bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The devil's in the details: genetic and phenotypic divergence between artificial and native populations of the endangered pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis)
Authors: Wilcox J. L. , Martin A. P.
Published: May 2006

Propagation of threatened or endangered species in artificial habitats is a common strategy for reducing the probability of extinction by demographic or stochastic forces. Differential selection, founder effects and genetic drift can conspire to cause artificial populations to differ irreversibly from native populations for characters important for fitness, thereby compromising conservation efforts. Here we show that artificial propagation of the endangered Devil's Hole pupfish Cyprinodon diabolis resulted in rapid divergence for phenotypic and genetic characteristics despite attempts to replicate key characteristics of the species' native habitat when designing the artificial environments. Although differences in behavior and morphology between the native pool population and the two artificial pools may reflect phenotypic plasticity, the results underscore the need to monitor and control (to the extent possible) closely the evolutionary process when propagating native species in artificial pools for multiple generations.
Jaguar (Panthera onca) feeding ecology: distribution of predator and prey through time and space
Authors: Weckel M. , Giuliano W. , Silver S.
Published: May 2006

Jaguars Panthera onca inhabiting tropical or subtropical evergreen moist forest have often been classified as opportunistic predators because they consume prey relative to its availability. However, these studies failed to address simultaneously the distribution of predator and prey through time and space, which may lead to an incomplete or erroneous understanding of jaguar foraging strategies. In this study, we reconstructed jaguar diet from scat, and used camera traps to investigate jaguar prey availability and the distribution of jaguar and its prey through space and time. We focused our examination of predator–prey temporal and spatial relations on forest infrastructure comprising man‐made paths, small mammal trails, tapir Tapirus bairdi trail and trail‐less, forested areas as they represent distinct habitats for prey selection. Overall, we observed high overlap between the prey used and available, suggestive of opportunistic foraging. However, jaguars exhibited selective tendencies in discriminating between larger prey. Jaguars used collared peccary Tayassu tajacu greater than its availability, while preying upon the equally abundant and similarly distributed white‐lipped peccary Tayassu pecari and tapir less than predicted based upon availability. Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus and paca Agouti paca, 56.6% of total consumption, were consumed relative to availability but exhibited low spatial overlap with jaguar. Armadillo and paca used trail‐less, forested areas and small mammal trails not used by jaguar and were photographed more frequently at greater distances from man‐made paths, major thoroughfares for jaguars. This study suggests that although forest jaguars use prey relative to its abundance, jaguars may rely on foraging strategies other than chance encounters for exploiting prey.
Clinicopathological profile of primary bronchogenic carcinoma treated in a tertiary care hospital of western Nepal
Authors: CHANDRASHEKHAR Thummalahally Sreeramareddy , BINU Valsala Sreekumaran , VADIVELU Gnanaprakasam , MALLIK Singaraju , KURIEN Renju , JOSHI Hari Shankar
Published: May 2006

Background:  Bronchogenic carcinoma is the most common cancer in Nepal. There is no information available about the incidence and clinicopathological features of bronchogenic carcinoma from Nepal. We aimed to study the clinicopathological features of primary bronchogenic carcinoma treated in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:  A retrospective case‐series analysis of 136 cases of primary bronchogenic carcinoma treated between September 2001 and August 2005 in a tertiary care hospital of western Nepal was performed.

Results:  The median age of the male and female patients was 67 (interquartile range 60, 71.75) and 66 (interquartile range 60, 70) years, respectively. The maximum number of patients was in the 60–69 year age group. One‐hundred and thirteen (83.1%) of these patients were smokers. Among the male patients, 83.3% (60/72) were smokers and females 82.8% (53/64) were smokers. The male to female ratio of the patients was 1.1: 1. The most common histological type was squamous‐cell carcinoma (51.5%), followed by small‐cell carcinoma (17.6%) and adenocarcinoma (8.1%). Ninety‐eight (72.1%) patients were diagnosed in late stages of the disease (IIIb and IV).

Conclusion:  The clinicopathological features are in accordance with reports from other studies. The results of the present study indicate that bronchogenic carcinoma has a higher average age incidence, higher proportion of female patients and higher proportion of diagnosis of the disease in late stages. The higher rate of bronchogenic carcinoma among females indicates scope for further research into risk factors. Intervention measures for prevention and early diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma are to be undertaken.
Convergent and Divergent Validity of the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents and the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales
Authors: Canivez Gary L. , Bordenkircher Sarah E.
Published: May 2006

Convergent and divergent (construct) validity of the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents (ASCA) and the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales (PKBS) is reported. With a random sample of 154 five- and six-year-old children rated by 16 classroom teachers in a Midwestern state, convergent evidence of construct validity was provided for the PKBS Externalizing Problems scale and the ASCA Overactivity syndrome. Divergent evidence of construct validity was provided for the PKBS Externalizing Problems scale and ASCA Underactivity syndrome. Convergent and divergent evidence of construct validity for the PKBS Internalizing Problems scale and ASCA Overactivity and Underactivity syndromes was mixed. Specific scale comparisons found the ASCA to result in significantly higher mean ratings than the PKBS in 9 of 10 specific comparisons, and the effect sizes 112 were moderate to large.
Examination of the Underlying Structure of the Nepsy: A Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment
Authors: Stinnett Terry A. , Oehler-Stinnett Judy , Fuqua Dale R. , Palmer Linda S.
Published: May 2006

The internal structure of the NEPSY, a developmental neuropsychological instrument, was investigated with exploratory principal axis factor analyses using the correlation matrix for the 5- to 12-year-old children of the standardization sample. Additionally, a review of the psychometric properties of the NEPSY was conducted. The concurrence of multiple criteria indicated that a one-factor solution best describes the NEPSY (5-12) core domain structure. The five core domains specified in the test manual may significantly overdefine the NEPSY structure. Estimates of the unique variance accounted for by NEPSY subtests were also calculated. Most of the subtests have adequate or moderate specificity. Three subtests met the criteria for ample or excellent specificity. The subtest data should not be interpreted as if they reflect unique neuropsychological processing skills. Practitioners should be cautious in interpreting the core domain and subtest profiles of children's performance on the NEPSY. Further research of the utility of the NEPSY is needed.
The Brigance K&1 Screen: Factor Composition with a Head Start Sample
Authors: Mantzicopoulos Panayota , Mailer Susan J.
Published: May 2006

This study examined the factorial structure of the Brigance K&1 screen with a sample of 383 Head Start children from a Midwestern community. Maximum likelihood estimation via LISREL 8 was used to conduct confirmatory factor analyses using the covariance matrix of age-based linear standard scores on each of the 12 Brigance sub-tests. The factors reported in the Brigance technical report, which serves as the model on which Brigance domain scores are obtained, did not fit the independent set of data. Rather, a competing three-factor model, based on 7 of the 12 Brigance subtests, measuring Rote Knowledge (Factor 1), Visual-Spatial Skills (Factor 2), and Comprehension (Factor 3), showed excellent fit to the data. Concurrent validity evidence indicated low to moderate associations when each factor was correlated with the cognitive processing subtests of the K-ABC. The predictive validity of the factors was investigated using teacher ratings, performance on standardized achievement tests, and special education placement. Predictive validity coefficients ranged from low to moderate. The results bring into question the use of this test with the Head Start population.
Psychological Assessment of English Language Learners and/or Bilingual Students: An Investigation of School Psychologists' Current Practices
Authors: Ochoa Salvador Hector , Riccio Cynthia , Jimenez Sandra , de Alba Roman Garcia , Sines Marylyn
Published: May 2006

This study examined critical components of the assessment procedures school psychologists use when conducting evaluations for emotional disturbance with students who are English language learners (ELLs). A random sample of 1,500 members of NASP from 12 states with high limited English proficient populations was surveyed. A total of 439 respondents (29.27%) returned the survey. Only 223 of the respondents indicated that they had assessed ELLs. The results indicate that school psychologists are assessing ELLs from many different language groups, Spanish being the most common language group assessed. A significant number of school psychologists used interpreters when assessing ELLs. The following assessment methods were employed by over 90% of the respondents: behavioral observation, child interview, teacher interview, and parent interview. These four methods were judged to be very helpful. The most frequently used measures included Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test (75.8%), Draw-A-Person (71.7%), House-Tree-Person (58.4%), Kinetic Family Drawing (55.3%), and Generic Sentence Completion Forms (52.5%). The Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans (ARSMA), all BASC measures (PRS in English and Spanish, TRS, SRP, SDH, and SOS), Million, and Haak Sentence Completion obtained the highest mean ratings for level of helpfulness. Implications of results with respect to professional standards and recommended practices are discussed.
Assessment of Social Competence in High-Risk Preschoolers: Evaluation of the Adaptive Social Behavior Inventory (ASBI) across Home and School Settings
Authors: Greenfield Daryl B. , Iruka Iheoma U. , Munis Pelin
Published: May 2006

This study evaluates the Adaptive Social Behavior Inventory (ASBI) for assessing pre-school children's social competence across home and school settings. Data were collected on a multi-ethnic sample of 191 3- to 5-year-old children attending Head Start centers. Parents, teachers, and teacher aides rated children similarly on the three ASBI subscales: Express, Comply, and Disrupt. Although two of the three scales, Express and Disrupt, produced statistically significant mean differences, these differences were relatively small given the range of possible scores and were not consistently related to context, with parents and aides differing from teachers on the Disrupt scale. Correlations across the home-school context were moderate and statistically significant. In addition, canonical correlation analysis examining the relationship between ASBI parent and teacher reports revealed significant matches between hypothesized like factors, suggesting congruence between parent and teacher ratings across home and school contexts. The use of measures of social competence such as the ASBI that provide a common language by which parents and teachers may jointly review children's social competence and thereby encourage parent involvement and shared decision making is discussed, along with implications for developing similar home-school congruence in other important domains of development.
Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis for Construct Validation: An Empirical Review
Authors: DiStefano Christine , Hess Brian
Published: May 2006

This study investigated the psychological assessment literature to determine what applied researchers are using and reporting from confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) studies for evidence of construct validation. One hundred and one articles published in four major psychological assessment journals between 1990 and 2002 were systematically reviewed. Information from each article was collected across four broad areas: Background, Data Screening, Reporting Results, and Discussing Results. Temporal trends were assessed with point-biserial correlations to determine how practices have changed over time. From the review, several recommendations were provided to assist assessment researchers report validity evidence from CFA studies.
Development and Validation of Disruptive Behavior Scales for the Student Behavior Survey (SBS)
Authors: Pisecco Stewart , Lachar David , Gruber Christian P. , Gallen Robert T. , Kline Rex B. , Huzinec Christopher
Published: May 2006

This study evaluated the 102 items of the Student Behavior Survey (SBS; Lachar, Kline, Wingenfeld, & Gruber, 1995). The SBS is a teacher behavioral rating scale that can be used with the parent-informant Personality Inventory for Children, the student-informant Personality Inventory for Youth (Lachar & Gruber, 1995; Wirt, Lachar, Klinedinst, & Seat, 1984), or as a stand-alone instrument. Three disruptive behavior scales (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity, Oppositional Defiant, and Conduct Problems), developed through consensual nomination to DSM-IV criteria, obtained empirical support for item placement and demonstrated positive psychometric properties. These scales possessed excellent internal consistency and adequate temporal stability and interrater reliability. Student gender, age, and referral status affected scale elevation in expected ways. These three SBS scales also obtained strong correlations with conceptually related independent measures and discriminated among subgroups of clinical and special education students.
But It All Happened Online—Where Do We Stand as a School?
Authors: Gomez Juan , McNamara Patrick , Brooks Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2006

This case was developed as part of a school law course in an educational leadership preparation program and focuses on a school's legal right to discipline a student for creating and posting two offensive Web sites: One was generated during instructional time, and the other was completed off-site during noninstructional time. The second Web site may have compelled another student to attempt suicide and definitely embarrassed a teacher and the school's administration. The case addresses an important legal issue administrators must understand if they are to make appropriate and legally justified decisions in an era in which students are increasingly capable Web designers. In this case, a secondary teacher and one of her students were objects of ridicule in a posted Web site created in school by another student. Both students were 16-year-old sophomores. When the school's assistant principalwas made aware of the Web site, the offending student received a 2-day suspension and was warned never to use school technology to deride teachers or students again. All parties accepted this decision, save for the offending student, who proceeded to post a similar Web site from home. This second, more vitriolic Web site, humiliated not only the student and teacher targeted in the original Web site but the administration as well. This site had a profound effect on the student depicted on it, who attempted suicide. As a result of these actions, the school's principal initiated due process to expel the offending student. This case is a fictionalized version of two real cases. All names of students, teachers, administrators and schools are pseudonyms. Likewise, dialogue presented in this case is presented to facilitate the reader's understanding of legal issues and is not derived from actual evidence or proceedings.
Mechanisms of Irregular Bleeding with Hormone Therapy: The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors
Authors: Hickey M. , Crewe J. , Mahoney L. A. , Doherty D. A. , Fraser I. S. , Salamonsen L. A.
Published: May 2006

Context: Irregular bleeding is common in users of combined hormone therapy (HT) and often leads to invasive and expensive investigations to exclude underlying pathology. The mechanisms of HT-related bleeding are poorly understood. Endometrial matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are believed to regulate bleeding during the normal menstrual cycle and are known to be altered in breakthrough bleeding with progestogen-only contraception.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine how HT exposure alters endometrial production of MMP-1, -3, -9, and -14 and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1, -2, -3, and -4 and to determine the relationship between MMP and TIMP production and bleeding patterns in HT users. Endometrial leukocytes regulating MMP production and activation were also assessed.

Design: A prospective observational study was conducted between 2003 and 2005.

Setting and Patients: The study occurred at a tertiary referral menopause clinic at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Western Australia, and included 25 postmenopausal women not taking HT and 73 women taking combined HT.

Interventions: Endometrium was obtained during and outside bleeding episodes.

Main Outcome Measures: We assessed production of MMP-1, -3, -9, and -14 and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1, -2, -3, and -4 and their relationship to bleeding patterns in HT users.

Results: All MMPs studied, with the exception of MMP-9, were expressed at low levels in postmenopausal endometrium. Increases in both MMP-3 and -9 localization were seen in association with irregular bleeding, but these did not reach statistical significance. Endometrial production of TIMP-1 was significantly increased in association with bleeding. Endometrial leukocytes were not related to bleeding, with the exception of uterine natural killer cells, which were significantly increased during bleeding, as previously published.

Conclusions: Irregular bleeding in HT users is associated with a distinct pattern of MMP and TIMP production that differs from that seen in normal menstrual bleeding and from that seen in contraceptive-related breakthrough bleeding. This suggests that the endometrial balance between MMP and TIMP contributes to vascular breakdown with HT but by a different mechanism than that seen in normal menstruation or in breakthrough bleeding.
Changes Induced by Physical Activity and Weight Loss in the Morphology of Intermyofibrillar Mitochondria in Obese Men and Women
Authors: Toledo Frederico G. S. , Watkins Simon , Kelley David E.
Published: May 2006

Context: In obesity, skeletal muscle insulin resistance may be associated with smaller mitochondria.

Objective: Our objective was to examine the effect of a lifestyle-modification intervention on the content and morphology of skeletal muscle mitochondria and its relationship to insulin sensitivity in obese, insulin-resistant subjects.

Design: In this prospective interventional study, intermyofibrillar mitochondrial content and size were quantified by transmission electron microscopy with quantitative morphometric analysis of biopsy samples from vastus lateralis muscle. Systemic insulin sensitivity was measured with euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps.

Setting: The study took place at a university-based clinical research center.

Participants: Eleven sedentary, overweight/obese volunteers without diabetes participated in the study.

Intervention: Intervention included 16 wk of aerobic training with dietary restriction of 500-1000 kcal/d.

Main Outcome Measures: We assessed changes in mitochondrial content and size and changes in insulin sensitivity.

Results: The percentage of myofiber volume occupied by mitochondria significantly increased from 3.70 ± 0.31 to 4.87 ± 0.33% after intervention (P = 0.01). The mean individual increase was 42.5 ± 18.1%. There was also a change in the mean cross-sectional mitochondrial area, increasing from a baseline of 0.078 ± 0.007 to 0.091 ± 0.007 μm2 (P < 0.01), a mean increase of 19.2 ± 6.1% per subject. These changes in mitochondrial size and content highly correlated with improvements in insulin resistance (r = 0.68 and 0.72, respectively; P = 0.01).

Conclusions: A combined intervention of weight loss and physical activity in previously sedentary obese adults is associated with enlargement of mitochondria and an increase in the mitochondrial content in skeletal muscle. These findings indicate that in obesity with insulin resistance, ultrastructural mitochondrial plasticity is substantially retained and, importantly, that changes in the morphology of mitochondria are associated with improvements in insulin resistance.
Design and evaluation of a documentation system to support the continuity of pharmaceutical care of day-case oncology patients between hospital and community pharmacists
Authors: Fisher Julie , Macintyre Jill , Kinnear Moira , Hudson Steve
Published: May 2006

Objective

Survey and analysis of pharmaceutical care issues (PCIs) occurring during the course of chemotherapy. Feedback from future users to design and test a documentation system to facilitate information transfer between hospital and community pharmacists.

Setting

Day-case chemotherapy clinics at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, community pharmacies providing palliative care services and community pharmacies used by patients recruited to the survey.

Method

Prospective cross-sectional cohort survey of PCIs in 90 day-case patients receiving chemotherapy. The identified PCIs and the interview transcripts from one-to-one interviews with six local specialist community pharmacists informed the design of the patient medication profile (PMP), the use of which was tested in 20 patients. Two postal questionnaires were used: one to 153 pharmacists in other UK cancer centres/units, one to 20 community pharmacists involved in the testing of the PMP.

Key findings

Of the 271 recorded PCIs in 90 patients, 41% (112/271) PCIs were identified for the transfer of care and were mostly associated with supportive medication prescribed to manage chemotherapy toxicities. In the testing of the PMP, 88 PCIs were identified in 20 patients and 59% (52/88) of PCIs judged relevant to continuity of care were documented on the PMP and transferred via the patient to community pharmacists together with an information sheet and questionnaire. Seventy-five percent (15/20) of pharmacists replied to the questionnaire, indicating they had followed up 52% (27/52) of all transferred PCIs. ‘Lack of time’ was the only reason given by community pharmacists for not following up PCIs. The majority of community pharmacists thought the information received was useful and increased their contribution to patient care.

Conclusion

Although oncology patients receive treatment in secondary care, almost half of the associated PCIs require follow-up in primary care between cycles of chemotherapy. The PMP was considered supportive to community pharmacists in the continuity of pharmaceutical care of these patients. The study helped to define the next stage of the development work which requires to define patients' needs and to test a system in practice. Community pharmacists' expectations and requirements must be part of the continuing development of the seamless provision of pharmaceutical care to this patient group.
Redox Potential Measurements of Spectral Sensitizing Dyes by Means of Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Nomura Satoshi , Okazaki Satoshi
Published: May 2006

Fast scan cyclic voltammetry dramatically reduced the effect of consecutive chemical reaction involved in electrooxidation or reduction process of cyanine dyes. This electrochemical measurement has enabled to obtain more correct redox potentials of the dyes directly from cyclic voltammograms allowing more exact electrochemical characterization of spectral sensitizing dyes.
An Effective Activation of O-Trimethylsilyl Monothioacetal under Extremely Mild Conditions Using a Novel Catalyst System, Trimethylsilyl Chloride and Indium(III) Chloride
Authors: Mukaiyama Teruaki , Ohno Takashi , Nishimura Takashi , Han Jeong Sik , Kobayashi Shu
Published: May 2006

A novel catalyst system, trimethylsilyl chloride and indium(III) chloride, effectively catalyzes the reaction of O-trimethylsilyl monothioacetals with triethylsilane and silylated carbon nucleophiles, respectively, to afford the corresponding sulfide derivatives in good to high yields.
One-step Formation of Acetone from Propene and Water on Ultrastable Y-type Zeolite Catalyst
Authors: Mori Hiroshi , Ueno Hisashi , Mizuno Noritaka , Yahiro Hidenori , Iwamoto Masakazu
Published: May 2006

Proton exchanged ultrastable Y-type zeolite showed a pronounced catalytic activity for the formation of acetone directly from propene and water. The formation rate of acetone was higher or comparable to those on MoO3-based catalysts in the oxidation of propene by oxygen to produce acetone.
Synthetic Approach for (+)-Africanol
Authors: Sugimura Takashi , Futagawa Tohru , Tai Akira
Published: May 2006

Syntheses of (+)-africanol (1) and (+)-isoafricanol (2) were attempted by reductive radical cyclization of (1S,2S,8S)-2-(4′-butenyl)-1,5,5-trimethyl-bicyclo[5.1.0]-3-octanone derived from (1R,2S,4S,8S)-4-alkoxy-1,6,6-trimethyl-tricyclo[6.1.0.O2,4]nonane. This cyclization gave (+)-1 and (+)-2 as minor components, together with trans fused epimers as major components.
Multiple regression of cost data: use of generalised linear models
Authors: Barber Julie , Thompson Simon
Published: May 2006

Objective: Choosing an appropriate method for regression analyses of cost data is problematic because it must focus on population means while taking into account the typically skewed distribution of the data. In this paper we illustrate the use of generalised linear models for regression analysis of cost data.

Methods: We consider generalised linear models with either an identity link function (providing additive covariate effects) or log link function (providing multiplicative effects), and with gaussian (normal), overdispersed poisson, gamma, or inverse gaussian distributions. These are applied to estimate the treatment effects in two randomised trials adjusted for baseline covariates. Criteria for choosing an appropriate model are presented.

Results: In both examples considered, the gaussian model fits poorly and other distributions are to be preferred. When there are variables of prognostic importance in the model, using different distributions can materially affect the estimates obtained; it may also be possible to discriminate between additive and multiplicative covariate effects.

Conclusions: Generalised linear models are attractive for the regression of cost data because they provide parametric methods of analysis where a variety of non-normal distributions can be specified and the way covariates act can be altered. Unlike the use of data transformation in ordinary least-squares regression, generalised linear models make inferences about the mean cost directly.
Spectrins and AnkyrinB Constitute a Specialized Paranodal Cytoskeleton
Authors: Ogawa Yasuhiro , Schafer Dorothy P. , Horresh Ido , Bar Vered , Hales Kimberly , Yang Yang , Susuki Keiichiro , Peles Elior , Stankewich Michael C. , Rasband Matthew N.
Published: May 2006

Paranodal junctions of myelinated nerve fibers are important for saltatory conduction and function as paracellular and membrane protein diffusion barriers flanking nodes of Ranvier. The formation of these specialized axoglial contacts depends on the presence of three cell adhesion molecules: neurofascin 155 on the glial membrane and a complex of Caspr and contactin on the axon. We isolated axonal and glial membranes highly enriched in these paranodal proteins and then used mass spectrometry to identify additional proteins associated with the paranodal axoglial junction. This strategy led to the identification of three novel components of the paranodal cytoskeleton: ankyrinB, αII spectrin, and βII spectrin. Biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that these proteins associate with protein 4.1B in a macromolecular complex that is concentrated at central and peripheral paranodal junctions in the adult and during early myelination. Furthermore, we show that the paranodal localization of ankyrinB is disrupted inCaspr-null mice with aberrant paranodal junctions, demonstrating that paranodal neuron–glia interactions regulate the organization of the underlying cytoskeleton. In contrast, genetic disruption of the juxtaparanodal protein Caspr2 or the nodal cytoskeletal protein βIV spectrin did not alter the paranodal cytoskeleton. Our results demonstrate that the paranodal junction contains specialized cytoskeletal components that may be important to stabilize axon–glia interactions and contribute to the membrane protein diffusion barrier found at paranodes.
Blood Glucose and Coronary Artery Disease in Nondiabetic Patients
Authors: Nielson Christopher , Lange Theodore , Hadjokas Nicholas
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—Nondiabetic patients were studied to determine whether modest elevations in blood glucose may be associated with a greater incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Baseline morning blood glucose determinations were evaluated with respect to subsequent coronary disease using records from 24,160 nondiabetic patients. CAD was identified from myocardial infarction, new diagnoses of angina, or new prescriptions for nitroglycerin that occurred more than a year after baseline glucose determinations.

RESULTS—Of 24,160 patients studied, 3,282 patients developed CAD over a total analysis time at risk of 77,048 years. Higher baseline morning glucose (100–126 vs. <100 mg/dl) was associated with a 53.9% greater myocardial infarction incidence rate, an 18.6% greater acute coronary syndrome incidence rate, and a 26.4% greater number of new prescriptions for nitrates (all P < 0.05). A Cox proportional hazards model with adjustment for age, BMI, sex, creatinine, lipids, smoking, and medications showed that elevated fasting glucose was associated with an increased hazard for new CAD (hazard ratio 1.13 [95% CI 1.05–1.21], glucose >100 vs. <100 mg/dl). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that elevated baseline glucose was associated with a progressive increase risk of CAD with time.

CONCLUSIONS—Patients with higher baseline blood glucose levels in the absence of diabetes and after adjustment for covariants have a significantly greater risk for development of CAD.
The Use of Insulin Pumps With Meal Bolus Alarms in Children With Type 1 Diabetes to Improve Glycemic Control
Authors: Chase H. Peter , Horner Brian , McFann Kim , Yetzer Hannah , Gaston Jana , Banion Carolyn , Fiallo-Scharer Rosanna , Slover Robert , Klingensmith Georgeanna
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of meal bolus alarms would result in fewer missed meal boluses per week in youth with type 1 diabetes using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a randomized trial of 48 youth using CSII, who were in suboptimal glycemic control with HbA1c (A1C) values ≥8.0%. Twenty-four subjects were randomized to use a Deltec Cozmo insulin pump with meal bolus alarms (experimental group), while the other 24 subjects continued use of their current insulin pumps (control group) without meal bolus alarms.

RESULTS—After 3 months of study, the number of missed meal boluses per week was significantly lower in the experimental group (from 4.9 ± 3.7 to 2.5 ± 2.5; P = 0.0005) but not significantly lower in the control group (from 4.3 ± 2.7 to 4.2 ± 3.9; P = 0.7610). Also after 3 months, the mean A1C value of the experimental group declined significantly (from 9.32 ± 1.12 to 8.86 ± 1.10; P = 0.0430). No significant decline in A1C was present for the control group (from 8.93 ± 1.04 to 8.67 ± 1.17; P = 0.1940). After 6 months of study, the significant decline in A1C from baseline in the experimental group was no longer present. Pooling of all available data from the control and experimental groups showed that at baseline and 3 and 6 months, the number of missed meal boluses per week was significantly correlated with A1C values.

CONCLUSIONS—While meal bolus alarms may have the potential to improve suboptimal glycemic control in youth using CSII, our results demonstrated that these alarms had only a transient, modest effect in doing so.
Comparison of Weighted Performance Measurement and Dichotomous Thresholds for Glycemic Control in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Pogach Leonard M. , Rajan Mangala , Aron David C.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—Quality measures of glycemic control using threshold values do not assess incremental quality improvement. We compared health care system performance using weighted continuous versus dichotomous measures for glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We performed retrospective cross-sectional analysis of chart abstraction data on 37,142 diabetic patients from 141 Veterans Health Administration medical centers in 2000–2001.

RESULTS—Subjects per facility ranged from 163 to 740 (mean 263). Mean overall HbA1c (A1C) was 7.58%. A continuous measure for glycemic control was calculated based on percentage of maximal quality-adjusted life-years saved (QALYsS). Overall mean facility performance using the dichotomous measure was 62% <8% A1C (range 48–75%) and 39% <7% A1C (21–57%), in comparison with 45% maximal QALYsS (31–60%). Correlation between QALYsS and A1C thresholds of <8 (0.848) and <7 (0.838) for facility rankings was excellent; correlation between facility level performance using thresholds of <8 and 7% was poor (r = 0.13, P = 0.14). Comparison of facility rankings between the <7% dichotomous measure and the QALYsS-weighted measure showed that 22% changed their ranking by ≥2 deciles with marked changes in top and bottom deciles.

CONCLUSIONS—Facility rankings vary by threshold or continuous methodology. However, because significant numbers of individuals are unable to reach “optimal” target goals (thresholds) even in clinical trials with extensive exclusion criteria, we propose that a continuous measure assessing improvement toward optimal A1C, rather than a pass/fail optimal target, is both a fairer assessment clinical practice and a more accurate reflection of population health improvement.
Whole-Grain, Bran, and Cereal Fiber Intakes and Markers of Systemic Inflammation in Diabetic Women
Authors: Qi Lu , van Dam Rob M. , Liu Simin , Franz Mary , Mantzoros Christos , Hu Frank B.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—To evaluate the dietary predictors for the markers of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We examined whether intakes of whole grains and dietary fiber were associated with inflammatory indicators among 902 diabetic women in the Nurses’ Health Study.

RESULTS—After adjustment for age, BMI, lifestyle, and dietary covariates, intakes of whole grains and bran were both associated with significantly decreasing trends of C-reactive protein (CRP) (P for trend = 0.03 and 0.007, respectively) and tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 2 (TNF-R2) (P for trend = 0.017 and 0.06). High intake of cereal fiber was also inversely associated with the lower levels of CRP (P for trend = 0.03) and TNF-R2 (P for trend = 0.01). The concentrations of CRP and TNF-R2 were 18 and 8% lower in the highest quintile of cereal fiber as compared with the lowest quintile. Dietary glycemic index was positively associated with CRP (P for trend = 0.04) and TNF-R2 (P for trend = 0.0008) levels. The concentrations of CRP and TNF-R2 were 32 and 11% higher, respectively, in the highest quintile of dietary glycemic index as compared with the lowest quintile.

CONCLUSIONS—Our data indicate that whole grains and a low-glycemic index diet may reduce systemic inflammation among women with type 2 diabetes.
Fluid Retention and Vascular Effects of Rosiglitazone in Obese, Insulin-Resistant, Nondiabetic Subjects
Authors: Rennings Alexander J.M. , Smits Paul , Stewart Murray W. , Tack Cees J.
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—The use of thiazolidinedione (TZD) derivatives is associated with fluid retention, especially when combined with insulin. Because TZDs improve the metabolic effect of insulin, they may also reverse the blunted vascular response to insulin. We hypothesize that improvement of the action of insulin on vascular tone or permeability is the key mechanism of TZD-related fluid retention.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study in 18 obese, nondiabetic subjects with features of the metabolic syndrome, we investigated the effects of a 12-week treatment with 4 mg rosiglitazone twice a day on glucose disposal, hemodynamics (including forearm vasoconstrictor response to nitric oxide [NO]), synthase inhibition by N-monomethyl-l-arginine-acetate (l-NMMA), vascular permeability (transcapillary escape rate of albumin), and plasma volume during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (120 min, 120 mU/m2 per min).

RESULTS—As expected, rosiglitazone increased the glucose infusion rate during clamping. However, neither vascular permeability nor forearm blood flow response to hyperinsulinemia or l-NMMA was affected by rosiglitazone. Compared with placebo, rosiglitazone decreased diastolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg (95% CI 2.35–6.87, P = 0.0005) and increased plasma volume by 255 ml/1.73 m2 (80–430, P = 0.007). Interestingly, the positive effect of rosiglitazone on glucose disposal correlated with change in foot volume (R2 = 0.53, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS—Rosiglitazone improved insulin sensitivity but had no effect on NO-dependent vasodilatation in the forearm or vascular permeability in obese, insulin-resistant, nondiabetic subjects. As such, TZD-related fluid retention was not caused by improvement of the vascular actions of insulin. Nonetheless, rosiglitazone-induced improvement in insulin sensitivity appears to be correlated to edema formation.
“Design” in Chemical Synthesis—An Illusion?
Authors: Jansen Martin , Schön J. Christian
Published: May 2006

The power of words: According to its generally accepted definition, the process of “design” is the creation of a form that fulfills a given function as well as possible and is also considered aesthetically pleasing. This implies a type of creativity that does not exist in the synthesis of new chemical compounds. This essay discusses the implications of the term “design” in the context of chemistry.
Crystal Structure and Thermal Behavior of (Rb,Cs)BSi2O6 Solid Solutions.
Authors: Krzhizhanovskaya M. G. , Bubnova R. S. , Filatov S. K. , Meyer D. C. , Paufler P.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Preparation and Catalytic Properties of Rare Earth Amides Obtained by Reactions of Eu or Yb Metals with Liquid Ammonia.
Authors: Imamura Hayao , Sakata Yoshihisa , Tsuruwaka Yoshihiro , Mise Satoshi
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Syntheses of [F5TeNH3][AsF6], [F5TeN(H)Xe][AsF6], and F5TeNF2 and Characterization by Multi‐NMR and Raman Spectroscopy and by Electronic Structure Calculations: The X‐Ray Crystal Structures of α‐ and β‐F5TeNH2, [F5TeNH3][AsF6], and [F5TeN(H)Xe][AsF6].
Authors: Fir Barbara , Whalen J. Marc , Mercier Helene P. A. , Dixon David A. , Schrobilgen Gary J.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The Small Peptide Catalyzed Direct Asymmetric Aldol Reaction in Water.
Authors: Dziedzic Pawel , Zou Weibiao , Hafren Jonas , Cordova Armando
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Flexible Synthetic Approach to a (S)‐Norcamphor‐Based Hydroperoxide: An Efficient Oxidant for Asymmetric Sulfoxidations.
Authors: Lattanzi Alessandra , Piccirillo Sandro , Scettri Arrigo
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Enantioselective Synthesis of 3,4‐Dihydropyran‐2‐ones by Chiral Quaternary Ammonium Phenoxide‐Catalyzed Tandem Michael Addition and Lactonization.
Authors: Tozawa Takashi , Yamane Yoshinobu , Mukaiyama Teruaki
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Regioselective Synthesis of Novel Spirooxindolo and Spiroindano Nitro Pyrrolidines Through [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction.
Authors: Poornachandran Mahalingam , Muruganantham Rajendran , Raghunathan Ragavachary
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Clean and Selective Oxidation of Alcohols Catalyzed by Ion‐Supported TEMPO in Water.
Authors: Qian Weixing , Jin Erlei , Bao Weiliang , Zhang Yongmin
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Improved Procedure for Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cleavage of Alkenes with IO(OH)5.
Authors: Shoair Abdel Ghany F. , Mohamed Ramadan H.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A New Regioselective Bromination of Activated Aromatic Rings.
Authors: de Almeida Leonardo S. , Esteves Pierre M. , de Mattos Marcio C. S.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
ZnCl2: Simple and Efficient Catalyst for the Allylation of Aldehydes with Allyltributylstannane.
Authors: Surendra K. , Krishnaveni N. Srilakshmi , Sridhar R. , Srinivas B. , Kumar V. Pavan , Nageswar Y. V. D. , Rao K. Rama
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Mild and Chemoselective Catalyst for Thioacetalization under Solvent‐Free Conditions.
Authors: Hajipour Abdol R. , Zarei Amin , Khazdooz Leila , Zahmatkesh Saeed , Ruoho Arnold E.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
An Efficient, One‐Pot, Synthesis of Dithiocarbamates from the Corresponding Alcohols Using Mitsunobu′s Reagent.
Authors: Chaturvedi Devdutt , Ray Suprabhat
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Indium‐Mediated One‐Pot Three‐Component Reaction of Aromatic Amines, Enol Ethers, and Allylic Bromides.
Authors: Jang Taeg‐Su , Ku Il Whea , Jang Min Seok , Keum Gyochang , Kang Soon Bang , Chung Bong Young , Kim Youseung
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Radical Reduction of Aromatic Azides to Amines with Tributylgermanium Hydride.
Authors: Benati Luisa , Bencivenni Giorgio , Leardini Rino , Minozzi Matteo , Nanni Daniele , Scialpi Rosanna , Spagnolo Piero , Zanardi Giuseppe
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Improved Performance of Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with a New Hole‐Transporting Material.
Authors: Kim Young Kook , Hwang Seok‐Hwan
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Highly Efficient, Recyclable Catalyst for C—C Coupling Reactions in Ionic Liquids: Pyrazolyl‐Functionalized N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complex of Palladium(II).
Authors: Wang Ruihu , Twamley Brendan , Shreeve Jean'ne M.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Facile Approach to the Construction of 1H‐Inden‐1‐one.
Authors: Chen Bo , Xie Xingang , Lu Jiangping , Wang Qiaoling , Zhang Jiyong , Tang Shouchu , She Xuegong , Pan Xinfu
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of Some Thiosemicarbazone and Oxirane Derivatives as Potent Antitubercular Agents.
Authors: Popat K. H. , Purohit D. H. , Chovatia P. T. , Joshi H. S.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Δ2‐1,2‐Diazetines: Regioselective Acylation Reactions and Rearrangement into 4H‐1,3,4‐Oxadiazines.
Authors: Fleischhauer J. , Beckert R. , Weston J. , Schmidt M. , Flammersheim H.‐J. , Goerls H.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Syntheses of Enantiopure 3,4‐Diamino‐1‐substituted Pyrrolidines.
Authors: Marson Charles M. , Melling Robert C.
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Conjugate Addition of Indoles to Nitroalkenes Promoted by Basic Alumina in Solventless Conditions.
Authors: Ballini Roberto , Clemente Roberto Rabanedo , Palmieri Alessandro , Petrini Marino
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Chiral Spiro Ionic Liquids.
Authors: Patil Mahesh L. , Rao C. V. Laxman , Yonezawa Kohji , Takizawa Shinobu , Onitsuka Kiyotaka , Sasai Hiroaki
Published: May 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.