bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Serum Proinsulin With Hormone Replacement Therapy in Nondiabetic Older Women
Authors: Kim Dong-Jun , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—One putative benefit of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a reduced risk of diabetes or reduced fasting glucose level. We report here the association of HRT with proinsulin, insulin, and fasting and postchallenge glucose levels in older adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Current HRT use was validated and cross-sectionally compared with diabetes-related variables in 785 women without diabetes by history or glucose tolerance test.

RESULTS—Median age was 72 years (range 50–97); median value of fasting plasma glucose, postchallenge plasma glucose, and proinsulin was 5.08 mmol/l, 6.93 mmol/l, and 9.3 pmol/l, respectively. In age-adjusted comparisons, current HRT use was associated with significantly lower fasting plasma glucose and higher postchallenge plasma glucose compared with never/previous HRT use, as well as with lower LDL and higher HDL cholesterol and higher triglycerides. Fasting and postchallenge intact insulin did not differ by HRT group, but proinsulin was significantly lower in current HRT users than in previous and never HRT users. The significant association between proinsulin and HRT status persisted after adjustment for age, waist-to-hip ratio, pulse pressure, LDL-to-HDL cholesterol ratio, triglycerides, fasting and postchallenge glucose, and intact insulin.

CONCLUSIONS—Reduced fasting and increased 2-h glucose replicate findings in a randomized clinical trial. The proinsulin effect has not been previously reported. Decreased fasting glucose and proinsulin levels in current HRT use suggest a potential antidiabetes effect of HRT. Increased postchallenge glucose in HRT, however, suggests insulin resistance and would be expected to increase the risk of heart disease.
Alcohol Consumption in Relation to Metabolic Regulation, Inflammation, and Adiponectin in 64-Year-Old Caucasian Women
Authors: Englund Ögge Linda , Brohall Gerhard , Behre Carl Johan , Schmidt Caroline , Fagerberg Björn
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE— The aims of this study were to examine alcohol drinking patterns in women with type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and to investigate whether alcohol intake was associated with improved insulin sensitivity, decreased biomarkers of inflammation, and increased adiponectin levels and if these effects were limited to dysmetabolic women.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— From a cohort of 64-year-old Caucasian women, 209 with type 2 diabetes, 205 with IGT, and 186 with NGT were recruited. Alcohol consumption and medication use were assessed by questionnaires. Anthropometric data were collected, and blood glucose, insulin, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and serum adiponectin were measured.

RESULTS— Compared with the NGT group, alcohol consumption was lower in the IGT group and lowest in the diabetes group. Mean alcohol intakes of >9.2 and ≥3–9 g/day were positively associated with adiponectin and insulin sensitivity (homeostasis model assessment [HOMA]), respectively, independently of obesity, metabolic control, and other confounders. Alcohol intake correlated negatively with inflammatory markers, although this did not remain after adjustment for HOMA and waist circumference. The inverse associations between alcohol consumption and factors related to the metabolic syndrome such as HOMA, waist circumference, and inflammatory markers were more obvious among women with diabetes and IGT than in healthy women.

CONCLUSIONS— In these women, moderate alcohol consumption showed beneficial associations with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, IGT, insulin sensitivity, and serum adiponectin. There is a need to clarify whether adiponectin may be a mechanistic link and also to clarify the clinical implications of these observations.
Attributions of Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes in Social Situations
Authors: Hains Anthony A. , Berlin Kristoffer S. , Davies W. Hobart , Parton Elaine A. , Alemzadeh Ramin
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—To examine the relationships among negative attributions of friend reactions (NAFRs) within a social context, anticipated adherence difficulties, diabetes stress, and metabolic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A sample of 104 adolescents with type 1 diabetes completed instruments measuring demographics, attribution of friend reactions, anticipated adherence, and diabetes stress. Metabolic control was measured by HbA1c obtained during the clinic visit.

RESULTS—Path analysis demonstrated an excellent fit of a model depicting an indirect relationship between NAFRs and metabolic control through the mechanisms of expected adherence difficulties and diabetes stress.

CONCLUSIONS—Adolescents who make NAFRs are likely to find adherence difficult in social situations and have increased feelings of stress, with the latter associated with poorer metabolic control. Intervention efforts to address negative attributions may impact adherence behavior and feelings of stress, especially if specific contexts of self-care behavior are taken into account.
Altered Fiber Distribution and Fiber-Specific Glycolytic and Oxidative Enzyme Activity in Skeletal Muscle of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Oberbach Andreas , Bossenz Yvonne , Lehmann Stefanie , Niebauer Josef , Adams Volker , Paschke Ralf , Schön Michael R. , Blüher Matthias , Punkt Karla
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—We investigated whether alterations of glycolytic and oxidative enzyme capacity in skeletal muscle of patients with type 2 diabetes pertain to specific muscle fibers and are associated with changes in muscle fiber composition.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Vastus lateralis muscle was obtained by percutaneous biopsy from 10 patients with type 2 diabetes and 15 age- and BMI-matched healthy volunteers. Using cytophotometry, muscle fiber composition and fiber type–specific glycolytic and oxidative enzyme activities were measured in slow oxidative, fast oxidative glycolytic, and fast glycolytic fibers.

RESULTS—In the whole muscle, oxidative activity was decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes. The slow oxidative fiber fraction was reduced by 16%, whereas the fast glycolytic fiber fraction was increased by 49% in skeletal muscle from the diabetic patients. Both oxidative and glycolytic enzyme activities were significantly increased in fast glycolytic and fast oxidative glycolytic fibers of type 2 diabetic patients. However, the fiber-specific ratio of glycolytic enzyme activity relative to oxidative activity was not different between type 2 diabetic patients and the control subjects. The myofibrillic ATP activity was significantly lower in all fiber types of patients with type 2 diabetes and correlates with glucose infusion rate during the steady state of a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp and maximal aerobic capacity and negatively with HbA1c values.

CONCLUSIONS—Reduced oxidative enzyme activity in muscle of type 2 diabetic patients is most likely due to a reduction in slow oxidative fibers. Increased glycolytic and oxidative enzyme activities in individual muscle fibers are closely related to measures of long-term glycemic control and whole-body insulin sensitivity and could therefore represent a compensatory mechanism of the muscle in function of the altered glucose metabolism.
Risk of Celiac Disease in Children With Type 1 Diabetes Is Modified by Positivity for HLA-DQB1*02-DQA1*05 andTNF −308A
Authors: Sumnik Zdenek , Cinek Ondrej , Bratanic Nina , Kordonouri Olga , Kulich Michal , Roszai Barnabas , Arato Andras , Lebl Jan , Soltesz Gyula , Danne Thomas , Battelino Tadej , Schober Edit
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—The overlap between genetic susceptibility to celiac disease (CD) and to type 1 diabetes is incomplete; therefore, some genetic polymorphisms may significantly modify the risk of CD in subjects with type 1 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate whether the susceptibility to CD in diabetic children is modified by positivity for HLA-DQB1*02-DQA1*05 and DQB1*0302-DQA1*03 and by alleles of single nucleotide polymorphisms within the genes encoding CTLA4, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Genotypic data were compared between 130 case subjects (children with type 1 diabetes and CD diagnosed using endomysium antibodies) and 245 control subjects (children with type 1 diabetes only, optimally two per case, matched for center, age at type 1 diabetes onset, and type 1 diabetes duration). The subjects were recruited from 10 major European pediatric diabetes centers performing regular screening for CD. The polymorphisms were determined using PCR with sequence-specific primers, and the risk was assessed by building a step-up conditional logistic regression model using variables that were significantly associated with CD in the univariate analysis.

RESULTS—The best-fitted model showed that risk of CD is increased by presence of HLA-DQB1*02-DQA1*05 (odds ratio 4.5 [95% CI 1.8–11], for homozygosity, and 2.0 [1.1–3.7], for a single dose) and also independently by TNF −308A (1.9 [1.1–3.2], for phenotypic positivity), whereas IL1-α −889T showed a weak negative association (0.6 [0.4–0.9]).

CONCLUSIONS—The results indicate that the risk of CD in children with type 1 diabetes is significantly modified both by the presence of HLA-DQB1*02-DQA1*05 and by a variant of another gene within the major histocompatibility complex, the TNF −308A.
Efficacy, Tolerability, and Safety of a Novel Once-Daily Extended-Release Metformin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Schwartz Sherwyn , Fonseca Vivian , Berner Bret , Cramer Marilou , Chiang Yu-Kun , Lewin Andrew
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of a novel extended-release metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Adults with type 2 diabetes (newly diagnosed, treated with diet and exercise only, or previously treated with oral diabetic medications) were randomly assigned to receive one of three extended-release metformin treatment regimens (1,500 mg/day q.d., 1,500 mg/day twice daily, or 2,000 mg/day q.d.) or immediate-release metformin (1,500 mg/day twice daily) in a double-blind 24-week trial.

RESULTS—Significant decreases (P < 0.001) in mean HbA1c (A1C) levels were observed by week 12 in all treatment groups. The mean changes from baseline to end point in the two groups given 1,500 mg extended-release metformin (−0.73 and −0.74%) were not significantly different from the change in the immediate-release metformin group (−0.70%), whereas the 2,000-mg extended-release metformin group showed a greater decrease in A1C levels (−1.06%; mean difference [2,000 mg extended-release metformin − immediate-release metformin]: −0.36 [98.4% CI −0.65 to −0.06]). Rapid decreases in fasting plasma glucose levels were observed by week 1, which continued until week 8, and were maintained for the duration of the study. The overall incidence of adverse events was similar for all treatment groups, but fewer patients in the extended-release metformin groups discontinued treatment due to nausea during the initial dosing period than in the immediate-release metformin group.

CONCLUSIONS—Once- or twice-daily extended-release metformin was as safe and effective as twice-daily immediate-release metformin and provided continued glycemic control for up to 24 weeks of treatment.
HbA1c and Peripheral Arterial Disease in Diabetes
Authors: Selvin Elizabeth , Wattanakit Keattiyoat , Steffes Michael W. , Coresh Josef , Sharrett A. Richey
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—To assess the relation between HbA1c (A1C) and incident peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a community-based cohort of diabetic adults from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. A second aim was to investigate whether the association was stronger for severe, symptomatic disease compared with PAD assessed by low ankle-brachial index (ABI).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a prospective cohort study of 1,894 individuals with diabetes using ARIC visit 2 as baseline (1990–1992) with follow-up for incident PAD through 2002. We assessed the relation between A1C and incident PAD, defined by intermittent claudication, PAD-related hospitalization, or a low ABI (<0.9).

RESULTS—During a mean follow-up of 9.8 years, the crude incidence rates were 2.1 per 1,000 person-years for intermittent claudication (n = 41), 2.9 per 1,000 person-years for PAD-related hospitalization (n = 57), and 18.9 per 1,000 person-years for low ABI at visit 3 or 4 (n = 123). The relative risk (RR) (95% CI) of an incident PAD event comparing the second and third tertiles of A1C to the first, respectively, after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors was strongest for severe, symptomatic forms of disease, e.g., PAD-related hospitalization (RR = 4.56 [1.86–11.18] for the third A1C tertile compared with the first, P trend <0.001) than for low ABI (RR = 1.64 [0.94–2.87], P trend = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS—We found a positive, graded, and independent association between A1C and PAD risk in diabetic adults. This association was stronger for clinical (symptomatic) PAD, whose manifestations may be related to microvascular insufficiency, than for low ABI. Our results suggest that efforts to improve glycemic control in persons with diabetes may substantially reduce the risk of PAD.
Cover Picture: A Glass Hook Allows Fishing of Hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene Graphitic Nanotubes: Fabrication of a Macroscopic Fiber with Anisotropic Electrical Conduction (Adv. Mater. 10/2006)
Authors: Yamamoto Y. , Fukushima T. , Jin W. , Kosaka A. , Hara T. , Nakamura T. , Saeki A. , Seki S. , Tagawa S. , Aida T.
Published: May 2006

The cover illustrates self‐assembly of a hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronene amphiphile to give a graphitic nanotube, formed through helical rolling‐up of a bilayer tape consisting of bilaterally coupled columns of π‐stacked hexabenzocoronene units. The graphitic layer inside the wall offers a charge‐transport pathway. Aida and co‐workers report on p. 1297 on the fabrication of a macroscopic fiber by “fishing” the nanotubes with a glass hook. In the fiber, most of the nanotubes are oriented unidirectionally along the fiber axis, thereby allowing an anisotropic electrical conduction upon doping with iodine.
Potential Tuberculostatic Agent: Micelle‐forming Pyrazinamide Prodrug
Authors: Silva Marcia , Ricelli Nara L. , El Seoud Omar , Valentim Celso S. , Ferreira Antônio G. , Sato Daisy N. , Leite Clarice Q. F. , Ferreira Elizabeth I.
Published: May 2006

Pyrazinamide was condensed with the poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(aspartic acid) copolymer (PEG‐PASP), a micelle‐forming derivative was obtained that was characterized in terms of its critical micelle concentration (CMC) and micelle diameter. The CMC was found by observing the solubility of Sudan III in Poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(pyrazinamidomethyl aspartate) copolymer (PEG‐PASP‐PZA) solutions. The mean diameter of PEG‐PASP‐PZA micelles, obtained by analyzing the dynamic light‐scattering data, was 78.2 nm. The PEG‐PASP‐PZA derivative, when assayed for anti‐Mycobacterium activity, exhibited stronger activity than the simple drug.
Southwest oncology group phase II study of arsenic trioxide in patients with refractory germ cell malignancies
Authors: Beer Tomasz M. , Tangen Catherine M. , Nichols Craig R. , Margolin Kim A. , Dreicer Robert , Stephenson William T. , Quinn David I. , Raghavan Derek , Crawford E. David
Published: May 2006

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, no satisfactory therapy is available for patients with refractory germ cell neoplasms. The activity and safety of arsenic trioxide in refractory germ cell tumors was assessed.

METHODS

Twenty patients were treated with arsenic trioxide at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg/day and administered intravenously over 1 to 2 hours on Days 1‐5 and repeated every 28 days.

RESULTS

There were no complete or partial responses. The median progression‐free survival was 1 month and the median overall survival was 2 months. Three patients died as a result of adverse events believed to be possibly related to treatment: ventricular arrhythmia, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and pneumonitis.

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, arsenic trioxide in the dose regimen and schedule employed was found to have no activity in men with refractory germ cell malignancies. Treatment was associated with severe toxicity. Dismal overall survival reflects the poor outcome in this patient group and highlights the acute need for new agents with activity in refractory germ cell neoplasms. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Nitric oxide reduces adenosine transporter ENT1 gene (SLC29A1) promoter activity in human fetal endothelium from gestational diabetes
Authors: Farías Marcelo , San Martín Rody , Puebla Carlos , Pearson Jeremy D. , Casado Javier F. , Pastor‐Anglada Marçal , Casanello Paola , Sobrevia Luis
Published: May 2006

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) from gestational diabetes exhibit reduced adenosine uptake and increased nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Adenosine transport via human equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 (hENT1) is reduced by NO by unknown mechanisms in HUVEC. We examined whether gestational diabetes‐reduced adenosine transport results from lower hENT1 gene (SLC29A1) expression. HUVEC from gestational diabetes exhibit reduced SLC29A1 promoter activity when transfected with pGL3‐hENT1−2154 compared with pGL3‐hENT1−1114 constructs, an effect blocked by NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, NOS inhibitor), but unaltered by S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐L,D‐penicillamine (SNAP, NO donor). In cells from gestational diabetes transfected with pGL3‐hENT1−2154, L‐NAME increased, but SNAP did not alter promoter activity and hENT1 expression. However, in cells from normal pregnancies L‐NAME increased, but SNAP reduced promoter activity and hENT1 expression. Adenovirus‐silenced eNOS expression increased hENT1 expression and activity in cells from normal or gestational diabetic pregnancies. Thus, reduced adenosine transport may result from downregulation of SLC29A1 expression by NO in HUVEC from gestational diabetes. These findings explain the accumulation of extracellular adenosine detected in cultures of HUVEC from gestational diabetes. In addition, fetal endothelial dysfunction could be involved in the abnormal fetal development and growth seen in gestational diabetes. J. Cell. Physiol. 208: 451–460, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Retinoic acid signaling and function in the adult hippocampus
Authors: McCaffery Peter , Zhang Jinghua , Crandall James E.
Published: May 2006

Retinoic acid (RA) is an essential growth factor, derived from vitamin A, which controls growth by activating specific receptors that are members of the nuclear receptor family of transcriptional regulators. Its function in control of growth and differentiation in the embryonic CNS has been extensively investigated, but a role for RA in the mature brain has only recently become apparent. Although the adult CNS has much less capacity for change compared to the embryonic CNS, a limited amount of flexibility, referred to as neural plasticity, still exists. It is these processes that RA influences in the adult brain, including long‐term potentiation and neurogenesis. The hippocampus is a brain region dependent upon neural plasticity for its function in learning and memory, and this review focuses on the roles that RA may play in regulating these processes in the adult. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 66: 780–791, 2006
Anisomeridium calcicolum sp. nov. and further new records of pyrenocarpous lichens from India
Authors: UPRETI D. K. , NAYAKA S.
Published: May 2006

Anisomeridium calcicolum Upreti & Nayaka (Monoblastiaceae) from India is described as new to science. Lithothelium hyalosporum (Nyl.) Aptroot, and Polymeridium albocinereum (Krempelh.) R. C. Harris are reported as new records for the Indian lichen flora.
Bilimbia corcovadensis, a neotropical corticolous species of
Bilimbia
Authors: Llop Esteve
Published: May 2006

The species included in the recently reinstated genus Bilimbia De Not. (Veldkamp 2004) are usually associated with temperate and cold regions in both hemispheres, where they are muscicolous, terricolous or develop on plant debris (Wirth 1995; Nimis & Martellos 2004; Søchting et al. 2004; Hafellner et al. 2005; Kantvilas et al. 2005). Occasionally, taxa inhabiting corticolous bryophytes extend to adjoining bark, but no species has been described as exclusively corticolous.
Rural wage labour in the sixteenth-century Low Countries: an assessment of the importance and nature of wage labour in the countryside of Holland, Guelders and Flanders
Authors: VAN BAVEL BAS J. P.
Published: May 2006

The rise of wage labour in the countryside forms a fundamental element in the transition to a modern, capitalist economy and society. Hard data on this development, however, are scarce. Here, the importance of wage labour around the middle of the sixteenth century is reconstructed for three regions in the Low Countries. This reconstruction shows not only a high importance of wage labour, between a quarter to almost 60 per cent of rural labour input, but also strong regional differences. These differences appear not to be connected to urbanization or to the rise of one or another sector in the rural economy, but to the regional social and institutional framework in which the economy developed.
Age-specific seroprevalence of poliomyelitis, diphtheria and tetanus antibodies in Spain
Authors: PACHÓN I. , AMELA C. , DE ORY F.
Published: May 2006

In 1996, a seroepidemiological study was undertaken in Spain, with the main aim of estimating the population's immunity against poliomyelitis, tetanus and diphtheria. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted, covering the population aged 2–39 years. The sample was stratified by age and rural–urban environment, and informed consent obtained to take blood specimens from subjects attending phlebotomy centres. The study included 3932 persons and the prevalence of antibodies against all three types of poliovirus exceeded 94% across all age groups. From a high of 96% in subjects under the age of 15 years, immunity against diphtheria steadily declined to a low of 32·3% in subjects aged 30–39 years. Similarly, tetanus antitoxin concentrations indicating basic protection were present in 98–99% of the under-14 years age group; thereafter, immunity declined, until reaching 54·6% in the 30–39 years age group.
Monitoring hepatitis C virus infection among injecting drug users in the European Union: a review of the literature
Authors: ROY K. , HAY G. , ANDRAGETTI R. , TAYLOR A. , GOLDBERG D. , WIESSING L.
Published: May 2006

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) among injecting drug users (IDUs) is one of the European Union's (EU) major public health problems. This review examines the current state of knowledge regarding HCV among IDUs in EU countries. Studies published between January 1990 and December 2000, were identified through a computerized search (MEDLINE and EMBASE). Ninety-eight studies have reported prevalence for HCV among groups of IDUs in all EU countries except Luxembourg. The prevalence of anti-HCV ranged from 30 to 98%. Incidence rates ranged from 6·2 to 39·3 per 100 person years. This review provides a comprehensive examination of HCV infection among IDUs in the countries of the EU, and quite clearly demonstrates that the quality and epidemiological relevance of the studies published varies widely. Thus, the reported data may not reflect accurately the current or recent past prevalence of HCV among IDUs in the EU. A strategic approach to the surveillance of HCV among IDUs in the EU, utilizing robust and consistent methods, is required urgently.
Diffusion modeling of recessional flow on central Amazonian floodplains
Authors: Alsdorf Douglas , Dunne Thomas , Melack John , Smith Laurence , Hess Laura
Published: May 2006

We present a continuity‐based approach for calculating flow delivered to a main channel from an adjacent floodplain and use the values in a linear diffusion model to generalize fluxes across a floodplain. Using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) measurements of floodplain water level changes and the continuity equation, we demonstrate that flow rates are not the same throughout Amazonian floodplains. Also, rates of floodplain storage change are found to be least in areas of greatest distance from a main channel which suggests a long residence time. Linear diffusion modeling of floodplain drainage represents the composite behavior of flow through channels, swamps and lakes and provides a simple method of defining storage changes. The key parameter necessary for diffusion modeling is floodplain conductivity which can be constrained by a simple description of floodplain topography and measurements of temporal changes in floodplain water levels.
Scaling relationship of initiations for moderate to large earthquakes
Authors: Sato K. , Mori J.
Published: May 2006

We investigate the initiation sizes of earthquakes over a wide range of moderate to large events. Using the model of Sato and Kanamori, which is based on Griffith crack theory for a circular fault, we estimate the initial crack sizes of earthquakes, using high‐quality data recorded at close hypocentral distances. Taking into account the local attenuation and the dynamic stress drop of the earthquakes, we estimate trigger factors and initial crack radii for 35 events in Japan and Taiwan with magnitudes of 3.5 to 7.9. Our results show that all of the earthquakes can be explained with a small trigger factor and initial crack sizes of 12–96 m. For the large range of earthquake sizes, this is a small range of initial crack sizes. There does not appear to be a clear scaling relationship between initial crack size and final earthquake size. Instead, our results show that all the moderate to large earthquakes initiate with initial crack radii on the order of tens of meters.
Relationship between rupture process complexity and earthquake size
Authors: Sato K. , Mori J.
Published: May 2006

We studied the complexity of waveforms for two shallow crustal earthquake sequences in Japan. Using 47 earthquakes of the 2003 northern Miyagi sequence and 95 events of the 2004 mid‐Niigata sequence, we estimated the number of complex and simple P waveforms for events with magnitudes from M3.1 to M6.6. Data were recorded at borehole and surface stations with minimal site responses for close hypocentral distances of less than 30 km. The determination of complexity was done by counting the zero crossings of the accelerations waveforms. Our results show that for the smaller earthquakes, there are both simple and complex events but that all of the larger earthquakes are complex. There appears to be a threshold size over which the earthquakes always become complex. For both data sets this threshold is M4.0 to M4.5. We attribute this difference in complexity with earthquake size as an indication that larger earthquake grow with a complex ruptures that may be indicative of stochastic processes. There do not appear to be large earthquakes that grow smoothly to their final size.
Global secondary organic aerosol from isoprene oxidation
Authors: Henze Daven K. , Seinfeld John H.
Published: May 2006

Inclusion of isoprene as a source of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in a global model increases the global burden of SOA from all sources by more than a factor of two. The isoprene source substantially increases SOA concentrations in the free troposphere, because isoprene, and, more importantly, isoprene's oxidation products, have much greater concentrations at higher altitudes than other biogenic SOA precursors, highlighting the importance of semi‐volatile organics for SOA formation. These results are robust with respect to increases in partitioning of non‐isoprene oxidation products at higher altitudes and increased wet removal of isoprene oxidation products. This additional source of SOA enhances production of SOA from other parent hydrocarbons by 17%, and leads to an overall distribution of SOA that differs enough from previous predictions to warrant reevaluation of the radiative effects of organic carbon aerosol.
The deprotonated guanine-cytosine base pair
Authors: Lind Maria C. , Bera Partha P. , Richardson Nancy A. , Wheeler Steven E. , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: May 2006

Awareness of the harmful effects of radiation has increased interest in finding the mechanisms of DNA damage. Radical and anion formation among the DNA base pairs are thought to be important steps in such damage [Collins, G. P. (2003)
Sci. Am.
289 (
3
), 26–27]. Energetic properties and optimized geometries of 10 radicals and their respective anions derived through hydrogen abstraction from the Watson-Crick guanine–cytosine (G-C) base pair have been studied using reliable theoretical methods. The most favorable deprotonated structure (dissociation energy 42 kcal·mol
−1
, vertical detachment energy 3.79 eV) ejects the proton analogous to the cytosine glycosidic bond in DNA. This structure is a surprisingly large 12 kcal·mol
−1
lower in energy than any of the other nine deprotonated G-C structures. This system retains the qualitative G-C structure but with the H···O2 distance dramatically reduced from 1.88 to 1.58 Å, an extremely short hydrogen bond. The most interesting deprotonated G-C structure is a “reverse wobble” incorporating two N-H···N hydrogen bonds. Three different types of relaxation energies (4.3–54 kcal·mol
−1
) are defined and reported to evaluate the energy released via different mechanisms for the preparation of the deprotonated species. Relative energies, adiabatic electron affinities (ranging from 1.93 to 3.65 eV), and pairing energies are determined to discern which radical will most alter the G-C properties. The most stable deprotonated base pair corresponds to the radical with the largest adiabatic electron affinity, 3.65 eV. This value is an enormous increase over the electron affinity (0.60 eV) of the closed-shell G-C base pair.
Burkholderia cenocepacia utilizes ferritin as an iron source
Authors: Whitby Paul W. , VanWagoner Timothy M. , Springer Jennifer M. , Morton Daniel J. , Seale Thomas W. , Stull Terrence L.
Published: May 2006

Burkholderia cenocepaciais a member of theBurkholderia cepaciacomplex, a group of genetically similar species that inhabit a number of environmental niches, including the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). To colonize the lung, this bacterium requires a source of iron to satisfy its nutritional requirements for this important metal. Because of the high potential for damage in lung tissue resulting from oxygen–iron interactions, this metal is sequestered by a number of mechanisms that render it potentially unavailable to invading micro-organisms. Such mechanisms include the intracellular and extracellular presence of the iron-binding protein ferritin. Ferritin has a highly stable macromolecular structure and may contain up to 4500 iron atoms per molecule. To date, there has been no known report of a pathogenic bacterial species that directly utilizes iron sequestered by this macromolecule. To examine the ability of ferritin to support growth ofB. cenocepaciaJ2315, iron-deficient media were supplemented with different concentrations of ferritin and the growth kinetics characterized over a 40 h period. The results indicated thatB. cenocepaciaJ2315 utilizes iron bound by ferritin. Further studies examining the mechanisms of iron uptake from ferritin indicated that iron utilization results from a proteolytic degradation of this otherwise stable macromolecular structure. Since it is known that the ferritin concentration is significantly higher in the CF lung than in healthy lungs, this novel iron-acquisition mechanism may contribute to infection byB. cenocepaciain people with CF.
Identification of Burkholderia cepacia complex pathogens by rapid-cycle PCR with fluorescent hybridization probes
Authors: Vonberg Ralf-Peter , Häußler Susanne , Vandamme Peter , Steinmetz Ivo
Published: May 2006

Members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex are important bacterial pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The B. cepacia complex currently consists of nine genetic subgroups (genomovars) of different epidemiological relevance and possibly of different pathogenic potential in humans. In this study, a new approach was developed for the rapid identification of B. cepacia genomovar I, Burkholderia multivorans (genomovar II), Burkholderia cenocepacia (lineage III-A and III-B), Burkholderia stabilis (genomovar IV) and Burkholderia vietnamiensis (genomovar V), which cause the large majority of infections in CF patients. The method was based on the detection of differences in the recA gene sequence by using rapid-cycle PCR and genomovar-specific fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes. The genomovar status of all 39 B. cepacia complex strains tested (genomovars I–V) was identified by melting-curve analysis. Each FRET probe produced a specific fluorescence signal only with the respective genomovar, and not with other B. cepacia complex strains and Burkholderia spp. The identification system was easy to handle and revealed B. cepacia complex genomovar I–V status from culture isolates within about 1 h.
The Lutheran Confessions in Korea
Authors: Eom Jin‐Seop
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Although Christianity has been active in Korea for two centuries, the church of the Lutheran confessions was planted only a half century ago, in 1958, by the Lutheran Church‐Missouri Synod. With an ecumenical face, Korean Lutherans provide a dynamic leaven in wider society and the church is growing. Even though other Korean church bodies have engaged in writing new confessional statements, Lutherans are finding the richness of the Lutheran Confessions in the Book of Concord sufficient for self‐understanding and expansion.
The Lutheran Confessions in Western Europe: Past and Future
Authors: Sannes Kjell Olav
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  The idea of a church uniting confession began with the Lutherans in the late 1520s; and with translations of the Augsburg Confession (AC) it spread throughout Europe with the advance of the Reformation. As European culture slips further toward postmodern relativism, the absolute nature of divine claims reflected in confessions will seem odd and unwelcome. Christians must take up the challenge of developing a hermeneutic for interpreting the confessions so that the Truth of God can be respected.
Composition of root‐colonizing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities in different ecosystems around the globe
Authors: ÖPIK MAARJA , MOORA MARI , LIIRA JAAN , ZOBEL MARTIN
Published: May 2006

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are obligate root symbionts that are present in most terrestrial ecosystems and have roles in plant mineral nutrition, carbon cycling and biotic interactions. In this work, 26 publications were surveyed that report on the occurrence of natural root‐colonizing AM fungi identified using rDNA region sequences. A total of 52 host plant species were investigated. Sixteen publications provided data enabling a comparison to be made of AM fungal taxon richness and community composition across 36 host plant species and 25 locations. Ninety‐five fungal taxa (small subunit rRNA gene sequence types) were involved, 49 of which were recorded from at least two study sites, and 65 from more than one host plant species.

The number of AM fungal taxa per host plant species differed between habitat types: a significantly higher richness was found in tropical forests (18.2 fungal taxa per plant species), followed by grasslands (8.3), temperate forests (5.6) and habitats under anthropogenic influence (arable fields and polluted sites, 5.2).

AM fungal communities exhibit differing compositions in broadly defined habitat types: tropical forests, temperate forests and habitats under anthropogenic influence. Grassland locations around the world host heterogeneous AM fungal communities.

A number of AM fungi had a global distribution, including sequence types related to the Glomus intraradices/fasciculatum group, G. mosseae, G. sp. UY1225 and G. hoi, as well as the Glomus and Scutellospora types of unknown taxonomic affiliation. Widespread taxa occur in both natural and anthropogenic (disturbed) habitats, and may show high local abundance. However, about 50% of taxa have been recorded from only a single site.

The current global analysis of AM fungal communities suggests that soil micro‐organisms may exhibit different distribution patterns, resulting in a high variability of taxon richness and composition between particular ecosystems.
E‐learning funding for schools: a policy paradox?
Authors: Mee Adrian
Published: May 2006

The rise in UK government funding for information and communications technologies (ICTs) since 1997 has created a large capital infrastructure, which schools are required to support with their own funds. Simultaneously, both nationally and internationally, the model of self‐managing schools gathers momentum. In the UK, the government supports the key principle of local management of schools, which points towards the leadership team and governors as the body best placed to make decisions on how funding will support school improvement. The complexity of policy formation with respect to e‐learning funding in schools is further compounded by the requirement to address the needs of a range of stakeholders in the state and commercial sectors.

This goal of this paper was to explore this potential paradox between centralised funding of school ICTs and local planning and decision‐making. Five possible funding policy models were suggested and discussed, and key questions in relation to policy formation were identified.
QTC Dispersion and P-Wave Dispersion during Migraine Attacks
Authors: Duru M , Melek I , Seyfeli E , Duman T , Kuvandik G , Kaya H , Yalçm F
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to investigate increase of QTc dispersion and P-wave dispersion during migraine attacks. Fifty-five patients (16–65 years of age, 49 women, six men) with migraine were included in our study. Heart rate, QTc interval, maximum and minimum QTc interval, QTc dispersion, maximum and minimum P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion were measured from 12-lead ECG recording during migraine attacks and pain-free periods. ECGs were transferred to a personal computer via a scanner and then used for magnification of x400 by Adobe Photoshop software. Maximum QTc interval (454 ± 24 ms vs. 429 ± 23 ms, P < 0.001), QTc interval (443 ± 26 ms vs. 408 ± 22 ms, P <0.001) and QTc dispersion (63 ± 18 ms vs. 43 ± 14 ms, P <0.001) were found significantly higher during migraine attacks compared with pain-free periods. Maximum P-wave duration (107 ± 11 ms vs. 100 ± 11 ms, P <0.001) and P-wave dispersion (45 ± 13 ms vs. 35 ± 13 ms, P <0.001) were found higher during migraine attacks than pain-free periods. We concluded that migraine attacks are associated with increased QTc and P-wave dispersion compared with pain-free periods.
Behavioural Genetics: Why Eugenic Selection is Preferable to Enhancement
Authors: SAVULESCU JULIAN , HEMSLEY MELANIE , NEWSON AINSLEY , FODDY BENNETT
Published: May 2006

abstract  Criminal behaviour is but one behavioural tendency for which a genetic influence has been suggested. Whilst this research certainly raises difficult ethical questions and is subject to scientific criticism, one recent research project suggests that for some families, criminal tendency might be predicted by genetics. In this paper, supposing this research is valid, we consider whether intervening in the criminal tendency of future children is ethically justifiable. We argue that, if avoidance of harm is a paramount consideration, such an intervention is acceptable when genetic selection is employed instead of genetic enhancement. Moreover, other moral problems in avoiding having children with a tendency to criminal behaviour, such as the prospect of social discrimination, can also be overcome.
Adding Injury to Insult: Fracture Risk After Stroke in Veterans
Authors: Whitson Heather E. , Pieper Carl F. , Sanders Linda , Horner Ronnie D. , Duncan Pamela W. , Lyles Kenneth W.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine fracture risk in U.S. stroke patients and identify patient characteristics that predict highest fracture risk in two complementary cohorts.

DESIGN: Secondary analyses of two prospective cohorts.

SETTING: Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers.

PARTICIPANTS: The VA Acute Stroke (VASt) cohort includes 1,073 veterans admitted to nine VA hospitals for stroke between April 1995 and March 1997. The Integrated Stroke Outcomes Database (ISOD) includes 6,578 veterans who received inpatient rehabilitation for stroke at 121 VA facilities during fiscal years 2001 and 2002.

MEASUREMENTS: Fractures detected using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, codes in the VA computerized patient record system; baseline patient characteristics and stroke features; Functional Independence Measures scores in ISOD.

RESULTS: Estimated 2‐year fracture rates after stroke in the VASt and ISOD cohorts were 6.1% and 4.7%, respectively. Longer hospitalizations for stroke (P=.06) and new motor or sensory impairment (P=.09) showed trends toward greater risk in the VASt cohort. Female sex (P <.001), cognitive impairment (P=.01), and nonblack race (P=.04) were associated with higher fracture risk in the ISOD. Intermediate functional impairment conferred higher fracture risk than mild or severe functional impairment.

CONCLUSION: Veterans who suffer a stroke are at high risk of subsequent fracture, which can lead to further disability. Women, nonblacks, and those with intermediate functional impairment were at particularly high risk of fracture. Future study should investigate therapies to decrease fracture risk in stroke patients.
Value Creation in REIT Property Sell‐Offs
Authors: Campbell Robert D. , Petrova Milena , Sirmans C.F.
Published: May 2006

We examine major sales of real property by public U.S. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) 1992–2002. We find that abnormal shareholder returns are significantly positive, a result that is consistent with findings for conventional firms that sell off real estate. Because REITs do not pay taxes, this finding supports the view that abnormal returns in real estate sell‐offs by all types of firms are derived largely from asset allocation efficiencies and do not result exclusively from tax benefits. Shareholder returns are lower in sell‐offs motivated by a desire to reduce long‐term debt, as is consistent with financial theory regarding the information content of leverage decisions. Returns are inversely related to the firm's operating performance prior to the sell‐off announcement, further supporting the case that improved asset efficiencies create value in real estate sell‐offs.
Developing a Family‐Based Depression Prevention Program in Urban Community Mental Health Clinics: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: BOYD RHONDA C. , DIAMOND GUY S. , BOURJOLLY JORETHA N.
Published: May 2006

Extensive research documents that children of depressed mothers are at a significantly higher risk for developing a variety of socioemotional difficulties than children of nondepressed mothers. Yet, little prevention research has been conducted for this population, and low‐income, minority, and urban families are rarely included. To address this deficit, we are developing the Protecting Families Program (PFP), a family‐based multicomponent depression prevention program for mothers in treatment at urban community mental health agencies and their school‐aged children. To inform intervention development and begin relationship building with the agencies, patient and staff focus groups were conducted in the participating agencies. Eighteen mothers with depression participated, and eight major themes were identified: (1) depression symptoms, (2) generational legacy, (3) parenting difficulties, (4) child problems, (5) social support, (6) stressful life events, (7) therapy and other helpful activities, and (8) desired treatment. In the focus groups with 10 mental health providers, the five major themes identified were parenting difficulties, lack of social support, life stress, current mental health practices, and intervention development. The findings support the multicomponent design of PFP, which focuses on increasing knowledge of depression, enhancing social support, and improving parenting skills. The study helped clarify many of the challenges of conducting research in a community mental health system.
An evaluation of the prevalence of malnutrition in cancer patients attending the outpatient oncology clinic
Authors: READ Jane A , CHOY ST Boris , BEALE Philip , CLARKE Stephen J
Published: May 2006

Background:  The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of cancer patients attending the medical oncology outpatient setting for the first time.

Methods:  One‐hundred and forty‐one patients (87 males, 54 females) were assessed by a dietitian, using the nutrition assessment tool, the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA). Tumor types included colorectal, head and neck, lung, pancreatic, gastric or esophageal cancer. No patient had previously received chemotherapy.

Results:  Forty‐eight (34%) patients were well nourished (PG‐SGA rating A), 79 (56%) patients were at risk of malnutrition (B), and 14 (10%) patients were malnourished (C). The median PG‐SGA score was 7. There were no significant differences in nutritional status between those > 65 years and those ≤ 65 years. The highest PG‐SGA scores (indicating a greater nutritional risk) were found in patients with gastric, pancreatic and oesophageal cancers. There were significant differences found between certain cancer groups using the PG‐SGA, however, these were not detected using other more commonly used criteria, such as the body mass index (BMI).

Conclusion:  This study confirms that the majority of new patients with cancer presenting to a medical oncologist are at risk of malnutrition or malnourished. It calls for better screening, and adequate nutrition intervention in patients who are about to be considered for systemic treatment.