bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C virus directly associates with insulin resistance independent of the visceral fat area in nonobese and nondiabetic patients
Authors: Yoneda M. , Saito S. , Ikeda T. , Fujita K. , Mawatari H. , Kirikoshi H. , Inamori M. , Nozaki Y. , Akiyama T. , Takahashi H. , Abe Y. , Kubota K. , Iwasaki T. , Terauchi Y. , Togo S. , Nakajima A.
Published: January 2007

Summary.  Insulin resistance (IR) is known to be associated with the visceral adipose tissue area. Elucidation of the relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and IR is of great clinical relevance, because IR promotes liver fibrosis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that HCV infection by itself may promote IR. We prospectively evaluated 47 patients with chronic HCV infection who underwent liver biopsy. Patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), or a history of alcohol consumption were excluded. IR was estimated by calculation of the modified homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index. Abdominal fat distribution was determined by computed tomography. Fasting blood glucose levels were within normal range in all the patients. The results of univariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between the quantity of HCV‐RNA and the HOMA‐IR (r = 0.368, P = 0.0291). While a significant correlation between the visceral adipose tissue area and the HOMA‐IR was also observed in the 97 control, nondiabetic, non‐HCV‐infected patients (r = 0.398, P < 0.0001), no such significant correlation between the visceral adipose tissue area and the HOMA‐IR (r = 0.124, P = 0.496) was observed in the patients with HCV infection. Multiple regression analysis with adjustment for age, gender and visceral adipose tissue area revealed a significant correlation between the HCV‐RNA and the HOMA‐IR (P = 0.0446). HCV is directly associated with IR in a dose‐dependent manner, independent of the visceral adipose tissue area. This is the first report to demonstrate the direct involvement of HCV and IR in patients with chronic HCV infection.
Mechanisms of hypersensitivity in IBS and functional disorders
Authors: Azpiroz F. , Bouin M. , Camilleri M. , Mayer E. A. , Poitras P. , Serra J. , Spiller R. C.
Published: January 2007

General introduction  The concept of visceral hypersensitivity is accepted as being germane to several functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). The causes or risk factors associated with this hypersensitivity are unclear. This article addresses the proposed mechanisms leading to hypersensitivity: from genetic to inflammatory disorders, from central to peripheral alterations of function. However, in order to place visceral hypersensitivity in a more global perspective as an aetiological factor for FGIDs, it also provides a review of recent evidence regarding the role of other peripheral mechanisms (the intraluminal milieu), as also genetic factors in the pathophysiology of these disorders. The article has been divided into five independent sections. The first three sections summarize the evidence of visceral hypersensitivity as a biological marker of functional gut disorders, the peripheral and central mechanisms involved, and the role of inflammation on hypersensitivity. In opposition to visceral hypersensitivity as an isolated phenomenon in functional gut disorders, the last two sections focus on the importance of peripheral mechanisms, like motor disturbances, specifically those resulting on altered transport of intestinal gas, and alterations of the intraluminal milieu and genetics.
14‐3‐3 adaptor proteins are intermediates in ABA signal transduction during barley seed germination
Authors: Schoonheim Peter J. , Sinnige Mark P. , Casaretto Jose A. , Veiga Helena , Bunney Tom D. , Quatrano Ralph S. , de Boer Albertus H.
Published: January 2007

Proteins of the 14‐3‐3 family have well‐defined functions as regulators of plant primary metabolism and ion homeostasis. However, neither their function nor action mechanism in plant hormonal signaling have been fully addressed. Here we show that abscisic acid (ABA) affects both expression and protein levels of five 14‐3‐3 isoforms in embryonic barley roots. As ABA prolongs the presence of 14‐3‐3 proteins in the elongating radicle, we tested whether 14‐3‐3s are instrumental in ABA action using RNA interference. Transient co‐expression of 14‐3‐3 RNAi constructs along with an ABA‐responsive promoter showed that each 14‐3‐3 is functional in generating an ABA response. In a yeast two‐hybrid screen, we identified three new 14‐3‐3 interactors that belong to the ABF protein family. Moreover, using a yeast two‐hybrid assay, we show that the transcription factor HvABI5, which binds to cis‐acting elements of the ABA‐inducible HVA1 promoter, interacts with three of the five 14‐3‐3s. Our analyses identify two 14‐3‐3 binding motifs in HvABI5 that are essential for 14‐3‐3 binding and proper in vivo trans‐activation activity of HvABI5. In line with these results, 14‐3‐3 silencing effectively blocks trans‐activation. Our results indicate that 14‐3‐3 genes/proteins are not only under the control of ABA, but that they control ABA action as well.
Clinical and pathological findings in a HERDA‐affected foal for 1.5 years of life
Authors: White Stephen D. , Affolter Verena K. , Schultheiss Patricia C. , Ball Barry A. , Wessel Myrthe T. , Kass Phillip , Molinaro Annette M. , Bannasch Danika L. , Ihrke Peter J.
Published: January 2007

A Quarter horse filly bred from two horses affected with HERDA (hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia) was observed clinically and its skin histologically for the 1.5 years of its life. Severe signs of the disease did not manifest until 1.5 years of age, and were not temporally related to saddling. Histological comparison to an age‐, breed‐ and sex‐matched control did not show any consistent diagnostic features. Monitoring of the proband substantiated previous reports of (i) the autosomal recessive nature of the disease, (ii) mares affected with HERDA being able to foal without damage to the skin or reproductive tract, (iii) HERDA foals appearing phenotypically normal throughout the first year of life, and (iv) demonstrated that histological interpretation of skin specimens from grossly normal skin may be insufficient to differentiate HERDA‐affected horses from controls.
Treatment of acne vulgaris without antibiotics: tertiary amine–benzoyl peroxide combination vs. benzoyl peroxide alone (Proactiv Solution™)
Authors: Burkhart Craig G. , Burkhart Craig N.
Published: January 2007

Background  Concerns have arisen over the development of antibiotic‐resistant organisms due to the prolonged use of oral and topical antibiotics in acne vulgaris. We have previously demonstrated that benzoyl peroxide used in consort with a chemical with an accessible tertiary amine, such as an allylamine, increases radical activity and biological effect.

Objectives  The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy of two nonantibiotic topical remedies for mild to moderate acne, with one of the agents being a combination of benzoyl peroxide with butenifine, an allylamine.

Methods  In an open‐label, patient‐satisfaction, 8‐week comparative study, 23 patients demonstrating mild to moderate facial acne were given randomly either benzoyl peroxide in Proactiv Solution or the combination of benzoyl peroxide with an allylamine.

Results  The allylamine–benzoyl peroxide combination therapy outperformed Proactiv Solution during each 2‐week stage of evaluation in terms of reduction of comedones, inflammatory lesions, and degree of oiliness. There was a marked preference for the allylamine–benzoyl peroxide combination in terms of patient satisfaction.

Conclusions  Benzoyl peroxide used in consort with antimicrobial agents that contain an accessible tertiary amine, such as erythromycin, has previously been shown to increase radical activity and biological effect. Trials of short duration with small numbers of patients do not adequately inform practitioners about whether the combination of allylamines with benzoyl peroxide is a viable alternative to topical antibiotic therapy for acne. Nevertheless, the higher satisfaction with the allylamine–benzoyl peroxide combination certainly warrants further investigation.
Laser treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars
Authors: Bouzari Navid , Davis Stephen C. , Nouri Keyvan
Published: January 2007

Background Lasers have been used in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids for more than 20 years. Different laser systems have been examined; among them pulsed dye lasers are currently considered the laser of choice in these settings.

Objectives The purpose of this study is to review the pertinent literature and provide updated information on different laser therapies available for treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Methods A Medline literature search was performed for relevant publications.

Results In this review the results of published studies in the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids are presented. Suggested mechanisms of action are reviewed. A review of the optimal laser parameters to modulate treatment outcome will be discussed. Different lasers are effective in not only the treatment but also the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids, among them PDL is more promising. Most of the suggested theories are based on the selective photothermolysis in which the light energy emitted from a vascular laser is absorbed by hemoglobin, generating heat and leading to coagulation necrosis, neocollagenesis, collagen fiber heating with dissociation of disulfide bonds and subsequent collagen fiber realignment.

Conclusion The optimal laser is currently 585 nm PDL, although the recent results of Q‐switched 532 nm frequency‐doubled Nd:YAG are promising. Early use of lasers are beneficial, especially in those who are prone to develop these lesions.
Community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin infections: a review of epidemiology, clinical features, management, and prevention
Authors: Cohen Philip R.
Published: January 2007

Community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CAMRSA) infection is a global problem of epidemic proportions. Many of the patients who develop CAMRSA skin lesions do not have infection‐associated risk factors. Abscess, abscess with accompanying cellulitis, and cellulitis are the most common presentations of cutaneous CAMRSA infection; occasionally, these CARMSA‐related lesions are misinterpreted as spider or insect bites. Other manifestations of cutaneous CAMRSA infection include impetigo, folliculitis, and acute paronychia. The management of CAMRSA skin infection includes incision and drainage, systemic antimicrobial therapy, and adjuvant topical antibacterial treatment. In addition, at the initial visit, bacterial culture of the lesion should be considered. Direct skin‐to‐skin contact, damage to the skin surface, sharing of personal items, and a humid environment are potential mechanisms for the acquisition and transmission of cutaneous CAMRSA infection. Measures that strive to eliminate these causes are useful for preventing the spread of CAMRSA skin infection.
Impact on soil‐dwelling arthropods in citrus orchards of spraying horticultural mineral oil, carbaryl or methidathion
Authors: Liang Weiguang , Beattie G Andrew C , Meats Alan , Spooner‐Hart Robert
Published: January 2007

Abstract  Impacts of an nC24 horticultural mineral oil (HMO) and two synthetic insecticides (carbaryl and methidathion) on the abundance and species diversity of soil‐dwelling arthropods were evaluated in two citrus orchards in the coastal region of New South Wales, Australia. In the first orchard, mature Valencia orange trees were sprayed in summer with one of HMO, carbaryl or methidathion delivered at low (2000 L/ha) or high (10 000 L/ha) volumes; the sprays were applied either once (February) or twice (December and February). HMO had no significant impact but the synthetic insecticides, irrespective of spray frequency or spray volume, significantly reduced the abundance and species diversity of the arthropods including springtails and generalist predators, such as spiders, staphylinid beetles and mesostigmatid mites. In the second orchard, blocks of Washington navel and Valencia orange trees were sprayed with either HMO or methidathion; sprays were applied twice, 2 weeks apart, in late summer (February), first at a rate of 6500 L/ha and second at 5500 L/ha. Results were similar to those in the first orchard, except that the effect of methidathion on carabid beetles and ants was not significant.
Equity and the Kyoto Protocol
Authors: Page Edward
Published: January 2007

Global climate change raises a number of important issues for political scientists and theorists. One issue concerns the ethics of implementing policies that seek to manage the threats associated with dangerous climate change in order to protect the interests of future generations. The focus of much of the debate about climate change and inter-generational equity is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol to this Convention. This article outlines the mechanisms adopted by the Kyoto Protocol and three rival ‘climate architectures’, evaluating each in terms of some basic principles of equity.
HOUSE PRICES AND MORTGAGE CREDIT: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FOR IRELAND*
Authors: FITZPATRICK TREVOR , MCQUINN KIERAN
Published: January 2007

In Ireland, real property prices increased at an average of 12 per cent per annum from 1996 to 2002 with residential mortgage credit also increasing substantially. In this paper, the relationship between domestic bank credit and Irish house prices is examined empirically. Using a number of econometric approaches, we find evidence of a long‐run mutually reinforcing relationship. The results are used to underpin a short‐run system of the housing and credit sector. Simulations are then conducted to reveal the response of house prices and credit to once‐off increases in key explanatory variables.
Differences across Cohorts in Finnish Intergenerational Income Mobility
Authors: PEKKALA SARI , LUCAS ROBERT E. B.
Published: January 2007

Trends in intergenerational economic mobility in Finland are analyzed using panel data from 1950 through 1999 on more than 250,000 sons and daughters born between 1930 and 1970. A significant decline is estimated in the intergenerational transmission elasticity from the 1930 birth cohort until the baby boom cohorts of the early 1950s. After that we observed no increase in the extent of mobility for 1950s and 1960s birth cohorts, but rather the reverse. The result holds both for sons and daughters. A decomposition of the intergenerational transmission elasticities across cohorts shows that most of the early decline in transmission reflected a drop in the influence of parental income on the children's earnings that operated through investments in the child's schooling. This early pattern is postulated to reflect the phases of secondary educational expansion at the time. Throughout, a rise is estimated in the intergenerational transmission elasticity with age at which sons and daughters are observed. This has also been noted in prior U.S. studies and, at least in this Finnish context, this seems to result almost entirely from rising estimated returns to education with age.
The Role of Protestant Missionaires in Mexico’s Indigenous Awakening
Authors: GALLAHER CAROLYN
Published: January 2007

Protestantism has grown rapidly among Latin America’s indigenous population since the 1980s. Despite Protestantism’s attractiveness to indigenous people, the literature has historically regarded it as incompatible with indigenous culture. Recent scholarship has moved beyond this assertion, focusing instead on the complexities of conversion and the paradoxes associated with it. Most scholars now argue that Protestantism can be compatible with indigenous culture. It is unclear, however, how Protestant institutions came to have a compatible relationship with indigenous culture. Indeed, Protestant churches/clergy continue to eschew many of the practices associated with indigenous culture. In this paper I address this question by examining the work of Protestant missionaries. I choose missionaries as my point of analysis because they were crucial in establishing Protestantism in the region, and thus the base point from which it is defined, practiced, and altered. As a case study I examine mission work in Oaxaca, Mexico. I argue that missionaries have changed both their conversion strategies and tactics for dealing with indigenous traditions. These changes make it easier for indigenous people to convert to Protestantism without rejecting key parts of their culture, and in a few cases by even embracing it. I examine two conversion strategies—group targeting and church planting. I also analyze three tactics missionaries use to negotiate indigenous customs considered ‘pagan.’ I choose tequio, village fiestas, and language politics because they have historically been sources of conflict between converts and their Catholic neighbours.
Increased blood loss in upright birthing positions originates from perineal damage
Authors: De Jonge A , Van Diem MTh , Scheepers PLH , Van Der Pal‐de Bruin KM , Lagro‐Janssen ALM
Published: January 2007

Objective  To assess whether the risk of severe blood loss is increased in semi‐sitting and sitting position, and if so, to which extent blood loss from perineal damage is responsible for this finding.

Design  Secondary analysis of data from a large trial.

Setting  Primary care midwifery practices in the Netherlands.

Population  About 1646 low‐risk women who had a spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Methods  Blood loss was measured using a weighing scale and measuring jug. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the net effects of birthing position and perineal damage on blood loss greater than 500 ml.

Main outcome measures  Mean total blood loss and incidence of blood loss greater than 500 ml and 1000 ml.

Results  Mean total blood loss and the incidence of blood loss greater than 500 ml and 1000 ml were increased in semi‐sitting and sitting position. In logistic regression analysis, the interaction between birthing position and perineal damage was almost significantly associated with an increased risk of blood loss greater than 500 ml. Semi‐sitting and sitting position were only significant risk factors among women with perineal damage (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.00–1.69 and OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.37–3.71, respectively). Among women with intact perineum, no association was found.

Conclusions  Semi‐sitting and sitting birthing positions only lead to increased blood loss among women with perineal damage.
Glutamate induces histone H3 phosphorylation but not acetylation in striatal neurons: role of mitogen‐ and stress‐activated kinase‐1
Authors: Brami‐Cherrier Karen , Lavaur Jeremie , Pagès Christiane , Arthur J. Simon C. , Caboche Jocelyne
Published: January 2007

Chromatin remodelling is thought to play a key role in gene regulation that underlies long‐term synaptic plasticity and memory formation. The dynamic process of chromatin remodelling requires post‐translational modifications of histones, a group of highly basic proteins that are tightly linked to DNA. In the present study, we investigated histone H3 modifications in response to glutamate stimulation leading to c‐Fos and c‐Jun induction in an in vitro model system of striatal neurons in culture. Intracellular signalling pathways implicated in these modifications were analysed. Histone H3 acetylation was strong in basal conditions and unmodified by glutamate treatment. By contrast, glutamate induced a strong phosphorylation of histone H3 that was inhibited by selective inhibitors of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathways, U0126 and SB203580, respectively. Blocking activation of mitogen‐ and stress‐activated kinase 1 (MSK1), a kinase downstream ERK and p38 MAPK, by pharmacological approach or using striatal cells from MSK1 deficient mice, totally abolished H3 phosphorylation, as well as c‐Fos and c‐Jun induction. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed increased levels of phosphorylated H3 at the c‐jun promoter. Altogether, our data highlight the crucial role of MSK1 in the nucleosomal response necessary for gene induction in neuronal cells.
Commonalities and Variations in the Cash and Counseling Programs across the Three Demonstration States
Authors: Phillips Barbara , Schneider Barbara
Published: January 2007

Objective. To describe the key features of the first three Cash and Counseling demonstration programs and identify those which the programs have in common and those on which they differ.

Study Setting. Demonstration Cash and Counseling programs in Arkansas, Florida, and New Jersey.

Data Sources. Interviews with program staff and program materials and discussion.

Methods. Description and comparison.

Principal Findings/Conclusion. The three Cash and Counseling demonstration programs have many common features; these arose because they were required to adhere to the basic tenets of the Cash and Counseling model and to federal regulations, to share the philosophy of consumer empowerment, and to work together to design their programs. However, their programs also differ substantially due to differences in state goals, Medicaid programs, and political environments. These variations must be taken into account to understand differences in the impact of the three programs.
Recommendations Regarding the Requirements and Applications for Long‐term Recordings in Epilepsy
Authors: Velis Demetrios , Plouin Perrine , Gotman Jean , Da Silva Fernando Lopes ,   members of the ILAE DMC Subcommittee on Neurophysiology
Published: January 2007

Summary:  The purpose of this paper is to update the state of knowledge with respect to long‐term monitoring (LTM) in epilepsy and to formulate recommendations regarding the application of LTM in clinical practice. LTM is an established technique in use both in a hospital setting and, increasingly, in an ambulatory and more recently in a community‐based setting. There has been sufficient evidence to substantiate the claim that LTM is of crucial importance in documenting electroclinical correlations both in epilepsy and in paroxysmally occurring behavioral changes often mistaken for epilepsy. Internationally recognized neurophysiological equipment standards, data acquisition and data transfer protocols and widely accepted safety standards have made widespread access to LTM facilities in epilepsy possible. Recommendations on efficient and effective use of resources as well as regarding training and competencies for personnel involved in LTM in epilepsy have been formulated. The DMC Neurophysiology Subcommittee of the ILAE recommends use of hospital‐based LTM in the documentation of seizures including its application for assessing seizure type and frequency, in the evaluation of status epilepticus, in noninvasive and invasive video/EEG investigations for epilepsy surgery and for the differential diagnosis between epilepsy and paroxysmally occurring nonepileptic conditions, in children and in adults. Ambulatory outpatient and community‐based LTM may be used as a substitute for inpatient LTM in cases where the latter is not cost‐effective or feasible or when activation procedures aimed at increasing seizure yield are not indicated. However, outpatient ambulatory monitoring may be less informative than is inpatient monitoring in some cases because: (1) reduction of medication to provoke seizures may not be safe as an outpatient; (2) faulty electrode contacts cannot quickly be noticed and repaired; (3) the patient may move out of video surveillance; and (4) duration of ambulatory monitoring can be limited by technical constraints.
Dynamic Changes of Ictal High‐Frequency Oscillations in Neocortical Epilepsy: Using Multiple Band Frequency Analysis
Authors: Ochi Ayako , Otsubo Hiroshi , Donner Elizabeth J. , Elliott Irene , Iwata Ryoichi , Funaki Takanori , Akizuki Yoko , Akiyama Tomoyuki , Imai Katsumi , Rutka James T. , Snead O. Carter
Published: January 2007

Summary:  Purpose: To characterize the spatial and temporal course of ictal high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs) recorded by subdural EEG in children with intractable neocortical epilepsy.

Methods: We retrospectively studied nine children (four girls, five boys; 4–17 yr) who presented with intractable extrahippocampal localization‐related epilepsy and who underwent extraoperative video subdural EEG (1000 Hz sampling rate) and cortical resection. We performed multiple band frequency analysis (MBFA) to evaluate the frequency, time course, and distribution of ictal HFOs. We compared ictal HFO changes before and after clinical onset and postsurgical seizure outcomes.

Results: Seventy‐eight of 79 seizures showed HFOs. We observed wide‐band HFOs (∼250Hz, ∼120 electrodes) in six patients either with partial seizures alone (three patients) or with epileptic spasms (three patients). Three patients with partial seizures that secondarily generalized had wide‐band HFOs (∼170 Hz) before clinical onset and sustained narrow‐band HFOs (60–164 Hz) with electrodecremental events after clinical onset (∼28 electrodes). In four postoperatively seizure‐free patients, more electrodes recorded higher‐frequency HFOs inside the resection area than outside before and after clinical seizure onset. In five patients with residual seizures, electrodes recorded more HFOs that were of higher or equal frequency outside the surgical area than inside after clinical onset.

Conclusion: For partial seizures alone and epileptic spasms, more electrodes recorded only wide‐band HFOs; for partial seizures that secondarily generalized, fewer electrodes recorded wide‐band HFOs, but in these seizures electrodes also recorded subsequent sustained narrow‐band ictal HFOs. Resection of those brain regions having electrodes with ictal, higher HFOs resulted in postsurgical seizure‐free outcomes.
The Effects of Exposure to “Synthetic” Chemicals on Human Health: A Review
Authors: VanDoren Peter M.
Published: January 2007

This article examines how scientists use human, animal, and bacterial evidence to develop policy recommendations about the health consequences of human exposure to modern chemicals. Human evidence is limited because many epidemiological studies are contaminated with selection effects or unobserved heterogeneity. Changes in the aggregate incidence of morbidity (such as cancer) in the population over time are not a substitute for the lack of good individual‐level data because incidence data are contaminated by the medicalization of cancer. Animal tests are also problematic because the expense of conducting experiments leads researchers to use only enough animals to allow detection of large differences in cancer incidence between controls and experimental animals that can only arise if the exposure doses are large. Predictions about the cancer incidence that would result in humans at much lower exposure levels, thus, require statistical inferences that implicitly make choices between false positive and false negative inference errors. Policy recommendations about carcinogens, therefore, are as much the product of value choices as “scientific” knowledge.
Examining Psychometrics and Polarization in a Single‐Risk Case Study
Authors: Trumbo Craig W.
Published: January 2007

This project incorporates two steps. First, the psychometric model of risk perception is evaluated for its validity under field conditions. Second, individuals are classified as risk amplifiers or attenuators and the characteristics of those groups are explored. Survey data from an ongoing case study is employed in the analysis. The case study involves a Midwestern community in which a controversy exists over the possibility of the existence of a cancer cluster caused by the operation of a small reactor. Results show that the psychometric model of risk perception, while failing to be reproduced precisely, does has utility under the field conditions in this study. Use of the psychometric model to classify individuals as risk amplifiers or risk attenuators produces a useful dichotomy that reveals differences between the two polar groups in terms of demographics, satisfaction with institutional response to the risk, concern over individual and social levels of risk, and the evaluation of various communication channels as having been useful in coming to a judgment about the risk. A final model comparing the two groups suggests that, in this case, evaluation of personal risk and satisfaction with institutional response are important determinants of individual's risk reactions. Subordinate to these forces are the demographic variables of education, gender, and years of residence in the community. The model also illustrates that aggregate‐level observations may not be representative of subgroups.
Controlling Democracy: The Principal–Agent Problems in Election Administration
Authors: Alvarez R. Michael , Hall Thad E.
Published: January 2007

Election reform has become a major issue since the 2000 election, but little consideration has been given to the issues associated with managing them. In this article, we use principal–agent theory to examine the problems associated with Election Day polling place voting. We note that Election Day voting manifests problems that agency theory shows are difficult to overcome, including adverse selection of and shirking by poll workers. We then examine alternate methods of voting, such as early, absentee, and Internet voting, and show how these reforms can mitigate many of the more severe principal–agent problems in election management.
Male‐produced aggregation pheromone of the cerambycid beetle Neoclytus mucronatus mucronatus
Authors: Lacey Emerson S. , Moreira Jardel A. , Millar Jocelyn G. , Ray Ann M. , Hanks Lawrence M.
Published: January 2007

Adult male Neoclytus mucronatus mucronatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae) were observed to display behaviors identical to calling behaviors of the congener N. acuminatus acuminatus F., males of which produce an aggregation pheromone. Odors collected from male N. m. mucronatus contained one major male‐specific compound, identified as (R)‐3‐hydroxyhexan‐2‐one. Bioassays determined that both sexes were weakly attracted to racemic 3‐hydroxy‐2‐hexanone. Further field trials determined that enantiomerically enriched (R)‐3‐hydroxyhexan‐2‐one (94% ee) attracted more beetles of both sexes than did the racemic blend. This aggregation pheromone is produced by glands that discharge through pores lying within shallow cuticular depressions in the pronotum of male N. m. mucronatus.
Inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis by melatonin in human myeloid HL‐60 cells
Authors: Rubio Sara , Estévez Francisco , Cabrera Javier , Reiter Russel J. , Loro Juan , Quintana José
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  Melatonin is an indoleamine that is synthesized in the pineal gland and has an extensive repertoire of biological activities. In the present study, we found that melatonin reduced the growth of the human myeloid leukemia cells HL‐60, inhibiting progression from G1 to S phase of the cell cycle and increasing apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, melatonin treatment elevated cytochrome c release from mitochondria and augmented caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 activities. Upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl‐2 was also observed upon melatonin treatment. The effects of melatonin were found not to be mediated by membrane receptors for the indoleamine. Together, our results suggest that melatonin reduces the viability of HL‐60 cells via induction of apoptosis primarily through regulation of Bax/Bcl‐2 expression.
Pelvic Floor Involvement in Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction and the Role of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation in Treatment: A Literature Review
Authors: Rosenbaum Talli Yehuda
Published: January 2007

Introduction

The sphincteric and supportive functions of the pelvic floor are fairly well understood, and pelvic floor rehabilitation, a specialized field within the scope and practice of physical therapy, has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence. The role of the pelvic floor in the promotion of optimal sexual function has not been clearly elucidated.

Aim

To review the role of the pelvic floor in the promotion of optimal sexual function and examine the role of pelvic floor rehabilitation in treating sexual dysfunction.

Main Outcome Measure

Review of peer-reviewed literature.

Results

It has been proposed that the pelvic floor muscles are active in both male and female genital arousal and orgasm, and that pelvic floor muscle hypotonus may impact negatively on these phases of function. Hypertonus of the pelvic floor is a significant component of sexual pain disorders in women and men. Furthermore, conditions related to pelvic floor dysfunction, such as pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and lower urinary tract symptoms, are correlated with sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion

The involvement of the pelvic floor in sexual function and dysfunction is examined, as well as the potential role of pelvic floor rehabilitation in treatment. Further research validating physical therapy intervention is necessary.
OILS IN THE NW NIGER DELTA: AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS CONTENT AND INFRARED SPECTROSCOPIC CHARACTERISATION
Authors: Akinlua A. , Torto N. , Ajayi T. R.
Published: January 2007

The occurrence and distribution of aromatic hydrocarbons in oil samples from an oilfield in the NW Niger Delta was investigated, focussing on naphthalenes, phenanthrenes and mono‐ and triaromatic steroids. Tetramethylnaphthalene is the most abundant of the naphthalene homologues, while dimethylphenanthrene is the most abundant of the phenanthrene homologues. The relative concentration of the sum total of the phenanthrenes and their isomers was greater than that of the naphthalenes.

The distribution of naphthalenes and phenanthrenes was strongly controlled by thermal maturation and biodegradation of the oils. Various aromatic hydrocarbon‐ dependent geochemical parameters indicate that the oils are mature and were generated at similar levels of thermal maturation. Plots of these parameters showed that the distribution of homologues of both naphthalene and phenanthrene is sensitive to the biodegradation of the oils.

Infrared spectroscopy (IR) was used for geochemical characterisation of the NW Niger Delta oil samples in terms of both source type and thermal maturity. The characterisation was based on the peak intensities of the aliphatic and the carbonyl groups relative to the aromatics. The study showed that IR may be useful for the determination of thermal maturity, but is not a good tool for source characterisation.
Depth absorbed dose and LET distributions of therapeutic , , , and beams
Authors: Kempe Johanna , Gudowska Irena , Brahme Anders
Published: January 2007

The depth absorbed dose and LET (linear energy transfer) distribution of different ions of clinical interest such as , , , and ions have been investigated using the Monte Carlo code SHIELD‐HIT. The energies of the projectiles correspond to ranges in water and soft tissue of approximately . The depth dose distributions of the primary particles and their secondaries have been calculated and separated with regard to their low and high LET components. A LET value below can generally be regarded as low LET and sparsely ionizing like electrons and photons. The high LET region may be assumed to start at where on average two double‐strand breaks can be formed when crossing the periphery of a nucleosome, even though strictly speaking the LET limits are not sharp and ought to vary with the charge and mass of the ion. At the Bragg peak of a monoenergetic high energy proton beam, less than 3% of the total absorbed dose is comprised of high LET components above . The high LET contribution to the total absorbed dose in the Bragg peak is significantly larger with increasing ion charge as a natural result of higher stopping power and lower range straggling. The fact that the range straggling and multiple scattering are reduced by half from hydrogen to helium increases the possibility to accurately deposit only the high LET component in the tumor with negligible dose to organs at risk. Therefore, the lateral penumbra is significantly improved and the higher dose gradients of and ions both longitudinally and laterally will be of major advantage in biological optimized radiation therapy. With increasing charge of the ion, the high LET absorbed dose in the beam entrance and the plateau regions where healthy normal tissues are generally located is also increased. The dose distribution of the high LET components in the beam is only located around the Bragg peak, characterized by a Gaussian‐type distribution. Furthermore, the secondary particles produced by high energy ions in tissuelike media have mainly low LET character both in front of and beyond the Bragg peak.
Evaluation of clinical margins via simulation of patient setup errors in prostate IMRT treatment plans
Authors: Gordon J. J. , Crimaldi A. J. , Hagan M. , Moore J. , Siebers J. V.
Published: January 2007

This work evaluates: (i) the size of random and systematic setup errors that can be absorbed by clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) margins in prostate intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT); (ii) agreement between simulation results and published margin recipes; and (iii) whether shifting contours with respect to a static dose distribution accurately predicts dose coverage due to setup errors. In 27 IMRT treatment plans created with CTV‐to‐PTV margins, random setup errors with standard deviations (SDs) of 1.5, 3, 5 and were simulated by fluence convolution. Systematic errors with identical SDs were simulated using two methods: (a) shifting the isocenter and recomputing dose (isocenter shift), and (b) shifting patient contours with respect to the static dose distribution (contour shift). Maximum tolerated setup errors were evaluated such that 90% of plans had target coverage equal to the planned PTV coverage. For coverage criteria consistent with published margin formulas, plans with margins were found to absorb combined random and systematic . Published recipes require margins of for SDs. For the prostate IMRT cases presented here a margin would suffice, indicating that published recipes may be pessimistic. We found significant errors in individual plan doses given by the contour shift method. However, dose population plots (DPPs) given by the contour shift method agreed with the isocenter shift method for all structures except the nodal CTV and small bowel. For the nodal CTV, contour shift DPP differences were due to the structure moving outside the patient. Small bowel DPP errors were an artifact of large relative differences at low doses. Estimating individual plan doses by shifting contours with respect to a static dose distribution is not recommended. However, approximating DPPs is acceptable, provided care is taken with structures such as the nodal CTV which lie close to the surface.
Rigid 2D/3D slice‐to‐volume registration and its application on fluoroscopic CT images
Authors: Birkfellner Wolfgang , Figl Michael , Kettenbach Joachim , Hummel Johann , Homolka Peter , Schernthaner Rüdiger , Nau Thomas , Bergmann Helmar
Published: January 2007

Registration of single slices from FluoroCT, CineMR, or interventional magnetic resonance imaging to three dimensional (3D) volumes is a special aspect of the two‐dimensional (2D)/3D registration problem. Rather than digitally rendered radiographs (DRR), single 2D slice images obtained during interventional procedures are compared to oblique reformatted slices from a high resolution 3D scan. Due to the lack of perspective information and the different imaging geometry, convergence behavior differs significantly from 2D/3D registration applications comparing DRR images with conventional x‐ray images. We have implemented a number of merit functions and local and global optimization algorithms for slice‐to‐volume registration of computed tomography (CT) and FluoroCT images. These methods were tested on phantom images derived from clinical scans for liver biopsies. Our results indicate that good registration accuracy in the range of 0.5° and is achievable using simple cross correlation and repeated application of local optimization algorithms. Typically, a registration took approximately on a standard personal computer. Other merit functions such as pattern intensity or normalized mutual information did not perform as well as cross correlation in this initial evaluation. Furthermore, it appears as if the use of global optimization algorithms such as simulated annealing does not improve reliability or accuracy of the registration process. These findings were also confirmed in a preliminary registration study on five clinical scans. These experiments have, however, shown that a strict breath‐hold protocol is inevitable when using rigid registration techniques for lesion localization in image‐guided biopsy retrieval. Finally, further possible applications of slice‐to‐volume registration are discussed.
Ambient illumination revisited: A new adaptation‐based approach for optimizing medical imaging reading environments
Authors: Chawla Amarpreet S. , Samei Ehsan
Published: January 2007

Ambient lighting in soft‐copy reading rooms is currently kept at low values to preserve contrast rendition in the dark regions of a medical image. Low illuminance levels, however, create inadequate viewing conditions and may also cause eye strain. This eye strain may be potentially attributed to notable variations in the luminance adaptation state of the reader's eyes when moving the gaze intermittently between the brighter display and darker surrounding surfaces. This paper presents a methodology to minimize this variation and optimize the lighting conditions of reading rooms by exploiting the properties of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) with low diffuse reflection coefficients and high luminance ratio. First, a computational model was developed to determine a global luminance adaptation value, , when viewing a medical image on display. The model is based on the diameter of the pupil size, which depends on the luminance of the observed object. Second, this value was compared with the luminance reflected off surrounding surfaces, , under various conditions of room illuminance, , different values of diffuse reflection coefficients of surrounding surfaces, , and calibration settings of a typical LCD. The results suggest that for typical luminance settings of current LCDs, it is possible to raise ambient illumination to minimize differences in eye adaptation, potentially reducing visual fatigue while also complying with the TG18 specifications for controlled contrast rendition. Specifically, room illumination in the 75–150 lux range and surface diffuse reflection coefficients in the practical range of provide an ideal setup for typical LCDs. Future LCDs with lower diffuse reflectivity and with higher inherent luminance ratios can provide further improvement of ergonomic viewing conditions in reading rooms.
Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) Analysis of Temporally Matched
Listeria monocytogenes
Isolates from Human Clinical Cases, Foods, Ruminant Farms, and Urban and Natural Environments Reveals Source-Associated as Well as Widely Distributed PFGE Types
Authors: Fugett Eric B. , Schoonmaker-Bopp Dianna , Dumas Nellie B. , Corby Joseph , Wiedmann Martin
Published: January 2007

A total of 495 temporally and geographically matched
Listeria monocytogenes
isolates from human clinical cases, foods, ruminant farms, and urban and natural environments were used to investigate
L. monocytogenes
pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) type diversity. Two-enzyme (AscI and ApaI) PFGE discriminated 310 PFGE types and exhibited higher overall discriminatory power (Simpson's index of discrimination [
D
] = 0.995) than either EcoRI ribotyping (
D
= 0.950) or AscI or ApaI single-enzyme PFGE (
D
= 0.992 for both). Seven PFGE types showed significant associations with specific sources, including one and four PFGE types, respectively, associated with human clinical cases and foods. Spatial analysis of 13 PFGE types occurring >5 times showed that two PFGE types were specific to a single processing facility each, where they appear to have persisted over time. Nine PFGE types were geographically widespread and occurred among isolates from multiple sources. For example, a PFGE type that matched isolates from listeriosis outbreaks in Los Angeles and Switzerland occurred among isolates from farms (
n
= 7), human clinical cases (
n
= 4), environmental sources (
n
= 3), and foods (
n
= 1). Our data indicate that (i) PFGE is highly discriminatory for the subtyping of
L. monocytogenes
, (ii) some
L. monocytogenes
PFGE types are associated with specific sources, and (iii) some
L. monocytogenes
PFGE types are widely distributed and appear to be stable and pandemic. Large PFGE type databases representing isolates from different sources are thus needed to appropriately interpret subtype data in epidemiological investigations and to identify common as well as source-specific PFGE types.
Understanding the Failure of CD8+T-Cell Vaccination against Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: De Boer Rob J.
Published: January 2007

Although CD8+T cells play an important role in controlling viral infections, boosting specific CD8+T cells by prophylactic vaccination with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) epitopes fails to provide sterilizing immunity. Viral replication rates and viral contraction rates after the peak viremia hardly depend on the presence of memory CD8+T cells. To study these paradoxical findings, we parameterize novel mathematical models for acute SIV and human immunodeficiency virus infection. These models explain that failure of vaccination is due to the fact that effector/target ratios are too low during the viral expansion phase. Because CD8+T cells require cell-to-cell contacts, immune protection requires high effector/target ratios at the primary site of infection. Effector/target ratios become favorable for immune control at the time of the peak in the viral load when the virus becomes limited by other factors, such as the availability of uninfected target cells. At the viral set point, effector/target ratios are much higher, and perturbations of the number of CD8+effector cells have a large impact on the viral load. Such protective effector/target ratios are difficult to achieve with nucleic acid- or protein-based vaccines.