bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yield–Density Relation of Glyphosate‐Resistant Soya beans and their Responses to Light Enrichment in North‐eastern USA
Authors: Liu X. B. , Herbert S. J. , Zhang Q. Y. , Hashemi A. M.
Published: November 2006

Optimum plant population densities are a key means of achieving higher seed yield in soya bean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Limited information is available on yield‐density relation of glyphosate‐resistant soya beans in north‐eastern USA. The objective of this research was to determine the appropriate populations for glyphosate‐resistant soya beans, and if the yield potential of glyphosate‐resistant soya bean produced in light‐enriched conditions was affected by populations. Eight glyphosate‐resistant soya bean cultivars with three populations (300 000, 500 000 and 800 000 plants ha−1) were grown under both ambient and light‐enriched conditions in 2002 and 2003. Yield of all cultivars responded to density linearly. As density increased, grain yield was increased by up to 92 % among cultivars. Light enrichment increased yield for all cultivars across the 2 years, although some cultivars were more sensitive. Harvest index either remained unchanged or declined slightly at higher density in 2002, and there was no difference among treatments in 2003. Both pod number and seed number per plant were significantly decreased with the increase of density across the 2 years, while seeds per pod declined slightly or remained unchanged. Greater seed size was obtained in higher density with varied degree depending on cultivars across the 2 years except for those cultivars with relatively larger seed. The increase in seed size by light enrichment was cultivar and density dependent, and varied between years. 800 000 plants ha−1 could be a suitable practice in producing higher yield in north‐east USA for glyphosate‐resistant soya bean. Maintaining the mass of an individual seed is an important strategy in achieving high yield at high population. Establishing mechanisms responsible for the greatest yields via high population under light‐enriched conditions, may provide insights for management and phenotypic improvement.
Haplotype analysis of β‐actin gene for its association with sperm quality and boar fertility
Authors: Lin C.‐L. , Jennen D.G.J. , Ponsuksili S. , Tholen E. , Tesfaye D. , Schellander K. , Wimmers K.
Published: November 2006

β‐actin (ACTB) was examined as a direct functional candidate gene for the possible association with sperm concentration, motility (MOT), semen volume per ejaculate, plasma droplet rate, abnormal sperm rate (ASR) and the fertility traits, non‐return rate and number of piglets born alive (NBA). Three polymorphisms in intron 3 (T>C) and one polymorphism in exon 4 (T>C) of porcine ACTB gene were identified by comparative sequencing of animals of the breeds Pietrain and Hampshire. Association analysis revealed that haplotypes affected the variation of the traits MOT, ASR and NBA. The beneficial haplotypes may provide considerable improvement of sperm quality and fertility in the tested commercial boar population.
The effect of Ruppia cirrhosa features on macroalgae and suspended matter in a Mediterranean shallow system
Authors: Mannino Anna Maria , Sarà Gianluca
Published: November 2006

Relationships among chemical–physical features, total gross suspended organic matter, coverage of the seagrass Ruppia cirrhosa and its associated algal community in eight ponds of a saltworks system of western Sicily (Mediterranean Sea) were investigated in spring and summer 2004. All biological features varied both at different levels of seagrass coverage and between seasons. A low algal diversity (46 taxa, 14.75 ± 1.41 on average) was highlighted; algal coverage and species richness showed to be negatively correlated. Ruppia cirrhosa coverage was negatively correlated with algal coverage, but positively correlated with species richness. Moreover, a significant correlation among R. cirrhosa coverage, the availability of suspended matter in the water column and the chlorophyll a concentration was detected.
Temporal variations in the spatial distribution of shoot density in aPosidonia oceanicameadow and patterns of genetic diversity
Authors: Zupo Valerio , Buia Maria Cristina , Gambi Maria Cristina , Lorenti Maurizio , Procaccini Gabriele
Published: November 2006

The meadows of the Mediterranean endemic seagrassPosidonia oceanicaexhibit relatively high variations of structural and biometric features at various spatial scales. An investigation performed in 1992 in the meadow off Lacco Ameno (Island of Ischia, Gulf of Naples, Italy) detected peculiar spatial patterns of plant distribution, characterized by nestlike structures with radially increasing or decreasing shoot densities. Eight years later (2000), geo‐referenced collections at selected points were repeated to trace the temporal variations of shoot density and investigate the recurrence of the density cores previously detected. In addition, shoots for molecular analyses were collected to check the hypothesis that nestlike patterns exhibit highest levels of genetic variability, due to the confluence of several genetically distinct stolons. The 2000 survey confirmed the presence of the main density cores detected in 1992, although their spatial distribution was slightly shifted and a general decrease of spatial anisotropy was observed, probably due to an increased disturbance, mainly due to pleasure boat anchoring. Patterns of genetic diversity showed a more complex picture, well related to the shoot density spatial pattern, especially when compared with the previous 1992 survey. Patterns of genetic diversity confirmed our previous hypotheses on the genesis of shoot density cores, suggesting they are produced over long time, due to a slow stolonization process and a convergence of different genotypes. Regression of the meadow and decrease of density may lead, in short periods, to a homogenization of the density patterns, while genetic diversity cores represent a long‐term ‘memory’ of their previous distribution.
Preoperative evaluation of the ‘hostile pelvis’ in radical prostatectomy with computed tomographic pelvimetry
Authors: Neill Mischel G. , Lockwood Gina A. , McCluskey Stuart A. , Fleshner Neil E.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether preoperative pelvimetry based on computed tomography (CT) can be used to predict technical difficulties during open radical prostatectomy (RP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An open RP database accrued prospectively between January 1997 and June 2005 was used to identify 450 patients with preoperative pelvic imaging. Of these, 165 had adequate imaging of the pelvis with CT to allow pelvimetry using software provided with the medical imaging records. Several pelvic measurements were recorded in conjunction with body mass index and transrectal ultrasonographic estimates of prostatic volume. Outcome measures used to reflect technical surgical difficulties included operative duration, blood transfusion requirements within 30 days of RP, the pathological positive surgical margin and prostatic capsular breech rate. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between variables before and after RP

RESULTS

The selected pelvimetric measurements failed to predict either operative duration or the peri‐operative blood transfusion requirement. Prostatic volume was predictive of operative duration; for every increase of 20 mL in prostate volume the duration increased by 8.4 min. Although pelvimetric measures failed to predict positive surgical margins at pathology, the transverse diameter predicted the likelihood of a positive margin due to capsular breech. With every 8.6 mm (1 sd) decrease in transverse diameter, the odds of a capsular breech resulting in positive surgical margins increased 5.3 times (95% confidence interval 2.1–20.0, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the ‘hostile pelvis’ influences the likelihood of prostatic capsular breech resulting in positive surgical margins, CT pelvimetric screening of patients before RP is unlikely to be cost‐effective. Routine pelvic CT in the evaluation of patients before RP is not supported.
The importance of harmonising and sustaining food composition data across Europe
Authors: Egan M. B. , Fragodt A. , Raats M. M.
Published: November 2006

Summary  Food composition data are essential for a wide variety of activities, including public health nutrition, research, food labelling and government policy. Food composition data play a particularly important role in four sectors in Europe, namely health, trade regulation and legislation, agriculture and the environment. The need to continue the harmonisation of food composition data already achieved through European collaboration can be clearly identified and evidenced. Harmonisation is not exclusively a technical issue, but also entails creating durable and sustainable structures to maintain the viability of food composition data. These and related issues are currently being addressed by the EuroFIR Network of Excellence (project number FP6‐513944, http://www.eurofir.net).
Labelling in restaurants: will it make a difference?
Authors: Savage L. C. , Johnson R. K.
Published: November 2006

Summary  The quest to solve the obesity epidemic in the United States has long been the centre of debate for health professionals, consumer and health advocates, scientists and politicians. While numerous suggestions have been made from these respective groups, there has been a steady increase, such that more than 64% of the US population are now classified as overweight or obese. The introduction of the Nutrition Facts label through the Nutrition Labelling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990 has improved overall dietary quality, based on lower fat intakes and higher consumption of fruit and vegetables, in the 70–85% of the American population who use the label at least sometimes. More recently, however, concerns have been raised about the exemption of restaurants from the NLEA. The proportion of US consumers’ food budget spent on food for consumption outside the home has increased from 26% in 1976 to 46% in 2004. It is also estimated that one third of a person’s daily calories now come from food purchased for consumption outside the home. The United States Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Health and Human Services have jointly produced the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) to provide evidence‐based nutrition recommendations to the American public. Included are recommendations to limit the intake of sodium, cholesterol, saturates, trans fatty acids, alcohol and added sugars, to increase the intake of low‐fat dairy products, fruit and vegetables, and to maintain energy balance. The food found in restaurants is abundant in nutrients recommended to be consumed in moderation, low in those that are recommended to be increased and higher in calories, when compared with a home‐prepared meal. Given the consistent rise in obesity in the USA, the lack of food labelling in restaurants, the contrast between the nutrient recommendations of the DGAs and the nutrients found in restaurant food, and the increase in consumer spending on food purchased for consumption outside the home, suggestions now focus on passing legislation mandating food labelling in restaurants. Given the significance of such legislation to the US restaurant industry, this article highlights key considerations, as well as barriers, to restaurant food labelling. This article also emphasises the importance of conducting research to explore the impact of restaurant food labelling, prior to passing new legislation, as no studies have looked at the effect that this may have on restaurant patron behaviour. The importance of conducting research on restaurant labelling, prior to passing legislation, may be key to its success.
Public Sector Reform in Australia: An Evaluation of the Corporatisation of Sydney Water, 1995 to 2002
Authors: Jane Andrew , Dollery Brian
Published: November 2006

The corporatisation of Sydney Water from 1995 onwards formed part of a much broader process of public sector reform in Australia. However, Sydney Water represents an unusual case study of corporatisation since it has embodied two distinct forms of corporate structure over the period 1995 to 2002; both the company model and the statutory model. This article seeks to evaluate the success or otherwise of this corporatisation process using ‘internal’ measures of the performance appraisals undertaken by ‘outside’ bodies in six main forums: The independent assessments against operating licence conditions; NSW government's annual assessments of government businesses performance; Sydney Water's own performance measurement against corporate business plans; water reform measures stipulated by the Council of Australian Governments; industry financial performance indicators as measured by the Water Services Association of Australia; and an international assessment conducted by the UK Office of Water Services.
Nonconscious Priming After 17 Years
Authors: Mitchell David B.
Published: November 2006

Individuals who saw pictures for 1 to 3 s in the laboratory were tested 17 years later by mail. Identification rates were significantly higher for fragments from these previously exposed targets than for novel fragments, whereas the same stimuli evoked no differences in control groups that had not been previously exposed to the pictures. Priming—the memorial advantage conferred by prior perceptual experience—was stable over the years (r = .51). Priming was dissociated from episodic memory, in that it was present even in subjects who reported no conscious recollection of their participation in the original laboratory session. These findings suggest that the perceptual representation system is an invulnerable memory system functioning below conscious awareness.
Becoming a Face Expert
Authors: Mondloch Catherine J. , Maurer Daphne , Ahola Sara
Published: November 2006

Expertise in recognizing facial identity, and, in particular, sensitivity to subtle differences in the spacing among facial features, improves into adolescence. To assess the influence of experience, we tested adults and 8-year-olds with faces differing only in the spacing of facial features. Stimuli were human adult, human 8-year-old, and monkey faces. We show that adults' expertise is shaped by experience: They were 9% more accurate in seeing differences in the spacing of features in upright human faces than in upright monkey faces. Eight-year-olds were 14% less accurate than adults for both human and monkey faces (Experiment 1), and their accuracy for human faces was not higher for children's faces than for adults'faces (Experiment 2). The results indicate that improvements in face recognition after age 8 are not related to experience with human faces and may be related to general improvements in memory or in perception (e.g., hyperacuity and spatial integration).
Can Florida Become Like the Next Florida?
Authors: Glucksberg Sam , Haught Catrinel
Published: November 2006

Metaphors can be understood in either of two ways: via a comparison process or via a categorization process. What determines which process will be used? According to a recent variant of comparison theory, novel metaphors must be processed as comparisons; only conventional metaphors can be processed as categorizations. We argue that choice of process is determined not by conventionality, but instead by the semantic and referential properties of the metaphor itself. We identified a type of novel metaphor that is indeed understood more quickly as a comparison than as a categorization. We then generated variants of such metaphors to make comparison difficult and found that these new novel metaphors were understood more quickly as categorizations than as comparisons. We conclude that metaphors can be processed as categorizations from the start, depending on their semantic and referential properties.
Hungry for Money
Authors: Briers Barbara , Pandelaere Mario , Dewitte Siegfried , Warlop Luk
Published: November 2006

This report attempts to provide an evolutionary explanation for humans' motivation to strive for money in present-day societies. We propose that people's desire for money is a modern derivate of their desire for food. In three studies, we show the reciprocal association between the incentive value of food and of money. In Study 1, hungry participants were less likely than satiated participants to donate to charity. In Study 2, participants in a room with an olfactory food cue, known to increase the desire to eat, offered less money in a give-some game compared with participants in a room free of scent. In Study 3, participants' desire for money affected the amount of M&M's® they ate in a subsequent taste test, but only among participants who were not restricting their food intake in order to manage their weight.
Of Two Minds
Authors: Rydell Robert J. , McConnell Allen R. , Mackie Diane M. , Strain Laura M.
Published: November 2006

Because different processes underlie implicit and explicit attitudes, we hypothesized that they are differentially sensitive to different kinds of information. We measured implicit and explicit attitudes over time, as different types of attitude-relevant information about a single attitude object were presented. As expected, explicit attitudes formed and changed in response to the valence of consciously accessible, verbally presented behavioral information about the target. In contrast, implicit attitudes formed and changed in response to the valence of subliminally presented primes, reflecting the progressive accretion of attitude object-evaluation pairings. As a consequence, when subliminal primes and behavioral information were of opposite valence, people formed implicit and explicit attitudes of conflicting valence.
Global Politics of Mercury Pollution: The Need for Multi‐Scale Governance
Authors: Selin Noelle Eckley , Selin Henrik
Published: November 2006

This article analyses international legal and policy developments on mercury from the 1970s to the present time, and examines options for continued abatement. Multiple scientific assessments have demonstrated that mercury is an environmental pollutant that can pose a serious threat to human health and development. Currently, the international community is engaged in extensive debate about options for improved mercury governance. This article will critically examine three major policy options under discussion: the creation of a global mercury convention; the regulation of mercury under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants; and the development of voluntary partnerships. It is concluded that expanded and better integrated policy efforts are needed across global, regional and local governance scales to address mercury pollution and contamination effectively.
The European Community and Biodiversity Loss: Missing the Target?
Authors: Jack Brian
Published: November 2006

The European Community has set itself the stringent policy target of halting all biodiversity loss by 2010. It intends to achieve this target by following a dual strategy. On the one hand, the 1979 Wild Birds Directive and 1992 Habitats Directive are designed to protect important sites housing vulnerable wildlife. On the other hand, biodiversity protection is to be integrated into all other Community policies. The Community views the Common Agricultural Policy as having a vital role in both areas. It provides a mechanism through which much needed Community funding can be channelled into the management of protected wildlife sites. Equally, it also has an important influence upon biodiversity in the wider countryside. This article examines the regulatory measures that have been taken to integrate biodiversity protection into the Community's agricultural policies and assesses whether they are likely to be sufficient to enable the Community to meet its 2010 target.
Mind the Gap: Interface Problems between EC Chemicals Law and Sectoral Environmental Legislation
Authors: Führ Martin , Merenyi Stefanie
Published: November 2006

Amidst the debate on risks to human beings and the environment resulting from chemicals being used on an increasingly large scale, the European Community's proposed Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation presents a new approach. However, under this new legislation it cannot be guaranteed that all problems that have been experienced under the existing EC chemicals legislation will be addressed satisfactorily. One of the problematic aspects is the question of how chemicals legislation, on the one hand, and sectoral environmental legislation, on the other hand (i.e. specific legislation referring to specific environmental media such as water, air, soil, etc.), complement one another. This article outlines these interface problems against the background of existing legislation and REACH.
Estimating a Convex Function in Nonparametric Regression
Authors: BIRKE MELANIE , DETTE HOLGER
Published: November 2006

Abstract. A new nonparametric estimate of a convex regression function is proposed and its stochastic properties are studied. The method starts with an unconstrained estimate of the derivative of the regression function, which is firstly isotonized and then integrated. We prove asymptotic normality of the new estimate and show that it is first order asymptotically equivalent to the initial unconstrained estimate if the regression function is in fact convex. If convexity is not present, the method estimates a convex function whose derivative has the sameLp‐norm as the derivative of the (non‐convex) underlying regression function. The finite sample properties of the new estimate are investigated by means of a simulation study and it is compared with a least squares approach of convex estimation. The application of the new method is demonstrated in two data examples.
Choice between Semi‐parametric Estimators of Markov and Non‐Markov Multi‐state Models from Coarsened Observations
Authors: COMMENGES DANIEL , JOLY PIERRE , GÉGOUT‐PETIT ANNE , LIQUET BENOIT
Published: November 2006

Abstract.  We consider models based on multivariate counting processes, including multi‐state models. These models are specified semi‐parametrically by a set of functions and real parameters. We consider inference for these models based on coarsened observations, focusing on families of smooth estimators such as produced by penalized likelihood. An important issue is the choice of model structure, for instance, the choice between a Markov and some non‐Markov models. We define in a general context the expected Kullback–Leibler criterion and we show that the likelihood‐based cross‐validation (LCV) is a nearly unbiased estimator of it. We give a general form of an approximate of the leave‐one‐out LCV. The approach is studied by simulations, and it is illustrated by estimating a Markov and two semi‐Markov illness–death models with application on dementia using data of a large cohort study.
Unintended Lessons: Plagiarism and the University
Authors: Thompson Carol C.
Published: November 2006

Plagiarism, like other ethical problems, flourishes in atmospheres with few consequences. The finding by one survey that only 27% of college students thought cutting and pasting someone else's work was “serious cheating” is troubling evidence of student inclination to cut corners ethically. Papers are easily copied from the Internet, and adult role models in the larger world are equivocal. Academic settings themselves may subtly encourage such behaviors if they think of their students as customers and outsource teaching to adjuncts. Plagiarism detection software, though helpful, is not without its own problems. Colleges and universities that carefully outline consequences, particularly if these are part of an honor system collaboratively run by students and faculty, can reduce plagiarism.
Rethinking Terrestrial Pedagogy: Nature, Cultures, and Ethics
Authors: Li Huey-Li
Published: November 2006

In this article, I offer a clarification of the ambiguities surrounding the pivotal concepts that have shaped and will continue to shape environmental education movement in the United States and beyond: nature, conservation, sustainable development, and environmental justice. I point out that dualistic frameworks not only polarize environmental educators’ ethical, political, and pedagogical values but also oversimplify complicated ecological issues. It is critical to generate inclusive and collective pedagogical efforts that recognize the interactions between the natural and the cultural, the possibility of integrating ecocentric and technocentric conservation education movements, and the need to foster humility for ongoing dialogues concerning sustainable development and environmental justice.
Doubting Schoolwork: Exploring an Emerging Concept
Authors: Schechter Chen
Published: November 2006

Doubt has been increasingly perceived as a means of introducing education renewal, particularly within the context of dramatic social change and uncertainty. Nevertheless, little inquiry has been conducted with regard to the doubting process and the principal's role that influences its effectiveness. This lack of conceptualization is particularly serious in light of the growing number of planned educational restructuring efforts that have rarely demonstrated positive outcomes in student achievements. This article explores the doubting process as an emerging concept in school reform. After introducing the concept of doubt and its importance in educational reform, the article exemplifies a secondary school principal who doubted core pedagogical practices. It is argued that inducing doubt, as a means of fostering productive school change, is contingent both on a paradigmatic shift in the principal's role and on continual consideration of school's social, cultural, and political context. Finally, suggestions for future research are presented.
A Case Study of Conflict in an Educational Workplace: Managing Personal and Cultural Differences
Authors: Torpey Michael John
Published: November 2006

This article is about conflict in an educational workplace setting. It reports on a case study investigating the emergence, development, and management of conflict among diverse native English speakers working as language instructors within a Japanese university. The example of conflict presented, which deals with divergent assumptions about the nature and management of collaborative research projects, illustrates how communication is inextricably tied to culture, out of whose interplay conflict may arise. This example also highlights one of the most important challenges facing educators the world over: how to encourage people to cooperatively address and manage conflicts. This challenge requires us as educators, in both our individual and institutional capacities, to become more conversant with practices in the field of conflict resolution and management. Such familiarity is a prerequisite to us becoming exemplary models of its practices for our students, our colleagues, our organizations, and our society.
The New Educational Privatization: Educational Contracting and High Stakes Accountability
Authors: Burch Patricia Ellen
Published: November 2006

The institutional landscape of K-12 educational contracting is fundamentally changing. Based on industry and district data, this study identifies three distinct shifts in the content and structure of interactions between suppliers of instructional goods and local school systems. These shifts include 1) elevation of test-related services and products, 2) increasing emphases on technology-based solutions. and 3) an expanding role for the state in spurring market activity. Drawing on a case study of district practice, the study provides evidence of how broader changes are influencing local contracting activities, and the dilemmas and responses generated by these pressures. The study suggests the need for new conceptual approaches to studying educational privatization that draw on the institutional analysis of organizations and also identifies critical questions for future research.
CXCL10 haplotypes and multiple sclerosis: association and correlation with clinical course
Authors: Galimberti D. , Scalabrini D. , Fenoglio C. , Comi C. , De Riz M. , Venturelli E. , Lovati C. , Mariani C. , Monaco F. , Bresolin N. , Scarpini E.
Published: November 2006

CXCL10 (interferon‐γ‐inducible protein‐10) levels are increased in cerebrospinal fluid of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with symptomatic attacks of inflammatory demyelination, supporting a role for this molecule in MS pathogenesis. Two hundred and twenty‐six patients with MS and 235 controls were genotyped for G → C and T → C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exon 4 of CXCL10 gene. Haplotypes were tested for association and correlated with clinical variables. The two SNPs studied were in complete linkage disequilibrium. None of the determined haplotypes was associated with MS. However, carriers of the GGTT haplotype (defined as wild type, according to the sequence in National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database) had a significantly lower progression index than non‐carriers (P = 0.016). Furthermore, amongst patients who had an initial relapsing remitting (RR) course of the disease, the time between onset and second episode was significantly longer in GGTT carriers (P = 0.021). Considering secondary progressive (SP)–MS patients, the time between the initial RR form and the subsequent worsening to SP was longer in this group (P = 0.08). Therefore, the GGTT haplotype of the CXCL10 gene is not a susceptibility factor for the development of MS, but is probably to influence the course of MS, possibly contributing to slow down the progression of the disease.
Accelerating effects of epidermal growth factor on skin lesions of pemphigus vulgaris: a double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Tabrizi MN , Chams‐Davatchi C , Esmaeeli N , Noormohammadpoor P , Safar F , Etemadzadeh H , Ettehadi HA , Gorouhi F
Published: November 2006

Background  Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a severe blistering disease involving the skin and mucous membranes. The most common causes of death in these patients are adverse effects of drugs, and infection. Skin lesions are one of the important sources of infection. Thus, any local treatment that could reduce healing time of lesions and consequently reduce the total dosage of drugs needed to treat is favourable.

Objective  To evaluate the efficacy of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in reducing healing time of lesions in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.

Methods  In this randomized, double‐blind, within‐patient, left/right, controlled trial, 20 hospitalized patients with pathologial and immunohistologial (direct and indirect immunoflourecence) proven pemphigus vulgaris (PV) were chosen. In addition, all patients had at least one appropriate pemphigus lesion on each side of the body that had not healed after 2‐week systemic therapy and sterile saline washing. EGF (10 µg/g) in 0.1% silver sulfadiazine cream vs. 0.1% silver sulfadiazine cream alone was applied randomly on one side of the body.

Results  Kaplan–Meier survival analysis suggested that median time to heal with application of EGF plus silver sulfadiazine cream was 9 days, in comparison with 15 days for silver sulfadiazine cream alone (log‐rank test, P = 0.0003). No intervention‐related adverse effect was observed during the study.

Conclusions  EGF can significantly reduce healing time of skin lesions in patients with pemphigus vulgaris, at least when this cream base is applied (Cochrane skin group identifier: CSG20).
Relation between cardiac vagal tone and performance in male military personnel exposed to high stress: Three prospective studies
Authors: Morgan C. A. , Aikins Deane E. , Steffian George , Coric Vladimir , Southwick Steven
Published: November 2006

Vagal tone has been proposed both as an index of emotion regulation and cognitive ability. To assess the relation between vagal tone and emotion regulation and cognitive ability, the present research prospectively measured vagal tone (measured either as high‐frequency spectral power or respiratory sinus arrhythmia) in healthy participants exposed to high stress. The participants were active duty military personnel (men) enrolled in high intensity military training: Survival School (Experiments 1 and 3) and Combat Diver Qualification Course (Experiment 2). We consistently observed a significant relationship between low vagal tone and superior performance. The data suggest that vagal suppression is associated with enhanced performance under conditions of high stress and that this enhanced performance may be related to emotion regulation and cognitive functioning.
Improved test–retest reliability of 50‐ms paired‐click auditory gating using magnetoencephalography source modeling
Authors: Lu Brett Y. , Edgar J. Christopher , Jones Aaron P. , Smith Ashley K. , Huang Ming‐Xiong , Miller Gregory A. , Cañive Jose M.
Published: November 2006

Used to study filtering abnormalities in schizophrenia, the paired‐click paradigm suffers from poor test–retest reliability of the gating ratio, calculated from the P50 component of the ERP recorded at Cz approximately 50 ms following each of two stimuli. This study sought to improve reliability by assessing 50‐ms gating at primary auditory cortices (PAC), the main generators of the P50 Cz component. MEG source modeling was used, taking advantage of the tangentially oriented PAC sources. Ten healthy subjects underwent three sessions, during which Cz‐based and PAC‐derived gating was measured. Unlike Cz P50, gating ratios at bilateral PACs achieved an intraclass coefficient of .8 or greater. Variability of gating within the same subject was also significantly smaller for bilateral PACs than for Cz P50. Paired‐click gating ratio reliability can be improved by examining the individual PACs rather than composite scalp‐recorded activity.
Parental perception and attitudes on infant feeding practices and baby milk formula in East Malaysia
Authors: Yee Chye Fook , Chin Rebecca
Published: November 2006

A survey on infant feeding and weaning practices of 505 respondents who had children currently aged between 0 and 6 years old was carried out in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The decisive factors, which influence parents’ purchase decision of infant and follow‐up formula were also determined. Initiation of breastfeeding was practised by 86.3% of respondents, but only 8.3% of 436 respondents exclusively breastfed for 6 months and beyond. An association was established where parents with a higher educational level (χ 2 = 70.191, d.f. = 28, P < 0.001) and household income (χ 2 = 74.863, d.f. = 28, P < 0.001) were found to have a higher tendency in initiating formula feeding earlier. Parents who practised partial breastfeeding (OR = 2.0) and had a shorter duration of breastfeeding (OR = 2.4), respectively, were at least two times more likely to initiate early formula feeding. Parents who were highly educated (χ 2 = 99.107, d.f. = 9, P < 0.001) and had a higher income (χ 2 = 96.501, d.f. = 12, P < 0.001) also tended to wean their babies earlier. Parents became acquainted to infant and follow‐up formulas mainly through advertisement and promotion (32.9%). Quality and brand were the two most influential factors in determining parents’ purchase decision on infant and follow‐up formulas. Most respondents within the same income range were also found to purchase the same brands of baby formulas. Although breastfeeding is widely practised, its prolongation is still hindered by many social constraints such as lack of facilities and support in the workplace to encourage mothers to breastfeed and therefore most parents resolved to early formula feeding for their convenience.
An investigation of consumer evaluation of brand extensions
Authors: Chowdhury Md. Humayun Kabir
Published: November 2006

This paper deals with the effects of perceived quality, perceived fit and perceived difficulty, and interaction between perceived quality and fit on consumer evaluations of brand extension. We used multi‐item scales to measure these constructs. Data were analysed via structural equation models. Results show that both perceived quality and perceived fit have direct positive effects on consumer evaluation of extensions. We find support for the chance of transferring the positive values of a brand to an extension is greater when consumers see the extension as a good fit with the original brand and the original brand is considered as of high quality.
Localization of synaptic proteins involved in neurosecretion in different membrane microdomains
Authors: Taverna Elena , Saba Elena , Linetti Anna , Longhi Renato , Jeromin Andreas , Righi Marco , Clementi Francesco , Rosa Patrizia
Published: November 2006

A number of proteins and signalling molecules modulate voltage‐gated calcium channel activity and neurosecretion. As recent findings have indicated the presence of Cav2.1 (P/Q‐type) channels and soluble N‐ethyl‐maleimide‐sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) in the cholesterol‐enriched microdomains of neuroendocrine and neuronal cells, we investigated whether molecules known to modulate neurosecretion, such as the heterotrimeric G proteins and neuronal calcium sensor‐1 (NCS‐1), are also localized in these microdomains. After immuno‐isolation, flotation gradients from Triton X‐100‐treated synaptosomal membranes revealed the presence of different detergent‐resistant membranes (DRMs) containing proteins of the exocytic machinery (Cav2.1 channels and SNAREs) or NCS‐1; both DRM subtypes contained aliquots of heterotrimeric G protein subunits and phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate. In line with the biochemical data, confocal imaging of immunolabelled membrane sheets revealed the localization of SNARE proteins and NCS‐1 in different dot‐like structures. This distribution was largely impaired by treatment with methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, thus suggesting the localization of all three proteins in cholesterol‐dependent domains. Finally, bradykinin (which is known to activate the NCS‐1 pathway) caused a significant increase in NCS‐1 in the DRMs. These findings suggest that different membrane microdomains are involved in the spatial organization of the complex molecular network that converges on calcium channels and the secretory machinery.
Tau exon 6 is regulated by an intricate interplay of trans factors and cis elements, including multiple branch points
Authors: Wang Junning , Tse Sze‐Wah , Andreadis Athena
Published: November 2006

Tau is a microtubule‐associated protein whose transcript undergoes complex regulated splicing in the mammalian nervous system. Exon 6 of the gene is an alternatively spliced cassette whose expression profile differs from that of the other tau regulated exons, implying the involvement of distinct regulatory factors. Previous work had established the existence and use of two additional 3′ splice sites within exon 6 and the influence of splicing factors polypyrimidine binding protein (PTB) and U2AF on its splicing. The present work shows that exon 6 isoforms exist in distinct ratios in different compartments of the nervous system and that splicing of exon 6 is governed by multiple branch points, exonic cis elements and additional trans factors. Recent results show that tau exon 6 is specifically suppressed in the brains of people who suffer from myotonic dystrophy type 1. The understanding of how tau exon 6 splicing is regulated may give us insights into the disease.
Differential contribution of storage pools to the extracellular amount of accumbal dopamine in high and low responders to novelty: effects of reserpine1
Authors: Verheij M. M. M. , Cools A. R.
Published: November 2006

The present study examined the effects of reserpine on the extracellular concentration of accumbal dopamine in high responders (HR) and low responders (LR) to novelty rats. Reserpine reduced the baseline concentration of extracellular accumbal dopamine more in HR than in LR, indicating that the dopamine release is more dependent on reserpine‐sensitive storage vesicles in non‐challenged HR than in non‐challenged LR. In addition, reserpine reduced the novelty‐induced increase of the extracellular concentration of accumbal dopamine in LR, but not in HR, indicating that the dopamine release in response to novelty depends on reserpine‐sensitive storage vesicles only in LR, not in HR. Our data clearly demonstrate that HR and LR differ in the characteristics of those monoaminergic storage vesicles that mediate accumbal dopamine release.
Altered prion protein glycosylation in the aging mouse brain
Authors: Goh Angeline Xi‐Hua , Li Chaoyang , Sy Man‐Sun , Wong Boon‐Seng
Published: November 2006

The normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a glycoprotein with two highly conserved potential N‐linked glycosylation sites. All prion diseases, whether inherited, infectious or sporadic, are believed to share the same pathogenic mechanism that is based on the conversion of the normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) to the pathogenic scrapie prion protein (PrPSc). However, the clinical and histopathological presentations of prion diseases are heterogeneous, depending not only on the strains of PrPSc but also on the mechanism of diseases, such as age‐related sporadic vs. infectious prion diseases. Accumulated evidence suggests that N‐linked glycans on PrPC are important in disease phenotype. A better understanding of the nature of the N‐linked glycans on PrPC during the normal aging process may provide new insights into the roles that N‐linked glycans play in the pathogenesis of prion diseases. By using a panel of 19 lectins in an antibody–lectin enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we found that the lectin binding profiles of PrPC alter significantly during aging. There is an increasing prevalence of complex oligosaccharides on the aging PrPC, which are features of PrPSc. Taken together, this study suggests a link between the glycosylation patterns on PrPC during aging and PrPSc.
ACCOUNTING FOR THE EFFECTS OF NEW AND DISAPPEARING GOODS USING SCANNER DATA
Authors: Melser Daniel
Published: November 2006

With the “discovery” of scanner data by statistical agencies and researchers comes a wealth of new information upon which price index calculations can be based. Old problems, such as the appearance and disappearance of goods over time, are likely to be an important feature of such data. However, given that scanner data includes the prices and quantities of the population of transactions we have more information than is traditionally available to deal with the new and disappearing goods problem. We adopt a recently developed approach using the Constant Elasticity of Substitution cost function to provide a detailed empirical analysis of the effects of new and disappearing goods for an Australian scanner data set of supermarket products. Our results indicate that the failure to account for new and disappearing goods in the cost‐of‐living index leads to a significant upward bias.
Cesarean Section Rates and Maternal and Neonatal Mortality in Low‐, Medium‐, and High‐Income Countries: An Ecological Study
Authors: Althabe Fernando , Sosa Claudio , Belizán José M. , Gibbons Luz , Jacquerioz Frederique , Bergel Eduardo
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  Background:
Cesarean section rates show a wide variation among countries in the world, ranging from 0.4 to 40 percent, and a continuous rise in the trend has been observed in the past 30 years. Our aim was to explore the association of cesarean section rates of different countries with their maternal and neonatal mortality and to test the hypothesis that in low‐income countries, increasing cesarean section rates were associated with reductions in both outcomes, whereas in high‐income countries, such association did not exist.
Methods:
We performed a cross‐sectional multigroup ecological study using data from 119 countries from 1991 to 2003. These countries were classified into 3 categories: low‐income (59 countries), medium‐income (31 countries), and high‐income (29 countries) countries according to an international classification. We assessed the ecological association between national cesarean section rates and maternal and neonatal mortality by fitting multiple linear regression models.
Results:
Median cesarean section rates were lower in low‐income than in medium‐ and high‐income countries. Seventy‐six percent of the low‐income countries, 16 percent of the medium‐income countries, and 3 percent of high‐income countries showed cesarean section rates between 0 and 10 percent. Three percent of low‐income countries, 36 percent of medium‐income countries, and 31 percent of high‐income countries showed cesarean section rates above 20 percent. In low‐income countries, a negative and statistically significant linear correlation was observed between cesarean section rates and neonatal mortality and between cesarean section rates and maternal mortality. No association was observed in medium‐ and high‐income countries for either neonatal mortality or maternal mortality.
Conclusions:
No association between cesarean section rates and maternal or neonatal mortality was shown in medium‐ and high‐income countries. Thus, it becomes relevant for future good‐quality research to assess the effect of the high figures of cesarean section rates on maternal and neonatal morbidity. For low‐income countries, and on confirmation by further research, making cesarean section available for high‐risk pregnancies could contribute to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, whereas a system of care with cesarean section rates below 10 percent would be unlikely to cover their needs. (BIRTH 33:4 December 2006)
Mode of Delivery and the Survival of Macrosomic Infants in the United States, 1995–1999
Authors: Boulet Sheree L. , Salihu Hamisu M. , Alexander Greg R.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  Background:
Although increases in perinatal mortality risk associated with fetal macrosomia are well documented, the optimal route of delivery for fetuses with suspected macrosomia remains controversial. The objective of this investigation was to assess the risk of neonatal death among macrosomic infants delivered vaginally compared with those delivered by cesarean section.
Methods:
Data were derived from the U.S. 1995–1999 Linked Live Birth‐Infant Death Cohort files and term (37–44 wk), single live births to United States resident mothers selected. A proportional hazards model was used to analyze the risk of neonatal death associated with cesarean delivery among 3 categories of macrosomic infants (infants weighing 4,000–4,499 g; 4,500–4,999 g; and 5,000+ g). Results: After controlling for maternal characteristics and complications, the adjusted hazard ratio for neonatal death associated with cesarean delivery among the 3 categories of macrosomic infants was 1.40, 1.30, and 0.85. Conclusions: Although cesarean delivery may reduce the risk of death for the heaviest infants (5,000+ g), the relative benefit of this intervention for macrosomic infants weighing 4,000–4,999 g remains debatable. Thus, policies in support of prophylactic cesarean delivery for suspected fetal macrosomia may need to be reevaluated. (BIRTH 33:4 December 2006)