bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Genetic Algorithm for Solving Combinatorial Problems and the Effects of Experimental Error – Applied to Optimizing Catalytic Materials
Authors: Clegg Janet , Dawson John F. , Porter Stuart J. , Barley Mark H. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA new form of Genetic Algorithm (GA) is introduced which has been developed to solve combinatorial problems. A combinatorial problem involves choosing the best subset of components from a pool of possible components in order that the mixture has some desired quality. This paper concentrates on applying the new technique to the optimization of catalytic materials. The new form of GA is compared to an evolutionary algorithm developed by Wolf et al. and shown to produce faster convergence. The paper also reports on the best GA parameter values (crossover technique, parent selection etc.) for problems such as these. Finally a statistical analysis of the effects of experimental error is performed, and the effects that these errors have on the convergence of the GA are reported.
Antioxidant Activity of Phytochemicals from Distillers Dried Grain Oil
Authors: Winkler‐Moser Jill Kristine , Vaughn Steven Francis 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA distillate was obtained by molecular distillation of oil extracted from distillers dried grains (DDG). The distillers dried grain oil distillate (DDGD) contained phytosterols, steryl ferulates, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and carotenoids. DDGD was tested for its impact on the oxidative stability index (OSI) at 110 °C of soybean, sunflower, and high‐oleic sunflower oils, as well as the same oils that were stripped of their natural tocopherols and phytosterols. In addition, the impact of added DDGD on the stability of stripped sunflower oil during an accelerated storage study conducted at 60 °C was also determined. DDGD (0.5–1% w/w) had little impact on the OSI of soybean, sunflower, and high‐oleic sunflower oil, but at levels of 0.1–1% it significantly increased the OSI for stripped soybean, sunflower, and high‐oleic sunflower oil in a dose‐dependent manner. DDGD also delayed peroxide value, conjugated diene, and hexanal formation during accelerated storage of stripped sunflower oil. The antioxidant activity is probably due to the combination of tocopherols, tocotrienols, and steryl ferulates.
Unexpectedly high genetic variation in large unisexual clumps of the subdioecious plant Honckenya peploides (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Sánchez‐Vilas J. , Philipp M. , Retuerto R. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract Honckenya peploides is a subdioecious dune plant that reproduces both sexually and by clonal growth. In northwest Spain this species was found to exhibit an extreme spatial segregation of the sexes, and our objective was to investigate genetic variation in unisexual clumps. Genetic variation was studied in six unisexual clumps of H. peploides, three of them exclusively composed of males and three exclusively female. In total, 193 samples were analysed using isozyme analysis and 80 samples were analysed using two AFLP primer combinations. Both techniques revealed considerably high genetic diversity (average proportion of distinguishable genotypes: 0.22 for isozymes and 0.36 for AFLP; average Simpson’s D: 0.65 for isozymes and 0.68 for AFLP). Our results show that, in spite of clonal growth, each unisexual clump consists of different genotypes. Genetic diversity within clumps is similar for both sexual morphs. Reasons for unisexuality of the clumps are discussed.
Learning Strategies of Highly Educated Refugees in the Netherlands: Habitus or Calculation?
Authors: Glastra Folke , Vedder Paul 
Published: July 2009

AbstractIn an analysis of 25 semi‐structured interviews with highly educated asylum seekers and refugees in The Netherlands, we have traced their learning strategies, the stability of their educational and professional career patterns between home and host country, the calculative nature of the choices made in this context and the influence of family ties. In the analysis, we explored the fit of two competitive theoretical perspectives: Pierre Bourdieu’s field theory and the biographical approach. The respondents showed a surprising degree of stability with regard to their career patterns, calculation with regard to educational choices was weak and there was a strong influence of family ties. From these results, it would seem that the field theory shows a better fit than the biographical approach. Longitudinal research is needed to test this hypothesis in more rigorous ways. Moreover, the research has pointed at omissions and ambivalences with regard to the relationship of changes in field structures and habitus change, the relative relevance of mental and material conditions for human agency in the work of Bourdieu. In the analysis, several variables specifically related to the situation of refugees and asylum seekers could be traced that additionally explain the findings.
Serb Returnees in Croatia – the Question of Return Sustainability1
Authors: Mesić Milan , Bagić Dragan 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe authors report on representative field research dealing with ethnic Serb returnees to Croatia. The total sample consisted of 1,500 randomly chosen persons from a population of 120,000 officially registered Serb returnees to Croatia. The main questionnaire was answered by 403 respondents. Drawing on references relating to the concept of sustainability, they further develop it through differentiation of seven sustainability aspects or dimensions: safety; socio‐demographic structure of returnees; socio‐economic conditions of return; refugee experiences; citizenship and minority rights; and subjective perceptions of sustainability. According to field findings, between 35 and 45 per cent of the registered returnees reside permanently at the addresses they reported upon return, and an additional 3,5 per cent moved to other locations within Croatia. At the same time, between 35 and 42 per cent actually reside in their refugee countries (mostly in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina). Some 6 per cent of returnees occasionally stay in Croatia and occasionally outside of it. The interviewers were unable to get any reliable information regarding permanent stay for 15 per cent of the people from the sample. Finally, 11 per cent of them have, in the meantime, passed away since registered return started in 1996. The research results confirm the prevailing impression that Serb returnees are predominantly old people. The average age of all interviewed family members is around 51.The findings and conceptualization suggest the need for a differentiated approach to a returnee body to better understand the complexity of a return. First, we have to distinguish among refugees potential returnees from non‐returnees (political and economic ones). Returnees themselves can then be grouped into several types: I) unconditional permanent; II) conditional permanent; III) semi‐returnees or trans‐national; IV) non‐formal and V) formal or quasi‐returnees.
Back to the South: Social and Political Aspects of Latin American Migration to Southern Europe
Authors: Peixoto João 
Published: July 2009

AbstractWhen migration from the Latin American and Caribbean countries to Europe is studied, a preferential stream can be noted towards southern Europe. There would also appear to have been a remarkable growth in the volume of flows in this direction in recent years. The flows themselves vary: in the case of Spain, nationals from Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Argentina predominate; Portugal is the recipient of Brazilians; and Italy mainly plays host to nationals from Peru and Ecuador. These flows reveal the importance of various factors: economic push and pull mechanisms; the former presence in the region of Spain and Portugal as erstwhile colonial powers; the earlier waves of emigrants in that direction from Spain, Portugal and Italy; a relatively more favourable social reception; and political initiatives that favour the new sending countries. In other words, economic gaps, former historical links, cultural and linguistic affinities, family ties and diplomatic channels suggest that a special route exists for migrants from Latin America.The topics that will be expanded upon in this paper include the factors explaining recent immigration to southern Europe; the economic incorporation of immigrants; the social framework of flows, including reactions from local populations; and the tentative and multiple policy responses to immigration. Conclusions indicate that the potential for movements from Latin America, resulting from both previous and current links, has proved to be a favourable response to the need for immigrant workers in the case of southern European societies. Despite the familiar path (albeit in the reverse direction), the economic incorporation of immigrants has mainly occurred in the low‐ranking jobs, as was the case with other inflows. This stemmed from market needs, state failures and the importance of the family. However, given the numerous links between Latin America and southern Europe, the social and policy responses adopted towards these immigrants seem to have been more beneficial than towards other groups.
Blood flow rate measurements with indicator techniques revisited
Authors: Sejrsen Per , Bülow Jens 
Published: July 2009

SummaryIn view of the emerging role, disturbances in regional blood flow rate seem to play in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome; we review the concepts of the classical indicator dilution and washout techniques used for determinations of regional blood flow rate. Prerequisites, assumptions, necessary precautions for the application of these experimental techniques are emphasized. Special attention has been carried out to elucidate the consequence of a choice of indicators having a large distribution volume in the tissues.
A non‐apoptotic function of caspase‐3 in pharmacologically‐induced differentiation of K562 cells
Authors: Sztiller‐Sikorska M , Jakubowska J , Wozniak M , Stasiak M , Czyz M 
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose:  Several anticancer drugs with diverse chemical structures can induce differentiation of cancer cells. This study was undertaken to explore the potential contribution of caspase‐3 to pharmacologically‐induced differentiation of K562 cells.Experimental approach:  We assessed differentiation by measuring the expression of glycophorin A and haemoglobin synthesis in K562 cells treated with low concentrations of doxorubicin, hydroxyurea, cytosine arabinoside, cisplatin and haemin. Caspase‐3 activation, mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation and viability were assessed by FACS. GATA‐1‐binding activity was evaluated by EMSA.Key results:  Treatment of K562 cells with low concentrations of the tested drugs activated caspase‐3 but did not trigger detectable apoptosis. Instead, elevated levels of haemoglobin‐positive and glycophorin A/caspase‐3‐double‐positive cells were observed, suggesting involvement of caspase‐3 in drug‐induced differentiation. Inhibition of caspase‐3 activity significantly reduced the ability of K562 cells to execute the differentiation programme. Mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation was observed, indicating involvement of the mitochondrial pathway. Binding activity of GATA‐1, transcription factor responsible for differentiation and cell survival, was not diminished by increased caspase‐3 activity during drug‐stimulated differentiation.Conclusions and implications:  Our results could explain how anticancer drugs, with diverse structures and modes of action, can stimulate erythroid differentiation in leukaemic cells with appropriate genetic backgrounds. Our findings imply that some similarities exist between pharmacologically‐induced differentiation of erythroleukaemic cells and normal erythropoiesis, both involving caspase‐3 activation at high levels of anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐XL and chaperone protein Hsp70 (heat shock protein 70). Therefore, the functions of caspase‐3, unrelated to cell death, can be extended to pharmacologically‐induced differentiation of some cancer cells.
Chronic Migraine: A Prospective Descriptive Clinical Study in a Headache Center Population
Authors: Beckmann Yeşim Yetimalar , Seçil Yaprak , Kendir Ayşen İnceoğlu , Başoğlu Mustafa 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis study describes the pain characteristics of the chronic migraine, including duration, intensity, quality, aggravation by activity, associated features in a headache clinic. One hundred twenty‐one chronic migraine patients were evaluated. A total of 79% patients were female, and the mean age was 43.6 years, ranging from 19.0 to 54.2 years. The pain characteristics were predominantly unilateral; either side attacks (43.8%), strictly left‐side (19%), or right side (19%). Headache character was reported as throbbing (67%), aching (14%), stabbing (10%), and pressure (9%). Of the associated autonomic features, lacrimation was the most common. Photophobia (83.5%) and phonophobia (72.7%) often were noted. When compared, only previous headache diagnosis, headache character and onset of headache were found to be statistically different between female and male patients (P < 0.05).
Peri‐implant parameters in head and neck reconstruction: influence of extraoral skin or intraoral mucosa
Authors: Kwon Yong‐Dae , Karbach Julia , Wagner Wilfried , Al‐Nawas Bilal 
Published: July 2009

AbstractObjective: This study is designed to assess dental implants supporting overdentures in edentulous patients with operated head and neck malignancies using parameters to detect peri‐implant disease.Material and methods: Thirty‐four implants supporting overdentures in 34 oral cancer patients were examined. Clinical parameters [plaque index, probing depth, bleeding on probing (BOP), origin of peri‐implant soft tissue, and amount of irradiation] were recorded, and microbiological identification of periodontal pathogens was carried out by DNA–DNA hybridization. To identify yeast species, the samples were cultivated on Sabouraud agar plates and subsequently identified by API 20C AUX plates. An implant site showing BOP, probing pocket depth (PPD)≥5 mm and radiographic vertical bone loss was considered to have peri‐implant disease.Results: Colonization by periodontal pathogens was found on 15 implants, while yeast species were found in 14 cases. Using a univariate analysis, none of the investigated parameters (microbiologic sign, detection of yeast, origin of peri‐implant soft tissue and irradiation) were significantly correlated to signs of peri‐implant disease. In the multivariate analysis, yeast [odds ratio (OR) 12.32, P=0.033] and periodontal pathogen (OR 9.88, P=0.046) were significant predictor variables for peri‐implant disease. Yeasts were less frequently detected around implants placed in re‐vascularized skin flaps if irradiation was set as a confounder (P=0.019).Conclusions: With respect to the pilot study nature of the study peri‐implant soft tissue origin and irradiation had little influence on the development of peri‐implant disease. Yeast and periodontal pathogen were explanatory variables for the development of peri‐implant disease. Considering the effect of irradiation on the prevalence of yeast, yeast was less frequently observed in peri‐implant soft tissue of the skin. Based on these data, future studies on the role of yeast and soft tissue in peri‐implant disease should be encouraged. To cite this article:
Kwon Y‐D, Karbach J, Wagner W, Al‐Nawas B. Peri‐implant parameters in head and neck reconstruction: influence of extraoral skin or intraoral mucosa. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 316–320. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01763.x
Leptin and Its Receptor are Overexpressed in Brain Tumors and Correlate with the Degree of Malignancy
Authors: Riolfi Mirko , Ferla Rita , Valle Luis Del , Piña‐Oviedo Sergio , Scolaro Laura , Micciolo Rocco , Guidi Micol , Terrasi Marianna , Cetto Gian Luigi , Surmacz Eva 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAlthough leptin and its receptor (ObR) have emerged as important cancer biomarkers, the role of the leptin system in brain tumor development remains unknown. We screened 87 human brain tumor biopsies using immunohistochemistry and detected leptin and ObR in 55.2% and 60.9% cases, respectively. In contrast, leptin and ObR were absent in 14 samples of normal brain tissue. The presence of leptin correlated with ObR with overall concordance 80.5%. The leptin/ObR system was highly expressed in glioblastomas and anaplastic astrocytomas, while lower expression of both markers was noted in low‐grade astrocytomas and gangliogliomas. The association between leptin/ObR and the degree of tumor malignancy was highly significant (P < 0.001). Using double immunofluorescence of glioblastoma tissues, we found co‐expression of leptin with ObR and with the proliferation marker Ki‐67 in 87% and 64% of cells, respectively. The leptin/ObR‐positive tissues also expressed activated forms of STAT3 and Akt. In line with this finding, ObR‐positive glioblastoma cells responded to leptin with cell growth and induction of the STAT3 and Akt pathways as well as inactivation of the cell cycle suppressor Rb. In summary, our data demonstrate that the leptin/ObR system is expressed in malignant brain tumors and might be involved in tumor progression.
Spirometric Screening of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Smokers Presenting to Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Qazi Hammad Ali , Soomro Jamil Ahmed , Soomro Tahira Kalisar , Soomro Fahmida Akhtar , Rasheed Fahira , Hashmi Anjum 
Published: July 2009

Objective: To determine the frequency of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) by spirometric screening in smokers presenting to tertiary care center.Design: This Cross sectional study was carried out at the Medical department, Civil Hospital Hyderabad from April 2006 to September 2006. The main outcome variables were frequency of COPD in smokers, presenting symptoms and proportion of COPD severity classification.Results: The mean age of the clients was 39.77±6.30 years. The main symptoms of the study population were 75 (75%) patients have cough, 53 (53%) have sputum and 34 (34%) have dyspnoea. The spirometric results showed 39 (39%) smokers had study diagnosis of COPD with 19 (19%) had mild,12 (12%) had moderate and 8 (8%) smokers had severe obstruction.Conclusion: The prevalence of COPD in smokers using spirometry in our population is high (39%) as compared to international studies. This showed a great need and desire of screening for COPD in target population of smokers in our setting. Although effectiveness of screening in terms of smoking cessations and delay of progression of COPD should be calculated in order to make it national guideline. Key words: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Screening; Smokers. doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2811 J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 40-44
Efficacy of Ketoconazole in Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Akhtar Parveen Shahida , Chowdhury Riaz Ahmed , Masud Jafar Md 
Published: July 2009

Prostate cancer is a common malignancy among males, with the incidence steadily rising over the past years. Patients with small volume metastasis where early chemotherapy is not warranted, in patients with biochemical failure, and in patients who refuse chemotherapy, management remains controversial as there is no universally accepted treatment protocol. Ketoconazole is an antimycotic that inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes that are required for the synthesis of androgens and other steroids. In addition, in-vitro studies have suggested some direct cytotoxic effects in prostate cancer cell lines. This study aims to describe our experience with ketoconazole treatment for hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) at our centre. Retrospective chart review of HRPC patients given ketoconazole at a private oncology centre in Dhaka from 2005 - 2006 was done. Patients had histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate with rising Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) despite androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with orchiectomy, LHRH agonist therapy and antiandrogens. Ketoconazole was given at 200 mg thrice daily. A total of 10 patients with HRPC was treated and evaluated for response and toxicity. Median age was 70 years old.4 (40%) of the 10 patients had a greater than 50% decrease of PSA values. Responses were seen in 66.66% (2/3) of patients with bone-only disease, 20 % (1/5) of patients with bone and soft tissue disease and 1 patient with PSA-only disease. Median duration of response was 6.75 months (range 2-14 months).There were no grade 3 or 4 toxicities. Overall, 5 (50%) patients had toxicity related to ketoconazole. Its good toxicity profile, low cost and ease of administration makes it a viable option to this group of patients specially in our country. Keyword: Prostate cancer, hormone refractory prostate cancer, ketoconazole doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2814 J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 52-55
Opthalmoplegic Migrane with Recurrent Sixth Nerve Palsy: A Rare Presentation of Headache in a Young Lady
Authors: Chowdhury Monzurul H , Nur Zannatun , Begum Hosne Ara , Mahbub Md Shahriar , Ahasan HAM Nazmul 
Published: July 2009

Migraine is a common presentation of headache but migraine with opthalmoplegia with third nerve palsy is rare and with fourth or sixth nerve palsy is very rare. Although it represents a benign course, duration and severity are variable among the patients. We demonstrated a young lady presenting with right hemicranial headache for 12 days with several episodes of vomiting. She also complained of double vision for 7 days. The headache started from the inner canthus of right eye and gradually spread throughout the right half of head over 2 hours and was throbbing in nature. She also complained of double vision from 5th day after onset of headache. Interestingly, she informed similar types of attack for two episodes in last 1 year which persisted for around 22-25 days each time. On examination, she appeared ill looking with convergent squint on right lateral gaze. Cranial nerves examinations showed all the cranial nerves were intact except right sixth cranial nerve palsy. Laboratory investigations and neuroimaging were normal. Our case fulfilled the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD II) criteria for opthalmoplegic migraine with recurrent six nerve palsy which responded dramatically with prednisolone therapy 1mg/kg/day which also prevented recurrence within 6 months. Keyword: Migraine, Opthalmoplegic migraine, Abducens nerve palsy. doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2833 J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 139-141
A Fourteen Years Old Boy with Cholesterol Ester Storage Disease
Authors: Chowdhury Faizul Islum , Kabir Ahmedul , Banik Jayanta , Paul Pinaki , Kamal Mostofa , Parveen Hasna Hena , Mitu Umme Kulsum , Ferdous Rowzatul 
Published: July 2009

Cholesterol ester storage disease (CESD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder resulting from lysosomal acid lipase deficiency and is usually characterized by hepatomegaly and hyperlipidemia. It is diagnosed by liver biopsy which characteristically shows microvesicular steatosis and periportal fibrosis. Here we report a fourteen years old boy who had presented with unexplained hepatomegaly, and hyperlipidemia determined incidentally. He was finally diagnosed as a case of cholesterol ester storage disease by liver biopsy. Though there is yet no specific treatment for CESD; however, the early detection of cases would make the timely control of complications possible. Keyword: Cholesterol Ester Storage Disease, Lysosomal Storage Diseases, Lipidoses doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2835 J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 146-148