bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial and Socio‐Environmental Correlatesof Sport Identity and Sport Participationin Secondary School‐Age Children
Authors: Lau Patrick W. C. , Fox Kenneth R. , Cheung Mike W. L.
Published: December 2005

Although sport offers many psychological and physical health benefits, only a minority of youngsters become seriously involved. One construct that has po‐tential to describe psychological commitment and longer term participation in sport is sport identity. The purpose of this study was to a) identify key psychoso‐cial and socio‐environmental variables related to sport identity, and b) provide a preliminary test of a sport identity model to predict children's sport participa‐tion. Participants were 55 boys and 45 girls aged 12 to 13 from a secondary school in England. A series of established questionnaires including the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire, Self‐Regulation Questionnaire, Sport Competence Subscale from the Physical Self‐Perception Profile and Per‐ceived Importance Profile, and Athletic Identity Measurement Scale were used to assess psychosocial variables. In addition, socio‐environmental question‐naires were developed for the study to assess the influence of parents, peers, and schools. Regression analysis indicated that sport identity was the strongest predictor of sport participation. A preliminary model featuring sport identity as a mediator between psychosocial, environmental variables and sport participa‐tion was tested. Results indicated that the data provided a good fit. This study has provided initial evidence that sport identity is an important construct for the study of children's sport participation.
Differences in Mood Among Elite Athletesin Artistic Roller, Figure, and Inline Speed SkatingBefore and After Competition
Authors: Barkhoff Harald , Heiby Elaine M
Published: December 2005

This study explored whether elite artistic skating athletes differ from elite inline speed skating athletes in terms of mood as assessed before and after competi‐tion. Its secondary purpose was to determine whether mood states in athletes generally differ before competition, as compared to after. Thirty‐nine athletes in artistic and inline speed skating participated in this study during the German national and European championships. Participants were top‐ranked elite skat‐ers, including 17 German national champions, nine European and four World champions as well as four participants in recent Olympic Games. Artistic skat‐ers exhibited more delight and less listlessness both before and after competi‐tion. Inline speed skaters reported greater arousal before competition, whereas artistic skaters reported more arousal after competition. All skaters reported more activation before competition as compared to after competition. These results have implications for athletes’ preparation for and participation in sports competition.
The ASCH superfamily: novel domains with a fold related to the PUA domain and a potential role in RNA metabolism
Authors: Iyer Lakshminarayan M. , Burroughs A. Maxwell , Aravind L.
Published: December 2005

Several studies show that transcription coactivators are often bi-functional ribonucleoprotein complexes that also regulate pre-mRNA processing and splicing decisions. Using sensitive sequence profile searches and structural comparisons we show that the C-terminal domain of the human coactivator protein ASC-1 defines a novel superfamily, the ASC-1 homology (ASCH) domain. The approximately 110 amino acid long ASCH domains are widely represented in all the three superkingdoms of life and several prokaryotic viruses. We show that the ASCH superfamily adopts a beta-barrel fold similar to the PUA domain superfamily. Using multiple lines of evidence, we suggest that members of the ASCH superfamily are likely to function as RNA-binding domains in contexts related to coactivation, RNA-processing and possibly prokaryotic translation regulation. Structural analysis of ASCH domains reveals the presence of a potential RNA-binding cleft associated with a conserved sequence motif, which is characteristic of this superfamily. Despite their similar structure, the ASCH and PUA domains appear to occupy distinct functional niches, with the former domains typically occurring in a standalone form in polypeptides, and the latter domains showing fusions to a variety of RNA-modifying enzymes.

Contact:  aravind@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Supplementary information: A complete alignment of all ASCH domains in the NR-database and other domains found fused to the ASCH can be retrieved from
PAGE: phase-shifted analysis of gene expression
Authors: Leung Elo , Bushel Pierre R.
Published: December 2005

Summary: Grouping of gene expression patterns across biological experiments, treatments and time-series data is performed in q-intervals of measurements using phase-shifted analysis of gene expression (PAGE); a Java-based tool to find clusters of genes that share trends of expression profiles within the dataset. The patterns and genes within q-Clusters are visualized in trend plots and compared to determine biological relevance from the gene annotations.

Availability: PAGE is available at

Contact:  bushel@niehs.nih.gov

Supplementary information: The Supplementary data are available at
A simple electrostatic switch important in the activation of type I protein kinase A by cyclic AMP
Authors: Vigil Dominico , Lin Jung‐Hsin , Sotriffer Christoph A. , Pennypacker Juniper K. , McCammon J. Andrew , Taylor Susan S.
Published: December 2005

Cyclic AMP activates protein kinase A by binding to an inhibitory regulatory (R) subunit and releasing inhibition of the catalytic (C) subunit. Even though crystal structures of regulatory and catalytic subunits have been solved, the precise molecular mechanism by which cyclic AMP activates the kinase remains unknown. The dynamic properties of the cAMP binding domain in the absence of cAMP or C‐subunit are also unknown. Here we report molecular‐dynamics simulations and mutational studies of the RIα R‐subunit that identify the C‐helix as a highly dynamic switch which relays cAMP binding to the helical C‐subunit binding regions. Furthermore, we identify an important salt bridge which links cAMP binding directly to the C‐helix that is necessary for normal activation. Additional mutations show that a hydrophobic “hinge” region is not as critical for the cross‐talk in PKA as it is in the homologous EPAC protein, illustrating how cAMP can control diverse functions using the evolutionarily conserved cAMP‐binding domains.
Site‐2 protease regulated intramembrane proteolysis: Sequence homologs suggest an ancient signaling cascade
Authors: Kinch Lisa N. , Ginalski Krzysztof , Grishin Nick V.
Published: December 2005

Site‐2 proteases (S2Ps) form a large family of membrane‐embedded metalloproteases that participate in cellular signaling pathways through sequential cleavage of membrane‐tethered substrates. Using sequence similarity searches, we extend the S2P family to include remote homologs that help define a conserved structural core consisting of three predicted transmembrane helices with traditional metalloprotease functional motifs and a previously unrecognized motif (GxxxN/S/G). S2P relatives were identified in genomes from Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota including protists, plants, fungi, and animals. The diverse S2P homologs divide into several groups that differ in various inserted domains and transmembrane helices. Mammalian S2P proteases belong to the major ubiquitous group and contain a PDZ domain. Sequence and structural analysis of the PDZ domain support its mediating the sequential cleavage of membrane‐tethered substrates. Finally, conserved genomic neighborhoods of S2P homologs allow functional predictions for PDZ‐containing transmembrane proteases in extra‐cytoplasmic stress response and lipid metabolism.
An examination of dynamics crosstalk between SH2 and SH3 domains by hydrogen/deuterium exchange and mass spectrometry
Authors: Hochrein James M. , Lerner Edwina C. , Schiavone Anthony P. , Smithgall Thomas E. , Engen John R.
Published: December 2005

The ability of proteins to regulate their own enzymatic activity can be facilitated by changes in structure or protein dynamics in response to external regulators. Because many proteins contain SH2 and SH3 domains, transmission of information between the domains is a potential method of allosteric regulation. To determine if ligand binding to one modular domain may alter structural dynamics in an adjacent domain, allowing potential transmission of information through the protein, we used hydrogen exchange and mass spectrometry to measure changes in protein dynamics in the SH3 and SH2 domains of hematopoietic cell kinase (Hck). Ligand binding to either domain had little or no effect on hydrogen exchange in the adjacent domain, suggesting that changes in protein structure or dynamics are not a means of SH2/SH3 crosstalk. Furthermore, ligands of varying affinity covalently attached to SH3/SH2 altered dynamics only in the domain to which they bind. Such results demonstrate that ligand binding may not structurally alter adjacent SH3/SH2 domains and implies that other aspects of protein architecture contribute to the multiple levels of regulation in proteins containing SH3 and SH2 domains.
A structural model of an amyloid protofilament of Transthyretin
Authors: Correia Bruno E. , Loureiro‐Ferreira Nuno , Rodrigues J. Rui , Brito Rui M.M.
Published: December 2005

A docking‐and‐alignment protocol was devised in order to build amyloid protofilaments of Transthyretin (TTR), starting from partially disrupted TTR monomeric subunits and based on experimentally available information. The docking approach is driven by a combination of shape complementarity and energetic criteria, and uses constraints derived from experimental data obtained for the fibrillar state. The dimeric structures obtained were then subjected to an alignment scheme followed by clustering analysis, producing a collection of protofilaments with distinct geometric properties. The selected protofilament model presented here does agree with known experimental data and general amyloid properties; it is formed by two extended continuous β‐sheets with the β‐strands perpendicular to the main axis of the protofilament and a helical twist with a period of ∼48 β‐strands. This TTR proto‐filament model may be an important step in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of TTR aggregation, as well as, a valuable instrument in drug design strategies against amyloid diseases.
Crystal structure of TBP‐interacting protein (Tk‐TIP26) and implications for its inhibition mechanism of the interaction between TBP and TATA‐DNA
Authors: Yamamoto Takahiko , Matsuda Tomoki , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Matsumura Hiroyoshi , Morikawa Masaaki , Kanaya Shigenori , Kai Yasushi
Published: December 2005

TATA‐binding protein (TBP)‐interacting protein from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakaraensis strain KOD1 (Tk‐TIP26) is a possible transcription regulatory protein in Thermococcales. Here, we report the crystal structure of Tk‐TIP26 determined at 2.3 Å resolution with multiple‐wavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) method. The overall structure of Tk‐TIP26 consists of two domains. The N‐terminal domain forms an α/β structure, in which three α‐helices enclose the central β‐sheet. The topology of this domain is similar to that of holliday junction resolvase Hjc from Pyrococcus furiosus. The C‐terminal domain comprises three α‐helices, six β‐strands, and two 310‐helices. In the dimer structure of Tk‐TIP26, two molecules are related with the crystallographic twofold axis, and these molecules rigidly interact with each other via hydrogen bonds. The complex of Tk‐TIP26/Tk‐TBP is isolated and analyzed by SDS‐PAGE and gel filtration column chromatography, resulting in a stoichiometric ratio of the interaction between Tk‐TIP26 and Tk‐TBP of 4:2, i.e., two dimer molecules of Tk‐TIP26 formed a complex with one dimeric TBP. The electrostatic surfaces of Tk‐TIP26 and TBP from Pyrocuccus woesei (PwTBP) allowed us to build a model of the Tk‐TIP26/TBP complex, and to propose the inhibition mechanism where two dimer molecules of Tk‐TIP26 bind to a dimeric TBP, preventing its binding to TATA‐DNA.
Diagnostic cross‐linking of paired cysteine pairs demonstrates homologous structures for two chemoreceptor domains with low sequence identity
Authors: Lai Wing‐Cheung , Peach Megan L. , Lybrand Terry P. , Hazelbauer Gerald L.
Published: December 2005

Hundreds of bacterial chemoreceptors from many species have periplasmic, ligand‐recognition domains of approximately the same size, but little or no sequence identity. The only structure determined is for the periplasmic domain of chemoreceptor Tar from Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Do sequence‐divergent but similarly sized chemoreceptor periplasmic domains have related structures? We addressed this issue for the periplasmic domain of chemoreceptor TrgE from E. coli, which has a low level of sequence similarity to Tar, by combining homology modeling and diagnostic cross‐linking between pairs of introduced cysteines. A homology model of the TrgE domain was created using the homodimeric, four‐helix bundle structure of the TarS domain from Salmonella. In this model, we chose four pairs of positions at which introduced cysteines would be sufficiently close to form disulfides across each of four different helical interfaces. For each pair we chose a second pair, in which one cysteine of the original pair was shifted by one position around the helix and thus would be less favorably placed for disulfide formation. We created genes coding for proteins containing four such pairs of cysteine pairs and investigated disulfide formation in vivo as well as functional consequences of the substitutions and disulfides between neighboring helices. Results of the experimental tests provided strong support for the accuracy of the model, indicating that the TrgE periplasmic domain is very similar to the TarS domain. Diagnostic cross‐linking of paired pairs of introduced cysteines could be applied generally as a stringent test of homology models.
Use of a probiotic to control lactococcosis and streptococcosis in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: Brunt J , Austin B
Published: December 2005

From a comparison of 125 bacterial isolates recovered from the digestive tract of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and carp, Cyprinus sp., a culture was obtained which was effective at preventing clinical disease caused by Lactococcus garvieae and Streptococcus iniae when used as a feed additive. The culture, Aeromonas sobria GC2, was incorporated into the feed and fed to rainbow trout (average weight = 20 g) for 14 days at a dose equivalent to 5 × 107 cells g−1 of feed. Whereas the untreated controls experienced losses of 75–100% when challenged intraperitoneally with L. garvieae and S. iniae, the probiotic‐treated groups remained healthy with total mortalities of only 0–6%. Formalized and sonicated preparations of GC2 and cell‐free supernatant fared less well. The mode of action reflected stimulation of innate immunity, namely an increased number of leucocytes and enhanced phagocytic and respiratory burst activity.
Engulfed pathogen‐induced apoptosis in haemocytes of giant freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii
Authors: Hsu J‐P , Huang C , Liao C‐M , Hsuan S‐L , Hung H‐H , Chien M‐S
Published: December 2005

Haemocytes of the giant freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii, were investigated for the induction of apoptosis after phagocytosis of pathogenic yeasts, bacteria and non‐pathogenic latex beadsin vitro. Isolated haemocytes ofM. rosenbergiiwere cultured at a ratio of 1:50 haemocytes to pathogen with the yeastDebaryomyces hansenii, the bacteriaAeromonas hydrophilaorEnterococcus faecium, or with latex beads at 25 °C for 2 h, followed by washing to remove free particles. At least 200 haemocytes were counted to determine the phagocytosis rate, and the results showed that haemocytes engulfed latex beads at a higher rate than the aquatic pathogens. By transmission electron microscopy, the yeast‐ or bacterium‐engulfing haemocytes displayed morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis, including formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles, chromatin condensation and fragmentation of nuclei. This pathogen‐induced apoptosis was further confirmed by DNA laddering and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated deoxy‐UTP nick‐end‐labelling) assays. Neither haemocytes treated with latex beads nor uninfected haemocytes (control group) showed signs of apoptosis after 48 h in culture.
Task‐dependent differences in subjective fatigue scores
Authors: RICHTER S. , MARSALEK K. , GLATZ C. , GUNDEL A.
Published: December 2005

The aim of the present study was to evaluate time‐on‐task effects on subjective fatigue in two different tasks of varying monotony during night‐time testing (20:00 to 4:00 hours) in a sleep deprivation intervention. The experiment included eight test runs separated by breaks of approximately 20 min. Twenty healthy volunteers performed a driving simulator and the Mackworth clock vigilance task in four of the test runs each. Sequence of tasks was varied across subjects. Before and after each task, subjective sleepiness was assessed by means of the Karolinska sleepiness scale and subjective fatigue was rated on the Samn‐Perelli checklist. Fatigue and sleepiness significantly increased over the course of the night. Both tasks led to an increase in fatigue and sleepiness across test runs. However, this time‐on‐task effect was larger in the vigilance than in the driving simulator task. It is important to note that fatigue and sleepiness in one test run were not influenced by the task performed in the preceding test run, that is there were no cross‐over effects. The results suggest that time‐on‐task effects superimpose circadian and sleep‐related factors affecting fatigue. They depend on the monotony of the task and can be quantified by means of a design including separate test runs divided by breaks.
Event‐related potential measures of the disruptive effects of trains of auditory stimuli during waking and sleeping states
Authors: CAMPBELL K. , MICHAUD D. S. , KEITH S. E. , MULLER‐GASS A. , WIEBE S.
Published: December 2005

Acoustic backup alarms have been reported to particularly disrupt sleep. The present study simulated backup alarms by presenting trains of five consecutive 500 ms duration audible tones, with the time between the onset of each tone being 1 s and the time between trains (offset to onset) between 15 and 20 s. In different conditions, the tones were set at either 80 or 60 dB sound pressure level (SPL). Twelve young adults spent two consecutive nights in the laboratory. Stimuli were presented only on the second night. Measures of traditional sleep architecture (sleep stages) were not affected by the acoustic trains. Event‐related potentials were also measured following presentation of the stimuli. In the waking state, the initial 80 dB stimulus elicited a large amplitude N1, peaking at about 100 ms, followed by a positive peak, P3, peaking at about 325 ms. N1 was attenuated following presentation of the 60 dB stimulus. The amplitude of N1 was much reduced following presentation of the subsequent second to fifth stimuli in the train. During non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, the initial 80 dB stimulus elicited a large and later negativity (N350) that was reduced in amplitude for the 60 dB stimulus. A K‐Complex (a composite N350 and a much larger N550) was elicited following 35% of the initial 80 dB tones and 12% of the initial 60 dB tones. The amplitude of N550 did not, however, significantly vary as a function of stimulus SPL. During REM sleep, N1 continued to be elicited by the initial louder stimulus, but the later positive wave was not apparent. A late negativity peaking at about 350 ms was, however, apparent. When queried the next morning, subjects rarely indicated that the stimulus presentations disturbed their sleep. This might be because of the absence of the late positivity. The presence of the long latency negativities (N350 and N550) might serve to protect sleep from obtrusive sound during sleep.
Diurnal spectral EEG fluctuations in narcoleptic patients during rest and reaction time tasks
Authors: SMIT ANNIKA S. , DROOGLEEVER FORTUYN HAL A. , ELING PAUL A. T. M. , COENEN ANTON M. L.
Published: December 2005

Narcolepsy is associated with lowered vigilance. Diurnal variation in vigilance appears altered, but the exact nature of this change is unclear. It was hypothesized that the homeostatic sleep drive is increased in narcolepsy. Decreased levels of vigilance are reflected in low frequency band power in the electroencephalogram (EEG), so these frequencies were expected to be increased in the narcolepsy group. Furthermore, it was expected that low frequency power should increase over the day. Narcoleptic patients and healthy controls participated (36 participants in total); they were not allowed to take medication or naps on the experimental day. EEG was measured at 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00 hours, during rest and during reaction time tasks. In the narcolepsy group, alpha power was lower at rest at all times. Delta and theta power during rest and task performance increased steadily over the day in this group, from 11:00 hours onwards. Additionally, in the narcolepsy group beta1 and beta2 power during rest appeared increased at the end of the day. The effects in the lower frequency bands strongly suggest that vigilance is low at all times. The progressive increase in low frequency power indicates that the sleep drive is enhanced. It is not clear whether this pattern reflects an extreme state of low vigilance, or a pathological brain condition. The effects in the higher frequencies suggest that narcoleptic patients may make an effort to counteract their low vigilance level.
Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in asymptomatic sheep in family flocks from Mexico State
Authors: Alonso‐Fresán M. U. , García‐Álvarez A. , Salazar‐García F. , Vázquez‐Chagoyán J. C. , Pescador‐Salas N. , Saltijeral‐Oaxaca J.
Published: December 2005

To determine Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence in faeces from asymptomatic sheep, 37 family flocks in Mexico State were sampled. Data were collected by the interview method and Ziehl‐Neelsen stain of faecal samples for Cryptosporidium identification. The independent group proportion hypothesis test was used for differences in prevalences between sheep farms. A 34.3% general prevalence was found, and prevalence in herds with >100 animals was significantly higher (40.6%). Correlation was found between flock size and Cryptosporidium spp. presence (odds ratio, OR, 2.57; confidence interval, IC95%, 1.84–3.60).
Long‐Term Studies on Maternal Immunity for Aujeszky's Disease and Classical Swine Fever in Wild Boar Piglets
Authors: Müller T. , Teuffert J. , Staubach C. , Selhorst T. , Depner K. R.
Published: December 2005

The aim of the studies was to fathom the duration and the role of maternal immunity for Aujeszky's disease (AD) and classical swine fever (CSF) in wild boar offspring. In one experiment, two wild boar sows were infected with a low pathogenic pseudorabies virus (PRV) in 1999. A total of 51 offspring was born between 1999 and 2002 and was monitored for PRV maternal antibodies. In a second experiment, the maternal immunity for CSF was analysed. Therefore, a sow was orally vaccinated against CSF using vaccine baits containing the live‐attenuated C‐strain vaccine. The vaccination took place in January 1999. The sow gave birth to four piglets in 2001 and to two piglets in 2002. With respect to maternal immunity for AD, some piglets reacted positive in the ELISA up to 27‐week post‐partum while in the neutralization test antibodies were detected up to 15‐week post‐partum. The calculated half‐life of neutralizing antibodies was 21 days. Regarding CSF, the neutralization titres of maternal antibodies dropped continuously reaching values of ≤10 ND50 20‐week post‐partum. After the 12th week post‐partum, most of the sera reacted negative in the ELISA. However, after the third month, low levels of neutralization titres were still detectable. The results are discussed with respect to the epidemiology and control of both diseases in wild boar populations.
Comparative Study of the Effects of Several Chemical and Physical Treatments on the Activity of Protease Resistance and Infectivity of Scrapie Strain 263K
Authors: Yao H.‐L. , Han J. , Gao J.‐M. , Zhang J. , Zhang B.‐Y. , Guo Y.‐J. , Nie K. , Gao C. , Wang X.‐F. , Dong X.‐P.
Published: December 2005

To study the influences of chemical and physical factors on the protease resistant activity in vitro and the infectivity in vivo of scrapie strain 263K, PrPSc from the hamsters infected intracerebrally with scrapie strain 263K were treated with several commonly used disinfection methods, including sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), heating or autoclaving at 80, 100, 121 and 134°C in the solutions with or without 3% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The protease resistance of PrPSc was analysed by a proteinase K (PK) digesting Western blot and the infectivity of PrPSc was analysed by intracerebral (i.c.) inoculation into experimental hamsters. The results showed that PrPSc signals were removed in the preparations treated with NaOH higher than 0.05 mol/l, NaOCl higher than 0.1%, autoclaved over 121°C, or heated over 80°C in the presence of 3% SDS. Animal challenges revealed that mixing with 2 mol/l NaOH or 2% NaOCl, autoclaving at 134°C, as well as heating at 100°C or autoclaving at 121°C in the solutions with 3% SDS completely blocks the transmission of scrapie 263K in this experimental situation. It is obvious that the removal of PK resistance of PrPSc happened at relatively lower concentration chemicals or lower temperature, while elimination of the infectivity needs more vigorous conditions. Our data provide the useful evidences for several commonly used methods to inactivate TSEs agent and suggest that it is inappropriate to use PrPSc as a surrogate for TSEs infectivity in inactivation experiments.
Analysis of the learning context, perceptions of the learning environment and approaches to learning accounting: a longitudinal study
Authors: Jackling Beverley
Published: December 2005

This study investigates student approaches to learning over the 3 years of an undergraduate degree course in accounting. The objective of the study was, first, to identify changes in learning approaches over the course duration. Second, the study examined whether any changes in learning approaches were consistent with changes in the context of learning as well as students' perceptions of the teaching/learning environment. The results show that students made greater use of sophisticated learning approaches over time linked to their more favourable perceptions of the teaching/learning environment as they progressed in their course. However, there were no significant changes in learning approach attributable to the learning context. Implications for accounting educators drawn from the findings are discussed.
Is ‘benchmark beating’ by Australian firms evidence of earnings management?
Authors: Coulton Jeff , Taylor Sarah , Taylor Stephen
Published: December 2005

We investigate the extent to which Australian firms that report small profits and/or small increases in earnings (i.e. benchmark beaters) have done so by the upward manipulation of these earnings. Although evidence of an unusually large number of firms managing to just beat such earnings benchmarks has been interpreted as evidence of earnings management, this approach fails to identify those firms that are the manipulators from those where unbiased earnings fall naturally into the benchmark beating group. Our results suggest that caution is required in interpreting benchmark beating as an indicator of the extent of earnings management. Using several methods for estimating the unexpected accrual component of earnings, we show that although benchmark beaters have larger positive unexpected accruals than other firms, a similar result holds when firms with small losses or earnings declines (i.e. ‘just miss’ firms) are compared with other firms. Moreover, there is no statistically significant difference between unexpected accruals for the benchmark beating and just miss groups. At a minimum, we reject the joint hypothesis that unexpected accruals capture earnings management and that an unusual kink around zero in the distribution of earnings levels or earnings changes is caused by earnings management.
Integrating consumer information with the new product development process: the development of lighter dairy products
Authors: Bogue Joe , Ritson Christopher
Published: December 2005

In highly competitive markets, research methodologies need to be adapted to understand end‐users’ needs with greater clarity than hitherto when new products were developed. Integrating marketing and sensory analysis to measure end‐users’ preferences for the extrinsic and intrinsic attributes of food products can help understand end‐users’ perceptions of product quality. This research identified the extrinsic and intrinsic attributes that determined end‐users’ preferences for a range of full‐fat and lighter dairy products. Six focus groups revealed end‐users’ perceptions of lighter dairy products while Descriptive Sensory Analysis was used to profile the sensory characteristics of the full‐fat and lighter dairy products. Preference Mapping and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis were then used to identify clusters of end‐users with similar preferences for lighter dairy products. End‐users had a higher preference for lighter strawberry yoghurts, than lighter Cheddar‐type cheeses. Integrating marketing and sensory information promotes a market‐oriented approach to the development of new food products.
Rising prices and coping strategies of urban families in India
Authors: Joshi Suramya S. , Gandotra Veena S.
Published: December 2005

This study examines how Indian urban households coped with rising prices over the period 1995–1996 to 1999–2000. It provides evidence of cost of living indices and the coping strategies of urban households belonging to different income groups. Although there has been a lively debate on inflation and related issues, most of the studies were macro studies, which have not paid explicit attention to the impact of rising prices on the coping and financial management responses of the affected families. This paper is a part of a larger cross‐sectional study on the impact of rising prices on quality of life and financial management practices of Indian urban households belonging to five different income groups. This paper provides the evidence on cost of living indices and the coping strategies adopted by these households to combat an otherwise hostile economic environment. It found that the impact of cost of living indices differs across different income groups depending upon the composition of the consumption basket and the proportion of expenditure incurred on specific items of that basket. It is also observed that rational responses of households played an important role in coping with increased cost of living. The evidence suggests that a wide range of coping strategies is adopted by households such as consumption reallocation and seeking increased earning opportunities as part of their backward and forward coping strategies.
Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy: a wolf in sheep's clothing
Authors: CHEUNG N. Wah , MCELDUFF Aidan , ROSS Glynis P.
Published: December 2005

Type 2 diabetes is now the most common form of pregestational diabetes. Recent data suggest that pregnancies complicated by type 2 diabetes are associated with unacceptably high fetal mortality and morbidity, at an incidence comparable to pregnancies complicated by type 1 diabetes. This review examines the literature on type 2 diabetes in pregnancy, including its incidence and potential complications. There is a need to highlight the dangers of type 2 diabetes in pregnancy to both patients and medical practitioners. Peri‐conception care needs to improve to achieve better pregnancy outcomes.
First trimester abortion with mifepristone and three doses of sublingual misoprostol: a pilot study
Authors: SINGH Kishor C. , UMMAT Seema , RAJARAM Shalini , GOEL Neerja
Published: December 2005

Objective:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a medical abortion regimen with multiple doses of sublingual misoprostol 24 h after mifepristone.

Methods:  The regimen was designed on the basis of pharmacokinetics of various routes of administration of misoprostol. Forty women  8 weeks’ gestation were given mifepristone 200 mg orally, followed 24 h later by three doses of misoprostol 200 µgm sublingually 6 h apart. They were followed up on day 3 and day 14 with transvaginal ultrasound. Pain and bleeding were assessed using a visual analogue scale and acceptability, by a questionnaire.

Results:  Abortion outcome was assessed in terms of onset of pain and vaginal bleeding, time of expulsion of products and duration of vaginal bleeding. Seventy‐five per cent of women experienced pain within 2 h after first dose of misoprostol. Bleeding began at a mean of 1.41 h after pain and expulsion at a mean of 6.1 h after first dose of misoprostol. Complete expulsion was confirmed in all women (100%) by ultrasound on day 14. The longest duration of bleeding was 12 days (mean 7.2 days) with 87.5% bleeding for < 10 days. Acceptability was 100% but 70% perceived pain to be moderate and 67.5% bleeding to be light or slightly more than menses.

Conclusions:  Medical abortion using three doses of sublingual misoprostol administered 24 h after mifepristone appears to be the most appropriate in terms of pharmacokinetics of the drugs. This pilot study associates the regimen with a short abortion process, which appears to be safe, highly efficacious and acceptable.
Should the Pap smear be repeated at the first colposcopy visit?
Authors: DOLMAN Grace , TAN Jeffrey , QUINN Michael
Published: December 2005

Aim:  To determine whether there is any benefit in repeating the Pap smear at the time of colposcopy in women referred to a teaching hospital dysplasia clinic.

Methods:  Analysis of a computerised database, and review of literature.

Results:  Repeating the Pap smear potentially changed management in 2% of women referred with low‐grade lesions, and in 7% of those with high‐grade lesions.

Conclusion:  Although the literature suggests that the repeat smear may directly affect the quality of the colposcopic examination, repeating the smear in women referred with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial (HSIL) smears may be beneficial.
Preliminary report: correct diagnosis of sex in fetal cells isolated from cervical mucus during early pregnancy
Authors: MANTZARIS Debbie , CRAM David , HEALY Christine , HOWLETT Donna , KOVACS Gab
Published: December 2005

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of sexing fetal cells isolated from cervical mucus. Immunopositive cells identified using a fetal‐specific antibody were isolated and subjected to genetic analysis. Fetal sex was predicted in all 22 samples, as confirmed by analysis of the corresponding placental tissue. This study validates the accuracy of our test for sex diagnosis and confirms the ability to effectively recover and analyse fetal cells from the cervical mucus during early pregnancy.
Comparison of peripheral blood progenitor cell yield from standard chemotherapy used in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies and high‐dose cyclophosphamide: a retrospective review of 141 patients
Authors: Assouline Sarit , Sylvestre Marie‐Pierre , Carriere Philippe , Shustik Chaim , Laneuville Pierre
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND:  Peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) are often collected after mobilization with high‐dose cyclophosphamide (HDC) combined with growth factors. HDC may not be needed for PBPC mobilization, and patients with lymphoid malignancies can be harvested with treatment regimens of chemotherapy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  A retrospective analysis was performed on 141 patients with lymphoma or multiple myeloma whose PBPCs were harvested after chemotherapy. The PBPC yield and time to mobilization was compared between patients who received HDC (n = 51) and other chemotherapy regimens (n = 90) including high‐dose cyclophosphamide and etoposide (HDC plus VP‐16; n = 41), CHOP, ESHAP, ABVD, VAD, and others (n = 49). A multiple linear regression model and proportional hazards model determined factors influencing yield and time to mobilization, respectively.

RESULTS:  The difference in mean yield between HDC and all non‐HDC regimens was significant, with HDC plus VP‐16 resulting in the highest yields. The proportion of patients achieving a CD34 count in excess of 5 × 106 per kg did not differ significantly between the regimens. In a multiple linear regression model, HDC plus VP‐16 resulted in a higher PBPC yield than HDC but all other regimens did not. In addition, patients exposed to more than one prior chemotherapy regimen had lower yield regardless of the mobilization regimen. The mean number of days to mobilization with HDC was 10.2 days, 17.1 days for HDC plus VP‐16, and 14.2 days for all other regimens. The timing of mobilization was influenced by the chemotherapy used and the number of prior regimens in a proportional hazards model.

CONCLUSION:  These results demonstrate a higher mean yield of PBPCs with HDC plus VP‐16 but no difference in yield between non‐HDC plus VP‐16 regimens used for first‐line or relapse therapy and HDC, suggesting that HDC may be an unnecessary additional therapy.
A single dose of 6 or 12 mg of pegfilgrastim for peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization results in similar yields of CD34+ progenitors in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Bruns Ingmar , Steidl Ulrich , Kronenwett Ralf , Fenk Roland , Graef Thorsten , Rohr Ulrich‐Peter , Neumann Frank , Fischer Johannes , Scheid Christof , Hübel Kai , Haas Rainer , Kobbe Guido
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND:  Current regimens for peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) mobilization in patients with multiple myeloma are based on daily subcutaneous injections of granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) starting shortly after cytotoxic therapy. Recently a polyethylene glycol–conjugated G‐CSF (pegfilgrastim) was introduced that has a substantially longer t1/2 than the original formula.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  The use of pegfilgrastim was examined at two dose levels for PBPC mobilization in patients with Stage II or III multiple myeloma. Four days after cytotoxic therapy with cyclophosphamide (4 g/m2), a single dose of either 6 mg pegfilgrastim (n = 15) or 12 mg pegfilgrastim (n = 15) or daily doses of 8 µg per kg unconjugated G‐CSF (n = 15) were administered. The number of circulating CD34+ cells was determined during white blood cell (WBC) recovery, and PBPC harvesting was performed by large‐volume apheresis.

RESULTS:  Pegfilgrastim was equally potent at 6 and 12 mg with regard to mobilization and yield of CD34+ cells. No dose dependence was observed because CD34+ cell concentration peaks were 131 and 85 per µL, respectively, and CD34+ cell yield was 10.2 × 106 and 7.4 × 106 per kg of body weight, respectively. Pegfilgrastim in either dose was associated with a more rapid WBC recovery (p = 0.03) and an earlier performance of the first apheresis procedure (p < 0.05) in comparison to unconjugated G‐CSF. No difference regarding CD34+ cell maximum and yield could be observed.

CONCLUSION:  A single dose of 6 mg pegfilgrastim is equally potent as 12 mg for mobilization and harvest of PBPCs in patients with multiple myeloma. Because no dose dependency was seen at these dose levels, this might be also true for even smaller doses.
Maternal typing and test sufficiency in parentage analyses
Authors: Wenk Robert E. , Houtz Terry , Chiafari Francis A.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND:  The contribution of maternal typing to paternity analysis was evaluated to determine how many additional loci to study in one‐parent cases.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Four groups underwent paternity analyses with an eight‐locus test battery. Files of 25 case trios were retrieved, in which alleged fathers had achieved paternity indices of greater than 100 (“included trios”). Maternal types were omitted and the cases were reanalyzed (“included duos”). Mother‐child pairs of the cases were then coupled with unrelated men (“excluded trios”), and the cases were analyzed. Maternal types were omitted from the excluded trios and cases were reanalyzed (“excluded duos”).

RESULTS:  Paternity indices of men in included duos were markedly reduced when compared to included trios; odds were sufficiently low in 9 of 25 men that paternity remained in doubt. After omission of maternal phenotypes, excluded duos exposed 33 percent fewer genetic inconsistencies than excluded trios; 5 of 25 men in excluded duos demonstrated less than two genetic inconsistencies and 1 man had none. The specific probabilities of paternity exclusion in motherless cases averaged 61 percent per locus of those in case trios. One random man in 52 duos was not excluded by the eight tests versus 1 in 417 trios.

CONCLUSIONS:  Omission of maternal typing from eight common microsatellite paternity tests reduced conclusive evidence for or against paternity by 30 to 40 percent. False inclusion of random men is an important failing of tests in motherless cases. Cases involving one parent and child (e.g., in immigration) would require examination of an additional five similar loci to compensate for absent maternal data. A change in standards is suggested.
Evaluation of the enhanced bacterial detection system for screening of contaminated platelets
Authors: Fournier‐Wirth Chantal , Deschaseaux Marie , Defer Christine , Godreuil Sylvain , Carrière Christian , Bertrand Xavier , Tunez Virginie , Schneider Thierry , Coste Joliette , Morel Pascal
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND:  The Pall third‐generation enhanced bacterial detection system (eBDS) was recently approved for detection of bacterial contamination in leukoreduced platelets (PLTs). The method is based on the measurement of the oxygen content as a marker for bacteria. eBDS incorporates major modifications including removal of the sample‐set filter, modification of the culture medium, and incubation with agitation of the sample pouch.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Ten whole blood–derived random‐donor PLT units collected on Day 1 after donation and 10 single‐donor apheresis PLT units were spiked with low levels of bacteria in three different blood transfusion centers. Inoculation was performed at a final concentration of 5 to 50 colony‐forming units per mL with reference strains of five organisms involved in severe transfusion‐associated infections. PLT units were stored at 22°C for 24 hours before sampling. Six sample sets were then sterile‐connected to each unit and placed on a horizontal agitator at 35°C for 18 or 24 hours of incubation.

RESULTS:  No false‐positive results were obtained, indicating a 100 percent specificity of the assay. Of 126 spiked sample pouches tested, 61 of 63 (96.82%) and 63 of 63 (100%) were detected positive after 18 or 24 hours of incubation, respectively. In the two missed cases that failed to detect Bacillus cereus, the measured oxygen was slightly above the detection threshold but was markedly different from the negative samples.

CONCLUSION:  The eBDS method allows definitive testing of PLTs as soon as 42 hours after collection and offers an alternative culture method to the BacT/ALERT system.
Self‐reported symptoms associated with West Nile virus infection in RNA‐positive blood donors
Authors: Orton S.L. , Stramer S.L. , Dodd R.Y.
Published: December 2005

BACKGROUND:  In 2003, West Nile virus (WNV) nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) was implemented to detect potentially infected donors. Of more than 5.3 million donations screened prospectively by the American Red Cross during the epidemic periods of 2003 and 2004, 974 were NAT‐reactive and 519 confirmed‐positive. A subset of both the confirmed‐positive and the false‐positive groups was assessed for demographic characteristics, symptoms, and symptom reporting relative to date of donation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  All donors with initial WNV NAT‐reactive results were invited to participate in a study that included a demographic, symptom, and date‐of‐symptom questionnaire. WNV confirmed‐positive cases were compared to false‐positive controls for comparison of frequency of symptom reporting before, on the day of, and after donation.

RESULTS:  Enrolled cases and controls were similar in all characteristics except cases were more likely to live in rural areas. Symptoms were reported by 61 percent of cases versus 20 percent of controls, with 74 percent of symptoms reported by cases within the 14 days after donation. The frequency of headache and fever reported together in the 7 days before donation was not significantly different between cases and controls; only the individual frequencies of headache, eye pain, and new rash during this time were significantly different. The most commonly reported symptoms, after adjustment for symptom reporting by controls, were headache, new rash, and generalized weakness; these symptoms were reported by 25 percent of cases.

CONCLUSIONS:  The demographic characteristics of infected donors reflected the rural nature of the 2003 to 2004 WNV epidemics. This study suggests that asking donors about predonation headache and fever had no detectable contribution to blood safety.
Generalized Hierarchical Multivariate CAR Models for Areal Data
Authors: Jin Xiaoping , Carlin Bradley P. , Banerjee Sudipto
Published: December 2005

SummaryIn the fields of medicine and public health, a common application of areal data models is the study of geographical patterns of disease. When we have several measurements recorded at each spatial location (for example, information onp≥ 2diseases from the same population groups or regions), we need to considermultivariateareal data models in order to handle the dependence among the multivariate components as well as the spatial dependence between sites. In this article, we propose a flexible new class of generalized multivariate conditionally autoregressive (GMCAR) models for areal data, and show how it enriches the MCAR class. Our approach differs from earlier ones in that it directly specifies the joint distribution for a multivariate Markov random field (MRF) through the specification of simpler conditional and marginal models. This in turn leads to a significant reduction in the computational burden in hierarchical spatial random effect modeling, where posterior summaries are computed using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). We compare our approach with existing MCAR models in the literature via simulation, using average mean square error (AMSE) and a convenient hierarchical model selection criterion, the deviance information criterion (DIC; Spiegelhalter et al., 2002,Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series B64,583–639). Finally, we offer a real‐data application of our proposed GMCAR approach that models lung and esophagus cancer death rates during 1991–1998 in Minnesota counties.
Goodness‐of‐Fit Methods for Generalized Linear Mixed Models
Authors: Pan Zhiying , Lin D. Y.
Published: December 2005

SummaryWe develop graphical and numerical methods for checking the adequacy of generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). These methods are based on the cumulative sums of residuals over covariates or predicted values of the response variable. Under the assumed model, the asymptotic distributions of these stochastic processes can be approximated by certain zero‐mean Gaussian processes, whose realizations can be generated through Monte Carlo simulation. Each observed process can then be compared, both visually and analytically, to a number of realizations simulated from the null distribution. These comparisons enable one to assess objectively whether the observed residual patterns reflect model misspecification or random variation. The proposed methods are particularly useful for checking the functional form of a covariate or the link function. Extensive simulation studies show that the proposed goodness‐of‐fit tests have proper sizes and are sensitive to model misspecification. Applications to two medical studies lead to improved models.