bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary Collaterals Remain Recruitable After Percutaneous Intervention
Authors: Perera Divaka , Kanaganayagam Gajen S. , Saha Mrinal , Rashid Rizwan , Marber Michael S. , Redwood Simon R.
Published: April 2007

Background—

Rapid loss of collateral support has been reported after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), leaving the myocardium susceptible to subsequent infarction. However, well-developed collaterals have been found in normal hearts, suggesting that collaterals exist even in the absence of an ischemic stimulus. We assessed the plasticity and determinants of collateral supply after PCI.

Methods and Results—

Collateral flow index (CFI) was calculated in 60 patients as (P
w
−P
v
)/(P
a
−P
v
) by measurement of aortic (P
a
), central venous (P
v
), and coronary wedge (P
w
) pressures. CFI was reassessed during transient balloon occlusion 5 minutes and 24 hours after PCI in the first 29 patients and at 6 months in the subsequent 25 patients. We also evaluated the relationship between collateral supply, lesion characteristics, and circulating hemopoietic cells numbers before and after successful PCI. CFI at baseline was 0.23±0.10, with no change 5 minutes and 1 day later (0.21±0.12,
P
=0.62; and 0.22±0.11,
P
=0.96, respectively). At 6 months, CFI was 0.14±0.07 or 63±27% of the baseline value (
P
<0.001). CFI was proportional to severity of the coronary lesion at baseline (
r
=0.63,
P
<0.0001) but not 6 months after PCI (
r
=−0.04,
P
=0.87). The number of circulating CD133
+
and CD34
+
cells was associated with CFI 6 months after PCI (CD133,
r
=0.59,
P
=0.035; CD34,
r
=0.63,
P
=0.037).

Conclusions—

Coronary collateral flow remains undiminished for at least 24 hours after successful PCI. Functional collateral support subsequently declines but does not regress completely.
Recruitment of Compensatory Pathways to Sustain Oxidative Flux With Reduced Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase I Activity Characterizes Inefficiency in Energy Metabolism in Hypertrophied Hearts
Authors: Sorokina Natalia , O’Donnell J. Michael , McKinney Ronald D. , Pound Kayla M. , Woldegiorgis Gebre , LaNoue Kathryn F. , Ballal Kalpana , Taegtmeyer Heinrich , Buttrick Peter M. , Lewandowski E. Douglas
Published: April 2007

Background—

Transport rates of long-chain free fatty acids into mitochondria via carnitine palmitoyltransferase I relative to overall oxidative rates in hypertrophied hearts remain poorly understood. Furthermore, the extent of glucose oxidation, despite increased glycolysis in hypertrophy, remains controversial. The present study explores potential compensatory mechanisms to sustain tricarboxylic acid cycle flux that resolve the apparent discrepancy of reduced fatty acid oxidation without increased glucose oxidation through pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in the energy-poor, hypertrophied heart.

Methods and Results—

We studied flux through the oxidative metabolism of intact adult rat hearts subjected to 10 weeks of pressure overload (hypertrophied; n=9) or sham operation (sham; n=8) using dynamic
13
C–nuclear magnetic resonance. Isolated hearts were perfused with [2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16-
13
C
8
] palmitate (0.4 mmol/L) plus glucose (5 mmol/L) in a 14.1-T nuclear magnetic resonance magnet. At similar tricarboxylic acid cycle rates, flux through carnitine palmitoyltransferase I was 23% lower in hypertrophied (
P
<0.04) compared with sham hearts and corresponded to a shift toward increased expression of the L–carnitine palmitoyltransferase I isoform. Glucose oxidation via pyruvate dehydrogenase complex did not compensate for reduced palmitate oxidation rates. However, hypertrophied rats displayed an 83% increase in anaplerotic flux into the tricarboxylic acid cycle (
P
<0.03) that was supported by glycolytic pyruvate, coincident with increased mRNA transcript levels for malic enzyme.

Conclusions—

In cardiac hypertrophy, fatty acid oxidation rates are reduced, whereas compensatory increases in anaplerosis maintain tricarboxylic acid cycle flux and account for a greater portion of glucose oxidation than previously recognized. The shift away from acetyl coenzyme A production toward carbon influx via anaplerosis bypasses energy, yielding reactions contributing to a less energy-efficient heart.
Paraoxonase-2 Reduces Oxidative Stress in Vascular Cells and Decreases Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress–Induced Caspase Activation
Authors: Horke Sven , Witte Ines , Wilgenbus Petra , Krüger Maximilian , Strand Dennis , Förstermann Ulrich
Published: April 2007

Background—

In the vascular system, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produce oxidative stress and predispose to the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, it is important to understand the systems producing and those scavenging vascular ROS. Here, we analyzed the ROS-reducing capability of paraoxonase-2 (PON2) in different vascular cells and its involvement in the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway known as the unfolded protein response.

Methods and Results—

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting revealed that PON2 is equally expressed in vascular cells and appears in 2 distinct glycosylated isoforms. By determining intracellular ROS, we show that overexpression of PON2 markedly reduced ROS, whereas its knockdown increased ROS levels significantly. Using microscopic and biochemical methods, we found PON2 mainly in the nuclear membrane and endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, PON2 expression was induced at both the promoter and protein levels by endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway unfolded protein response. This pathway may promote both apoptotic and survival mechanisms. Functionally, PON2 reduced unfolded protein response–accompanying oxidative stress and unfolded protein response–derived caspase activation.

Conclusion—

We suggest that PON2 represents an endogenous defense mechanism against vascular oxidative stress and unfolded protein response–induced cell death, thereby contributing to the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Focus Group Research
Authors: Winship Gary , Repper Julie
Published: April 2007

This article considers the philosophical underpinnings that have shadowed the emergence of focus group methods as a counterpoise to positivist research design. Examples of the application of focus group methods are drawn from two studies where the voices of marginalized groups were facilitated: 1) focus groups with patients diagnosed with personality disorder; and 2) focus groups with gypsy travellers. In both groups there were varying degrees of coherence in communication although particular attention here is paid to the role of dissonance and `negative dialectics' in the formation of opinion. Data generation in focus groups is considered in relation to group size, structure and clinical techniques.
Trading On Heterosexuality
Authors: Hamilton Laura
Published: April 2007

In this study, the author uses ethnographic and interview data from a women's floor in a university residence hall to examine how some heterosexual women's gender strategies contribute to their homophobia. The author describes a prevailing heterosexual erotic market on campus—the Greek party scene—and the status hierarchy linked to it. Within this hierarchy, heterosexual women assign lesbians low rank because of their assumed disinterest in the erotic market and perceived inability to acquire men's erotic attention. Active partiers invest more in this social world and prefer higher levels of social distance from lesbians than do others. These women also engage in same-sex eroticism primarily designated for a male audience. They define their behaviors as heterosexual, reducing the spaces in which lesbians can be comfortable. Finally, the author concludes by discussing the unique nature of women's homophobia and the links between sexism and heterosexism.
Who Gets Out?
Authors: Anderson Kristin L.
Published: April 2007

This article applies a structuralist perspective on gender to investigate predictors of marital dissolution among men and women who are victimized by partner violence. Using panel data from the first and second waves of the National Survey of Families and Households, the study investigates the question of whether the differential positioning of heterosexual women and men in the structure of gender inequality affects their likelihood of getting out of two types of violent relationships—those characterized by minor/symmetrical violence and those characterized by severe/asymmetrical violence. Results indicate that the odds of leaving a violent relationship are affected by some indicators of structural gender inequality, particularly economic dependency, and that there are differences in the factors that predict dissolution between the two types of violence.
Less Is More in Presenting Quality Information to Consumers
Authors: Peters Ellen , Dieckmann Nathan , Dixon Anna , Hibbard Judith H. , Mertz C. K.
Published: April 2007

Much effort has been put into improving measures of health care quality. Although early research suggested that consumers made little use of quality reports, most reports were based on nonstandardized measures and were not user friendly. Information presentation approaches, however, will have a significant influence on what information is attended and used. The present research examines whether information presentation methods differentially influence consumers who differ in numeric skills. Results of three studies support the idea that “less is more” when presenting consumers with comparative performance information to make hospital choices. Results were particularly strong for those lower in numeracy, who had higher comprehension and made better choices when the information-presentation format was designed to ease the cognitive burden and highlight the meaning of important information. These findings have important implications for the sponsors of comparative quality reports designed to inform consumer decision making in health care.
Language as a Problem, a Right or a Resource?
Authors: Harrison Gai
Published: April 2007

• Summary: Although many `Anglophone' countries now host significant linguistic diversity, minimal attention has been paid to language policy in social work. This paper examines how language policy in both its overt and covert forms infiltrates social work via three `orientations' to linguistic diversity: language as a problem; language as a right; and language as a resource. The utility of this framework for viewing linguistic diversity in social work is explored with reference to an exploratory study that canvassed the views of overseas-born bilingual social workers practising in Australia.

• Findings: The participants strongly identified with a problem orientation to language, where a lack of English constitutes a significant barrier to participating in the social, economic and political domains. While a rights orientation to language was endorsed, it was seen to have limitations in terms of the inadequacies of legislation for challenging `monolingual' language attitudes. All informants supported a resource orientation to language, but claimed that linguistic diversity is often devalued in English-dominant locations.

• Applications : Rather than privileging one particular lens on language, the study concludes that a flexible framework that allows for movement between different language orientations is necessary given the context-dependent nature of language use.
Enhanced ability of dendritic cells to stimulate innate and adaptive immunity on short-term incubation with zoledronic acid
Authors: Fiore Francesca , Castella Barbara , Nuschak Barbara , Bertieri Raffaello , Mariani Sara , Bruno Benedetto , Pantaleoni Francesca , Foglietta Myriam , Boccadoro Mario , Massaia Massimo
Published: April 2007

Vγ9/Vδ2 (γδ) T cells play a major role in innate immunity against microbes, stressed, and tumor cells. They represent less than 5% of peripheral blood lymphocytes but can be activated and expanded in vitro by aminobisphosphonates (ABP)–treated monocytes. The aim of this work was to determine whether ABP-treated dendritic cells (DCs) can also activate γδ T cells and regulate immune responses mediated by conventional αβ T cells. Highly purified immature (iDC) and mature DC (mDC) were generated from peripheral blood monocytes of healthy donors and incubated with zoledronic acid (Zol) for 24 hours. Zol-treated iDC and mDC retained their immunostimulatory properties and induced the vigorous expansion of central memory and effector memory γδ T cells. γδ T cells displayed antitumor activity and appropriate cell surface antigens to target secondary lymphoid organs and exert costimulatory activity. Antigen-specific MHC-restricted immune responses, mediated by conventional αβ T cells, were improved by the concurrent γδ T-cell activation. In conclusion, large numbers of γδ T cells with effector and costimulatory activities are rapidly generated by Zol-treated iDC/mDC. This strategy is worthy of further investigation to improve adoptive cell therapy and vaccine interventions against tumors and infections.
Targeting Bacterial Endotoxin
Authors: BOSSHART HERBERT , HEINZELMANN MICHAEL
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The term sepsis describes a potentially lethal clinical condition that develops as a result of a dysregulated host response to bacterial infection. The most common bacterial component implicated in initiating the septic syndrome is a cell wall molecule derived from Gram‐negative bacteria, known as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or endotoxin. Like all mammals, humans are equipped with an LPS‐sensing machinery consisting, primarily, of LPS‐binding protein (LBP), CD14, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored monocyte differentiation antigen, and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), a signal‐transducing integral membrane protein. Modest stimulation of TLR4 facilitates the elimination of invading microorganisms. Potent TLR4 stimulation, however, produces severe reactions in the host, often leading to multiple organ failure and death. The search for pharmaceuticals that reduce mortality in septic patients has been a painstaking process. Thus far, only a few compounds have been found to significantly reduce mortality rates. Perhaps one of the more promising therapeutic strategies currently pursued is based on the identification of synthetic or naturally occurring substances that neutralize LPS or inhibit LPS‐mediated activation of host immune cells, such as monocytes and macrophages. Here, we describe a number of diverse molecular structures with a capacity to either enhance or blunt LPS‐induced monocyte activation. The underlying molecular mechanisms are discussed.
Gene Expression Profiling of LPS‐Stimulated Murine Macrophages and Role of the NF‐κB and PI3K/mTOR Signaling Pathways
Authors: DOS SANTOS S. , DELATTRE A.‐I. , DE LONGUEVILLE F. , BULT H. , RAES M.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major component of the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria, activates a broad spectrum of signaling pathways in immune cells. In this article, RAW264.7 cells have been stimulated for 4 h with 1 μg/mL of LPS in the presence or not of specific inhibitors of the NF‐κB pathway (BAY 11‐7082) and the PI3K pathway (LY294002). Gene expression profiles were characterized using the DNA microarray “Dual Chip Mouse Inflammation.” This array monitors the expression of 233 genes encoding proteins playing a role in inflammation. Both signaling pathways exert an important role in the response to LPS, but they are not completely overlapping. For example, genes encoding the PAF receptor, PAI‐1, PlA2 (group V), IL‐13 receptor (α2), and GTP cyclohydrolase 1, were upregulated after LPS treatment, but this upregulation was counteracted by LY294002. The same was observed for BAY 11‐7082: genes encoding the kit ligand, TLR2, or TNFRSF5 were mainly under the control of NF‐κB. NF‐κB plays an important role in the macrophage response to LPS, but we have also shown that the PI3K pathway partially contributes to it. Further experiments with the specific inhibitor of mTOR (rapamycin) will provide more information on the specific contribution of the PI3K/mTOR pathway in the inflammatory response in LPS‐stimulated macrophages.
Signaling Pathway Used by HSV‐1 to Induce NF‐κB Activation
Authors: TERESA SCIORTINO M. , ANTONIETTA MEDICI M. , MARINO‐MERLO FRANCESCA , ZACCARIA DANIELA , GIUFFRÈ MARIA , VENUTI ASSUNTA , GRELLI SANDRO , MASTINO ANTONIO
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  We have previously demonstrated that wild‐type herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1), as well as nonreplicating UV‐inactivated HSV‐1, promptly activates the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) in U937 monocytoid cells and that glycoprotein D (gD) of HSV‐1 is sufficient by itself to exert a similar effect.We then investigated the signaling pathway used by HSV‐1 to initiate NF‐κB activation and, particularly, whether our observation could be related to the capability of HSV‐1‐gD to directly stimulate NF‐κB through its interaction with the herpes virus entry receptor A (HveA). Here we report that: (a) co‐cultivation of U937 cells with an adherent cell line expressing wild‐type gD on its surface led to increased NF‐κB activation, while co‐cultivation with the same adherent cell line expressing a mutated form of gD, lacking the capability to bind HveA, did not cause the same effect; (b) exposure to UV‐inactivated HSV‐1 induced the activation of NF‐κB in HveA‐expressing U937 and THP‐1 cells, but not in non‐HveA‐expressing HEp‐2 cells; and (c) activation of NF‐κB in U937 and THP‐1 cells exposed to soluble gD was inhibited by an antibody able to interfere with gD–HveA interaction. These results suggest that HSV‐1‐gD–HveA interaction initiates a signal transduction pathway leading to NF‐κB activation.
Strongly Reduced Number of Parvalbumin‐Immunoreactive Projection Neurons in the Mammillary Bodies in Schizophrenia
Authors: BERNSTEIN HANS‐GERT , KRAUSE STEPHANIE , KRELL DIETER , DOBROWOLNY HENRIK , WOLTER MARION , STAUCH RENATE , RANFT KARIN , DANOS PETER , JIRIKOWSKI GUSTAV F. , BOGERTS BERNHARD
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The mammillary bodies (MB) are important relay nuclei within limbic and extralimbic connections. They are known to play important roles in memory formation and are affected in alcoholism and vitamin B1 deficiency. Their strategic position linking temporo‐limbic to cortico‐thalamic brain structures make the MB a candidate brain structure for alterations in schizophrenia. We studied 15 postmortem brains of schizophrenics and 15 matched control brains. Brain sections were stained either with Heidenhain‐Woelcke, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), calretinin, or parvalbumin. We determined the volumes of the MB and performed cell countings using stereological principles and a computerized image analysis system. The volumes of MB do not differ between schizophrenics and controls. However, in schizophrenia the number of neurons as well as the resulting neuronal densities was significantly reduced on both sides (on left side by 38.9%, on right side by 22%). No changes were seen in the number of GAD‐expressing or calretinin‐containing neurons, whereas the number of parvalbumin‐immunoreactive MB neurons was reduced by more than 50% in schizophrenia. This cell loss (as a result of developmental malformation and/or neurodegeneration) points to a prominent involvement of the MB in the pathomorphology of schizophrenia. Parvalbumin‐immunoreactive GABAergic interneurons have been reported to be diminished in schizophrenia. However, in the MB parvalbumin labels a subpopulation of glutamate/aspartate‐containing neurons projecting mainly to the anterior thalamus. Thus, our data provide new evidence for impaired limbic circuits in schizophrenia.
Amino‐Terminally Truncated Prion Protein PrP90‐231 Induces Microglial Activation in Vitro
Authors: THELLUNG STEFANO , CORSARO ALESSANDRO , VILLA VALENTINA , VENEZIA VALENTINA , NIZZARI MARIO , BISAGLIA MICHELA , RUSSO CLAUDIO , SCHETTINI GENNARO , ACETO ANTONIO , FLORIO TULLIO
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The conversion of the prion protein (PrP) into a protease‐resistant isoform (PrPRes) is considered the pathogenic event responsible for prion encephalopathies. Microglia activation accompanies PrPRes deposition representing an early event in the progression of these diseases. It is now believed that microglial cells play a worsening, if not causative, role in prion‐induced neuronal death, through the release of proinflammatory and neurotoxic molecules. Indeed, in vitro observations have demonstrated that PrPRes and the synthetic prion fragment PrP106‐126 induce neuronal death by activating microglial to migrate in the lesion area and secrete cytokines. Recently, we and others have demonstrated that the recombinant peptide, corresponding to the protease‐resistant portion of PrP encompassing the amino acids 90‐231 (PrP90‐231), when β‐structured, is toxic for neuronal cells, in vitro. Here we report that PrP90‐231 induces activation of N9 microglial cells, characterized by cell proliferation arrest and increased secretion of different cytokines (RANTES, GCSF, and IL‐12)
. Moreover, the treatment of N9 cells with PrP90‐231 elicited inducible nitric oxide synthase (i‐NOS) expression, nitric oxide release, and a delayed (15 min to 1 h of treatment) extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation/activation. Although ERK1/2 is known to regulate proliferative and differentiative events, we show that its blockade, using the specific MEK inhibitor PD98059, did not prevent PrP90‐231‐induced inhibition of N9 cell proliferation. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that a recombinant PrPRes‐like peptide elicits microglial activation in vitro, thus representing a potentially important tool to develop possible therapeutic strategies to target prion‐induced brain inflammation.
Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Chemoradiotherapy Compared With Chemoradiotherapy Alone for Regionally Advanced Unresectable Stage III Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Cancer and Leukemia Group B
Authors: Vokes Everett E. , Herndon James E. , Kelley Michael J. , Cicchetti M. Giulia , Ramnath Nithya , Neill Harvey , Atkins James N. , Watson Dorothy M. , Akerley Wallace , Green Mark R.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

Standard therapy for unresectable stage III non–small-cell lung cancer includes concomitant chemoradiotherapy. In Cancer and Leukemia Group B 39801, we evaluated whether induction chemotherapy before concurrent chemoradiotherapy would result in improved survival.

Patients and Methods

Between July 1998 and May 2002, 366 patients were randomly assigned to arm A, which involved immediate concurrent chemoradiotherapy with carboplatin area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of 2 and paclitaxel 50 mg/m2 given weekly during 66 Gy of chest radiotherapy, or arm B, which involved two cycles of carboplatin AUC 6 and paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 administered every 21 days followed by identical chemoradiotherapy. The accrual goal was 360 patients.

Results

Thirty-four percent of patients were female, 66% were male, and the median age was 63 years. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities during induction chemotherapy on arm B consisted mainly of neutropenia (18% and 20%, respectively). During concurrent chemoradiotherapy, there was no difference in severity of in-field toxicities of esophagitis (grade 3 and 4 were, respectively, 30% and 2% for arm A v 28% and 8% for arm B) and dyspnea (grade 3 and 4 were, respectively, 11% and 3% for arm A v 15% and 4% for arm B). Survival differences were not statistically significant (P = .3), with a median survival on arm A of 12 months (95% CI, 10 to 16 months) versus 14 months (95% CI, 11 to 16 months) on arm B and a 2-year survival of 29% (95% CI, 22% to 35%) and 31% (95% CI, 25% to 38%). Age, weight loss before therapy, and performance status were statistically significant predictive factors.

Conclusion

The addition of induction chemotherapy to concurrent chemoradiotherapy added toxicity and provided no survival benefit over concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone. The median survival achieved in each of the treatment groups is low, and the routine use of weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel with simultaneous radiotherapy should be re-examined.
Initial Hormonal Management of Androgen-Sensitive Metastatic, Recurrent, or Progressive Prostate Cancer: 2007 Update of an American Society of Clinical Oncology Practice Guideline
Authors: Loblaw D. Andrew , Virgo Katherine S. , Nam Robert , Somerfield Mark R. , Ben-Josef Edgar , Mendelson David S. , Middleton Richard , Sharp Stewart A. , Smith Thomas J. , Talcott James , Taplin Maryellen , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Wade James L. , Bennett Charles L. , Scher Howard I.
Published: April 2007

Purpose

To update the 2004 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline on initial hormonal management of androgen-sensitive, metastatic, recurrent, or progressive prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

The writing committee based its recommendations on an updated systematic literature review. Recommendations were approved by the Expert Panel, the ASCO Health Services Committee, and the ASCO Board of Directors.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials (four new), one systematic review, one meta-analysis (new), one Markov model, and one delta-method 95% CI procedure for active controlled trials (new) informed the guideline update.

Recommendations

Bilateral orchiectomy or luteinizing hormone–releasing hormone agonists are recommended initial androgen-deprivation treatments (ADTs). Nonsteroidal antiandrogen monotherapy merits discussion as an alternative; steroidal antiandrogen monotherapy should not be offered. Combined androgen blockade should be considered. In metastatic or progressive PCa, immediate versus symptom-onset institution of ADT results in a moderate decrease (17%) in relative risk (RR) for PCa-specific mortality, a moderate increase (15%) in RR for non–PCa-specific mortality, and no overall survival advantage. Therefore, the Panel cannot make a strong recommendation for early ADT initiation. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics and other metrics allow identification of populations at high risk for PCa-specific and overall mortality. Further studies must be completed to assess whether patients with adverse prognostic factors gain a survival advantage from immediate ADT. For patients electing to wait until symptoms for ADT, regular monitoring visits are indicated. For patients with recurrence, clinical trials should be considered if available. Currently, data are insufficient to support use of intermittent androgen blockade outside clinical trials.
Administration of 75 mg of aspirin daily for 28 days is sufficient prophylaxis against renal transplant vein thrombosis
Authors: Stechman M J , Charlwood N , Gray D W R , Handa A
Published: April 2007

Introduction: Early postoperative renal transplant vein thrombosis results in graft loss. We evaluate the effect of administering aspirin 75 mg daily for 28 days following transplantation.

Methods: Prospectively collected data on the outcome of all transplants undertaken in our unit in the five-year period from January 1997 to January 2002 were reviewed, and in cases of graft failure before three months the cause was defined.

Results: In the study period, a total of 401 transplants were undertaken (311 cadaveric and 90 living related). There was one case of renal transplant vein thrombosis (0.25%). This represents a significant reduction on the unit's historical incidence of 5.8%, P<0.001.

Conclusion: Aspirin 75 mg daily is adequate to virtually abolish renal transplant vein thrombosis and has a role in thromboprophylaxis in other situations where heparin is contraindicated.
ASP, The Art and Science of Practice: Recoupling Inventory Control Research and Practice: Guidelines for Achieving Synergy
Authors: Tiwari Vikram , Gavirneni Srinagesh
Published: April 2007

With the widening disconnect between inventory-control research and practice, people debate the value of incremental theory building. While practitioners make decisions in a complex and uncoordinated environment, researchers often adopt a simplistic environment for the sake of rigorous analysis. The stakeholders’ mismatched objectives and motivations may cause this lack of synergy. Controlling and reducing this disconnect would benefit both practitioners and researchers. The existing empirical analysis of companies’ business improvements based on academic inventory-management theories is inconclusive. Even so, some businesses have successfully implemented inventory theory; however, in most cases, they have greatly modified the inventory models developed by academics. The additional effort required testifies to the gap between inventory-control research and practice. As most businesses do not benefit directly from published research, increasing researchers’ collaboration with organizations that transform inventory-control research into implementable real-world solutions is one way of reducing the disconnect.
The Netherlands Schedules Track Maintenance to Improve Track Workers’ Safety
Authors: Fokkert J. I. van Zante–de , den Hertog D. , Berg F. J. van den , Verhoeven J. H. M.
Published: April 2007

After several fatal accidents, improving the safety of rail-track workers became a political priority in The Netherlands. Maintaining the track was one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. ProRail divides its infrastructure into working zones to be taken out of service during maintenance. We developed a two-step method of constructing a four-week maintenance schedule in which each working zone of the main lines is closed to trains at night exactly once. The alterations in trains’ departure and arrival times are within the restrictions imposed by train operators. Workers have accepted the resulting schedule, which provides them with a manageable maximum workload per night. Such a schedule is unique in Europe. It has been in operation since 2000 and has clearly proven its benefits.
Through a Glass Darkly: Information Technology Design, Identity Verification, and Knowledge Contribution in Online Communities
Authors: Ma Meng , Agarwal Ritu
Published: April 2007

A variety of information technology (IT) artifacts, such as those supporting reputation management and digital archives of past interactions, are commonly deployed to support online communities. Despite their ubiquity, theoretical and empirical research investigating the impact of such IT-based features on online community communication and interaction is limited. Drawing on the social psychology literature, we describe an identity-based view to understand how the use of IT-based features in online communities is associated with online knowledge contribution. Specifically, the use of four categories of IT artifacts—those supporting virtual co-presence, persistent labeling, self-presentation, and deep profiling—is proposed to enhance perceived identity verification, which thereafter promotes satisfaction and knowledge contribution. To test the theoretical model, we surveyed more than 650 members of two online communities. In addition to the positive effects of community IT artifacts on perceived identity verification, we also find that perceived identity verification is strongly linked to member satisfaction and knowledge contribution. This paper offers a new perspective on the mechanisms through which IT features facilitate computer-mediated knowledge sharing, and it yields important implications for the design of the supporting IT infrastructure.
Impact of International Information Technology Transfer on National Productivity
Authors: Park Jungsoo , Shin Seung Kyoon , Sanders G. Lawrence
Published: April 2007

Researchers have widely postulated that the adoption of information technology (IT) products enhances global competitiveness and production efficiency as successful technological innovation replaces and improves traditional inputs and modes of production. This study suggests that when IT products are traded across borders, IT investment in an economy has a positive influence on the productivity of its import partner country. We provide empirical evidence for the positive effect of global IT diffusion on productivity through international trading of IT products. The results show a positive effect of foreign IT transfer on the recipient country’s productivity. In addition, we find that the effect of transferred IT is only significant when the source country is an IT-intensive or hi-tech export country. The results and implications are robust, even controlling for other important factors such as openness, innovative capacity, and IT infrastructure in addition to the transferred IT. Finally, a panel cointegration test—a recently developed advanced econometric method—is used to address the common problems of spurious relations that arise in regressions with nonstationary time-series data.
Predicting integrity with the HEXACO personality model: Use of self‐ and observer reports
Authors: Lee Kibeom , Ashton Michael C. , Morrison David L. , Cordery John , Dunlop Patrick D.
Published: April 2007

Recent research has suggested that a six‐dimensional model of personality called the HEXACO framework may have particular value in organizational settings because of its ability to predict integrity‐related outcomes. In this series of studies, the potential value of the HEXACO factor known as Honesty‐Humility was further examined. First, the empirical distinctness of this construct from the other major dimensions of personality was demonstrated in a high‐stakes personnel selection situation. Second, Honesty‐Humility was found to predict scores on an integrity test and a business ethical decision‐making task beyond the level of prediction that was possible using measures based on a traditional Big Five model of personality. This finding was also observed when Honesty‐Humility was assessed by familiar acquaintances of the target persons. The applicability of the HEXACO model within industrial and organizational psychology was then discussed.
A multi‐level mediation model of the relationships between team autonomy, individual task design and psychological well‐being
Authors: Van Mierlo H. , Rutte C. G. , Vermunt J. K. , Kompier M. A. J. , Doorewaard J. A. C. M.
Published: April 2007

The past decade and a half witnessed a global trend towards the use of participatory team‐based interventions. In the present contribution, we address the widespread idea that the resulting increase in team autonomy fosters employee psychological well‐being. Specifically, we address the common but mostly implicit rationale for this widespread idea that the well‐being effect occurs because the increase in team autonomy is reflected in individual task design. We collected survey data from 733 members of 76 healthcare teams. The results of multi‐level mediation analyses were supportive of our theoretical framework. The higher the team autonomy, the more active learning behaviour and the less emotional exhaustion team members reported. These relationships were mediated by the individual job characteristics of autonomy, variety and demands. These results draw attention to individual task design in a team context.
Phylogeny and systematics of the Crocidura suaveolens species group: corroboration and controversy between nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers / Phylogénie et systématique du groupe d'espèces Crocidura suaveolens: coordination et contradiction des marqueurs nucléaire et mitochondriaux de l'ADN
Authors: Bannikova Anna A. , Lebedev Vladimir S. , Kramerov Dmitri A. , Zaitsev Mikhail V.
Published: April 2007

Despite obvious advances in systematic research on Palaearctic white-toothed shrews ( Crocidura ), phylogenetic relationships and species diagnosis of 40-chromosome species ( suaveolens sp. group) remain poorly understood. Phylogenetic relationships of these shrews were analyzed on the basis of two independent molecular markers: interspersed repeat PCR fingerprints (inter-SINE-PCR) and complete (1140 bp) or partial (∼400 bp) sequences of the mtDNA cyt b gene. According to these data, C. suaveolens from Western Europe (Italy) appeared distinct from samples of C. suaveolens from Eastern Europe and Mongolia, as well as a Siberian sample. mtDNA introgression of Eastern European C. suaveolens with C. gueldenstaedtii in their contact zone in the Tuapse region was revealed. Hybrydization between C. gueldenstaedtii and C. suaveolens resulted in the formation of a population, nuclear DNA and morphological characteristics typical for C. gueldenstaedtii , while the mitochondrial genome is assimilated from C. suaveolens . The population of the Talysh region of the Caucasus ( C. caspica ) represents a separate entity that is clearly distinguished from the populations of Georgia and Tuapse ( C. gueldenstaedtii ) and C. suaveolens . Therefore, the position of C. caspica as a full species is supported. The present analysis of both inter-SINE-PCR and cyt b sequence data revealed two major clades in Palaearctic 40-chromosome Crocidura . The eastern clade is formed by true C. suaveolens/C. sibirica , together with C. caspica , and the western clade is formed by Western European C. suaveolens , which should be treated as a distinct species, C. mimula and the closely related C. gueldenstaedtii.
Aggregations of masked shrews ( Sorex cinereus ): density-related mating behavior? / Agrégation de musaraignes masquées ( Sorex cinereus ): accouplement relatif à la densité de la population?
Authors: Maier Thomas J. , Doyle Katherine L.
Published: April 2007

Large aggregations of shrews have been reported and various explanations offered for this seemingly rare behavior; however, there has been little evidence to support any particular interpretation. We observed two small aggregations of highly active vocalizing Sorex cinereus while performing wildlife surveys in forested habitats in central Massachusetts, USA. These observations, in conjunction with a review of other reports, including genetic analyses, strongly suggest that such aggregations of adult Sorex are associated with mating behavior, more readily observed during periods of high population density. Published accounts of such behavior may be rare because primarily large aggregations have been reported; however, smaller breeding aggregations may be common.
Neurodevelopmental and Growth Outcomes of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants Who Are Transferred From Neonatal Intensive Care Units to Level I or II Nurseries
Authors: Lainwala Shabnam , Perritt Rebecca , Poole Kenneth , Vohr Betty ,   for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE. Transfer of clinically stable infants to level I and II nurseries alleviates demands on NICUs and allows better use of beds and resources. This study compared growth, neurodevelopmental impairments, postdischarge rehospitalization and deaths, and compliance for follow-up assessment at 18 to 22 months' corrected age of extremely low birth weight infants who transferred to level I and II nurseries with those who continued to receive care to discharge in a NICU.

METHODS. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network was performed. Between January 1998 and June 2002, 4896 infants born with birth weights of 401 to 1000 g and cared for in 19 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network centers were included. The sample consisted of 4392 survivors who received continuing care in the NICU to discharge home and 504 infants who were transferred to level I and II nurseries before discharge home. Demographics, perinatal characteristics, growth, and neurodevelopmental impairments were compared. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS. Transfer of infants to level I and II nurseries was associated significantly with white race, private insurance, outborn status, and lower neonatal morbidities and compliance for follow-up compared with the NICU group. After adjusting for known covariates, transfer to level I and II nurseries was not associated with neurodevelopmental impairments or death; however, it was associated with increased postdischarge rehospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS. Extremely low birth weight infants who are transferred to level I and II nurseries have similar growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes to infants who are discharged from a NICU. They are, however, more likely to be readmitted to the hospital and are less compliant for follow-up. Establishment of consistent guidelines for comprehensive discharge planning for level I and II nurseries may improve follow-up compliance and reduce rehospitalization rates among these infants who are transferred.
Effect of grain alignment on lateral carrier transport in aligned-crystalline silicon films on polycrystalline substrates
Authors: Choi Woong , Findikoglu Alp T. , Romero Manuel J. , Al-Jassim Mowafak
Published: April 2007

We report the studies on the effect of grain alignment on lateral carrier transport in nominally 〈001〉-oriented aligned-crystalline silicon (ACSi) films on polycrystalline substrates. With improving grain alignment, energy barrier height at the grain boundaries was reduced from 150 to less than 1 meV, and both conductivity and Hall mobility became less sensitive to hydrogen passivation. This suggests that the dangling bonds in ACSi films are a major source of trapping sites, and that they become less dominant with improving grain alignment. These results demonstrate that improving grain alignment enhances the lateral carrier transport in small-grained (≤1 μm) polycrystalline silicon films, by reducing dangling bond density at the grain boundaries.
The strain-rate sensitivity of the hardness in indentation creep
Authors: Elmustafa A.A. , Kose S. , Stone D.S.
Published: April 2007

Finite element analysis is used to simulate indentation creep experiments with a cone-shaped indenter. The purpose of the work is to help identify the relationship between the strain-rate sensitivity of the hardness, νH, and that of the flow stress, νσ in materials for which elastic deformations are significant. In general, νH differs from νσ, but the ratio νH/νσ is found to be a unique function of H/E* where H is the hardness and E* is the modulus relevant to Hertzian contact. νH/νσ approaches 1 for small H/E*, 0 for large H/E*, and is insensitive to work hardening. The trend in νH/νσ as a function of H/E* can be explained based on a generalized analysis of Tabor’s relation in which hardness is proportional to the flow stress H = k × σeff and in which the proportionality factor k is a function of σeff/E*.
Direct chemical vapor deposition growth of tunable HfSiON films by a new precursor combination
Authors: Xia Bin , Fisher Matthew L. , Stemper Harold , Misra Ashutosh
Published: April 2007

Hafnium silicon oxynitride (HfSiON) films were deposited on 200-mm silicon substrates by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) from a combination of trisilylamine (TSA) and tetrakis(diethylamido)hafnium(IV) (TDEAH) in the temperature range 450 to 575 °C. A highly volatile and carbon-free silicon precursor TSA was used to deposit HfSiON films for the first time. HfSiON films were deposited in a single step with no need of a post-treatment process for nitrogen incorporation. The film composition was tuned in a wide compositional range, and high growth rates were achieved. NH3 was found to have profound effects on film growth rate, metal ratio (Si% or Hf%), nitrogen incorporation, and carbon residue in the films.
Analysis of residual stresses in diamond coatings deposited on cemented tungsten carbide substrates
Authors: Xu Zhenqing , Lev Leonid , Lukitsch Michael , Kumar Ashok
Published: April 2007

Residual stresses in diamond films grown on WC–Co substrates have been investigated by Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), and curvature methods. Microcrystalline diamond films were deposited at 650–700 °C in a conventional hydrogen–methane environment by the microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. The film thickness, measured from cross-sectional micrographs taken by scanning electron microscopy, changed from 1.5 to 16.5 μm as the growth time increased from 1 to 12 h. The type and the magnitude of the total residual stress obtained from curvature and XRD measurements agreed very well in all of the samples and changed from tensile to compressive as film thickness increased. However, Raman spectroscopy results showed that all films exhibited compressive stress due to the domain size effect. Different methane fractions, varying from 1% to 3%, have been utilized for diamond growth, and the total residual stress increased as more methane was included.
Reversed domain configuration behavior in BaMgF4 ferroelectric crystal
Authors: Zeng Huarong , Shimamura Kiyoshi , Villora Encarnacion G. , Takekawa Shunji , Kitamura Kenji
Published: April 2007

Piezoresponse mode atomic force microscopy was used to induce a dynamic polarization reversal process and to characterize domain configuration behavior in BaMgF4 single crystal. Triangular reversed domains observed on the polar and non-polar surface demonstrate a sideways domain wall motion mechanism prevailing in the switching process of the bulk BaMgF4 crystal. The domain wall bowing phenomenon due to the strong pinning of the crystal defects was first visualized in the piezoresponse image of the engineering domain pattern in BaMgF4 crystal.
Selective area heteroepitaxy of nano-AlGaN ultraviolet excitation sources for biofluorescence application
Authors: Jindal Vibhu , Grandusky James R. , Tripathi Neeraj , Shahedipour-Sandvik Fatemeh , LeBoeuf Steven , Balch Joleyn , Tolliver Todd
Published: April 2007

We report on the selective area heteroepitaxy and facet evolution of AlGaN nanostructures on GaN/sapphire substrate using various mask materials. We also report on the challenges associated with selection of an appropriate mask material for selective area heteroepitaxy of AlGaN with varying Al composition. The shape and the growth rate of the nanostructures are observed to be greatly affected by the mask material. The evolution of the AlGaN nanostructures and Al incorporation were studied exhaustively as a function of growth parameters including temperature, pressure, NH3 flow, total alkyl flow, and TMAl/(TMAl+TMGa) ratio. The growth rate of nanostructures was reduced drastically when higher Al percentage AlGaN nanostructures were grown. The growth rates were increased for higher Al percentage AlGaN using a surfactant, which resulted in a high-quality pyramidal structure. As indicated by high-resolution x-ray diffraction and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, the composition of Al in the AlGaN nanostructure is significantly different from that of a thin film grown under the same growth conditions.
Gender differences in emotional and overt/covert aggressive responses to stress
Authors: Verona Edelyn , Reed Americus , Curtin John J. , Pole Michele
Published: April 2007

We examined the role of stress exposure on gender differences in hostile (emotional and behavioral) reactions within the context of a laboratory paradigm. Aggressive behavior was indexed via the intensity (overt) and the duration (covert) of putative shocks delivered to a confederate. Half of the participants were exposed to a chronic stressor (high stress) and half were not (low stress). Participants' emotional responses were measured via self‐report mood ratings before and after the experiment. Men displayed higher aggression in both stress conditions, which corresponded to their ratings of state hostility. On the other hand, women in high stress delivered lower intensity shocks, and this decreased overt aggression was positively correlated with sadness ratings. However, women did not decrease their levels of shock duration (covert aggression) under high stress and showed equivalent shock duration compared with men in high stress. These findings are discussed in terms of differential overt manifestations of distress between men and women. Aggr. Behav. 33:1–11, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.