bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and Analysis of Nanotube-Based Memory Cells
Authors: Xiao Shaoping , Andersen David R , Yang Weixuan 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
In this paper, we proposed a nanoelectromechanical design as memory cells. A simple design contains a double-walled nanotube-based oscillator. Atomistic materials are deposed on the outer nanotube as electrodes. Once the WRITE voltages are applied on electrodes, the induced electromagnetic force can overcome the interlayer friction between the inner and outer tubes so that the oscillator can provide stable oscillations. The READ voltages are employed to indicate logic 0/1 states based on the position of the inner tube. A new continuum modeling is developed in this paper to analyze large models of the proposed nanoelectromechanical design. Our simulations demonstrate the mechanisms of the proposed design as both static and dynamic random memory cells.
Tocopherols in Soybean Seeds: Genetic Variation and Environmental Effects in Field‐Grown Crops
Authors: Britz Steven J. , Kremer Diane F. , Kenworthy William J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractControlled environment studies show α‐tocopherol (αT) in soybean seeds increases several fold as a result of warmer temperature or drought during seed maturation, but total tocopherols (Ttot) stay approximately constant. To determine if natural variation in weather or climate affect T under field conditions, we analyzed soybean seeds grown at several locations in Maryland between 1999 and 2002. Weather was relatively normal during 1999–2001, whereas warmer temperatures and extreme drought were characteristic of 2002. Comparing 18 lines, there were small but significant differences in Ttot as well as 2‐ to 3‐fold differences in αT during 1999–2001. Seeds from locations on the Eastern Shore of Maryland (full season crops) had higher absolute and relative levels of αT compared to seeds from a (cooler) central Maryland location or seeds from a later planting (double crop) on the Eastern Shore. Effects of location or planting date were small compared to that of genetic line when considering the normal years 1999–2001. In 2002, however, several fold increases in αT/Ttot were observed in Maturity Group III and IV seeds, especially from full season crops grown at two locations on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We conclude weather and climate are significant factors affecting soybean seed T content.
The association between neighbourhood socio‐economic status and the onset of chronic widespread pain: Results from the EPIFUND study
Authors: Davies Kelly A. , Silman Alan J. , Macfarlane Gary J. , Nicholl Barbara I. , Dickens Chris , Morriss Richard , Ray David , McBeth John 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTBackground: Cross‐sectional studies have reported an inverse relationship between socio‐economic status and the prevalence of chronic widespread pain (CWP). However, the extent to which this relationship is explained by psychological factors is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that socio‐economic status predicts the onset of CWP but that this relationship would be explained by psychological factors.Methods: Subjects from three diverse socio‐economic areas were recruited into a population‐based prospective survey of pain. Subjects completed a questionnaire at baseline that assessed pain status and psychological factors and occupation. Fifteen months later subjects completed a follow‐up questionnaire which assessed pain status.Results: A total of 3489 subjects were free of CWP at baseline and eligible for follow‐up, of whom 2782 (79.7%) participated. Of those, 281 (10%) subjects were classified as having new CWP. Logistic regression analysis revealed that compared to subjects from the most affluent socio‐economic area, those from the moderate and least affluent areas were respectively, 1.47 (95% CI: 1.08–2.01) and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.00–1.82) times more likely to have new CWP. However, in a stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis, controlling for psychological factors, the relationship between new onset CWP and socio‐economic status was no longer evident.Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that socio‐economic status is related to new onset CWP, but the association is explained by psychological factors. Understanding the factors underlying the association between socio‐economic status and pain should help to design intervention strategies which may reduce the burden of chronic pain in identified high risk population groups.
Prevalence and risk factors of neuropathic pain in survivors of myocardial infarction with pre‐diabetes and diabetes. The KORA Myocardial Infarction Registry
Authors: Ziegler Dan , Rathmann Wolfgang , Meisinger Christa , Dickhaus Thorsten , Mielck Andreas ,   For the KORA Study Group
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThe lowest glycemic threshold for and the risk factors associated with neuropathic pain have not been established. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of neuropathic pain in survivors of myocardial infarction with diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Subjects aged 25–74 years with diabetes (n=214) and controls matched for age and sex (n=212) from the population‐based KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg) Myocardial Infarction Registry were assessed for neuropathic pain by the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument using its pain‐relevant questions and an examination score cutpoint >2. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in the controls. Among the controls, 61 (28.8%) had IGT (either isolated or combined with IFG), 70 (33.0%) had isolated IFG, and 81 had NGT. The prevalence of neuropathic pain was 21.0% in the diabetic subjects, 14.8% in those with IGT, 5.7% in those with IFG, and 3.7% in those with NGT (overall p<0.001). In the entire population studied (n=426), age, waist circumference, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and diabetes were independent factors significantly associated with neuropathic pain, while in the diabetic group it was waist circumference, physical activity, and PAD (all p<0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence of neuropathic pain is relatively high among survivors of myocardial infarction with diabetes and IGT compared to those with isolated IFG and NGT. Associated cardiovascular risk factors including abdominal obesity and low physical activity may constitute targets to prevent neuropathic pain in this population.
Occurrence of myofascial pain in patients with possible carpal tunnel syndrome – A single‐blinded study
Authors: Qerama Erisela , Kasch Helge , Fuglsang‐Frederiksen Anders 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTBackground: There exits some similarity between symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and myofascial pain related to trigger points (TPs) in the infraspinatus muscle.Aim: The aim was to examine what proportion of patients referred with a clinical suspicion of CTS had myofascial pain in the infraspinatus muscles and how their occurrence was related to the outcome of nerve conduction studies (NCS).Methods: We examined the occurrence of CTS and of TPs in infraspinatus muscles in a cohort of patients suspected for CTS and referred to the Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital from October 2003 to February 2004. Patients underwent electrodiagnostic studies of the median and ulnar nerves. Additional tests were performed if necessary. Patients were examined for TPs by a blinded examiner immediately after NCS.Results: We included 335 patients (202 females; 133 males, mean age 46).Two hundred one patients (60%) had abnormal NCS indicating CTS. Fifteen patients (4%) had other electrodiagnostic abnormalities. One hundred nineteen patients (36%) had normal NCS. Forty nine percent (58 out of 119) of the subjects with normal NCS had TPs in the infraspinatus muscles whereas only 26% (53 out of 201) of the patients with abnormal NCS indicating CTS had TPs. Likewise, 26% (4 out of 15) of the patients with other electrodiagnostic abnormalities had TPs.Conclusions: Approximately one third of patients referred with a clinical suspicion of CTS had TPs in the infraspinatus muscles. This occurrence was higher in the group with normal NCS than in the group with abnormal NCS indicating CTS. When CTS is suspected clinically, physicians must be aware of TPs in the infraspinatus muscles as a possible cause of the symptoms; thus, NCS are important in these patients.
The Depression Scale (DEPS) as a case finder for depression in various subgroups of primary care patients
Authors: Poutanen Outi , Koivisto Anna-Maija , Salokangas Raimo K.R. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPurposeThe quick and simple Depression Scale (DEPS) has been a popular self-rating depression scale in Finland for nearly 15 years. The purpose was to assess the validity of the DEPS in various subgroups of patients.Materials and methodsPrimary care patients, aged 18–64, completed a postal questionnaire including the DEPS. Of the 1643 patients all screen-positive subjects and every 10th screen-negative subject were invited for interview (the Present State Examination, PSE). Complete DEPS scores were available for 410 patients. They were grouped by gender, age, marital status, perceived physical health, basic education and the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) score. Separately for each subgroup, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were done, sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC), predictive values and likelihood ratios were calculated, and Cronbach's α was estimated.ResultsThe DEPS was valid in general, but best for patients with basic education longer than 9 years.DiscussionThe key statistical figures for the DEPS were comparable to the figures for other short self-rating scales.ConclusionThe DEPS is a valid case finder for primary care patients in the age group 18–64 years, and especially suitable for more highly educated patients. Future studies comparing the DEPS with other simple depression rating scales are needed.
Folic acid in ruminant nutrition: a review
Authors: Ragaller Veronika , Hüther Liane , Lebzien Peter 
Published: September 2008

Folic acid plays an essential role in DNA and methionine metabolism. Micro-organisms in the rumen can synthesise folates, but it has not been verified that these amounts are sufficient to achieve the best efficiency of dairy cows. However, the amount of folates synthesised in the rumen could possibly, to some extent, be affected by the forage:concentrate ratio. Degradation of orally supplemented folic acid in the rumen seems to be very high (about 97 %), as supplementation of folic acid hardly increases folate concentrations in the digesta at the duodenum. However, it must be considered that dietary supplements of folic acid higher than 0·5 mg/kg body weight increased serum folate concentrations in all available studies and milk folate concentrations in most studies. Additionally, milk production tended to be increased in some studies. Therefore, degradation of folic acid in the rumen may be overestimated as folates can be absorbed at the proximal duodenum. For future research it is necessary to consider the whole flow and the metabolic pathways of folates from the rumen to duodenum, blood, tissue, milk and transfer to calf to declare requirement values for cows. Consequently, the present review discusses current knowledge and emphasises areas for future research.
Attitudes toward genetic testing and personalised nutrition in a representative sample of European consumers
Authors: Stewart-Knox Barbara J. , Bunting Brendan P. , Gilpin Sarah , Parr Heather J. , Pinhão Silvia , Strain J. J. , de Almeida Maria D. V. , Gibney Mike 
Published: September 2008

Negative consumer opinion poses a potential barrier to the application of nutrigenomic intervention. The present study has aimed to determine attitudes toward genetic testing and personalised nutrition among the European public. An omnibus opinion survey of a representative sample aged 14–55+ years (n 5967) took place in France, Italy, Great Britain, Portugal, Poland and Germany during June 2005 as part of the Lipgene project. A majority of respondents (66 %) reported that they would be willing to undergo genetic testing and 27 % to follow a personalised diet. Individuals who indicated a willingness to have a genetic test for the personalising of their diets were more likely to report a history of high blood cholesterol levels, central obesity and/or high levels of stress than those who would have a test only for general interest. Those who indicated that they would not have a genetic test were more likely to be male and less likely to report having central obesity. Individuals with a history of high blood cholesterol were less likely than those who did not to worry if intervention foods contained GM ingredients. Individuals who were aware that they had health problems associated with the metabolic syndrome appeared particularly favourable toward nutrigenomic intervention. These findings are encouraging for the future application of personalised nutrition provided that policies are put in place to address public concern about how genetic information is used and held.
The composition of mineral waters sourced from Europe and North America in respect to bone health: composition of mineral water optimal for bone
Authors: Wynn Emma , Raetz Eric , Burckhardt Peter 
Published: September 2008

The consumption of mineral waters is increasing in industrialised countries. High intakes of Ca and other alkalising cations as well as a low acid intake are beneficial to bone. We examined which components of mineral waters are conditioning their Ca content and their alkalinising power, in order to define the optimal profile. European mineral waters were randomly selected on the Internet: 100 waters with less than 200 mg Ca/l (9·98 mEq/l) and fifty with more than 200 mg/l, all with complete data for SO4, P, Cl, Na, K, Mg and Ca, and most also for HCO3. For comparison, forty North American mineral waters were randomly chosen. The potential renal acid load (PRAL) was calculated for each mineral water. North American waters did not reveal significant results because of their low mineralisation. We performed correlations between all eight components in order to explore the properties of the mineral waters. In the European waters, twenty-six out of twenty-eight correlations showed aPvalue of ≤ 0·01. In waters with PRAL >0 (acidifying waters), PRAL was positively correlated with SO4, Ca, K and Mg (P < 0·001). In those with PRAL < 0 (alkalinising waters), PRAL was negatively correlated with HCO3, Na, Mg, Ca, K, Cl and SO4(P < 0·001). SO4and HCO3were not found together in high quantities in the same water for geochemical reasons. A high Ca content is associated with either a high SO4or a high HCO3content. SO4theoretically increases Ca excretion, while HCO3and low PRAL values are associated with positive effects on bone. Therefore, the best waters for bone health are rich in both HCO3and Ca, and by consequence low in SO4.
Almond seed wasp (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) sex pheromone: effect of trap type, trap position, blend ratio and time of the day on male attraction
Authors: Athanassiou C.G. , Kavallieratos N.G. , Mazomenos B.E. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractField trials were carried out in order to evaluate some of the factors affecting male response of the almond seed wasp, Eurytoma amygdali Enderlein, to traps baited with the alkadienes (Z,Z)-6,9-tricosadiene and (Z,Z)-6,9-pentacosadiene, the male attractant of this species. The trials were conducted in Latomia, Microthivae, Kanalia and Sykourion (Thessaly, Central Greece) during the 2004 growing season. In all regions, captures in traps baited with a 7:3 ratio of the above blend significantly and positively correlated with male emergence from infested almonds that had been placed in cages in the experimental fields. Traps baited with the 7:3 pheromone ratio were significantly more effective in capturing males than traps baited with the 1:1 ratio, supporting the hypothesis that (Z,Z)-6,9-tricosadiene is the main component of this attractant. Of four trap types tested, Rebel and Lasiotraps attracted significantly more males than Delta and Funnel traps. Height had no effect on trap efficiency; however, males were captured earlier in the day in traps placed 2.3 m above grown than in traps placed 1.3 m above grown. Most male activity was recorded between 10 and 12 h, but captures were continuously recorded during the entire monitoring interval from 6 to 17 h.
Soil adaptation of transgenic in vitro carrot plantlets
Authors: MIKSCHOFSKY H. , MANN G. , BROER I. 
Published: September 2008

SUMMARYAdapting in vitro transgenic carrots to soil is the most crucial step preceding the field investigation of transgenic carrots. A low proportion of plants, around 0·20, acclimatize to soil (Hardegger & Sturm 1998) and thus prohibit the generation of high-expression carrot lines. In the present paper, a protocol for an efficient soil transfer is presented and the impact of carrot cultivar, soil substrate, tissue culture, and transformation process on transfer process is analysed. Somatic embryo germinants of Daucus carota cv. Rote Riesen 2 and Lobbericher Gelbe Futtermoehre showed a tremendous survival proportion – up to 1·00 – when transferred to their optimal soil substrate: sandy and loamy soil, with low content of macro and micro elements and a pH of 5·8. By optimizing the conditions described here, the proportion of soil acclimatized transgenic carrot plants of D. carota Lobbericher Gelbe Futtermoehre was increased from 0·1 to 0·87, and for the cultivar Rote Riesen from 0·09 to 0·67.
First description of spawning in a deep water loliginid squid,Loligo forbesi(Cephalopoda: Myopsida)
Authors: Pham Christopher K. , Carreira Gilberto P. , Porteiro Filipe M. , Gonçalves João M. , Cardigos Frederico , Martins Helen R. 
Published: September 2008

Despite being an exploited and economically important species, little is known about the reproductive behaviour ofLoligo forbesi. During a captive trial performed in a closed seawater system in the Azores, three spawning events were directly witnessed. An account of their main behavioural aspects is given. A number of behavioural components are described for the first time in this species: ‘pair formation’, ‘mate guarding’, ‘egg holding’, ‘egg touching’, ‘white arms’, ‘red accessory nidamental glands’, ‘accentuated testis’, and ‘jockeying and parrying’. The chromatic, locomotor and postural components were very similar to other coastal loliginids observed on spawning grounds. From egg masses recovered on octopus traps, we show that in the Azores spawning activity occurs at least between 25 and 144 m, but greater depths might be expected. We suggest that this squid preferentially deposits egg masses on hard structures probably hiding them in cracks and crevices of volcanic substrata. The existence of spawning aggregations is supported by several factors: (i) these spawning grounds may coincide with the fishing spots, where the exploitation seasonally takes place, given that most individuals caught by fishermen are usually mature (more than 80%); and (ii) mate guarding and jockeying/parrying by males was observed, which is a common feature of spawning aggregation areas, where sperm competition occurs. Furthermore, our results, combined with available published and non-published data further confirmL. forbesias an intermittent spawner. We estimate that throughout their short life cycle, females ofL. forbesiare able to perform up to six spawning events, each composed of an average of ≈2300 eggs.
Description ofOncholaimus moanaesp. nov. (Nematoda: Oncholaimidae), with notes on feeding ecology based on isotopic and fatty acid composition
Authors: Leduc Daniel 
Published: September 2008

A new free-living marine nematode species,Oncholaimus moanaesp. nov., is described from intertidal fine sand in southern New Zealand.Oncholaimus moanaesp. nov. can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the presence of a pre-cloacal papilla bearing four pairs of short, stout spines, a post-cloacal papilla, long (>70 μm) spicules, and a demanian system with two openings situated laterally at level of uvette. The δ13C signature ofO. moanaesp. nov. suggests that benthic microalgae are the main carbon source for this species, but an elevated δ15N signature suggests predatory feeding habits. The fatty acid composition ofO. moanaesp. nov. is rich in highly unsaturated fatty acids, which are likely to originate from heterotrophic protists (e.g. ciliates). The data obtained in this study suggest, for the first time, that marine nematodes can be a high quality food source (i.e. rich in highly unsaturated fatty acids) to predators. Large nematodes living near or at the sediment surface, in particular, may represent an important trophic link between heterotrophic protists and higher trophic levels in marine sediments.
Metazoan parasites of freshwater cyprinid fish (Leuciscus cephalus): testing biogeographical hypotheses of species diversity
Authors: SEIFERTOVÁ M. , VYSKOČILOVÁ M. , MORAND S. , ŠIMKOVÁ A. 
Published: September 2008

SUMMARYThe diversity and similarity of parasite communities is a result of many determinants widely considered in parasite ecology. In this study, the metazoan parasite communities of 15 chub populations (Leuciscus cephalus) were sampled across a wide geographical range. Three hypotheses of biogeographical gradients in species diversity were tested: (1) latitudinal gradient, (2) a ‘favourable centre’ versus ‘local oasis’ model, and (3) decay of similarity with distance. We found that the localities in marginal zones of chub distribution showed lower parasite species richness and diversity. A latitudinal gradient, with increasing abundance of larvae of Diplostomum species, was observed. There was a general trend for a negative relationship between relative prevalence or abundance and the distance from the locality with maximum prevalence or abundance for the majority of parasite species. However, statistical support for a ‘favourable centre’ model was found only for total abundance of Monogenea and for larvae of Diplostomum species. The phylogenetic relatedness of host populations inferred an important role when the ‘favourable centre’ model was tested. Testing of the hypothesis of ‘decay of similarity with geographical distance’ showed that phylogenetic distance was more important as a determinant of similarity in parasite communities than geographical distance between host populations.
Induction of apoptosis in host cells: a survival mechanism forLeishmaniaparasites?
Authors: GETTI G. T. , CHEKE R. A. , HUMBER D. P. 
Published: September 2008

SUMMARYLeishmaniaparasites invade host macrophages, causing infections that are either limited to skin or spread to internal organs. In this study, 3 species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis,L. major,L. aethiopicaandL. tropica, were tested for their ability to interfere with apoptosis in host macrophages in 2 different lines of human monocyte-derived macrophages (cell lines THP-1 and U937) and the results confirmed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). All 3 species induced early apoptosis 48 h after infection (expression of phosphatidyl serine on the outer membrane). There were significant increases in the percentage of apoptotic cells both for U937 and PBMC following infection with each of the 3 species. Early apoptotic events were confirmed by mitochondrial membrane permeabilization detection and caspase activation 48 and 72 h after infection. Moreover, the percentage of infected THP-1 and U937 macrophages increased significantly (up to 100%) following treatment with an apoptosis inducer. Since phosphatidyl serine externalization on apoptosing cells acts as a signal for engulfment by macrophages, induction of apoptosis in the parasitized cells could actively participate in spreading the infection. In summary, parasite-containing apoptotic bodies with intact membranes could be released and phagocytosed by uninfected macrophages.