bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waiting for the Tide to Change? Strategies for Survival of Portuguese Private HEIs
Authors: Teixeira Pedro N. , Amaral Alberto
Published: March 2007

The topic of declining private higher education (PHE) has become a timely one, especially for many countries that had previously experienced a rapid and massive expansion of their systems of higher education, and of PHE in particular. In the case of Portugal this was very likely due to the stabilisation and then the slight decline in the number of applicants and the steady expansion of the public system Thus, the Portuguese system has become an interesting case study of the several types of strategies that may be adopted by PHE institutions when facing a declining student demand.
Psychological Wellness and Distress among Recent Immigrants: A Four‐year Longitudinal Study in Israel and Germany1
Authors: Mirsky Julia , Slonim‐Nevo V. , Rubinstein L.
Published: March 2007

Findings regarding immigrants' psychological wellness and distress are contradictory. Some studies find elevated levels of distress among immigrants, others failed to demonstrate such reactions. We suggest that such inconsistencies may be the result of loose time definitions in immigration studies. It is hypothesized that immigrants enjoy relative psychological wellness in the initial stages after their arrival in the host country (the first 12–16 months) and subsequently, their well‐being deteriorates. The study involves families (parents and adolescents) from the former Soviet Union who immigrated to Israel and to Germany. The respondents were assessed with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) at three time intervals: toward the end of the first year subsequent to their migration, in their second, and again in their fourth year after immigration.

The adolescents who immigrated to Israel and to Germany presented good psychological well‐being during their first year in the new country. The hypothesis about deterioration in immigrants’psychological wellness after an initially benign phase was confirmed only in regard to the two adolescent groups. Adolescents who immigrated to Israel, however, showed an improvement in their psychological condition later on (the classic U curve), while the condition of their German counterparts continued to deteriorate. Among the parents, different trends were observed: either an improvement in the level of psychological well‐being over the years, or no significant change. These results are discussed in light of theoretical models of migration and different environmental factors in the two countries.
Strengthening Social Capital through Bilingual Competence in a Transnational Migrant Community: Mexicans in Upstate New York
Authors: Grim‐Feinberg Kate
Published: March 2007

Temporary migrants in the United States face the challenge of adapting to their host society while maintaining a cohesive social network within their newcomer communities. Among the principal factors affecting Mexican migrant social networks is bilingual competence. Most Mexican migrants plan to live in the United States for only a few years, sending money to support their families and communities in Mexico. While in the United States, they work long hours in jobs largely invisible to the public, often alongside other Spanish speakers and with little exposure to English. They have few opportunities and little motivation to integrate into the English‐speaking community.

In upstate New York, where few people in the host community speak Spanish, Mexican migrants remain largely dependent on English speakers as they negotiate housing, employment, health care, and other basic resources. Lack of English language is a barrier to obtaining local cultural information essential for migrants to navigate these resources successfully. On the other hand, migrants’maintenance of a close‐knit transnational social network provides invaluable resources both for those living in the United States and those in Mexico. Young migrant children immersed in English at school with little positive valuation of Spanish are socialized in a network from which their parents are excluded, and risk losing the social capital provided by their Mexican social networks. To maintain and strengthen communal social capital in their transnational migrant communities, these temporary Mexican migrants must preserve their close‐knit internal social networks while simultaneously forming social links with outsiders in the host society.

In this paper, I examine the interplay of language and social networks in a recently formed Mexican migrant community in upstate New York. I suggest that, despite the challenges Mexican migrants face in obtaining fluent Spanish‐English bilingualism, some degree of bilingual competence is well within their reach. The expansion and adaptation of local language programmes in English and Spanish could contribute significantly to migrants’bilingual competence, increasing their communal social capital and facilitating successful adaptation into their host community, as well as reintegration into their sending community.
GNAS1 T393C Polymorphism is Associated With Migraine
Authors: Oterino A , Ruiz-Alegría C , Castillo J , Valle N , Bravo Y , Cayón A , Alonso A , Tejera P , Ruiz-Lavilla N , Muñoz P , Pascual J
Published: March 2007

Migraineurs have an interictal sympathetic nervous system (SNS) hypofunctionality and hypersensitivity to adrenergic amines. The GNAS1 T393C polymorphism has been associated with a distinct SNS sensitivity in healthy subjects. We tested GNAS1 T393C variant in two independent sets of subjects. In the case-control subset, 365 migraine patients [194 with aura (MA)] vs. 347 healthy controls were studied. A significant excess of the CC genotype was found in migraneurs (31.2%) as opposed to controls (20.2%; P = 0.003). Using a logistic regression model corrected for sex, the CC genotype conferred a general risk for migraine twice [odds ratio (OR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27-2.53; P = 0.001] higher than CT/TT genotypes. Using parents from 117 migraine families, a marginally significant trend for association could be observed ( P = 0.025), but the transmission disequilibrium test for alleles maternally transmitted failed to demonstrate familial association. In this subgroup, CC genotype conferred a risk for migraine over twice (OR 2.20; 95% CI 1.14-4.40; P = 0.019) higher than TT/TC genotypes. In conclusion, the GNAS1 T393C variant is associated with migraine, which suggests a genetic basis for its higher SNS sensitivity.
Migraine with Persistent Aura in a Mexican Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: San-Juan OD , Zermeño PF
Published: March 2007

Persistent aura symptoms in patients with migraine are rare but well documented. The International Headache Society defines persistent aura without infarction as when the aura symptoms persist for >1 week without radiographic evidence of infarction. The visual aura of migraine attacks has been explained by cortical spreading depression. We describe a case of a 28-year-old Mexican woman, who presented with persistent aura symptoms, and a literature review. The patient had a 24-year history of migraine headache. In November 2005 the patient had an attack which started with scintillating scotomas bilaterally associated with photopsias and amaurosis followed by migraine headache. All imaging studies were negative. The episode lasted 35 days and probably resolved with nimodipine therapy. Persistent aura symptoms are rare entities. This is the first case documented of a Mexican patient with persistent aura without infarction and probably resolved with nimodipine therapy.
Genetic tracking of basking shark products in international trade
Authors: Magnussen J. E. , Pikitch E. K. , Clarke S. C. , Nicholson C. , Hoelzel A. R. , Shivji M. S.
Published: March 2007

Mounting evidence that sharks are being over‐fished to supply shark fin markets is causing widespread concern about the sustainability of these practices. The basking shark Cetorhinus maximus, whose fins command high market prices, has proven especially sensitive to exploitation. To prevent further population declines, this species is now protected in the territorial waters of several countries, and is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) requiring monitoring of trade in its products by all parties to CITES. Tracking trade in basking shark products, however, is often hampered by difficulties in identifying shark products to species of origin. Here, we present the development and application of a streamlined genetic forensics assay that does not require DNA sequencing to identify basking shark products. The dual‐primer, species‐specific polymerase chain reaction strategy provides diagnostic redundancy for robustness in legal venues. It is also effective for identifying basking shark products regardless of geographic origin, an important consideration, given the global distribution of the species and international sourcing of fins to the trade. Application of the assay confirmed the presence of basking shark fins in the Hong Kong and Japan markets, and indicated an apparent relationship between the Chinese fin trader category ‘Nuo Wei Tian Jiu’ and fins from basking sharks. The assay was also used in a law enforcement investigation to document illegal trade in basking shark fins in the United States where this species is prohibited from harvest and trade. These trade detections suggest that the high market value of basking shark fins is continuing to drive the exploitation, surreptitious and otherwise, of this highly threatened species, underscoring the need for improved trade monitoring. The streamlined assay developed here can assist in monitoring and conservation on a worldwide scale.
Identifying potentially suitable nesting habitat for golden eagles applied to ‘important bird areas’ design
Authors: López‐López P. , García‐Ripollés C. , Soutullo Á. , Cadahía L. , Urios V.
Published: March 2007

Geographic information systems (GIS)‐based habitat‐suitability modelling is becoming an essential tool in conservation biology. A multi‐scale approach has been proposed as a particularly useful way to identify different factors affecting habitat preferences. In this paper, we developed predictive models of potentially suitable habitat for golden eagles Aquila chrysaetos at three spatial scales in a representative Mediterranean area on the Iberian Peninsula. We used logistic regression through a generalized linear model (GLM) to model golden eagle breeding habitat preferences. The best‐occurrence GLM models were those that involved topographic factors as independent predictors. Golden eagles seemed to prefer rugged and higher places of the study area for nesting. Climatic factors identified cold temperatures in January and temperate ones in July as the best predictors of eagles' occurrence. This was also higher in places with less agricultural areas and higher surface of pine forests. The distribution of potentially suitable area matches the distribution of mountain ranges, mainly in inner sectors of the study area. In contrast, potentially suitable nest sites in coastland areas remain unoccupied by golden eagles. Avoidance of coastland places for nesting may be due to the synergistic effects of human avoidance and the occurrence of potential competitors, like the endangered Bonelli's eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus. When mapped at a fine spatial resolution, the best GLM model identified large areas that fall outside the current network of protected areas. We therefore propose three new important bird areas for the region.
Nurse Migration: A Canadian Case Study
Authors: Little Lisa
Published: March 2007

Objective. To synthesize information about nurse migration in and out of Canada and analyze its role as a policy lever to address the Canadian nursing shortage.

Principal Findings. Canada is both a source and a destination country for international nurse migration with an estimated net loss of nurses. The United States is the major beneficiary of Canadian nurse emigration resulting from the reduction of full‐time jobs for nurses in Canada due to health system reforms. Canada faces a significant projected shortage of nurses that is too large to be ameliorated by ethical international nurse recruitment and immigration.

Conclusions. The current and projected shortage of nurses in Canada is a product of health care cost containment policies that failed to take into account long‐term consequences for nurse workforce adequacy. An aging nurse workforce, exacerbated by layoffs of younger nurses with less seniority, and increasing demand for nurses contribute to a projection of nurse shortage that is too great to be solved ethically through international nurse recruitment. National policies to increase domestic nurse production and retention are recommended in addition to international collaboration among developed countries to move toward greater national nurse workforce self sufficiency.
Migration of Nurses from Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Review of Issues and Challenges
Authors: Dovlo Delanyo
Published: March 2007

Objective. To assess the impact of out‐migration of nurses on the health systems in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA).

Setting. The countries of SSA.

Design and Methods. Review of secondary sources: existing publications and country documents on the health workforce; documents prepared for the Joint Learning Initiative Global Human Resources for Health report, the World Health Organization (AFRO) synthesis on migration, and the International Council of Nurses series on the global nursing situation. Analysis of associated data.

Principal Findings. The state of nursing practice in SSA appears to have been impacted negatively by migration. Available (though inadequate) quantitative data on stocks and flows, qualitative information on migration issues and trends, and on the main strategies being employed in both source and recipient countries indicate that the problem is likely to grow over the next 5–10 years.

Conclusions. Multiple actions are needed at various policy levels in both source and receiving countries to moderate negative effects of nurse emigration in developing countries in Africa; however, critically, source countries must establish more effective policies and strategies.
Potential of China in Global Nurse Migration
Authors: Fang Zhiwu Zack
Published: March 2007

Objective. The purpose of this paper is to examine what is known about the nurse workforce and nursing education in China in order to assess the likely potential for nurse migration from China in the future.

Principle Findings. There is a severe shortage of nurses in China (only one nurse per thousand in population), but at the same time there is a very high level of unemployment and underemployment of nurses. China's nursing education system is huge in size (about 500,000 nursing students in 2005), but weak in quality and career development.

Conclusions. As a result of lack of limited job opportunities, low salary, and low job satisfaction, many talented Chinese nurses intend to switch occupation or work outside China. Commercial recruiters have expressed a strong interest in recruitment of nurses in China, but to date there are few examples of successful ventures. Even if the Chinese government were to implement health care financing reforms that led to an increase in nursing jobs and improved work conditions, some level of surplus will remain. As such, it is likely that China will become an important source of nurses for developed nations in the coming years.
Modification of silk with aminated polyepichlorohydrin to improve dyeability with reactive dyes
Authors: Weibin Xie , Jinxin He , Shuilin Chen , Guoqiang Chen , Taozhi Peng
Published: March 2007

Reactive dyes have almost complete exhaustion and ideal fixation on aminated polyepichlorohydrin pretreated silk without addition of salt or alkali. The effects of varying pretreatments and dyeing conditions were studied. The dyeing behaviour of CI Reactive Red 15 on modified silk under pH 6 was investigated. Dyeings of modified silk showed good wash fastness, dry and wet rub fastnesses as well as light fastness. The quality of the dyed silks obtained after pretreatment was shown to be satisfactory and the dyeing effluent was less polluted.
Decolorisation and mineralisation of CI Reactive Black 8 by the Fenton and ultrasound/Fenton methods
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Yi , Zhang Daobin
Published: March 2007

The effects of pH, ferrous ion and hydrogen peroxide dosage on the decolorisation and mineralisation of CI Reactive Black 8 by the Fenton process with/without ultrasonic irradiation were investigated. It was verified that the presence of ultrasonic irradiation did not enhance the decolorisation of CI Reactive Black 8 significantly by Fenton's reagents, but it enhanced the chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency. The enhancement was more pronounced for lower (<0.89 mm) or higher (>1.78 mm) ferrous ion dosage. The optimal pH for chemical oxygen demand removal was 3.0. Chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency increased with the increasing H2O2 dosage and reached the highest level at 5.88 mm, but further increase in H2O2 dosage would not increase removal efficiency significantly.
Guanidine derivatives used as peroxide activators for bleaching cellulosic textiles
Authors: Cai Jackie Y , Evans David J
Published: March 2007

This paper reports on a new technology for bleaching cellulosic textiles. The technology is based on the use of a substituted guanidine additive in a peroxide bleaching system. We have discovered that the addition of an asymmetrically substituted alkyl or acyl guanidine to the peroxide bleaching process significantly enhances the bleaching performance, leading to a whiter and brighter end‐product. The new process allows effective bleaching of cellulosic textiles to be achieved under relatively mild conditions, preserving the desirable qualities of bleached substrates. In this paper, the guanidine‐based activators are compared with tetra‐acetylethylenediamine, one of the most popular activators currently on the market.
Adsorption studies on the treatment of textile dyeing effluent by activated carbon prepared from olive stone by ZnCl2 activation
Authors: Uğurlu Mehmet , Gürses Ahmet , Doğar Çetin
Published: March 2007

This study aimed to investigate the removal of a reactive dye from aqueous solution by adsorption. Activated carbon prepared from olive stone, an agricultural solid by‐product, was used as adsorbent. Different amounts of activating agent (ZnCl2) and adsorbent particle size were studied to optimise adsorbent surface area. The adsorption experiments were conducted at different process parameters such as adsorbent dose, temperature, equilibrium time and pH. The experimental results showed that at equilibrium time 120 min, optimum pH ranged between 3 and 4, and adsorbent dosage was 2.0 g 200 ml−1. While the kinetic data support pseudo‐second order, a pseudo‐first order model shows very poor fit. Adsorption isotherms were obtained at three different temperatures (288, 298 and 308 K). The fitness of adsorption data to the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms was investigated. In addition, the thermodynamic parameters such as isosteric enthalpy of adsorption (ΔHads)y, isosteric entropy of adsorption (ΔSads)y and free energy of adsorption ΔG0ads were calculated. BET surface area measurements were made to reveal the adsorptive characteristics of the produced active carbon. The surface area of the activated carbon produced with 20% w/w ZnCl2 solution was 790.25 m2 g−1.
Effects of Valsartan or Amlodipine Alone or in Combination on Plasma Catecholamine Levels at Rest and During Standing in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Champlain Jacques de , Karas Maria , Assouline Linda , Nadeau Reginald , LeBlanc A. Robert , Dubé Bruno , Larochelle Pierre
Published: March 2007

To compare the effects of valsartan and amlodipine alone or in combination on plasma norepinephrine (NE) at rest and standing for 10 minutes in patients with hypertension, 47 patients with a sitting diastolic blood pressure (BP) (DBP) >95 mm Hg and <110 mm Hg were randomized in a double‐blind fashion to either valsartan or amlodipine. During the first 4 weeks of treatment, patients received a low dose of either valsartan (80 mg) or amlodipine (5 mg). The patients were force‐titrated to the high dose of either drug (160 or 10 mg) for 4 weeks. After 8 weeks of therapy, those who still had a DBP >90 mm Hg (nonresponders) received combination therapy with the other drug, whereas patients with a DBP <90 mm Hg (responders) continued on monotherapy. Decreases in ambulatory BP and clinic systolic BP and DBP were significant (P<.05) after 8 weeks' therapy with no difference between the 2 groups. Amlodipine but not valsartan as monotherapy consistently increased NE levels at rest and enhanced NE levels during standing. Valsartan decreased basal NE in responders. Combination therapy with valsartan and amlodipine did not attenuate the rise in NE levels induced by amlodipine. This study indicates that therapy with amlodipine increases peripheral sympathetic basal tone and reactivity to standing in patients with hypertension, whereas valsartan does not. Combined therapy with amlodipine/valsartan did not attenuate the sympathetic activation induced by amlodipine. The hypotensive action of valsartan may be mediated in part by an inhibition of the sympathetic baroreflex in patients with hypertension.
Renal Artery Stenosis and Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Shafique Shahzad , Peixoto Aldo J.
Published: March 2007

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis is the most common disease of the renal arteries and may lead to ischemic renal disease and hypertension. A close relationship exists between renal and cardiovascular disease, as they often occur concomitantly, and abnormalities in either system can cause disease and determine clinical outcome in the other. Renovascular disease is gaining recognition as a potentially important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This article explores the association between atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis and the cardiovascular system.
Comparison of Increasing Doses of Olmesartan Medoxomil, Losartan Potassium, and Valsartan in Patients With Essential Hypertension
Authors: Giles Thomas D. , Oparil Suzanne , Silfani Tonous N. , Wang Antonia , Walker J. Findlay
Published: March 2007

This 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind, forced‐titration study compared the efficacy of 3 angiotensin receptor blockers. Patients received olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg, losartan potassium 50 mg, valsartan 80 mg, or placebo once daily. At week 4, doses were titrated to 40, 100, and 160 mg once daily for olmesartan, losartan, and valsartan, respectively. At week 8, losartan was increased to 50 mg twice daily and valsartan increased to 320 mg once daily (olmesartan remained at 40 mg once daily). The primary end point was mean change from baseline in seated diastolic blood pressure (SeDBP) at week 8. All 3 medications significantly reduced mean SeDBP from baseline compared with placebo at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (P<.001). At week 8, olmesartan reduced mean SeDBP more than losartan (P<.001); more patients in the olmesartan medoxomil group achieved a blood pressure goal of <140/90 mm Hg (P<.001). Olmesartan did not reduce mean SeDBP significantly compared with valsartan, although more patients attained blood pressure goal with olmesartan (P=.031). At week 12, all agents lowered blood pressure equivalently.
Isotopic evidence for channeled fluid flow in low‐grade metamorphosed Jurassic accretionary complex in the Northern Chichibu belt, western Shikoku, Japan
Authors: SAKAKIBARA M. , UMEKI M. , CARTWRIGHT I.
Published: March 2007

The low‐grade metamorphosed Jurassic accretionary complex of the Northern Chichibu Belt, Hijikawa area, western Shikoku, is divided into two units, the Hijikawa and Kanogawa units, that are separated by an out‐of‐sequence thrust (OOST), the Ozu‐Kawabegawa Fault. The Kanogawa unit south of the Ozu‐Kawabegawa fault consists mainly of sandstone, shale, broken formation of alternating sandstone and shale, greenstone, chert, and pelitic melange, while the Hijikawa unit is characterized by a stack of subunits separated by small‐scale thrusts. The subunits are mainly made up of basic, pelitic and psammitic semischists, schistose pelitic melange, and chert. Petrological and mineralogical constraints suggest peak metamorphic conditions of 204–247 °C at 1–3 kbar in the Kanogawa unit, and 228–289 °C at 3–5.6 kbar in the Hijikawa unit. Quartz and quartz‐calcite veins are widely developed in the study area, especially in the Hijikawa unit. Regional variations in stable isotopic data show that the δ18Oquartz and δ18Ocalcite values in veins tend to increase towards the Ozu‐Kawabegawa Fault. The δ18Owhole rock values are remarkably high in some subunits close to OOSTs within the Hijikawa unit. Oxygen isotopic compositions from vein quartz indicate that a higher δ18O fluid migrated upward from depth along the Ozu‐Kawabegawa Fault within the accretionary prism during prehnite‐pumpellyite facies metamorphism. The fluid source is inferred to be pelitic rocks at higher temperatures and greater depths within the accretionary prism.
Ethanol Intake in the Juvenile, Adolescent, and Adult Rat: Effects of Age and Prior Exposure to Ethanol
Authors: Truxell Eric M. , Molina Juan C. , Spear Norman E.
Published: March 2007

Background: Initial ingestion of ethanol by naïve rats has seemed to decrease dramatically with age. During the preweanling period, infant rats consume large quantities of high concentrations of ethanol without initiating procedures, in some instances exceeding doses required for severe motor incoordination. During adulthood, however, initial ingestion of ethanol without initiation procedures is low and infrequent. In the present study, the ontogeny of ethanol intake was measured in juvenile, adolescent and adult rats using a technique [consume off the floor (COF)] similar to that used to study intake during infancy. How this initial experience with ethanol affected subsequent affinity for ethanol intake was later assessed using 2‐bottle choice preference tests.

Methods: Independent ingestion of ethanol was measured at 3 developmental periods, the juvenile period (P22–P28), adolescence (P30–P34) and adulthood (P60–P64), with systematic variation in ethanol concentration (15 or 30% v/v) and palatability (sweetness) of ethanol. Blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) were determined in all animals. This dependent variable served as an estimate of absolute ethanol ingestion. Three COF sessions were conducted for each age group. Following these sessions animals' ethanol consumption was also assessed using a 2‐bottle choice test (water vs 15% v/v unsweetened ethanol).

Results: In all experiments, groups consuming 30% v/v ethanol exhibited significantly higher BECs than those exposed to 15% v/v ethanol. Adding saccharin to the ethanol increased absolute ethanol ingestion in only the oldest animals. During the pre‐exposure phase (COF sessions) of each experiment, absolute ethanol intake was found to decline with repeated exposures. Sex effects were particularly evident during later stages of ontogeny (adolescents and adults). The overall pattern of results indicated that juveniles relative to adults show a marked predisposition to consume highly concentrated ethanol solutions and that BECs derived from the COF sessions influenced ethanol acceptance patterns in the subsequent 2‐bottle test.

Conclusions: Using the (COF) technique with BECs as an estimate of intake, absolute ethanol consumption seems to be quite high early in ontogeny and decline gradually into adulthood. Adding saccharin to ethanol solutions at the concentration used in the present study (0.1%) was generally not sufficient to increase absolute ethanol intake from the floor, except during adulthood. The experimental strategy employed in this study represents a novel approach for examining ethanol acceptance patterns across ontogeny and how experience with the process of intoxication affects subsequent ethanol preferences.
Information Asymmetry and Financing Arrangements: Evidence from Syndicated Loans
Authors: SUFI AMIR
Published: March 2007

I empirically explore the syndicated loan market, with an emphasis on how information asymmetry between lenders and borrowers influences syndicate structure and on which lenders become syndicate members. Consistent with moral hazard in monitoring, the lead bank retains a larger share of the loan and forms a more concentrated syndicate when the borrower requires more intense monitoring and due diligence. When information asymmetry between the borrower and lenders is potentially severe, participant lenders are closer to the borrower, both geographically and in terms of previous lending relationships. Lead bank and borrower reputation mitigates, but does not eliminate information asymmetry problems.
A Theory of Takeovers and Disinvestment
Authors: LAMBRECHT BART M. , MYERS STEWART C.
Published: March 2007

We present a real‐options model of takeovers and disinvestment in declining industries. As product demand declines, a first‐best closure level is reached, where overall value is maximized by closing the firm and releasing its capital to investors. Absent takeovers, managers of underleveraged firms always close too late, although golden parachutes may accelerate closure. We analyze the effects of takeovers of under‐leveraged firms. Takeovers by raiders enforce first‐best closure. Hostile takeovers by other firms occur either at the first‐best closure point or too early. Closure in management buyouts and mergers of equals happens inefficiently late.
Percutaneous Treatment of Coronary Bifurcations: Lesion Preparation Before Provisional Bare Metal Stenting and Subsequent Immunosuppression with Oral Prednisone. The IMPRESS‐Y Study
Authors: RIBICHINI FLAVIO , FERRERO VALERIA , ROGNONI ANDREA , MARINO PAOLO , BRUNELLESCHI SANDRA , VASSANELLI CORRADO
Published: March 2007

Aim of the study was to assess the clinical and angiographic efficacy of oral treatment with prednisone at immunosuppressive dosage after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with bifurcation lesions treated with elective bare metal stent (BMS) implantation in the main‐branch (MB) and provisional stenting in the side‐branch (SB). Twenty‐five patients were treated on 29 bifurcation lesions (58 vessel segments). Lesion preparation before stenting was performed with atherectomy in 7 cases, and balloon PCI over double wires in all other cases; none was treated directly with stents. The mean length of stents implanted in the MB was 19.6 ± 4.9 mm (10–30 mm). Balloon PCI was successful in 23 of 29 SB and provisional stenting was needed in 6 SB (21%). All patients received oral prednisone according to the immunosuppressive protocol previously reported (1 mg/kg/day/10 days, 0.5 mg/kg/day/20 days, 0.25 mg/kg/day/15 days). At 12 months, one patient had recurrence of angina (4%) and two patients underwent repeated target lesion revascularization (8%). No patient died or had stent thrombosis. Quantitative coronary analysis was performed in all patients at 8 months. Global restenosis rate per vessel was 8.6% (5/58), and 17.2% (5/29) per lesion. The restenosis rate and late lumen loss were 3.4% and 0.36 ± 0.6 mm, and 13.8% and 0.47 ± 0.46 mm in the MB and the SB, respectively. Single stent implantation in the MB and provisional stenting of the SB is feasible in most cases after adequate lesion preparation. The systemic treatment with oral prednisone after BMS implantation offers good clinical and angiographic results even in the difficult setting of bifurcation lesions.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Coronary Implantation of Sirolimus‐Eluting Stents
Authors: Ohno Takayuki , Takamoto Shinichi , Ando Jiro , Morita Toshihiro , Fujita Hideo , Hirata Yasunobu , Shigeeda Takashi , Hirose Akira , Nagai Ryozo
Published: March 2007

Introduction: The prognostic value of identifying the retinal status of diabetic patients undergoing coronary implantation of drug‐eluting stents is unknown.

Methods: We evaluated the outcomes of 318 consecutive patients undergoing implantation of sirolimus‐eluting stents for coronary artery disease. Patients were divided into 5 groups according to the diabetic and retinal status: diabetic patients without retinopathy (43 patients); diabetic patients with nonproliferative retinopathy (34); diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy (37); diabetic patients with unknown retinal status (30); and nondiabetic patients (174).

Results: During a mean follow‐up of 385 days, 64 patients had target‐vessel failure (defined as a composite of death from cardiac causes, myocardial infarction, and target‐vessel revascularization). At 1 year, Kaplan‐Meier estimates of the rate of target‐vessel failure were 15.3% for diabetic patients without retinopathy, 56.6% for those with nonproliferative retinopathy, 17.3% for those with proliferative retinopathy, 19.0% for those with unknown retinal status, and 16.0% for nondiabetic patients. After adjustment for the potential confounders and differences between groups, the relation of nonproliferative retinopathy to target‐vessel failure remained significant. In an analysis in which diabetic patients without retinopathy were used as the reference group, the hazard ratios for target‐vessel failure were 3.9 for those with nonproliferative retinopathy, 1.3 for those with proliferative retinopathy, 1.1 for those with unknown retinal status, and 1.4 for nondiabetic patients (P for trend = 0.015).

Conclusions: As compared with diabetic patients without retinopathy, those with nonproliferative retinopathy have an increased risk for target‐vessel failure after coronary implantation of sirolimus‐eluting stents.
Alopecia Areata in the Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Sehgal Virendra N. , Srivastava Govind , Aggarwal Ashok , Sethi Geetanjali , Adhikari Tulsi
Published: March 2007

Background and objectives. Although alopecia areata is a well‐recognized entity, it is riddled with issues that need to be addressed; therefore, the epidemiology, clinical data, and psychological impact of alopecia areata were investigated.

Materials and methods. An observational study was performed in 65 consecutive patients in the Indian subcontinent. Physical examination and questionnaires on medical, socioeconomic, and psychological status were performed.

Results. The data observed in the present study revealed that socioeconomic factors and stress play a significant role in the initiation, development, and persistence of alopecia areata. This assumes greater importance in resource‐poor settings where due attention to this disease can improve the management of this benign yet frustrating condition. Further studies may be warranted.
Bullous Dermatoses in Childhood: Part I
Authors: Kalil Célia , Fernanda Fachinello Zatti , Cignachi Stela , Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia
Published: March 2007

A classification of bullous dermatoses in childhood is presented, according to the histologic location of the bulla and the heritability of the disease, combined with the most recent laboratory examinations used in dermatologic practice. For a better understanding of the proposed classification, the authors also present a review of this group of diseases, which vary greatly within the group. In this first part of the classification and review, the group of bullous dermatoses with nonhereditary characteristics and intraepidermal cleavage is described.
Modeling and Analysis of Multi‐Library, Multi‐Group SAGE Data with Application to a Study of Mouse Cerebellum
Authors: Wang Zailong , Lin Shili , Popesco Magdalena , Rotter Andrej
Published: March 2007

SummaryA serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) library is a collection of thousands of small DNA “tags,” each of which represents a distinct messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript. Existing methods have been proposed for analyzing single library data (i.e., one library per group) or one tag at a time. The practice of lumping all libraries together (in a multi‐library setting) to form a “mega” library for each group is obviously unsatisfactory, but nonetheless performed frequently due to the lack of alternative methods. Because the tag counts within each library are interrelated as they are drawn from a multinomial distribution, analyzing thousands of tags one at a time is undoubtedly inadequate. Not only does such a practice ignore the dependency, but it also faces the multiple testing adjustment issue. This article is an attempt to address both of these issues so that all tags from multi‐library groups can be analyzed together. The methods proposed also gear toward multi‐group data. Focusing on the problem of identifying genes that are differentially expressed, a Bayesian formulation is established. Under this formulation, the problem of separating the differentially expressed genes from the majority of similarly expressed ones is treated as a model selection problem, and the reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo method is adapted for this purpose. The method is applied to a set of mouse libraries to uncover genes that are associated with the process of aging in the cerebellum. Our gene ontology (GO) analysis of the genes selected classifies them into several GO categories, which appear to be functionally relevant to aging.
Estimating the False Discovery Rate Using Nonparametric Deconvolution
Authors: van de Wiel Mark A. , In Kim Kyung
Published: March 2007

Summary Given a set of microarray data, the problem is to detect differentially expressed genes, using a false discovery rate (FDR) criterion. As opposed to common procedures in the literature, we do not base the selection criterion on statistical significance only, but also on the effect size. Therefore, we select only those genes that are significantly more differentially expressed than some f‐fold (e.g., f= 2). This corresponds to use of an interval null domain for the effect size. Based on a simple error model, we discuss a naive estimator for the FDR, interpreted as the probability that the parameter of interest lies in the null‐domain (e.g., μ < log2(2) = 1) given that the test statistic exceeds a threshold. We improve the naive estimator by using deconvolution. That is, the density of the parameter of interest is recovered from the data. We study performance of the methods using simulations and real data.
Generalized Hierarchical Markov Models for the Discovery of Length‐Constrained Sequence Features from Genome Tiling Arrays
Authors: Gupta Mayetri
Published: March 2007

Summary A generalized hierarchical Markov model for sequences that contain length‐restricted features is introduced. This model is motivated by the recent development of high‐density tiling array data for determining genomic elements of functional importance. Due to length constraints on certain features of interest, as well as variability in probe behavior, usual hidden Markov‐type models are not always applicable. A robust Bayesian framework that can incorporate length constraints, probe variability, and bias is developed. Moreover, a novel recursion‐based Monte Carlo algorithm is proposed to estimate the parameters and impute hidden states under length constraints. Application of this methodology to yeast chromosomal arrays demonstrate substantial improvement over currently existing methods in terms of sensitivity as well as biological interpretability.
Genetic Forms of the Cardiometabolic Syndrome: What Can They Tell the Clinician?
Authors: Yuan George , Hegele Robert A.
Published: March 2007

A well‐worn medical aphorism states that “when you hear hoof beats, think of a horse and not a zebra.” When applying this principle to the cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS), the horse would be represented by the prevalent CMS phenotype that affects approximately 30% of individuals in Westernized societies, while the zebra is represented by very rare conditions—such as lipodystrophy syndromes—that share some features with the more prevalent CMS. For instance, familial partial lipodystrophy types 2 and 3 result from heterozygous mutations in LMNA, encoding nuclear lamin A/C, and in PPARG, encoding peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ, respectively. Patients with either subtype of partial lipodystrophy exhibit an increased ratio of central to peripheral fat stores, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, with predisposition for developing insulin‐resistant diabetes and atherosclerosis end points. Sometimes, however, the zebra serves as a model that can help us understand the horse, so that the rare partial lipodystrophies might offer some insight into pathogenesis and treatment of the more prevalent CMS.
Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in High‐Risk Asymptomatic Individuals
Authors: Rivera Juan J. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Ashen Dominique
Published: March 2007

Cardiovascular disease claims more lives each year than the other 4 leading causes of death combined. Current prevention and treatment models focus on low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C). In 2001, the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III established new risk categories as well as new LDL‐C targets especially for high‐risk individuals. Since the implementation of these new guidelines, several relevant clinical trials have been published. The results of these trials suggest that lower LDL‐C levels confer a more favorable cardiovascular outcome in high‐risk individuals. The idea that low levels of LDL‐C are related to a halt in atherosclerosis or even plaque regression has been entertained and investigated. Recent studies conducted exclusively on individuals with known diabetes have provided an important insight on how to appropriately manage diabetic dyslipidemia.
Vascular Compliance in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Healthy Women
Authors: Muneyyirci‐Delale Ozgul , Winer Nathaniel , Oklander Vita , Joulak Ibrahim , Dalloul Nezar , Nacharaju Vijaya , Dham Shefali , Gizycki Hans von
Published: March 2007

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age, has been associated with the cardiometabolic syndrome and increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Large (C1) and small (C2) vessel compliance and fasting lipids were measured in 45 healthy women and 36 women with PCOS. There were no differences in vacular compliance (C1, C2) between the 2 groups. Systolic blood pressure (116.8 vs 124.3 mm Hg; P=.01), mean arterial pressure (82.5 vs 87 mm Hg; P=.03), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (98.1 vs 119 mg/dL; P=.001) were significantly higher in the PCOS group. This difference was not significant after adjusting for age and body mass index. High‐density lipoprotein levels in subjects with PCOS were significantly lower than in healthy women (60.2 vs 48.9mg/dL, P=.02) even after adjusting for age and body mass index. The study indicates that obesity and low high‐density lipoprotein are the major contributing factors to cardiovascular changes in PCOS.
Host preference of the plum curculio
Authors: Leskey Tracy C. , Wright Starker E.
Published: March 2007

We assessed host preference of adult plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), based on the total number of mark‐released and wild adults recovered and the total distance moved by mark‐released adults in an orchard whose layout was designed to specifically allow foraging plum curculios to choose among host tree species. Host trees included apple, Malus domestica Borkh.; pear, Pyrus communis (L.); peach, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch; apricot, Prunus armeniaca L.; tart cherry, Prunus cerasus L.; sweet cherry, Prunus avium (L.); European plum, Prunus domestica L.; and Japanese plum, Prunus salicina Lindl. (all Rosaceae). We released 2900 marked adults and recovered 17.7%. We used screen traps to provide a measure of the number of adults that arrived at and climbed up particular host trees and found that significantly greater numbers of marked adults and the greatest number of wild adults were recovered from screen traps attached to Japanese plum. We sampled host tree canopies by tapping limbs to provide a measure of the number of adults within a tree canopy at a particular moment. Again, significantly greater numbers of marked and wild adults were recovered from plum species, with no difference between Japanese and European plum cultivars for marked individuals, but with significantly greater numbers of wild individuals recovered from Japanese plum. The preference index (PI) for Japanese plum based on total distances moved by all marked adults recovered on Japanese plum divided by the total distance moved by marked adults recovered on other host trees indicated that Japanese plum was the most highly preferred host, followed by European plum, peach, sweet cherry, tart cherry, apricot, apple, and pear, respectively.
The effect of matrix bound parathyroid hormone on bone regeneration
Authors: Jung Ronald E. , Cochran David L. , Domken Olivier , Seibl Reinhart , Jones Archie A. , Buser Daniel , Hammerle Christoph H. F.
Published: March 2007

Introduction: Autogenous bone is the most successful bone‐grafting material; however, multiple disadvantages continue to drive developments of improved methods for bone regeneration.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that an arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD) modified polyethylene glycol‐based matrix (PEG) containing covalently bound peptides of the parathyroid hormone (PTH1−34) enhances bone regeneration to a degree similar to autogenous bone.

Material and methods: Six American foxhounds received a total of 48 cylindrical titanium implants placed in the mandible between the first premolar and the second molar. Five, respectively, 7 months following tooth extraction, implants were placed into the center of surgically created defects. This resulted in a circumferential bone defect simulating an alveolar defect with a circular gap of 1.5 mm. Four treatment modalities were randomly allocated to the four defects per side: (1) PEG‐matrix containing 20 μg/ml of PTH1−34, and 350 μg/ml cys‐RGD peptide, (2) PEG alone, (3) autogenous bone and (4) empty defects. Histomorphometric analysis was performed 4 and 12 weeks after implantation. The area fraction of newly formed bone was determined within the former defect and the degree of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) was evaluated both in the defect region and in the apical region of the implant. For statistical analysis ANOVA and subsequent pairwise Student's t‐test were applied.

Results: Healing was uneventful and all implants were histologically integrated. Histomorphometric analysis after 4 weeks showed an average area fraction of newly formed bone of 41.7±1.8% for matrix‐PTH, 26.6±4.1% for PEG alone, 43.9±4.5% for autogenous bone, and 28.9±1.5% for empty defects. After 12 weeks, the respective values were 49.4±7.0% for matrix‐PTH, 39.3±5.7% for PEG alone, 50.5±3.4% for autogenous bone and 38.7±1.9% for empty defects. Statistical analysis after 4 and 12 weeks revealed significantly more newly formed bone in the PTH1−34 group compared with PEG alone or empty defects, whereas no difference could be detected against autogenous bone. Regarding BIC no significant difference was observed between the four treatment groups neither at 4 nor at 12 weeks.

Conclusion: It is concluded that an RGD‐modified PEG hydrogel containing PTH1−34 is an effective matrix system to obtain bone regeneration.