bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foreclosure with Incomplete Information
Authors: White Lucy
Published: May 2007

We investigate the robustness of the new foreclosure doctrine and its associated welfare implications to the introduction of incomplete information. In particular, we let the upstream firm's marginal cost be private information, unknown to the downstream firms. The previous literature has argued that vertical integration is harmful because it allows an upstream monopolist to limit output to monopoly levels, whereas a disintegrated structure will “over‐sell,” producing more in equilibrium. By contrast, we find that with incomplete information, high‐cost firms will often “under‐sell” in equilibrium, that is, supply less than their monopoly output. Low‐cost firms continue to over‐sell, so all types of firms have a reason to integrate downstream, but this is socially harmful only for low‐cost types. For high‐cost firms vertical integration can be Pareto‐improving, resulting in higher output, profits, and consumer surplus.
Inflammation and Frailty in Older Women
Authors: Leng Sean X. , Xue Qian‐Li , Tian Jing , Walston Jeremy D. , Fried Linda P.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate relationships between white blood cell (WBC) count and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and prevalent frailty.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING: Two population‐based studies, the Women's Health and Aging Studies (WHAS) I and II, Baltimore, Maryland.

PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred fifty‐eight women aged 65 to 101 from WHAS I and 548 women aged 70 to 79 from the merged WHAS I and II cohorts.

MEASUREMENTS: Frailty was determined using validated screening criteria. WBC counts and IL‐6 levels were measured using standard laboratory methods. Odds ratios (ORs) for frailty were evaluated across tertiles of baseline WBC counts and IL‐6 levels, adjusting for age, race, education, body mass index, and smoking status.

RESULTS: In WHAS I, those in the top tertile of WBC count and IL‐6 had ORs of 4.25 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.89–9.58) and 3.98 (95% CI=1.76–9.00), respectively, for frailty (both P<.001). In the combined models, participants in the top tertile of WBC count had an OR of 3.15 (95% CI=1.34–7.41), adjusting for IL‐6 (P<.01), and those in the top tertile of IL‐6 had an OR of 2.81 (95% CI=1.19–6.64), adjusting for WBC count (P<.05). Furthermore, participants in the top tertiles of WBC count and IL‐6 had an OR of 9.85 (95% CI=3.04–31.99), and those in the middle/top tertiles had an OR of 5.40 (95% CI=1.83–15.92) (P<.001, trend test) for frailty. These results were validated in the merged WHAS I and II.

CONCLUSION: Higher WBC counts and IL‐6 levels were independently associated with prevalent frailty in community‐dwelling older women.
Clinical Factors Associated with Prescription of a Prosthetic Limb in Elderly Veterans
Authors: Kurichi Jibby E. , Kwong Pui L. , Reker Dean M. , Bates Barbara E. , Marshall Clifford R. , Stineman Margaret G.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES: To determine how advanced age influences prosthetic prescription.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis with theory‐driven logistic regression models. A Post Amputation Quality‐of‐Life (PAQ) framework of outcomes was proposed and empirically tested.

SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand three hundred seventy‐five veterans with lower extremity amputations discharged between October 1, 2002, and September 30, 2003.

MEASUREMENTS: Prosthetic prescription within 1 year of amputation.

RESULTS: Patients younger than 76 were 4.5 times as likely to receive a prescription compared to those aged 86 and older (odds ratio=4.51, 95% confidence interval=1.36–14.99) after controlling for sex, marital status, living circumstance before hospitalization, anatomical level, etiologies, comorbidities, medical acuity, and initial functional status. Patients admitted from extended care and patients with peripheral vascular disease, systemic sepsis, renal failure, congestive heart failure, psychoses, metastatic cancer, paralysis, or other neurological disorders were less likely to receive a prescription, as were patients who underwent procedures for acute central nervous system disorders, severe renal disease, or serious nutritional compromise. Veterans evaluated initially as more cognitively and physically able had higher likelihood of prosthetic prescription, and those with transtibial amputations had higher likelihood of prosthetic prescription than those with transfemoral amputations.

CONCLUSION: Amputees aged 75 and older are less likely to receive a prosthetic limb prescription than younger individuals, even after controlling for comorbidities and functional status. Findings support the PAQ framework, in which contexts, etiologies, anatomic level, comorbidities, medical acuity, and initial function are determinants of outcome. Medical and functional conditions that adversely affect level of energy, ability to move independently, or ability to exercise judgment reduce the likelihood of prosthetic prescription.
Older Age Predicts Short‐Term, Serious Events After Syncope
Authors: Sun Benjamin C. , Hoffman Jerome R. , Mangione Carol M. , Mower William R.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship between age and 14‐day serious events after an emergency department (ED) visit for syncope.

DESIGN: One‐year prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Single academic ED.

PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients with an ED complaint of syncope or near‐syncope.

MEASUREMENTS: Treating physicians prospectively recorded the presence or absence of potential risk factors for serious clinical events. Patients were contacted by telephone at 14 days for a structured interview. A three‐physician panel reviewed ED charts, hospital records, and telephone interview forms to identify predefined events. The primary outcome included any 14‐day predefined event. A secondary outcome included any 14‐day predefined event that was first diagnosed after the initial ED visit. Age was analyzed in 20‐year intervals. Multivariate logistic regression controlled for baseline demographic, comorbidity, and electrocardiogram data.

RESULTS: Of 592 eligible patients, 477 (81%) provided informed consent. Follow‐up was successfully obtained for 463 (97%) patients. The age range was 18 to 96, and 47% of patients were aged 60 and older. There were 80 (17%) patients who had a 14‐day event, including 18 (4%) with a delayed diagnosis. Compared with patients aged 18 to 39, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of a serious outcome was 2.7 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.9–8.4) for patient aged 40 to 59, 3.8 (95% CI=1.3–12) for patients aged 60 to 79, and 3.8 (95% CI=1.2–12) for patients aged 80 and older.

CONCLUSION: Age of 60 and older is strongly associated with short‐term serious events after an ED visit for syncope.
Depressive Symptoms and Rates of Bone Loss at the Hip in Older Women
Authors: Diem Susan J. , Blackwell Terri L. , Stone Katie L. , Yaffe Kristine , Cauley Jane A. , Whooley Mary A. , Ensrud Kristine E. ,   for the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain whether depressive symptoms are associated with increased rates of bone loss at the hip.

DESIGN: Population‐based prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Four clinical centers in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS: Four thousand one hundred seventy‐seven community‐dwelling women, aged 69 and older, enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures.

MEASUREMENTS: Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Subjects were categorized as depressed if their GDS score was 6 or greater at the fourth examination. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip was measured using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry at the fourth and sixth examinations (average 4.4 years between examinations). Use of antidepressant medications was assessed by interview and verified from medication containers at the fourth and sixth examinations of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. A computerized dictionary was used to categorize type of medication.

RESULTS: In age‐adjusted models, mean total hip BMD decreased 0.69%/year in 3,977 women with a GDS score of less than 6, compared with 0.96%/year in 200 women with a GDS score of 6 or greater (P<.01). Results were not substantially altered when adjusted for potential confounders and when users of antidepressants were excluded from the analysis.

CONCLUSION: Depression, as defined by a GDS score of 6 or greater, was associated with an increased rate of bone loss at the hip in this cohort of older women. Clinicians should be aware of a possible increased rate of bone loss in older, depressed women.
Effects of Administrators' Aspirations, Political Principals' Priorities, and Interest Groups' Influence on State Agency Budget Requests
Authors: RYU JAY EUNGHA , BOWLING CYNTHIA J. , CHO CHUNG‐LAE , WRIGHT DEIL S.
Published: May 2007

This article addresses a long‐standing question in public budgeting: What factors influence bureau/agency budget request decisions? Empirical results confirm the complexity of variables that explain different levels of budget requests by over 1,000 state administrative agencies. The expected significant influence of administrator (agency head) aspirations was clearly present. But other important sources enter into the decision of agencies to satisfy rather than maximize. These include the strategic roles, activities, and priorities of governors, legislatures, and interest groups. These political principals' influence operates to constrain, discipline, or even augment agency budget requests.
Can the Use of Recommended Procurement Practices Save Money?
Authors: DUNCOMBE WILLIAM , SEARCY CYNTHIA
Published: May 2007

Procurement is an essential business function of government. Despite the importance of effective procurement practices to government efficiency, very little is known about what local governments do in practice, and how procurement practices affect government spending. This paper reports the results of a survey on procurement practices used by New York State school districts. To examine the potential costs savings from adoption of particular procurement practices, the authors estimate cost models for materials, supplies, and equipment spending. Results from the cost model indicate that the use of competitive bidding, purchasing calendars, central warehouses, and bidders lists are associated with significant cost savings.
Competition and Selection in Municipal Bond Sales: Evidence from Missouri
Authors: ROBBINS MARK D. , SIMONSEN BILL
Published: May 2007

This article describes the results of an interest cost analysis of local government debt issuance in the State of Missouri. In Missouri the vast majority of municipal bonds are sold on a “no bid” basis. We discuss the theoretical arguments for and against competition and selection. Then we determine the degree to which cost differences exist while correcting for any potential selection bias. We use data on local government general obligation bonds sold from May 2004 to May 2005 provided by the Missouri State Auditor's office. We find that this substantial lack of competition imposes significant costs on Missouri governments.
Much Ado about Nothing? The Size and Credit Quality Implications of Municipal Other Postemployment Benefit Liabilities
Authors: MARLOWE JUSTIN
Published: May 2007

This paper presents estimates of the size and scope of other postemployment benefit (OPEB) liabilities among municipal governments. The findings indicate these liabilities vary substantially, ranging from less than a dollar per capita to more than $2,000 per capita. Those liabilities were then incorporated into separate models of credit ratings and borrowing costs. Results suggest OPEB liabilities do not directly affect credit quality, but the interaction between an issuer's fiscal capacity to address its liability does have a notable effect.
The Perishability of Online Grocers*
Authors: Cattani Kyle , Perdikaki Olga , Marucheck Ann
Published: May 2007

In this article we explore the profitability of different operations models used by online grocers and develop a linear demand model in a competitive setting to better understand the trade‐offs made by two competing online grocers in choices for distribution strategy (leverage or direct) and product focus (perishable or nonperishable). We find that the results derived in the duopoly setting are different from those in a monopolistic setting. Specifically, we determine that there is a threshold value for the secondary competitive effects in the demand function that determines how the prices and profitability of an online grocer will be affected by the supply chain length of its competitor. There is also a threshold value for the ratio of supply chain lengths of the two competitors that determines whether product perishability increases or decreases profits. We demonstrate that the existence of this threshold is robust when considering capacity constraints. Further, we show, assuming that supply chain length can be optimized, how the relative size of the infrastructure change cost (when compared with that of the competitor) coupled with the perishability of the product determines the profitability of an investment leading to a shorter supply chain.
The Underwriter Persistence Phenomenon
Authors: HOBERG GERARD
Published: May 2007

This study presents new evidence that initial IPO returns have persistent underwriter‐specific components. These components cannot be explained by existing measures of underwriter quality, underwriter service, or controls for several known predictors of initial IPO returns. Tests that trace the roots of persistence most broadly support theories of asymmetric information among underwriters. I present such a model, and consistent with its predictions, I find that high underpricing underwriters (1) are responsible for a majority of the partial adjustment phenomenon, (2) make more informed analyst revisions, (3) experience superior market share growth, and (4) are more likely to serve an institutional clientele.
Simple Forecasts and Paradigm Shifts
Authors: HONG HARRISON , STEIN JEREMY C. , YU JIALIN
Published: May 2007

We study the asset pricing implications of learning in an environment in which the true model of the world is a multivariate one, but agents update only over the class of simple univariate models. Thus, if a particular simple model does a poor job of forecasting over a period of time, it is discarded in favor of an alternative simple model. The theory yields a number of distinctive predictions for stock returns, generating forecastable variation in the magnitude of the value‐glamour return differential, in volatility, and in the skewness of returns. We validate several of these predictions empirically.
Corporate Bond Market Transaction Costs and Transparency
Authors: EDWARDS AMY K. , HARRIS LAWRENCE E. , PIWOWAR MICHAEL S.
Published: May 2007

Using a complete record of U.S. over‐the‐counter (OTC) secondary trades in corporate bonds, we estimate average transaction costs as a function of trade size for each bond that traded more than nine times between January 2003 and January 2005. We find that transaction costs decrease significantly with trade size. Highly rated bonds, recently issued bonds, and bonds close to maturity have lower transaction costs than do other bonds. Costs are lower for bonds with transparent trade prices, and they drop when the TRACE system starts to publicly disseminate their prices. The results suggest that public traders benefit significantly from price transparency.
Model Specification and Risk Premia: Evidence from Futures Options
Authors: BROADIE MARK , CHERNOV MIKHAIL , JOHANNES MICHAEL
Published: May 2007

This paper examines model specification issues and estimates diffusive and jump risk premia using S&P futures option prices from 1987 to 2003. We first develop a time series test to detect the presence of jumps in volatility, and find strong evidence in support of their presence. Next, using the cross section of option prices, we find strong evidence for jumps in prices and modest evidence for jumps in volatility based on model fit. The evidence points toward economically and statistically significant jump risk premia, which are important for understanding option returns.
Stochastic Volatilities and Correlations of Bond Yields
Authors: HAN BING
Published: May 2007

I develop an interest rate model with separate factors driving innovations in bond yields and their covariances. It features a flexible and tractable affine structure for bond covariances. Maximum likelihood estimation of the model with panel data on swaptions and discount bonds implies pricing errors for swaptions that are almost always lower than half of the bid–ask spread. Furthermore, market prices of interest rate caps do not deviate significantly from their no‐arbitrage values implied by the swaptions under the model. These findings support the conjectures of Collin‐Dufresne and Goldstein (2003), Dai and Singleton (2003), and Jagnnathan, Kaplin, and Sun (2003).
Maximum Likelihood Estimation in Dynamical Models of HIV
Authors: Guedj J. , Thiébaut R. , Commenges D.
Published: May 2007

SummaryThe study of dynamical models of HIV infection, based on a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODE), has considerably improved the knowledge of its pathogenesis. While the first models used simplified ODE systems and analyzed each patient separately, recent works dealt with inference in non‐simplified models borrowing strength from the whole sample. The complexity of these models leads to great difficulties for inference and only the Bayesian approach has been attempted by now. We propose a full likelihood inference, adapting a Newton‐like algorithm for these particular models. We consider a relatively complex ODE model for HIV infection and a model for the observations including the issue of detection limits. We apply this approach to the analysis of a clinical trial of antiretroviral therapy (ALBI ANRS 070) and we show that the whole algorithm works well in a simulation study.
Parametric and Semiparametric Model‐Based Estimates of the Finite Population Mean for Two‐Stage Cluster Samples with Item Nonresponse
Authors: Yuan Ying , Little Roderick J. A.
Published: May 2007

Summary This article concerns item nonresponse adjustment for two‐stage cluster samples. Specifically, we focus on two types of nonignorable nonresponse: nonresponse depending on covariates and underlying cluster characteristics, and depending on covariates and the missing outcome. In these circumstances, standard weighting and imputation adjustments are liable to be biased. To obtain consistent estimates, we extend the standard random‐effects model by modeling these two types of missing data mechanism. We also propose semiparametric approaches based on fitting a spline on the propensity score, to weaken assumptions about the relationship between the outcome and covariates. These new methods are compared with existing approaches by simulation. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data are used to illustrate these approaches.
Tribological Properties of a Hot‐Pressed Ba‐Doped S‐Phase Sialon Ceramic
Authors: Manisha  , Basu Bikramjit
Published: May 2007

In this study, we report the tribological properties of hot‐pressed S‐sialon ceramics. In our experiments, the tribological properties have been studied against bearing grade steel, alumina, and sialon using a ball‐on‐flat fretting tribometer under dry unlubricated conditions. While the steady‐state coefficient of friction (COF) remains the same (0.63) irrespective of the counterbody, the wear rate varies in the range of 10−5–10−6 mm3/N·m, depending on the counterbody. Tribochemical wear as well as adhesion and abrasion are found to be the underlying mechanisms for material removal. The possible influence of Hertzian contact stress and the contact temperature increase on the possible damage mechanisms/tribological interaction has been analyzed.
Does natural deposition of pine pollen affect the ovipositional behavior of Frankliniella occidentalis and Frankliniella fusca?
Authors: Riley David G. , Chitturi Anitha , Sparks Alton N.
Published: May 2007

Tree pollen, especially Pinus spp. (Pinaceae), is shed in large quantities every spring in North America. Pine pollen deposition onto leaves was found to significantly influence the ovipositional behaviors of certain thrips species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in peanut and tomato leaf choice and no‐choice tests. Pine pollen (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) increased the oviposition rate 2.9‐fold for Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (western flower thrips) and 1.6‐fold for Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (tobacco thrips) in choice tests averaged over both plant species. These results support the idea that pollen has a greater impact on F. occidentalis behavior than on F. fusca behavior. The most dramatic increase was in peanut, where F. occidentalis only oviposited on leaves dusted with pollen, suggesting that the addition of pollen stimulated this flower thrips to lay eggs on a poor host‐plant part. The impact of pollen on the rate of oviposition by thrips is important because it is the early‐instar nymphs that acquire tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), which these two thrips species vector. In a laboratory bioassay, the addition of pine pollen to TSWV‐infected peanut foliage increased the percentage of infected F. fusca after one generation.
Antibacterial effects of home‐made resin salve from Norway spruce (Picea abies)
Authors: RAUTIO M. , SIPPONEN A. , PELTOLA R. , LOHI J. , JOKINEN J. J. , PAPP A. , CARLSON P. , SIPPONEN P.
Published: May 2007

Resin salve made from Norway spruce (Picea abies) is traditionally used in folk medicine to heal skin ulcers and infected wounds. Its antimicrobial properties were studied against certain human bacteria important in infected skin wounds. The sensitivity of the resin against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria was studied in vitro by methods that are routinely used in microbiology laboratories. The resin salve exhibited a bacteriostatic effect against all tested Gram‐positive bacteria but only against Proteus vulgaris of the Gram‐negative bacteria. Interestingly, the resin inhibited the growth of bacteria, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin‐resistant enterococcus (VRE), both on agar plates and in culture media. The study demonstrated antimicrobial activity of the resin salve and provided objective evidence of its antimicrobial properties. It gives some explanations why the traditional use of home‐made resin salve from Norway spruce is experienced as being effective in the treatment of infected skin ulcers.
An Asian variant of intravascular lymphoma: unique clinical and pathological manifestation in the gallbladder
Authors: KURODA N. , MIZOBUCHI M. , SHIMAMURA Y. , TANIGUCHI Y. , DAIBATA M. , MIYOSHI I. , ICHIMURA T. , BEPPU H. , OHARA M. , HIROUCHI T. , MIZUNO K. , LEE G. H.
Published: May 2007

We here present a rare case of intravascular lymphoma (IVL) in a Japanese man. 4 months after cholecystectomy due to cholecystitis, a diagnosis of intravascular lymphoma (IVL) was strongly suspected. Lymphoma cells were diffusely observed in the bone marrow parenchyma, but were absent in the vascular spaces. The patient died of respiratory failure and at autopsy a small number of lymphoma cells in the extravascular parenchyma of the adrenal gland and bone marrow were seen. Serial sections of the surgically resected gallbladder retrospectively confirmed the diagnosis of IVL. In addition, congestion and edema were observed in the connective tissue layer. It is possible that edema or ischemia in the gallbladder wall or at other anatomic sites due to the circulation disturbance induced by the intravascular obstruction of lymphoma cells may have caused the initial symptoms. In conclusion, clinicians and pathologists should keep in mind that the gallbladder may be initially involved in IVL.
Absence of nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene mutations in common solid cancers
Authors: JEONG EUN GOO , LEE SUNG HAK , YOO NAM JIN , LEE SUG HYUNG
Published: May 2007

Nucleophosmin is a nucleolar phosphoprotein that shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm. Recent reports demonstrated that exon 12 of the nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene was frequently mutated in acute myelogenous leukemias (AMLs). To see whether the NPM1 mutation occurs in other malignancies, we analyzed exon 12 of NPM1 for the detection of somatic mutations in 467 carcinomas, including 142 lung, 47 hepatocellular, 93 breast, 103 colorectal and 82 gastric carcinomas, by single‐strand conformation polymorphism assay. We also analyzed the NPM1 mutation in 142 acute leukemias, including 105 AMLs. We detected 15 NPM1 mutations in the AMLs (14.3%), but there was no NPM1 mutation in the other malignancies analyzed. Our data indicate that NPM1 exon 12 is mutated in AMLs, but not in other common human cancers, and suggest that the NPM1 mutation may not play a role in the tumorigenesis of common solid cancers.
Expression of phosphorylated caspase‐9 in gastric carcinomas
Authors: YOO NAM JIN , LEE SUNG HAK , JEONG EUN GOO , LEE SUG HYUNG
Published: May 2007

Alterations of caspases, the main executioners of apoptosis, have been described in human cancers. Caspase‐9 plays a crucial role in the initiation phase of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Caspase‐9 is phosphorylated at Thr125 through the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and this phosphorylation is associated with inhibition of caspase‐9 activation. The aim of this study was to explore whether phosphorylated caspase‐9 (p‐caspase‐9) expression could be a characteristic of gastric carcinomas. We analyzed expression of p‐caspase‐9 protein in 60 gastric adenocarcinomas by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray approach. p‐caspase‐9 was detected in 33 of the 60 carcinomas (55%). Both early and advanced gastric carcinomas expressed p‐caspase‐9. There was no significant association of p‐caspase‐9 expression with clinocopathological characteristics, including invasion, metastasis and stage. In contrast to gastric cancer cells, epithelial cells in normal gastric mucosa showed no or only weak expression of p‐caspase‐9. Taken together, these results indicate that caspase‐9 is frequently phosphorylated in gastric carcinomas, and that the phosphorylation of caspase‐9 might be an inhibitory mechanism of caspase‐9‐mediated apoptosis in gastric carcinomas. Increased expression of p‐caspase‐9 in malignant gastric epithelial cells compared to normal mucosal epithelial cells suggests that p‐caspase‐9 expression might play a role in gastric carcinoma development.
Novel intraoral phenotypes in hyperimmunoglobulin‐E syndrome
Authors: Domingo DL , Freeman AF , Davis J , Puck JM , Tianxia W , Holland SM , Hart TC
Published: May 2007

Aim:  Hyperimmunoglobulin‐E syndrome (HIES) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by eczema, recurrent skin and lung infections with pneumatocoele formation, and extremely elevated serum immunoglobulin‐E. The precise immunologic defect and genetic etiology remain unknown. Non‐immunologic findings include characteristic facial features (prominent forehead, fleshy nasal tip, and increased interalar distance); skeletal involvement (pathological fractures, scoliosis, and craniosynostosis); and retention of primary teeth. This study aims to characterize intraoral soft tissue findings in HIES patients.

Methods:  Sixty HIES patients (4–54 years, 27 males, 33 females) received intraoral and radiographic evaluations. Chronological dental development was also assessed.

Results:  Lesions of the hard palate and dorsal tongue were found in 55% and 60% of patients, respectively. Palatal lesions ranged from a generalized surface keratosis to a midline sagittal fibrotic bridge. Tongue lesions consisted of multiple fissures and a midline cleft. On the lip and buccal mucosa, keratotic plaques and/or surface fissures were found in 8% and 23% of patients, respectively. Manifested in 76.7% of patients, the intraoral lesions were significantly more prevalent than the characteristic facial traits (P = 0.0013).

Conclusions:  Alterations in oral mucosa and gingiva were present in the majority of HIES patients. These novel intraoral findings may facilitate the diagnosis of HIES.
Candidate genes for panic disorder: insight from human and mouse genetic studies
Authors: Gratacòs M. , Sahún I. , Gallego X. , Amador‐Arjona A. , Estivill X. , Dierssen M.
Published: May 2007

Panic disorder is a major cause of medical attention with substantial social and health service cost. Based on pharmacological studies, research on its etiopathogenesis has been focused on the possible dysfunction of specific neurotransmitter systems. However, recent work has related the genes involved in development, synaptic plasticity and synaptic remodeling to anxiety disorders. This implies that learning processes and changes in perception, interpretation and behavioral responses to environmental stimuli are essential for development of complex anxiety responses secondary to the building of specific brain neural circuits and to adult plasticity. The focus of this review is on progress achieved in identifying genes that confer increased risk for panic disorder through genetic epidemiology and the use of genetically modified mouse models. The integration of human and animal studies targeting behavioral, systems‐level, cellular and molecular levels will most probably help identify new molecules with potential impact on the pathogenetic aspects of the disease.
Thyroid hormones, learning and memory
Authors: Rivas M. , Naranjo J. R.
Published: May 2007

Thyroid hormones (THs), T3 and T4, have many physiological actions and are essential for normal behavioral, intellectual and neurological development. THs have a broad spectrum of effects on the developing brain and mediate important effects within the CNS throughout life. Insufficient maternal iodine intake during gestation and TH deficiency during human development are associated to pathological alterations such as cretinism and mental retardation. In adulthood, thyroid dysfunction is related to neurological and behavioral abnormalities, including memory impairment. Analysis of different experimental models suggests that most of the effects on cognition as a result of thyroid dysfunction rely on hippocampal modifications. Insufficiency of THs during development thus alters hippocampal synaptic function and impairs behavioral performance of hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory tasks that persist in euthyroid adult animals. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge obtained by clinical observations and experimental models that shows the importance of THs in learning and mnemonic processes.
Cross‐Channel Connections: Early Modern English Noblewomen's Familiarity with Continental Women's Literary and Performance Practices
Authors: Campbell Julie
Published: May 2007

In this article, I consider studies that allude to or explore connections between learned, English noblewomen and Continental women during the mid‐sixteenth to mid‐seventeenth centuries. With the recovery of many women's works from this period, scholars have long recognized that fascinating parallels existed between the cultural milieux of learned English and Continental women. Beyond simply recognizing parallels, scholars are now interested in exploring the points of contact and sources of influence between these milieux. They find that English noblewomen's familiarity with Continental women, both of noble and lower classes, was facilitated in large part by the journeys of learned travelers, Continental players, dance masters, and musicians. In particular, I focus on works that illustrate ways in which tutors, ambassadors, scholars, and courtiers assisted in the spread of knowledge about learned English and Continental women, as well as how elements of dramatic entertainments featuring women, both for the court and the public stage, crossed national borders. Key questions in the study of early modern English women that interest scholars are, how much did English women know about their Continental counterparts, and what were their frames of reference? This article surveys scholarship that addresses these questions.
Distinguishing dementia with Lewy bodies from dementia occurring in Parkinson's disease: A literature review
Authors: Wand Anne PF
Published: May 2007

There has been considerable debate as to whether dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) represents a distinct diagnosis or lies on a spectrum with Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). The objective of this review was to identify whether conceptualising these dementias as distinct diagnostic entities is meaningful, or indeed possible. A literature review was conducted using the databases MEDLINE and PSYCHINFO. DLB and PDD share many clinical features including the pattern of cognitive deficits and Lewy‐body pathology. However, they may be usefully distinguished by their clinical course and differential response to treatment. Some patients with DLB have a rapidly progressive dementia and may be particularly sensitive to neuroleptic medication, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality.
A survey of the frequency and impact of Behaviours of Concern in dementia on residential aged care staff
Authors: Cubit Katrina , Farrell Gerry , Robinson Andrew , Myhill Marion
Published: May 2007

Objectives:  To investigate staff perceptions of the frequency of Behaviours of Concern (BoC) exhibited by residents with dementia; to rank order the BoC causing most disruption to the everyday running of facilities, and the most personal distress to staff.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 2005, across staff in 15 residential aged care facilities in Tasmania, using a self‐administered questionnaire.

Results:  Over 80% of staff reported residents’ repetitive actions, wandering and verbal disruption as occurring more than once a day BoC. The three highest ranked BoC reported as being the most disruptive to the running of the unit were verbal disruption, wandering and repetitive actions. Residents’ physical aggression, verbal disruptions and wandering were ranked 1, 2 and 3, respectively, as causing staff the most personal distress.

Conclusions:  Although occurring infrequently physical aggression is the BoC perceived by staff to cause them the greatest amount of personal distress.
The demographics of loneliness among older people in Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Steed Lyndall , Boldy Duncan , Grenade Linda , Iredell Helena
Published: May 2007

Objectives:  To determine the prevalence and demographic correlates of loneliness in a sample of older people in Perth, Western Australia.

Methods:  People aged 65 years and over living in private dwellings were recruited randomly, stratified by socioeconomic area, sex and 5‐year age groups to 85 years. A total of 353 people with mean age of 77.5 years responded to a mailed questionnaire comprising demographic questions and three measures of loneliness.

Results:  Severe loneliness was reported by 7.0% of the sample and feeling lonely sometimes by 31.5%. Higher levels of loneliness were reported by single participants, those who lived alone and those with worse self‐rated health. The protective value against loneliness of social networks appears to be, in order of importance: friends, relatives, neighbours and children.

Conclusions:  Although loneliness is not universally reported by older Perth residents, its prevalence is still considerable and worthy of attention from mental health practitioners and policy‐makers.
Ways of Belonging: Reconciliation and Adelaide's Public Space Indigenous Cultural Markers
Authors: MALONE GAVIN
Published: May 2007

As an arguably ‘post colonial’ society, Australia is evolving its particular identity and sense of self, but reconciliation with its Indigenous peoples remains a significant political and cultural issue. Social inclusion or marginalisation is reflected in the construct of the civic landscape and this paper traces and contextualises public space Indigenous representation or ‘cultural markers’, since the 1960s in Adelaide, South Australia, the Kaurna people's land. This paper identifies social phases and time periods in the evolution of the ways in which Indigenous people and their culture have been included in the city's public space. Inclusion of Indigenous peoples in civic landscapes contributes not only to their spiritual and cultural renewal and contemporary identity, but also to the whole community's sense of self and to the process of reconciliation. This has the potential to provide a gateway to a different way of understanding place which includes an Indigenous perspective and could, symbolically, contribute to the decolonisation of Indigenous people. An inter‐related issue for the colonising culture is reconciliation with the Indigenous nature of the land, in the sense of an intimate sense of belonging and connectedness of spirit through an understanding of Indigenous cultural landscapes, an issue which this paper explores. The paper also sets out suggestions for the facilitation of further Indigenous inclusion and of re‐imagining ways of representation.
POLITICAL LIBERALIZATION OR ARMED CONFLICTS? POLITICAL CHANGES IN POST–COLD WAR AFRICA
Authors: TAKEUCHI Shin’ichi
Published: May 2007

The African political scene after the end of the Cold War has been characterized by two major issues: the development of political liberalization and frequent outbreaks of armed conflict. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the relationship between these two issues. Although political liberalization cannot directly explain the outbreak of armed conflicts, the relationship can be understood by taking patrimonial characteristics of the post‐colonial African states into account. The economic crisis and the change of the international environment after the 1980s compelled African states to launch the transformation, during which three results emerged: countries advancing successfully toward transformation into “polyarchy”; countries having fallen into severe armed conflicts; and countries in which authoritarian rulers managed to survive through introducing superficial measures of political liberalization. The characteristics of political change after the end of the Cold War can be therefore understood as transition processes of the post‐colonial African states.
REAL AND DISTRIBUTIVE EFFECTS OF PETROLEUM PRICE LIBERALIZATION: THE CASE OF INDONESIA
Authors: CLEMENTS Benedict , JUNG Hong‐Sang , GUPTA Sanjeev
Published: May 2007

The effect of higher petroleum prices on the aggregate price level, real growth, and income distribution is appraised within a multisector computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. A reduction in the government subsidy raises petroleum prices and production costs throughout the economy. Consumer demand, production, and income decline as output prices increase and consumer purchasing power decreases. The model is applied to and calibrated for Indonesia. The simulated results predict a slight increase in the price level and a slight decrease in output. An important result is that urban household groups will be the most significantly affected by the subsidy reduction.
Texture‐modified foods and thickened fluids as used for individuals with dysphagia: Australian standardised labels and definitions
Authors:   Dietitians Association of Australia,   The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited
Published: May 2007

Thickened fluids and texture‐modified foods are provided for the therapeutic treatment of dysphagia. Review of the literature indicated that numerous labels are applied to a small number of food textures and fluid thickness levels. The consequences of inconsistent terminology affect patient safety and the efficiency of communication. A joint project of the Dietitians Association of Australia and The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited (Speech Pathology Australia) was undertaken to develop consensus standards for number of levels, labels and definitions of thickened fluids and texture‐modified foods within the Australian context. A project officer and multidisciplinary advisory committee were appointed by competitive process to carry out and oversee the project. The project determined that there were 39 different labels in use for thickened fluids and 95 different labels in use for texture‐modified foods used in Australia. Dietitians and speech pathologists demonstrated overwhelming support for a standardised labelling and terminology system (99.2% of respondents). A national consultative process encompassing the views of more than 580 clinicians helped to formulate the final standards. A scale for modified fluids and a scale for texture‐modified foods were developed and consensus was achieved between the Dietitians Association of Australia and Speech Pathology Australia. The standards are now recommended for use throughout Australia.
Secondary malignant lymphoedema after mastectomy in two dogs
Authors: Kang J.‐H. , Lee J. Y. , Mo I.‐P. , Lee W.‐G. , Chang D. W. , Na K.‐J. , Yang M.‐P.
Published: May 2007

This case report describes the diagnosis of secondary malignant lymphoedema in two dogs that had undergone a mastectomy. A remarkable severe oedematous lesion associated with lameness in the right hindlimb was observed in both cases. Diagnostic imaging examinations, including direct pedal lymphangiography (case 1) and lymphoscintigraphy (case 2), showed obstruction of lymph flow in the lymphatics of the right hindlimbs. Although the recommended medical management and physiotherapy had been applied to resolve the problems, oedema did not improve in the damaged region in both cases. Results of histopathological examinations suggested that the cause of the obstructed lymph flow was neoplastic cells in the lymphatics of the right hindlimb in both dogs.
Preliminary evaluation of a quality‐of‐life screening programme for pet dogs
Authors: Mullan S. , Main D.
Published: May 2007

Objectives:To evaluate a potential screening programme that would raise awareness of welfare consideration of pet dogs visiting a veterinary practice.

Methods:The questionnaire asked owners to provide biographical information about their dog, assess the resources they provided their dog (comfort, exercise, diet, mental stimulation and companionship) from the perspective of their dog’s wellbeing and choice, score a range of behavioural and medical signs on visual analogue scale, rate how willing they would be to take on the life of their dog on a visual analogue scale and suggest changes that would improve the quality of life of their dog.

Results:Twenty‐seven owners completed the questionnaire on consecutive days. There was good correlation for all the parameters between the two days (P<0.05). Of the 16 expected correlations to test internal consistency, nine were significant (P<0.05). Twenty‐six per cent of owners scored in the top 10 mm of the visual analogue scale for being willing to “take on the life their dog was living”. More exercise was the most commonly suggested change to improve quality of life (14 owners).

ClinicalSignificance:The questionnaire was found to be repeatable, feasible and to have good internal consistency and validity, making it suitable for use in veterinary practice to assess welfare.
Canine leptospirosis infections – clinical signs and outcome with different suspectedLeptospiraserogroups (42 cases)
Authors: Geisen V. , Stengel C. , Brem S. , Müller W. , Greene C. , Hartmann K.
Published: May 2007

Objectives:The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of serum antibodies to differentLeptospiraserogroups in dogs with a clinical diagnosis of leptospirosis in southern Germany and to compare seroreactivity to different serogroups with history, clinical signs, laboratory findings and survival rate.

Methods:In this study, the data of 42 dogs with the diagnosis of leptospirosis were evaluated retrospectively. Dogs were presented to the Small Animal Medicine Teaching Hospital (Medizinische Kleintierklinik) of the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Germany, between 1990 to 2003.

Results:Reactivity to the serogroup grippotyphosa (13/42) was most frequently present, followed by reactivity to the serogroup saxkoebing (10/42). There was no difference in the clinical picture and the laboratory changes between dogs whose sera were reactive to different serogroups.

ClinicalSignificance:Most of the dogs with leptospirosis in southern Germany had sera reacting to serogroups other than icterohaemorrhagiae and canicola, which are contained in the vaccine. Thus, currently available vaccines in Europe do not protect against the most commonLeptospiraorganisms associated with clinical disease.
SWIMMING SPEEDS OF SINGING AND NON‐SINGING HUMPBACK WHALES DURING MIGRATION
Authors: Noad Michael J. , Cato Douglas H.
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Limited data exist on swimming speeds of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and none on swimming speeds of singing whales during migration. We tracked humpback whales visually and acoustically during migration from the breeding grounds past our study site on the east coast of Australia (latitude 26°28′S). The mean swimming speed for whales while singing was 2.5 km/h, significantly less than for non‐singing whales with a mean of 4.0 km/h but significantly greater than the mean of 1.6 km/h observed for singing whales on the Hawaiian breeding grounds. Between song sessions, there was no significant difference in speeds between whales that had been singing and other whales. Migration speeds were less for whales while singing but increased during the season. Although humpback whales can swim rapidly while singing (maximum observed 15.6 km/h), they generally do not do so, even during migration. Slower migration by singers would delay their return to the polar feeding areas and may be costly, but may be a strategy to provide access to more females.
Nutrient Uptake in a Large Urban River1
Authors: Gibson Catherine A. , Meyer Judy L.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Small streams have been shown to be efficient in retaining nutrients and regulating downstream nutrient fluxes, but less is known about nutrient retention in larger rivers. We quantified nutrient uptake length and uptake velocity in a regulated urban river to determine the river’s ability to retain nutrients associated with wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent. We measured net uptake of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), dissolved organic phosphorus, ammonium (NH4), nitrate, and dissolved organic nitrogen in the Chattahoochee River, Atlanta, GA by following the downstream decline of nutrients and fluoride from WWTP effluent on 10 dates under low flow conditions. Uptake of all nutrients was sporadic. On many dates, there was no evidence of measurable nutrient uptake lengths within the reach; indeed, on several dates release of inorganic N and P within the sample reach led to increased nutrient export downstream. When uptake occurred, SRP uptake length was negatively correlated with total suspended solids and temperature. Uptake velocities of SRP and NH4 in the Chattahoochee River were lower than velocities in less‐modified systems, but they were similar to those measured in other WWTP impacted systems. Lower uptake velocities indicate a diminished capacity for nutrient uptake.