bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive Performance of Ewes after 5‐Day Treatment with Intravaginal Inserts Containing Progesterone in Combination with Injection of Prostaglandin F2α
Authors: Dixon AB , Knights M , Pate JL , Lewis PE , Inskeep EK
Published: February 2006

Contents

Three experiments were conducted with a total of 1579 ewes to examine reproductive performance in response to synchronization of oestrus during the breeding season, using controlled internal drug releasing (CIDR‐G) inserts in regimens designed to provide high concentrations of circulating progesterone. In experiment 1, treatment with two CIDR‐G inserts for 12 days produced conception rate (79%) and prolificacy (1.9) to first service equivalent to breeding at natural oestrus (56% and 2.0, respectively). Pregnancy rates to two service periods were 90 and 79%, respectively. In experiments 2 and 3, progesterone was delivered by a single CIDR‐G insert for 5 days in combination with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α; 5 mg i.m., twice, 3 h apart) the day before (experiment 2), or at insert removal (experiment 3). The combined treatments improved rates of synchronization of oestrus (p < 0.01) by 23 and 20% points, respectively, and pregnancy rates to the first service period by 19 (p < 0.05) and 13 (p < 0.01) percentage points, respectively, compared to treatment with PGF2α alone. It is concluded that the combination of treatment for 5 days with a CIDR‐G insert and two injections of 5 mg PGF2α, the day before, or the day of insert removal, were effective treatments to obtain high fertility at synchronized oestrus in ewes during the breeding season.
Superselective coil embolization in gastrointestinal haemorrhage: Early experience
Authors: Nawawi O , Young N , So S
Published: February 2006

This is a retrospective study to evaluate our early experience of using selective microcoil embolization in patients who had gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage. From December 2002 to December 2003, six patients with GI haemorrhage (upper GI, n = 1; lower GI, n = 5) underwent superselective microcoil embolization. Microcatheters were used to carry out embolizations in branches of the superior mesenteric artery. Microcoils were used in five patients and a combination of microcoils and embolospheres was used in one patient. Technical success (bleeding target devascularization) was achieved in all patients who showed active bleeding at the time of angiography. Two patients had recurrent bleeding within 24 h of embolization, of which one (16.7%) died. The other patient did not require active intervention as bleeding was minimal and resolved with conservative management. Satisfactory clinical success (no rebleeding after 30 days) was achieved in five patients. No clinical signs and symptoms of bowel ischaemia occurred in these patients. Follow‐up colonoscopy carried out in two patients did not show any signs of ischaemia in the affected bowel segments. Superselective microcoil embolization is an effective and safe method of controlling and arresting bleeding in GI haemorrhage.
Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma: Multidisciplinary treatment experience
Authors: Forstner D , Borg M , Saxon B
Published: February 2006

Orbital rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) accounts for 10% of childhood RMS and has a relatively good prognosis of up to 85% 5‐year survival. Improved survival has led to increased interest in late effects of treatment. The objective of this study was to review the results of treating orbital RMS with multidisciplinary treatment at Women's and Children's Hospital and Royal Adelaide Hospital with emphasis on late effects of treatment. A retrospective review was carried out of all patients with orbital RMS treated with multidisciplinary treatment including radiation therapy and chemotherapy in the two institutions between 1982 and 2002. A total of five patients (age range 5.5‐12 years) satisfied the eligibility requirements. Late effects were significant and included facial bone hypoplasia, cataract formation and growth hormone deficiency. Overall survival was 80% (4/5) with mean follow up of 8 years (range 3‐13 years). Given the high cure rates achieved, future treatments must aim to maintain the good results but to reduce the high incidence of late effects of treatment. Standardised rating of late toxicity, long‐term follow‐up clinics, and implementation of modern radiation techniques (3‐D conformal radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiotherapy, proton therapy) for patients with orbital RMS are important to improving outcome.
High‐resolution computed tomography of ‘hot tub’ pneumonitis
Authors: O'Neil RA , Bennett G , Kapoor C
Published: February 2006

A case of pneumonitis following exposure to Mycobacterium avium intracellulare in an indoor home spa (hot tub) is presented. The patient complained of recurrent dyspnoea and wheezing. High‐resolution CT showed centrilobular ground‐glass nodules. Pathological correlation showed interstitial and bronchiolocentric granulomata. Biopsy cultures grew M. avium intracellulare. The patient condition improved following cessation of hot tub use.
Mucocele of the appendix with magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Puvaneswary M , Proietto A
Published: February 2006

Mucocele of the appendix is a rare lesion caused by abnormal accumulation of mucus. Although preoperative diagnosis is important to avoid rupture of a mucocele, the diagnosis is often made at surgery. We report a case of an appendiceal mucocele that mimicked a hydrosalpinx on CT and MRI.
Tungsten particles mimicking the microcalcifications seen in ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Bessell‐Browne R , Beer T , Wylie E
Published: February 2006

Mammographic detection and characterization of breast microcalcifications is important in the early diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ. A case is presented where tungsten microparticles simulated microcalcifications and prompted a full diagnostic assessment. The likely origin of the particles is discussed and the published work on metallic particles in the breast is reviewed. Awareness of possible alternative causes for apparent microcalcifications at mammography is important for the breast radiologist and pathologist.
Primary osteosarcoma of the skull
Authors: Haque F , Fazal ST , Ahmad SA , Abbas SZ , Naseem S
Published: February 2006

Primary osteogenic sarcoma of the skull is an exceedingly rare condition. An adult male patient is described, who had a painless swelling in the right forehead that had rapidly enlarged in the previous 6 months. Radiological investigations showed a large destructive mass lesion involving the right side of the frontal bone with extension into the frontal sinus, causing marked extradural compression of brain parenchyma. Histopathological examination confirmed the lesion to be primary osteogenic sarcoma.
The bottom line: Outcomes after conservation treatment in anal cancer
Authors: Dwyer MK , Gebski VJ , Jayamohan J
Published: February 2006

At the Department of Radiation Oncology, Westmead Hospital, between 1980 and 2000, 60 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of anal canal or margin (including 15 with Stage IIIA or IIIB) were treated radically; 55 received chemoradiation (89% were prescribed mitomycin C and 5‐fluorouracil). Five‐year overall survival was 64% (95% confidence interval (CI): 48–79%), with a median survival of 9.75 years (median follow up 5.6 years, range 5 months to 22.5 years). Ten patients have died of disease. At 2 years the local control rate was 86%, and colostomy‐free survival was 83%. Relapse after 2 years was uncommon. Tumour size was the main factor driving outcomes, especially survival. Patients with larger tumours (T > 4 cm) had a hazard ratio for survival of 5.7 (95% CI: 1.8–17). Fourteen (24%) patients experienced treatment interruptions as a result of acute toxicity, including one death from neutropoenic sepsis. Seven (12%) patients, in total, experienced one or more late toxicities, grade 3 or above, including four women (all postmenopausal) who developed a radiation‐induced bone injury. Most patients with anal cancer can expect to retain a functional sphincter after chemoradiation/radiation. Further studies are in progress to determine the optimal chemoradiation protocol.
Seasonal and spatial patterns of population density in the marine macroalga Mazzaella splendens (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Dyck Leonard James , De Wreede Robert E.
Published: February 2006

Insight into demographic processes that operate at larger spatial scales can be achieved through studying local populations when a particular species of interest is examined over time, by many investigators, in a variety of locations. On the west coast of North America, Mazzaella splendens (Setchell et Gardner) Fredericq is such a species of interest. A synthesis of local demographic studies of M. splendens from the late 1960s to the present reveals a pattern that is potentially common to the larger natural populations. This is the pattern: population density is high in summer and low in winter for both alternate free‐living life history phases of M. splendens. The magnitude of this seasonal change decreases in increasingly wave‐exposed habitats. In wave‐sheltered habitats there is a seasonal alternation from summer haploid to winter diploid dominance. This alternation gradually changes to constant diploid dominance as wave exposure in the habitat increases. Changes in population density are primarily a function of appearances and disappearances of perennating basal crusts (genets), as modules are produced or lost, rather than differential module production by genets of one phase over those of the other. To test the generality of this pattern, we examined seasonal changes in density, in local populations of M. splendens, in both a wave‐sheltered and a wave‐exposed habitat at Second Beach, Barkley Sound. Greater seasonal fluctuation in population density at wave‐sheltered, compared to wave‐exposed habitats is supported as a pattern potentially common to the natural populations of M. splendens. A change from summer haploid dominance in wave‐sheltered areas to summer diploid dominance in wave‐exposed areas is similarly supported. All changes in population density were the result of appearances and disappearances of genets rather than differential module production by haploid versus diploid basal crusts, also consistent with previous observations. A seasonal alternation in phase dominance, however, was absent from the wave‐sheltered site at Second Beach, Barkley Sound for 3 consecutive years. Seasonal alternation in phase dominance of M. splendens appears dependent on local conditions and is not common to all natural populations.
Olpidiopsis sp., an oomycete from Madagascar that infects Bostrychia and other red algae: Host species susceptibility
Authors: West John A. , Klochkova Tatyana A. , Kim Gwang Hoon , Loiseaux‐de Goër Susan
Published: February 2006

Olpidiopsis sp. (Oomycota) was cultured with its original host Bostrychia moritziana (Sonder ex Kützing) J. Agardh from Madagascar. Bean‐shaped zoospores with two heterokont flagella attached to the host cell wall surface and in 2 days host cells began collapsing and one or more syncytia developed in each infected cell. Zoospores were cleaved and an exit tube with a small plug was formed. Complete development and zoospore discharge occurred in 3 days. Infection occurred in cells of polysiphonous branches, monosiphonous branches, rhizoids and reproductive stichidia. Dead cells of plants treated with microwave were not infected. Susceptibility was variable in other Bostrychia species from different countries. Bostrychia moritziana (Sonder ex Kützing) J. Agardh, and Bostrychia radicans (Montagne) Montagne from Madagascar were susceptible but one Bostrychia tenella (J. V. Lamouroux) J. Agardh isolate from Madagascar was susceptible and two were not. B. radicosa (Itono) J. A. West, G. C. Zuccarello et M. Hommersand isolates from Madagascar, Thailand, Australia and New Caledonia were susceptible but an isolate from Malaysia was not. B. radicans isolates from Mexico and Brazil were non‐susceptible as were Bostrychia flagellifera Post, Bostrychia harveyi Montagne, Bostrychia montagnei Harvey, Bostrychia simpliciuscula Harvey ex J. Agardh, Bostrychia tenuissima R. J. King et Puttock, Stictosiphonia intricata(Bory de Saint‐Vincent) P. C. Silva, Stictosiphonia kelanensis (Grunow) R. J. King et Puttock and Stictosiphonia tangatensis (Post) R. J. King et Puttock, Lophosiphonia sp., Neosiphonia sp. and Polysiphonia spp. isolates were also non‐susceptible. Many non‐susceptible strains showed initial cell‐collapse followed by rapid wound‐repair cell formation without syncytia or sporangia developing. Caloglossa leprieurii (Montagne) G. Martens from Madagascar showed cell‐collapse and wound‐repair in periaxial cells, but wing cells died and became purple without wound‐repair. Caloglossa ogasawaraensis Okamura and Caloglossa postiae M. Kamiya et R. J. King had no symptoms of infection. Dasysiphonia chejuensis I. K. Lee et J. A. West was not infected. Surprisingly, the conchocelis phase but not the blade phase of Porphyra pulchella J. A.West, G. C. Zuccarello and Porphyra suborbiculata Kjellman was infected. The conchocelis of Porphyra tenera Kjellman and Porphyra linearis Greville were infected but no blade stages were tested. Porphyra miniata (C. Agardh) C. Agardh and Porphyra dentata Kjellman conchocelis were not infected. Bangia atropurpurea (Roth) C. Agardh gametophyte filaments were not infected. Other red, brown and green algae were not infected. Time lapse videomicroscopy of development and spore release was done.
Frequent hospital readmissions for acute exacerbation of COPD and their associated factors
Authors: CAO Zhenying , ONG Kian Chung , ENG Philip , TAN Wan Cheng , NG Tze Pin
Published: February 2006

Objective:  The factors that determine frequent hospital readmissions for acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to ascertain rates of re‐hospitalizations for AECOPD patients and evaluate factors associated with frequent readmissions for acute exacerbations.

Methods:  We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 186 patients with moderate to severe COPD with one or more admissions for acute exacerbations to two large general hospitals. Frequency of previous readmissions for AECOPD in the past year, and clinical characteristics, including depression and spirometry were ascertained in the stable state both before discharge and at 1‐month post discharge.

Results:  Among them, 67% had one or more previous readmission, 46% had two or more, 9% had 10–20 readmissions in the 1‐year period prior to current admission. There was a high prevalence of current or ex‐heavy smokers, underweight patients, depression and consumption of psychotropic drugs, and low prevalence of caregiver support, pulmonary rehabilitation and influenza and pneumcoccal vaccination. Univariate analysis showed that male sex, duration >5 years, FEV1 < 50% predicted, use of psychotropic drugs, receipt of pulmonary rehabilitation and vaccination were significantly associated with frequent past readmissions. Multivariate analysis revealed that disease duration >5 years (odds ratio (OR) = 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–4.92), FEV1 < 50% predicted (OR = 2.60; 95% CI: 1.18–5.74), use of psychotropic drugs (OR = 13.47; 95% CI: 1.48–122.92) and vaccination status (OR = 3.27; 95% CI: 1.12–9.57) were independently associated with frequent readmissions for AECOPD.

Conclusion:  Frequent past readmission for AECOPD was associated with disease severity and psychosocial distress and increased use of vaccinations.
Performance of standard severity scoring systems for outcome prediction in patients admitted to a respiratory intensive care unit in North India
Authors: AGGARWAL Ashutosh N. , SARKAR Pralay , GUPTA Dheeraj , JINDAL Surinder K.
Published: February 2006

Objective:  There are little data on the value of using severity scoring systems developed in western countries to assess critically ill patients in India. The authors evaluated the performance of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation version II (APACHE II), Simplified Acute Physiology Score version II (SAPS II) and Mortality Probability Models version II at admission and at 24 h (MPM0 and MPM24, respectively) in predicting patient outcomes in their Respiratory Intensive Care Unit.

Methods:  Data from 459 consecutive adult admissions were collected prospectively. Standardized mortality ratios were computed as an index of the overall model performance. Model calibration was assessed using Lemeshow–Hosmer goodness‐of‐fit tests and through calibration curves. Model discrimination was assessed through receiver operating curve analysis and by drawing 2 × 2 classification matrices.

Results:  Overall standardized mortality ratio exceeded 1.5 for all models. All models had modest discrimination (area under receiver‐operating‐characteristic curves 0.66–0.78) and poor calibration (high Lemeshow–Hosmer C and H statistic values). All models had a tendency to underpredict hospital death in patients with lower mortality probability estimates. There were no major differences between the models with regard to either discrimination or calibration performance.

Conclusions:  Standard severity scoring systems developed in western countries are poor at predicting patient outcome in critically ill patients admitted to a respiratory intensive care unit in Northern India. Caution must be exercised in using such models in their present form on Indian patients until either they are customized for local use or fresh models are developed from Indian cohorts.
Pulmonary endometriosis resected by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: PARK Yong Bum , HEO Gyeong Mi , MOON Han Kok , CHO Seong Jin , SHIN Yoon Cheol , EOM Kwang‐Seok , KIM Cheol Hong , LEE Jae Young , MO Eun Kyung , JUNG Ki‐Suck
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Catamenial haemoptysis is a rare condition caused by thoracic endometriosis that presents as tracheobronchial or pulmonary endometriosis. The authors report a 31‐year‐old woman with a 1‐year history of catamenial haemoptysis, which was diagnosed by chest CT scan during menses and treated successfully by means of video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery of the solitary pulmonary lesion. There was no evidence of recurrence 6 months after the operation. The authors suggest that video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery is an effective therapy for catamenial haemoptysis caused by localized peripheral pulmonary endometriosis.
Serum retinoic acid, retinol and retinyl palmitate levels in patients with lung cancer
Authors: MOULAS Anargyros N. , GEROGIANNI Irini C. , PAPADOPOULOS Dimitrios , GOURGOULIANIS Konstantinos I.
Published: February 2006

Objectives::  Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse relationship between dietary vitamin A intake and the risk of developing lung cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the vitamin A status in patients with lung cancer, by determining the serum levels of retinoic acid, retinol and retinyl palmitate.

Methods::  In total, 36 patients with lung cancer and 27 controls were assessed. Of the patients 14 had squamous cell carcinoma, 3 adenocarcinoma, 15 non‐small cell lung cancer and 4 small cell lung cancer. Serum retinoic acid, retinol and retinyl palmitate levels were determined with HPLC and UV detection, after liquid extraction.

Results::  Serum retinol levels did not differ between patients (733.5 ± 326.4 ng/mL) and controls (734.5 ± 337.1 ng/mL). The retinyl palmitate concentration tended to be lower in patients (14.3 ± 9.7 ng/mL) than in controls (16.7 ± 13.7 ng/mL) The serum retinoic acid levels were significantly lower in patients (1.9 ± 0.6 ng/mL) than in controls (2.5 ± 1.1 ng/mL, P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between the retinol and retinoic acid levels and retinyl palmitate and retinoic acid levels.

Conclusions::  The lower levels of retinoic acid in patients with lung cancer suggest there may be a deficiency or impairment in retinol metabolism in these patients. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to evaluate the possible relationship between serum retinoid levels and lung cancer.
Prognostic value of circulating KL‐6 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: YOKOYAMA Akihito , KONDO Keiichi , NAKAJIMA Masamitsu , MATSUSHIMA Toshiharu , TAKAHASHI Toru , NISHIMURA Masaharu , BANDO Masashi , SUGIYAMA Yukihiko , TOTANI Yoshitaka , ISHIZAKI Takeshi , ICHIYASU Hidenori , SUGA Moritaka , HAMADA Hironobu , KOHNO Nobuoki
Published: February 2006

Objective:  Circulating levels of KL‐6, a high MW glycoprotein (MUC1 mucin), are elevated in a majority of patients with a number of interstitial lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, KL‐6 levels vary from patient to patient. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the serum KL‐6 level at the time of diagnosis predicts prognosis in IPF.

Methods:  The relationship between clinical variables and prognosis in 27 patients with IPF were analysed retrospectively. The diagnosis was made by histological examination (n = 16) or on clinical findings including high‐resolution CT scanning (n = 11). All patients were followed up for at least 3 years. Variables such as age, FVC%, PaO2 at rest, initial LDH level, C‐reactive protein and KL‐6 were used for analysis.

Results:  At the cut‐off level determined by receiver operating characteristic curves, LDH and KL‐6 showed a significant correlation with the patient's prognosis by univariate analysis. However, multivariate analysis revealed that only KL‐6 was a predictor of prognosis. The patients were categorized by their serum KL‐6 levels (as above or below the cut‐off level of 1000 U/mL) and their survival estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The difference in median survival between the two groups was significant. The median survival of patients with low KL‐6 was more than 36 months, whereas that of patients with high KL‐6 was only 18 months.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that initial evaluation of serum KL‐6 level can predict survival in patients with IPF.
Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma presenting as a unilateral solitary round pulmonary hilar node infarction
Authors: YONEMORI Kan , KUSUMOTO Masahiko , MATSUNO Yoshihiro , TATEISHI Ukihide , WATANABE Shun‐Ichi , WATANABE Takashi , MORIYAMA Noriyuki
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Unilateral solitary pulmonary hilar node adenopathy is a rare presentation of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. In this report, the authors present a case with a solitary pulmonary hilar lymph node infarction caused by diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Enhanced CT examinations revealed a well‐defined round mass with homogenous low attenuation in the left pulmonary hilum. Both radiological imaging and pathological examination can provide useful information for the interpretation of abnormalities and may enable the diagnosis of rare aetiologies.
A case of type 3 DCS with a radiologically normal spinal cord
Authors: Gorman D. , Sames C. , Drewry A. , Bodicoat S.
Published: February 2006

A subtype of cerebral arterial gas embolism arising in divers, in which apparent spinal cord disease follows early cerebral manifestations, is well known and has been described as type 3 DCS. A case that clinically conformed to the pattern of type 3 DCS was examined radiologically. Despite clinical signs of spinal disease, magnetic resonance imaging scans of the spinal cord did not demonstrate pathology.
High adiponectin concentration and its role for longevity in female centenarians
Authors: Arai Yasumichi , Nakazawa Susumu , Kojima Toshio , Takayama Michiyo , Ebihara Yoshinori , Shimizu Ken‐ichirou , Yamamura Ken , Homma Satoki , Osono Yasunori , Gondo Yasuyuki , Masui Yukie , Inagaki Hiroki , Kitagawa Kohji , Hirose Nobuyoshi
Published: February 2006

Background:  Evidence from experimental models of longevity indicates that maintenance of energy homeostasis could be indispensable for longevity across various species. In humans, it has been reported that maintenance of glucose homeostasis and vascular stability is one biomedical feature of centenarians, who have reached the maximum life‐span. We hypothesized that adiponectin, a novel anti‐inflammatory adipocytokine, could be a protective factor against age‐related metabolic alteration and atherogeneity in centenarians.

Methods:  We measured plasma adiponectin concentration in 66 female centenarians and body mass index (BMI)‐matched female controls (mean age 28.3 ± 6.3 years), followed by a genetic analysis of adiponectin locus.

Results:  As compared to BMI‐matched female controls, female centenarians had significantly higher plasma adiponectin concentrations. In addition, high concentrations of plasma adiponectin in centenarians was associated with favorable metabolic indicators, and with lower levels of C‐reactive protein and E‐selectin. In contrast, genetic analysis of 10 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at adiponectin locus did not show significant association between the adiponectin gene variation and longevity.

Conclusions:  Our results suggested that hyperadiponectinemia in centenarians could play a role in maintenance of energy homeostasis and vascular stability, and may contribute to longevity.
Analytical and experimental studies on fatigue crack path under complex multi‐axial loading
Authors: REIS L. , LI B. , DE FREITAS M.
Published: February 2006

In real engineering components and structures, many accidental failures are due to unexpected or additional loadings, such as additional bending or torsion, etc. Fractographical analyses of the failure surface and the crack orientation are helpful for identifying the effects of the non‐proportional multi‐axial loading. There are many factors that influence fatigue crack paths. This paper studies the effects of multi‐axial loading path on the crack path. Two kinds of materials were studied and compared in this paper: AISI 303 stainless steel and 42CrMo4 steel. Experiments were conducted in a biaxial testing machine INSTRON 8800. Six different biaxial loading paths were selected and applied in the tests to observe the effects of multi‐axial loading paths on the additional hardening, fatigue life and the crack propagation orientation. Fractographic analyses of the plane orientations of crack initiation and propagation were carried out by optical microscope and SEM approaches. It was shown that the two materials studied had different crack orientations under the same loading path, due to their different cyclic plasticity behaviour and different sensitivity to non‐proportional loading. Theoretical predictions of the damage plane were made using the critical plane approaches such as the Brown–Miller, the Findley, the Wang–Brown, the Fatemi–Socie, the Smith–Watson–Topper and the Liu's criteria. Comparisons of the predicted orientation of the damage plane with the experimental observations show that the critical plane models give satisfactory predictions for the orientations of early crack growth of the 42CrMo4 steel, but less accurate predictions were obtained for the AISI 303 stainless steel. This observation appears to show that the applicability of the fatigue models is dependent on the material type and multi‐axial microstructure characteristics.
The metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetes: When does it matter?
Authors: Wong J. , Molyneaux L. , Constantino M. I. , Twigg S. M. , Yue D. K.
Published: February 2006

Aims:  Young adults with type 2 diabetes (T2Dm) present the clinician with the problem of when to start therapies for the primary prevention of vascular disease and how to identify those at most vascular risk. We examine whether the metabolic syndrome (MetS) can be a useful clinical tool to stratify vascular risk in this context.

Methods:  Data were collected from 5928 subjects with T2Dm, and subjects were categorized as having MetS by World Health Organization criteria (body mass index criteria modified for Asians using >23 kg/m2). The prevalence of macrovascular disease was examined by MetS status and age.

Results:  The overall MetS prevalence was 72.3%. MetS was associated with an increased prevalence of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) (17.2% MetS vs. 11.6% no MetS, p < 0.0001), coronary artery bypass graft (7.6 vs. 4.7%, p < 0.0003), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (4.7 vs. 3.7%, p = 0.08) and stroke (6 vs. 3.9%, p = 0.002) across all age groups. MetS subjects had an IHD prevalence equivalent to that seen in subjects who were one decade older without MetS. The most significant impact of MetS was for the age group of 40–49 years with much lesser impact seen with progressively increasing age [odds ratio (OR) = 2.1 for IHD in MetS compared with no MetS at age 40–50 years, p < 0.05; falling progressively to OR = 1.5 at age >70 years, p > 0.05]. Similar trends were seen for coronary artery by‐pass graft (CABG) and PVD. There was a strong relationship between the number of MetS risk factors and IHD prevalence (r = 0.99, p = 0.0001).

Conclusions:  These data suggest that MetS is particularly useful in stratifying vascular risk in younger T2Dm patients and in those with a high number of MetS components. For patients with MetS, especially those with a full house of MetS risk factors, commencing risk‐lowering interventions 10 years earlier than their MetS‐free counterparts could be considered.
“White Queensland”: The Queensland Government's Ideological Position on the Use of Pacific Island Labourers in the Sugar Sector 1880–1901
Authors: Megarrity Lyndon
Published: February 2006

This article looks at the Queensland Government's attitudes towards the Pacific Island labour trade between 1880 and the time of Federation. Especially after the failure of the Griffith Government to abolish the Pacific Island labour trade during the 1880s, the dominant Queensland politicians of the late nineteenth century tended to pursue a paradoxical vision of a “White Queensland” in which the settlement and commercial aims of European Queenslanders were partially fulfilled by a barely acknowledged labour force of Pacific Islanders. It will be demonstrated that “White Queensland” was a powerful racial ideal similar yet subtly different to the White Australia policy pursued by the Commonwealth after 1901.
Existential Terrorism: Civil Society and its Enemies
Authors: Bendle Mervyn F.
Published: February 2006

This paper explores the attitude of contemporary terrorism towards civil society, the intermediate realm between the family and the state that accommodates the free play of economic and cultural forces and individual and group interests. Terrorism now targets not only people and institutions that operate within civil society but civil society itself, i.e., terrorism increasingly targets the very possibility of an autonomous realm of everyday life. This tendency is found in the Islamism of Al‐Qaeda, but also in any group that adheres to the “Augustinian paradigm” of civil society that arose in the West and dominates radical ideologies. An exploration of this situation illuminates both the nature and tactics of contemporary terrorism and the role of civil society itself.
Root growth and nitrogen uptake of carrot, early cabbage, onion and lettuce following a range of green manures
Authors: Thorup‐Kristensen K.
Published: February 2006

An experiment was performed to study the significance of rooting depth of four vegetable crops on their utilization of green manure nitrogen (N). Rates of rooting depth development were estimated as approximately 0.2, 0.7, 1.2 and 1.2 mm day °C−1 for onion, carrot, lettuce and cabbage, respectively. At harvest, onion and lettuce were found to be shallow‐rooted with final rooting depths of only 0.3 and 0.6 m, respectively, whereas carrot and cabbage reached rooting depths of at least 1.1 m. The two deep‐rooted vegetables increased their N uptake by 46, 24 and 7 kg N ha−1 when following winter‐hardy legumes, non‐hardy legumes and rye, respectively; the equivalent responses by the two shallow‐rooted crops were 23, 9 and 15 kg N ha−1, respectively. Thus the deep‐rooted crops used the legume N more efficiently but the shallow‐rooted crops made better use of N left by the non‐legume rye crop. These interactions between green manure type and vegetable crop N response are the result of the dual effects of the green manures: biological N fixation by the legumes, and the variable ability of the green manure crops to concentrate available N in the topsoil. Before shallow‐rooted crops, the ability of rye to concentrate N in the topsoil may be as important as the N fixing ability of legumes.
Modelling the variability of UK sugar beet yields under climate change and husbandry adaptations
Authors: Richter G. M. , Qi A. , Semenov M. A. , Jaggard K. W.
Published: February 2006

In the future, UK summers are likely to be warmer and drier. Modelling differential water redistribution and uptake, we assessed the impact of future drier climates on sugar beet yields. Weather was generated for 1961–1990 (BASE) and predictions based on low‐ and high‐emission scenarios (LO, HI) described in the most recent global climate simulations by the Hadley Centre, UK. Distributions and variability of relative soil moisture deficit (rSMD) and yield gap (drought‐related yield loss, YGdr = 1−actual yield/potential yield), and sugar yield were calculated for different time‐lines using regional weather, soil texture and management inputs. The rSMD is estimated to exceed the senescence threshold with a probability of 75% (2050sLO) to 95% (2080sHI) compared with 65% (BASE). The potential yield loss, YGdr, is likely to increase from 17% (BASE) to 22% (2050sLO) to 35% (2080sHI). However, increasing potential growth rates (CO2 × temperature) cause average sugar yields to rise by between 1.4 and 2 t ha−1 (2050sLO and 2050sHI respectively). Yield variation (CV%) may increase from 15–18% (BASE) to 18–23% (2050s) and 19–25% (2080s). Differences are small between regions but large within regions because of soil variability. In future, sugar yields on sands (8 t ha−1) are likely to increase by little (0.5–1.5 t ha−1), but on loams yields are likely to increase from 11 to 13 t ha−1 (2050sHI) and 15 t ha−1 (2080sHI). Earlier sowing and later harvest are potential tools to compensate for drought‐related losses on sandy soils.
Relationships between particle‐size distribution and organic carbon in French arable topsoils
Authors: Arrouays D. , Saby N. , Walter C. , Lemercier B. , Schvartz C.
Published: February 2006

A database including results from 102 000 soil analyses was built for arable topsoil in France. We show a strong effect of soil particle‐size distribution on present organic carbon (OC) stocks in these soils. By using the upper decile values by textural classes as a proxy of the maximal carbon storage potential, we show that it might be more efficient to encourage practices favouring carbon accumulation in soils already having high OC stocks than to try to increase OC stocks in soils where present stocks are low.
Habitat Change and Demography of Primula veris: Identification of Management Targets
Authors: LEHTILÄ KARI , SYRJÄNEN KIMMO , LEIMU ROOSA , GARCIA MARIA BEGOÑA , EHRLÉN JOHAN
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Although the effects of deterministic factors on population viability often are more important than stochasticity, few researchers have dealt with the effect of deterministic habitat changes on plant population demography. We assessed population viability for the perennial herb Primula veris L. and identified targets for management based on demographic data from five different habitat types representing different degrees of canopy closure. We conducted replicate studies at the border of the distribution area and in more central parts. Demographic patterns were similar between the two regions. Most study populations had a positive population growth, and only populations in late phases of forest succession showed consistently negative trends. The populations of open habitats had high seedling recruitment, and the populations of early and middle forest succession had high seed production. The importance of survival for population growth rate increased with increasing habitat closure, whereas the importance of growth and reproduction decreased. Results of the elasticity analysis suggested that the best method to manage decreasing late‐successional populations is to increase survival of the largest individuals. The life‐table response experiment (LTRE) analysis, however, showed that survival of the largest individuals contributed little to differences in population growth rates of different habitats, whereas seed production and growth of small individuals were more important. Moreover, direct perturbation of the performance of the largest stages showed that late‐successional populations would not attain positive population growth even if the largest stages had no mortality at all. We conclude that restoration of recruitment is the only possibility for positive population growth in late‐successional populations of P. veris, although the elasticities of recruitment transitions are low. Our results also suggest that retrospective demographic methods such as LTRE constitute an important and necessary complement to prospective methods such as elasticities in identifying management targets.
Multiple‐laboratory comparison of in vitro assays utilized to characterize hematopoietic cells in cord blood
Authors: Moroff Gary , Eichler Hermann , Brand Anneke , Kekomäki Riitta , Kurtz James , Letowska Magdalena , Pamphilon Derwood , Read Elizabeth J. , Lecchi Laura Porretti, Lucilla , Reems Jo‐Anna , Sacher Ronald , Seetharaman Shalini , Takahashi Tsuneo A. ,   Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND:  Understanding the variability in results obtained by multiple laboratories is important because cord blood units are distributed worldwide for transplantation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Four exercises were conducted by multiple laboratories to assess assay variability on nucleated cell (NC), mononuclear cell (MNC) by hematology analyzers [HAs], and CD34+ cell (flow cytometry) measurements. Exercise 1 was an intralaboratory exercise in which the reproducibility of cell measurements was determined. Exercises 2 and 3 involved the shipment of identical processed cord blood samples. In Exercise 2, laboratory‐specific methods were utilized. In Exercise 3, two commercial CD34+ cell methods (Stem‐Kit and TruCOUNT) were used. In Exercise 4, CD34+ cell levels were determined on repetitive regating of identical list‐mode files.

RESULTS:  Intralaboratory reproducibility was highest for NC measurements and lowest for CD34+ cell measurements. In Exercise 2, all laboratories except one utilized HA with an impedance technology and determined comparable results for NC and MNC levels, whereas the other laboratory utilized a HA with an optical counting method. Substantial variation was observed on measuring CD34+ cells with ranges of 32 to 141, 32 to 66, and 25 to 116 CD34+ cells per µL for the three identical samples. In Exercise 3, on the use of one specific commercial assay, the ranges of CD34+ levels were 214 to 411 and 62 to 178 cells per µL for the two identical samples. Nearly all participating laboratories determined comparable CD34+ levels on the use of identical list‐mode files.

CONCLUSION:  These studies indicate that substantial variability in CD34+ cell levels were determined with flow cytometry. The variability in NC and MNC levels was minimal with HA methodology.
Estimating Average Annual Percent Change for Disease Rates without Assuming Constant Change
Authors: Fay Michael P. , Tiwari Ram C. , Feuer Eric J. , Zou Zhaohui
Published: February 2006

Summary The annual percent change (APC) is often used to measure trends in disease and mortality rates, and a common estimator of this parameter uses a linear model on the log of the age‐standardized rates. Under the assumption of linearity on the log scale, which is equivalent to a constant change assumption, APC can be equivalently defined in three ways as transformations of either (1) the slope of the line that runs through the log of each rate, (2) the ratio of the last rate to the first rate in the series, or (3) the geometric mean of the proportional changes in the rates over the series. When the constant change assumption fails then the first definition cannot be applied as is, while the second and third definitions unambiguously define the same parameter regardless of whether the assumption holds. We call this parameter the percent change annualized (PCA) and propose two new estimators of it. The first, the two‐point estimator, uses only the first and last rates, assuming nothing about the rates in between. This estimator requires fewer assumptions and is asymptotically unbiased as the size of the population gets large, but has more variability since it uses no information from the middle rates. The second estimator is an adaptive one and equals the linear model estimator with a high probability when the rates are not significantly different from linear on the log scale, but includes fewer points if there are significant departures from that linearity. For the two‐point estimator we can use confidence intervals previously developed for ratios of directly standardized rates. For the adaptive estimator, we show through simulation that the bootstrap confidence intervals give appropriate coverage.
The Equity Impacts of Municipal Tax Incentives: Leveling or Tilting the Playing Field?
Authors: Reese Laura A. , Sands Gary
Published: February 2006

The widespread use over the past two decades of Michigan's PA 198 Industrial Tax Abatement program provides an opportunity to assess the inter‐urban equity impacts of this economic development tool. Not only has PA 198 been used relatively more often by suburban municipalities, local governments at the metropolitan periphery are more likely to use abatements to attract new plants and new jobs. The older central cities primarily use the program to retain existing jobs, albeit at high cost of lost tax revenues. On balance, it appears that PA 198 has done little to alter the location decisions of participating firms.
Public Policy and Foreign Policy: Divergences, Intersections, Exchange
Authors: Lentner Howard H.
Published: February 2006

Policy studies tend to be divided between domestic matters and foreign affairs. Scholars seldom employ one another's literature, and they largely draw on different traditions within political science. This article explores the potential for cross‐fertilization and calls for greater integration of these related subfields.

The argument considers the case for unity, parallelism, and overlap between domestic public policy studies and foreign policy studies. It examines the reasons for the divide and surveys a variety of attempts to find solutions for the problem of intersection at the boundary between national life and the international environment. It places the dichotomy in a broader context of political science as a whole and offers suggestions about potentially fruitful exchanges. It treats globalization and suggests that a theory of the state could be helpful to both tendencies in policy studies.
Value Conflict and Policy Change
Authors: Stewart Jenny
Published: February 2006

The analysis of policy change has produced a number of contrasting theoretical approaches, each offering a lens through which to view policy phenomena. This article suggests that the existing menu of approaches for understanding change can be usefully complemented by an understanding of the role played by value conflict. Using institutionalist analysis, I argue that the need to make value‐choices in a nondisruptive way shapes large areas of government activity, particularly in Westminster systems, and explains many observed patterns of stability and change.

Building on work by Thacher and Rein, I describe and characterize six types of response to value conflict, giving examples of the role and implications of each. It is not claimed that all policy change can be understood in this way—simply that some types of change reflect the value‐based nature of public policy itself, and the fact that political and bureaucratic systems must evolve mechanisms for dealing simultaneously with thousands of competing and conflicting policy values.
The Academic Discipline of Management and Homeland Security
Authors: Inamete Ufot B.
Published: February 2006

The aim of this article is to examine the role the academic discipline of management can play in terms of homeland security (which has emerged as a very major policy area). Specifically, this article analyzes how the accumulated research knowledge in various areas of the management discipline (for example, organizational culture studies, organizational change studies, organizational relations studies, and leadership studies) can be used (together with research knowledge from numerous other academic disciplines) to help advance homeland security as a policy area and policy phenomenon and as a field of study. In its areas shown above and other areas, this article is of the view that the academic discipline of management can make unique and important contributions to the effectiveness and efficiency of homeland security.
State‐Funded College Scholarships: General Definitions and Characteristics
Authors: Duffourc Danielle
Published: February 2006

State‐funded scholarship programs are transforming the way citizens and policymakers think about higher education. Advocates see these programs as a remedy to problems facing the state workforce such as “brain drain” and “unequal opportunity” for a sound education. Opponents see low retention rates and the number of already‐privileged students receiving benefits as signs that these programs are not reaching their maximum potential. This article traces the development of state‐funded college scholarships from earlier need‐based programs to current merit‐based programs and outlines current debates on policy effectiveness. Currently, 14 states have a state‐funded scholarship program. Differences between programs revolve around the political and economic circumstances of each state.
Chromium‐Based Regulations Applicable to Metal Finishing Industries in the United States: A Policy Assessment
Authors: Baral Anil , Engelken Robert , Stewart Patrick
Published: February 2006

This article seeks to briefly evaluate the context behind the development of regulations related to chromium pollution control in metal finishing industries. The available evidence suggests the possibility of elevation of the issue to the agenda for agency rule‐making, and subsequent implementation can occur even in the absence of focusing events. Based on historical evidence, this article illustrates that gradual accumulation of knowledge of harmful effects of chromium over the period of decades has been instrumental in the formulation and implementation of standards and guidelines to regulate chromium in the environment under major statutes such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and so on. The implementation of command and control regulations has resulted in appreciable reduction of chromium released into the environment, thereby minimizing the impact on human health and the environment. However, achieving full compliance from metal finishing industries is still an illusion. There are examples of violations committed by industries. In response to this realization, policy evolution in the chromium pollution control domain has occurred in two directions: (1) gradual replacement of existing standards with more stringent standards and guidelines and (2) emphasis on multimedia, voluntary, and participatory approaches to improve compliance. But the results from the latter are not as dramatic as previously envisioned. Borrowing from the experience of the Common Sense Initiative (CSI), this article argues that consensus‐based, multistakeholder collaboration can be a policy development tool.