bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of complex adaptive systems metaphor to achieve professional and organizational change
Authors: Rowe Ann , Hogarth Annette
Published: July 2005

Aim.  This paper uses the experiences of a programme designed to bring about change in performance of public health nurses (health visitors and school nurses) in an inner city primary care trust, to explore the issues of professional and organizational change in health care organizations.

Background.  The United Kingdom government has given increasing emphasis to programmes of modernization within the National Health Service. A central facet of this policy shift has been an expectation of behaviour and practice change by health care professionals.

Methods.  Change was brought about through use of a Complex Adaptive Systems approach. This enabled change to be seen as an inclusive, evolving and unpredictable process rather one which is linear and mechanistic. The paper examines in detail how the use of concepts and metaphors associated with Complex Adaptive Systems influenced the development of the programme, its implementation and outcomes.

Findings.  The programme resulted in extensive change in professional behaviour, service delivery and transformational change in the organizational structures and processes of the employing organization. This gave greater opportunities for experimentation and innovation, leading to new developments in service delivery, but also meant higher levels of uncertainty, responsibility, decision‐making and risk management for practitioners.

Conclusion.  Using a Complex Adaptive Systems approach was helpful for developing alternative views of change and for understanding why and how some aspects of change were more successful than others. Its use encouraged the confrontation of some long‐standing assumptions about change and service delivery patterns in the National Health Service, and the process exposed challenging tensions within the Service. The consequent destabilising of organizational and professional norms resulted in considerable emotional impacts for practitioners, an area which was found to be underplayed within the Complex Adaptive Systems literature. A Complex Adaptive Systems approach can support change, in particular a recognition and understanding of the emergence of unexpected structures, patterns and processes. The approach can support nurses to change their behaviour and innovate, but requires high levels of accountability, individual and professional creativity.
The skill mix practice model for nursing: measuring outcome
Authors: Lee Tso‐Ying , Yeh Mei‐Ling , Chen Hsing‐Hsia , Lien Gieng‐Hueu
Published: July 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study examining the outcome of personnel costs and quality of care after implementing the skill mix practice model for nursing.

Background.  In response to ever‐tightening government budgets and changes in health insurance reimbursement, it may be necessary for hospitals to reassess their practice models to remain competitive and maintain quality of care.

Method.  Using a pre‐ and post‐test quasi‐experimental design with questionnaires, participants were recruited at a teaching hospital in Taiwan. Questions were included on both patient satisfaction with nursing care and nurse satisfaction with nursing aides. The data were collected in 2003.

Results.  The cost of implementing the skill mix practice model with 22 nurses and seven nursing aides was 2·7% lower than when only using 25 nurses. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction and in nurse satisfaction with the performance of the aides. There was no statistically significant difference in the pre‐ and post‐test outcome measures of both the incidence of falls and the medication error rate.

Conclusion.  To decrease costs and increase quality of care, the skill mix practice model is worthy of consideration for clinical nursing care. This study presents an investigation of the first hospital implementation of the skill mix practice model for nursing in Taiwan, and the results of which can serve as a reference model for hospital nursing practice reform.
Adapt or adopt: developing and transgressing the methodological boundaries of grounded theory
Authors: Cutcliffe John R.
Published: July 2005

Aims. While acknowledging that there is an existing debate regarding the nature of grounded theory, the aim of this paper is to highlight a number of common and key areas/issues where adaptation/adoption of Glaserian grounded theory in nursing‐related studies often occurs. These issues are: the differences between conceptual description and conceptual theory; beginning the study with a ‘general wonderment’ or a more defined research question; establishing the credibility of the theory; identifying a basic psycho‐social process and emerging vs. forcing.

Background. Since the development and introduction of grounded theory in 1967, the number of studies, in a wide range of disciplines including nursing, that purport to be using a grounded theory method has grown enormously. While Glaser and Strauss acknowledged then that it was entirely appropriate for the methodology to evolve and develop, some of the studies that claim to be based on grounded theory methodology share little methodological similarity, and at times, bear only a passing resemblance to Glaserian grounded theory.

Discussion. Some methodological transgressions in papers that purport to be grounded theory studies are such that it would be inaccurate to term the resulting method grounded theory at all. Instead such studies are more accurately thought of as a form of qualitative data analysis. Such transgressions include a study that has no evidence of conceptualization; one that does not identify a basic psycho‐social process; and one that moves from ‘emerging’ to ‘forcing’. Other methodological adaptations of grounded theory, such as beginning the study with more than a general wonderment and broadening the approach to establishing the credibility of the theory, are more in keeping with Glaser and Strauss’ position on the evolution of the method. In such cases, it is necessary to distinguish such methods from ‘pure’ Glaserian grounded theory, and it would be prudent and methodologically accurate to describe the resulting method as ‘modified’ grounded theory.
Avian Mobbing Response is Restricted by Territory Boundaries: Experimental Evidence from Two Species of Forest Warblers
Authors: Betts Matthew G. , Hadley Adam S. , Doran Patrick J.
Published: July 2005

Predator mobbing has been viewed as an adaptation to reduce the risk of predation, however, factors influencing mobbing behaviour are still debated. We report on the results of an experiment with Dendroica caerulescens and Dendroica virens designed to determine (1) whether mobbing response by forest songbirds during the breeding season is restricted by territory boundaries, (2) the distance songbirds will move in response to anti‐predator mobbing calls, and (3) whether reproductive status, age, and time of the breeding season determine the distance moved to mob. We did not detect an effect of reproductive status, age, or time of breeding season on the distance moved by birds to mob. All birds responded to the mobbing playback within their territory (defined by territorial defence in relation to specific song playbacks). The maximum distance moved within a territory to engage in mobbing ranged from 25 to 175 m ( = 72 ± 6 m). Three of 37 birds responded to playbacks outside their territory boundaries. In all three cases, maximum movement distances outside territories were short (25 m). Thus, for two species of warblers, mobbing is highly constrained by territory boundaries during the breeding season. This finding is congruent with arguments that mobbing is primarily a selfish behaviour, at least with respect to conspecifics. Our results also provide support for the ‘move‐on’ hypothesis.
Courtship in the Zig‐Zag Salamander (Plethodon dorsalis): Insights into a Transition in Pheromone‐Delivery Behavior
Authors: Picard Amy L.
Published: July 2005

Courtship in plethodontid salamanders includes the delivery of male courtship pheromones by two distinct modes. Within the eastern Plethodon clade of the tribe Plethodontini, members of the Plethodon cinereus species group use an ancestral ‘vaccination’ mode of delivery, while members of the P. glutinosus group use an olfactory delivery mode. In order to shed light on this transition in delivery mode, I observed courtship behavior in P. dorsalis, a species that is phylogenetically intermediate to the P. cinereus and P. glutinosus groups. My observations indicate that P. dorsalis also is intermediate to the P. cinereus and P. glutinosus species groups in terms of courtship behavior. The context of delivery of male courtship pheromones in P. dorsalis is similar to that of the P. cinereus species group; however, the mode of pheromone delivery in P. dorsalis is olfactory. Thus, a transition in the context of pheromone delivery underlies the more obvious change in pheromone delivery mode. I discuss these findings in terms of the evolution of courtship pheromone delivery across the eastern Plethodon clade. I also report the first observations of ‘premature’ spermatophore deposition by male plethodontids.
New regulatory mechanisms for human extravillous trophoblast invasion
Authors: FUJIWARA HIROSHI , SATO YUKIYASU , NISHIOKA YOSHIHIRO , YOSHIOKA SHINYA , KOSAKA KENZO , FUJII HARUKO , TATSUMI KEIJI , EGAWA MIHO , ZENG BIN‐XIANG , FURUKAWA KAZUMI , HIGUCHI TOSHIHIRO
Published: July 2005

Human extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) invade maternal deciduas and reconstructed maternal spiral arteries during early placentation. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms to induce EVT invasion toward arteries and/or to protect EVT from further invasion have not been well understood. Recently, it was found that EVT that had already ceased their invasion, specifically expressed cluster of differentiation (CD9) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) on their cell surface. In addition, EVT migrating to maternal spiral arteries expressed CC chemokine receptor type‐1 (CCR‐1), which is a chemokine receptor for regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and so on. CD9 is associated with integrin molecules on the cell surface and is considered to modulate integrin function. In contrast, DPPIV is a cell surface peptidase that can metabolize RANTES at extracellular sites before its accessing to the chemokine receptors. In vitro functional assay showed that CD9, DPPIV and RANTES are involved in the regulation for EVT invasion. From these findings, it can be proposed that CD9 and DPPIV, including chemokines, are new regulatory factors for human extravillous trophoblasts. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 189–195)
Food intake and leptin concentrations of lactating rats nursing various sized litters
Authors: SAITO TORU R. , SUZUKI MITSURO , AOKI‐KOMORI SHINOBU , TANAKA MINORU
Published: July 2005

Purpose:   Leptin, the obesity (ob) gene product, has been proposed as an adipose‐related satiety factor. It might act as a signal, from peripheral adipose stores to the central nervous system, to decrease food intake and increase energy expenditure. Conversely, low leptin concentrations after fasting or energy restriction might act to increase food intake. The present study investigated the role of the suckling stimulus in the mechanisms regulating body weight, food consumption and leptin concentration in lactating rats nursing different sized litters.

Methods:   The day of parturition was designated as day 0 of lactation. The rats were allocated randomly to three groups and the number of pups per litter was adjusted within one day of birth to eight (Group A), four (Group B) and two (Group C), with equal numbers of both sexes. From day 1 to day 10 of lactation, the separate weights of the mothers and pups, and the mothers’ food intake were measured daily. On day 10, the rats were decapitated and blood was collected from the mothers for measurement of serum concentrations of leptin by ELISA.

Results:   Food intake by the mothers in Groups B and C decreased by about 20% and 30%, respectively, by day 10 of lactation, compared with Group A, but the serum leptin concentrations of those in Group C increased by about 80%, compared with Groups A and B. There was a high positive correlation between leptin concentration and fat pad weight.

Conclusion:   The findings suggest that the smaller litter in Group C reduced the energy cost of lactation, which induced an increase in the serum leptin concentration. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 203–206)
In vitro fertilization outcome in severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: An age‐matched contemporaneous control study
Authors: NG SOON PHENG , RASHID MR ZAINUL , KUMAR JOTHI , NG SOON CHYE
Published: July 2005

Aim:   Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potentially life‐threatening, iatrogenic complication of assisted reproduction and has been associated with poor in vitro fertilization outcome. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pregnancy rate and outcome following severe OHSS, at a single center over a three‐year period.

Methods:   The incidence of severe OHSS at the IVF Center, National University of Singapore, in Singapore, was 4% (48 cases over 1200 cycles) during the period of 1997–2000. The present retrospective study compared 48 cases of severe OHSS to 144 age‐matched, contemporaneous controls without OHSS.

Results:   The total gonadotropin required for severe OHSS group was found to be lower than for that of controls (2664.06 ± 768.29 IU vs 3349.58 ± 2003.73 IU), although duration of stimulation was similar. The OHSS group was associated with a fivefold increase (OR 5.293, 95% CI: 2.116–13.238) in pregnancy rate compared to controls (87.5% vs 56.9%; P < 0.05). Late OHSS was more common (38/48 cases) and had a pregnancy rate of 97% per embryo transfer. There was no significant difference in the multiple pregnancy (54% vs 48%; P > 0.05) and miscarriage rates (14% vs 7.3%; P > 0.05) between the groups.

Conclusion:   Severe OHSS at our center were mostly late onset. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher, but multiple pregnancy and miscarriage rates were not significantly increased when compared to the age‐matched contemporaneous controls. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 207–211)
Heterotopic cervical pregnancy with preservation of the intrauterine gestation
Authors: HONDA RITSUO , MATSUURA KOHEI , OKAMURA HITOSHI
Published: July 2005

We present a case of heterotopic cervical pregnancy where intrauterine gestation was preserved successfully. A 40‐year‐old Japanese woman presented with heterotopic cervical pregnancy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection with elongated spermatid. An ultrasound examination showed heterotopic cervical pregnancy. Intrauterine gestation was preserved successfully with the use of local vasopressin injection, followed by curettage of cervical implantation and local methotrexate injection. The cervical pregnancy resolved, and a healthy full‐term infant was delivered. When early diagnosis of a heterotropic cervical pregnancy is made, selective reduction of a cervical implantation might allow preservation of the intrauterine gestation, without hysterectomy. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 221–223)
High‐fat diet enhances visceral advanced glycation end products, nuclear O‐Glc‐Nac modification, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation and apoptosis
Authors: Li S.‐Y. , Liu Y. , Sigmon V. K. , McCort A. , Ren J.
Published: July 2005

High‐fat diet intake often leads to obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension, which present a common and detrimental health problem. However, precise mechanism underlying tissue damage due to high‐fat diet‐induced obesity has not been carefully elucidated. The present study was designed to examine the effect of high‐fat diet intake on visceral advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation, nuclear O‐Glc‐NAc modification and apoptosis in heart, liver and kidney. Adult male Sprague‐Dawley weight‐matched rats were fed for 12 weeks with a high‐fat diet (45% kcal from fat) or an isocaloric low‐fat diet (10% kcal from fat). High‐fat diet feeding significantly elevated body weight. Blood pressure and heart rate were comparable between the two rat groups. Competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed significantly elevated serum AGE levels, visceral AGE formation, caspase‐3 activation and cytoplasmic DNA fragmentation in heart and liver but not kidney samples of high‐fat diet fed rats compared with those from low‐fat diet fed group. Western blot analysis further revealed that high‐fat diet feeding induced overt nuclear O‐Glc‐NAc modification and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation in heart and liver although not in kidney samples of the high‐fat diet‐fed rats. Collectively, our results indicated that high‐fat diet intake is associated with obesity accompanied by elevated serum and visceral AGEs, visceral post‐translational nuclear O‐Glc‐NAcylated modification and apoptosis, which may contribute to high‐fat diet‐induced tissue damage.
Analysis of criteria for metabolic syndrome in a population‐based study of Japanese‐Brazilians
Authors: Rosenbaum P. , Gimeno S. G. A. , Sanudo A. , Franco L. J. , Ferreira S. R. G. ,   for the Japanese‐Brazilian Diabetes Study Group
Published: July 2005

Objective:  Criteria for metabolic syndrome (MS) differ particularly regarding the definition of central obesity and consequently, there could be differences in the assessment of cardiovascular risk. We estimated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, compared the agreement of the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria with the standard and a modified National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) criterion and investigated whether additional factors were associated with the diagnosis of the syndrome in a Japanese descendant population.

Methods:  In this cross‐sectional, population‐based survey, 1166 Japanese‐Brazilians (533 men, 633 women) aged 57.4 ± 12.4 years with mean body mass index (BMI) and waist of 25.2 ± 4.0 kg/m2 and 84.5 ± 10.6 cm, respectively, were included. McNemar and kappa statistics were used to assess the concordance between WHO criteria with the standard and a modified NCEP criteria (waist of 90 and 80 cm, for men and women, respectively). In logistic regression analysis, a number of metabolic variables and albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio were included to test independent associations with metabolic syndrome defined by the modified NCEP criteria.

Results:  According to WHO, 55.4% (95% CI 52.5‐58.2%) of the subjects had MS and to NCEP 47.4% (95% CI 44.6‐50.0%). WHO criterion detected 48.3% of central obese subjects while NCEP only 14.0%. Kappa statistics showed a good strength of agreement (k = 0.67, p < 0.01) between WHO and NCEP standard definitions of MS. Using the modified NCEP criterion for Asians, more subjects with metabolic syndrome were identified (58%) and agreement with WHO was improved (k = 0.72, p < 0.001). However, similar Framingham risk scores were attributed to the subsets of subjects classified by any of the three criteria. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves, obtained for the modified waist values to diagnose metabolic syndrome according to WHO, were > 0.80 and corresponded, respectively, to sensitivity and specificity of 63 and 83% for men and 77 and 72% for women. In final logistic regression model, age, male sex, BMI and homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance but not with albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR) were independently associated with the syndrome.

Conclusions:  High prevalence of MS, independent of the criterion considered, was found in this Japanese‐Brazilian population. The replacement of waist cutoff by those proposed by WHO for Asians lead to this diagnosis in a higher number of subjects with elevated cardiovascular risk. Our data did not support that ACR should be included in the classical definition of MS in Japanese descendants as previously suggested by WHO.
The effect of metformin and rosiglitazone on postprandial lipid metabolism in obese insulin‐resistant subjects
Authors: James A. P. , Watts G. F. , Mamo J. C. L.
Published: July 2005

Introduction:  Obese insulin‐resistant individuals exhibit a dyslipidaemia due to raised levels of both hepatically and intestinally derived lipoproteins. However, little is known about the related dysregulation of intestinally derived lipoproteins. We examined whether the insulin‐sensitizing agents, metformin and rosiglitazone, improve intestinal lipoprotein metabolism in obese insulin‐resistant individuals.

Methods:  Thirty male obese (body mass index > 26; waist circumference > 100 cm) insulin‐resistant [homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) score > 2.0] subjects were randomized to either a metformin (1 g bd), rosiglitazone (4 mg bd) or control treatment group for a period of 8 weeks. Fasting and postprandial lipid metabolism was studied before and after the intervention period.

Results:  Metformin and rosiglitazone both significantly improved insulin sensitivity, but this was not paralleled by improvement in dyslipidaemia. With rosiglitazone relative to control there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the area under the apolipoprotein (apo) B48 curve following the oral fat load and a decrease in the ratio of triglyceride to apo B48 levels postprandially following rosiglitazone treatment.

Conclusion:  In obese insulin‐resistant subjects metformin and rosiglitazone both improve insulin sensitivity, as measured by HOMA, without improvement in lipid metabolism. Rosiglitazone may have a detrimental effect on chylomicron metabolism by an increase in postprandial apo B48 levels, and this requires further investigation.
The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Greece: The MetS‐Greece Multicentre Study
Authors: Athyros V. G. , Bouloukos V. I. , Pehlivanidis A. N. , Papageorgiou A. A. , Dionysopoulou S. G. , Symeonidis A. N. , Petridis D. I. , Kapousouzi M. I. , Satsoglou E. A. , Mikhailidis D. P. ,   for The MetS‐Greece Collaborative Group
Published: July 2005

Background:  The Third Report (ATP III) of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel (NCEP) highlighted the importance of identifying and treating patients with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and progression to diabetes mellitus. Limited information is available about the prevalence of MetS, as defined by the NCEP ATP III, in Europe, especially in Greece.

Objective:  To estimate the prevalence of the MetS in Greece, The MetS‐Greece Study.

Design and participants:  A cross‐sectional analysis of a representative sample of Greek adults (4153 participants older than 18 years). One group consisting of military personnel (n = 300) and another one from a Greek Muslim Community (n = 300) were used for comparison. In all, 4753 subjects were included in the final analysis.

Results:  All subjects from the general population were Caucasian men (49%) and women (51%), living in urban (n = 2243, 54%), semi‐urban (n = 1038, 25%) and rural (n = 872, 21%) areas. The age‐standardized prevalence of the MetS was 23.6%[95% confidence interval (CI): 22.4–25.1%]. This was similar in men (24.2%, 95% CI: 22.3–25.2%) and women (22.8%, 95% CI: 21.4–25.0%) (p = 0.3). The prevalence increased with age in both sexes, 4.8% among participants aged 19–29 years and 43% for participants over 70 years old (p for trend < 0.0001). There was a 14.7‐fold increase in odds ratio for having MetS in the age group > 70 years old compared with that of 19–29 years old (p < 0.0001) Most of those with MetS had three components of the syndrome (61%), 29% had four and 10% had all five components. Abdominal obesity (82%) and arterial hypertension (78%) were the most common abnormalities in both sexes. The Greek Muslim Community, on a high‐saturated fat diet, had the highest prevalence of the MetS (35.2%, 95% CI: 30.4–40.3%), and the military group, with a high physical activity level and a diet ‘close’ to Mediterranean, had the lowest (9.4%, 95% CI: 6.2–13.1%). According to the 2001 Census, about 2.3 million Greeks may have the MetS.

Conclusions:  These results show that the MetS is highly prevalent in the Greek adult population. This may have major implications for the incidence of CVD. Promoting healthy diets, low caloric intake and physical activity must be urgently undertaken.
No association of the 94T/G polymorphism in the adiponectin gene with diabetic complications
Authors: Rudofsky G. , Schlimme M. , Schlotterer A. , Von Eynatten M. , Reismann P. , Tafel J. , Grafe I. , Morcos M. , Nawroth P. , Bierhaus A. , Hamann A.
Published: July 2005

Aim:  This study examined a possible association of the T/G polymorphism at nucleotide 94 in the adiponectin gene with the prevalence of diabetic complications.

Methods:  The study was performed in 696 patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Genotyping was performed by means of polymerase chain reaction and subsequent cleavage by using SmaI restriction endonuclease.

Results:  The 94G/G genotype was significantly more prevalent in patients with type 2 diabetes (2.2%) than in type 1 diabetics (0.0%) (p = 0.02), whereas no differences were found for frequencies of the 94T/T and the 94G/T genotypes, respectively. In patients with type 1 diabetes, 45 of 239 patients were heterozygous for the 94T/G polymorphism (carrier rate (CR): 18.8%; allele frequency (AF): 0.094). In type 2 diabetics, 71 of 457 patients were heterozygous and 10 patients were homozygous for the 94G/G genotype (CR: 17.7%; AF: 0.10). No association with diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy or diabetic retinopathy was found for either genotype in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions:  The 94T/G polymorphism in the adiponectin gene is not associated with diabetic complications. The significance of a higher prevalence of the G allele in type 2, compared to type 1 diabetes remains to be clarified.
Modeling Sociocultural Pedagogy in Distance Education
Authors: Teemant Annela , Smith Marvin E. , Pinnegar Stefinee , Egan M. Winston
Published: July 2005

Increasing numbers of English as a second language (ESL) learners throughout the United States have created an urgent need for professional development for millions of teachers. Distance education offers an opportunity for high-quality professional development to be delivered to collaborative teams of teachers at local school sites. However, research has shown that effectively meeting the needs of second language learners requires sociocultural pedagogy. The challenge has been to develop an approach to distance education that attends to sociocultural perspectives of learning and models sociocultural pedagogy. In developing a bilingual/ESL endorsement program, teacher educators at Brigham Young University have met this challenge with the ProfessorsPlus model for sociocultural pedagogy in distance education. This article describes this innovative approach to distance education.
Plants, Pathogens, and People: Extending the Classroom to the Web
Authors: Bruce Bertram C. , Dowd Heather , Eastburn Darin M. , D'Arcy Cleora J.
Published: July 2005

Plants, Pathogens, and People is a Web site promoting agricultural awareness via multimedia lectures about plant diseases and online lab activities in which students investigate phenomena. The use of the site in large-enrollment classes for 6-plus years affords a well-documented case of Web-enhanced instruction. Qualitative and quantitative data on student perceptions of the site, their learning, and the relation of the Web site to the course as a whole provide insights into both the benefits and the challenges of Web-based teaching and learning. Students rate the site as an enhancement to their learning, but there are differential responses to various components of the site, which provide a fuller picture of how students see Web-based learning relating to their overall educational experience.
What Makes the Difference? A Practical Analysis of Research on the Effectiveness of Distance Education
Authors: Zhao Yong , Lei Jing , Lai Bo Yan Chun , Tan Hueyshan Sophia
Published: July 2005

This article reports findings of a meta-analytical study of research on distance education. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that affect the effectiveness of distance education. The results show that although the aggregated data of available studies show no significant difference in outcomes between distance education and face-to-face education as previous research reviews suggest, there is remarkable difference across the studies. Further examination of the difference reveals that distance education programs, just like traditional education programs, vary a great deal in their outcomes, and the outcome of distance education is associated with a number of pedagogical and technological factors. This study led to some important data-driven suggestions for and about distance education.
An aggressive form of familial amyloid polyneuropathy caused by a Glu54Gly mutation in the transthyretin gene
Authors: Kim H. S. , Kim S.‐M. , Kang S.‐W. , Jung S.‐C. , Lee K.‐S. , Kim T.‐S. , Choi Y.‐C.
Published: July 2005

We report a patient with familial amyloid polyneuropathy. Gene analysis revealed a heterozygous Glu54Gly substitution (A‐to‐G change) in the transthyretin gene. This is the first case of a Glu54Gly substitution that was devoid of a Gly6Ser substitution. Compared with the previously reported case with compound heterozygotes of Glu54Gly and Gly6Ser, the age of onset in our case is much younger and another characteristic findings were the amyloid vasculopathy and the multiple organ involvement. A Glu54Gly mutation is amyloidogenic by itself and a Gly6Ser mutation may offer some protection from the Glu54Gly mutant.
Association of interleukin‐I beta and receptor antagonist gene polymorphisms with late onset Alzheimer's disease in Taiwan Chinese
Authors: Wang W.‐F. , Liao Y.‐C. , Wu S.‐L. , Tsai F.‐J. , Lee C.‐C. , Hua C.‐S.
Published: July 2005

Interleukin (IL)‐1 is markedly overexpressed in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed to evaluate the relationship between three polymorphisms of the IL1 gene (IL‐1beta promoter −511T/C, IL‐1beta exon 5 E1/E2 and IL‐1‐RA) and late onset AD in Taiwan Chinese. Forty‐six late onset AD patients and 103 unrelated, age‐matched, healthy controls living in the same area were included. PCR was used to resolve the two IL‐1beta polymorphisms and the IL‐1Ra intron 2 polymorphism. The −511T/T type of the IL‐1beta promoter (unlike IL‐1beta exon 5 and IL‐1‐RA) was more frequently found in AD than in healthy patients (−511C/C type versus T/T type, OR = 0.944, CI = 0.393, 2.269, P = 0.898; −511C/T type versus T/T type, OR = 0.375, CI = 0.156, 0.902, P = 0.028). The −511T/T genotype (unlike the other two polymorphisms) is a marker demonstrating that late onset AD in Chinese patients in Taiwan is genetically determined.
Interferon‐β affects the tryptophan metabolism in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Amirkhani A. , Rajda C. , Arvidsson B. , Bencsik K. , Boda K. , Seres E. , Markides K. E. , Vécsei L. , Bergquist J.
Published: July 2005

Tryptophan and its metabolites are of great interest in understanding the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The total levels of tryptophan and its metabolites, kynurenine and kynurenic acid were determined in plasma by capillary liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry. This is the first report of the plasma levels of these analytes in healthy controls and relapsing–remitting MS patients receiving long‐term and acute interferon‐β (IFN‐β) treatment. Twenty‐four hours post‐administration increased kynurenine levels (first IFN MS versus healthy, P = 0.042) and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (K/T; first IFN MS versus healthy, P =0.027; first IFN MS versus long‐term IFN MS, P = 0.036) were found. The long‐term IFN MS group had higher K/T ratios at 4 and 12 h post‐administration (P = 0.015 and 0.009, respectively). The increase of K/T ratio in the first IFN MS group indicate an induction of the enzyme indolamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO), as reported earlier in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. As IDO is participating in both inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes, further knowledge of its involvement in the pathogenesis of MS is of great importance.
Common genetic variants of homocysteine metabolism in ischemic stroke: a case–control study
Authors: Linnebank M. , Montenarh M. , Kölsch H. , Linnebank A. , Schnez K. , Schweichel D. , Pohl C. , Urbach H. , Heun R. , Harbrecht U. , Klockgether T. , Wüllner U.
Published: July 2005

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. We investigated five functional polymorphisms involved in homocysteine metabolism in each 159 stroke patients and controls. The folate‐sensitive polymorphism methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) c. 677 C > T (A222V) referred a non‐significant risk of ischemic stroke (odds ratio: 1.20) in all patients, and homozygosity for MTHFR c. 677 C > T was associated with an earlier onset of stroke selectively in patients younger than 60 years (38 ± 3 years vs. 45 ± 1 years; P = 0.043). This study suggests that the investigated polymorphisms are no major risk factors for stroke, although MTHFR c. 677 C > T could be a minor factor of vulnerability especially in young patients (TT genotype), which might be helpful for the clinical work‐up of stroke cases and for preventive dietary strategies.
Significance of neutralizing antibodies to interferon beta during treatment of multiple sclerosis: expert opinions based on the Proceedings of an International Consensus Conference
Authors: Hartung H.‐P. , Munschauer F. , Schellekens H.
Published: July 2005

On August 30, 2002, an international panel of neurologists who specialize in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) was convened in Paris (France) to discuss the issue of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) to interferon beta (IFN‐β) therapy in patients with MS. The goals of this meeting were to: (i) review the most recent clinical information on NAb, (ii) come to a consensus on the clinical relevance of NAb in the management of patients with MS receiving IFN‐β therapy, and (iii) establish a framework for the development of patient management guidelines based on scientific consensus. The meeting was chaired by Hans‐Peter Hartung (Heinrich‐Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany) and Huub Schellekens (Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands). This article summarizes the opinions of the expert panel on a number of key issues raised at the meeting.
EFNS guideline on the diagnosis and management of alcohol‐related seizures: report of an EFNS task force
Authors: Bråthen G. , Ben‐Menachem E. , Brodtkorb E. , Galvin R. , Garcia‐Monco J. C. , Halasz P. , Hillbom M. , Leone M. A. , Young A. B.
Published: July 2005

Despite being a considerable problem in neurological practice and responsible for one‐third of seizure‐related admissions, there is little consensus as to the optimal investigation and management of alcohol‐related seizures. The final literature search was undertaken in September 2004. Consensus recommendations are given graded according to the EFNS guidance regulations. To support the history taking, use of a structured questionnaire is recommended. When the drinking history is inconclusive, elevated values of carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin and/or gammaglutamyl transferase can support a clinical suspicion. A first epileptic seizure should prompt neuroimaging (CT or MRI). Before starting any carbohydrate containing fluids or food, patients presenting with suspected alcohol overuse should be given prophylactic thiamine parenterally. After an alcohol withdrawal seizure (AWS), the patient should be observed in hospital for at least 24 h and the severity of withdrawal symptoms needs to be followed. For patients with no history of withdrawal seizures and mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms, routine seizure preventive treatment is not necessary. Generally, benzodiazepines are efficacious and safe for primary and secondary seizure prevention; diazepam or, if available, lorazepam, is recommended. The efficacy of other drugs is insufficiently documented. Concerning long‐term recommendations for non‐alcohol dependant patients with partial epilepsy and controlled seizures, small amounts of alcohol may be safe. Alcohol‐related seizures require particular attention both in the diagnostic work‐up and treatment. Benzodiazepines should be chosen for the treatment and prevention of recurrent AWS.
Leucine‐nitrogen metabolism in the brain of conscious rats: its role as a nitrogen carrier in glutamate synthesis in glial and neuronal metabolic compartments
Authors: Sakai Ryosei , Cohen David M. , Henry Joseph F. , Burrin Douglas G. , Reeds Peter J.
Published: July 2005

The source of nitrogen (N) for the de novo synthesis of brain glutamate, glutamine and GABA remains controversial. Because leucine is readily transported into the brain and the brain contains high activities of branched‐chain aminotransferase (BCAT), we hypothesized that leucine is the predominant N‐precursor for brain glutamate synthesis. Conscious and unstressed rats administered with [U‐13C] and/or [15N]leucine as additions to the diet were killed at 0–9 h of continuous feeding. Plasma and brain leucine equilibrated rapidly and the brain leucine‐N turnover was more than 100%/min. The isotopic dilution of [U‐13C]leucine (brain/plasma ratio 0.61 ± 0.06) and [15N]leucine (0.23 ± 0.06) differed markedly, suggesting that 15% of cerebral leucine‐N turnover derived from proteolysis and 62% from leucine synthesis via reverse transamination. The rate of glutamate synthesis from leucine was 5 µmol/g/h and at least 50% of glutamate‐N originally derived from leucine. The enrichment of [5‐15N]glutamine was higher than [15N]ammonia in the brain, indicating glial ammonia generation from leucine via glutamate. The enrichment of [15N]GABA, [15N]aspartate, [15N]glutamate greater than [2‐15N]glutamine suggests direct incorporation of leucine‐N into both glial and neuronal glutamate. These findings provide a new insight for the role of leucine as N‐carrier from the plasma pool and within the cerebral compartments.
A liver X receptor and retinoid X receptor heterodimer mediates apolipoprotein E expression, secretion and cholesterol homeostasis in astrocytes
Authors: Liang Yu , Lin Suizhen , Beyer Thomas P. , Zhang Youyan , Wu Xin , Bales Kelly R. , DeMattos Ronald B. , May Patrick C. , Li Shuyu Dan , Jiang Xian‐Cheng , Eacho Patrick I. , Cao Guoqing , Paul Steven M.
Published: July 2005

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is an important protein involved in lipoprotein clearance and cholesterol redistribution. ApoE is abundantly expressed in astrocytes in the brain and is closely linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We report here that small molecule ligands that activate either liver X receptors (LXR) or retinoid X receptor (RXR) lead to a dramatic increase in apoE mRNA and protein expression as well as secretion of apoE in a human astrocytoma cell line (CCF‐STTG1 cells). Examination of primary mouse astrocytes also revealed significant induction of apoE mRNA, and protein expression and secretion following incubation with LXR/RXR agonists. Moreover, treatment of mice with a specific synthetic LXR agonist T0901317 resulted in up‐regulation of apoE mRNA and protein in both hippocampus and cerebral cortex, indicating that apoE expression in brain can be up‐regulated by LXR agonists in vivo. Along with a dramatic induction of ABCA1 cholesterol transporter expression, these ligands effectively mediate cholesterol efflux in both CCF‐STTG1 cells and mouse astrocytes in the presence or absence of apolipoprotein AI (apoAI). Our studies provide strong evidence that small molecule LXR/RXR agonists can effectively mediate apoE synthesis and secretion as well as cholesterol homeostasis in astrocytes. LXR/RXR agonists may have significant impact on the pathogenesis of multiple neurological diseases, including AD.
EXACT FORMULAS FOR PRICING BONDS AND OPTIONS WHEN INTEREST RATE DIFFUSIONS CONTAIN JUMPS
Authors: Finnerty John D.
Published: July 2005

I develop Heath‐Jarrow‐Morton extensions of the Vasicek and Jamshidian pure‐diffusion models, extend these models to incorporate Poisson‐Gaussian interest rate jumps, and obtain closed‐form models for valuing default‐free, zero‐coupon bonds and European call and put options on default‐free, zero‐coupon bonds in a market where interest rates can experience discontinuous information shocks. The jump‐diffusion pricing models value the instrument as the probability‐weighted average of the pure‐diffusion model prices, each conditional on a specific number of jumps occurring during the life of the instrument. I extend the models to coupon‐bearing instruments by applying Jamshidian's serial‐decomposition technique.
EXPONENTIAL DURATION: A MORE ACCURATE ESTIMATION OF INTEREST RATE RISK
Authors: Livingston Miles , Zhou Lei
Published: July 2005

We develop a new method to estimate the interest rate risk of an asset. This method is based on modified duration and is always more accurate than traditional estimation with modified duration. The estimates by this method are close to estimates using traditional duration plus convexity when interest rates decrease. If interest rates rise, investors will suffer larger value declines than predicted by traditional duration plus convexity estimate. The new method avoids this undesirable value overestimation and provides an estimate slightly below the true value. For risk‐averse investors, overestimation of value declines is more desirable and conservative.
THE IMPACT OF MARKET MAKER CONCENTRATION ON ADVERSE‐SELECTION COSTS FOR NASDAQ STOCKS
Authors: Van Ness Bonnie F. , Van Ness Robert A. , Warr Richard S.
Published: July 2005

We examine the impact of market maker concentration on adverse‐selection costs for NASDAQ stocks and find that more market makers results in lower costs. Furthermore, this reduction in adverse selection exceeds the overall reduction in spreads that is attributable to market maker competition. We hypothesize that order flow internalization is increasing in market makers and allows for greater information production, and is an explanation for our findings. Our results provide an explanation for the puzzle documented by previous work that finds that adverse‐selection costs for NASDAQ tend to be lower than for the New York Stock Exchange, whereas spreads tend to be higher.
Modern Insect Extinctions, the Neglected Majority
Authors: DUNN ROBERT R.
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  Most extinctions estimated to have occurred in the historical past, or predicted to occur in the future, are of insects. Despite this, the study of insect extinctions has been neglected. Only 70 modern insect extinctions have been documented, although thousands are estimated to have occurred. By focusing on some of the 70 documented extinctions as case studies, I considered ways in which insect extinctions may differ from those of other taxa. These case studies suggested that two types of extinction might be common for insects but rare for other taxa: extinction of narrow habitat specialists and coextinctions of affiliates with the extinctions of their hosts. Importantly, both of these forms of extinction are often ignored by conservation programs focused on vertebrates and plants. Anecdotal evidence and recent simulations suggest that many insect extinctions may have already occurred because of loss of narrow habitat specialists from restricted habitats and the loss of hosts. If we are serious about insect conservation, we need to spend more time and money documenting such extinctions. To neglect such extinctions is to ignore the majority of species that are or were in need of conservation.
Planning for Biodiversity: the Role of Ecological Impact Assessment
Authors: MANDELIK YAEL , DAYAN TAMAR , FEITELSON ERAN
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is the process of identifying potential environmental effects of proposed development and the required mitigation measures. It is one of the most widely used planning tools today, but its ability to promote biodiversity conservation is largely unexplored. We studied the ecological component of the Israeli EIA system by reviewing a representative sample of 52 environmental impact statements (EISs) produced since 1995 and their corresponding guidelines issued by the Ministry of the Environment. Quality of both EISs and guidelines was determined using a simple scoring approach. Lack of quantitative data, meaningful analyses, and ecosystem perspective was apparent throughout. Many EISs failed to perform field surveys and their qualitative nature hampered meaningful impact prediction. Most EISs concentrated on aesthetic mitigation measures and did not assess their feasibility and likely success. Most of these flaws reflect poor standards rather than true scientific limitations. Guideline quality scores were the most important factor determining the quality of EISs; second was the involvement of an ecological consultant in preparing the EIS. We found a decreasing trend of EIS quality scores over time. Improvements in EIA procedures, particularly in ecological guidelines and the incorporation of ecological consultation, are important for upgrading ecological impact assessment so that the potential of EIA to advance biodiversity conservation can be realized.
Planning for Climate Change: Identifying Minimum‐Dispersal Corridors for the Cape Proteaceae
Authors: WILLIAMS PAUL , HANNAH LEE , ANDELMAN SANDY , MIDGLEY GUY , ARAÚJO MIGUEL , HUGHES GREG , MANNE LISA , MARTINEZ‐MEYER ENRIQUE , PEARSON RICHARD
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  Climate change poses a challenge to the conventional approach to biodiversity conservation, which relies on fixed protected areas, because the changing climate is expected to shift the distribution of suitable areas for many species. Some species will persist only if they can colonize new areas, although in some cases their dispersal abilities may be very limited. To address this problem we devised a quantitative method for identifying multiple corridors of connectivity through shifting habitat suitabilities that seeks to minimize dispersal demands first and then the area of land required. We applied the method to Proteaceae mapped on a 1‐minute grid for the western part of the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, to supplement the existing protected areas, using Worldmap software. Our goal was to represent each species in at least 35 grid cells (approximately 100 km2) at all times between 2000 and 2050 despite climate change. Although it was possible to achieve the goal at reasonable cost, caution will be needed in applying our method to reserves or other conservation investments until there is further information to support or refine the climate‐change models and the species' habitat‐suitability and dispersal models.