bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Ranks of Cross-Product and Covariance Solutions in Component Analysis
Authors: Corballis M. C.
Published: February 2006

Suppose D is a data matrix for N persons and n variables, and

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is the matrix obtained from D by expressing the variables in deviation-score form. It is shown that if D has rank r,

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will always have rank (r − 1) if r = N < n, otherwise it will generally have rank r. If

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has rank s, D will always have rank s if s = n, but if s<n it will generally have rank (s + 1). Thus two cases can arise, Case A in which D has rank one greater than

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, and Case B in which D has rank equal to

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. Implications of this distinction for analysis of cross products versus analysis of covariances are briefly indicated.
A Normal Approximation for Testing the Equality of Two Independent Chi-Square Variables
Authors: D'Agostino Ralph B. , Rosman Bernard
Published: February 2006

A simple normal approximation is supplied to test the equality of two independent Chi-square variables. The approximation appears to be valid for degrees of freedom as small as two. Thus no new table of critical values is needed. The standard unit normal distribution tables are sufficient.
Correspondence Analysis and Association Models Constrained by a Conditional Independence Graph
Authors: de Falguerolles Antoine , Jmel Said , Whittaker Joe
Published: February 2006

The manner in which the conditional independence graph of a multiway contingency table effects the fitting and interpretation of the Goodman association model (RC) and of correspondence analysis (CA) is considered.

Estimation of the row and column scores is presented in this context by developing a unified framework that includes both models. Incorporation of the conditional independence constraints inherent in the graph may lead to equal or additive scores for the corresponding marginal tables, depending on the topology of the graph. An example of doubly additive scores in the analysis of a Burt subtable is given.
Confidence Regions for INDSCAL using the Jackknife and Bootstrap Techniques
Authors: Weinberg Sharon L. , Carroll J. Douglas , Cohen Harvey S.
Published: February 2006

Bootstrap and jackknife techniques are used to estimate ellipsoidal confidence regions of group stimulus points derived from INDSCAL. The validity of these estimates is assessed through Monte Carlo analysis. Asymptotic estimates of confidence regions based on a MULTISCALE solution are also evaluated. Our findings suggest that the bootstrap and jackknife techniques may be used to provide statements regarding the accuracy of the relative locations of points in space. Our findings also suggest that MULTISCALE asymptotic estimates of confidence regions based on small samples provide an optimistic view of the actual statistical reliability of the solution.
Interval Appendectomy after Conservative Treatment of an Appendiceal Mass
Authors: Lai Hung‐Wen , Loong Che‐Chuan , Chiu Jen‐Hwey , Chau Gar‐Yang , Wu Chew‐Wun , Lui Wing‐Yui
Published: February 2006

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of interval appendectomy after conservative treatment of an appendiceal mass.

Methods

From January 1998 to December 2003, patients with an appendiceal mass who received conservative treatment at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital were studied retrospectively. Data on demographics, rate of appendicitis recurrence, duration of hospital stay, and complication rate were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 165 patients were included (89 males, 76 females). The mean age was 53.6 years (range 7–89 years). The rate of appendicitis recurrence after conservative treatment was 25.5%; most recurred within 6 months after discharge (83.3%). The benefit of preventing recurrence is less than 16% if interval appendectomy is performed 6 weeks after discharge and less than 10% if it is done 12 weeks later. The complication rate of appendectomy performed before or after recurrence was 10% in both groups. The duration of the second hospital stay for patients who underwent interval appendectomy before or after recurrence was 4.43 ± 3.32 vs. 6.75 ± 5.73 days (P = 0.023). Of the 165 patients, 17 (10.3%) had their diagnosis changed after survey or surgery, and 5 (3.03%) were found to have colon cancer upon follow‐up.

Conclusions

Patients who recovered from conservative treatment of an appendiceal mass should undergo colonoscopy or barium enema to detect any underlying diseases and to rule out coexistent colorectal cancer. Routine interval appendectomy benefits less than 20% of patients.
Randomized Controlled Trial of LigaSure with Submucosal Dissection versus Ferguson Hemorrhoidectomy for Prolapsed Hemorrhoids
Authors: Wang Jaw‐Yuan , Lu Chien‐Yu , Tsai Hsiang‐Lin , Chen Fang‐Ming , Huang Che‐Jen , Huang Yu‐Sheng , Huang Tsung‐Jen , Hsieh Jan‐Sing
Published: February 2006

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes between the LigaSure vessel sealing system and the conventional closed Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy procedure performed by diathermy.

Methods

A series of 84 patients with grades III and IV hemorrhoids were randomized into two groups: (1) LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy with submucosal dissection (42 patients) and (2) Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy (42 patients). The patient demographics, operative details, parenteral analgesic requirement, postoperative pain score (assessed by an independent assessor), operating time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, early and delayed complications, and time off from work or normal activity were recorded. The patients were regularly followed up at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after surgery.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, duration of symptoms, grade of the hemorrhoid(s), or number of hemorrhoids resected. The mean operating time for LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy with submucosal dissection was significantly shorter than that for the Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy (11.3 ± 0.4 vs. 34.2 ± 0.7 minutes; P < 0.0001). Patients treated with the LigaSure method had significantly less blood loss (P < 0.0001), a better pain score (P < 0.0001), less parenteral analgesic requirement (P < 0.0001), shorter hospital stay (P < 0.0001), and less time off from work or normal activity (P < 0.0001). There was no difference in the early and delayed postoperative complications between the two groups.

Conclusions

LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy with submucosal dissection is a safe, effective procedure for grade III and IV hemorrhoids. Patients derive greater short‐term benefits: reduced intraoperative blood loss, operating time, and postoperative pain as well as earlier resumption of work or normal activity. Long‐term follow‐up with a larger number of patients is required to confirm the long‐term results of this procedure.
Carbon Dye Staining of Sentinel Lymph Nodes Facilitates Microstaging of Colon Cancer Patients
Authors: Viehl Carsten T. , Guller Ulrich , Hamel Christian T. , Riehle Hans‐Martin , Plaass Christian , Marti Walter R. , Oertli Daniel , Zuber Markus
Published: February 2006

Background

Carbon dye, when peritumourally injected, permanently marks the drainage site of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN). The objective of the current study was to evaluate whether the use of carbon dye facilitated the detection of small nodal tumour infiltrates in colon cancer patients.

Methods

In a prospective trial, 19 patients underwent open, oncological resections of localized colon cancer and SLN procedure according to a standardized protocol. Isosulfan blue 1% and sterile filtered carbon dye (mixed 1:1) were injected into the subserosa circumferentially around the tumour. Lymph nodes staining blue were marked as SLN. Serial sections of each SLN were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and with the pancytokeratin marker AE1/AE3. The intranodal presence and site of carbon particles were noted and compared with the location of possible tumour infiltrates.

Results

Identification of at least one SLN was successful in 18 patients (identification rate 95%). Four patients (22%) were pN+, 11 (61%) were pN0(i−). Three patients (17%) were upstaged from pN0(i−) to pN0(i+) as isolated tumour cells were detected in their SLN: in two (11%) of the three patients, carbon dye and isolated tumour cells were found in the same nodal compartment, hence facilitating the recognition of isolated tumour cells by the pathologist.

Conclusion

The use of carbon dye in the SLN procedure for colon cancer may facilitate the detection of small nodal tumour infiltrates.
Does Familial Non‐Medullary Thyroid Cancer Adversely Affect Survival?
Authors: Triponez Frederic , Wong Mariwil , Sturgeon Cord , Caron Nadine , Ginzinger David G. , Segal Mark R. , Kebebew Electron , Duh Quan‐Yang , Clark Orlo H.
Published: February 2006

Background

Familial non‐medullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC) is associated with a higher rate of multifocality and a higher recurrence rate than sporadic thyroid cancer. However, the effect of FNMTC on life expectancy is unknown.

Material and Methods

Using data from our FNMTC database, we calculated life expectancy and survival rates after diagnosis of FNMTC and compared the results with the rates for unaffected family members and for the standard US population. Overall life expectancy and survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. We compared patients from families with 2 affected members with patients from families with ≥3 affected members. We also compared patients diagnosed in a known familial setting (index cases and subsequent cases) with patients diagnosed before the familial setting was recognized.

Results

There were 139 affected patients with 757 unaffected family members. The mean age at diagnosis was 40.8 ± 13.9 years and the mean follow‐up time was 9.4 ± 11.7 years. Ten patients died of thyroid cancer during follow‐up. The life expectancy of patients with FNMTC was similar to that of their unaffected family members. Survival was significantly shorter for patients with 3 or more affected family members, for patients diagnosed before the familial setting was recognized, and for patients with anaplastic cancer.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that FNMTC may be more aggressive than sporadic thyroid cancer, particularly in families with 3 or more affected members. However, when recognized and treated appropriately, it does not significantly shorten the overall life expectancy of the affected patients.
Vocal Fold Paralysis as a Sign of Chest Diseases: A 15‐year Retrospective Study
Authors: Bando Hideki , Nishio Takeshi , Bamba Hitoshi , Uno Toshiyuki , Hisa Yasuo
Published: February 2006

Background

Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) is sometimes the only sign of chest diseases. However, some patients with VFP due to chest diseases are not diagnosed correctly at the first examination, which may leave the patients untreated for a long time. Depending on the situation, chest x‐ray is not enough for detecting the primary lesion. The objective of this study was to discuss the diagnostic procedure for VFP based on the retrospective analysis of the cases.

Methods

A total of 42 patients (29 males and 13 females) with VFP due to chest disease examined at the Department of Otolaryngology of Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine between 1988 and 2002 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Of the primary chest diseases, lung cancer (15 cases) was the most common, followed by thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) (9 cases), metastatic tumor from other regions (6 cases), pulmonary and mediastinal tuberculosis (TB) (5 cases), and esophageal cancer (4 cases). While the primary lesions were easily detected with chest x‐ray in most of the cases, some lesions in the aortopulmonary window were difficult to detect. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) was useful to detect any mass in this region.

Conclusions

In the diagnosis of VFP due to chest diseases, chest x‐ray was useful but not always enough for detecting the primary lesion. Necessity of further examinations including contrast‐enhanced chest CT must be kept in mind for the cases with negative chest radiographs.
Programme to improve the use of beta‐blockers for heart failure in the elderly and in those with severe symptoms: Results of the BRING‐UP 2 Study
Authors: Opasich Cristina , Boccanelli Alessandro , Cafiero Massimo , Cirrincione Vincenzo , Del Sindaco Donatella , Di Lenarda Andrea , Di Luzio Silvia , Faggiano Pompilio , Frigerio Maria , Lucci Donata , Porcu Maurizio , Pulignano Giovanni , Scherillo Marino , Tavazzi Luigi , Maggioni Aldo P. ,   BRING‐UP 2 Investigators
Published: February 2006

Background

Beta‐blockers are underused in HF patients, thus strategies to implement their use are needed.

Objectives

To improve beta‐blocker use in elderly and/or patients with severe heart failure (HF) and to evaluate safety and outcome.

Methods

Patients with symptomatic HF and age ≥ 70 years or left ventricular EF < 25% and symptoms at rest were enrolled, including those already on beta‐blocker treatment. Patients who were not receiving a beta‐blocker were considered for carvedilol treatment. All patients were followed up for 1‐year.

Results

Of the 1518 elderly patients, 505 were already on beta‐blockers, and carvedilol was newly prescribed in 419 patients. At 1‐year, patients treated with carvedilol had a lower incidence of death [10.8% vs. 18.0% in already treated (adjusted RR 0.68; 95%CI 0.49–0.96) and 11.2% in newly treated patients (adjusted RR 0.68; 95%CI 0.48–0.97)].

Of the 709 patients with severe HF, 38.4% were already on beta‐blockers, and carvedilol was newly prescribed in 189 patients. Patients not treated with carvedilol showed the worst clinical outcome. Total rate of discontinuation (including adverse reaction and non‐compliance) was 14% and 9%, respectively, in elderly and severe patients.

Conclusions

In a real world setting, beta‐blocker treatment was not associated with an increased risk of adverse events in elderly and severe HF patients.
Granulocyte Macrophage‐Colony Stimulating Factor receptor expression on human cardiomyocytes from end‐stage heart failure patients
Authors: Postiglione Loredana , Montagnani Stefania , Ladogana Paolo , Castaldo Clotilde , Di Spigna Gaetano , Bruno Eugenia Maria , Turano Mimmo , De Santo Luca , Cudemo Giuseppe , Cocozza Sergio , de Divitiis Oreste , Rossi Guido
Published: February 2006

Background

In remodelling ventricles, the progression of heart failure is associated with structural changes involving the extra‐cellular matrix (ECM) and the cytoskeleton of cardiomyocytes, associated with fibrosis, cellular damage and death.

The role of some cytokines and haematopoietic growth factors in the mechanism of both damage and regeneration of cardiac tissue during acute myocardial infarction has been demonstrated. Following heart damage, the development of scarred tissue was considered to be the only outcome, since myocytes were considered to be terminally differentiated cells. However, recent studies in animal models and adult human hearts have shown that myocytes can proliferate under the modulation of several factors.

Aims

To assess Granulocyte Macrophage‐Colony Stimulating Factor (GM‐CSF) receptor expression in healthy and diseased human hearts, and to evaluate the possible role of GM‐CSF and its receptor in the regeneration of cardiac tissue in chronic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and results

GM‐CSFR expression in human cardiac tissue from explanted hearts of ten patients with end‐stage heart failure and in cardiac biopsies from eight normal human hearts was studied by immunohistochemistry, and cellular and molecular biology assays.

Our results demonstrated an increase in GM‐CSFR in cardiomyocytes from end‐stage heart failure tissues as compared to normal control tissues.

Conclusions

We hypothesize that GM‐CSF plays a role in apoptotic and/or ECM deposition processes as well as in cytoskeleton modification in the myocardium.
Emotional/behavioural, social correlates and one‐year predictors of frequent pains among early adolescents: Influences of pain characteristics
Authors: Larsson Bo , Sund Anne Mari
Published: February 2006

In a one‐year longitudinal study, emotional/behavioural correlates and predictors of four common pain complaints (headaches, stomach, back and limb pain), were examined in a representative school sample of 2360 adolescents aged 12‐ to 15‐years.

At first assessment, 18.3% reported being bothered by a frequent pain (at least once a week) and 40% of the pain sufferers had two or more pain locations, more commonly reported by girls. Subjects having any of the four frequent pains reported having fewer friends and were more often absent from school. Frequency and number of reported pains among adolescents were positively related to levels of internalising and externalising problems. These latter problems were consistently and significantly higher among adolescents with frequent back and limb pains, however, when coexistence of another frequent pain was controlled, differences were small. Number of pains at the one‐year follow‐up was significantly predicted by frequent back pain and headache, depressive symptoms scores, somatic complaints (other than pain), number of friends and reduced leisure time activities during the follow‐up period. Frequent back pain and depressive symptoms also predicted multiple frequent pains (vs single frequent pain) at the follow‐up as did recent parental divorce.

It is concluded that various emotional and behavioural problems, and which are commonly regarded as being specifically related to pain type or location among adolescents, depend rather on frequency and coexistence of multiple frequent pains. Assessment of adolescents with frequent and multiple pains should, therefore, include broad screening of internalising as well as externalising problems as well as various aspects of impairment.
A signal through 4‐1BB ligand inhibits receptor for activation of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis by increasing interferon (IFN)‐beta production
Authors: Shin Hyun-Hee , Lee Eun-A , Kim Soo-Jin , Kwon Byoung S. , Choi Hye-Seon
Published: February 2006

We tested whether any intracellular signals are transmitted through 4‐1BB/CD137 ligand (4‐1BBL), using a 4‐1BB‐Fc fusion protein and 4‐1BB‐deficient mice. Immobilized 4‐1BB‐Fc fusion protein strongly inhibited osteoclastogenesis induced by macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) derived from bone marrow macrophages (BMM). Incubation of BMM with M‐CSF increased 4‐1BBL mRNA and surface expression of 4‐1BBL protein. Cross‐linking 4‐1BBL with immobilized 4‐1BB‐Fc also dramatically reduced the number of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive multinuclear cells (MNC) derived from the BMM from 4‐1BB‐deficient mice, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of immobilized 4‐1BB on osteoclastogenesis is due to a signal through 4‐1BBL. Reverse signaling by 4‐1BB‐Fc increased the level of interferon (IFN)‐β in BMM and neutralization of IFN‐β reversed the inhibitory effect of immobilized 4‐1BB‐Fc. Inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by immobilized 4‐1BB‐Fc is, therefore, at least in part, due to elevation of the level of the negative regulator, IFN‐β in BMM.
An independent non-linear latitudinal cline for the sn-glycerol-3-phosphate (α-Gpdh) polymorphism of Drosophila melanogaster from eastern Australia
Authors: UMINA PAUL A. , HOFFMANN ARY A. , WEEKS ANDREW R. , MCKECHNIE STEPHEN W.
Published: February 2006

Latitudinal variation of the polymorphic sn-glycerol-3-phosphate (α-Gpdh) locus in Drosophila melanogaster has been characterized on several continents; however, apparent clinal patterns are potentially confounded by linkage with an inversion, close associations with other genetic markers that vary clinally, and a tandem α-Gpdh pseudogene. Here we compare clinal patterns in α-Gpdh with those of other linked markers by testing field flies from eastern Australian locations collected in two separate years. The α-Gpdh variation exhibited a consistent non-linear cline reflecting an increase in the α-GpdhF allele at extreme latitudes. This pattern was not influenced by the In(2L)t inversion wherein this locus is located, nor was it influenced by the presence of the α-Gpdh pseudogene, whose presence was ubiquitous and highly variable among populations. The α-Gpdh pattern was also independent of a cline in allozyme frequencies at the alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) locus, and two length polymorphisms in the Adh gene. These results suggest clinal selection at the α-Gpdh locus that is partially or wholly unrelated to linear climatic gradients along the eastern coast of Australia.
Evaluation of Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System predictions of milk production, intake and liveweight change of grazing dairy cows fed contrast silages
Authors: CHAVES A. V. , BROOKES I. M. , WAGHORN G. C. , WOODWARD S. L. , BURKE J. L.
Published: February 2006

The importance of mechanistic models for ration balancing with forages is indicated and physical limitations to intake emphasized, because these limit energy and nutrient supply to cows grazing forages, especially grass. Ration-balancing models using fresh or ensiled forages to complement pasture will need to accommodate intake limitations due to rumen fill, clearance, chewing or other criteria. The potential of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) model to predict milk production from diets based on pasture and forage supplements was tested using data from two experiments. Data were obtained from studies in which pasture was complemented with contrasting silages including maize, pasture, sulla, lotus and forage mixtures, comprising 0·30–0·40 of dry matter intake (DMI). Twelve diets were used in the evaluation. DMI, liveweight (LW), days in milk, and diet composition were determined during the trials and used as inputs in the model. Across all diets, a significant relationship existed between predicted and actual values for DMI (R2=0·58), milk yield (R2=0·59) and LW change (R2=0·51), but there were still large unexplained sources of variation. No significant mean bias was observed for any of the variables, but the slope of residual differences against predicted values was significantly different from zero for milk yield, LW change and for DMI (P<0·06). The results indicate a satisfactory prediction of milk production when cows are neither gaining nor losing weight, but that a systematic bias exists probably because of the failure of the CNCPS model to account for energy and nutrient partitioning.
Effects of length of dry period on yields of milk fat and protein, fertility and milk somatic cell score in the subsequent lactation of dairy cows
Authors: Kuhn Melvin T , L Hutchison Jana , Norman H Duane
Published: February 2006

The objective was to utilize data from modern US dairy cattle to determine the effect of days dry on fat and protein yield, fat and protein percentages, days open, and somatic cell score in the subsequent lactation. Field data collected through the dairy herd improvement association from January 1997 to December 2003 and extracted from the Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory national database were used for analysis. Actual lactation records calculated from test-day yields using the test-interval method were used in this study. The model for analyses included herd-year of calving, year-state-month of calving, previous lactation record, age at calving, and days dry as a categorical variable. Fat and protein yield was maximized in the subsequent lactation with a 60-d dry period. Dry periods of 20 d or less resulted in substantial losses in fat and protein yield in the subsequent lactation. In contrast to yields, a short dry period was beneficial for fat and protein percentages. Short dry periods also resulted in fewer days open in the subsequent lactation; however, this was entirely due to the lower milk yield associated with shortened dry period. When adjusted for milk yield, short dry periods actually resulted in poorer fertility in the subsequent lactation. Long days dry improved somatic cell score in the subsequent lactation. Herds with mastitis problems should be cautious in shortening days dry because short dry periods led to higher cell scores in the subsequent lactation compared with 60-d dry.
Effect of omitting one or two milkings weekly on lactational performance in dairy ewes
Authors: Hervás Gonzalo , Ramella Jorge L , López Secundino , González Jesús S , Mantecón Ángel R
Published: February 2006

We investigated the effects of omitting one or two milkings weekly on milk yield and milk composition in dairy sheep. Ninety Spanish Assaf ewes were allocated to three experimental treatments: T0 (no milking omission; 14 milkings/week), T1 (omission of one evening milking per week; 13 milkings/week) and T2 (omission of two evening milkings per week; 12 milkings/week). The experiment was extended for 11 weeks, from week 7 after lambing to week 17 of lactation. Once a week, daily milk production was recorded just before and after the omission. Milk quality and composition was analysed in lactation weeks 9, 13 and 16. Omission of one or two evening milkings each week resulted in an increase in milk production recorded the day immediately after the omission (27% for T1 and 16% for T2), which can be attributed to accumulation of milk in the udder cisterns. This increase did not compensate completely for the loss of yield in the omitted milking. The lack of significant differences among the three milking strategies in milk production (on average 1903, 2062 and 1833 ml/d for T0, T1 and T2, respectively) recorded before omission throughout the trial, would indicate the absence of residual effects of the omission on production in subsequent weeks. Treatment T2 resulted in a loss of milk production of approximately 39% during those days when milkings were omitted, representing a decrease of approximately 10% of the estimated weekly milk production. In relation to milk composition, milking omission led to significant increases in the fat and protein concentrations of the milk collected after the omission, whereas differences were not significant for the milk obtained before the omission. Despite the slight increase observed in treatment T2 after the milking omission, the somatic cell count was always far below that considered as indicative of possible pathologies. In conclusion, at least one evening milking could be omitted each week in high-producing dairy sheep without adversely affecting milk yield and milk composition.
Performance of two commonly used angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition assays using FA-PGG and HHL as substrates
Authors: Shalaby Samah M. , Zakora Mila , Otte Jeanette
Published: February 2006

In development of fermented dairy products and protein hydrolysates with high inhibitory activity towards angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), it is crucial to have a reliable assay for measuring the ACE activity. In the present study, the performance of two commonly used assays based on synthetic N-derivates of tripeptides as substrates were tested with respect to reliability in determination of ACE activity per se and to the inhibitory effect of a tryptic whey protein digest and captopril. In one test, the ACE activity was calculated from the amount of hippuric acid liberated from hippuryl-His-Leu (HHL) during 30 min of incubation with ACE, as quantified after HPLC separation of reaction products. In the other assay, the ACE activity was measured directly as the rate of decrease in the absorbance at 340 nm during the first 30 min of ACE catalysed hydrolysis of furanacroloyl-Phe-Glu-Glu (FA-PGG). Both assays, in the absence of inhibitor, showed a good performance with relative standard deviation between replicate samples around 7%. In the presence of inhibitor solutions, relative standard deviations for both assays varied between 1 and 18% for the variously diluted inhibitors. Both assays gave values for the concentration of inhibitor needed to inhibit ACE by 50% similar to those previously reported for whey protein digests and captopril. Different results from the two assays, however, emphasize the importance of controlling the actual ACE-activity for comparison between assays. The limitations of each assay are discussed. Considering the fewer steps in the assay using FA-PGG as substrate, and thus less time and chemicals consumed per sample, and the simpler equipment needed, this assay is recommended for the screening of clear peptide samples.
Expression of two cell wall proteins during the intracellular development ofEncephalitozoon cuniculi: an immunocytochemical andin situhybridization study with ultrathin frozen sections
Authors: TAUPIN V. , MÉTÉNIER G. , DELBAC F. , VIVARÈS C. P. , PRENSIER G.
Published: February 2006

The microsporidianEncephalitozoon cuniculiis an obligate intracellular parasite that develops asynchronously inside parasitophorous vacuoles. Spore differentiation involves the construction of a cell wall commonly divided into an outer layer (exospore) and a thicker, chitin-rich inner layer (endospore). The developmental patterns of protein deposition and mRNA expression for 2 different spore wall proteins were studied using immunocytochemical andin situhybridization procedures with ultrathin frozen sections. The onset of deposition of an exospore-destined protein (SWP1) correlated with the formation of lamellar protuberances during meront-to-sporont conversion. No evidence for a release of SWP1 towards the parasitophorous vacuole lumen was obtained. An endospore-destined protein (EnP1) was detected early on the plasma membrane of meronts prior to extensive accumulation within the chitin-rich layer of sporoblasts.swp1mRNA was preferentially synthesized in early sporogony whileenp1mRNA was transcribed during merogony and a large part of sporogony. The level of both mRNAs was reduced in mature spores. Considering the availability of theE. cuniculigenome sequence, the application of nucleic and/or protein probes to cryosections should facilitate the screening of various genes for stage-specific expression during microsporidian development.
Grammatical processing in language learners
Authors: CLAHSEN HARALD , FELSER CLAUDIA
Published: February 2006

The ability to process the linguistic input in real time is crucial for successfully acquiring a language, and yet little is known about how language learners comprehend or produce language in real time. Against this background, we have conducted a detailed study of grammatical processing in language learners using experimental psycholinguistic techniques and comparing different populations (mature native speakers, child first language [L1] and adult second language [L2] learners) as well as different domains of language (morphology and syntax). This article presents an overview of the results from this project and of other previous studies, with the aim of explaining how grammatical processing in language learners differs from that of mature native speakers. For child L1 processing, we will argue for a continuity hypothesis claiming that the child's parsing mechanism is basically the same as that of mature speakers and does not change over time. Instead, empirical differences between child and mature speaker's processing can be explained by other factors such as the child's limited working memory capacity and by less efficient lexical retrieval. In nonnative (adult L2) language processing, some striking differences to native speakers were observed in the domain of sentence processing. Adult learners are guided by lexical–semantic cues during parsing in the same way as native speakers, but less so by syntactic information. We suggest that the observed L1/L2 differences can be explained by assuming that the syntactic representations adult L2 learners compute during comprehension are shallower and less detailed than those of native speakers.
From Imperial Concubine to Model Maoist: The Photographic Metamorphosis of Mei Lanfang
Authors: KIM SUK-YOUNG
Published: February 2006

This article traces the transnational career of the celebrated Beijing opera female impersonator Mei Lanfang (1894–1961) through photographic documentation of the performer. A wide spectrum of Mei's photos is analysed, which captures him both onstage and offstage. The timeline of these photos ranges from those produced during the Republican period (1911–49) to those produced in the People's Republic of China (PRC) (1949–) and includes media coverage from the US (1920s) and the USSR (1930s). This article raises questions about how nationalism, transnationalism and female impersonator's gender identity are represented in ever-transforming modes.
Concept formation as knowledge accumulation: A computational linguistics study
Authors: DONG ANDY
Published: February 2006

Language plays at least two roles in design. First, language serves as representations of ideas and concepts through linguistic behaviors that represent the structure of thought during the design process. Second, language also performs actions and creates states of affairs. Based on these two perspectives on language use in design, we apply the computational linguistics tools of latent semantic analysis and lexical chain analysis to characterize how design teams engage in concept formation as the accumulation of knowledge represented by lexicalized concepts. The accumulation is described in a data structure comprised by a set of links between elemental lexicalized concepts. The folding together of these two perspectives on language use in design with the information processing theories of the mind afforded by the computational linguistics tools applied creates a new means to evaluate concept formation in design teams. The method suggests that analysis at a linguistic level can characterize concept formation even where process-oriented critiques were limited in their ability to uncover a formal design method that could explain the phenomenon.
Evaluation of measures to reduce international spread of SARS
Authors: GLASS K. , BECKER N. G.
Published: February 2006

Mathematical models are used to quantify the effect of border control measures in reducing the international spread of SARS. Border screening is shown to play a relatively minor role in reducing disease spread. Assuming detection rates similar to those reported for arrival screening in Australia, screening can detect up to 10% (95% CI 3–23) of infected travellers, and reduce the probability of a large outbreak by up to 7% (95% CI 2–17). Rapid reductions in the time to diagnosis and effective facilities for the isolation of cases are essential to ensure that there will not be a large outbreak, and each week of delay in responding to imported infection approximately doubles the total number of cases. While the control response is being developed in a currently uninfected region, border screening can provide up to one week's additional time in which to improve methods for early isolation of cases.
Measuring loneliness in later life: a comparison of differing measures
Authors: Victor Christina , Grenade Linda , Boldy Duncan
Published: February 2006

The social environment is one of the key factors determining the quality of life of older people. Research has consistently demonstrated a strong and positive relationship between social engagement in all forms but especially participation within kin and wider social networks, and a high quality of life. However, this recognition of the importance of this relationship is not new. In the early 1960s, the ‘activity theorists’ of aging posited that the key to a good old age was the maintenance of high levels of activity, including social participation and the maintenance of kin- and friendship-based relationships. This resonates with the ideas of Rowe and Kahn who suggest that a high level of social engagement is a key factor in achieving the individually and socially desired goal of ‘successful aging’. Furthermore, they argue that, with advanced age, the social context, in combination with the physical environment, exerts a more potent influence upon the experience of later life than either intrinsic genetic or biological factors. Whilst the prescriptive strictures of activity theory and successful aging remain the subject of debate, there seems little doubt that the social environment continues to exert both a powerful influence upon, and provides a context within which people experience old age, both individually and collectively.
The Local Roots of American Inequality
Authors: Macedo Stephen , Karpowitz Christopher F.
Published: February 2006

We agree with the Task Force on Inequality and American Democracy
that not only the quality but the very legitimacy of American
democracy is threatened by persistent and rising inequalities of
political power and influence. Class conflict is as old as democracy
itself, and there is an intrinsic tension between the inequalities
generated by free markets and the political equality that is at the
core of democracy. No institutional fixes or policy remedies will
fully overcome this tension, and in some respects it may be a useful
tension. But current institutional and policy
arrangements—especially at the local level—are exacerbating
inequalities and political divisions in ways that are toxic for
democracy. Because our discussion
here draws heavily on our book Democracy at
Risk, we wish to fully acknowledge and thank each
of the book's co-authors, including Yvette Alex-Assensoh,
Jeffrey M. Berry, Michael Brintnall, David E. Campbell, Luis
Ricardo Fraga, Archon Fung, William A. Galston, Margaret Levi,
Meira Levinson, Keena Lipsitz, Richard G. Niemi, Robert D.
Putnam, Wendy M. Rahn, Rob Reich, Robert R. Rodgers, Todd
Swanstrom, and Katherine Cramer Walsh. Our co-authors in that
effort have contributed significantly to our understanding of
the issues we discuss here, including by offering prose that we
have relied on and put to use in this article. While we
acknowledge our deep debt to our colleagues, any errors
remaining are, of course, ours alone.
On Inequality and Political Voice: Response to Stephen
Earl Bennett's Critique
Authors: Schlozman Kay Lehman
Published: February 2006

In the assembled critiques, the report of the APSA Task Force on
Inequality and American Democracy is labeled simultaneously
“dangerous quackery” and a “timid document.” Are we all reading the
same report? At least when it comes to Stephen Earl Bennett's
commentary (2006), probably not.
Patterns of Economic Inequality in Western Democracies:
Some Facts on Levels and Trends
Authors: Brandolini Andrea , Smeeding Timothy M.
Published: February 2006

A large body of research has documented comparative levels of
inequality among nations and also the substantial change in
inequality across and within nations. Political scientists,
sociologists, and economists have used these databases to make a
number of claims about changes in inequality and their
interrelations with economic and political life, patterns of
redistribution, social institutions, and social and individual
wellbeing more generally.
Don't Blame Redistricting for Uncompetitive
Elections
Authors: Abramowitz Alan , Alexander Brad , Gunning Matthew
Published: February 2006

“Here is a telling statistic. One hundred fifty-three of California's
congressional and legislative seats were up in the last election,
and not one, I repeat, not one, changed parties. What kind of
democracy is that?”
Beyond the Audience of One: Producing a Student Journal
of Politics
Authors: Barrios Sharon A. , Weber Lori M.
Published: February 2006

Writing assignments are common in most political science courses. If
nothing else, they serve the purpose of allowing instructors to
exercise their evaluative power in assigning grades. All too often,
however, they fail to transcend this purpose. As a result, both
students and instructors often view each student paper as a private
communication between the two parties—a work with no future and an
audience of one (Zeiser 1999; Fulwiler 1982).
Publication, Publication
Authors: King Gary
Published: February 2006

I show herein how to write a publishable paper by beginning with the
replication of a published article. This strategy seems to work well
for class projects in producing papers that ultimately get
published, helping to professionalize students into the discipline,
and teaching the scientific norms of the free exchange of academic
information. I begin by briefly revisiting the prominent debate on
replication our discipline had a decade ago and some of the progress
made in data sharing since. My deepest
appreciation goes, in addition to my students, to the numerous
scholars who have cheerfully, and in some cases repeatedly,
responded to my students' queries over many years. Thanks also
to the National Institutes of Aging (P01 AG17625-01) and the
National Science Foundation (SES-0318275, IIS-9874747) for
research support.
The Relevance of Political Science to the World
Bank
Authors: Pradhan Sanjay
Published: February 2006

By the mid 1990s, scholars, practitioners, and policy makers alike
had begun to recognize the critical importance of good governance
for growth and poverty reduction. Yet corruption, its mirror image,
remained “taboo” at the World Bank up until the historic “cancer of
corruption” speech in 1996 of then-Bank President James Wolfensohn
that formally brought governance and anticorruption into the
forefront of the Bank's agenda (see Figure 1). In 1997, the World
Development Report: The State in a Changing World broke new ground
within the Bank, taking stock of the erstwhile work on governance
and addressing what the institution could do to enhance its ability
to help client countries improve governance and reduce
corruption. The presentation was
made at the APSA 2005 meeting, “Panel on Politics and
Development Programs: APSA and World Bank Collaboration.” Panel
participants included: Margaret Levi (APSA President 2004–2005),
Ashutosh Varshney, Anna Grzymala-Busse (University of Michigan
at Ann Arbor), Daniel N. Posner (University of California Los
Angeles), and Timothy Frye (Ohio State University) from APSA;
and Sanjay Pradhan, Edgardo Campos, Richard Messick, and Maks
Kobonbaev from the World Bank Public Sector Governance
Unit.
Whitney T. Perkins
Authors: Mandel Bob
Published: February 2006

Once in a long while some of us are blessed to encounter a person
whose character is so special that it deeply affects us for the rest
of our lives. Such is the case for me—and for many alumni of the
Brown University international relations program—with regard to
Whitney T. Perkins, the faculty member who guided the program for
decades and who died earlier this year. In an academic world filled
with pomposity and pretense, he stood out as a beacon of humility.
In an academic world filled with ideological polemics, he stood out
as a beacon of balance. In an academic world filled with politically
motivated jostling for power and control, he stood out as a beacon
of integrity. In an academic world filled with self-promotion and
hyperbole, he stood out as a beacon of restraint and
understatement.
Neuron–glia interactions in the hypothalamus
Authors: PANATIER AUDE , OLIET STEPHANE H.R.
Published: February 2006

The supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) magnocellular nuclei of the hypothalamus undergo reversible anatomical remodeling under conditions of intense secretion of neurohypophysial hormones, such as lactation and chronic dehydration. This morphological plasticity is characterized by a pronounced reduction in astrocytic coverage of neurons, which results in an increased number and extent of directly juxtaposed somatic and dendritic surfaces. As a consequence, astrocyte-mediated clearance of glutamate from the extracellular space is altered, which causes an increased concentration and range of action of the excitatory amino acid in the extracellular space. This leads to a reduction of synaptic efficacy at excitatory and inhibitory inputs through the activation of presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors. By contrast, the action of gliotransmitters released from astrocytes and acting on adjacent magnocellular neurons is limited during such anatomical remodeling. This includes glia-derived ATP mediating potentiation of glutamatergic transmission, a process compromised by the neuronal-glial reorganization. Together, these studies on hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei provide new insights on the contribution of glial cells on neuronal activity.
Shapes of astrocyte networks in the juvenile brain
Authors: HOUADES VANESSA , ROUACH NATHALIE , EZAN PASCAL , KIRCHHOFF FRANK , KOULAKOFF ANNETTE , GIAUME CHRISTIAN
Published: February 2006

The high level of intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions between astrocytes indicates that, besides individual astrocytic domains, a second level of organization might exist for these glial cells as they form communicating networks. Therefore, the contribution of astrocytes to brain function should also be considered to result from coordinated groups of cells. To evaluate the shape and extent of these networks we have studied the expression of connexin 43, a major gap junction protein in astrocytes, and the intercellular diffusion of gap junction tracers in two structures of the developing brain, the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex. We report that the shape of astrocytic networks depends on their location within neuronal compartments in a defined brain structure. Interestingly, not all astrocytes are coupled, which indicates that connections within these networks are restricted. As gap junctional communication in astrocytes is reported to contribute to several glial functions, differences in the shape of astrocytic networks might have consequences on neuronal activity and survival.
Validität des Fragebogens irrationaler Einstellungen (FIE)
Authors: Bühner Markus , Müller Jochen
Published: February 2006

Zusammenfassung. Der Fragebogen irrationaler Einstellungen (FIE) wird zur Diagnostik irrationaler Einstellungen eingesetzt, allerdings sind Validitätsbelege rar. Die vorliegende Untersuchung mit Depressiven (N = 94) und Studenten (N = 97) stellt die Frage nach der faktoriellen und der Kriteriumsvalidität des FIE. Konfirmatorische Faktorenanalysen zeigten, dass sowohl das vierfaktorielle Modell des Autors des Fragebogens für den FIE unzureichend ist als auch ein explorativ gewonnenes zweifaktorielles Modell. Der FIE erweist sich als nützlich, um charakteristische Gedankenkombinationen bei Depressiven aufzudecken, er bedarf jedoch der Revision.