bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression polymorphism in Drosophila populations
Authors: MICHALAK PAWEL , MALONE JOHN H. , LEE IVAN TIMOTHY , HOSHINO DAIJU , MA DAINA
Published: February 2007

Although changes in gene expression have long been recognized as critical to evolutionary processes, the extent of natural polymorphism in gene expression has yet to be assessed, thus opening a new area of active research. We present microarray and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) data from Cosmopolitan and Zimbabwe morphs of Drosophila melanogaster. These morphs provide a useful model for investigations into the incipient stages of speciation because Zimbabwe females tend to preferentially mate with their own males and discriminate against Cosmopolitan males, while Cosmopolitan females mate indiscriminately. We analysed expression profiles from heads of mated and nonmated females and identified 45 candidate genes whose expression levels were associated with the behavioural morphs and were modified by mating. Genes with altered transcription levels were randomly distributed across the genome and fell into diverse categories of biological activities. Several candidate genes, such as desaturase2 and Odorant receptor 63a, were additionally subjected to quantitative RT‐PCR analysis. Notably, desaturase2, which has been invoked to play a role in sexual isolation between Cosmopolitan and Zimbabwe D. melanogaster/races/strains and predicted to be translational‐inactive in Cosmopolitan due to a major deletion, was found to be up‐regulated in Zimbabwe and down‐regulated, but still expressed, in Cosmopolitan.
The function of multiple mating in oviposition and egg maturation in the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: TSENG HSIEN‐FEN , YANG ROU‐LING , LIN CHAN , HORNG SHWU‐BIN
Published: February 2007

Abstract To comprehend the significance of multiple mating in female Callosobruchus maculatus, the material‐benefits hypothesis is tested, as well as the potential function and mechanism of additional mating for females. The results show that longevity and lifetime fecundity are significantly higher in doubly‐mated females, whereas females subject to an interrupted second copulation (which transfers no ejaculate) show resemblance with singly‐mated females in lifetime fecundity and daily fecundity, supporting the material‐benefits hypothesis. Female lifetime fecundity increases with ejaculate size in doubly‐, but not singly‐mated females. Doubly‐mated females exhibit an immediate increase in fecundity on the day of remating. Moreover, dissection of ovaries after remating shows that the number of unlaid eggs is lower in doubly‐mated females in comparison with singly‐mated females, whereas the total number of unlaid and laid eggs shows no significant difference. This suggests that the second mating increases the oviposition rate, but not the egg maturation rate in female C. maculatus. Thus, ejaculate serves as a stimulus for oviposition, at least on the remating day. However, because doubly‐mated females lay more eggs in total than singly‐mated females, doubly‐mated females appear to mature more eggs than the singly‐mated counterparts. This is attributed to the ‘indirect‐driven’ hypothesis, which states that the reduction in the number of mature eggs in the oviducts brought about by oviposition stimulates the maturation of oocytes in ovarioles to replenish the number of mature eggs.
Primary zygomycosis of the pericardium in an immunocompetent host
Authors: Vaideeswar Pradeep , Pandit Shobhana P.
Published: February 2007

The fungi in the order Mucorales commonly target immunocompromised hosts, especially diabetics and produce fulminating respiratory and/or central nervous system infections, which are often fatal. We report primary zygomycotic pericarditis accompanied by osteomyelitis of the sternum in an immunocompetent female: a rare site and a rare setting. The disease was clinically thought to be of tuberculous aetiology and had evaded diagnosis for a year.
Modified synthetic varieties: a breeding method for forage crops to exploit specific combining ability
Authors: Tamaki H. , Yoshizawa A. , Fujii H. , Sato K.
Published: February 2007

Hybrid varieties have not become commercially successful in perennial and self‐incompatible forage crops because of their severe inbreeding depression and/or ineffectiveness in commercial seed production. Here, a modified synthetic variety (MSV), a breeding method for forage crops is proposed, where specific combining ability (SCA) is exploited in a way different from that in hybrids. As Syn‐l seeds from only two of its parental clones are used to produce its Syn‐2, its performance in Syn‐2 partially depends on the SCA between the two seed parents. The inbreeding coefficient of MSVs can be as low as that of conventional synthetic varieties sold today. To evaluate its advantages, 15 modified synthetic strains (MSSs) of timothy were developed from a set of Syn‐l seeds of a conventional synthetic strain (CSS) having six parental clones. An MSS (Syn‐2) showed a yield level equivalent to and a disease score significantly lower than the CSS (Syn‐1) in a field test. The diallel crossing analysis implied that the SCA effects are influential for yield, and that MSV or other SCA‐exploiting breeding methods have the potential to improve the yield level of timothy effectively.
Resistance to leaf rust in cultivars of bread wheat and durum wheat grown in Spain
Authors: Martínez F. , Sillero J. C. , Rubiales D.
Published: February 2007

A set of bread wheat and durum wheat cultivars adapted to Spanish conditions was tested for resistance against leaf rust caused by different pathotypes of Puccinia triticina in field trials and in growth chamber studies. Lower levels of resistance were found in durum wheat than in bread wheat. The most frequent Lr genes found in bread wheat were Lr1, Lr10, Lr13, Lr20, Lr26 and Lr28. In durum wheat, additional resistance genes that differed from the known Lr genes were identified. The level of partial resistance to leaf rust was in general low, although significant levels were identified in some bread wheat and durum wheat cultivars.
Genotypic and environmental effects on selenium concentration of broccoli heads grown without supplemental selenium fertilizer
Authors: Farnham M. W. , Hale A. J. , Grusak M. A. , Finley J. W.
Published: February 2007

Selenium (Se) is an important trace element in human nutrition that is essential to normal health. Broccoli is known to accumulate relatively high concentrations of Se, and there is strong evidence that consumption of Se‐enriched broccoli florets decreases cancer risk. In light of the above, this study was conducted to evaluate differences in Se concentration per head and total Se head content for a collection of broccoli hybrids (20) and inbreds (15) grown in field environments without supplemental Se fertilization. Our objectives were to assess the relative importance of genotype vs. environment in affecting Se levels and to determine if Se content is associated with other important horticultural traits. When analysed over three environments, there was a significant genotype effect for Se head concentration with hybrids, but not inbreds, but the environmental effect was about 10 times larger than that for genotype. Total Se content (ng/head) varied significantly among hybrids and inbreds, but as with concentration, environmental effects were also much larger for this trait. Head Se concentrations for hybrids ranged from 52.7 to 84.7 ng/g and total Se accumulation ranged from 563 to 885 ng/head. The same respective traits ranged from 49.3 to 80.0 ng/g and 678 to 876 ng/head for inbreds. There was no correlation between Se head concentration and head dry mass or days from transplant to maturity for either hybrids or inbreds. There was no evidence that Se might be diluted in broccoli heads as mass increases with cultivars that produce dense heads. Results indicate that it should be feasible to combine relatively high Se concentration or content with high head dry matter (DM), a phenotype that broccoli breeders might strive to achieve.
Resistance of 12 rose genotypes to 14 isolates of Diplocarpon rosae Wolf (rose blackspot) collected from eastern North America
Authors: Whitaker V. M. , Zuzek K. , Hokanson S. C.
Published: February 2007

Blackspot disease, caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae Wolf, is the most serious disease problem of roses worldwide. From a breeding perspective, the documented occurrence of races in the pathosystem necessitates the characterization of the race structure for the pathogen, identification of resistance genes in rose germplasm, and determination of the nature of genetic resistance to breed stably resistant rose cultivars. The objective of this study was to characterize the diversity of eastern North American races of D. rosae and to simultaneously determine the degree to which partial resistances existed in rose hosts. Twelve rose genotypes were inoculated with 14 single‐conidial isolates collected from eastern North America. Three distinct D. rosae races were identified based on presence/absence of infection in the differential array. There were five distinct reaction patterns across pathogen isolates among the 12 rose genotypes. The partial resistance components of leaf area with symptoms, lesion length and incubation period were evaluated for all inoculated plants. Variation for expression of partial resistance was noted, and partial resistance appears to behave in a race‐specific manner for some rose genotypes. Early defoliation differed between genotypes and may prove to be another component of partial resistance.
Development‐dependent expression of cyclin D3 in precursor T‐cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Sasaki Eiichi , Yatabe Yasushi , Hashimoto Mitsuyoshi , Yamashita Yoriko , Hasegawa Yuichi , Kojima Hiroshi , Nagasawa Toshiro , Mori Naoyoshi
Published: February 2007

In contrast to the clear oncogenic role of cyclins D1 and D2, cyclin D3 is suggested to have a role in the initiation and/or maintenance of differentiation in a lineage‐associated manner in addition to its basic role in proliferation. Recently, it has been reported that in cyclin D3‐deficient mice, normal expansion of T lymphocytes is impaired because of maturation arrest at the double‐negative thymocyte stage, suggesting a crucial role for cyclin D3 in early T‐cell development. Therefore, cyclin D3 expression was examined in 36 human precursor T‐lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphomas (T‐LBLL), a neoplastic counterpart of T cells at the early developmental stages of differentiation. Using a standard panel of differentiation markers, all T‐LBLL were categorized into four stages according to differentiation: progenitor, double‐negative, double‐positive, and single‐positive stages. Cyclin D3 expression was initiated at the boundary between double‐negative and double‐positive stages, and was sustained in the single‐positive stage. T‐cell receptor was expressed simultaneously with cyclin D3, whereas CD79a expression was specific in the double‐negative stage, and thus it was inversely correlated with that of cyclin D3. Taken together with the crucial and non‐redundant role in T‐cell development in mice, this molecule is suggested to play an important role in human T‐cell development.
Assessing the above‐ground biomass of a complex tropical rainforest using a canopy crane
Authors: LIDDELL MICHAEL J. , NIEULLET NICOLAS , CAMPOE OTÁVIO C. , FREIBERG MARTIN
Published: February 2007

Abstract  Current estimates of the total biomass in tropical rainforests vary considerably; this is due in large part to the different approaches that are used to calculate biomass. In this study we have used a canopy crane to measure the tree architectures in a 1 ha plot of complex mesophyll vine forest at Cape Tribulation, Australia. Methods were developed to measure and calculate the crown and stem biomass of six major species of tree and palm (Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae), Cleistanthus myrianthus (Euphorbiaceae), Endiandra microneura (Lauraceae), Myristica insipida (Myristicaceae), Acmena graveolens (Myrtaceae), Normanbya normanbyi (Arecaceae)) using the unique access provided by the crane. This has allowed the first non‐destructive biomass estimate to be carried out for a forest of this type. Allometric equations which relate tree biomass to the measured variable ‘diameter at breast height’ were developed for the six species, and a general equation was also developed for trees on the plot. The general equation was similar in form to equations developed for tropical rainforests in Brazil and New Guinea. The species equations were applied at the level of families, the generalized equation was applied to the remaining species which allowed the biomass of a total of 680 trees to be calculated. This has provided a current estimate of 270 t ha−1 above‐ground biomass at the Australian Canopy Crane site; a value comparable to lowland rainforests in Panama and French Guiana. Using the same tree database seven alternative allometric equations (literature equations for tropical rainforests) were used to calculate the site biomass, the range was large (252–446 t ha−1) with only three equations providing estimates within 34 t ha−1 (12.5%) of the site value. Our use of multiple species‐specific allometric equations has provided a site estimate only slightly larger (1%) than that obtained using allometric equations developed specifically for tropical wet rainforests. We have demonstrated that it is possible to non‐destructively measure the biomass in a complex forest using an on‐site canopy crane. In conjunction the development of crown maps and a detailed tree architecture database allows changes in forest structure to be followed quantitatively.
Australian tropical forest canopy crane: New tools for new frontiers
Authors: STORK NIGEL E.
Published: February 2007

Abstract  An industrial crane was installed in the Daintree lowland rainforest in 1998 to provide a new means of accessing the canopy. Approximately 0.95 ha of forest, including 680 trees of 82 species with a diameter at breast height of greater than 10 cm, are accessible using the crane. The site was hit by a Category 3 Cyclone in 1999 and has shown a remarkable rate of recovery. The crane has been used for a very wide range of research including tree physiology and ecology, interactions with vertebrate and invertebrate biodiversity and studies of carbon and water fluxes. Results from studies on this crane and 11 other cranes around the world are changing views of the importance of the rainforest canopy.
Efficacy and tolerability of initial combination therapy with vildagliptin and pioglitazone compared with component monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rosenstock J. , Kim S. W , Baron M. A. , Camisasca R.‐P. , Cressier F. , Couturier A. , Dejager S.
Published: February 2007

Aim:  The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and tolerability of initial combination therapy with vildagliptin/pioglitazone to component monotherapy.

Methods:  This 24‐week, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, active‐controlled study assessed the effects of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor vildagliptin (100 mg q.d.), pioglitazone (30 mg q.d.) and vildagliptin combined with pioglitazone (100/30 mg q.d. or 50/15 mg q.d.) in 607 drug‐naive patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The primary outcome measure was change from baseline in HbA1c in patients receiving initial combination therapy compared with pioglitazone monotherapy.

Results:  After 24‐week treatment, adjusted mean changes in HbA1c from baseline (approximately 8.7%) in patients receiving pioglitazone monotherapy, 50/15 mg combination, 100/30 mg combination and vildagliptin monotherapy were −1.4 ± 0.1%, −1.7 ± 0.1%, −1.9 ± 0.1% and −1.1 ± 0.1% respectively. Both low‐dose and high‐dose combinations were significantly more efficacious than pioglitazone alone (p = 0.039 and p < 0.001 respectively). Adjusted mean changes in fasting plasma glucose were −1.9 ± 0.2, −2.4 ± 0.2, −2.8 ± 0.2 and −1.3 ± 0.2 mmol/l respectively, and both combination groups were significantly more effective than pioglitazone monotherapy (p = 0.022 and p < 0.001 respectively). The overall incidence of adverse events ranged from 45.8% in the low‐dose combination to 51.6% in the pioglitazone monotherapy group. The incidence of peripheral oedema was highest in patients receiving pioglitazone monotherapy (9.3%) and lowest in those receiving low‐dose combination (3.5%). One mild hypoglycaemic event was reported by one patient receiving high‐dose combination and one patient receiving vildagliptin monotherapy.

Conclusions:  First‐line treatment with vildagliptin/pioglitazone combination in patients with T2DM provides better glycaemic control than either monotherapy component yet has minimal risk of hypoglycaemia and a tolerability profile comparable with component monotherapy.
Infant information processing and family history of specific language impairment: converging evidence for RAP deficits from two paradigms
Authors: Choudhury Naseem , Leppanen Paavo H.T. , Leevers Hilary J. , Benasich April A.
Published: February 2007

An infant's ability to process auditory signals presented in rapid succession (i.e. rapid auditory processing abilities [RAP]) has been shown to predict differences in language outcomes in toddlers and preschool children. Early deficits in RAP abilities may serve as a behavioral marker for language‐based learning disabilities. The purpose of this study is to determine if performance on infant information processing measures designed to tap RAP and global processing skills differ as a function of family history of specific language impairment (SLI) and/or the particular demand characteristics of the paradigm used. Seventeen 6‐ to 9‐month‐old infants from families with a history of specific language impairment (FH+) and 29 control infants (FH−) participated in this study. Infants’ performance on two different RAP paradigms (head‐turn procedure [HT] and auditory‐visual habituation/recognition memory [AVH/RM]) and on a global processing task (visual habituation/recognition memory [VH/RM]) was assessed at 6 and 9 months. Toddler language and cognitive skills were evaluated at 12 and 16 months. A number of significant group differences were seen: FH+ infants showed significantly poorer discrimination of fast rate stimuli on both RAP tasks, took longer to habituate on both habituation/recognition memory measures, and had lower novelty preference scores on the visual habituation/recognition memory task. Infants’ performance on the two RAP measures provided independent but converging contributions to outcome. Thus, different mechanisms appear to underlie performance on operantly conditioned tasks as compared to habituation/recognition memory paradigms. Further, infant RAP processing abilities predicted to 12‐ and 16‐month language scores above and beyond family history of SLI. The results of this study provide additional support for the validity of infant RAP abilities as a behavioral marker for later language outcome. Finally, this is the first study to use a battery of infant tasks to demonstrate multi‐modal processing deficits in infants at risk for SLI.
The informative value of emotional expressions: ‘social referencing’ in mother–child pretense
Authors: Nishida Tracy K. , Lillard Angeline S.
Published: February 2007

Mothers begin to pretend with their children during the second year, when children still have much to learn about the real world. Although it would be easy to confuse what is pretend with what is real, children at this young age often demonstrate comprehension during pretense situations. It is plausible that social referencing, in which the child uses the mother's emotional expression as a guide to behavior, might facilitate this emerging knowledge by signaling to the child not to take the pretend situation seriously. Data from 32 pairs of mothers and their 18‐month‐olds who had engaged in pretend and real snack behaviors were subjected to a sequential analysis to investigate a social referencing interpretation. Consistent with our hypothesis, behaviors suggestive of a baby's understanding pretense were more likely to follow a specific combination of behaviors consistent with social referencing than other combinations of behaviors. These results provide support for the possibility that children use information obtained through social referencing to assist understanding during pretense interactions.
The Toronto Women's Bathhouse Raid: Querying Queer Identities in the Courtroom
Authors: Bain Alison L , Nash Catherine J
Published: February 2007

In 1998 the Toronto Women's Bathhouse Committee (TWBC) organized the “Pussy Palace”, Canada's first women's bathhouse event. Held semi‐annually at a gay male bathhouse in downtown Toronto, this newly emergent and potentially transgressive form of identity politics and spatial organizing caught the eye of the policing arm of the state; charges were laid and a public trial ensued. Through an analysis of the court decision and mainstream and alternative press coverage of the Pussy Palace, in this paper we explore the unstable and highly transitory operation of “queer” sexual citizenship within the confines of both the homonormativity of the gay and lesbian community and the regulatory regimes of the nation state. We argue that the policing and judicial institutions of the state seek to neutralize the potential transgressiveness of queer identities by absorbing them into hegemonic nationalist and citizenship discourses.
A COMPARISON OF THE IMPRECISE BETA CLASS, THE RANDOMIZED PLAY‐THE‐WINNER RULE AND THE TRIANGULAR TEST FOR CLINICAL TRIALS WITH BINARY RESPONSES
Authors: Gurrin Lyle C. , Burton Paul R.
Published: February 2007

This paper develops clinical trial designs that compare two treatments with a binary outcome. The imprecise beta class (IBC), a class of beta probability distributions, is used in a robust Bayesian framework to calculate posterior upper and lower expectations for treatment success rates using accumulating data. The posterior expectation for the difference in success rates can be used to decide when there is sufficient evidence for randomized treatment allocation to cease. This design is formally related to the randomized play‐the‐winner (RPW) design, an adaptive allocation scheme where randomization probabilities are updated sequentially to favour the treatment with the higher observed success rate. A connection is also made between the IBC and the sequential clinical trial design based on the triangular test. Theoretical and simulation results are presented to show that the expected sample sizes on the truly inferior arm are lower using the IBC compared with either the triangular test or the RPW design, and that the IBC performs well against established criteria involving error rates and the expected number of treatment failures.
Convergence to Purchasing Power Parity at the Commencement of the Euro*
Authors: Lopez Claude , Papell David H.
Published: February 2007

We investigate convergence towards purchasing power parity (PPP) within the eurozone and between the eurozone and its main partners using panel data methods. We find strong rejections of the unit‐root hypothesis, and therefore evidence of PPP, in the eurozone for different numéraire currencies, as well as in the eurozone plus the United States with the dollar as the numéraire currency, starting between 1996 and 1999. The process of convergence towards PPP, however, begins earlier, following the currency crises of 1992 and 1993, adoption of the Maastricht Treaty, and official completion of the Single Market.
Trade, Wages, and Specific Factors*
Authors: Dasgupta Indro , Osang Thomas
Published: February 2007

In this paper, we use a multisector specific‐factors model with sector‐specific capital and two mobile factors, skilled and unskilled labor, to examine the effects of trade, technology, and factor endowments on the skill premium in US manufacturing industries. Based on this model and data for the US manufacturing sector from 1958–96, we calculate changes in the skill premium and then carry out a decomposition to identify the changes caused by product price changes (trade), technological progress, labor, and capital endowment changes. The decomposition reveals that trade effects, working through product price changes, caused the skill premium to increase moderately. Changes in capital endowments (new investments) had a positive effect on the skill premium, with the strongest impact during the 1980s, while the effect of technological change on the skill premium varied over time. Finally, changes in relative labor endowments had a negative effect on the skill premium.
Microeconomic determinants of acquisitions of Eastern European banks by Western European banks1
Authors: Lanine Gleb , Vander Vennet Rudi
Published: February 2007

A considerable number of Western European banks acquired banks in Central and Eastern Europe from the mid‐1990s onwards. The question is whether or not this will improve the efficiency and profitability of the Central and Eastern European banking sectors. We test the relative strength of the efficiency versus the market power hypotheses by investigating the bank‐specific characteristics of the banks involved in the cross‐border acquisitions. We also examine the determinants of the post‐acquisition target banks’ performance. Our results indicate that large Western European banks have targeted relatively large and efficient Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) banks with an established presence in their local retail banking markets. We find no evidence that cross‐border bank acquisitions in the CEEC are driven by efficiency motivations. The evidence supports the market power hypothesis, raising concerns about the optimal balance between foreign ownership and competition.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in a sex‐reversal fish, rice field eel (Monopterus albus)
Authors: LI W. T. , LIAO X. L. , YU X. M. , CHENG L. , TONG J.
Published: February 2007

The rice field eel (Monopterus albus) is a fish of economic importance in China and some Asian countries. From a (GT)n‐enriched genomic library, 30 microsatellites were developed by employing the fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats (FIASCO) protocol. Thirteen loci exhibited polymorphism with two to 13 alleles (mean 7.9 alleles/locus) in a test population and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.3125 to 0.9688 (mean 0.7140). These loci should provide sufficient level of genetic variation to study the fine‐scale population structure and reproductive ecology of the species.
A Lutheran idyll: Lucas Cranach the Elder's Cupid Complaining to Venus
Authors: D’Ors Pablo Pérez
Published: February 2007

This article studies Cranach's Cupid complaining to Venus paintings and their inscriptions, focusing on their relationships to other texts and images made in Wittenberg in the same years. The moralizing use of the pseudo‐Theocritean Idyll XIX in the paintings and their inscriptions is connected to a trend of neo‐Latin versions of the same poem, inaugurated in the mid‐1520s by Philip Melanchthon (1497–1560). The poem of the inscriptions was written by the scholar Georg Sabinus (1508–1560), a former student of Melanchthon's. This, together with another similar poem by his tutor, was first published in a music book, Georg Rhau's Enchiridion utriusque musicae practicae (1536). Cranach also intended a religious interpretation of his Cupid and Venus pictures, a reading that is encouraged more explicitly in the illustrations of the 1538 edition of the Enchiridion. The paintings are characteristic of the preoccupations of German painters and scholars in their subject‐matter, charged with moral and religious overtones, and also in the way in which they were meant to engage the viewer as interpreter.
Depressive Symptoms and Sex Affect Completion Rates and Clinical Outcomes in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Caulin‐Glaser Teresa , Maciejewski Paul K. , Snow Richard , LaLonde Michelle , Mazure Carolyn
Published: February 2007

Symptoms of depression are often seen in patients with coronary heart disease. Symptoms appear more commonly in women and are negatively associated with measures of cardiovascular health. Using multiple logistic regression analyses, the authors evaluated the independent effects of depression (as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI‐II]) and sex on cardiac rehabilitation (CR) completion. In addition, in those who completed CR, the authors evaluated whether depressive symptoms and sex affected clinical outcomes. Women as well as participants with enrollment BDI‐II scores ≥14 had significantly higher rates of CR noncompletion. Patients with BDI‐II scores ≥14 who completed CR achieved significant improvements in lipid profile, body mass index, and exercise capacity regardless of sex. Women and individuals with BDI‐II scores ≥14 are at risk for CR noncompletion and should be encouraged to complete CR, because cardiovascular benefits comparable to those seen in men and individuals with low BDI‐II scores were achieved when these patients completed the CR program.
Evaluation of the Dose Response With Valsartan and Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide in Patients With Essential Hypertension
Authors: Weir Matthew R. , Crikelair Nora , Levy Drew , Rocha Ricardo , Kuturu Venkatram , Glazer Robert
Published: February 2007

This patient data meta‐analysis included 9 randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials (N=4278) of once‐daily valsartan 80, 160, or 320 mg or valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide 80/12.5, 160/12.5, 160/25, 320/12.5, or 320/25 mg given for 4 to 8 weeks. Efficacy variables included: (1) mean change in systolic blood pressure (BP) and diastolic BP; and (2) proportion of patients reaching BP goal (<140/90 mm Hg) at the end of the study. Results showed that incremental systolic and diastolic BP reductions were achieved with increasing doses. Starting doses of valsartan 160 mg provided greater BP reductions and a higher proportion of patients reaching goal than 80 mg; combination therapy was more effective than monotherapy. BP goal rates increased incrementally with higher doses. With valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide 320/25 mg, 74.9% overall, 88.8% of stage 1, and 62.1% of stage 2 patients reached BP goal. The rate of discontinuation due to adverse events was low with both monotherapy and combination treatment. Higher starting doses may enable patients to achieve greater initial BP reductions and reach BP goal more rapidly.
Feasibility of Biventricular Pacing in Patients With Recent Myocardial Infarction: Impact on Ventricular Remodeling
Authors: Chung Eugene S. , Menon Santosh G. , Weiss Raul , Schloss Edward J. , Chow Theodore , Kereiakes Dean J. , Mazur Wojciech , Salo Rodney W. , Galle Elizabeth , Pastore Joseph M.
Published: February 2007

To test the hypothesis that biventricular pacing after a myocardial infarction with reduced ejection fraction can attenuate left ventricular (LV) remodeling, the authors studied 18 patients (myocardial infarction within 30–45 days, ejection fraction ≤30%, narrow QRS) randomized to biventricular therapy (biventricular therapy + defibrillator) (biventricular group) or implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator alone (control group). At 1, 6, and 12 months, there were no differences in functional or clinical parameters (New York Heart Association, quality of life, 6‐minute walk). Twelve‐month LV volume remained stable in the biventricular group, but increased in the control group (median LV end‐diastolic volume increase, 6.5 mL in biventricular vs 35 mL in control; P=.03; median LV end‐diastolic volume decrease, 5.5 mL in biventricular vs 30.5‐mL increase in control; P=.11). Biventricular therapy also prevented an increase in sphericity index at 12 months (median, −2% in biventricular vs 37% in control; P=.06). Delivery of biventricular therapy early after myocardial infarction appears safe and feasible and may attenuate subsequent LV dilation.
The Physical Examination in Heart Failure—Part I
Authors: Leier Carl V. , Chatterjee Kanu
Published: February 2007

The major components and merits of the physical examination of patients with heart failure are presented. A staging of the physical examination practiced by most heart failure specialists is proposed based on the information needed at the time of the encounter. The challenges to our subspecialty regarding this diagnostic tool are the prevention of its extinction during an era of seemingly limitless comprehensive laboratory testing, the promotion of its widespread use, and, over the years, the subjection of its components to the rigors of blinded controlled studies. Part I addresses the staging of the physical examination in heart failure, general observation of the patient, vital signs, and assessment of arterial pulse and neck veins.
A Study on the Impact of GPA on Perceived Improvement of Higher‐Order Cognitive Skills*
Authors: Bradley Randy V. , Sankar Chetan S. , Clayton Howard R. , Mbarika Victor W. , Raju P. K.
Published: February 2007

Colleges of Business (COBs) have experienced high growth rates in the past decade and many colleges are imposing minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements for students to enter or remain in the college. A primary reason for this requirement may be the belief that students with high GPAs are more inclined to demonstrate higher‐order cognitive skills (HOCS) than students with low GPAs. It is not clear whether the link is valid. This study hypothesizes that students with high GPAs who are taught in the same way as students with lower GPAs will have higher perceptions of improved HOCS. We conducted an experiment in which students, with varying GPAs, at three large universities primarily used multimedia instructional materials. We obtained the students' perceptions of their improved HOCS from their responses to a survey. A regression analysis of the data reveals that the relationship between GPAs and students' perceived improvement in HOCS is significant (p < .001). We conclude the study by recommending that (a) it is critical to use research methodologies to evaluate perceived and actual learning improvements, (b) COB policies to implement GPA restrictions on admission are worthwhile, and (c) case studies need to be used much more frequently in undergraduate COB classes.
Lamellar Ichthyosis in a Saudi Kindred
Authors: Aboud Daifullah Al , Aboud Khalid Al , Ramesh V. , Kumar Joginder
Published: February 2007

A series of 20 patients aged 4–16 years presented with lamellar ichthyosis at the dermatology unit of King Faisal Hospital at Taif in western Saudi Arabia. Though they had come from different families, they all belonged to the same tribe that was confined to a rural area in the precincts of Taif. The tribe is known for consanguineous marriages. The affected children are from 5 sibships. All the children presented with generalized thick dark scales. The history revealed that they all were born with a thick membrane around them, which was shed soon after. Gradually over months and years there was development of generalized scaling. A prototype is shown in the Figure. The scales had become darker and thicker with the passage of time. There was no pruritus. Teeth and mucous membranes were normal. None of the patients had erythroderma. The associated findings in some of the children were ectropion and alopecia. Contractures including pseudoainhum were also observed in some children. None of the patients' parents was found to be affected with a similar condition. There was no improvement with age. Skin biopsies from several of the patients revealed only hyperkeratosis. All had to be managed with topical emollients since they could not afford oral retinoids.

One affected sibship with lamellar ichthyosis.

image
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis/Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy: Clinical Aspects
Authors: Piera‐Velázquez Sonsoles , Sandorfi Nora , Jiménez Sergio A
Published: February 2007

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, previously known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy, is a novel fibrosing disorder characterized by prominent cutaneous and systemic fibrosis in patients with renal failure. Although initially descriptions of this disorder was described to be purely cutaneous, numerous subsequent reports have shown remarkable systemic involvement with fibrosis of numerous internal organs, including striated muscles, myocardium, microvasculature, lungs, and others, accompanied by elevation of systemic inflammation markers, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein. The cutaneous manifestations are characterized by erythematous to browny skin induration with a peau d'orange appearance, plaques, nodules, and papules. Histopathologically, there is dermal and subdermal thickening with abundant collagen fibers and mucin deposits and a striking increase in the number of spindle‐shaped fibroblastic cells. The disorder is clinically distinct from scleromyxedema, systemic sclerosis, and other cutaneous fibrosing syndromes. The cause is unknown, and currently there is no uniformly effective treatment.
Human CD8+ intraepithelial lymphocytes: a unique model to study the regulation of effector cytotoxic T lymphocytes in tissue
Authors: Jabri Bana , Ebert Ellen
Published: February 2007

Summary:  The epithelium of the human small intestine contains a large population of intraepithelial cytolytic αβ T‐cell receptor (TCR) CD8αβ T lymphocytes (IE‐CTLs), whose main role is to sustain epithelial integrity by rapidly eliminating infected and damaged cells. In mouse, the recognition of inducible/modified self‐molecules, i.e. non‐classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, is mediated by the TCR and natural killer receptors (NKRs) co‐expressed on the cell surface of a non‐conventional autoreactive CD8αααβTCR cell subset. In contrast, in humans, the recognition of non‐classical MHC class I molecules induced by stress and inflammation on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) is principally mediated by NKRs expressed on conventional CD8αβαβTCR cells. By sensing microenvironmental signals of inflammation and stress through NKRs, IE‐CTLs fine tune their TCR activation threshold. Furthermore, IE‐CTLs under particular conditions, involving interleukin‐15 upregulation, acquire the capacity to kill distressed intestinal epithelial cells in an antigen non‐specific manner. Adaptive IE‐CTLs appear hence to have autoreactive properties and modulate their immune response based on innate signals, reflecting the fitness of the tissue.
Fixed Mandibular Restorations on Three Early‐Loaded Regular Platform Brånemark Implants
Authors: De Bruyn Hugo , Kisch Jenö , Collaert Bruno , Lindén Ulf , Nilner Krister , Dvärsäter Lisbeth
Published: February 2007

Background: Originally, the Brånemark System was used as a two‐stage surgical procedure. Comparable clinical results have made one‐stage and early‐loading concepts possible alternatives in the edentulous mandible. From the patient's point of view, the financial aspect of implant treatment is important. In an attempt to decrease financial burden, the reduction of surgical interventions and reduction of the number of implants could be considered.

Purpose: This prospective multicenter study evaluated (1) the 1‐and 3‐year success rates of implants loaded within 1 month after one‐stage surgery with a fixed 10‐ to 12‐unit bridge on three regular platform Brånemark System implants in the mandible, (2) the outcome of the prosthetic treatment, and (3) the opinion of patients regarding the treatment procedure.

Materials and Methods: Of 20 patients, 19 received five implants in the mandible, of which three were functionally loaded with the one‐stage technique (group 1). The loaded implants were inserted in a tripodal position, one implant in the symphysis and two located anterior of the mental foramen in the bicuspid area. Two additional implants were inserted for safety reasons but were not intended to be included in the restoration. These two additional implants served as either an unloaded one‐stage control implant (group 2) or an unloaded control implant installed with the submerged technique (group 3). Immediately after surgery, the implants were loaded with a relined denture. The patients received a 10‐ to 12‐unit prosthetic reconstruction an average 31 days (range, 4‐53 d) after surgery. Implant stability was clinically checked at 3, 12, and 36 months. Radiographs were taken at corresponding follow‐up visits to calculate bone‐to‐implant level and marginal bone resorption.

Results: Six of 60 functionally loaded implants (10%) and 3 of 20 prostheses (15%) failed within the first year. The cumulative implant failure rate in group 1, both after 1 and after 3 years, was 9.5%. No implant failure occurred in the control groups 2 and 3. The average marginal bone level measured at 1 and 3 years was 1.6 mm (SD = 0.8 mm) and 2.1 mm (SD = 0.2 mm), respectively, for group 1; 1.5 mm (SD = 1.3 mm) and 2.4 mm (SD = 0.6 mm), respectively, for group 2; 0.8 mm (SD = 1.4 mm) and 0.7 mm (SD = 0.9 mm), respectively, for group 3.

Conclusions: The results of treatment using three regular platform Brånemark System implants supporting a fixed mandibular arch reconstruction were less favorable than the outcome that can be expected with a standard four‐ to six‐implant with one‐stage surgery.
Field performance of Solanum sisymbriifolium, a trap crop for potato cyst nematodes. II. Root characteristics
Authors: Timmermans B.G.H. , Vos J. , Stomph T.J. , Van Nieuwburg J. , Van der Putten P.E.L.
Published: February 2007

Hatching of potato cyst nematodes is induced by root exudates of Solanaceae, such as Solanum sisymbriifolium, and is therefore related to root length distribution of this crop. A mathematical model was derived to relate the hatching potential to root length density (RLD). A series of field experiments was carried out to study actual root length distribution of S. sisymbriifolium in relation to shoot properties and to provide input into the model. Using a modified Poisson distribution formula for the three‐dimensional distribution of roots in a volume of soil, the relation between the zone of influence of hatching agents and the RLD could be derived. On this basis, the minimal RLD was estimated, which is needed to expose 75%, 90% or 95% of cysts to root exudates, as a function of the length of the zone of influence of hatching agents on cysts. The logarithm of the total root length showed a linear relation with the logarithms of above‐ground biomass and with leaf area index. Root diameter distribution was the same for all crops examined and independent of soil depth. Fine roots (<0.4 mm in diameter) constituted around 50% of total root length. Using a zone of influence of 1.00, 0.75 and 0.50 cm around the centre of each root, a minimal RLD for sufficient soil exploration (75%) was estimated. Depth at which that minimal RLD was exceeded was linearly related to total root length (km m−2) and to above‐ground crop biomass, enabling estimations being made of the potential hatching efficacy as related to measurable properties of S. sisymbriifolium crops. The proposed approach to derive potential hatching effects from crop properties needs further validation; particularly, the distance of influence of root exudates is a critical factor.
DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING FOR PROCESS OPTIMIZATION 1. AN ALGORITHM FOR DESIGN OF MULTI‐STAGE GRAIN DRYERS
Authors: BROOK ROGER C. , BAKKER‐ARKEMA FRED W.
Published: February 2007

A dynamic programming algorithm for determining the optimum operational parameters and size of a multi‐stage concurrent flow dryer with intermediate tempering stages was developed. The objective function was based on energy and capital costs. The operational parameters were constrained by the desired final moisture content and the maximum allowable value of important grain quality factors.

The two‐ and three‐stage concurrent flow dryers have a higher investment cost than the single stage unit, but were less expensive to operate due to the decreased grainflow rate in the single‐stage unit. On the basis of operating cost, the multi‐stage concurrent flow dryer was preferable to a comparable crossflow dryer for drying corn.
Metropolitan Colonisation and the Reinvention of Place: Class Polarisation along the Cessnock‐Pokolbin Fault‐Line
Authors: HOLMES JOHN , HARTIG KATE
Published: February 2007

This paper examines the emergence of a sharply delineated socioeconomic and sociocultural fault‐line between Cessnock's former coal towns and the immediately adjacent Hunter Valley Wine Country, centred on Pokolbin. We provide evidence that divergent culturally‐related class identities act as mutually reinforcing constraints on reciprocity between job‐deficit former coal towns and the job‐surplus wine country. We relate this to a consideration of time‐space dimensions in the interdependencies between the class and place identities of Cessnock and Pokolbin. These identities have been influenced by metropolitan colonisation, with the markedly differentiated absorption of these two locales into the enlarged metropolitan population‐work‐welfare‐housing‐leisure agglomeration. Further, we propose that the former coal towns and the wine country can both be seen as place‐specific representations of wider class‐related changes within Australian society. Our interpretations are founded on three current research directions: first, the role of culture as a critical intervening variable in class identities and actions; second, the current flux in class formations, most notably the loss of self‐identity and solidarity in the working class and the emergence of a new middle‐class sector dedicated to self‐realisation and self‐fulfilment; and third, recognition of class formation as a geographical process.
Towards Free Trade in the Pacific? The Genesis of the ‘Kava‐Biscuit War’ between Fiji and Vanuatu
Authors: CONNELL JOHN
Published: February 2007

Contemporary movements towards trade liberalisation have influenced economic development in Pacific island states, where opportunities for growth have always been restricted. The new free trade, centred on comparative advantage, is especially challenging for countries producing sugar, where diversification is difficult, and for the smallest states where trade options have always been limited. New regional trade agreements have been introduced in the Pacific as a step towards global free trade, but have emphasised trade rivalry and conflict, characterised by the ‘kava‐biscuit war’ between Fiji and Vanuatu, rather than complementary trade and cooperation. Movement towards free trade poses acute problems for island states, yet international agreements have not recognised their particular disadvantages, and continue to stress benefits that are nowhere apparent in the Pacific.
Going Bush: the Implications of Urban‐Rural Migration
Authors: COSTELLO LAUREN
Published: February 2007

Traditionally, migration away from urban centres by those seeking lifestyle changes has been towards beach environments. More recently though, there have been small movements of people to rural environments seeking similar lifestyle changes. These movements to rural locales have been popularly referred to as treechange. Previous research on exurban migration has primarily focused on quantifying the migration process and attributes of the migrators. In contrast, this paper presents some preliminary findings on the impact of urban‐rural migration on a small, semi‐rural receiving area north of Melbourne. More specifically, it explores the impact that exurban migration has on local housing markets such as increases in house prices, decreases in affordability and declines in rental stock. The research also illustrates the divisions that appear in local communities between traditional residents and ‘newcomers’ over amenity issues and economic development.