude oil was examined in their physicochemical characteristics. Fatty acid composition value showed only three acids in significative proportion: 16:0, 18:1 and 18:2. The residual seed meal analysis included: moisture value, ash, metals content, sugars, crude fiber, protein and available lysine.
Determination of the pKa of Benzophenones in Ethanol-Water
Authors: Castro G. T. , Blanco S. E. , Giordano O. S.
Published: November 2008

The pKa of monohydroxylated benzophenones was determined by UV spectroscopy. The values obtained are coherent with the resonant forms and hydrogen bond intramolecular of the analyzed compounds.
Elaboration of the Isochromane System of Stephaoxocanes Employing an Oxa-Pictet Spengler Type Cyclization
Authors: Kaufman Teodoro S. , Bernardi Carmem R. , Cipulli Marcos , Silveira Claudio C.
Published: November 2008

An approach to the synthesis of the isochromane moiety embodying the AC-ring system of the stephaoxocanes, by the use of an Oxa-Pictet Spengler type cyclization strategy, is reported.
Analysis by Mass Spectrometry of the Polar Lipids from the Cellular Membrane of Thermophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Fernández Murga M. , Cabrera G. , Martos G. , Font de Valdez G. , Seldes A.
Published: November 2008

Fast atom bombardment (FAB) technique was employed to determine the structure of polar lipids from the cellular membrane of Lactobacillus delbruekii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus. Analysis of spectra provided useful information about the molecular species and aminoacids constituents of the samples.
Solid-Phase Organic Chemistry: Synthesis of 2β-(Heterocyclylthiomethyl)Penam Derivatives on Solid Support
Authors: Delpiccolo Carina M.L. , Mata Ernesto G.
Published: November 2008

The synthesis of 2β-(heterocyclylthiomethyl)penam derivatives on solid support has been developed. Compounds are obtained in good to high yields (based on loading of the original resin). The key step is the solid-phase double rearrangement of the corresponding penicillin sulfoxide.
Studies of Lipids and Proteins in a Wild Species of the Arachis (Fabaceae) Gender
Authors: Giannuzzo A. N. , Grosso N. R. , Guzmán C. A.
Published: November 2008

Chemical components of eight wild species of Arachis were studied. The objectives were to know the chemical composition and establish chemotaxonomic relationships. The results indicate that A. villosa is suitable for breeding program of cultivated peanut. A. monticola and A. batizocoi showed major chemical affinity with A. hipogaea.
Solvatochromic and Kinetic Response Models in (Ethyl Acetate + Chloroform or Methanol) Solvent Mixtures
Authors: Mancini P. , Adam C. , Del C. Pérez A. , Vottero L. R.
Published: November 2008

The present work analyzes the solvent effects upon the solvatochromic response models for a set of chemical probes and the kinetic response models for an aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction, in binary mixtures in which both pure components are able to form intersolvent complexes by hydrogen bonding.
Catalytic Hydrogenation Reaction of Naringin-Chalcone. Study of the Electrochemical Reaction
Authors: Nazareno M. A. , Giannuzzo A. N. , Mishima H. T. , López de Mishima B. A.
Published: November 2008

The electrocatalytic hydrogenation reaction of naringin derivated chalcone is studied. The reaction is carried out with different catalysts in order to compare with the classic catalytic hydrogenation.
Structure-Properties Relationship of Dimeric Surfactants from Butyl Glucosides
Authors: Castro Mariano J. L. , Kovensky José , Cirelli Alicia Fernández
Published: November 2008

Carbohydrate containing dimeric surfactants were synthesized starting from Dglucose. Three different spacers were used to link the sugar moieties. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) for these new compounds was determined.
Synthesis of 2,3-Butanedione over TS-1, Ti-NCl, TiMCM-41, Ti-Beta, Fe-Si, Fe-Beta and VS-1 Zeolites
Authors: Beltramone Andrea , Gomez Marcos , Pierella Liliana , Anunziata Oscar
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this work is the synthesis of 2,3-butanedione (diacetyl) by selective oxidation of 2-butanone (methyl ethyl ketone) in the presence of O2 and H2O2 30% as oxidants. All the tests were performed over several selective oxidation zeolite catalysts, synthesized and characterized in our laboratory.
Incorporating sustainability criteria into credit risk management
Authors: Weber Olaf , Scholz Roland W. , Michalik Georg
Published: November 2008

Does a commercial debtor's economic, environmental and social performance in terms of sustainability affect its credit risk rating? Does adding criteria aimed at assessing a lender's environmental, social or sustainability practices provide added value to traditional financial rating criteria? Many analyses have reported that a correlation exists between companies' environmental and their financial performance. We checked out the assertion that it ‘pays to be sustainable’ by analyzing the role that criteria pertaining to sustainability and environmental orientation play in the commercial credit risk management process. Our results show that sustainability criteria can be used to predict the financial performance of a debtor and improve the predictive validity of the credit rating process. We conclude that the sustainability a firm demonstrates influences its creditworthiness as part of its financial performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Executive dysfunction as a risk marker for substance abuse: The role of impulsive personality traits
Authors: Dolan Sara L. , Bechara Antoine , Nathan Peter E.
Published: November 2008

The relationships between family history of substance use, executive functions, impaired decision making, and current substance dependence are the focus of this study. Thirty‐eight substance‐dependent inpatients were compared with 30 community controls on performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Trail‐Making Test‐B, the Stroop Color Word Test, the Wais‐II Digit Span, and the Iowa Gambling Task. Recent alcohol use, depressive symptoms, and impulsivity were also assessed. As hypothesized, individuals with substance dependence exhibited poorer executive functioning. Family history status was modestly related to impaired performance on tests designed to measure the integrity of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In particular, substance‐dependent, family history positive individuals performed less well on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test than substance‐dependent individuals without a family history. Digit Span performances were worse among family history positive controls when compared with family history negative controls. Impulsive personality traits—specifically, difficulty thinking before acting (Urgency)—were related, as hypothesized, to executive functioning. Results indicate that family history status confers an increased risk of impairment beyond that conferred by recent substance abuse, and that impulsive personality traits are related to performance on tests of executive functions. Implications for criminality are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ATP‐Noncompetitive Inhibitors of CDK–Cyclin Complexes
Authors: Orzáez Mar , Gortat Anna , Mondragón Laura , Bachs Oriol , Pérez‐Payá Enrique
Published: November 2008

Progression through the cell division cycle is controlled by a family of cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs), the activity of which depends on their binding to regulatory partners (cyclins A–H). Deregulation of the activity of CDKs has been associated with the development of infectious, neurodegenerative, and proliferative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or cancer. Most cancer cells contain mutations in the pathways that control the activity of CDKs. This observation led this kinase family to become a central target for the development of new drugs for cancer therapy. A range of structurally diverse molecules has been shown to inhibit the activity of CDKs through their activity as ATP antagonists. Nevertheless, the ATP binding sites on CDKs are highly conserved, limiting the kinase specificity of these inhibitors. Various genetic and crystallographic approaches have provided essential information about the mechanism of formation and activation of CDK–cyclin complexes, providing new ways to implement novel research strategies toward the discovery of new, more effective and selective drugs. Herein we review the progress made in the development of ATP‐noncompetitive CDK–cyclin inhibitors.
C6‐Unsubstituted Pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidines Are Dual Src/Abl Inhibitors Effective against Imatinib Mesylate Resistant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cell Lines
Authors: Santucci Maria Alessandra , Corradi Valentina , Mancini Manuela , Manetti Fabrizio , Radi Marco , Schenone Silvia , Botta Maurizio
Published: November 2008

Docking simulations were used to predict the most favorable interaction between the T315I mutated form of Abl (invariably associated with resistance to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate, IM) and C6‐unsubstituted and substituted pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidines previously found to be dual Src/Abl inhibitors. Two C6‐unsubstituted (1 and 2) and eight C6‐substituted compounds (3–10) were selected and assayed for their effects on the Ba/F3 cell line transducing the wild‐type p210Bcr–Abl construct, which is IM‐sensitive, or three of the most common mutations associated with IM resistance in vivo (T315I, Y253F, and E255K), and driven to drug resistance by saturating doses of IL‐3 or by the expression of the Bcr–Abl construct coding for the p185 protein of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Compounds 1 and 2 were active against all cell lines assayed (LD50 range: 0.7–4.3 μM), whereas C6‐substituted compounds exhibited lower activity (LD50∼8 μM for compound 3 toward the T315I mutant). Notably, 1 and 2 were also effective toward the T315I mutation, which is insensitive to dual Src/Abl inhibitors. The cytotoxic effects of 1 and 2 on IM‐sensitive and IM‐resistant Ba/F3 cells were attributable, at least in part, to their pro‐apoptotic activity. Taken together, such findings suggest that C6‐unsubstituted pyrazolo[3,4‐d]pyrimidines may represent useful inhibitors to target IM‐resistant chronic myeloid leukemia.
Mathematical Modelling of Cation Contamination in a Proton‐exchange Membrane
Authors: Weber A. Z. , Delacourt C.
Published: November 2008

Transport phenomena in an ion‐exchange membrane containing both H+ and K+ are described using multicomponent diffusion equations (Stefan–Maxwell). A model is developed for transport through a Nafion 112 membrane in a hydrogen‐pump setup. The model results are analysed to quantify the impact of cation contamination on cell potential. It is shown that limiting current densities can result due to a decrease in proton concentration caused by the build‐up of contaminant ions. An average cation concentration of 30 to 40% is required for appreciable effects to be noticed under typical steady‐state operating conditions.
Economic development and fluctuations in earnings inequality in the very long run: The evidence from Latin America 1900–2000
Authors: FitzGerald Valpy
Published: November 2008

Latin America has the most unequal income distribution of any region in the world, yet its historical causes are poorly understood. This paper reports the first exploratory attempt to compute income distributions for the five leading Latin American economies for the whole 20th century. The methodology produces estimates of earnings dispersion for four skill groups over 1900–2000, which can be used to generate the familiar Gini coefficients. Large fluctuations in dispersion over time are found: countering claims of stability since the colonial past in the recent economic institutions literature; but supporting the findings of economic historians and development economists. An estimation model (reflecting the impact of international trade, labour quality and macroeconomic imbalances) explains the data reasonably well, with all three sets of drivers proving significant, although the measured effects are different across the five countries. The paper concludes that the skill composition of the workforce not only underpins long run trends in income distribution; but also conditions inequality fluctuations in response to exogenous shocks. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solifluction processes on permafrost and non‐permafrost slopes: results of a large‐scale laboratory simulation
Authors: Harris Charles , Kern‐Luetschg Martina , Murton Julian , Font Marianne , Davies Michael , Smith Fraser
Published: November 2008

We present results of full‐scale physical modelling of solifluction in two thermally defined environments: (a) seasonal frost penetration but no permafrost, and (b) a seasonally thawed active layer above cold permafrost. Modelling was undertaken at the Laboratoire M2C, Université de Caen‐Basse Normandie, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France. Two geometrically similar slope models were constructed using natural frost‐susceptible test soil. In Model 1 water was supplied via a basal sand layer during freezing. In Model 2 the basal sand layer contained refrigerated copper tubing that maintained a permafrost table. Soil freezing was from the top down in Model 1 (one‐sided freezing) but from the top down and bottom up (two‐sided freezing) in Model 2. Thawing occurred from the top down as a result of positive air temperatures. Ice segregation in Model 1 decreased with depth, but in Model 2, simulated rainfall led to summer frost heave associated with ice segregation at the permafrost table, and subsequent two‐sided freezing increased basal ice contents further. Thaw consolidation in Model 1 decreased with depth, but in Model 2 was greatest in the ice‐rich basal layer. Soil shear strain occurred during thaw consolidation and was accompanied by raised pore water pressures. Displacement profiles showed decreasing movement rates with depth in Model 1 (one‐sided freezing) but ‘plug‐like’ displacements of the active layer over a shearing basal zone in Model 2 (two‐sided active layer freezing). Volumetric transport rates were approximately 2.8 times higher for a given rate of surface movement in the permafrost model compared with the non‐permafrost model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene–Physical Activity Interactions in the Etiology of Obesity: Behavioral Considerations
Authors: Dishman Rod K.
Published: November 2008

Understanding how genes, environment, and personal motivation operate to influence physical activity will require (i) inclusion of properly validated measures of putative mediators (e.g., cultural values, efficacy and control beliefs, goals, intentions, enjoyment, and self‐management skills) and moderators (e.g., age or maturation, personality, race/ethnicity, fitness, fatness, skill, and competing behaviors) of physical activity, (ii) a search for candidate genes involved with motivational systems of energy expenditure in addition to energy intake pathways, (iii) assessment of specific features physical activity exposure (i.e., type, intensity, timing, and context), (iv) manipulation of physical activity or prospective observation of change in physical activity at multiple times, rather than cross‐sectional association and linkage studies, and (v) use of statistical procedures that permit multilevel modeling (i.e., personal and group‐level variables) of direct, indirect (i.e., mediated), and moderated (i.e., interactions of mediators with external factors) relations with physical activity within theoretical gene–environment networks.
Diet and digestive performance of an urban population of the omnivorous freshwater turtle (Emydura krefftii) from Ross River, Queensland
Authors: Wilson Madeleine , Lawler Ivan R.
Published: November 2008

We determined the diet of Emydura krefftii, an abundant and widespread omnivorous freshwater turtle in north-eastern Australia, in an artificial urban impoundment. A potentially significant dietary influence is feeding of bread to the turtles by members of the public. This has led to the formation of a dense aggregation of the species at one end of the impoundment. The most substantial component of the diet by volume was the introduced weed Cabomba. Bread and figs were also important but only in specific locations. Bread was offered to turtles at the feeding aggregation in amounts close to the maximum eaten by captive turtles, and thus probably negatively influences nutrient status. Animal matter (insects, vertebrate carrion) was only a small proportion of the diet. We quantified intake, digestibility and transit time in the laboratory for four commonly occurring dietary items. Fish and bread were the most highly digestible food items and passed quickly through the gut. Despite its contribution to the diet in the wild, captive turtles ate little Cabomba, and it passed slowly through the gut and was poorly digested. Future research on interactive effects between diet items on digestive performance is recommended to understand the performance of turtles on apparently poor-quality diets.
Factors influencing population dynamics in island and mainland populations of the swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus)
Authors: Sale Michael G. , Wilson Barbara A. , Arnould John P. Y.
Published: November 2008

Simultaneously analysing demographic processes of small mammals living in different ecological contexts may help to understand mechanisms that influence the growth and decline of these populations. The size and demography of swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus) populations located in a coastal mainland habitat and on a small offshore island in south-eastern Australia were investigated. Large demographic differences occurred between the two ecosystems, with the island population density often 100 times greater than that on the mainland. The swamp antechinus in the mainland habitat was influenced by extrinsic climatic forces, with juvenile recruitment, individual body mass and overall population size being affected by rainfall, a factor likely to influence food availability for the species. However, the island population did not appear to be affected by drought to the same degree where allochthonous marine nutrient inputs may have offset any drought-induced reduction in primary production. Significantly greater juvenile recruitment in the island habitats combined with restricted emigration and potentially reduced predation and interspecific competition are likely to be responsible for the high population densities on the island. Although island populations appear robust, future conservation efforts should focus on mainland populations given the genetic deficiencies in the island populations.
Defects in CTLA-4 are associated with abnormal regulatory T cell function in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Flores-Borja Fabian , Jury Elizabeth C. , Mauri Claudia , Ehrenstein Michael R.
Published: November 2008

The ultimate goal for the treatment of autoimmunity is to restore immunological tolerance. Regulatory T cells (Treg) play a central role in immune tolerance, and Treg functional abnormalities have been identified in different autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We have previously shown that natural Treg from RA patients are competent at suppressing responder T cell proliferation but not cytokine production. Here, we explore the hypothesis that this Treg defect in RA is linked with abnormalities in the expression and function of CTLA-4. We demonstrate that CTLA-4 expression on Treg from RA patients was significantly reduced compared with healthy Treg and is associated with an increased rate of CTLA-4 internalization. Regulation of T cell receptor signaling by CTLA-4 was impaired in RA Treg and associated with delayed recruitment of CTLA-4 to the immunological synapse. Artificial induction of CTLA-4 expression on RA Treg restored their suppressive capacity. Furthermore, CTLA-4 blockade impaired healthy Treg suppression of T cell IFN-γ production, but not proliferation, thereby recapitulating the unique Treg defect in RA. Our results suggest that defects in CTLA-4 could contribute to abnormal Treg function in RA and may represent a target for therapy for inducing long-lasting remission.
Periodic temperature-associated drought/flood drives locust plagues in China
Authors: Zhang Zhibin , Cazelles Bernard , Tian Huidong , Christian Stige Leif , Bräuning Achim , Stenseth Nils Chr
Published: November 2008

Global warming is currently of great concern. Yet the ecological effects of low-frequency climate variations remain largely unknown. Recent analyses of interdecadal variability in population abundance of the Oriental migratory locust (
Locusta migratoria manilensis
) in China have revealed negative associations with temperature and positive associations with Yangtze drought and flood frequencies during the past millennium (AD 957–1956). In order to shed new light on the causal relationships between locust abundance, floods, droughts and temperature in ancient China, we used wavelet analysis to explore how the coherencies between the different variables at different frequencies have been changed during the past millennium. We find consistent in-phase coherencies between locusts and drought/flood frequencies, and out-of-phase coherencies between locusts and temperature and between drought/flood and temperature at period components of 160–170 years. Similar results are obtained when historical data of drought/flood frequencies of the Yangtze Delta region are used, despite flood data showing a weak and somewhat inconsistent association with other factors. We suggest that previously unreported periodic cooling of 160–170-year intervals dominate climatic variability in China through the past millennium, the cooling events promoting locust plagues by enhancing temperature-associated drought/flood events. Our results signify a rare example of possible benign effects of global warming on the regional risk of natural disasters such as flood/drought events and outbreaks of pest insects.
Teratosphaeria nubilosa, a serious leaf disease pathogen of Eucalyptus spp. in native and introduced areas
Authors: HUNTER GAVIN C. , CROUS PEDRO W. , CARNEGIE ANGUS J. , WINGFIELD MICHAEL J.
Published: November 2008

Background:  Teratosphaeria nubilosa is a serious leaf pathogen of several Eucalyptus spp. This review considers the taxonomic history, epidemiology, host associations and molecular biology of T. nubilosa.

Taxonomy:  Kingdom Fungi; Phylum Ascomycota; Class Dothideomycetes; Order Capnodiales; Family Teratosphaeriaceae; genus Teratosphaeria; species nubilosa.

Identification:  Pseudothecia hypophyllous, less so amphigenous, ascomata black, globose becoming erumpent, asci aparaphysate, fasciculate, bitunicate, obovoid to ellipsoid, straight or incurved, eight‐spored, ascospores hyaline, non‐guttulate, thin walled, straight to slightly curved, obovoid with obtuse ends, medially one‐septate, slightly constricted at the median septum, tapering to both ends, ascospore germination type F, germinating from both ends, germ tubes growing parallel to the long axis of the spore with distortion of the primary ascospore cell.

Host range:  Teratosphaeria nubilosa is a primary pathogen of several Eucalyptus spp., including E. botryoides, E. bicostata, E. bridgesiana, E. cypellocarpa, E. dunnii, E. globulus ssp. bicostata, E. globulus ssp. globulus, E. globulus ssp. maidenii, E. globulus ssp. pseudoglobulus, E. grandis, E. gunnii, E. nitens, E. pilularis, E. quadrangulata, E. viminalis, E. grandis × E. resinifera and E. urophylla × E. globulus.

Disease symptoms:  Leaf spots predominantly occur on juvenile Eucalyptus foliage; however, T. nubilosa has also recently been found on mature Eucalyptus foliage. Leaf spots are amphigenous, varying in size from small spots that are round to irregular. Lesions enlarge and coalesce to form larger blotches over the leaf surface. Initial lesions appear as pale‐green spots surrounded by purple margins and, once mature, are generally yellow to pale brown with dark‐brown raised borders.

Useful websites:  Mycobank, http://www.mycobank.org; Mycosphaerella identification website, http://www.cbs.knaw.nl/mycosphaerella/BioloMICS.aspx
The prevalence and predictors of anencephaly and spina bifida in Texas
Authors: Canfield Mark A. , Marengo Lisa , Ramadhani Tunu A. , Suarez Lucina , Brender Jean D. , Scheuerle Angela
Published: November 2008

Texas shares a 1255‐miles border with Mexico and encompasses a variety of ecosystems, industries and other potential environmental exposures. The Texas Birth Defects Registry is an active surveillance system which covers all pregnancy outcomes (livebirths, fetal deaths and elective pregnancy terminations). This study describes the occurrence and the predictors of neural tube defects (anencephaly and spina bifida) in Texas between 1999 and 2003. Birth prevalence, crude and adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Poisson regression, for each defect, by fetal/infant sex, delivery year and maternal sociodemographic characteristics.

Among approximately 1.8 million livebirths, a total of 1157 neural tube defects cases were ascertained by the Registry, resulting in an overall prevalence of 6.33 cases per 10 000 livebirths. The prevalences of anencephaly and spina bifida were 2.81 and 3.52 per 10 000 livebirths respectively. Prevalences of both defects were highest in Hispanics, among mothers living along the border with Mexico, among women of higher parity and among mothers who were 40+ years of age. In addition, the prevalence of each defect was higher among women with no record of prenatal care and among women with less than 7 years of education. Hispanic ethnicity was an important predictor for anencephaly, along with sex, maternal age, parity and border residence. However, only border residence and delivery year were significant predictors for spina bifida.
Roles of polarity determinants in ovule development
Authors: Kelley Dior R. , Skinner Debra J. , Gasser Charles S.
Published: November 2008

Ovules are the female reproductive structures that develop into seeds. Angiosperm ovules include one, or more commonly two, integuments that cover the nucellus and female gametophyte. Mutations in the Arabidopsis KANADI (KAN) and YABBY polarity genes result in amorphous or arrested integument growth, suggesting that polarity determinants play key roles in ovule development. We show that the class III homeodomain leucine zipper (HD‐ZIPIII) genes CORONA (CNA), PHABULOSA (PHB) and PHAVOLUTA (PHV) are expressed adaxially in the inner integument during ovule development, independent of ABERRANT TESTA SHAPE (ATS, also known as KANADI4) activity. Loss of function of these genes leads to aberrant integument growth. Additionally, over‐expression of PHB or PHV in ovules is not sufficient to repress ATS expression, and can produce phenotypes similar to those of the HD‐ZIPIII loss‐of‐function lines. The absence of evidence of mutual negative regulation by KAN and HD‐ZIPIII transcription factors is in contrast to known mechanisms in leaves. Loss of HD‐ZIPIII activity can partially compensate for loss of ATS activity in the ats cna phb phv quadruple mutant, showing that CNA/PHB/PHV act in concert with ATS to control integument morphogenesis. In a parallel pathway, ATS acts with REVOLUTA (REV) to restrict expression of INNER NO OUTER (INO) and outer integument growth. Based on these expression and genetic studies, we propose a model in which a balance between the relative levels of adaxial/abaxial activities, rather than maintenance of boundaries of expression domains, is necessary to support laminar growth of the two integuments.