bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domestic Music Under the Stuarts
Authors: Westrup J. A.
Published: January 2007

“Qu. Elizabeth,” wrote Roger North, “was a lover of musick, and used the Harpsicord & organ herself, and it is not likely that musick was under any discouragement in her time. But reg° Jas. I it flourished very much … & suerly in that reigne musick was notably courted wch encouraged Mr. Morley to publish his operose tract of musick by way of dialogue.” This is not the language of a modern text-book.
The Lais of Guillaume de Machaut and Their Background
Authors: Reaney Gilbert
Published: January 2007

The Total number of pre-fourteenth century lais published with music is twenty-six, of which the greater part, seventeen, may be found in the valuable Chansonnier Noailles. The Provençal lais were usually called descorts, of which Jeanroy has traced twenty-three, though only two of these are provided with music and one is incomplete. Various views have been put forward as to the meaning of the word descort, but as with so many medieval terms the meaning seems to remain general. Descort means disagreement of any kind, and this may apply to contrast between the mood of poetry and music, to diversity of poetic and musical structure, or some dispute in the text, and to any difference between the music of the descort and that of other forms, etc.
Busoni: Visionary or Pasticheur?
Authors: Waterhouse John C. G.
Published: January 2007

The reputation of Ferruccio Busoni has always been a rather confused and unformulated thing, usually based on the sketchiest knowledge. It is true that some of his works (not necessarily the best) have hovered uncertainly but persistently on the fringe of the repertoire, and that he has long had a small band of devoted admirers. But on the whole most people have been content to accept certain vague ‘received opinions’ about him, which are thrown around anew every time one of his works comes momentarily into the forefront of public attention. We are told again and again that his acute intellect stifled his creative spontaneity; that the Italian side of his nature was at war with the German; that he remains an isolated figure, without direct successors and with almost no influence on younger composers; and that his constant contact, as pianist, with other men's music prevented him from ever finding a language of his own.
Tradition and Experiment in the Devotional Music of George Jeffreys
Authors: Aston Peter
Published: January 2007

The year 1646 was an important one in the musical career of George Jeffreys. Since at least 1643, and probably from October of the previous year, Jeffreys had been organist to Charles I at Oxford, an appointment which may have been secured for him by his patron, Sir Christopher Hatton, who was shortly to become Controller of the King's Household. Jeffreys' long association with the Hatton family dates back to at least 1631. In that year he set some verses by Sir Richard Hatton and collaborated with Peter Hausted in the comedy The Rivall Friends which was produced before the king and queen at Cambridge on 19 March. But Jeffreys' life at court and his association with the leading poets and musicians of the day were to come to an abrupt end on 24 June 1646. With the final surrender of Oxford to the Parliamentarian forces, led by Fairfax, Jeffreys retreated to the small Northamptonshire village of Weldon, where nine years earlier he had married the daughter of Thomas Mainwaring, rector of Weldon from 1614 until 1663. On leaving Oxford, Jeffreys retired for ever from the life of a professional musician. Almost immediately he became steward to Sir Christopher Hatton, and from about 1646 until his death in 1685 he was responsible for the administration of the Hatton estate at Kirby in Northamptonshire.
Bringing Converse Back In: Modeling Information Flow in Political Campaigns
Authors: Zaller John
Published: January 2007

In his 1962 paper, “Information Flow and the Stability of Partisan Attitudes,” Converse explained why moderately sophisticated voters are sometimes most susceptible to persuasion in election campaigns. Such people, Converse argued, pay enough attention to campaigns to be fairly heavily exposed to persuasive messages but lack the sophistication to be able to resist. The present article extends this model in several ways, showing that it can yield important insights into House elections, presidential elections, presidential primary elections, and the dynamics of presidential popularity.

On the theoretical side, this article introduces the notion of differential information flow, which is the idea that campaigns consist of multiple messages that may penetrate differentially far into the mass electorate. It shows that differential information flow can help explain nonobvious but theoretically interesting patterns of attitude change in several areas.

On the substantive side, this article pays particular attention to the dynamics of incumbent advantage in House elections, showing among other things, why senior incumbents are typically able to build up huge winning margins in weakly contested elections but are unable to maintain this advantage under challenge.
On Political Methodology
Authors: King Gary
Published: January 2007

“Politimetrics” (Gurr 1972), “polimetrics,” (Alker 1975), “politometrics” (Hilton 1976), “political arithmetic” (Petty [1672] 1971), “quantitative Political Science (QPS),” “governmetrics,” “posopolitics” (Papayanopoulos 1973), “political science statistics” (Rai and Blydenburgh 1973), “political statistics” (Rice 1926). These are some of the names that scholars have used to describe the field we now call “political methodology.”1The history of political methodology has been quite fragmented until recently, as reflected by this patchwork of names. The field has begun to coalesce during the past decade; we are developing persistent organizations, a growing body of scholarly literature, and an emerging consensus about important problems that need to be solved.
The R-Squared: Some Straight Talk
Authors: Lewis-Beck Michael S. , Skalaban Andrew
Published: January 2007

In political science research these days, the R2 is out of fashion. A chorus of our best methodologists sounds notes of caution, at varying degrees of pitch. Berry and Feldman (1985, 15) remark in their popular regression monograph: “A researcher should be careful to recognize the limitations of R2 as a measure of goodness of fit.” In their more general statistics text, Hanushek and Jackson (1977, 59) claim that “one must be extremely cautious in interpreting the R2 value for an estimation and particularly in comparing R2 values for models that have been estimated with different data sets.” Perhaps the most pointed attack comes from Achen (1982, 61), who argues that the R2 “measures nothing of serious importance.” His contention is that it should be abandoned, and the standard error of the regression (SEE) substituted as a goodness-of-fit measure. Developing these lines of inquiry further, King (1986) provides the latest set of criticisms. Accordingly, “In most practical political science situations, it makes little sense to use [the R2]” (King 1986, 669). And, concerning the “proportion of variance explained” definition more particularly, “it is not clear how this interpretation adds meaning to political analyses.” (King 1986, 678).
Predicting Interstate Conflict Outcomes Using a Bootstrapped ID3 Algorithm
Authors: Schrodt Philip A.
Published: January 2007

The ID3 algorithm is an inductive artificial intelligence technique that generates classification trees. These trees are similar to those used in simple expert systems; with ID3 they are generated by machine rather than using human experts. This article applies a bootstrapped ID3 to the Butterworth data set on interstate conflict management. By generating a number of classification trees from randomly selected subsets of the complete data set, the variables that most effectively predict the outcome of the conflict management effort are identified, and the degree of unpredictability in the data is estimated from the accuracy of the classification tree in predicting cases not in the training set. The original set of 38 independent variables can be reduced to 5 or less with almost no loss of accuracy; classification trees using these variables have 95–100 percent accuracy when fitted to the entire data set and an average accuracy of 50–60 percent in predicting new cases in split-sample tests. Unlike many existing statistical techniques, the classification tree is a plausible model of human inductive knowledge representation since it is compatible with the cognitive constraints of the human brain.
Traits versus Issues: Factor versus Ideal-Point Analysis of Candidate Thermometer Ratings
Authors: Brady Henry E.
Published: January 2007

This article describes a computationally simple, statistically consistent, reasonably efficient, and statistically informative generalized least squares (GLS) estimator for a general class of nonlinear, multidimensional scaling (MDS) models including the “ideal-point” models of voters' and legislators' behavior proposed by Melvin Hinich, Keith Poole, and others. Unlike other methods, the method described in this article provides a statistical framework for testing a wide range of hypotheses about these models including their functional form, their dimensionality, and the values of specific parameters. The Hinich ideal-point model is estimated using this method. It fits the data remarkably well compared to a standard factor analysis model that does not provide a reasonable fit to the data. This has the substantive implication of suggesting that voters base their voting decisions upon ideal-point dimensions like liberalism-conservatism and not upon factor analysis dimensions like competence and leadership.
Auricle Reconstruction With a Nickel–Titanium Shape Memory Alloy as the Framework
Authors: Chi Fang‐Lu , Wang Shen‐Jun , Liu Hong‐Jian
Published: January 2007

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the biocompatibility and implantability of a nickel–titanium (NiTi) alloy in auricle reconstruction.

Methods and Materials: Twelve New Zealand rabbits underwent subcutaneous implantation with a NiTi alloy framework shaped like the human auricle under general anesthesia. The implant was inserted after skin expansion. Implant vascularization was evaluated at months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 after implantation by histologic analysis. Immunohistochemical methods were used to examine expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in tissue around the implant. The fibrovascular ingrowth rate of implants was determined by bone scanning using 99mTc‐PYP. The surface of the NiTi alloy implant was examined microscopically with scanning electron microscopy.

Result: The implant harvested showed only partial vascularization at 1 month and completely vascularized at 3 months. The amount of vascular endothelial growth factor‐positive cells was markedly increased at 6 months and reached the highest number at 3 months. The fibrovascular ingrowth rate of implant was assessed by 99mTc‐PYP bone scan using ratios of 99mTc‐PYP activity in placement regions versus the contralateral normal region. One rabbit had exposure of the NiTi alloy framework as a result of overlying skin flap necrosis. It was rescued with animal skin without the complete removal of the framework. All the other rabbits tolerated the implant well, and there were no complications.

Conclusion: The NiTi alloy implant represents an alternative implant for auricular reconstruction.
Effect of Infections and Environmental Factors on Growth and Nutritional Status in Developing Countries
Authors: Bhutta Zulfiqar Ahmed
Published: January 2007

Despite numerous advances and improvements in child health globally, malnutrition remains a major problem and underlies a significant proportion of child deaths. A large proportion of the hidden burden of malnutrition is represented by widespread single and multiple micronutrient deficiencies. A number of factors may influence micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries, including poor body stores at birth, dietary deficiencies and high intake of inhibitors of absorption such as phytates and increased losses from the body. Although the effects of poor intake and increased micronutrient demands are well described, the potential effects of acute and chronic infections on the body's micronutrient status are less well appreciated. Even more obscure is the potential effect of immunostimulation and intercurrent infections on the micronutrient distribution and homeostasis. The association therefore of relatively higher rates of micronutrient deficiencies with infectious diseases may be reflective of both increased predisposition to infections in deficient populations as well as a direct effect of the infection itself on micronutrient status indicators. Recently the association of increased micronutrient losses such as those of zinc and copper with acute diarrhea has been recognized and a net negative balance of zinc has been shown in zinc metabolic studies in children with persistent diarrhea. It is also recognized that children with shigellosis can lose a significant amount of vitamin A in the urine, thus further aggravating preexisting subclinical vitamin A deficiency. Given the epidemiological association between micronutrient deficiencies and diarrhea, supplementation strategies in endemic areas are logical. The growing body of evidence on the key role of zinc supplementation in accelerating recovery from diarrheal illnesses in developing countries supports its use in public health strategies.
Longitudinal Effects of Hope on Depression and Anxiety: A Latent Variable Analysis
Authors: Arnau Randolph C. , Rosen David H. , Finch John F. , Rhudy Jamie L. , Fortunato Vincent J.
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACT
This study tested the prospective effects of hope on depression and anxiety using a longitudinal design. A sample of 522 college students completed self‐report measures of hope, depression, and anxiety at three time points, with 1‐month delays between administrations. Structural equation modeling was employed to test two cross‐lagged panel models of the reciprocal effects of the Agency and Pathways components of hope on depression and anxiety. Results indicated statistically significant negative effects for the Agency component of hope on later depression but no unique effect of the Pathways component of hope on depression. Likewise, Agency showed a statistically significant negative effect on later anxiety, but again Pathways had no significant influence on anxiety. In both cases, neither depression nor anxiety demonstrated any longitudinal effects on either the Agency or Pathways components of hope. Implications of these findings are discussed, along with potential directions for future research.
Acute effects of periodontal therapy on bio‐markers of vascular health
Authors: D'Aiuto Francesco , Parkar M. , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: January 2007

Aim: We aimed to study the impact of periodontal therapy on several bio‐markers related to vascular health.

Material and Methods: Fifty‐five consecutive subjects (age range 30–64 years) having severe periodontitis received an intensive session of periodontal therapy under local anaesthesia and provided blood samples before and 1 and 7 and 30 days following therapy. High‐sensitivity assays were utilized to quantify serum concentrations of inflammatory markers [interleukin(IL)‐1β, tumour necrosis factor‐α], plasma haemostatic (D‐dimer) and endothelial soluble markers [soluble E‐selectin(s‐Es) and von Willebrand factor antigen (r‐WF:Ag)].

Results: Periodontal therapy elicited a significant activation of the haemostatic system (38% and 68% mean increases of plasma D‐dimer 1 and 7 days after therapy, respectively, p<0.001), together with moderate endothelial dysfunction (10% and 30% mean increases at 24 h in plasma soluble E‐selectin, p<0.05 and von‐Willebrand factor, p<0.01, respectively). D‐Dimer and s‐Es acute changes were significantly correlated with periodontal treatment time (p<0.05). Cigarette smoking status and body mass index strongly influenced the acute release of IL‐1β (p<0.05), D‐dimer (p<0.01) and s‐Es (p<0.01).

Conclusions: Periodontal therapy represents a novel and reliable non‐drug‐induced model to investigate in vivo the interplay between inflammation, coagulation and endothelial cell activation.
Two Distinct Types of Blood Vessels in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Have Contrasting Prognostic Implications
Authors: Yao Xin , Qian Chao-Nan , Zhang Zhong-Fa , Tan Min-Han , Kort Eric J. , Yang Ximing J. , Resau James H. , Teh Bin Tean
Published: January 2007

Purpose: Intratumoral microvascular density (MVD) has been controversial as an indicator of prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Classification of the intratumoral blood vessels based on differential expressions of blood vessel markers has not been correlated with patient prognosis in CCRCC. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of different categories of blood vessels with the patients' outcomes.

Experimental Design: Seventy-eight CCRCC patients who underwent nephrectomy alone were enrolled. Paraffin-embedded CCRCC tissues, together with 16 nonmalignant kidney cortex tissues, were used in tissue microarray analyses and conventional section analyses. The characteristics of intratumoral blood vessels were identified by multiple blood vessel markers and pericyte markers. A computerized image analysis program was used to quantitatively calculate the vascular density.

Results: Two distinct types of microvessels were identified in CCRCC: undifferentiated (CD31+/CD34−) and differentiated (CD34+) vessels. A higher undifferentiated MVD significantly correlated with higher tumor grades and shorter patient survival. In contrast, a higher differentiated MVD significantly correlated with lower tumor grade and longer survival. Multivariate analyses showed that undifferentiated MVD was an independent prognostic factor for patient survival. An inverse correlation between undifferentiated MVD and differentiated MVD was also identified in CCRCC.

Conclusions: This is the first report showing distinct types of vasculature in CCRCC correlated with contrasting prognoses. A refined classification of CCRCC based on vasculature is therefore important for evaluating prognosis, and it may also have therapeutic implications.
Clinical Relevance of E2F Family Members in Ovarian Cancer—An Evaluation in a Training Set of 77 Patients
Authors: Reimer Daniel , Sadr Susann , Wiedemair Annemarie , Stadlmann Sylvia , Concin Nicole , Hofstetter Gerda , Müller-Holzner Elisabeth , Marth Christian , Zeimet Alain G.
Published: January 2007

Purpose: The major obstacle in treating ovarian cancer is the rapid development of platinum resistance during therapy. Deregulation of members of the E2F family of transcription factors is crucially involved in carcinogenesis and probably in mechanisms underlying platinum resistance. We therefore investigated the relevance of the whole set of E2F family members in predicting clinical outcome and their significance in predicting platinum resistance.

Experimental Design: Real-time PCR of all E2F family members was done from 77 ovarian carcinomas, defined as our training set, and 8 healthy control samples. The correlation with clinicopathologic characteristics, platinum resistance, and survival was investigated. Furthermore, the cross-talk of E2F family members was assessed for its value in predicting survival and platinum resistance.

Results: The proliferation-promoting E2F1 and E2F2 were associated with grade 3 tumors and residual disease >2 cm in diameter after initial surgery. Survival analyses showed low expression of E2F1 or E2F2 to be significantly associated with favorable disease-free and overall survival (E2F1, P = 0.039 and 0.047, respectively; E2F2, P = 0.009 and 0.006, respectively). In contrast, high expression of inhibiting E2F4 or E2F7 predicted favorable disease-free and overall survival (E2F4, P = 0.047 and 0.042, respectively; E2F7, P = 0.048 and 0.042, respectively). A high E2F2 to E2F4 ratio was the most valuable prognostic variable for disease-free survival in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 6.494; P = 0.002). Tumors considered platinum resistant were associated with lower E2F4 and E2F7 expression (P = 0.012 and 0.009, respectively) compared with platinum-sensitive tumors. Again, ratios of E2F1 or E2F2 to E2F7 were the most favorable variables in predicting platinum resistance.

Conclusions: We here show that deregulation of both proliferation-promoting and proliferation-inhibiting E2F transcription factors and their cross-talk is crucially involved in the tumor biology of ovarian cancer and influences clinical outcome. Furthermore, down-regulation of E2F7 may contribute to mechanisms underlying platinum resistance, and calculation of ratios of proliferation-promoting E2F1 to E2F7 could serve as a putative predictor of platinum resistance.
Parthenolide, a Natural Inhibitor of Nuclear Factor-κB, Inhibits Lung Colonization of Murine Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Kishida Yuki , Yoshikawa Hideki , Myoui Akira
Published: January 2007

Purpose: The transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) regulates the expression of several genes important for tumor metastasis and is constitutively active in the highly metastatic murine osteosarcoma cell line LM8. Parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, was reported to inhibit the DNA binding of NF-κB. The purpose of this study is to investigate the usefulness of parthenolide as target for antimetastatic therapies.

Experimental Design: We examined the effect of parthenolide on metastasis-associated phenotypes in vitro and in murine experimental lung metastasis models by s.c. and i.v. inoculation of LM8 cells.

Results: We found that parthenolide strongly induced apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro. In the in vivo metastasis models, parthenolide treatment suppressed lung metastasis when treatment was initiated concurrently with s.c. or i.v. inoculation of tumor cells, whereas lung metastasis was not reduced when parthenolide was given after the homing of tumor cells. The growth of s.c. tumors that developed at the inoculation site was not suppressed by parthenolide. We also found that the genetic inhibition of NF-κB activity by expressing mutant IκBα suppressed lung metastasis in vivo but not s.c. tumor growth. This supports our notion that the metastasis-preventing effect of parthenolide is mediated at least in part by inhibition of NF-κB activity.

Conclusions: These findings suggested that NF-κB is a potential molecular target for designing specific prophylactic interventions against distant metastasis and that parthenolide is a hopeful candidate for an antimetastatic drug.
Targeting Fanconi Anemia/BRCA2 Pathway Defects in Cancer: The Significance of Preclinical Pharmacogenomic Models
Authors: Gallmeier Eike , Kern Scott E.
Published: January 2007

Defects in the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway occur in subsets of diverse human cancers. The hypersensitivity of FA pathway-deficient cells to DNA interstrand cross-linking and possibly other agents renders these genes attractive targets for a genotype-based, individualized anticancer therapy. A prerequisite before clinical trials is the validation and quantification of this hypersensitivity in suitable preclinical pharmacogenomic models. In addition, the effects of combinational therapy need to be evaluated and novel agents sought. We discuss here the pitfalls and limitations in the interpretation of common FA models when applied to the validation of FA gene defects as therapeutic targets. In general, all preclinical models are prone to certain artifacts and, thus, promising results in a single or few models rarely translate into clinical success. Nevertheless, the extraordinary robustness of FA pathway-deficient cells to interstrand cross-linking agents, which are observable in virtually any model independent of species, cell type, or technique used to engineer the gene defect, in various in vitro and in vivo settings, renders these gene defects particularly attractive for targeted therapy. Clinical trials are now under way.
Arachidonic Acid Metabolites as Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factors
Authors: Campbell William B. , Falck John R.
Published: January 2007

The endothelium regulates vascular tone through the release of a number of soluble mediators, including NO, prostaglandin I
2
, and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids are cytochrome P450 epoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid. They are synthesized by the vascular endothelium and open calcium-activated potassium channels, hyperpolarize the membrane, and relax vascular smooth muscle. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine, bradykinin, and shear stress that are not inhibited by cyclooxygenase and NO synthase inhibitors are mediated by the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. In arteries from experimental animals and humans, the non-NO, non-prostaglandin-mediated relaxations and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations are blocked by cytochrome P450 inhibitors, calcium-activated potassium channel blockers, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid antagonists. Acetylcholine and bradykinin stimulate epoxyeicosatrienoic acid release from endothelial cells and arteries. These findings indicate that epoxyeicosatrienoic acids act as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors and regulate arterial tone.
Elevated Blood Pressure in Transgenic Lipoatrophic Mice and Altered Vascular Function
Authors: Takemori Kumiko , Gao Yu-Jing , Ding Lili , Lu Chao , Su Li-Ying , An Wen-Sheng , Vinson Charles , Lee Robert M.K.W.
Published: January 2007

The role of perivascular fat in the control of vascular function was studied using lipoatrophic A-ZIP/F1 transgenic mice. Only a small amount of brown fat was found around the aorta but not around mesenteric arteries. Blood pressure of A-ZIP/F1 mice became higher than wild-type (WT) mice from 10 weeks of age. The presence of perivascular fat reduced the contraction of WT aorta to phenylephrine and serotonin, whereas this effect was either absent or less prominent in A-ZIP/F1 aorta. In WT mice, transfer of solution incubated with aorta with fat to aorta with fat removed caused a relaxation response, but not in A-ZIP/F1 mice, indicating the release of a relaxation factor from perivascular fat in WT aorta. This factor was acting through the activation of calcium-dependent potassium channels. Perfusion of phenylephrine to the isolated mesenteric bed caused a higher increase in perfusion pressure in A-ZIP/F1 than in WT mice. Contractile response of aorta to angiotensin II (Ang II) was mediated by Ang II type 1 receptors and was higher in A-ZIP/F1 than in WT mice. Expression of Ang II type 1 receptors but not Ang II type 2 receptors was higher in aorta of A-ZIP/F1 than WT mice. Treatment with an Ang II type 1 receptor antagonist (TCV 116, 10 mg/kg per day) for 2 weeks normalized the blood pressure of A-ZIP/F1 mice. These results suggest that the absence of perivascular fat tissue, which enhances the contractile response of the blood vessels to agonists, and an upregulation of vascular Ang II type 1 receptors in A-ZIP/F1 mice, are some of the mechanisms underlying the blood pressure elevation in these lipoatrophic mice.
Observing conducted tours: The ethnographic context in tourist research
Authors: Seaton A. V.
Published: January 2007

This paper explores observational contexts in ethnographic methodologies, deploying participant and unobtrusive observation in research designed to monitor the existential world of the tourist, including perceptions and satisfactions, during the course of the tourism event.

The paper differentiates between two contrasting contexts of ethnographic observation the open field and the closed field and sets out to inventory some of the distinctive problems and opportunities associated with each. The paper draws attention to the importance of the conducted touring party as a social grouping that may be envisaged, both historically and in contemporary terms, as the primary unit of tourism, and reaffirms the potential of unobtrusive and participant observational methods for studying it. The analysis and discussion have practical relevance for both theoretical and applied tourism researchers.
Protective role of IFN-γ in collagen-induced arthritis conferred by inhibition of mycobacteria-induced granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 production
Authors: Kelchtermans Hilde , Struyf Sofie , De Klerck Bert , Mitera Tania , Alen Marijke , Geboes Lies , Van Balen Maarten , Dillen Chris , Put Willy , Gysemans Conny , Billiau Alfons , Van Damme Jo , Matthys Patrick
Published: January 2007

Mice with a disrupted IFN-γ system are remarkably susceptible to experimental autoimmune diseases, such as collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), which rely on the use of CFA. The inflammatory lesions of these IFN-γ knockout (KO) mice are characterized by an excessive proportion of neutrophils. Here, we show that the increased severity of CIA in IFN-γR KO as compared with wild-type mice is accompanied by increased levels of the CXC chemokine granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 (GCP-2), a major neutrophil-attracting chemokine in mice. We demonstrated that the heat-killed mycobacteria present in CFA elicited production of GCP-2 in mouse embryo fibroblast cultures and that this production was inhibited by IFN-γ. Inhibition of GCP-2 production by IFN-γ was STAT-1-dependent. IFN-γ receptor KO mice treated with neutralizing anti-GCP-2 antibodies were protected from CIA, indicating the in vivo importance of GCP-2 in the pathogenesis of CIA. Our data support the notion that one of the mechanisms whereby endogenous IFN-γ mitigates the manifestations of CIA consists of inhibiting production of GCP-2, thereby limiting mobilization and infiltration of neutrophils, which are important actors in joint inflammation. These results may also be applicable to other experimental models of autoimmunity that rely on the use of CFA.
Attenuated induction of epithelial and leukocyte serine antiproteases elafin and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Schmid Michael , Fellermann Klaus , Fritz Peter , Wiedow Oliver , Stange Eduard F , Wehkamp Jan
Published: January 2007

Elafin (or skin-derived antileukoprotease) and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) are serine antiproteases antagonizing human neutrophil elastase (HNE), thereby preventing tissue injury from excessive release of proteolytic enzymes by inflammatory cells. Furthermore, elafin and SLPI are “defensin-like” molecules with broad antimicrobial activity. The balance between proteases and antagonists may critically determine inflammatory processes in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Real-time PCR was performed to quantitate colonic, proinflammatory cytokine IL-8, protease (HNE), and antiprotease mRNA (elafin and SLPI) in a total of 340 biopsies from 117 patients (47 CD, 45 UC, 25 controls). Histological inflammation was scored, and HNE, elafin, and SLPI were localized and semiquantified by immunostaining in 51 colonic paraffin sections (23 CD, 11 UC, 17 controls). Proinflammatory IL-8, degree of histological inflammation, and granulocyte content were similar in UC and CD. Elafin stained predominantly in the epithelium and SLPI in mucosal inflammatory cells. HNE mRNA levels and immunostaining were increased equally in both forms of inflammatory bowel disease. Levels of mRNA and immunostaining of the antiproteases elafin and SLPI were enhanced strongly in inflamed versus noninflamed UC. It is surprising that comparing inflamed versus noninflamed CD, this increase was significantly less pronounced for elafin and even lacking for SLPI. Despite comparable degrees of inflammation and protease levels, the induction of both antiproteases was attenuated in CD. This could contribute to the transmural depth of tissue destruction in CD. Elafin and SLPI may be added to the list of defensin-like peptides with diminished induction in CD versus UC.
Management of the Child Born Small for Gestational Age through to Adulthood: A Consensus Statement of the International Societies of Pediatric Endocrinology and the Growth Hormone Research Society
Authors: Clayton P. E. , Cianfarani S. , Czernichow P. , Johannsson G. , Rapaport R. , Rogol A.
Published: January 2007

Objective: Low birth weight remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in early infancy and childhood. It is associated with an increased risk of health problems later in life, particularly coronary heart disease and stroke. A meeting was convened to identify the key health issues facing a child born small for gestational age (SGA) and to propose management strategies.

Participants: There were 42 participants chosen for their expertise in obstetrics, peri- and neonatal medicine, pediatrics, pediatric and adult endocrinology, epidemiology, and pharmacology.

Evidence: Written materials were exchanged, reviewed, revised, and then made available to all. This formed the basis for discussions at the meeting. Where published data were not available or adequate, discussion was based on expert clinical opinions.

Consensus Process: Each set of questions was considered by all and then discussed in plenary sessions with consensus and unresolved issues identified. The consensus statement was prepared in plenary sessions and then edited by the group chairs and shared with all participants.

Conclusions: The diagnosis of SGA should be based on accurate anthropometry at birth including weight, length, and head circumference. We recommend early surveillance in a growth clinic for those without catch-up. Early neurodevelopment evaluation and interventions are warranted in at-risk children. Endocrine and metabolic disturbances in the SGA child are recognized but infrequent. For the 10% who lack catch-up, GH treatment can increase linear growth. Early intervention with GH for those with severe growth retardation (height sd score, <−2.5; age, 2–4 yr) should be considered at a dose of 35–70 μg/kg·d. Long-term surveillance of treated patients is essential. The associations at a population level between low birth weight, including SGA, and coronary heart disease and stroke in later life are recognized, but there is inadequate evidence to recommend routine health surveillance of all adults born SGA outside of normal clinical practice.
Optimal Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Lowering—Morning Versus Evening Statin Administration
Authors: Plakogiannis Roda , Cohen Henry
Published: January 2007

Objective:

To determine the best time to administer statins for optimal lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by reviewing the clinical evidence evaluating the chronobiologic effects of morning versus evening statin administration.

Data Sources:

Using the MeSH terms HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, statins, morning and evening dosing, and clinical trials, a literature review was conducted to identify articles in MEDLINE (1966–December 2006), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–Deccmber 2006), and IOWA Drug Information Systems (1985–December 2006).

Data Synthesis:

Seven English-language studies evaluating morning and evening statin administration were identified and evaluated. Based on the available data, simvastatin demonstrated a pronounced LDL-C percentage reduction with evening closing. Although not statistically significant, a trend in the LDL-C percentage reduction favoring evening statin administration was noted with lovastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin. Atorvastatin demonstrated similar LDL-C reduction regardless of administration time. With the exception of simvastatin, the trials comparing morning versus evening effects of statins on LDL-C have several significant methodologic shortcomings, including small sample size, lack of statistical power, and inappropriate exclusion criteria that did not include or did not mention drug-induced effects on lipids.

Conclusions:

There are sufficient data to support evening administration of simvastatin to achieve optimal lowering of LDL-C levels. Rigorous and robust trials are necessary to determine the best administration time to achieve optimal LDL-C lowering for lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, and fluvastatin.
Hopeful Thinking and Level of Comfort Regarding Providing Pediatric Palliative Care: A Survey of Hospital Nurses
Authors: Feudtner Chris , Santucci Gina , Feinstein James A. , Snyder C. Rick , Rourke Mary T. , Kang Tammy I.
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work was to test the hypothesis that individual nurses' level of hope is associated with greater self-reported comfort and competence in providing palliative care.

METHODS. We conducted a Web-based cross-sectional survey at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, a large referral hospital, during the spring of 2005 with all of the employed nurses. The response rate was 44% (410 of 932 eligible nurses). The questions were adapted from published studies or written for this study regarding nurses' knowledge, attitudes, practices, and experiences regarding various aspects of palliative care. We used the Adult Dispositional Hope Scale.

RESULTS. Respondents, asked to rate their degree of agreement (+2, strongly agree to −2, strongly disagree) with the statement that they were “comfortable working with dying children and their families,” reported a mean score of 0.5. Regarding whether they “find it very difficult to talk about death and dying with children and families,” the mean score was −0.1. Nurses specifically reported feeling most competent regarding pain management and least competent regarding talking with children and families about dying. After multivariable adjustment, greater number of years in nursing practice, more hours of palliative care education, and higher scores on the Hope Scale, each were significantly associated with higher levels of comfort working with dying children and the families, lower levels of difficulty talking about death and dying, and higher levels of palliative care competency.

CONCLUSIONS. Nurses' level of hope is associated with their self-reported comfort and competence regarding palliative care.
Improved Neurodevelopmental Outcomes for Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants in 2000–2002
Authors: Wilson-Costello Deanne , Friedman Harriet , Minich Nori , Siner Bonnie , Taylor Gerry , Schluchter Mark , Hack Maureen
Published: January 2007

BACKGROUND. Neurodevelopmental impairment of extremely low birth weight infants increased in the 1990s. Modern therapeutic changes may have influenced more recent neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE. We sought to compare neonatal therapies and outcomes among all extremely low birth weight infants born in 2000–2002 (period III) to 2 previous periods: 1982–1989 (period I) and 1990–1999 (period II).

METHODS. The population included 496 extremely low birth weight infants born at our perinatal center during period I, 749 during period II, and 233 during period III. Therapies, rates of death, and survival with and without impairment at 20 months' corrected age were compared.

RESULTS. Between periods I and II, survival increased from 49% to 68% as did neonatal morbidity. This resulted in increased survival without impairment but also increased survival with impairment. Changes in therapy during period III included an increase in antenatal steroid use and a decrease in postnatal steroid use, although the rate of chronic lung disease did not change. Sepsis decreased, as did severe intraventricular hemorrhage. On follow-up, the rate of cerebral palsy decreased from 13% to 5%, resulting in a decrease in neurodevelopmental impairment from 35% to 23%. As a result, during period III versus II, survival without impairment increased, whereas survival with impairment decreased.

CONCLUSION. Since 2000, neurodevelopmental impairment has decreased among extremely low birth weight infants. A variety of perinatal and neonatal factors were associated with the improved outcomes including increased antenatal steroid use and cesarean section delivery, as well as decreased sepsis, severe cranial ultrasound abnormalities, and postnatal steroid use despite no change in the rate of chronic lung disease.
Adverse Associations of Sleep Problems in Australian Preschoolers: National Population Study
Authors: Hiscock Harriet , Canterford Louise , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Wake Melissa
Published: January 2007

OBJECTIVE. In contrast to school-aged children, the impact of sleep problems in preschool-aged children is not well documented. We aimed to determine relationships between preschool-aged child sleep problems and child behavior; health-related quality of life; verbal, preliteracy, and early numeracy skills; diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; and injury.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS. Participants included families (n = 4983) participating in the first wave of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, a nationally representative study of Australian children aged 4 to 5 years surveyed from March to November 2004. Measures consisted of a primary caregiver's report of whether their child had a sleep problem (none versus mild versus moderate/severe); specific sleep patterns occurring ≥4 nights per week; health-related quality of life (by using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0); behavior (by using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) and parent-reported diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; and injury requiring medical attention in the past 12 months. Tests of receptive vocabulary and preliteracy/numeracy skills (by using the Who Am I? developmental assessment and the adapted Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, 3rd Edition) were directly administered to each child.

RESULTS. Sleep problems were common, and compared with children without sleep problems, children with sleep problems had poorer child health-related quality of life, more behavior problems, and higher rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Difficulty going to sleep and morning tiredness had greater adverse associations than snoring or night waking.

CONCLUSIONS. Given that sleep problems are very common, the adverse outcomes shown here could affect the transition to school for a very large number of preschoolers.
Using state-of-the-art techniques to develop water management scenarios in a lake catchment
Authors: Dimitriou Elias , Zacharias Ierotheos
Published: January 2007

Integrated Management of the Water Resources is nowadays a prerequisite for environmental preservation and economic growth. The EU Water Framework Directive provides the guidelines to develop strategies and institutions to protect and restore the water resources in both qualitative and quantitative bases. However, the implementation of the proposed measures incorporates significant difficulties arising from the lack of necessary data, the fragmented approach often followed in water management and the incomprehension of the interactions between hydrologic systems and ecological components. In this particular study, a combination of remote sensing data, hydrologic models, ecological assessment techniques, GIS software and isotopic surveys have been adopted to extensively study the water resources of Trichonis Lake catchment, in Western Greece, in order to develop management alternatives aiming at protecting ecologically significant wetlands and meeting the local irrigation demands. The management alternatives have been developed with the contribution of local authorities by redistributing the monthly water outflows from the lake according to the ecological and anthropogenic demands and comprise five plans that attempt to minimize the environmental impacts from the regional water use while maintaining the economic activities unaffected.
Atmospheric circulation influence on the interannual variability of snow pack in the Spanish Pyrenees during the second half of the 20th century
Authors: López-Moreno Juan I. , Vicente-Serrano Sergio M.
Published: January 2007

Large areas in the Spanish Pyrenees are covered by snow between December and April, especially above 1650 m a.s.l., the location of the cold season 0°C isotherm. However, a significant negative trend in Pyrenean snow pack was detected during the second half of the 20th century. This paper analyses the interannual evolution of snow accumulation in these mountains in relation to the variability of atmospheric circulation. The study considers two spatial scales, from weather types over the Iberian Peninsula to hemispheric atmospheric patterns. The results show strong relationships between the annual occurrence of several weather types and spring snow accumulation. Changes in the frequency of several weather types are explained by the evolution of large scale hemispheric circulation patterns, especially the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Thus, the positive trend observed in the NAO index leads to a decrease in the occurrence of types that favour snow accumulation and an increase in unfavourable conditions for snow pack during the second half of the 20th century.
Chinese agricultural water resource utilization: problems and challenges
Authors: Hongyun Han , Liange Zhao
Published: January 2007

With rapid industrialization and urbanization, scarce water resources are more and more being transferred from low-value agricultural use to high-value industrial and domestic uses in China. Along with water shortages, inefficiencies are apparent in Chinese agricultural water utilization. The causes of these inefficiencies include attenuated property rights, artificially low water prices, lack of farmer participation in irrigation districts management and fragmented government management. It is concluded, against the background of a transitional economy, that the lack of economic incentives in the allocation of water is the principal reason why shortage and waste coexists in Chinese irrigated agriculture. The challenge now facing decision makers is how to resolve the conflict between increasing food demand and decreasing water supply without undermining the growth of cities and the industrial sector. Owing to failures in both markets and government in water allocation, it is argued that it is necessary to establish a quasi-market for water.
Photodegradation of multilayer films based on PET copolymers
Authors: Fechine G. J. M. , Souto‐Maior R. M. , Rabello M. S.
Published: January 2007

An investigation was conducted on the effects of photodegradation of multilayer films based on PET copolymers. The films were composed by different layers with PET, PET/PEN, and PET/PEI copolymers with a total thickness of 23 μm. The films produced by coextrusion followed by a biaxial orientation in an industrial equipment were exposed to the ultraviolet radiation in the laboratory for periods of up to 600 h. The samples were investigated by FTIR‐ATR, UV/visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, mechanical properties, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the photooxidation is concentrated at the surface layers and that coextruded films were more sensitive to the UV radiation effects. The deterioration in mechanical properties with exposure and the fracture behavior were shown to be consistent with the amount of degradation that occurred in the films. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007