bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pathophysiology of lower urinary tract symptoms after brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Blaivas Jerry G. , Weiss Jeffrey P. , Jones Mark
Published: September 2006

Brachytherapy for prostate cancer has many good effects, but is also associated, like every treatment, with side‐effects, some of which have been previously reported in the BJU International. In this section, authors from New York assessed the pathophysiology underlying LUTS which persisted for at least 6 months after brachytherapy, and found a relatively high incidence of detrusor overactivity and other conditions affecting the lower urinary tract.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the spectrum of pathophysiology underlying the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) persisting for ≥ 6 months after brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A database of men from two practice settings was searched for men who developed LUTS persisting for ≥ 6 months after completing brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer. Patients were evaluated with a structured history and physical examination, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), 24‐h voiding diary, noninvasive free‐flow uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), cystoscopy and a video‐urodynamic study. Specific data collected included symptoms, elapsed time since brachytherapy, Gleason score, IPSS, total number of voids/24 h, maximum voided volume, cystoscopic findings, and urodynamics findings (PVR, maximum urinary flow rate, Schaefer obstruction grade, Watts factor, incidence of detrusor overactivity (DO) urethral obstruction and low bladder compliance). These data were compared with those from a previous study of men with LUTS who did not have prostate cancer.

RESULTS

The study included 47 men (aged 54–88 years); the median (range) interval between brachytherapy and evaluation was 1.5 (0.5–13) years. Thirty‐seven men complained of overactive bladder symptoms (79%), and 31 of incontinence (71%), 21 of obstructive symptoms (44%), and persistent dysuria in 12 (26%). Comparison of urodynamic findings in men with unselected causes of LUTS vs LUTS due to brachytherapy revealed the following comparisons: DO in 252 of 541 (47%) unselected vs 28 of 33 (85%) brachytherapy, (P < 0.001); and urethral obstruction in 374 of 541 (69%) unselected vs 24 of 33 (73%) brachytherapy (P = 0.85).

CONCLUSION

The pathophysiology and severity of persistent LUTS in men after brachytherapy differs from that of men with LUTS in the general population. Men after brachytherapy have a much higher incidence of DO, prostatic and urethral strictures and prostatic urethral stones.
LUTS/BPH in clinical practice: the importance of nocturia and quality of sleep
Authors: CHARTIER‐KASTLER EMMANUEL , CHAPPLE CHRISTOPHER R.
Published: September 2006

Various studies indicate that nocturia is one of the most bothersome of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). Nocturia has a negative impact on quality of sleep (QoS), which might lead to daytime fatigue, reduced performance the next day and might ultimately affect the patient’s overall quality of life (QoL). However, the evaluation of a patient with LUTS/BPH and assessment of benefits of LUTS/BPH treatment are mainly focused on voiding symptoms or flow rate, and the impact of nocturia on the patient’s QoL is often neglected. At the Sixth International Consultation on Prostate Cancer and Prostate Diseases in 2005, a discussion forum about nocturia and its impact on QoS and QoL was organized, followed by a meeting of an expert consensus panel. Both recognized the importance of assessing nocturia and its impact on QoS and QoL in the initial evaluation of patients with LUTS/BPH, and in assessing the benefits of (new) LUTS/BPH treatments. However, currently used instruments that measure the severity of nocturia and its impact on QoS and QoL were not specifically designed for this purpose and lack sensitivity. At the expert consensus meeting, the expert panel stated that new instruments are required that can fully monitor the impact of nocturia on QoS and QoL. Potential new instruments that address these requirements are nocturia‐specific questionnaires such as the Nocturia QoL questionnaire. Furthermore, the expert panel acknowledged the assessment of ‘hours of undisturbed sleep’ (HUS) as a potential new method to evaluate the impact of nocturia on QoS and QoL. HUS refers to the time from falling asleep to the first awakening to void. Sleep assessment tools such as sleep diaries and actigraphy are potential instruments to measure HUS.
Efficacy and safety of tamsulosin OCAS
Authors: SPEAKMAN MARK
Published: September 2006

The efficacy and safety of a new tablet formulation of tamsulosin (the oral‐controlled absorption system: OCAS®) have been assessed in several clinical trials. In a phase IIb and a phase IIIa trial, the appropriate dose of the tamsulosin tablet for clinical practice was determined. All tested doses of tamsulosin OCAS (0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 mg) improved the lower urinary symptoms (LUTS) of benign prostatic enlargement to a statistically significantly greater extent than placebo, with no differences between the doses. However, treatment with tamsulosin OCAS 0.4 mg was associated with a lower incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs) than the 0.8 mg and 1.2 mg doses. The incidence of the two most frequently reported AEs, dizziness and abnormal ejaculation, was similar for tamsulosin OCAS 0.4 mg and placebo. As the 0.4 mg tablet had the most favourable efficacy/safety profile, it was selected as the most appropriate dose to use in further clinical research studies. In a phase IIIb trial, the 0.4 mg dose of tamsulosin OCAS improved nocturia, quality of sleep and quality of life. Cardiovascular safety studies showed that tamsulosin OCAS 0.4 mg has a better cardiovascular safety profile, even under conditions that stress the cardiovascular system and in older people. Overall, these studies confirm the assumption that the improved pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin OCAS together with tamsulosin’s α1A‐/α1D‐adrenoceptor subtype selectivity and its selective distribution to the LUT, translate into a superior safety profile.
The role of prolactin levels in the sexual activity of married men with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Paick Jae‐Seung , Yang Ji Hyun , Kim Soo Woong , Ku Ja Hyeon
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) including anthropometry, hormones, metabolic profiles and lifestyle, on sexual activity in married men with ED.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 261 men (mean age 53.7 years, range 23–80), who were evaluated for anthropometry, hormone levels, metabolic profiles and lifestyle factors. Erectile function was evaluated using the self‐administered International Index of Erectile Function. Patients were classified into two groups based on the six‐item erectile‐function domain, as those with sexual activity and those without.

RESULTS

Of all patients, 62.5% (163 of 261) had no sexual activity (erectile‐function domain score <6). There was a significant difference in mean (sem) prolactin level between patients with and with no sexual activity, at 4.8 (0.4) vs 6.8 (0.7) (P = 0.013). Of all patients, 73.7% (42 of 57) with diabetes had no sexual activity, while 59.3% (121 of 204) without diabetes had (P = 0.048). In a multivariate model, a higher prolactin level was associated with a greater likelihood of sexual inactivity (odds ratio 1.094; 95% confidence interval, 1.010–1.185; P = 0.028) but diabetes lost its statistical significance. The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve for prolactin was 60.5% (95% confidence interval, 52.9–68.1%; P = 0.009) for sexual inactivity. No other factors were significant in this regard.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that prolactin levels might play a role in sexual activity in men with ED.
An aqueous garlic extract alleviates water avoidance stress‐induced degeneration of the urinary bladder
Authors: Sağlam Beyhan , Çikler Esra , Zeybek Ali , Çetinel Şule , Şener Göksel , Ercan Feriha
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of aqueous garlic extract (AGE) on the water‐avoidance stress (WAS)‐induced degeneration of the urinary bladder in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wistar albino rats were exposed to WAS for 2 h/day for 5 days (WAS group), after which, AGE (1 mL/kg) was injected intraperitoneally into the rats (WAS + AGE group). Urinary bladder samples were investigated with both light and scanning electron microscopy, and lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels were also measured in the samples.

RESULTS

In the WAS group there was inflammatory cell infiltration, more mast cells and ulcerated areas in the mucosa. In the WAS + AGE group there was relatively normal urothelial alignment, moderate inflammatory cell infiltration and fewer mast cells in the mucosa. The increased lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione levels in WAS rats were reversed by AGE treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that AGE has a protective effect on WAS‐induced degenerative changes in the urinary bladder.
The contemporary management of renal and ureteric calculi
Authors: Galvin David J. , Pearle Margaret S.
Published: September 2006

I have put a mini‐review into this section this month; this is from one of the leading experts in this field, and gives an up‐to‐date overview of the contemporary management of renal and ureteric calculi.
A longitudinal observational study of insulin therapy and glycaemic control in Scottish children with Type 1 diabetes: DIABAUD 3
Authors:   Scottish Study Group for the Care of the Young with Diabetes
Published: September 2006

Objective/background  Our objective was to investigate glycaemic control in children with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland and to analyse the effect of changing ‘conventional’ insulin regimen strategies on outcome. DIABAUD 2 (1997–1998) (D2) demonstrated that average glycaemic control in young people with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland was poor, with mean HbA1c of 9.0%. Over 90% were then treated with a twice‐daily insulin regimen. The aim of DIABAUD 3 (2002–2004) (D3) was to determine if control had improved, and to examine changes in insulin regimen and effects on glycaemic control.

Methods  In DIABAUD 3, data were collected prospectively on children aged < 15 years. in nine out of 15 centres throughout Scotland. HbA1c on 986 subjects was measured in a single Diabetes Control and Complications Trial‐aligned laboratory. The results were compared with those from DIABAUD 2, for the same nine centres. Multiple regression comparison was performed to adjust for imbalance in relevant confounders (e.g. age, duration, height and weight, insulin dose and centre).

Results  For D3, the age range was 1.1–14.9 years (62% aged 10–14 years), mean (± sd) HbA1c 9.2% ± 1.5 (compared with D2, 9.0% ± 1.5). Only 9.7% achieved the target of HbA1c < 7.5%. The number of subjects in D3 on twice‐daily injections was 51% (compared with 94% in D2), 43% on three‐times‐daily injections (2% in D2) and 2.3% on four or more (1.9% in D2): HbA1c did not differ in these groups. In both the D2 and D3 cohorts, HbA1c rose with age. After adjustment for other variables in the combined datasets, insulin regimen was not a significant predictor of HbA1c (F = 0.19, d.f. = 3, 1774; P = 0.90).

Conclusion  The glycaemic control in young people in Scotland remains poor and above the national target. Over 4 years, moderate intensification of insulin therapy (i.e. from two to three injections each day, usually reflecting splitting of the evening dose) across the population failed to improve the average HbA1c and reduce the increase seen with age. A national programme away from ‘conventional’ to an ‘intensive’ regimen of insulin therapy is required.
Type 2 diabetes and inheritance: what information do diabetes organizations provide on the Internet?
Authors: Van Esch S. C. M. , Cornel M. C. , Snoek F. J.
Published: September 2006

Aims  The worldwide epidemic of Type 2 diabetes necessitates preventive actions. Providing information to high‐risk populations is key. In an international comparison of websites, we aimed to investigate the presence and quality of information provided by diabetes organizations on inheritance of Type 2 diabetes and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle targeted at those with a family history or belonging to a specific ethnic population.

Methods  All websites included in the International Diabetes Federation member list in English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish and Japanese were included for assessment. Using qualitative content analysis, we reviewed 34 websites which provided health‐related information on diabetes.

Results  Most websites mention family history as a risk factor. However, an explanation of the interaction of lifestyle factors and increased genetic susceptibility is lacking. Ethnicity is mentioned in only half of the sites describing risk factors. Although most websites do provide information on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, they do not address specific high‐risk groups. Only two websites encourage Type 2 diabetic patients to inform family members of the familial character of diabetes.

Conclusions  Information on inheritance of Type 2 diabetes and prevention specifically targeted at high‐risk groups on the Internet by diabetes organizations is often of poor quality or indeed is lacking. Efforts should be made to disseminate information on heredity of Type 2 diabetes and preventive options to the general public and high‐risk populations.
Maternal glucose levels influence birthweight and ‘catch‐up’ and ‘catch‐down’ growth in a large contemporary cohort
Authors: Stenhouse E. , Wright D. E. , Hattersley A. T. , Millward B. A.
Published: September 2006

Aim  To explore the effects of maternal glucose on birthweight, infant and childhood growth in non‐diabetic pregnant women using routinely collected data.

Methods  Routinely collected data were extracted retrospectively from two clinical databases. These data comprised measurements of maternal random plasma glucose, infant birthweight, infant and child weight and height at 6–8 weeks, 24–36 weeks and 96–120 weeks in 6263 cases. After data cleaning, 4681 were analysed.

Results  When the data were analysed in thirds, a positive association between birthweight standard deviation scores (SDS), weight SDS and height SDS with maternal random plasma glucose (RPG) was observed. Regression analysis of birthweight SDS and RPG was significant (P < 0.001). Babies were ∼48 g heavier at birth for each 1 mmol/l increase of mother's RPG. Infants who showed ‘catch‐up’ growth (as shown by change in weight SDS) at 2 years were born to mothers with lower glucose levels than infants who showed ‘catch‐down’ growth (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Random maternal glucose concentrations (taken at 28 weeks’ gestation) in the normal range are positively related to birthweight. Glucose concentrations also predict greater weight and length in infancy. Despite this, babies born to mothers with higher glucose concentrations within the normal range show significant ‘catch‐down’ growth in infancy as shown by a fall in weight SDS.
Family average income and diagnosed Type 2 diabetes in urban and rural residents in regional mainland China
Authors: Xu F. , Yin X. M. , Zhang M. , Leslie E. , Ware R. , Owen N.
Published: September 2006

Aims  To explore the relationship between family average income (FAI; an index of socio‐economic status) and Type 2 diabetes in a region of mainland China.

Methods  Population‐based cross‐sectional study, conducted between October 2000 and March 2001 in administrative villages (n = 45) randomly selected from three urban districts and two rural counties of NanJing municipality, mainland China, with a regional population of 5.6 million. Participants were all local residents aged ≥ 35 years old (n = 29 340); 67.7% from urban areas, 32.3% from rural areas, 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

Results  The response rate of eligible participants was 90.1%. The overall prevalence of self‐reported Type 2 diabetes was 1.9%. After adjustment for possible confounding variables (age, gender, area of residence, body mass index, educational level, smoking status, occupational and leisure‐time physical activity), participants in the higher and middle FAI categories were more than twice as likely to have Type 2 diabetes as those in the lower FAI category.

Conclusions  The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is positively related to socio‐economic status (indexed by FAI) in Chinese at the population level. After controlling for potential confounding factors, people in higher socio‐economic status groups are more likely to have Type 2 diabetes. These associations are consistent with other effects of epidemiological transition and identify a need for preventive initiatives.
Self‐monitoring in Type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial of reimbursement policy
Authors: Johnson J. A. , Majumdar S. R. , Bowker S. L. , Toth E. L. , Edwards A.
Published: September 2006

Aim  Self‐monitoring of blood glucose is often considered a cornerstone of self‐care for patients with diabetes. We assessed whether provision of free testing strips would improve glycaemic control in non‐insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods  Adults with Type 2 diabetes, excluding those with private insurance or using insulin, were recruited through community pharmacies and randomized to receive free testing strips for 6 months or not; all patients received similar baseline education and a glucose meter. Primary outcome was change in HbA1c over 6 months.

Results  We randomized 262 patients (131 intervention and 131 control subjects). Mean age was 68.4 years (sd 10.9), 48% were male, mean duration of diabetes was 8.2 years (sd 7.2), 97% used oral glucose‐lowering agents and mean baseline HbA1c was 7.4% (sd 1.2). After 6 months, we observed no difference in HbA1c between intervention and control patients, after adjusting for baseline HbA1c[adjusted difference 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.16, 0.22; P = 0.78]. A per protocol analysis of study completers (152/262; 60%) yielded similar results. Intervention patients reported testing 0.64 days per week more often than control subjects (95% CI 0.18, 1.10; P = 0.007), although testing was not associated with better glycaemic control (Pearson r = −0.10, P = 0.12).

Conclusions  Reducing financial barriers by providing free testing strips did not improve glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes not using insulin. Our results question the value of policies that reduce financial barriers to testing supplies in this population.
Language and Action Control
Authors: Kray Jutta , Eenshuistra Rena , Kerstner Hannah , Weidema Maaike , Hommel Bernhard
Published: September 2006

This study examined the role of verbal labeling in 4-year-old children's acquisition of action-effect learning. The acquisition of action-effect associations was tested by having children first perform a two-choice key-pressing task in which each key press was followed by an effect (i.e., a particular sound) and then respond to the previously perceived effects under either consistent or inconsistent key-sound mappings. During acquisition, the children overtly described the actions, the effects, both the actions and the effects, or, in a control condition, something irrelevant to the actions and effects. Action-effect learning was reliable only if the description related actions to effects, even though some evidence of learning was also obtained in the control condition. In contrast, learning was prevented if only the actions or only the effects were described. The results suggest that verbal labeling plays an important role in integrating and isolating event representations.
Examining the Word Identification Stages Hypothesized by the E-Z Reader Model
Authors: Reingold Eyal M. , Rayner Keith
Published: September 2006

A critical prediction of the E-Z Reader model is that experimental manipulations that disrupt early encoding of visual and orthographic features of the fixated word without affecting subsequent lexical processing should influence the processing difficulty of the fixated word without affecting the processing of the next word. We tested this prediction by monitoring participants' eye movements while they read sentences in which a target word was presented either normally or altered. In the critical condition, the contrast between the target word and the background was substantially reduced. Such a reduction in stimulus quality is typically assumed to have an impact that is largely confined to a very early stage of word recognition. Results were consistent with the E-Z Reader model: This faint presentation had a robust influence on the duration of fixations on the target word without substantially altering the processing of the next word.
Attention Speeds Binocular Rivalry
Authors: Paffen Chris L.E. , Alais David , Verstraten Frans A.J.
Published: September 2006

During binocular rivalry, incompatible images presented dichoptically compete for perceptual dominance. It has long been debated whether binocular rivalry can be controlled by attention. Most studies have shown that voluntary control over binocular rivalry is limited. We sought to remove attention from binocular rivalry by presenting a concurrent task. Diverting attention slowed the rivalry alternation rate, and did so in proportion to the difficulty of the concurrent task. Even a very demanding distractor task, however, did not arrest rivalry alternations completely. Given that diverting attention was equivalent to lowering the contrast of the rival stimuli, the ability of attention to speed binocular rivalry is most likely due to an increase in the effective contrast of the stimuli through boosting the gain of the cortical response. This increase in effective contrast will ultimately lead to a perceptual switch, thereby limiting voluntary control. Thus, attention speeds rivalry alternations, but has no inherent control over the rivalry process.
Beliefs About Essences and the Reality of Mental Disorders
Authors: Ahn Woo-kyoung , Flanagan Elizabeth H. , Marsh Jessecae K. , Sanislow Charles A.
Published: September 2006

Do people believe mental disorders are real and possess underlying essences? The current study found that both novices and practicing clinicians held weaker essentialist beliefs about mental disorders than about medical disorders. They were also unwilling to endorse the idea that mental disorders are real and natural. Fur-thermore, compared with novices, mental health clinicians were less likely to endorse the view that there is a shared cause underlying a mental disorder and that one needs to remove the cause to get rid of the mental disorder. Clinicians were polarized on their views about whether mental disorders are categorical or dimensional. These findings reflect current controversies about mental disorders in the field at large.
Rapid Development of Feature Binding in Visual Short-Term Memory
Authors: Oakes Lisa M. , Ross-Sheehy Shannon , Luck Steven J.
Published: September 2006

The binding of object identity (color) and location in visual short-term memory (VSTM) was examined in 6.5- to 12.5-month-old infants (N = 144). Although we previously found that by age 6.5 months, infants can represent both color and location in VSTM, in the present study we observed that 6.5-month-old infants could not remember trivially simple color-location combinations across a 300-ms delay. However, 7.5-month-old infants could bind color and location as effectively as 12.5-month-old infants. Control conditions confirmed that the failure of 6.5-month-old infants was not a result of perceptual or attentional limitations. This rapid development of VSTM binding between 6.5 and 7.5 months occurs during a period of rapid increase in VSTM storage capacity and just after a period of dramatic neuroanatomical changes in parietal cortex. Thus, the ability to bind features and the ability to store multiple objects may both depend on a process that is mediated by posterior parietal cortex and is perhaps related to focused attention.
Motor Limitation in Dual-Task Processing Under Ballistic Movement Conditions
Authors: Ulrich Rolf , Fernández Susana Ruiz , Jentzsch Ines , Rolke Bettina , Schröter Hannes , Leuthold Hartmut
Published: September 2006

The standard bottleneck model of the psychological refractory period (PRP) assumes that the selection of the second response is postponed until the first response has been selected. Accordingly, dual-task interference is attributed to a single central-processing bottleneck involving decision and response selection, but not the execution of the response itself. In order to critically examine the assumption that response execution is not part of this bottleneck, we systematically manipulated the temporal demand for executing the first response in a classical PRP paradigm. Contrary to the assumption of the standard bottleneck model, this manipulation affected the reaction time for Task 2. Specifically, reaction time for Task 2 increased with execution time for Task 1. This carryover effect from Task 1 to Task 2 provides evidence for the notion that response execution can be part of the processing bottleneck.
Moving Farther but Faster
Authors: Adam Jos J. , Mol Robin , Pratt Jay , Fischer Martin H.
Published: September 2006

Fitts's law holds that movement time (MT) increases with longer distances. Here we report a violation of this law: When the target appears in a structured, linear display with placeholders indicating the possible target locations, MT to the most distant target is not longer than MT to the second most distant target, but rather tends to be shorter. Furthermore, the presence of placeholders attenuates the range effect that occurs in the absence of placeholders. These findings suggest that Fitts's law may be limited to egocentric visuomotor action, and that the visual control of hand movements may use allocentric, in addition to egocentric, spatial information.
Prototypes Are Attractive Because They Are Easy on the Mind
Authors: Winkielman Piotr , Halberstadt Jamin , Fazendeiro Tedra , Catty Steve
Published: September 2006

People tend to prefer highly prototypical stimuli—a phenomenon referred to as the beauty-in-averageness effect. A common explanation of this effect proposes that prototypicality signals mate value. Here we present three experiments testing whether prototypicality preference results from more general mechanisms—fluent processing of prototypes and preference for fluently processed stimuli. In two experiments, participants categorized and rated the attractiveness of random-dot patterns (Experiment 1) or common geometric patterns (Experiment 2) that varied in levels of prototypicality. In both experiments, prototypicality was a predictor of both fluency (categorization speed) and attractiveness. Critically, fluency mediated the effect of prototypicality on attractiveness, although some effect of prototypicality remained when fluency was controlled. The findings were the same whether or not participants explicitly considered the pattern's categorical membership, and whether or not categorization fluency was salient when they rated attractiveness. Experiment 3, using the psychophysiological technique of facial electromyography, confirmed that viewing abstract prototypes elicits quick positive affective reactions.
Manic Thinking
Authors: Pronin Emily , Wegner Daniel M.
Published: September 2006

This experiment found that the speed of thought affects mood. Thought speed was manipulated via participants' paced reading of statements designed to induce either an elated or a depressed mood. Participants not only experienced more positive mood in response to elation than in response to depression statements, but also experienced an independent increase in positive mood when they had been thinking fast rather than slow—for both elation and depression statements. This effect of thought speed extended beyond mood to other experiences often associated with mania (i.e., feelings of power, feelings of creativity, a heightened sense of energy, and inflated self-esteem or grandiosity).
Contextual Diversity, Not Word Frequency, Determines Word-Naming and Lexical Decision Times
Authors: Adelman James S. , Brown Gordon D.A. , Quesada José F.
Published: September 2006

Word frequency is an important predictor of word-naming and lexical decision times. It is, however, confounded with contextual diversity, the number of contexts in which a word has been seen. In a study using a normative, corpus-based measure of contextual diversity, word-frequency effects were eliminated when effects of contextual diversity were taken into account (but not vice versa) across three naming and three lexical decision data sets; the same pattern of results was obtained regardless of which of three corpora was used to derive the frequency and contextual-diversity values. The results are incompatible with existing models of visual word recognition, which attribute frequency effects directly to frequency, and are particularly problematic for accounts in which frequency effects reflect learning. We argue that the results reflect the importance of likely need in memory processes, and that the continuity between reading and memory suggests using principles from memory research to inform theories of reading.
Combining Significance of Correlated Statistics with Application to Panel Data*
Authors: Demetrescu Matei , Hassler Uwe , Tarcolea Adina‐Ioana
Published: September 2006

The inverse normal method, which is used to combine P‐values from a series of statistical tests, requires independence of single test statistics in order to obtain asymptotic normality of the joint test statistic. The paper discusses the modification by Hartung (1999, Biometrical Journal, Vol. 41, pp. 849–855), which is designed to allow for a certain correlation matrix of the transformed P‐values. First, the modified inverse normal method is shown here to be valid with more general correlation matrices. Secondly, a necessary and sufficient condition for (asymptotic) normality is provided, using the copula approach. Thirdly, applications to panels of cross‐correlated time series, stationary as well as integrated, are considered. The behaviour of the modified inverse normal method is quantified by means of Monte Carlo experiments.
REMEMBERING THE WESTERN HISTORY OF FORGETTING: AN IDEA OF EUROPE
Authors: Aronowicz Annette
Published: September 2006

Lethe: The Art and Critique of Forgetting. By Harald Weinrich.
Incentives, Monitoring, and Employee Stock Ownership Plans: New Evidence and Interpretations
Authors: PENDLETON ANDREW
Published: September 2006

This paper reviews the theory and evidence for agency theory‐based explanations for employee stock ownership plans found in the financial participation literature. The UK Workplace Employee Relations Survey 1998 is used to test whether share plans substitute for direct monitoring and individual incentives. Contrary to some predictions in the literature, individual incentives are found to be complements of share plans, while other measures of monitoring costs provide mixed results. However, it is found that monitoring costs and a wide range of performance targets explain the conjunction of stock plans and individual incentives. It is suggested that share plans are used to mitigate dysfunctional effects of individual incentives by engendering cooperation and trust, and by broadening the range and time frame of desired performance outcomes.
Population biology of the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) in the Crozet and Kerguelen archipelagos, southern Indian Ocean, approached through genetic and demographic methods
Authors: Bried J. , Nicolaus M. , Jarne P. , Dubois M.‐P. , Jouventin P.
Published: September 2006

In many seabird species, the genetic structure of the populations remains poorly known despite potential consequences for conservation. The globally threatened wandering albatrossDiomedea exulansdisplays specific traits, including limited population size, strong philopatry, adults almost always returning to breed on the island where they made their first breeding attempt, delayed maturity, high longevity and low fecundity. Using both genetic and demographic methods, we evaluated how these traits might affect the structure within (inbreeding, low variability) and among (restricted gene flow) discrete wandering albatross colonies. Our study was conducted on Possession Island, Crozet archipelago, and in the Kerguelen archipelago. The genetic approach was based on three colonies and 10 microsatellite loci. The demographic approach used data from a 36‐year capture–mark–recapture survey of the entire population from Possession Island. Inbreeding occurred as often as expected under random pairing. Genetic variability in each colony did not exceed 6.3 alleles per locus. However, no genetic bottleneck was detected. No significant genetic differentiation occurred between the two main colonies from Possession Island (Fst<0.01), consistent with our demographic estimates of dispersal. Conversely, the genetic differentiation between Possession Island and Kerguelen was significant. Although males are more philopatric than females, genetic differentiation among colonies was not higher in males and no significant genetic differentiation between sexes was observed. Finally, we propose that the population from Crozet and that from Kerguelen are considered as distinct management units.
Scent‐marking behaviour by stallions: an assessment of function in a reintroduced population of Przewalski horses (Equus ferus przewalskii)
Authors: King S. R. B. , Gurnell J.
Published: September 2006

Scent marking is a common form of intraspecific communication in mammal species, and using faeces or urine is a cost‐effective way of signalling competitive ability and resource holding power. Marking is ritually performed by male equids, and here we assess the function of male scent‐marking behaviour in a recently introduced population of Przewalski horses Equus ferus przewalskii in Mongolia. Two forms of scent marking were observed: defecation on stud piles formed from repeated dunging in the same place, and overmarking of faeces and urine of mares. Stud piles were marked with dung by the harem holder and sniffed before and after dung was deposited. They were not found specifically at the periphery of harem ranges but occurred for the most part along routes used by the horses, and were more common in the core parts of harem ranges or where harem ranges overlapped. Thus, rather than being used to defend range boundaries, stud piles were placed predominantly where they would be encountered by male intruders. Mare excreta were covered with urine by the stallion, but were only sniffed before they were marked, not after. These marks appear to advertise to the mare and other, intruding stallions that the harem holder was the mare's consort and that the interloper should not risk trying to steal the mare or sneak a mating. Thus, the two forms of marking by harem holders appear to combine as first and second lines of defence of paternity rights in male intrasexual competition.
Alpha‐synuclein inhibits aromatic amino acid decarboxylase activity in dopaminergic cells
Authors: Tehranian Roya , Montoya Susana E. , Van Laar Amber D. , Hastings Teresa G. , Perez Ruth G.
Published: September 2006

Alpha‐synuclein is a presynaptic protein strongly implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD). Because dopamine neurons are invariably compromised during pathogenesis in PD, we have been exploring the functions of alpha‐synuclein with particular relevance to dopaminergic neuronal cells. We previously discovered reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and minimal dopamine synthesis in stably‐transfected MN9D cells overexpressing either wild‐type or A53T mutant (alanine to threonine at amino acid 53) alpha‐synuclein. TH, the rate‐limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis, converts tyrosine to l‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA), which is then converted to dopamine by the enzyme, aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). We confirmed an interaction between alpha‐synuclein and AADC in striatum. We then sought to determine whether wild‐type or A53T mutant alpha‐synuclein might have affected AADC activity in dopaminergic cells. Using HPLC with electrochemical detection, we measured dopamine and related catechols after L‐DOPA treatments to bypass the TH step. We discovered that while alpha‐synuclein did not reduce AADC protein levels, it significantly reduced AADC activity and phosphorylation in our cells. These novel findings further support a role for alpha‐synuclein in dopamine homeostasis and may explain, at least in part, the selective vulnerability of dopamine neurons that occurs in PD.
Ontogeny of brain and blood serotonin levels in 5‐HT1A receptor knockout mice: potential relevance to the neurobiology of autism
Authors: Janušonis Skirmantas , Anderson George M. , Shifrovich Ilya , Rakic Pasko
Published: September 2006

The most consistent neurochemical finding in autism has been elevated group mean levels of blood platelet 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, serotonin). The origin and significance of this platelet hyperserotonemia remain poorly understood. The 5‐HT1A receptor plays important roles in the developing brain and is also expressed in the gut, the main source of platelet 5‐HT. Post‐natal tissue levels of 5‐HT, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) and tryptophan were examined in the brain, duodenum and blood of 5‐HT1A receptor‐knockout and wild‐type mice. At 3 days after birth, the knockout mice had lower mean brain 5‐HT levels and normal mean platelet 5‐HT levels. Also, at 3 days after birth, the mean tryptophan levels in the brain, duodenum and blood of the knockout mice were around 30% lower than those of the wild‐type mice. By 2 weeks after birth, the mean brain 5‐HT levels of the knockout mice normalized, but their mean platelet 5‐HT levels became 24% higher than normal. The possible causes of these dynamic shifts were explored by examining correlations between central and peripheral levels of 5‐HT, 5‐HIAA and tryptophan. The results are discussed in relation to the possible role of 5‐HT in the ontogeny of autism.
Effects of iron overload in a rat nutritional model of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kirsch Richard , Sijtsema Helene P. , Tlali Mpho , Marais Adrian D. , Hall Pauline de la M
Published: September 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims: This study sought to determine whether excess hepatic iron potentiates liver injury in the methionine choline‐deficient (MCD) model of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods: Iron‐loaded rats were fed either MCD or control diets [MCD diet plus choline bitartrate (2 g/kg) and dl‐methionine (3 g/kg)] for 4 and 12 weeks, after which liver pathology, hepatic iron, triglyceride, lipid peroxidation products and hydroxyproline (HYP) levels and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were evaluated.

Results: Iron supplementation in MCD animals resulted in histologic evidence of hepatic iron overload at 4 and 12 weeks and a 14‐fold increase in hepatic iron concentration at 12 weeks (P<0.001). Iron supplementation in these animals was associated with increased lobular necroinflammation at 4 weeks (P<0.02) and decreased hepatic steatosis (P<0.01), hepatic triglyceride levels (P<0.01), hepatic‐conjugated dienes (CD; P<0.02) and serum ALT levels (P<0.002) at 12 weeks. Reduced hepatic steatosis (P<0.005) and CD (P<0.01) were apparent by 4 weeks. Iron supplementation was associated with a trend towards increased perivenular fibrosis not hepatic HYP content.

Conclusion: Hepatic iron overload in the MCD model of NAFLD is associated with decreased hepatic lipid, decreased early lipid peroxidation products, increased necroinflammation and a trend towards increased perivenular fibrosis.
Impact of human immunodeficiency virus infection in patients infected with the hepatitis C virus
Authors: Valle Tovo Cristiane , Alves de Mattos Angelo , Ribeiro de Souza Andréa , Ferrari de Oliveira Rigo Juliana , Lerias de Almeida Paulo Roberto , Galperim Bruno , Riegel Santos Breno
Published: September 2006

Background/Aims: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Methods: Three different groups of patients were considered: group 1, 385 HCV/HIV coinfected; group 2, 198 HIV monoinfected; and group 3, 311 HCV monoinfected. Demographic and epidemiological data were collected. Blood tests included anti‐HCV, HCV‐RNA test, genotyping, CD4 cell count, anti‐HIV, and HIV viral load. Treatment with interferon and ribavirin was proposed. The fibrosis progression rate was assessed.

Results: The most prevalent risk factor in the group of coinfected was the use of intravenous drugs; in the HIV monoinfection group, heterosexual relations at risk; in the HCV monoinfection group, the transfusion of blood. There was no difference concerning the distribution of genotypes or HCV viral load between groups 1 and 3. Although the mean time of duration of HCV infection was greater in group 3 than in group 1, there was no difference when the fibrosis progression rate was evaluated. The response to treatment was similar.

Conclusion: In the present series there was no relevant impact of HCV infection in patients with HIV.
Protection of lyocell against fibrillation. Part 1: Design, synthesis and application of novel crosslinking agents
Authors: Bates I , Maudru E , Phillips D A S , Renfrew A H M
Published: September 2006

Three known fibre crosslinking agents have been chemically modified in an attempt to correct technical and/or application deficiencies. The novel agents have been applied, in turn, to lyocell fibre by an exhaustion process, the wet abrasion resistance of each modified fibre measured and the results compared with Cibatex AE 4425 and with the bis‐sulphatoethylsulphone dye Remazol Black B. Agents carrying the m‐carboxypyridinium‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2‐oxido group were not of interest as they produced pale yellow fibres due to ring opening of the pyridinium ring during alkali fixation. The best all‐round performer was 2,4‐di(p‐β‐sulphatoethylsulphonyl)anilino‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2(1H)‐one.
Comparison of the performance of selected powder and masterbatch pigments on mechanical properties of mass coloured polypropylene filaments
Authors: Ahmed S I , Shamey R , Christie R M , Mather R R
Published: September 2006

No suitable method for the coloration of unmodified polypropylene using aqueous dye solution has yet been found. Currently, the only viable method is the incorporation of pigments during the extrusion of filaments. In this study, two different commercially available forms of pigment (powder and masterbatch) were incorporated into polypropylene before extruding into filaments to examine their effects on the mechanical behaviour of the filaments. It was found that increasing the pigment content generally reduces tensile strength and Young's modulus in both masterbatch‐pigmented filaments and powder‐pigmented filaments. However, the extent of reduction is also markedly dependent on the type of pigment incorporated. In addition, elongation to peak is much higher for masterbatch‐pigmented filaments than for powder‐pigmented filaments.
Factors Affecting Individuals' Decisions to Use Community Mediation
Authors: Charkoudian Lorig , Wilson Carrie
Published: September 2006

This article presents research related to community mediation, specifically the factors affecting individuals' choices to accept or decline participation in the mediation process. Alongside a growing literature that emphasizes the significant benefits of mediation, this empirical study finds that individuals involved in personal relationships are more likely than individuals involved in business relationships to choose mediation. This data also finds a nonlinear and significant relationship between the length of time a conflict has been going on and participants' choice to use mediation. Finally, this article finds a significant and nonlinear relationship between differences in perception about the length of a conflict and whether a case is scheduled for mediation. Policy recommendations include suggestions to increase the use of mediation by responding directly to the cases that do not seem as likely to be mediated.
Suicides in the Young People of Geneva, Switzerland, From 1993 to 2002*
Authors: Perret Guillaume , Abudureheman Abliz , Perret‐Catipovic Maja , Flomenbaum Mark , Harpe Romano La
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT: Suicides in Geneva in those less than 25 years old, from 1993 to 2002, were reviewed. Scenes investigations, autopsy findings, toxicology results, and psychiatric history (when available) were examined. There were 65 cases. The average annual suicide rate was 11/100,000. Seventy‐seven percent were male, and 23% were female. The youngest was 12 years old and most of the victims were 18 years old and over (89%). For men, the use of firearms was the most common method (38%), followed by fall from height (16%) and drowning (10%). For women, fall from height was the most frequent (40%), followed by firearms and medication overdoses (20% each), hanging (13%), and drowning (7%). Toxicological analysis was performed in 41% of the cases and showed that alcohol was present in 26% and other drugs in 67% of these cases. The most common drugs present were benzodiazepines, cannabis, and cocaine.
The Use of Bloodhounds in Determining the Impact of Genetics and the Environment on the Expression of Human Odortype
Authors: Harvey Lisa M. , Harvey Serina J. , Hom Michele , Perna Avi , Salib John
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT: Bloodhounds are used to trail fleeing felons and missing persons. In order to start a trail, the dog must be presented with a person's scent. There are many hypotheses on what a bloodhound smells while trailing. The present study attempts to identify whether human scent is genetic, and if it is influenced by one's environment. Bloodhounds trained in human scent discrimination were used to differentiate between monozygotic twins, related and nonrelated persons, living together and apart. The first test required the dogs to run blind trails after being presented with the scent of one person in the pair, while the opposite person was hidden. The second test allowed the dogs to trail one person in the pair after both people were hidden. Results appear to demonstrate that bloodhounds rely heavily on genetic cues when differentiating between people. Environmental cues do not appear to significantly aid the bloodhound in scent discrimination.
Genetic Profile of Three Short Tandem Repeat Loci CSF1PO, TPOX, and TH01 in a Chinese Korean Population
Authors: Zhang Yong Ji , Cui Hong , Cui Yan , Xu Qing Song
Published: September 2006

POPULATION: Chinese Korean.
Allele Frequencies of D2S2960 and GATA149B10 in Two Populations
Authors: Zhang Beilei , Zhou Bin , Ran Peng , Liang Weibo , Zhang Gengqian , Yang Zhihui , Lv Meili , Lin Zhang
Published: September 2006

POPULATION: Chinese Han, Thai.
Y Chromosome STR Haplotypes and Allele Frequencies in Illinois Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic Males
Authors: Frank William E. , Ellinger Erin R. , Krishack Paulette A.
Published: September 2006

POPULATION: Population: Illinois Caucasian (n=117), Illinois African American (n=218), and Illinois Hispanic (n=68).