bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do smoking cessation programmes influence geographical inequalities in health? An evaluation of the impact of the PEGS programme in Christchurch, New Zealand
Authors: Hiscock R , Pearce J , Barnett R , Moon G , Daley V 
Published: June 2009

Objective:To identify the impact of a smoking cessation programme on area-based social and ethnic inequalities in smoking rates through social and ethnic differences in enrolment and quitting.Methods:Analysis of records of 11 325 patients who enrolled in an innovative smoking cessation programme in Christchurch, New Zealand between 2001 and 2006. We compare enrolment, follow-up, quitting and impact on population smoking rates in the most and least deprived neighbourhoods and the neighbourhoods with the lowest and highest proportions of Māori.Results:Enrolment as a proportion of the population was higher from the most deprived areas but as a proportion of neighbourhood smokers, it was lower. Enrolees from the least deprived quintile were 40% more likely to quit than those from the most deprived quintile. Smoking rates were 2.84 (2.75 to 2.93) times higher in the most deprived neighbourhoods. If the programme had not been available we estimate that this differential would have reduced to 2.81 (2.72 to 2.90). In neighbourhoods with the highest proportion of Māori, smoking rates were 2.33 (2.26 to 2.41) times higher and we estimate that without the programme smoking rates would be 2.30 (2.23 to 2.37) times higher.Conclusions:Although enrolees were drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds, those most likely to quit tended to reside in affluent areas or areas with a low proportion of Māori. There was no evidence that this smoking cessation programme increased or decreased inequalities within the Christchurch population. For smoking cessation programmes to have an impact on health inequalities more effort is required in targeting hard-to-reach groups and in encouraging them to quit.
Enacting tobacco taxes by direct popular vote in the United States: lessons from 20 years of experience
Authors: Lum K L , Barnes R L , Glantz S A 
Published: June 2009

Background:Tobacco tax increases reduce tobacco use, can provide funds for tobacco prevention and enjoy broad public support. Because of tobacco industry influence in legislatures, US public health advocates have shifted the venue for tobacco tax policymaking to direct popular vote 22 times since 1988.Methods:We combined case studies of individual state campaigns with tobacco industry documents to identify strategies related to outcome.Results:The tobacco industry developed a voter segmentation model to determine which tobacco tax increases it could defeat. Two industry arguments arising from this model often were raised in losing campaigns—the tax increase did not dedicate enough to tobacco control and hospitals and health maintenance organisations would profit. The industry effectively influenced early voters. Success was associated with building a strong base of public support before the campaign, dedicating sufficient funds to tobacco control, avoiding proposals largely devoted to financing hospitals and other medical service providers, effectively engaging grassroots and framing the campaign with clear justifications for cigarette tax increases.Conclusions:Tobacco tax ballot measures commonly allocated substantial funds to medical services; tobacco companies are becoming more successful in making this use of funds an issue. Proponents’ campaigns should be timed to account for the trend to voting well before election day. Ballot measures to increase tobacco taxes with a substantial fraction of the money devoted to tobacco control activities will probably fare better than ones that give priority to funding medical services.
Systemic inflammation: a key factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome?
Authors: Ryan S , Taylor C T , McNicholas W T 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a highly prevalent disease and is recognised as a major public health burden. Large-scale epidemiological studies have demonstrated an independent relationship between OSAS and various cardiovascular disorders. The pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications in OSAS is not completely understood but a multifactorial aetiology is likely. Inflammatory processes have emerged as critical in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis at all stages of atheroma formation. Increased levels of various circulating markers of inflammation including tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL6), IL-8 and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been reported as associated with future cardiovascular risk. There is increasing evidence of elevated inflammatory markers in OSAS with a significant fall after effective treatment with continuous positive airway pressure. This evidence is particularly strong for TNFα, whereas studies on IL6 and CRP have yielded conflicting results possibly due to the confounding effects of obesity. Cell culture and animal studies have significantly contributed to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the association between OSAS and inflammation. Intermittent hypoxia, the hallmark of OSAS, results in activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein (AP)-1. These promote activation of various inflammatory cells, particularly lymphocytes and monocytes, with the downstream consequence of expression of pro-inflammatory mediators that may lead to endothelial dysfunction. This review provides a critical analysis of the current evidence for an association between OSAS, inflammation and cardiovascular disease, discusses basic mechanisms that may be responsible for this association and proposes future research possibilities.
MECHANISM OF LEFT VENTRICULAR PRESSURE INCREASE DURING ISOVOLUMIC CONTRACTION, AND DETERMINATION OF ITS EQUIVALENT MYOCARDIAL FIBERS ORIENTATION
Authors: GHISTA DHANJOO N. , LIU LI , CHUA LEOK POH , ZHONG LIANG , TAN RU SAN , TAN YONG SENG 
Published: June 2009

The left ventricle (LV) is modelled as a fluid-filled, thick-walled finite-elasticity cylindrical shell, subject to internal pressure increase during isovolumic contraction. Our objective is to elucidate that the tremendous internal pressure build-up during isovolumic contraction is caused by stress development in the spirally-wound myocardial fibers due to their contraction. The LV model data consists of LV chamber pressure, LV dynamic geometry and LV twist angle. In our analysis, the LV chamber pressure increase and LV (radial, longitudinal, and twist) deformations are formatted to be caused by the contractile stresses in the LV myocardial fibers (based on the hyper-elastic constitutive property of the LV myocardial wall, expressed in terms of the strain energy density function). The LV wall stresses are expressed in terms of the strain energy density function, and hence in terms of the measured LV wall strains and the material parameters. Then, by satisfying the stress boundary conditions, from the measured data on LV deformation state and LV pressure, we first determine the LV wall's constitutive properties, and then the instantaneous stress state in the LV. The stress generated in the LV cylindrical model is equivalent to the development of active compression force and torsion within the model, as a mechanism for the high intra-LV cavity pressure build-up during isovolumic contraction. We in turn adopt (i) the principal compressive stress to be the stresses developed in the myocardial fibers (by their contraction), and (ii) the principal stress trajectory to correspond to the orientation of the myocardial fibers. The results show that the myocardial fiber orientation changes during the isovolumic phase, as the LV contracts. Hence, an important determinant of our analysis is the orientation of the myocardial fibers. Conversely, it can be said that the fibers are so optimally oriented, that their contraction causes LV deformation to in turn cause the appropriate increase in intra-LV pressure. Another important outcome of our analysis is the determination of the "LV torque vs twist angle" relationship, which has the potential to be employed as an index of contractility.
Raced profiles
Authors: Leather Hugh , O'Boyle Michael , Worton Bruce 
Published: June 2009

Many problems in embedded compilation require one set of optimizations to be selected over another based on run time performance. Self-tuned libraries, iterative compilation and machine learning techniques all compare multiple compiled program versions. In each, program versions are timed to determine which has the best performance.The program needs to be run multiple times for each version because there is noise inherent in most performance measurements. The number of runs must be enough to compare different versions, despite the noise, but executing more than this will waste time and energy. The compiler writer must either risk taking too few runs, potentially getting incorrect results, or taking too many runs increasing the time for their experiments or reducing the number of program versions evaluated. Prior works choose constant size sampling plans where each compiled version is executed a fixed number of times without regard to the level of noise.In this paper we develop a sequential sampling plan which can automatically adapt to the experiment so that the compiler writer can have both confidence in the results and also be sure that no more runs were taken than were needed. We show that our system is able to correctly determine the best optimization settings with between 76% and 87% fewer runs than needed by a brute force, constant sampling size approach. We also compare our approach to JavaSTATS(10); we needed 77% to 89% fewer runs than it needed.
HPV16 Tumor Associated Macrophages Suppress Antitumor T Cell Responses
Authors: Lepique Ana Paula , Daghastanli Katia Regina Perez , Cuccovia Iolanda Midea , Villa Luisa Lina 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPurpose: High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main etiologic factor for cervical cancer. The severity of HPV-associated cervical lesions has been correlated to the number of infiltrating macrophages. The objective of this work is to characterize the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) on the immune cellular response against the tumor.Experimental Design: We used the HPV16 E6- and E7-expressing TC-1 mouse tumor model to study the effect of TAM on T-cell function in vitro, and depleted TAM, using clodronate-containing liposomes, to characterize its role in vivo.Results: TAM, characterized by the positive expression of CD45, F4/80, and CD11b, formed the major population of infiltrating tumor cells. TAM displayed high basal Arginase I activity, producing interleukin-10 (IL-10); they were resistant to iNOSII activity induction, therefore reversion to M1 phenotype, when stimulated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide/IFNγ, indicating an M2 phentoype. In cultures of isolated TAM, TAM induced regulatory phenotype, characterized by IL-10 and Foxp3 expression, and inhibited proliferation of CD8 lymphocytes. In vivo, depletion of TAM inhibited tumor growth and stimulated the infiltration of tumors by HPV16 E749-57-specific CD8 lymphocytes, whereas depletion of Gr1+ tumor-associated cells had no effect.Conclusions: M2-like macrophages infiltrate HPV16-associated tumors causing suppression of antitumor T-cell response, thus facilitating tumor growth. Depletion or phenotype alteration of this population should be considered in immunotherapy strategies.
Aristotle on the Subject Matter of Geometry
Authors: Pettigrew Richard 
Published: June 2009

AbstractI offer a new interpretation of Aristotle's philosophy of geometry, which he presents in greatest detail in Metaphysics M 3. On my interpretation, Aristotle holds that the points, lines, planes, and solids of geometry belong to the sensible realm, but not in a straightforward way. Rather, by considering Aristotle's second attempt to solve Zeno's Runner Paradox in Book VIII of the Physics, I explain how such objects exist in the sensibles in a special way. I conclude by considering the passages that lead Jonathan Lear to his fictionalist reading of Met. M3,1 and I argue that Aristotle is here describing useful heuristics for the teaching of geometry; he is not pronouncing on the meaning of mathematical talk.
'God Doesn't Care': The Contradictions of Christian Zionism
Authors: Abraham Ibrahim , Boer Roland 
Published: June 2009

AbstractDefining Christian Zionism as theological support for Israel as a Zionist state, this article analyses four contradictions in such a theology. Firstly, although Christian Zionism insists it is purely theological, not political, this separation is impossible. Secondly, mainstream Zionist use of Christian Zionism to influence US foreign policy is misguided, since Christian Zionists wish to convert or annihilate all Jews. Thirdly, Christian Zionism is anti-Semitic, wishing to eliminate all non-converted Jews (and Arabs). Finally, since Christian Zionists read the Old and New Testaments in a 'literal' fashion, they resort to the violence of Armageddon to resolve their theological contradictions.
Factors, Process and Outcomes of Recovery From Psychiatric Disability: the Unity Model
Authors: Song Li-Yu , Shih Chaiw-Yi 
Published: June 2009

Background: Despite the fruitful findings on related issues of recovery in the West, some researchers have called for more studies on the factors that facilitate recovery and international literature on recovery to be made available. Moreover, to date, a united model that integrates outcome, component process and contextual factors of recovery has not yet been developed. Thus, this study explored the recovery experiences of persons with psychiatric disabilities (hereinafter called consumers) in Taiwan and extracted the key facilitators for developing a preliminary unity theory of recovery. Material: In-depth qualitative interviews of 15 consumers in recovery and their caregivers were held. Over a research period of two years, consumers were interviewed twice. The dialogue of each interview was transcribed into text and a narrative summary of the storyline for each participant was also prepared. Discussion: For most consumers, the journey of recovery was an incremental process of progress, yet few of them mentioned a turning point and its significant change on their life. Regaining social roles seemed to be a necessary but not sufficient outcome indicator for recovery. While symptom remission, mental strength and parental support were the cornerstones for recovery, the treatment model and professionals got the credit for it too. Conclusion: The recovery process occurs within a complex context of various stages and multi-facilitators. The forces of three cornerstones, essential components and contextual facilitators all influx into the river of recovery and emerge as one united mechanism that supports the consumer's spiral progress through the journey of striving for autonomy.
Effects of Obesity and Obesity-Induced Stress On Depressive Symptoms in Korean Elementary School Children
Authors: Park Chul-Min , Kim Moon-Doo , Hong Seong-Chul , Kim Yeol , Hyun Mi-Youl , Kwak Young-Sook , Lee Chang-In , Park Min-Jeong , Jang Yun-Hee , Moon Ji-Hyun , Seok Eun-Mi , Song Young-Ja , Hyeon Ju Kim  
Published: June 2009

Background: Obesity is becoming prevalent in Korean children. Because body image is becoming increasingly important, it is likely that obesity-induced stress has a significant effect on childhood depression. Aims: To examine the correlation between obesity-induced stress and depressive symptoms in Korean elementary school students. Methods: The study participants were 2,305 elementary school children and their parents in the districts of Jeju-si, Seogwipo-si, Namjeju-gun and Bukjeju-gun on Jeju Island, Korea, who completed questionnaires involving demographic information, an obesity-induced stress scale and the Korean form of Kovacs' Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) from September to December 2006. Results: After controlling for significant independent variables that are wellknown correlates of depressive symptoms in children (e.g. age, gender, residence, family monthly income, obesity status of both parents, family history of chronic illness, and time spent with mother), obesity-induced stress had an odds ratio of 1.128 (95% CI 1.111—1.146). Conclusions: Reducing the prevalence of depressive symptoms in elementary school children in Jeju Island will require special attention, particularly the development of coping strategies to resolve obesity-induced stress in various areas including school, family and society.
International Migration of Partner, Autonomy and Depressive Symptoms Among Women From a Mexican Rural Area
Authors: Bojorquez Ietza , Salgado de Snyder Nelly , Casique Irene 
Published: June 2009

Background: The emigration of Mexicans to the USA has increased in the last decades, and little is known about the effect of this on the mental health of those who stay behind. Aims: To evaluate the association of emigration of husband and depressive symptoms (DS) among women who stay in Mexico. We also tested the hypothesis that the husband's migration would increase the woman's autonomy, which in turn would decre se DS. Methods: A survey was conducted in a rural area in Mexico. Participants ( n = 418) were selected through probabilistic sampling in three stages: localities, households and individuals. DS were evaluated using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Results: Having a partner in the USA was associated with higher odds of scoring above the cut-off point in CES-D (OR 3.77, 95% CI 1.92—7.43). Economic autonomy was also associated with DS (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.04—2.02). Conclusion: Migration of husband was associated with DS among women. The construct of autonomy and its operational definition should be further explored.
Synthesis of sialoglycopolypeptide for potentially blocking influenza virus infection using a rat α2,6-sialyltransferase expressed in BmNPV bacmid-injected silkworm larvae
Authors: Ogata Makoto , Nakajima Makoto , Kato Tatsuya , Obara Takakiyo , Yagi Hirokazu , Kato Koichi , Usui Taichi , Park Enoch Y 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
Sialic acid is a deoxy uronic acid with a skeleton of nine carbons which is mostly found on cell surface in animals. This sialic acid on cell surface performs various biological functions by acting as a receptor for microorganisms, viruses, toxins, and hormones; by masking receptors; and by regulating the immune system. In order to synthesize an artificial sialoglycoprotein, we developed a large-scale production of rat α2,6-sialyltransferase (ST6Gal1). The ST6Gal1 was expressed in fifth instar silkworm larval hemolymph using recombinant both cysteine protease- and chitinase-deficient Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV-CP
--Chi
-) bacmid. The expressed ST6Gal1 was purified, characterized and used for sialylation of asialoglycopolypeptide. We tested the inhibitory effect of the synthesized α2,6-sialoglycopolypeptide on hemagglutination by Sambucus nigra (SNA) lectin.

Results
FLAG-tagged recombinant ST6Gal1 was expressed efficiently and purified by precipitation with ammonium sulphate followed by affinity chromatography on an anti-FLAG M2 column, generating 2.2 mg purified fusion protein from only 11 silkworm larvae, with a recovery yield of 64%. The purified ST6Gal1 was characterized and its N-glycan patterns were found to be approximately paucimannosidic type by HPLC mapping method. Fluorescently-labelled N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) glycoside containing dansyl group was synthesized chemo-enzymatically as high-sensitivity acceptor substrate for ST6Gal1. The acceptor substrate specificity of the enzyme was similar to that of rat liver ST6Gal1. The fluorescent glycoside is useful as a substrate for a highly sensitive picomole assay of ST6Gal1. Asialoglycopolypeptide was regioselectively and quantitatively sialylated by catalytic reaction at the terminal Gal residue to obtain α2,6-sialoglycopolypeptide using ST6Gal1. The α2,6-sialoglycopolypeptide selectively inhibited hemagglutination induced by Sambucus nigra (SNA) lectin, showing about 780-fold higher affinity than the control fetuin. Asialoglycopolypeptide and γ-polyglutamic acid did not affect SNA lectin-mediated hemagglutination.

Conclusion
The recombinant ST6Gal1 from a silkworm expression system is useful for the sialylation of asialoglycopeptide. The sialylated glycoprotein is a valuable tool for investigating the molecular mechanisms of biological and physiological events, such as cell-cell recognition and viral entry during infection.
Characterization of the repertoire diversity of the Plasmodium falciparum stevor multigene family in laboratory and field isolates
Authors: Blythe Jane E , Niang Makhtar , Marsh Kevin , Holder Anthony A , Langhorne Jean , Preiser Peter R 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Background
The evasion of host immune response by the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum has been linked to expression of a range of variable antigens on the infected erythrocyte surface. Several genes are potentially involved in this process with the var, rif and stevor multigene families being the most likely candidates and coding for rapidly evolving proteins. The high sequence diversity of proteins encoded by these gene families may have evolved as an immune evasion strategy that enables the parasite to establish long lasting chronic infections. Previous findings have shown that the hypervariable region (HVR) of STEVOR has significant sequence diversity both within as well as across different P. falciparum lines. However, these studies did not address whether or not there are ancestral stevor that can be found in different parasites.

Methods
DNA and RNA sequences analysis as well as phylogenetic approaches were used to analyse the stevor sequence repertoire and diversity in laboratory lines and Kilifi (Kenya) fresh isolates.

Results
Conserved stevor genes were identified in different P. falciparum isolates from different global locations. Consistent with previous studies, the HVR of the stevor gene family was found to be highly divergent both within and between isolates. Importantly phylogenetic analysis shows some clustering of stevor sequences both within a single parasite clone as well as across different parasite isolates.

Conclusion
This indicates that the ancestral P. falciparum parasite genome already contained multiple stevor genes that have subsequently diversified further within the different P. falciparum populations. It also confirms that STEVOR is under strong selection pressure.