bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stratabound Rayleigh convection observed in a 4D hydrothermal reactive transport model based on the regional geological evolution of Allermöhe (Germany)
Authors: KÜHN M. , GÜNTHER A.
Published: May 2007

We investigated stratabound Rayleigh convection as a means of transport for leaching of solutes from salt diapirs, their dissipation into the Rhaetian sandstone aquifer and subsequent precipitation of anhydrite with resulting cementation. Reactive transport modelling has been conducted in the context of the recent structure of the Allermöhe site and its palaeogeological development. Resulting flow fields depict large (km‐scale) stratabound Rayleigh convection. However, our simulations show the vicinity of the Allermöhe well as a potential area of anhydrite dissolution in contrast to field observations, with precipitation concentrated elsewhere.
Predicting curriculum and test performance at age 11 years from pupil background, baseline skills and phonological awareness at age 5 years
Authors: Savage Robert , Carless Sue , Ferraro Vittoria
Published: May 2007

Background:  Phonological awareness tests are amongst the best predictors of literacy and predict outcomes of Key Stage 1 assessment of the National Curriculum in England at age 7. However, it is unknown whether their ability to predict National Curricular outcomes extends to Key Stage 2 assessments given at age 11, or also whether the predictive power of such tests is independent of letter‐knowledge. We explored the unique predictive validity of phonological awareness and early literacy measures, and other pupil background measures taken at age 5 in the prediction of English, Maths, and Science performance at age 11.

Method:  Three hundred and eighty‐two children from 21 primary schools in one Local Educational Authority were assessed at age 5 and followed to age 11 (Key Stage 2 assessment). Teaching assistants (TAs) administered phonological awareness tasks and early literacy measures. Baseline and Key Stage 2 performance measures were collected by teachers.

Results:  Phonological awareness was a significant unique predictor of all nine outcome measures after baseline assessment and pupil background measures were first controlled in regression analyses, and continued to be a significant predictor of reading, maths, and science performance, and teacher assessments after early literacy skill and letter‐knowledge was controlled. Gender predicted performance in writing, the English test, and English teacher assessment, with girls outperforming boys.

Conclusions:  Phonological awareness is a unique predictor of general curricular attainment independent of pupil background, early reading ability and letter‐knowledge. Practically, screening of phonological awareness and basic reading skills by school staff in year 1 significantly enhances the capacity of schools to predict curricular outcomes in year 6.
Cortisol reactions in five‐year‐olds to parent–child interaction: the moderating role of ego‐resiliency
Authors: Smeekens Sanny , Marianne Riksen‐Walraven J. , Van Bakel Hedwig J. A.
Published: May 2007

Background:  This study with five‐year‐olds is the first to examine whether low‐quality interactions with parents elicit physiological stress in children beyond toddlerhood, as evident from elevated cortisol levels in their saliva. It was hypothesised that particularly children with low levels of ego‐resiliency −a personality construct reflecting the capacity to cope with stress − would show cortisol increases during low‐quality parent–child interactions.

Method:  In a sample of 101 five‐year‐old children (62 boys), parent–child interaction was observed at home during parent–child discourse that involved the recollection and discussion of emotional events that happened to the child in the past. Saliva samples to assess cortisol levels were collected before and 20 minutes after the parent–child discourse task. The children's teacher rated child ego‐resiliency using a Dutch translation of the California Child Q‐set (CCQ; Block & Block, 1980).

Results:  One of the two parent–child interaction factors that emerged from a principal component analysis, namely negative parent–child interactions, was significantly related to the children's cortisol reaction; more negative parent–child interactions elicited significantly stronger cortisol reactions. The other parent–child interaction factor that was found, i.e., effective guidance, was not significantly related to children's cortisol reaction. As predicted, children low on ego‐resiliency showed increases in cortisol during negative interactions with their parents, whereas high ego‐resilient children did not.

Conclusions:  The association between negative parent–child interactions and cortisol elevations in children may point to a likely mechanism through which negative parent–child interactions contribute to negative developmental outcomes as the repeated exposure to high levels of cortisol have earlier been found to negatively affect children's development and functioning in various areas.
Consumer scholarship and transdisciplinarity
Authors: McGregor Sue L.T.
Published: May 2007

A case is made for the place of transdisciplinary inquiry in consumer scholarship. After framing consumer studies as a discipline, the paper explains seven conventional modes of disciplinarity. Then, the discussion turns to the nuances of the transdisciplinary approach, and what consumer scholarship would look like within this perspective. Seasoned and emerging consumer scholars and practitioners are invited to brave the repercussions of stepping outside of their disciplinary boundary onto a rich fertile space where the academy meets society for the betterment of humanity. Consumer scholarship will never be the same.
The grobal in the sporting glocal
Authors: ANDREWS DAVID L. , RITZER GEORGE
Published: May 2007

Abstract
This article provides a counterpoint to analyses of contemporary sport culture that falsely polarize the global and the local, in a manner that tends to privilege, and indeed romanticize, expressions of the sporting local. Rather than treating them as mutually exclusive categories, this discussion seeks to further the understanding of the constitutive interdependence linking the (sporting) global and the (sporting) local. In looking to further the understanding of the contemporary sporting landscape, we offer an alternative approach that reinscribes the influence of the global in shaping structures, practices, and experiences of the sporting local. The processual and empirical continuum through which we conceptualize globalization is bounded by grobalization (the imperialistic ambitions of nations, corporations, organizations, and the like and their desire, indeed need, to impose themselves on various geographic areas) and glocalization (the interpenetration of the global and the local, resulting in unique outcomes in different geographic areas): the grobal and the glocal. We discuss four sport scenarios, and illustrate the manner in which they exhibit – in varying inflections and to varying intensities – the necessary, but never guaranteed, interpenetrative relationship between the grobal and the glocal. This is achieved by both problematizing the very possibility of the sporting local within conditions of intensive and extensive globalization (leading to the concept of the glocal), and simultaneously explicating the importance of the global (through the concept of the grobal) to the structure and experience of everyday sport cultures.
Recovering the social: globalization, football and transnationalism
Authors: GIULIANOTTI RICHARD , ROBERTSON ROLAND
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn this article, we place the social and football (as a sporting realm) at the heart of social scientific analysis of globalization processes. Our theoretical framework sets out, in turn, the concepts of glocalization, with particular reference to what we term the ‘duality of glocality’; transnationalism, notably its socio‐historical aspects; connectivity, with particular reference to its antonym, ‘disconnectivity’; and cosmopolitanism, with strong focus on what we term its ‘thick’ and ‘thin’ variants. We explore the interplay of these concepts and processes within three broad domains of the ‘football world’: supporter subcultures, sport journalism, and Japanese football culture. We conclude in part by arguing for greater exploration of sport's role in regard to global processes and of the interrelationships between the duality of glocality and the thick/thin variants of cosmopolitanism.
Is baseball a global sport? America's ‘national pastime’ as global field and international sport
Authors: KELLY WILLIAM W.
Published: May 2007

AbstractA myriad of organized sports and physical leisure activities took shape in the nineteenth century and spread quickly from the West to the Rest through imperial and mercantile circuits. Among them, the competitive team spectator sports of soccer, cricket, and baseball were perhaps the most consequential in reach and influence, adopted and adapted in what I have called elsewhere ‘uncanny mimicry’. The differences in the world histories of the three sports are as significant as their commonalities, and in this article I focus on some of the distinctive features of baseball's development in the USA and its move through the Caribbean and the western Pacific regions. Unlike soccer and cricket (and American football), baseball developed outside elite schools; it was fully commercialized and professionalized early on; it never had antagonisms or rivalries with amateur or school forms of the sport; and it never had very strong ideological associations with a ‘character’ ethic. On the other hand, it was quickly ‘nationalized’ as the American pastime, and in that image it was emulated and resisted in the locations in which it took root. The argument is extended through a case study of ‘samurai’ baseball in Japan and its uncanny mimicry.
More than a game: globalization and the post‐Westernization of world cricket
Authors: RUMFORD CHRIS
Published: May 2007

Abstract
In this article I argue that, rather than focusing on the global diffusion of cricket and the reasons why it has been adopted in some countries but not others, the relationship between globalization and cricket is better understood in terms of the post‐Westernization of the international game. The post‐Westernization of cricket is associated with the rise to prominence of the One‐Day International (ODI) vis‐à‐vis the more traditional Test match format and this, in turn, is associated with a shift in the balance of administrative power away from Lord's (in London) towards Asian cricket, centred on India, and the relocation of the ICC to Dubai. In this shift, the ODI has been utilized by India as the means to prise power away from the traditional centres.
Necrotic death of neurons following an excitotoxic insult is prevented by a peptide inhibitor of c‐jun N‐terminal kinase
Authors: Arthur Peter G. , Matich Graeme P. , Pang Wei Wei , Yu Dao‐Yi , Bogoyevitch Marie A.
Published: May 2007

Peptide inhibitors of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) have been shown to potently protect against cerebral ischemia. The protective effect has been ascribed to prevention of apoptosis, but cell death following cerebral ischemia is a consequence of both apoptotic and necrotic cell death. We evaluated whether a peptide inhibitor (TAT‐TIJIP) of JNK could prevent necrotic cell death in an in vitro model of excitotoxic neuronal death. We find that TAT‐TIJIP effectively prevented cell death by interfering with several processes which have been identified as leading to cell death by necrosis. In particular, reactive oxygen species production was reduced, as indicated by an 88% decrease in the rate of dihydroethidium fluorescence in the presence of TAT‐TIJIP. Furthermore, TAT‐TIJIP attenuated the increase in cytosolic calcium following the excitotoxic insult. The potent neuroprotective properties of JNK peptide inhibitors likely reflects their abilities to prevent cell death by necrosis as well as apoptosis.
FaBox: an online toolbox for fasta sequences
Authors: VILLESEN P.
Published: May 2007

FaBox is a collection of simple and intuitive web services that enable biologists and medical researchers to quickly perform typical task with sequence data. The services makes it easy to extract, edit, and replace sequence headers and join or divide data sets based on header information. Other services include collapsing a set of sequences into haplotypes and automated formatting of input files for a number of population genetics programs, such as arlequin, tcs and mrbayes. The toolbox is expected to grow on the basis of requests for particular services and converters in the future. FaBox is freely available at http://www.birc.au.dk/fabox.
Eliciting Children's and Young People's Views of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: A Systematic Review of Best Practice
Authors: Worrall‐Davies Anne , Marino‐Francis Federica
Published: May 2007

Background:  A systematic review of children's and young people's views of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) was undertaken to identify the methods used, the ‘best practice’ methods, and the methods most effective in leading to service changes.

Method:  Electronic databases and grey literature were systematically searched. Both authors independently quality‐appraised studies using a standard framework. Of 381 studies identified, only 13 were both relevant and of sufficient quality to be included in the review. Interviews, focus groups, brainstorming exercises, and questionnaires were the methods used.

Results:  No study reported a change of practice as a result of hearing children's and young people's views.
Predictors of Service Use for Mental Health Problems Among British Schoolchildren
Authors: Ford Tamsin , Hamilton Helena , Meltzer Howard , Goodman Robert
Published: May 2007

Background: Most previous studies of service use in relation to mental health have examined services in the USA. We wanted to provide up‐to‐date findings from a general population sample of British schoolchildren.

Method: A total of 2461 children aged 5–15 from the 1999 British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Survey were followed up for 3 years. We examine the relationship between a wide variety of potential predictors gathered in 1999 and the use of services over the following 3 years.

Results: Contact with most services was predicted by three factors: the impact of psychopathology; contact with teachers or primary health care; and parents’ and teachers’ perceptions that the child had significant difficulties. Other predictors were specific to each service.

Conclusions: Education of parents, teachers and other important adults might increase the proportion of children with impairing psychiatric disorders reaching services.
Chemotherapy during pregnancy: a review of the literature
Authors: Autio K. , Rassnick K. M. , Bedford‐Guaus S. J.
Published: May 2007

Although diagnosing cancer during pregnancy is uncommon in veterinary medicine, when it occurs, chemotherapy may represent a reasonable treatment option. A major consideration is that physiological changes associated with pregnancy affect drug pharmacokinetics and complicate correct dosing of chemotherapy agents. Additionally, most antineoplastic drugs are able to cross the placenta thus adversely affecting the foetus. However, favourable outcomes have been observed in human beings when chemotherapy has been administered after organogenesis. Conversely, chemotherapy should be avoided during the early embryonic and organogenesis periods as it might lead to foetal death and/or major malformations.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of p53 expression with different antibodies in malignant canine tumours with or without p53 gene mutation
Authors: Zacchetti A. , Van Garderen E. , Rutteman G. R.
Published: May 2007

Six monoclonal antibodies and a polyclonal antibody (CM1) were used to investigate the overexpression of p53 protein by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in six sarcomas and 21 mammary carcinomas from 27 dogs. IHC was compared with p53 gene mutation analysis performed on the same samples. Only the monoclonal PAb240, PAb421 and the CM1 antibodies were able to detect expression of canine p53 protein. CM1 was found to give the highest concordance (8/11) between positive expression of the p53 protein by IHC and the presence of a gene mutation. In the samples that were negative for p53 expression by IHC, but contained a p53 gene mutation according to DNA analysis, the mutation often affected the epitopes that could have been recognized by these antibodies. Only one out of 16 tumours without a p53 gene mutation had a weakly positive IHC result. These findings indicate that in these two types of canine tumours, IHC – particularly with CM1 – can detect many alterations in p53 expression owing to a gene mutation. False‐positive results were very infrequent.
Protein expression profiling of normal and neoplastic canine prostate and bladder tissue
Authors: LeRoy B. , Painter A. , Sheppard H. , Popiolek L. , Samuel‐Foo M. , Andacht T. M.
Published: May 2007

Prostatic carcinoma is an important cancer in both men and dogs. Dogs have been a valuable animal model for investigating prostate cancer, but their relevance is unclear as the origin of canine prostatic carcinomas is unknown. We hypothesized that a proteomic approach for diagnosis of these neoplasms might provide quantitative data useful for more complete characterization of their origin. Protein expression profiles were prepared from normal canine prostate glands and bladders. The normal protein profiles were then compared with protein expression profiles of three canine prostatic carcinomas. Two‐dimensional differential in‐gel electrophoresis (2‐D DIGE) was used to analyse an average of approximately 1000 proteins per carcinoma. When compared with normal prostate tissue, the carcinomas exhibited greater than 2.5‐fold difference in expression for an average of 230 proteins. Similar proteomic comparisons between the carcinomas and the normal bladder revealed a greater than 2.5‐fold difference in expression for an average of 208 proteins. Mass spectrometry and protein database homology were used to identify nine proteins (α‐enolase, vimentin, GRP78, endoplasmin (GRP94), albumin, keratins 7 and 8, haptoglobin, and transferrin) overexpressed by the carcinomas. Statistical testing demonstrated that keratin 7, GRP78, and endoplasmin were significantly overexpressed in the carcinomas compared with normal prostate or bladder. Principal components analysis revealed that the carcinomas formed a unique cluster distinct from either the normal prostate or normal bladder. In conclusion, proteomic analysis revealed that whereas the majority of proteins expressed by canine prostatic carcinomas are also expressed by normal and neoplastic bladder and prostate tissue, the carcinomas contained unique protein components that allowed their segregation as a distinct group separate from normal canine prostate and bladder. Additionally, several proteins uniquely expressed by canine prostatic carcinomas were also identified.
Calcitriol inhibits the growth of MHCC97 heptocellular cell lines by down‐modulating c‐met and ERK expressions
Authors: Wu Fu‐sheng , Zheng Shu‐sen , Wu Ling‐jiao , Teng Li‐song , Ma Zhi‐min , Zhao Wen‐he , Wu Wei
Published: May 2007

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that Calcitriol or its analogs has an anti‐tumour activity. This study was designed to determine the effect and mechanism of Calcitriol on MHCC‐97 heptocellular cell lines.

Methods: MHCC97 cell lines were treated with Calcitriol of 10−6∼10−9 M concentration and with Calcitriol in lipiodol ultra‐fluid (LUF) respectively. The conditions of cell proliferation were analyzed by MTT method. The cell apoptosis and cycle were analyzed by using a flow cytometer. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) concentration in the cell supernatant was measured by using ELISA method. C‐met and vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA in cells were determined by using RT‐PCR method. VDR and ERK1/2 proteins were determined by using Western Blotting method.

Results: Calcitriol inhibited the proliferation of MHCC97 cell lines with an accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase and reduction of cells in S phase. Calcitriol dissolved in LUF resulted in a better and longer inhibitive effect on the cell lines than Calcitriol alone. MHCC97 cell lines secreted HGF and expressed c‐met mRNA and ERK1/2 proteins abundantly. Calcitriol remarkably inhibited the expressions of c‐met mRNA and ERK1/2 proteins.

Conclusion: Calcitriol inhibits the growth of MHCC‐97 heptocellular cell lines by down modulating c‐met and ERK expressions.
Transjugular liver biopsy in patients with diffuse liver disease: comparison of three cores with one or two cores for accurate histological interpretation
Authors: Cholongitas E. , Quaglia A. , Samonakis D. , Mela M. , Patch D. , Dhillon A. P. , Fanshawe T. R. , Burroughs A. K.
Published: May 2007

Background: Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) can be performed to obtain more than two cores safely. This advantage has not been evaluated in terms of diagnostic accuracy or grading/staging evaluation.

Aim: To evaluate whether three separate cores of TJLB provide more histological information compared with two or one cores.

Methods: Twenty‐three patients, who had three separate passes, with each core ≥7mm in length using a 19G Tru‐cut needle, were evaluated. Each TJLB was blindly coded; the pathologist randomly assessed: (a) each core separately covering the other two, (b) two cores simultaneously covering the third and (c) the three cores together for diagnostic yield, inflammation and fibrosis.

Results: The mean TJLB length was 32±5.5mm. In 12 one‐core (52%) and 18 2‐core (78%) assessments, diagnosis (mainly cirrhosis) was made correctly in each core. The within‐patient standard deviations for one‐core vs two‐core assessment were similar for grading (0.42 and 0.47, respectively), but higher for staging (0.39 and 0.15, respectively). Staging was underestimated in assessing one‐core and less for two cores compared to three cores.

Conclusion: Three non‐fragmented cores (each core ≥7mm in length) of TJLB can be considered a minimum requirement for histological assessment, giving better reproducibility in diagnosis as well as for inflammation and fibrosis.
Decolorisation of CI Reactive Black 8 by zero‐valent iron powder with/without ultrasonic irradiation
Authors: Zhang Hui , Jiang Ming , Wang Zhengqi , Wu Feng
Published: May 2007

The effects of pH, initial dye concentration and temperature on the decolorisation of CI Reactive Black 8 by zero‐valent iron powder (Fe0) with or without ultrasonic irradiation were investigated. It was verified that the presence of ultrasonic irradiation enhanced the decolorisation of CI Reactive Black 8. The decolorisation efficiency decreased with increasing pH, but increased with increasing iron addition and temperature in both systems. Initial dye concentration had little effect on the decolorisation efficiency in either system.
Physico‐chemical treatment of indigo dye wastewater
Authors: Manu B
Published: May 2007

In the present study, colour removal and chemical oxygen demand removal from indigo dye wastewater have been evaluated using various coagulants/flocculants. Laboratory‐scale experiments were conducted using chemical coagulants–flocculants on synthetic as well as actual indigo dye wastewater and under ambient liquid temperature. Up to 99% colour removal was observed during treatment of synthetic indigo dye effluent with FeSO4, alum, polyelectrolyte and lime. Colour removal efficiencies of up to 97%, 97% and 95% were observed when denim plant wastewater (equalisation tank) was treated with alum, lime and FeSO4 at dosages of 2, 2.5 and 2.5 g/l, respectively. Up to 95%, 94% and 87% colour removal efficiencies were observed when denim plant (dyebath) wastewater was treated with alum, lime and FeSO4 at dosages of 225, 1000 and 225 mg/l, respectively.
Decolorisation optimisation of a monoazo disperse dye with Bacillus firmus. Identification of a degradation product
Authors: Arora Sucharita , Saini Harvinder Singh , Singh Kamaljit
Published: May 2007

Decolorisation of a heterocyclic monoazo red disperse dye by a bacterial strain Bacillus firmus isolated from local sewage and grown in mineral salt medium (MSM) was investigated. The effect of nutritional as well as environmental factors on the decolorisation efficiency was studied. Aerobic shaking (100 rpm) of a monoazo disperse dye, at pH 6.0, with the strain cultivated after 48 h, resulted in extensive (95–98%) decolorisation at 35 °C, whereas under anoxic conditions, decolorisation was only 75%. The nutrients sucrose (0.125% w/v), ammonium sulphate (0.05% w/v) and yeast extract (0.0025% w/v) have been found to be effective in decolorisation of the dye. One of the degradation products could be isolated and characterised using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.
The Effects of Obesity on Functional Work Capacity and Quality of Life in Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Gunstad John , Luyster Faith , Hughes Joel , Waechter Donna , Rosneck Jim , Josephson Richard
Published: May 2007

Many patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are obese. It is unknown, however, whether obese patients derive reduced benefit from CR. A total of 388 CR patients were categorized into normal‐weight, overweight, class I obese, and class II/III obese groups. Functional work capacity and quality of life were examined at baseline and after 12‐week completion of the CR program. After adjusting for demographic and medical conditions, class II/III obese persons showed lower work capacity and physical quality of life at both baseline and follow‐up. Class II/III obese individuals also showed smaller gains in work capacity from baseline to follow‐up than all other groups. Further work is needed to identify strategies for improving outcome in obese patients, including incorporating structured weight loss into CR or post‐CR referral to an exercise maintenance program.
Variation in Blood Levels of Inflammatory Markers Related and Unrelated to Smoking Cessation in Women
Authors: Hammett Christopher J.K. , Prapavessis Harry , Baldi J. Chris , Ameratunga Rohan , Schoenbeck Uwe , Varo Nerea , French John K. , White Harvey D. , Stewart Ralph A.H.
Published: May 2007

This study assessed the influence of short‐term changes in smoking habit on blood levels of inflammatory markers, which have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Five inflammatory markers were measured before and 6 weeks after attempting smoking cessation in 138 healthy women. In the 48 participants who stopped smoking, white blood cell count (−0.7±1.2 × 109/L; P<.001) and fibrinogen (−0.6±1.5µmol/L; P<.01) decreased, but there was no significant (P>.1) change in the plasma level of C‐reactive protein (median change +0.1; interquartile range −0.2, 0.9 mg/L), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (+17±75 ng/mL), or CD40 ligand (+0.4±2.1 ng/mL). Most of the individual variation in inflammatory marker levels was unrelated to changes in smoking habit.
Smoking Cessation Pharmacotherapy—Nicotine and Non‐Nicotine Preparations
Authors: Frishman William H.
Published: May 2007

Cigarette smokers tend to die prematurely from a number of diseases. Cigarette smoking is an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite the clear health benefits of smoking cessation, smokers usually find it difficult to stop and behavioral therapies often prove insufficient. Pharmacologic intervention may aid the process because of the addictive nature of nicotine. Nicotine replacement therapy, which is regarded as first‐line therapy, was developed to overcome the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal that many patients find distressing. Different modes of administration include inhalation and buccal or transdermal absorption. The orally administered non‐nicotine drugs varenicline and bupropion are also regarded as first‐line treatments, either used alone or as an adjunct to nicotine replacement therapy. Second‐line treatments include clonidine and nortriptyline. Other treatment strategies that have been examined include monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; efficacy has yet to be proven definitively. A novel approach to treatment using the cannabinoid‐1 receptor antagonist rimonabant is also under investigation.
Effects of Levels of Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Symptom‐Limited Spiroergometry
Authors: Unverdorben Martin , Bijl Avan der , Potgieter Linda , Liang Qiwei , Meyer Bernhardt H. , Roethig Hans J.
Published: May 2007

Previous investigations demonstrated reduced exposure to selected cigarette smoke constituents in adult smokers switching from conventional cigarettes (CC) to an electrically heated cigarette smoking system (EHCSS). This study investigated whether reduced exposure and no smoking (NS) would improve exercise performance. In a 3‐period crossover study, 18 male adult smokers (age, 43.6±5.3 years) of CC were randomized to smoke CC (tar, 11 mg; nicotine, 0.8 mg; carbon monoxide, 11 mg), to use EHCSS (tar, 3 mg; nicotine, 0.2 mg; carbon monoxide, 0.4 mg [Federal Trade Commission method]), or to NS for 3 days before performing symptom‐limited spiroergometry. NS and EHCSS vs CC resulted in less severe dyspnea (NS, 44.4% [P<.01 vs CC]; EHCSS, 50% [P=.03 vs CC]; CC, 88.9%), higher working capacity (NS, 2.92±0.4 W/kg [P=.06 vs CC]; ECHSS, 2.92±0.4 W/kg [P=.04 vs CC]; CC, 2.86±0.5W/kg), higher peak oxygen uptake (NS, 2694±466 mL O2/min [P=.08 vs CC]; EHCSS, 2830±606 mL O2/min [P=.03 vs CC]; CC, 2682±492 mL O2/min), higher anaerobic threshold (NS, 1324±306 mL O2/min; EHCSS, 1396±312 mL O2/min [P=.03 vs CC]; CC, 1315±290 mL O2/min), and higher maximum rate‐pressure product (NS, 30.1±2.7 × 103 mm Hg/min; EHCSS, 2.8 × 103 mm Hg/min [P<.01 vs CC]; CC, 30.7±29.2±3.6 × 103 mm Hg/min) indicating that reduced exposure from tobacco smoke and NS for 3 days may improve cardiovascular function as detected by symptom‐limited spiroergometry.
Are Emergency Chest Pain Patients Ready to Quit Smoking?
Authors: Bock Beth C. , Becker Bruce M. , Partridge Robert , Niaura Raymond
Published: May 2007

This study examined predictors of readiness to quit smoking among emergency chest pain patients admitted to the observation unit (OU) to rule out myocardial infarction. While in the OU, patients (n=543) completed surveys assessing smoking history, nicotine dependence, readiness to quit, and other relevant variables. Participants smoked an average of 18.8 (SD=12.6) cigarettes per day. More than half (58%) had made at least 1 serious quit attempt ≥24 hours) in the past year. Most had never used nicotine replacement medications. Nicotine dependence, perceived risk from smoking, and patient perceptions that smoking might be related to their chest pain were significantly associated with readiness to quit (P<.05). Results indicate that a significant proportion of OU patients think they are at relatively low risk from smoking and, although motivated to quit, are not using medications appropriately to assist quit attempts. There is a need for intervention and education with this population of patients.
A Clinical Imperative: Assisting Patients Who Smoke to Reduce Their Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Bullen Chris , Whittaker Robyn , McRobbie Hayden , Fagerström Karl
Published: May 2007

The role of tobacco smoking as a cause of cardiovascular disease is now unequivocal and well‐documented in literally hundreds of epidemiologic and biomedical studies over the past 50 years. Cessation of smoking, on the other hand, swiftly and profoundly reduces the risks of a cardiovascular event. Thus, smoking cessation should be seen as perhaps the most effective lifesaving intervention in the physician's armamentarium. Despite this widely available knowledge, and evidence that most smokers want to quit, relatively few physicians offer cessation support to their smoking patients, even those at high risk for a cardiovascular event. This article reviews the links between tobacco smoking and cardiovascular disease, argues for a greater role for physicians in assisting smokers to quit, and highlights the most effective interventions currently available.
Does Participatory Decision Making Improve Hypertension Self‐Care Behaviors and Outcomes?
Authors: Cho Alex H. , Voils Corrine I. , Yancy William S. , Oddone Eugene Z. , Bosworth Hayden B.
Published: May 2007

This study examined patients' perceptions of their providers' participatory decision making (PDM) style and hypertension self‐care behaviors and outcomes. Five hundred fifty‐four veterans with hypertension enrolled in the Veterans' Study to Improve the Control of Hypertension rated providers' PDM styles using a validated 3‐item instrument. Behaviors assessed included presence of a home blood pressure monitor, monitoring frequency, and self‐reported antihypertensive medication adherence. Overall, veterans with hypertension rated providers as highly participatory. In adjusted analyses, a lower PDM score was associated with decreased odds of having a home monitor (odds ratio, 0.90 per 10‐point decrement in PDM score; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–0.98) but not with monitoring frequency, adherence, or blood pressure control. Providers' involvement of patients in decision making, reflected in ratings of PDM style, may be important to securing patients' participation in their own care, but alone this factor seems insufficient. No relationship between PDM score and blood pressure control was observed.
Diagnosis and Management of Renovascular Disease and Renovascular Hypertension
Authors: Bloch Michael J. , Basile Jan
Published: May 2007

Renovascular disease is a common but complex disorder, the most common causes of which are fibromuscular dysplasia and atherosclerosis. Clinically, it can present as asymptomatic renal artery stenosis, renovascular hypertension, or ischemic nephropathy. Assessing the clinical index of suspicion remains essential in determining an appropriate diagnostic strategy. For diagnosis in patients with suspected fibromuscular disease, it may be reasonable to proceed directly to renal angiography; however, for most patients with suspected atherosclerotic disease, there are a number of noninvasive tests available that can aid in decision making. The choice of the most appropriate initial test should be based on patient characteristics, clinical presentation, and local expertise. Treatment options include medical, surgical, or percutaneous approaches. Generally, in patients with fibromuscular disease, percutaneous intervention provides durable improvement or cure of hypertension. In patients with atherosclerotic disease, the data are less consistent, and there does appear to be a group of patients who will respond well to medical management alone. As technology advances, the diagnostic and treatment paradigms will continue to evolve.
Hypertension Management: Results of a New National Survey for the Hypertension Education Foundation: Harris Interactive
Authors: Moser Marvin , Franklin Stanley S.
Published: May 2007

A new national online survey by Harris Interactive of 1245 hypertensive individuals indicates that >90% were aware that elevated blood pressure (BP) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The majority discovered that they had elevated BP levels as a result of a routine examination. More than two thirds of persons identified 120/80 mm Hg as an optimal BP level; only 6.0% stated that the Internet was their primary source of information about high BP. More than 60% of respondents had a body mass index >30 kg/m2, and >50% had other cardiovascular risk factors. More than 50% were involved in some lifestyle change to control BP, and >90% were taking medication. More than 60% reported that BP was controlled (<140/90 mm Hg) at the last visit, although approximately 50% were told that their BP was high at some time. The survey results suggest that >90% of hypertensive patients are aware of the risks of elevated BP and that a high percentage of hypertensive patients are being treated with medication. Control rates as reported by respondents were >60% based on last BP recorded; however, between 31% and 40% of patients (based on differences in ethnic groups) were continued on the same therapy despite elevated BP levels. The survey suggests a high degree of risk awareness and treatment, and what appears to be an increase in control rates among hypertensive patients.
Centrally Acting Antihypertensive Agents: An Update
Authors: Sica Domenic A.
Published: May 2007

Centrally acting agents stimulate α2 receptors and/or imadozoline receptors on adrenergic neurons situated within the rostral ventrolateral medulla and, in so doing, sympathetic outflow is reduced. Centrally acting agents also stimulate peripheral α2 receptors, which, for the most part, is of marginal clinical significance. Central a agonists have had a lengthy history of use, starting with α‐methyldopa, which has had a dramatic decline in use, in part, because of bothersome side effects. Patients who require multidrug therapy with otherwise resistant hypertension, such as diabetic and/or renal failure patients, are typically responsive to these drugs, as are patients with sympathetically driven forms of hypertension. Perioperative forms of hypertension respond well to clonidine, a circumstance where the additional anesthesia‐ and analgesia‐sparing effects of this drug may offer additional clinical benefits. Clonidine can be used adjunctively with other more traditional therapies in heart failure, particularly when hypertension is present. Sustained‐release moxonidine, however, is associated with early mortality and morbidity when used in patients with heart failure. Escalating doses of drugs in this class often give rise to salt and water retention, in which case diuretic therapy becomes a valuable adjunctive therapy.
Effectiveness of Yoga Therapy in the Treatment of Migraine Without Aura: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: John P.J. , Sharma Neha , Sharma Chandra M. , Kankane Arvind
Published: May 2007

Background.—Numerous studies have explored the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of migraine but there is no documented investigation of the effectiveness of yoga therapy for migraine management.

Objectives.—To investigate the effectiveness of holistic approach of yoga therapy for migraine treatment compared to self‐care.

Design.—A randomized controlled trial.

Methods.—Seventy‐two patients with migraine without aura were randomly assigned to yoga therapy or self‐care group for 3 months. Primary outcomes were headache frequency (headache diary), severity of migraine (0–10 numerical scale) and pain component (McGill pain questionnaire). Secondary outcomes were anxiety and depression (Hospital anxiety depression scale), medication score.

Results.—After adjustment for baseline values, the subjects' complaints related to headache intensity (P < .001), frequency (P < .001), pain rating index (P < .001), affective pain rating index (P < .001), total pain rating index (P < .001), anxiety and depression scores (P < .001), symptomatic medication use (P < .001) were significantly lower in the yoga group compared to the self‐care group.

Conclusion.—The study demonstrated a significant reduction in migraine headache frequency and associated clinical features, in patients treated with yoga over a period of 3 months. Further study of this therapeutic intervention appears to be warranted.
Cardiovascular Actions of the Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor‐Alpha (PPARα) Agonist Wy14,643
Authors: Zahradka Peter
Published: May 2007

This review examines the various effects of Wy14,643, a hypolipidemic agent that activates peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPARα), on the cardiovascular system. An emphasis has been placed on the specific cellular processes affected by Wy14,643 as they relate to vascular and cardiac function. Although the topic of this discussion is limited to vascular and cardiac tissues, the importance of circulating lipids on cardiovascular disease requires that a description of the indirect actions of this compound on liver metabolism also be included. Finally, the pharmacology of Wy14,643 is discussed within the context of PPARα‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms.
SHORT‐TERM AND LONG‐TERM EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN THE DIATOM THALASSIOSIRA PSEUDONANA UNDER UVR EXPOSURES1
Authors: Sobrino Cristina , Neale Patrick J.
Published: May 2007

Temperature is expected to modify the effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on photosynthesis by affecting the rate of repair. We studied the effect of short‐term (1 h) and long‐term (days) acclimation to temperature on UVR photoinhibition in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana Hasle et Heimdal. Photosynthesis was measured during 1 h exposures to varying irradiances of PAR and UVR + PAR at 15, 20, and 25°C, the latter corresponding to the upper temperature limit for optimal growth in T. pseudonana. The exposures allowed the estimation of photosynthesis–irradiance (P–E) curves and biological weighting functions (BWFs) for photoinhibition. For the growth conditions used, temperature did not affect photosynthesis under PAR. However, photoinhibition by UVR was highly affected by temperature. For cultures preacclimated to 20°C, the extent of UVR photoinhibition increased with decreasing temperature, from 63% inhibition of PAR‐only photosynthesis at 25°C to 71% at 20°C and 85% at 15°C. These effects were slightly modified after several days of acclimation: UVR photoinhibition increased from 63% to 75% at 25°C and decreased from 85% to 80% at 15°C. Time courses of photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII) under UVR + PAR were also fitted to a model of UVR photoinhibition, allowing the estimation of the rates of damage (k) and repair (r). The r/k values obtained for each temperature treatment verified the responses observed with the BWF (R2 = 0.94). The results demonstrated the relevance of temperature in determining primary productivity under UVR exposures. However, the results suggested that temperature and UVR interact mainly over short (hours) rather than long (days) timescales.
INTRASPECIFIC VARIATION IN STRESS‐INDUCED HYDROGEN PEROXIDE SCAVENGING BY THE ULVOID MACROALGA ULVA LACTUCA1
Authors: Ross Cliff , Alstyne Kathryn L. Van
Published: May 2007

We investigated the presence and kinetics of the oxidative stress response in intertidal and subtidal individuals of the ulvoid macroalga Ulva lactuca L. Stress responses, as measured with both enzymatic and fluorescent‐based antioxidant assays, differed between individuals collected from a subtidal and an intertidal habitat. Subtidal individuals secreted significantly more hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) than intertidal individuals when subjected to osmotic stress or desiccation. The activity of reactive‐oxygen‐scavenging enzymes and the ability to scavenge exogenous H2O2 were lower in subtidal than in intertidal individuals, suggesting that subtidal individuals are less stress tolerant. In vitro experimentation demonstrated that millimolar concentrations of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and its breakdown products could efficiently scavenge H2O2, with DMSP being a less‐effective scavenger than dimethyl sulfide (DMS), acrylic acid, and acrylate. The addition of H2O2 at concentrations of 2.5 mM or greater induced the cleavage of DMSP into DMS and acrylic acid in subtidal individuals. Intertidal individuals were affected in the same manner with the addition of 5 mM H2O2. There were no differences in the amounts of DMSP cleavage in subtidal and intertidal algae when the algae were subjected to hyposaline conditions. Our data suggest that the oxidative‐stress‐induced cleavage of DMSP affords products with efficient H2O2‐scavenging abilities. In addition, U. lactuca individuals growing in intertidal habitats are better acclimatized to changing environments and thus have a higher threshold for oxidative stress than conspecifics in subtidal habitats.
SELECTIVE RECOVERY OF MICROALGAE FROM DIVERSE HABITATS USING “PHYTO‐SPECIFIC” 16S rDNA PRIMERS1
Authors: Betournay Scott , Marsh Amanda C. , Donello Nicholas , Stiller John W.
Published: May 2007

Environmental PCR is a common tool for surveying aquatic microalgae; however, universal primers generally employed are not specific to phytoplankton and typically recover nonphotosynthetic bacteria at high frequencies. Using a 16S rDNA “phyto‐specific” primer, we were able to selectively amplify sequences of photosynthetic species from several mixed aquatic samples, even when large numbers of nonphotosynthetic microorganisms were present. We identified 21 microalgal sequences from three different habitats: salt marshes in Virginia, river basins in North Carolina, and sea ice in Alaska. In contrast, universal 16S primers recovered a majority of nonphotosynthetic organisms from some of the same samples. Our results indicate that phytoplankton‐specific primers are efficient in selectively amplifying a broad diversity of microalgae in mixed environmental samples and, therefore, can reduce the noise from extraneous species that often dominates molecular surveys of aquatic samples.
When Should Leaders Share Information with Their Subordinates?
Authors: Vidal Jordi Blanes I , Möller Marc
Published: May 2007

We show that when leaders share some of their information with subordinates, decision making is subject to a motivational bias; leaders make the decisions their subordinates want to see. As this bias increases with the quality of the shared information, an improvement of an organization's information might even decrease its efficiency. As a consequence, information sharing is not always optimal. We show however that self‐confidence can help the leader to overcome his motivational bias, thus making information sharing more attractive. Conversely, we find that information sharing can help to curb the autocratic tendencies of a self‐confident leadership. We conclude that a policy of information sharing and the appointment of a self‐confident leadership are most effective when they go hand in hand.
Piracy and Competition
Authors: Belleflamme Paul , Picard Pierre M.
Published: May 2007

The effects of (private, small‐scale) piracy on the pricing behavior of producers of information goods are studied within a unified model of vertical differentiation. Although information goods are assumed to be perfectly differentiated, demands are interdependent because the copying technology exhibits increasing returns to scale. We characterize the Bertrand–Nash equilibria in a duopoly. Comparing equilibrium prices to the prices set by a multiproduct monopolist, we show that competition drives prices up and may lead to price dispersion. Competition reduces total surplus in the short run but provides higher incentives to create in the long run.
Optimal Licensing Contracts and the Value of a Patent
Authors: Erutku Can , Richelle Yves
Published: May 2007

We extend Kamien and Tauman's (1986) analysis of the value of a patent. We find that an inventor can always design a fixed fee plus royalty contract such that his revenue is equal to the profit a monopoly endowed with the innovation could make on the market. This implies that the social value of a patent can be strictly negative whenever the patented innovation is of bad quality. We also explain why a principal can have an interest in using performance‐based contracts although the principal and the agents are risk‐neutral, information is symmetric, and agents' actions are verifiable.