bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D deficiency in undifferentiated connective tissue disease
Authors: Zold Eva , Szodoray Peter , Gaal Janos , Kappelmayer János , Csathy Laszlo , Gyimesi Edit , Zeher Margit , Szegedi Gyula , Bodolay Edit
Published: October 2008

Introduction

Both experimental and clinical data provide evidence that vitamin D is one of those important environmental factors that can increase the prevalence of certain autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD).

Methods

Plasma 25(OH)D3 levels in 161 UCTD patients were measured in both summer and winter periods. Autoantibody profiles (antinuclear antibody, anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein, anti-SSA, anti-SSB, anti-Jo1, anti-Scl70, anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-centromere, anti-cardiolipin, rheumatoid factor, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) and clinical symptoms of the patients were assessed.

Results

Plasma levels of 25(OH)D3 in UCTD patients were significantly lower compared with controls in both summer and winter periods (UCTD summer: 33 ± 13.4 ng/mL versus control: 39.9 ± 11.7 ng/mL, P = 0.01; UCTD winter: 27.8 ± 12.48 ng/mL versus control: 37.8 ± 12.3 ng/mL, P = 0.0001). The presence of dermatological symptoms (photosensitivity, erythema, and chronic discoid rash) and pleuritis was associated with low levels of vitamin D. During the average follow-up period of 2.3 years, 35 out of 161 patients (21.7%) with UCTD further developed into well-established connective tissue disease (CTD). Patients who progressed into CTDs had lower vitamin D levels than those who remained in the UCTD stage (vitamin D levels: CTD: 14.7 ± 6.45 ng/mL versus UCTD: 33.0 ± 13.4 ng/mL, P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

In patients with UCTD, a seasonal variance in levels of 25(OH)D3 was identified and showed that these levels were significantly lower than in controls during the corresponding seasons. Our results suggest that vitamin D deficiency in UCTD patients may play a role in the subsequent progression into well-defined CTDs.
Allocating Objects in a Network of Caches: Centralized and Decentralized Analyses
Authors: Tawarmalani Mohit , Kannan Karthik , De Prabuddha
Published: October 2008

We analyze the allocation of objects in a network of caches that collaborate to service requests from customers. A thorough analysis of this problem in centralized and decentralized setups, both of which occur in practice, is essential for understanding the benefits of collaboration. A key insight offered by this paper is that an efficient implementation of cooperative cache management is possible because, in the centralized scenario, the object allocation resulting in the best social welfare can be found easily as a solution to a transportation problem. For the decentralized scenario involving selfish caches, it is shown that pure equilibria exist and that the cache network always reaches a pure equilibrium in a finite number of steps, starting from any point in the strategy space. An auction mechanism is developed to derive prices that motivate the caches to hold objects in a manner such that the optimal social welfare is attained. In the special case of symmetric caches, simple algorithms are devised to find the optimal social welfare allocation, the best pure equilibrium, and the prices for sharing objects. The results obtained in this paper should be valuable in developing and evaluating cache-management policies. Resource-sharing problems with a similar cost structure exist in a variety of other domains, and the insights gained here are expected to extend to those scenarios as well.
Competition Between Local and Electronic Markets: How the Benefit of Buying Online Depends on Where You Live
Authors: Forman Chris , Ghose Anindya , Goldfarb Avi
Published: October 2008

Our paper shows that the parameters in existing theoretical models of channel substitution such as offline transportation cost, online disutility cost, and the prices of online and offline retailers interact to determine consumer choice of channels. In this way, our results provide empirical support for many such models. In particular, we empirically examine the trade-off between the benefits of buying online and the benefits of buying in a local retail store. How does a consumer's physical location shape the relative benefits of buying from the online world? We explore this problem using data from Amazon.com on the top-selling books for 1,497 unique locations in the United States for 10 months ending in January 2006. We show that when a store opens locally, people substitute away from online purchasing, even controlling for product-specific preferences by location. These estimates are economically large, suggesting that the disutility costs of purchasing online are substantial and that offline transportation costs matter. We also show that offline entry decreases consumers' sensitivity to online price discounts. However, we find no consistent evidence that the breadth of the product line at a local retail store affects purchases.
Label-Setting Methods for Multimode Stochastic Shortest Path Problems on Graphs
Authors: Vladimirsky Alexander
Published: October 2008

Stochastic shortest path (SSP) problems arise in a variety of discrete stochastic control contexts. An optimal solution to such a problem is typically computed using the value function, which can be found by solving the corresponding dynamic programming equations. In the deterministic case, these equations can be often solved by highly efficient label-setting methods (such as Dijkstra's and Dial's algorithms). In this paper we define and study a class of multimode stochastic shortest path (MSSP) problems and develop sufficient conditions for the applicability of label-setting methods. We illustrate our approach in a number of discrete stochastic control examples. We also discuss the relationship of SSPs with discretizations of static Hamilton-Jacobi equations and provide an alternative derivation for several fast (noniterative) numerical methods for these partial differential equations (PDEs).
Efficient Routing in Heavy Traffic Under Partial Sampling of Service Times
Authors: Atar Rami , Shwartz Adam
Published: October 2008

We consider a queue with renewal arrivals and n exponential servers in the Halfin-Whitt heavy traffic regime, where n and the arrival rate increase without bound, so that a critical loading condition holds. Server k serves at rate μk, and the empirical distribution of {μk}k = 1,…,n is assumed to converge weakly. We show that very little information on the service rates is required for a routing mechanism to perform well. More precisely, we construct a routing mechanism that has access to a single sample from the service time distribution of each of n1/2 + ε randomly selected servers (ε > 0), but not to the actual values of the service rates, the performance of which is asymptotically as good as the best among mechanisms that have the complete information {μk}k = 1,…,n.
A Unified Theorem on SDP Rank Reduction
Authors: So Anthony Man-Cho , Ye Yinyu , Zhang Jiawei
Published: October 2008

We consider the problem of finding a low-rank approximate solution to a system of linear equations in symmetric, positive semidefinite matrices, where the approximation quality of a solution is measured by its maximum relative deviation, both above and below, from the prescribed quantities. We show that a simple randomized polynomial-time procedure produces a low-rank solution that has provably good approximation qualities. Our result provides a unified treatment of and generalizes several well-known results in the literature. In particular, it contains as special cases the Johnson–Lindenstrauss lemma on dimensionality reduction, results on low-distortion embeddings into low-dimensional Euclidean space, and approximation results on certain quadratic optimization problems.
IGF1 as predictor of all cause mortality and cardiovascular disease in an elderly population
Authors: Andreassen Mikkel , Raymond Ilan , Kistorp Caroline , Hildebrandt Per , Faber Jens , Kristensen Lars Østergaard
Published: October 2008

Background

IGF1 is believed to influence ageing and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) through complex mechanisms. Reduced IGF1 levels might be causally associated with conditions accompanying ageing including development of CVD. However, in animal models reduced GH–IGF1 signalling increases lifespan. Reduced IGF1 activity might also be associated with longevity in humans.

Objective

The objective was to investigate if plasma IGF1 levels were associated with all cause mortality, and the development of chronic heart failure (CHF) and a major CV event.

Patients and design

A population based study of 642 individuals, aged 50–89 years. Development of CHF was evaluated in 576 individuals with normal systolic function assessed by echocardiography and without the history of CHF or myocardial infarction. Development of the first major CV event was evaluated in 504 individuals with normal systolic function and without prevalent CVD. Outcomes were ascertained after 5 years using hospital discharge diagnoses.

Results

Adjustment for risk factors IGF1 values in the fourth quartile versus values below the fourth quartile was associated with increased mortality (n=103), hazard ratio (HR) 1.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–2.28;P=0.044). IGF1 in the fourth quartile was also independently associated with risk of development of CHF (n=19), HR 5.02 (95% CI 2.00–12.64;P=0.001) but showed no association with the overall incidence of major CV events (n=58), HR 1.05 (95% CI 0.59–1.90;P=0.861).

Conclusions

High IGF1 levels were independently associated with increased all cause mortality and risk of development of CHF, whereas no relation with the overall incidence of CVD was observed.
Cerebral Hemodynamic Changes During Intensive Care of Preterm Infants
Authors: Limperopoulos Catherine , Gauvreau Kimberlee K. , O'Leary Heather , Moore Marianne , Bassan Haim , Eichenwald Eric C. , Soul Janet S. , Ringer Steven A. , Di Salvo Donald N. , du Plessis Adré J.
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVES. The objectives of this study were to examine the circulatory changes experienced by the immature systemic and cerebral circulations during routine events in the critical care of preterm infants and to identify clinical factors that are associated with greater hemodynamic-oxygenation changes during these events.

METHODS. We studied 82 infants who weighed <1500 g at birth and required intensive care management and continuous blood pressure monitoring from an umbilical arterial catheter. Continuous recording of cerebral and systemic hemodynamic and oxygenation changes was performed. We studied 6 distinct types of caregiving events during 10-minute epochs: (1) quiet baseline periods; (2) minor manipulation; (3) diaper changes; (4) endotracheal tube suctioning; (5) endotracheal tube repositioning; and (6) complex events. Each event was matched with a preceding baseline. We examined the effect of specific clinical factors and cranial ultrasound abnormalities on the systemic and cerebral hemodynamic oxygenation changes that were associated with the various event types.

RESULTS. There were highly significant differences in hemodynamics and oxygenation between events overall and baseline epochs. The magnitude of these circulatory changes was greatest during endotracheal tube repositioning and complex caregiving events. Lower gestational age, higher illness severity, chorioamnionitis, low Apgar scores, and need for pressor-inotropes all were associated with circulatory changes of significantly lower magnitude. Cerebral hemodynamic changes were associated with early parenchymal ultrasound abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS. Routine caregiving procedures in critically ill preterm infants are associated with major circulatory fluctuations that are clinically underappreciated and underdetected by current bedside monitoring. Our data underscore the importance of continuous cerebral hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill preterm infants.
Identification of a novel distal enhancer in human adiponectin gene
Authors: Segawa Katsumori , Matsuda Morihiro , Fukuhara Atsunori , Morita Kentaro , Okuno Yosuke , Komuro Ryutaro , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: October 2008

Adiponectin is exclusively expressed in adipose tissue and secreted from adipocytes, and shows anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic properties. However, the precise transcriptional mechanism of adiponectin remains elusive. In this study, the 5′ flanking promoter region of human adiponectin gene was analyzed using UCSC genome browser, and a 10 390-bp fragment, containing an evolutionally conserved region among species, was investigated. The luciferase reporter assay using this fragment identified a novel distal enhancer of human adiponectin gene. Promoter constructs with the distal enhancer exhibited high promoter activities in 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes. However, no such activity was observed in other types of cell lines. The distal enhancer is highly conserved, and contains two completely conserved CCAAT boxes. In 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes, deletion or each point mutation of these CCAAT boxes markedly reduced luciferase activity driven by adiponectin promoter. Knockdown of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (CEBPA; also known as C/EBPα) using small interfering RNA diminished adiponectin mRNA expression and luciferase activity driven by adiponectin promoter with the distal enhancer. However, adiponectin promoter with each mutation of two CCAAT boxes in the distal enhancer did not respond to knockdown of CEBPA expression. Furthermore, CEBPA bound to the distal enhancer both in vitro and in vivo. We also identified a proximal promoter region responsible for transcriptional activation by the distal enhancer in human adiponectin gene. Our results indicate that CEBPA plays a pivotal role in the transcription of human adiponectin gene via the distal enhancer and proximal region in its promoter.
Central and peripheral integration of interrenal and thyroid axes signals in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
Authors: Geven Edwin J W , Flik Gert , Klaren Peter H M
Published: October 2008

In teleostean fishes the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis (HPT axis) and the hypothalamic–pituitary–interrenal axis (HPI axis) regulate the release of thyroid hormones (THs) and cortisol respectively. Since many actions of both hormones are involved in the regulation of metabolic processes, communication between both signal pathways can be anticipated. In this study, we describe central and peripheral sites for direct interaction between mediators of both neuroendocrine axes in the common carp (Cyprinuscarpio). Despite suggestions in the literature that CRH is thyrotropic in some fish; we were not able to establish stimulatory effects of CRH on the expression of the pituitary TSHβ subunit gene. In preoptic area tissue incubated with 10−7 M thyroxine (T4) a 2.9-fold increase in the expression of CRH-binding protein (CRHBP) was observed. Thus, T4could reduce the bioavailable hypothalamic crh via the up regulation of crhbp expression and hence down regulate the HPI axis. At the peripheral level, cortisol (10−6 M), ACTH (10−7 M), and α-MSH (10−7 M) stimulate the release of T4from kidney and head kidney fragments, which contain all functional thyroid follicles in carp, by two- to fourfold. The substantiation of three pituitary thyrotropic factors, viz. TSH, ACTH, and α-MSH, in common carp, allows for an integration of central thyrotropic signals. Clearly, two sites for interaction between the HPT axis, the HPI axis, and α-MSH are present in common carp. These interactions may be key to the proper regulation of general metabolism in this fish.
Interrelationship of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4) with the development of diabetes, dyslipidaemia and nephropathy: a streptozotocin-induced model using wild-type and DPP4-deficient rats
Authors: Kirino Yasushi , Sato Youichi , Kamimoto Takayuki , Kawazoe Kazuyoshi , Minakuchi Kazuo , Nakahori Yutaka
Published: October 2008

We examined the role of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4) in the development of diabetes, dyslipidaemia and renal dysfunction induced by streptozotocin (STZ). F344/DuCrlCrlj rats, which lack DPP4 activity, and wild-type rats were treated with STZ. Plasma DPP4 activity and biochemical parameters were measured until 42 days after STZ treatment. At the end of the experiment, renal function and DPP4 expressions of the kidney, liver, pancreas and adipose tissues were determined. Increases in blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides were evoked by STZ in both rat strains; however, the onset of hyperglycaemia was delayed in DPP4-deficient rats as compared with wild-type rats. By contrast, more severe dyslipidaemia was observed in DPP4-deficient rats than in wild-type rats after STZ treatment. Plasma DPP4 activity increased progressively with time after STZ treatment in wild-type rats. The kidney of wild-type rats showed decreased DPP4 activity with increasedDpp4mRNA after STZ treatment. In addition, kidney weight, serum creatinine and excreted amounts of urinary protein, glucose and DPP4 enzyme were enhanced by STZ. DPP4-deficient rats showed increased serum creatinine in accordance with decreased creatinine clearance as compared with wild-type rats after STZ treatment. In conclusion, plasma DPP4 activity increased after STZ treatment, positively correlating to blood glucose. DPP4-deficient rats were resistant to developing diabetes, while susceptible to dyslipidaemia and reduction of glomerular filtration rate by STZ. DPP4 activation may be responsible for hyperglycaemia, lipid metabolism and preservation of renal function.
PILOT STUDY OF HISPANIC MOTHERS AND MATERNAL SEPARATION ANXIETY
Authors: Blunk Elizabeth M. , Russell Elizabeth Morgan , Williams Sue W.
Published: October 2008

In this pilot study the maternal separation anxiety of 49 mothers of primarily Mexican descent was examined. A hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to determine if predictors of maternal separation anxiety in Euro-American mothers would also predict maternal separation anxiety in Hispanic mothers. Results identified maternal education, marital status, and total number of children as predictors. Maternal age produced a significant increment when added to the model. Neither infant age nor hours mothers spent attending school or in paid employment predicted maternal separation anxiety. Additionally, adolescents reported greater maternal separation anxiety when separated from their infants than did adult mothers. Results of this pilot study indicated some consistency with findings of previous research with Euro-American participants. Suggestions for future research are discussed.
SELF-EFFICACY AS A MEDIATOR IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-ORIENTED PERFECTIONISM AND ACADEMIC PROCRASTINATION
Authors: Seo Eun Hee
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding of the link between selforiented perfectionism and academic procrastination by examining the role of self-efficacy as a mediator in the relationship. We explored the preliminary model and the competitive model. To examine
these two models, we collected the survey results of 692 college students and employed structural equation modeling. The results of this study showed that students with high self-oriented perfectionism procrastinated less than others. It was also found that self-efficacy fully, rather than
partially, mediated the relationship between self-oriented perfectionism and academic procrastination. Implications of this study are discussed.
MOBILE PHONE DEPENDENCE OF FEMALE STUDENTS AND PERCEIVED PARENTAL REARING ATTITUDES
Authors: Toda Masahiro , Ezoe Satoko , Nishi Asaya , Mukai Takashi , Goto Mika , Morimoto Kanehisa
Published: October 2008

Using a written questionnaire we surveyed a sample population of 155 female students, and investigated the associations between mobile phone dependence and perceived parental rearing attitudes. Participants completed the Mobile Phone Dependence Questionnaire (MPDQ; Toda, Monden, Kubo,
& Morimoto, 2004) and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI; Parker, Tupling, & Brown, 1979). In relation to maternal rearing attitudes, analysis of responses revealed a statistically significant difference in MPDQ scores between respondents who fell in the categories for high care/high
protection and low care/low protection. In relation to paternal rearing attitudes, no such difference was apparent. These findings suggest that the childhood relationship with the mother may be associated with mobile phone dependence. Furthermore, loneliness may contribute to this association.
THE EFFECTS OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING ON PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL TRAITS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
Authors: Koçak Recep
Published: October 2008

The effects of cooperative learning on selected psychological and social traits were investigated. The sample of the study included 114 freshmen and sophomores in a psychology of learning and a fundamental mathematics course, in a public university in Turkey. The University of California-Los
Angeles Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA; Russell, Peplau, & Cutrona, 1980), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS; Taylor, 1984), the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS; Liebowitz, 1991), the Self-Monitoring Scale (SMS; Snyder, 1972), and the Happiness Scale (HS; Fordyce, 1988) were used to assess
the levels of loneliness, alexithymia, social anxiety, self-monitoring, and happiness. Results show that cooperative learning was effective in reducing the levels of loneliness and social anxiety and increasing the levels of happiness among the participants. However, it was found that cooperative
learning was not effective in increasing students' self-monitoring skills or decreasing their alexithymia levels.
THE EFFECTS OF PROBABLE EUROPEAN UNION MEMBERSHIP OF TURKEY ON LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS
Authors: Olmuş Hülya
Published: October 2008

This study was an examination of the attitudes of individuals towards Turkey's probable membership of the European Union (EU). The analysis was done by using the results of the 2005 Life Satisfaction research carried out by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT, 2005). In
addition to demographic characteristics, 6,983 individuals were asked about their expectations, personal development, hopes, and prosperity/well-being levels. Chi square analysis and multiple correspondence analysis were used to identify what the participants in the research survey thought
would be the effect on their lives if Turkey were to become a full member of the EU.
AN ANALYSIS OF 2004 TURKISH SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM IN THE LIGHT OF NEW MILLENIUM TRENDS
Authors: Akinoğlu Orhan
Published: October 2008

The aim in this study was to determine and assess the learning areas, skills and values underlined in the 2004 social studies curriculum reform for primary education in Turkey. The study was undertaken in a qualitative manner based on analyses of the 2004 social studies teaching curriculum
for 4th–7th grades. Data were collected through document analyses of the 2004 social studies curriculum. Findings indicated that the learning areas, skills and values underlined in the curriculum for primary education reflect mainly global connections, multidimensional thinking, active
learning, social rationalization, business mentality, creativity, individualism and democratic consciousness.
PERSONALITY, DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND SMOKING STATUS AMONG TURKISH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: Yazici Hikmet
Published: October 2008

The association between the sociotropic/autonomic personality characteristics, depressive symptoms and cigarette-smoking status of 385 male and 241 female university students was examined. Depressive symptoms and sociotropic/autonomic personality were measured using the Beck
Depression Inventory (adapted for use in Turkey by Hisli [1998]) and the Sociotropy-Autonomy Scale (adapted for use in Turkey by Şahin, Ulusoy, & Şahin [1993]); smoking behaviors were also assessed. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association
between sociotropic/autonomic personality characteristics, depressive symptoms and cigarette-smoking status. Current smokers showed a trend, scoring higher than nonsmokers on depressive symptoms, and they also scored significantly higher than nonsmokers on autonomy. Results also show that
depressive symptoms (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.05–1.10), and autonomy (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01–1.03) were predictive variables of current smoking status.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION HERDING: A CASE STUDY IN TAIWAN
Authors: Huang Chun-Hung , Chen Yu-Liang
Published: October 2008

Herd behavior has long been studied in many academic works and previous research has shown that individuals are influenced by others when making decisions. Recently, we have also observed herd behavior in many instances of popular business models or new technology adoption in organizations.
For example, the majority of security houses in Taiwan are adopting the same electronic trading system for no apparent reason. In this study the basis for information technology adoption herding generated by organizational decisionmakers' investment decisions is examined.
EFFECT OF CORPORATE COMPENSATION DESIGN ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: Shieh Chich-Jen
Published: October 2008

Through 800 valid questionnaires collected from the directors, managers and staff of 600 Taiwanese businesses in Taicang City, a representative mainland Chinese city densely invested in by Taiwanese businessmen, the study was to detect the relations between the three variables of corporate
compensation design (the independent variable), mental motivation (the adjustment variable) and organizational performance (the dependent variable). Moreover, the effect of mental motivation on the relation between corporate compensation design and organizational performance was further studied
and findings are discussed.
FORGIVENESS AND BIG FIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS AMONG TAIWANESE UNDERGRADUATES
Authors: Wang Ta-Wei
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between forgiveness and personality in a sample of Taiwanese college students. A sample of 155 participants completed measures of State and Trait Forgiveness (Rye et al., 2001) and the Big Five personality traits (Benet-Martínez
& John, 1998). Results showed that Agreeableness and Neuroticism were significantly related to both forgiveness measures.
CONTINGENCY AS A MODERATOR OF THE EFFECT OF DOMAIN SELF-ESTEEM ON GLOBAL SELF-ESTEEM
Authors: Hu Junsheng , Yang Ye , Wang Dengfeng , Liu Yang
Published: October 2008

The aim in this study was to examine whether contingency of domain self-esteem moderates the effect of domain self-esteem on global self-esteem. Chinese university students (N = 320) completed the Contingencies of Self-worth Scale and the Self-worth Questionnaire (both by Yang,
Hu, Pang, & Wang, 2007) and the Chinese version (Robinson, Shaver, & Wrightsman, 1997) of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965). Results indicated that in domains that the individual could control, such as ability or behavior style, domain self-esteem directly influenced
global self-esteem; in domains that the individual could not control, such as appearance and nationality, contingency of domain self-esteem moderated the effect of domain self-esteem on global self-esteem. Cultural differences in contingencies of domain self-esteem are also discussed.
Diabetes Medication Satisfaction Tool
Authors: Anderson Roger T. , Girman Cynthia J. , Pawaskar Manjiri D. , Camacho Fabian T. , Calles Jorge , Kelly William S. , DeMuro Carla , Balkrishnan Rajesh
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE—To develop and test a patient questionnaire on treatment satisfaction with diabetes regimens.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Survey items were developed from community clinic focus groups, pretested in patients with diabetes, and examined in two samples of treated patients.

RESULTS—Sixteen items performed well in assessing treatment experiences: ease and convenience, lifestyle burdens, well-being, and medical control. Construct validity was supported by associations (P < 0.05) with treatment complexity, self-rated glucose control, health worries, and A1C. Internal consistency ranged from 0.89 to 0.95.

CONCLUSIONS—The Diabetes Medication Satisfaction Tool offers a comprehensive assessment of patient acceptability, with diabetes therapy useful for individualizing therapeutic decision making.
Clinical Heterogeneity in Patients With FOXP3 Mutations Presenting With Permanent Neonatal Diabetes
Authors: Rubio-Cabezas Oscar , Minton Jayne A.L. , Caswell Richard , Shield Julian P. , Deiss Dorothee , Sumnik Zdenek , Cayssials Amely , Herr Mathias , Loew Anja , Lewis Vaughan , Ellard Sian , Hattersley Andrew T.
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE—Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome is caused by FOXP3 mutations. We aimed to determine the prevalence, genetics, and clinical phenotype of FOXP3 mutations in a large cohort with permanent neonatal diabetes (PNDM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—The 11 coding exons and the polyadenylation region of FOXP3 were sequenced in 26 male subjects with diabetes diagnosed before 6 months of age in whom common genetic causes of PNDM had been excluded. Ten subjects had at least one additional immune-related disorder, and the remaining 16 had isolated diabetes.

RESULTS—We identified four hemizygous FOXP3 mutations in 6 of 10 patients with associated immune-related disorders and in 0 of 16 patients with isolated diabetes (P = 0.002). Three patients with two novel mutations (R337Q and P339A) and the previously reported L76QfsX53 developed classic IPEX syndrome and died within the first 13 months. The novel mutation V408M was found in three patients from two unrelated families and had a mild phenotype with hypothyroidism and autoimmune enteropathy (n = 2) or nephrotic syndrome (n = 1) and survival to 12–15 years.

CONCLUSIONS—FOXP3 mutations result in ∼4% of cases of male patients with permanent diabetes diagnosed before 6 months. Patients not only have classic IPEX syndrome but, unexpectedly, may have a more benign phenotype. FOXP3 sequencing should be performed in any male patient with the diagnosis of diabetes in the first 6 months who develops other possible autoimmune-associated conditions, even in the absence of full IPEX syndrome.
Clinical and Behavioral Correlates of Achieving and Maintaining Glycemic Targets in an Underserved Population With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ruelas Valerie , Roybal G. Michael , Lu Yang , Goldman Dana , Peters Anne
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE—In an underserved Latino area, we established a disease-management program and proved its effectiveness. However, many patients still remained above target. This study was designed to evaluate which factors are associated with reaching program goals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This was a randomized, prospective, observational study in which patients enrolled in our program were followed for 2 years with outcomes, measures, and questionnaires assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months.

RESULTS—Overall, A1C fell by 1%. Adherence to medication was the strongest predictor of reaching the target A1C of <8%; baseline A1C was also predictive. Knowledge scores increased in those who reached target, but the measures of self-efficacy and empowerment did not change for either group.

CONCLUSIONS—Diabetes management is effective in a lower-income Latino population. However, adherence was suboptimal even when medications were provided on-site for free. Further research into barriers associated with medication adherence is needed.
Metabolic Syndrome and All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in an Italian Elderly Population
Authors: Zambon Sabina , Zanoni Silvia , Romanato Giovanna , Chiara Corti Maria , Noale Marianna , Sartori Leonardo , Musacchio Estella , Baggio Giovannella , Crepaldi Gaetano , Manzato Enzo
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to explore the association of metabolic syndrome and each of its components with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a general Italian elderly population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Metabolic syndrome, diagnosed by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality, was evaluated in 2,910 subjects aged ≥65 years of the Progetto Veneto Anziani (Pro.V.A.) Study during a mean follow-up time of 4.4 years.

RESULTS—After multivariable adjustment, metabolic syndrome was associated with increased all-cause mortality in all subjects (hazard ratio 1.41 [95% CI 1.16–1.72], P = 0.001), among men (1.42 [1.06–1.89], P = 0.017), and among women (1.47 [1.13–1.91], P = 0.004). High glucose in all subjects (1.27 [1.02–1.59], P = 0.037) and in women (1.61 [1.16–2.24], P = 0.005) and low HDL cholesterol in women (1.48 [1.08–2.02], P = 0.014) were predictors of all-cause mortality, even independently of the interactions of different metabolic syndrome components. After multivariable adjustment, metabolic syndrome was also associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in all subjects (1.60 [1.17–2.19], P = 0.003), among men (1.66 [1.00–2.76], P = 0.051), and among women (1.60 [1.06–2.33], P = 0.025). High glucose (2.17 [1.28–3.68], P = 0.004) and low HDL cholesterol (1.78 [1.07–2.95], P = 0.026) among women predicted higher cardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSIONS—In this general Italian elderly population, among metabolic syndrome components, all-cause mortality is better predicted by high glucose in all subjects and in women and by low HDL cholesterol in women, whereas cardiovascular mortality is better predicted by high glucose and low HDL cholesterol in women.
Factors Associated With Intensification of Oral Diabetes Medications in Primary Care Provider-Patient Dyads: A Cohort Study
Authors: Bolen Shari Danielle , Bricker Eric , Samuels T. Alafia , Yeh Hsin-Chieh , Marinopoulos Spyridon S. , McGuire Maura , Abuid Marcela , Brancati Frederick L.
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE—Although suboptimal glycemic control is known to be common in diabetic adults, few studies have evaluated factors at the level of the physician-patient encounter. Our objective was to identify novel visit-based factors associated with intensification of oral diabetes medications in diabetic adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We conducted a nonconcurrent prospective cohort study of 121 patients with type 2 diabetes and hyperglycemia (A1C ≥8%) enrolled in an academically affiliated managed-care program. Over a 24-month interval (1999–2001), we identified 574 hyperglycemic visits. We measured treatment intensification and factors associated with intensification at each visit.

RESULTS—Provider-patient dyads intensified oral diabetes treatment in only 128 (22%) of 574 hyperglycemic visits. As expected, worse glycemia was an important predictor of intensification. Treatment was more likely to be intensified for patients with visits that were “routine” (odds ratio [OR] 2.55 [95% CI 1.49–4.38]), for patients taking two or more oral diabetes drugs (2.82 [1.74–4.56]), or for patients with longer intervals between visits (OR per 30 days 1.05 [1.00–1.10]). In contrast, patients with less recent A1C measurements (OR >30 days before the visit 0.53 [0.34–0.85]), patients with a higher number of prior visits (OR per prior visit 0.94 [0.88–1.00]), and African American patients (0.59 [0.35–1.00]) were less likely to have treatment intensified.

CONCLUSIONS—Failure to intensify oral diabetes treatment is common in diabetes care. Quality improvement measures in type 2 diabetes should focus on overcoming inertia, improving continuity of care, and reducing racial disparities.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibition by Vildagliptin and the Effect on Insulin Secretion and Action in Response to Meal Ingestion in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Dalla Man Chiara , Bock Gerlies , Giesler Paula D. , Serra Denise B. , Ligueros Saylan Monica , Foley James E. , Camilleri Michael , Toffolo Gianna , Cobelli Claudio , Rizza Robert A. , Vella Adrian
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism by which dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors lower postprandial glucose concentrations.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We measured insulin secretion and action as well as glucose effectiveness in 14 subjects with type 2 diabetes who received vildagliptin (50 mg b.i.d.) or placebo for 10 days in random order separated by a 3-week washout. On day 9 of each period, subjects ate a mixed meal. Insulin sensitivity (SI), glucose effectiveness, and β-cell responsivity indexes were estimated using the oral glucose and C-peptide minimal models. At 300 min 0.02 unit/kg insulin was administered intravenously.

RESULTS—Vildagliptin reduced postprandial glucose concentrations (905 ± 94 vs. 1,008 ± 104 mmol/6 h, P = 0.02). Vildagliptin did not alter net SI (7.71 ± 1.28 vs. 6.41 ± 0.84 10−4 dl · kg−1 · min−1 · μU−1 · ml−1, P = 0.13) or glucose effectiveness (0.019 ± 0.002 vs. 0.018 ± 0.002 dl · kg−1 · min−1, P = 0.65). However, the net β-cell responsivity index was increased (35.7 ± 5.2 vs. 28.9 ± 5.2 10−9 min−1, P = 0.03) as was total disposition index (381 ± 48 vs. 261 ± 35 10−14 dl · kg−1 · min−2 · pmol−1 · l−1, P = 0.006). Vildagliptin lowered postprandial glucagon concentrations (27.0 ± 1.1 vs. 29.7 ± 1.5 μg · l−1 · 6 h−1, P = 0.03), especially after administration of exogenous insulin (81.5 ± 6.4 vs. 99.3 ± 5.6 ng/l, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS—Vildagliptin lowers postprandial glucose concentrations by stimulating insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon secretion but not by altered insulin action or glucose effectiveness. A novel observation is that vildagliptin alters α-cell responsiveness to insulin administration, but the significance of this action is as yet unclear.
Effect of Chitin and Abamectin on Meloidogyne Incognita Infesting Rapeseed
Authors: Korayem Ahmed , Youssef Mahmoud , Mohamed Moawad
Published: October 2008

Effect of Chitin and Abamectin onMeloidogyne IncognitaInfesting Rapeseed

The tested rates of chitin (2, 4 and 8 g/m2) significantly (p ± 0.05 and 0.01) reduced the number of galls, egg masses, females and the second stage juveniles (J2) in oilseed rape cvAD201 under field conditions. The plant growth parameters as length and weight of shoots increased at all rates of chitin compared to the untreated check. When using abamectin at the concentrations of 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm, it significantly (p ± 0.05) reduced the above listed nematode criteria and enhanced the plant growth criteria.
stu Black Holes Unveiled
Authors: Bellucci Stefano , Ferrara Sergio , Marrani Alessio , Yeranyan Armen
Published: October 2008

The general solutions of the radial attractor flow equations for extremal black holes, both for non-BPS with non-vanishing central charge Z and for Z = 0, are obtained for the so-called stu model, the minimal rank-3 N = 2 symmetric supergravity in d = 4 space-time dimensions. Comparisons with previous results, as well as the fake supergravity (first order) formalism and an analysis of the BPS bound all along the non-BPS attractor flows and of the marginal stability of corresponding D-brane configurations, are given.
Sickle Cell Disease Summit: From clinical and research disparity to action
Authors: Hassell Kathryn , Pace Betty , Wang Winfred , Kulkarni Roshni , Luban Naomi , Johnson Cage S. , Eckman James , Lane Peter , Woods William G.
Published: October 2008

The American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Sickle Cell Summit brought together a broad range of constituencies to identify a unified approach to healthcare and research disparities for sickle cell disease. Recommendations included the following: (1) speak with a unified voice representing all constituencies; (2) optimize access to care from knowledgeable health care providers and create a medical home for all individuals with the disease; (3) utilize population‐based surveillance to measure outcomes; (4) develop overall approaches to basic, translational, clinical, and health services research; (5) enhance the community role in advocacy, education, service, and fundraising. Taskforces were identified to effect implementation. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An effect of OMMT on the anti‐reversion in NR/CR blend system
Authors: Zhang Peng , Huang Guangsu , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: October 2008

The influence of dispersed organomodified montmorillonite (OMMT) on curing behaviors of natural rubber (NR)/chloroprene rubber (CR) blend was investigated. The preparing procedure includes premixed rubber individually with its additives and then the two components were blended according to gum weight ratio for NR to CR is 75/25. Sulfur was chosen as the vulcanizing agent, and the research on vulcanization was carried through the rotor‐Rheometer at 143°C. Transmission electron microscopy showed the dispersion of OMMT in the rubber blends and detected little OMMT migrated into the NR phase. The scorch time (t10), optimum vulcanizing time (t90), and reversion phenomenon were both measured by the curing curve; meanwhile, the crosslinking densities and mechanical properties were determined through equilibrium swelling‐method, magnetic resonance crosslink density spectrometer, and tensile tests. By comparing the test results, an interesting phenomenon was discovered and furthermore was verified that the addition of OMMT can obviously modify the reversion resistance of the binary blend. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Mechanical properties of polypropylene/clay nanocomposites: Effect of clay content, polymer/clay compatibility, and processing conditions
Authors: Tarapow J. A. , Bernal C. R. , Alvarez V. A.
Published: October 2008

In this work, polypropylene/clay nanocomposites with 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt % of montmorillonite (MMT) (unmodified clay) were prepared by intensive mixing at 50 rpm and 10 min of mixing. For the highest clay content (5 wt %), the initial materials or the processing conditions were changed to study their independent effect. On one hand, 10 wt % of PP‐graft‐MA (PP‐g‐MA) was incorporated or MMT was replaced by organomodified clays (C10A and C30B). On the other side, for the initial system, the speed of rotation (100 and 150 rpm) and the mixing time (5 and 15 min) were altered. In all cases, the state of the clay inside the matrix (DRX), the degree of dispersion in the micro (SEM) and nano (TEM) scales, and the rheological and mechanical properties were analyzed. It was found that the stiffness increased with clay content, whereas tensile and impact strength did not significantly change. Although intercalated structures were observed in the composites with unmodified clay, in the composites with modified clay or PP‐g‐MA, improved dispersion of clay in PP was found. The mechanical properties increased accordingly. The degree of dispersion of the filler in the matrix appeared to be unaffected by the changes in the processing conditions introduced. Finally, the elastic modulus was modeled by using an effective filler‐parameter model based on Halpin–Tsai equations, which also allowed estimating the relative degree of dispersion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Comparison of tensile, thermal, and thermo‐mechanical properties of polyester filaments having different cross‐sectional shape
Authors: Hasan M. M. Badrul , Dutschk V. , Brünig H. , Mäder E. , Häussler L. , Hässler R. , Cherif Ch. , Heinrich G.
Published: October 2008

One of the most important morphological features of fibers is their cross‐sectional shape. Nowadays, the circular fiber cross‐section is the most common shape of melt‐spun man‐made fibers. Other shapes are beginning to emerge for a variety of reasons such as performance, comfort, pilling propensity, bulkiness, tactility, processing etc. The filaments' cross‐section can be easily varied by changing the spinneret hole shape. Synthetic fibers that are predominantly spun by the melt spinning method with spinnerets having the noncircular hole geometry are called profiled or noncircular fibers. Modifications of the fiber cross‐section allow designing surface properties in yarn and fabric. However, the effect of profiled fibers on yarn properties has not been well documented yet. In this article, the influence of different filament cross‐section geometry on fiber properties was studied. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) filament yarns having two different cross‐sectional shaped filaments, circular and cruciform, were manufactured by melt spinning. Differences in tensile properties of filament yarn and as well as of individual filament depending on the cross‐sectional type were studied and revealed. More over, thermal and thermomechanical properties of filament yarn of both the cross‐sections were studied and revealed by DSC and TMA method, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
A study on formation and stability of epoxy resin inverse concentrated water/oil emulsion
Authors: Wang Jianli , Du Zhongjie , Li Congju , Li Hangquan , Zhang Chen
Published: October 2008

Inverse concentrated emulsions were prepared using aqueous colloidal silica suspension as the hydrophilic dispersed phase and a solution of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA), its curing agent polyamide resin, low molecular weight 650, surfactant nonyl phenol polyoxyethylene ether (NPE‐4) in 4‐methyl‐2‐pentanon as the continuous phase, which was expected to be used as the precursors of preparation of porous epoxy resins. The stability, i.e., the resistance to phase separation was studied. The effects of various parameters on the stability of the concentrated emulsions were investigated. The colloidal silica can strengthen the steric repulsion in the system and improve the stability. Viscosity of both phases played a major role in the stability. Precuring of the continuous phase provided an increased initial viscosity and enhanced the stability. Lower volume fraction of the dispersed phase can help to maintain stability of the concentrated emulsions. Properly increasing the curing rate, the concentrated emulsions may acquire a high viscosity in a short time, which retarded the phase separation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The impact of polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride on the crystallization and dynamic mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Harper David P. , Laborie Marie‐Pierre G. , Wolcott Michael P.
Published: October 2008

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were used to identify the mechanisms that lead to differences in the mechanical behavior of formulations of polypropylene blended with maleated polypropylene (MAPP) copolymers. MAPP lowered the melting temperature of PP indicating that less stable crystals were formed possibly because of cocrystallization of PP and MAPP. Crystallization kinetics revealed that copolymers do not change the rate of crystal growth, but may retard nucleation leading to a more spherulitic morphology. The dynamic storage modulus slightly increased in the glassy region with the small addition amounts of MAPP, while mechanical dampening systematically decreased with MAPP addition. An analysis of the viscoelastic behavior did not reveal any real differences in molecular coupling around the β‐transition of PP with the addition of the MAPP copolymer. At low addition levels, MAPP does not appear to have a significant impact on the viscoelastic properties of the polymer blend. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009